"Surely, it is only because he has yet to savor the flavors that the Great God of Wealth has taken a second helping, intending to provide a more comprehensive culinary critique for everyone!"
The onlookers waiting for the Great God of Wealth's assessment thought to themselves, observing the God devour the dish with earnest intensity, his expression grave, embodying a sense of duty.
"Slurp, mmm… ah, slurp… mmm, ah ah ah."
At this juncture, the expressions of the crowd shifted; something seemed amiss. More than half the plate of noodles had already vanished, yet the Great God of Wealth, despite his sounds of pleasure, remained inexplicably silent.
…
"Brother God of Wealth, what's the matter? How does the noodle taste?"
Some onlookers could no longer contain themselves, as the Great God of Wealth indulged so blissfully in the meal, resembling a famished spirit reborn. The atmosphere of enjoyment is indeed contagious; when seated beside someone who relishes their food, one cannot help but feel that their own dish is equally delectable. Conversely, if someone beside them eats with a grimace of disdain after just a few bites, even the most exquisite delicacies before them can lose their appeal.
At present, the Great God of Wealth exuded the aura of a certain character from Er Long Lake, having come to town! The food was simply too tough!
"Ahem, Boss, perhaps you could offer a critique for everyone?"
Among those accompanying the Great God of Wealth, a subordinate stepped forward, intending to remind him to consider his public image, particularly with so many eyes upon him. After all, the Great God had previously stated he would only take a single bite, a mere taste, to maintain his composure.
Just as this subordinate reached out to grasp the Great God's arm, the latter vehemently pushed the hand away, his expression one of deep discontent.
"Damn it! If you dare approach again, I'll have it out with you!" The Great God of Wealth shot a glare at the subordinate, his displeasure evident.
When one is savoring exquisite cuisine, to be abruptly interrupted is akin to a death sentence!
Indeed, consider the cruelty of being immersed in a world of delightful flavors only to have it shattered by a sudden intrusion.
…
"Are those noodles not absolutely delicious? The God of Wealth appears to be in sheer ecstasy!" exclaimed a member of the Tang family.
Initially fixated on the expression of the Great God of Wealth, he perked up his ears, eager to hear his commentary, only to find the Great God entirely oblivious to the audience awaiting his feedback, engrossed in his meal.
"I doubt it's anything less than exceptional; look at that face—more beguiling than any host! Can a single serving of noodles truly possess such enchantment? I refuse to believe it! I must try it for myself!" Blood Moon declared.
Having ample means, he had been patiently waiting for the Great God of Wealth to speak for ages. What sort of nonsense was this? If one can only watch others indulge in culinary delights, the torment is unbearable!
Meanwhile, the few who had been anticipating the Great God of Wealth's treat steeled themselves, thinking, "Just hold on! Soon enough, once he finishes his noodles, he will naturally invite us!"
…
Mu Yichun and his companions were equally transfixed. Mu Yichun suggested three bites, while the bespectacled man proposed two, and Dou Dou claimed one magical bite of the madly enchanting red lotus noodles! The lean one did not partake in this wager.
"Ha! Did you see that? I told you, no one can escape the allure of the madly enchanting red lotus noodles!" Dou Dou proclaimed.
"Alright, alright, you win. Next time, Old Mu will cover the travel expenses." The bespectacled man engaged in wordplay.
"Why should that be? You lost too! Then you can pay the next time!" Mu Yichun protested; after all, he was not the only one who had come up short. If one were to sink, they would take another down with them.
"Indeed, the lesser among us know each other best!" The lean one shot a knowing glance between Dou Dou and the Great God of Wealth, his implication clear.
This incensed Dou Dou, who felt overwhelmingly annoyed. Was it truly such a big deal to snatch a few bites?
"Enough of this nonsense! Look at the Great God of Wealth; he is here on a quest for the Icebound Gorge. There are five of us, including a level 10 member, and the remaining trio—a priest, a mage, and two warriors—are the perfect composition for the dungeon. Let us allow the Great God to finish his meal; we mustn't waste time!" Mu Yichun suddenly shifted the conversation, adopting a serious tone.
"Zhao Shen, if you're not joining us, we shall take our leave." He quietly bid farewell to Zhao Shen, and the group prepared to depart.
…
"Wait a moment." Zhao Shen, deep in thought, called out to Mu Yichun.
"Is Lingyun City experiencing winter or summer?" This question left Mu Yichun completely baffled, scratching his head. He had assumed Zhao Shen had reconsidered and was preparing to join them on their dungeon expedition, but what did the seasons have to do with Lingyun City?
"Lingyun City, nestled against the ice plains, could accurately be described as eternally frozen, contrasting completely with the climate of Flame Village." Although unsure why Zhao Shen posed this question, Mu Yichun responded nonetheless.
"Oh, here, take this." Zhao Shen produced a blue bun and handed it to Mu Yichun.
"Wait, are you serious? This isn't the item that caused Dayu to freeze first and then run naked, is it? What good is this to me?" Mu Yichun gasped in surprise, eyeing the bun with trepidation, hesitating to take it.
"It may prove useful. Bring me good ingredients," Zhao Shen stated earnestly to Dayu. After Dayu consumed the first bun, the system relayed the effects of the Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun back to him. The freezing was due to Dayu's low level, which rendered him incapable of withstanding the chilling essence of the Ming Cold Dry Silkworm, while his nakedness resulted from insufficient fire resistance, exacerbated by the weather in Flame Village.
…
Yet if they were indeed heading to the Icebound Gorge, higher ice resistance would be preferable. Mu Yichun was his first customer and had been his most steadfast supporter throughout this time. Although Zhao Shen often appeared stoic and cold, he understood the importance of gratitude; Mu Yichun had been instrumental in his journey! Saying this might seem overly sentimental, but perhaps it could be considered a token of appreciation from a shopkeeper to a cherished patron.
While Zhao Shen remarked that it might be useful, and despite his somewhat capricious nature and perpetual deadpan expression, his culinary creations were consistently reliable. However, this brilliant blue bun left an indelible impression, reminiscent of an ice sculpture of Dayu, vivid and clear in memory.
With a bashful expression, Mu Yichun departed from the stall, purchasing one of each delicacy before recruiting a level 10 member from the guild to embark on the exploration journey to the Icebound Gorge.
"What did he give you that bomb for?" Dou Dou inquired, puzzled.
"I'm not certain; Zhao Shen's thoughts are beyond our comprehension."
Mu Yichun replied, then commenced a routine inspection of his backpack to ensure no supplies were overlooked. After all, in such high-level dungeons, the absence of even a single health potion could spell disaster.
…
Curiosity piqued by the azure bun, Mu Yichun resolved to discover what made it so powerful.
[Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun]: A masterpiece crafted by a culinary deity, though due to some unexpected twists during its creation, it underwent irreversible mutations, potentially yielding unforeseen surprises. (Upon consumption, experience a rebirth in ice, providing +50 ice resistance and +50 fire resistance. Unique effect.)
"Good grief!"
It was one thing not to look, but upon seeing it, Mu Yichun was taken aback. Amid his thunderous exclamation, Zhao Shen's culinary creation took a significant step towards changing the world.