In East Delta County, at Liu Clan residence…
"Siyuan, is what you said true?" a middle-aged man asked eagerly.
"Father, it's true!" Liu Siyuan nodded solemnly and continued. "Indeed, the porridge has allowed 20-odd people to experience a breakthrough!"
After a pause, he added, "Besides, he managed to easily defeat Wu Zhangkong at such a young age, and even Han Dapeng sucks up to him. He might be a Martial King's disciple!"
His words made many elders gasp uncontrollably. East Delta County was independent of the kingdom, and its strength was indeed far from being comparable to the kingdom. It could only be considered an ordinary sect. Even the three major clans' members were at most Martial Kings.
"Siyuan, no matter what, you must remember—before we get a clear idea of the situation, we mustn't offend anyone! We have to actively form ties with others, too," the middle-aged man instructed.
"I understand." Liu Siyuan nodded and continued. "Also, I've already ordered someone to cook the rice, so you and the elders can try it, Father."
"Okay, we shall try it and see what's so special about the rice…"
In East Delta County, at Bai Clan residence…
"Father, Mother! Look, look what's different about me!" Bai Xiaolong's face was full of excitement as he scurried toward the hall and stood with his back straight in front of his parents.
Bai Xiaoya, standing behind him, sighed helplessly.
"Has my son grown taller again?" The beautiful woman grinned and reached out to stroke Bai Xiaolong's head as she scrutinized him.
"No, no, Mother. Look again!"
"All you do is idle about all day— Huh?" exclaimed a middle-aged man who kept his eyes fixed on Bai Xiaolong. He asked with surprise, "Have you broken through?"
Bai Xiaolong pressed his lips together and nodded smugly with inexplicable excitement.
He lacked talent in martial arts. Although the Bai Clan was very wealthy and had used money and treasures to help him advance to the 3rd Stage of Outer Artm, the after-effects had also begun to show. Due to his unstable foundation, he had not made any progress even after more than a year.
The Outer Art was divided into ten levels, and every advancement by three levels was considered a small leap. Although it was only a difference of one level, the two levels were actually worlds apart.
The middle-aged man couldn't help but ask curiously, "How did you break through?"
Bai Xiaolong's lack of talent in martial arts had always been a thorn in his flesh. The Bai Clan may be wealthy and powerful, but wealth would be pointless in this world if one was not good at martial arts. Although one could hire martial artists, it was safer for one to be proficient in martial arts themselves.
"I'm naturally gifted, so I broke through with some practice!" Bai Xiaolong proclaimed shamelessly.
Bai Qianshan turned around and said to his daughter, "Xiaoya, tell us." He could not be bothered to talk to his foolish son.
"It's… because of a bowl of porridge…" Bai Xiaoya said in a bizarre tone after hesitating for a moment. She was too embarrassed to say that it was because Bai Xiaolong had licked the bottom of a pot…
"Porridge… What did you say? Porridge?" Bai Qianshan could not believe his ears. He looked at Bai Xiaoya and said smilingly, "Xiaoya, you're messing with me too."
"Father, it's true. This porridge is wonderful…" Bai Xiaolong immediately started bragging about Su Yu. Finally, he concluded, "He has such magical rice. I think his master might just be a Martial Saint!"
Little did he know that this unintentional thought of his was the closest to the truth.
"Hah, a Martial Saint? There are not that many Martial Saints in this world." Bai Qianshan smiled and shook his head before continuing. "But this Su Yu is not simple at all. Is the porridge really that magical?"
"Absolutely! Father, try it later. I bet you have never eaten anything so delicious before. This porridge trumps all the other delicacies that you've ever eaten!" Bai Xiaolong said confidently.
In East Delta County, at the County King's residence…
"Zhiyun, why did you think of inviting me today?" Yang Zhiyun chuckled. He had a strong and toned body, as well as a divine light in his eyes that made him look mighty and domineering even when he was not angry. He was East Delta County's County King.
"I've obtained a delicacy lately. Father, please try it."
"A delicacy? Hahaha, no wonder I could smell an aroma. Very thoughtful of you." Yang Wu looked at the spread of dishes in front of him joyously before picking up his chopsticks in a bid to eat.
However, immediately after, he crinkled his nose and looked at the chicken before shaking his head. He then looked at a dish that was made of duck and century egg. After shaking his head once more, he said, "This fragrance… is really special."
All the dishes on the table were his favorite delicacies. However, they were not the source of the aroma. Although the aroma seemed a little bland, it overshadowed all the dishes' fragrance and was truly unforgettable.
Yang Wu frowned and glanced at all the dishes in front of him. At last, he had no choice but to look at the porridge on the table.
Although he did not want to believe it, he had no choice but to admit that the aroma came from the porridge. Initially, he wondered why Yang Zhiyun had decided to serve up some porridge despite there being so many wonderful dishes. It seemed… that the porridge was extraordinary!
"Zhiyun, this porridge…" Yang Wu looked at Yang Zhiyun, unable to hide the shock in his eyes.
On the other side of the County King's residence…
"On County Princess' orders, Tang Xiao will take on the role of Chief Steward of the outer residence and will be in charge of managing the personnel," one of the maids in the utility room said loudly. She smiled pleasantly while looking at Tang Xiao and said, "Chief Tang, please look after me in the future."
Tang Xiao had yet to recover from the shock. He was still in a trance with a look of confusion on his face. After looking around and ensuring that he was the only one named Tang Xiao, he asked in a shaky voice, "What… What… Did I mishear? I… am the Chief Steward?"
"Yes, Chief Tang. The County Princess has made an exception this time and assigned you to this role. From now on, you will be the Chief Steward of the outer residence," the maid said in a bid to suck up to him.
"Impossible! How can he be the Chief Steward!? I disagree!" Chen Lang protested, the veins on his face bulging. While staring at Tang Xiao with his eyes wide open, he hollered, "To become the outer resident's Chief Steward, his Outer Art has to be at the pinnacle. We're at the same level. Why does he get to become the Chief Steward!?"
"Just because he is a friend of Young Master Su. From now on, Young Master Su will be an honored guest of the county king residence." She glanced at Chen Lang in disdain and retorted, "Who are you? How dare you doubt the County Princess' decision?"
"Young Master… Young Master Su?" Chen Lang's head began buzzing, and he took a few steps back on an unsteady gait. He shook his head while feeling lost and said, "Impossible! Su Yu was just a 1st Stage of Outer Art handyman. He…"
Everyone else's expressions were just as complicated as his. No one would have thought that a handyman, who was untalented in martial arts and used to be mocked by others, would become a popular figure now. No wonder he was so decisive to resign as a handyman.
Tang Xiao couldn't help but think of the figure who had composedly sold rice to the various major clans' scions at the market.
No wonder he was so determined then. What a joke! I even tried so hard to stop him from resigning.
"From now on, Young Master Su will be the county king residence's honored guest. Thus, the County Princess doesn't want to hear any malicious comments and remarks about Young Master Su!" After saying her piece, the maid bowed at Tang Xiao and left.
"Chief Tang, I've never insulted Young Master Su before…"
"Chief Tang, I knew that Young Master Su was an extraordinary person the moment I saw him. I hope you can put in a good word for me in the future…"
"Chief Tang, when Young Master Su quit his job then, I knew he'd make a name for himself. I've never mocked him before…"
"Chief Tang, here's my last month's salary. Please accept it…"
…
Almost at the same time, all the major clans in East Delta County began to find out about Su Yu's existence.
On that day, several of East Delta County's major clans unanimously started eating plain porridge, and its aroma spread throughout the entire East Delta County!