At the entrance of the market, the great merchant deity and Feng Qingyang arrived at the stall, now with two additional companions, bringing their number to five.
"Do you think the stall owner will open today?" Feng Qingyang inquired.
"He'd better! If he doesn't, he might as well never open again!" the great merchant deity replied, his anger palpable. The feeling of disappointment from last night's futile journey was still fresh—spending two thousand on a round trip was no trivial matter, even for someone wealthy.
"However, it seems we arrived a bit early today."
"Yes, a bit early, but you know what happens if we arrive late."
"Alright, then let's not waste time."
...
Meanwhile, Zhao Shen, positioned beside the stall, had shifted from merely observing to a state of shock. Seeing the thin man act so desperately over the dish was utterly paralyzing.
Was it really necessary? After all, it was a bound item—there was no way to snatch it away.
Under the influence of the culinary fervor, Doudou declared, "No one is stopping me today…" as he prepared to rush forward, completely disregarding the thin man's mock spitting gesture.
"Ding! Congratulations, player! You have consumed the Culinary God's Fiery Crimson Lotus Noodles, embracing the identity of a culinary enthusiast and surrendering at the feet of the Culinary God. In gratitude, the Culinary God bestows upon you supreme power; your next attack will surely trigger a critical strike!"
Upon hearing this announcement, Doudou was momentarily stunned, while the thin man, having consumed all his noodles, was poised to ridicule Doudou, only to be rendered speechless by the system notification.
"Zhao Shen, does this mean your noodles grant a critical strike? Or is it guaranteed?" The thin man felt a wave of existential doubt wash over him; this must be the first consumable in the entire game capable of granting critical strikes.
He couldn't resist checking the buff displayed beneath his avatar.
[Fiery Crimson Lotus Noodles]: Enhancement effect, usable within 24 hours, ensuring the next attack will critically strike (unique effect).
The group exchanged glances, astonished that Zhao Shen appeared completely unaware of the buff's significance. After all, the base critical damage value was 150%, equivalent to the effect of three attacks, akin to a minor skill! Even with repeated strikes on a wound, it would merely double the damage, while a critical strike would triple it!
...
"Old Mu, it seems that hell-level Frozen Canyon dungeon is now within reach," remarked the bespectacled man, adjusting his glasses.
"Indeed, I concur," the thin man nodded thoughtfully.
Their solemnity hinted just how formidable the hell-level dungeon truly was.
"Zhao Shen, would you care to join us…" Mu Yichun began.
"Not interested," Zhao Shen interjected decisively, cutting him off before he could finish.
"My goodness! You must understand that successfully clearing a hell-level dungeon is announced three times across the entire region! That is a monumental honor!"
"Oh," Zhao Shen replied nonchalantly, as if he hadn't heard.
At this moment, the thin man tugged at Mu Yichun and whispered, "Old Mu, while a level 10 player is needed to lead the raid in the Frozen Canyon, it doesn't necessarily mean we should enlist Zhao Shen. He's just a cook!"
Mu Yichun leaned closer, wary of Zhao Shen overhearing their conversation. "Fool, have you forgotten what happened to Da Yu after he provoked Zhao Shen? Can you really take down a level 7 player at level 3? Besides, consider this: Zhao Shen was only level 5 yesterday, and now he's already at level 7. I have never seen anyone level up twice in a single day since the game started! This deity's capabilities cannot merely be assessed by his level!"
...
After Mu Yichun's words sank in, the thin man understood. The Frozen Canyon was a level 10 dungeon, and without a player below level 10 to lead the raid, entry would be impossible. Naturally, the more powerful that level 10 player, the better. It appeared that Zhao Shen truly defied conventional reasoning. Rumor had it that the great merchant deity had been stuck on this dungeon for half a month, having only conquered everything up to the final boss phase. The first achievement for clearing a hell-level dungeon at level 5 had solidified the main guild of Lingyun City's dominant position, underscoring just how significant a hell-clearing achievement truly was.
Mu Yichun and his companions had also been stuck at the final boss phase. When the Frost Queen's health fell below 30%, she would cast Winter's Domain, reducing the attack and casting speeds of opposing units within a 9x9 range by 50%, which would inevitably lead to a gradual defeat of their team. However, with the Fiery Crimson Lotus Noodles' guaranteed critical strike attribute, it appeared they could give it another shot.
...
"Why, if it isn't the president of the illustrious Second Guild of Lingyun City! What brings you to this desolate Flame Village? Have you not suffered enough during your novice phase?"
The great merchant deity was astonished to spot several familiar faces standing in front of his intended target stall from a distance.
"Ha! What a coincidence! I never expected the wealthy merchant deity to join us in our plight here. I've heard that members of your grand consortium have been frequenting the novice village lately—are you perhaps considering abandoning Lingyun City for the novice region?"
Mu Yichun chimed in, and the previously jovial atmosphere among the four shifted dramatically. In an instant, Mu Yichun brandished his impressive sword, and the air crackled with tension, yet the aroma of the culinary delights lingered, hinting at the enchantment of Zhao Shen's creations. The atmosphere grew dense, suffused with a palpable pressure that made it hard to breathe.
The relationship between the two guilds was neither good nor bad, but in the fiercely competitive realm of simulated life, aside from a few leisurely players enjoying their time, most were battle-oriented. With a larger crowd, conflicts were inevitable. Although major skirmishes were rare, smaller disputes frequently ignited.
"Who would've thought that the ethereal President Mu would have succumbed to the allure of food, lingering on the streets like an ordinary citizen?" the great merchant deity chuckled, stepping forward.
...
"Boss, what delectable dishes do you have? Bring me one of everything! I came here yesterday only to leave empty-handed!" The great merchant deity's opulent demeanor was unmistakable.
"Buy it yourself," Zhao Shen replied, engrossed in preparing the food. The fervor over culinary delights extended beyond just these few—seeing everyone relish their meals brought him joy.
Just as the great merchant deity was about to explode with anger, Feng Qingyang intervened, stepping forward to say, "Great Deity, we are here to savor the food, not to create trouble. Who knows, we might even chance upon Nicole later; why get so worked up?"
Mu Yichun's eyes narrowed. The instances of Zhao Shen gaining the upper hand were not few, and he relished witnessing his old rival's discomfiture, all while Feng Qingyang deftly mitigated the tension.
Regarding the great merchant deity, Mu Yichun was more intrigued by the player named Feng Qingyang. This healer had single-handedly exhausted his entire party, and according to reports, the great consortium had matched their progress in dungeon raids largely due to Feng Qingyang's contributions.
However, Mu Yichun was resolute; today, he would see who could maintain their composure after indulging in Zhao Shen's fare!