Due to his insufficient level, Dayu was unable to partake in such delights, but that did not imply that the Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun was merely a tool for deception.
The ice silkworm must be meticulously prepared before consumption, its skin stripped away while subjected to intense heat to coax out its silk for self-defense, until the last strand is exhausted and the silkworm perishes, thereby neutralizing its potent toxins. In essence, the Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun can be harmonized with both yin and yang; it is merely that Zhao Shen has yet to create a dish of the same extraordinary caliber as the Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun, not even the fervent red lotus noodles can compare.
…
This is perhaps the first item in this game capable of permanently altering attributes, thought Mu Yichun, as he held the ice-blue Ming Cold Dry Silkworm Bun in his hands, grappling with his dilemma: should he eat it, or should he eat it, or should he eat it?
"Old Mu, what are you doing? Don't do anything foolish! You can't eat that; have you forgotten about Dayu?"
"Indeed, how could Zhao Shen give you such a thing? Quickly put it down."
Mu Yichun shook his head. The game had progressed over several months; while the situation had gradually stabilized, there was no dynasty that could remain prosperous indefinitely. On the surface, the second-largest guild in Lingyun City appeared to flourish under the auspices of the Mu Shi Corporation, yet beneath the surface, currents of unrest simmered.
Life Simulation resembled a grand cake; the more people there were to divide it, the lesser the benefits for each. The competition lay in who could wield their knife swiftly, ruthlessly, and with precision!
For the chance at a hellishly difficult first kill in the Icebound Gorge, some sacrifices were occasionally inevitable. Fifty points of fire resistance—Mu Yichun could still endure that!
…
In front of the modest stall, the Great God of Wealth had finally finished his fervent red lotus noodles, savoring the lingering aroma with his eyes closed, only to suddenly realize his stomach felt empty! He was hungry again—he was damn hungry! To be precise, he hadn't eaten enough from his last serving!
"Ding! Congratulations, player! You have consumed the Culinary Deity's Fervent Red Lotus Noodles, completing the quest of the Food Fanatic, becoming a devoted culinary enthusiast at the feet of the Culinary Deity. As a gift to his followers, the Deity bestows upon the consumer unmatched divine power; your next attack will undoubtedly trigger a critical strike!"
In truth, there are different types of food lovers; for instance, the Great God of Wealth is the quintessential picky eater. If something does not suit his palate, he won't take a single bite, preferring to remain hungry. However, should he encounter something that delights his taste buds, he would indulge to the point of oblivion! At this moment, he didn't even pay heed to the system's notification.
"Ahem, Brother God of Wealth, about your promise to treat us…"
Tang Jia's youngest son spoke hesitantly. From the Great God of Wealth's reaction, it was evident that the food was extraordinarily delectable. Even without a review, those watching could comprehend this truth.
The Great God of Wealth cast his reddened eyes upon the other culinary offerings at the stall; matters of image, tasting, and critique were cast aside. At this moment, if anyone dared to disturb his feast, he would go to war with them!
He decided to purchase one of everything, his eyes gleaming with a peculiar light as he gazed at the glowing golden egg fried rice, completely oblivious to the chatter around him as he resumed eating.
…
"Hey, brother, are you going to treat us or not? Just give us a word!" the lecherous little underling exclaimed in exasperation.
This was intolerable! This was not about him providing a culinary critique; it was merely a spectacle of watching him eat, gazing upon his indulgence with envy! It felt akin to a beggar fighting over a chicken.
Of course, the lecherous little underling could only mutter these complaints in his heart, considering the cheapest bun cost a staggering 58 gold coins; it would be ideal if someone else was footing the bill.
"I'm at a loss for words! You promised us a tasting, yet it feels never-ending! I can't take it anymore. It's only a few hundred gold coins! I won't wait for you to treat me; I'll buy for myself!" Tang Jia's youngest son, possessing a bit of coin, could no longer endure the torment, preparing to make his own purchase; if he waited any longer, he might start drooling.
"Great God of Wealth, you're relentless! I refuse to believe that after you finish these noodles and rice, you can still keep eating!" The lecherous little underling thought indignantly.
Though there was no concept of feeling full in the game, one could still experience a sense of satiation, akin to how one might grow weary of beautiful women after prolonged exposure.
Yet the little underling had drastically underestimated both the delectable nature of Zhao Shen's cuisine and the Great God of Wealth's insatiable appetite.
…
As the Great God of Wealth continued to consume a serving of golden egg fried rice, the lecherous little underling had just begun to speak: "Great Wealth…"
When suddenly, he beheld a sight that sent him into despair—the Great God of Wealth magically produced five buns and began stuffing them into his mouth.
"Is this never-ending?" The lecherous little underling exploded in frustration. Was there truly such a way to torment someone?
You promised us a tasting, you said you would only take a single bite, you swore to merely sample, yet now it seems you are devouring without end! What happened to the family values and image? What about the elegance and grace of moments past?
To finish a plate of noodles, then another plate of rice, and now five buns? Would you not even spare the last of the dragon's saliva rice? How cruel could this be?
Gritting his teeth and swallowing back tears, the trembling little underling purchased the cheapest Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Bun.
In truth, on his way here, the little underling had already resolved that regardless of the stall owner's extravagant claims, he would not be fooled. His goal was quite clear: to have a chance encounter with Nicole the streamer!
Yet the Great God of Wealth before him was consuming so enticingly! The lecherous little underling could no longer hold back!
…
Ultimately, even Feng Qingyang sampled everything at the stall. His motivation was not that of a pure glutton like the Great God of Wealth, but rather the attributes bestowed by the food stirred his heart. They were about to embark on an exploration of a dungeon, and such attribute boosts would greatly benefit their entire team.
Realizing this, Feng Qingyang smacked his thigh in alarm: "Oh no! Mu Yichun and the others must have already gone to explore the dungeon. With that guaranteed critical strike buff, they might actually succeed! Once the Great God of Wealth finishes eating, we must hurry!"
Yet upon glancing back, he found the Great God of Wealth embroiled in a dispute!
"Fervent red lotus noodles are delicious! You haven't tasted that flavor; that fiery enjoyment is more enticing than the allure of a dozen beautiful women!"
The Great God of Wealth, red-faced and furious, engaged in an argument with the lecherous little underling, sparked by the latter's claim that the Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Bun was the best food.
"Hmph! Is the Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Bun not delicious? It's exhilarating to eat! The flavor lingers long after!" The little underling had never tasted the fervent red lotus noodles but was convinced that the Ice Ling Snow Silkworm Bun was surely the most delicious food in existence!
"I still believe that the golden egg fried rice is superior!" Tang Jia's youngest son chimed in, having purchased the golden egg fried rice, as he preferred rice dishes.
"Nonsense! The fervent sensation of the braised meat juice in the fervent red lotus noodles is the most exquisite experience in this world, akin to the sensation of being struck by lightning!"
…
"Great God, it's time to leave! Great God!" Feng Qingyang groaned, tugging at the Great God of Wealth.
As he departed, the Great God of Wealth tossed the lecherous little underling an 800-coin gold card, shouting, "Kid, now tell me, what's truly delicious?"