Chapter 3009: We Can Do It Too

The commotion outside the Fire Room, Ye Zhangqing naturally heard it too, but he didn't intervene; instead, he felt a sense of nostalgia.

It feels like it's been a long time since this happened.

In the Beyond the Heavens, although they also scramble, there's no such familiar feeling.

As the mealtime drew nearer, Qi Xiong, Hong Zun, Qing Shi and the others arrived one after another.

Seeing the chaotic scene outside the Fire Room, everyone exchanged knowing smiles and couldn't help remarking.

"These little rascals, they haven't been this spirited in a long time."

Although the Dao One Immortal Sect has been developing well these years, without Ye Zhangqing there's always a feeling that something is missing.

Even at mealtime each day, that liveliness is gone; many disciples desperately cultivate, desperately earn sect merits, then buy a few portions of dried food to stave off hunger.

Who would have thought it would be like this now, fighting fiercely outside the Fire Room.

Qi Xiong and the others naturally wouldn't interfere; they went straight into the Fire Room, which has its own rules—how things should be done, Ye Zhangqing had already decided.

As mealtime arrived, the competition outside finally settled.

The victorious disciples were all exhilarated, even more excited than breaking through a cultivation level.

How many years, exactly how many— they finally got to eat Ye Changlao's cooking again, instead of that cold dried rations.

Disciples walked into the Fire Room heads high, chests out, waiting to be served, while those who lost hung their heads in regret.

They regretted to the extreme, wondering why they hadn't just tried a little harder in daily life— just a bit more, and they would have been the ones eating.

But it was just that one misstep; in the end they lost the whole board, only able to watch others eat helplessly.

However, compared to the gloom of those senior disciples, the junior martial siblings who had been restrained earlier were now shouting with flushed faces.

"A conspiracy, a blatant conspiracy."

"Unfair— if you have the ability, release me and let me try again."

"Sect Master, Elder, I want to report, I want to report these beasts."

"Right, I want to report them too—they ambushed us, it's unfair, against the rules."

Many junior martial siblings were fuming, their teeth itching with indignation, their hearts full of unwillingness to accept.

If it had been a fair fight, losing would be acceptable— just a matter of inferior skill, needing more practice.

But the problem is they were ambushed— they had no chance to react, instantly captured by the One Prison Heaven Finger; what kind of thing is this, how can anyone accept it?

Watching those senior brothers and sisters excitedly lining up for meals, their inner anger burned even hotter.

Shameless, vile, hateful, shameless— all kinds of curses rang without cease.

Yet regarding this, those senior disciples who had gotten their meals turned a deaf ear.

Forget it— winning or losing is what matters; who cares what you say? Ultimately, getting the meal and holding the bowl is the real skill; the rest is none of their business.

No one paid attention to the junior disciples' angry curses; the crowd of senior disciples stared at the familiar, nostalgic, steaming food, eyes glazed.

It's just this bite, this bite that makes them dream and long for it.

Nearly all the senior disciples held their rice bowls carefully, as if handling the world's most precious treasure.

Some senior disciples couldn't help but weep from joy.

"Not easy— after all these years, I finally get to eat Ye Changlao's cooking again."

"Good thing I didn't give up."

"Ma San, Ma San, these years you've studied and trained hard, putting in who-knows-how-much sweat behind the scenes; today you overpowered the strong opponent— this meal is rightfully yours."

"Mmm, delicious, delicious."

"Still the same flavor."

After a round of sighs, the disciples began to eat heartily; it was still that unforgettable taste, and a single bite made them feel life was worthwhile.

Inside the Fire Room, only the sound of chewing could be heard; naturally, no one had the leisure to speak.

Including Qi Xiong's group here, Qing Shi was also wolfing down his food.

He longed for this bite, having thought of it from the Lower Realm to the Immortal Realm; today he finally got his wish fulfilled.

And Wang Yao, the little girl, had her cheeks bulging from eating, yet she kept scooping up the food— fragrant, truly fragrant.

Heaven knows what it felt like for her and her master to arrive in the Immortal Realm, only to learn Ye Zhangqing wasn't there.

The sky felt like it had collapsed— but now, after great difficulty, they'd waited for Ye Zhangqing's return.

They couldn't stop, absolutely couldn't; after finishing the food, they licked the plates until they shone.

Until a crack sounded, startling many disciples— only to see one of them directly bite off a corner of his big bowl in one mouthful.

"No way, you're even eating the bowl?"

"I… I just couldn't hold back."

Hearing that, the disciple's old face also turned red— he had been so hungry, licking and licking, he unconsciously took a bite.

Upon this, everyone present darkened in expression, then they somewhat restrained themselves.

Including Qi Xiong's table, seeing Qing Shi likewise licking his plate, Hong Zun angrily snapped.

"Can't you be a bit more refined? You're an Elder."

Hearing that, Qing Shi didn't stop his actions, replying irritably.

"Damn Elder, go spend a few years in the Lower Realm and see."

"Ye Xiaozi, any more? I still want another bowl."

"None left."

Hearing that, Ye Zhangqing shook his head— he'd already eaten seven bowls, and still wants more?

I had thought I'd reserved enough portions for Qing Shi and his disciple, but it still wasn't enough— Qing Shi ate seven bowls, Wang Yao three.

Even so, the master and disciple still looked as if they hadn't eaten their fill.

Seeing Ye Zhangqing shake his head, they finally put down their utensils in disappointment— how could it be gone? It felt like they hadn't eaten anything at all.

After finishing their meal, everyone chatted while digesting, and naturally they brought up the matter of personnel selection.

The Dao One Immortal Sect actually imprisons many death row inmates, and every faction has some.

However, suitable candidates among them still need to be selected.

"Those who are dangerous and uncontrollable need not be considered; we should select from the others."

"That is certain."

"You say, when the time comes, should these people be handed over to the Heavenly Palace, or should we, the Dao One Immortal Sect, keep watch over them ourselves?"

"I think we should handle it ourselves; if we hand it over to the Heavenly Palace, what relation would we still have?"

"The Heavenly Palace probably wouldn't agree, after all, this is a matter of great importance."

"What's the problem? At that time these people will still be locked up in the sect, and there isn't much danger."

Qi Xiong and the others were saying this, while the many disciples in the same courtyard also heard it clearly.

Although they didn't know what the Primordial Human Race and Primordial Demon Race were, they knew one thing: this matter would bring great merit to the sect.

What does great merit mean? Isn't it just about being able to eat? If we can get a meal, what else is there to say?

Some of the disciples exchanged glances, and then one stepped forward, approaching Qi Xiong and the others, and respectfully saluted.

"Sect Master, Elders, we can handle this matter; we are willing to devote our loyalty to the sect."

Huh???

Upon hearing that, Qi Xiong and the others turned to look at that disciple, momentarily stunned: "You too can?"