Chapter 225

Jin Ling slightly raised her neck, delicately inhaling the aroma released as the hot pot heated the air.

Her face showed a few more traces of intoxication—this was the same taste as before.

Holy Mother Jin Ling felt joy in her heart.

Even though the Peach Banquet had only ended two days ago, the flavor of that meal had already made her heart ache and lungs tighten; today, at last, she could have her wish fulfilled!

Zhao Gongming also realized it—his earlier words had been disrespectful, and he breathed a sigh of relief in his heart, no longer obsessing over the shape of the pot's divider.

"Can this be drunk directly?"

Zhao Gongming pointed to the already-boiled, completely dissolved red base and said.

That tempting color should be quite good, Zhao Gongming thought to himself.

Although someone had told him hot pot was delicious, no one had told him how to eat it.

"This is for cooking ingredients."

Yunxiao kindly reminded him.

As for whether it can be drunk—just ask Maitreya and you'll know.

In the back kitchen, Ao Ling stood to the side, watching Chen Nuo cook with effortless grace, the ambiance transcendent, as if from a painting.

Although he was engaged in such a mundane task as cooking, it in no way diminished his bearing; Ao Ling even found himself staring, somewhat entranced.

"Don't just watch the spectacle—learn more; someday you too must reach this level."

Chen Nuo busied himself with his task while speaking calmly and unhurriedly.

He took Ao Ling as his disciple, and the system's requirement was the same as for Sun Wukong: to train him into a master chef. Given Sun Wukong's current level, graduation is not far off.

Yet this new disciple gives him a headache—he utterly disregards cooking, caring only about cultivating his power.

When Sun Wukong has free time, he meticulously studies various cooking techniques and knife skills; meanwhile, Ao Ling either cultivates power or is on the path to doing so.

Chen Nuo sighed inwardly—truly, putting the cart before the horse.

Hearing Chen Nuo's words, Ao Ling snapped back to attention and quickly stood straight.

"Yes."

His attitude was proper; as for whether he actually absorbs what he sees, that remains unknown.

The dishes were soon all ready.

Chen Nuo's divine power drew the dishes forth, and as they emerged, the entire great hall instantly filled with fragrant aroma.

The Six Immortals of the Jie Sect couldn't help but inhale deeply, their faces showing intoxication.

Jin Ling ordered the Fragrant Crispy Fried Chicken, Wu Ding ordered the Peach Blossom Porridge, Yunxiao ordered the Sweet and Sour Pork, Qiong Xiao ordered the Mapo Tofu, Bixiao ordered the Braised Pork, and finally Zhao Gongming ordered the hot pot ingredients.

All were laid out, and unlike before, Chen Nuo adjusted the mode so each person receives a bowl of plain white rice; otherwise, eating only dishes would be too monotonous.

Fortunately, they are all immortals.

Six people at one table, the food spread abundantly, appearing extremely lavish.

This is also the first time since Chen Nuo's restaurant opened that so many people have shared a table—previously, the small, rickety table was truly insufficient.

"Enjoy your meal slowly."

Chen Nuo nodded slightly, then found a seat and sat down casually.

Meanwhile, Ao Ling had long since come bouncing to the counter to play with her beloved crystal ball.

The Six Immortals of the Jie Sect, with Holy Mother Jin Ling being the most senior, everyone waited for her to begin eating.

"Come on, eat up."

Holy Mother Jin Ling acted decisively, caring nothing for worldly formalities.

She reached over and picked up a piece of her own fried chicken, and before she could finish speaking, she shoved it into her mouth.

A light bite released a burst of rich juice that flooded her mouth—the fresh, delicious flavor instantly captivated Holy Mother Jin Ling's heart and mind.

Wu Ding lowered his head, gazing at the Peach Blossom Porridge he had ordered—like flawless white jade, with pink peach blossom petals as garnish, adding even more beauty.

Wu Ding gently blew a breath, driving away the steam from the porridge's surface.

The spoon rested against the edge, then he lightly scooped a small amount, unhurriedly bringing it to his cherry lips.

The mild heat, the softness of white rice, the fragrance of the petals—three elements intertwined, like a beautiful scroll painting.

With the tongue against the palate, he could easily crush the rice grains; in that moment, the aroma grew even richer.

At this moment, Wu Ding felt as if he were floating above the sky, drifting with the breeze, utterly carefree and blissful!

"How do you eat this?"

Zhao Gongming could hardly wait, but since all these ingredients were raw, he also didn't dare just put them in his mouth.

"Just swish the meat slices in the pot, then dip in sauce and eat," Bixiao said casually, then picked up her own braised pork and placed it in her mouth, chewing slowly.

The meat, marbled with fat and lean, melted on contact, the sauce fragrant and pleasing, so sweet it almost made Bixiao want to cry out.

Zhao Gongming found it hard to believe one could eat it directly.

Shouldn't delicious food come only from meticulous cooking? This so simple—

could it really be tasty? Half-believing, half-doubting, Zhao Gongming tried it, placing the meat slices into the red pot.

Seeing the meat slices cook in the pot, Zhao Gongming directly picked them up, dipped in sauce, and put them in his mouth.

The next moment, his eyes nearly popped out.

Next Moment, his eyeballs nearly popped out.

Zhao Gongming sucked in cold air, his whole body feeling unwell—this was too spicy!

Zhao Gongming frowned tightly, lowered his head, and fiercely grabbed at the rice grains; when he set down his rice bowl, only about half a bowl of rice remained.

Leaning against the chair, tilting his head back, he couldn't help but shout aloud, "Refreshing!"

This blend of spicy heat and savory aroma is simply superb—and it goes perfectly with rice!

The fusion of this spicy flavor and savory aroma is simply excellent, and it even goes perfectly with rice!

Extending his hand, he wiped away the sweat on his forehead caused by the spice—no wonder the name of hot pot is so renowned in the Heavenly Court; it truly is delicious!

Yunxiao and Qiong Xiao also began eating at the same time.

The sour-sweet tenderloin made Yunxiao's calm heart and spirit ripple, and she cheered joyfully.

Qiong Xiao stared at the fiery red Mapo Tofu before her, pursed her lips, and in her determined gaze lay a trace of lingering fear.

She had already suffered twice from the spice on Shang Mian; this time, she must not fail!

Picking up the small spoon, Qiong Xiao slowly brought the tofu to her lips; if one looked closely, her hand was trembling slightly.

It was very clear that she had already tasted some shadows before.

She took a bite.

Hmm?!?!

Qiong Xiao blinked in surprise.

How could it be....... not very spicy!

Her teeth unconsciously chewed the tender tofu in her mouth, and the extremely crisp 'minced meat'.

Compared to the spice, there was more fragrance, so delicious!

This also counts as her conquering the spice, right!

Qiong Xiao secretly nodded, certainly figured it out!

For a moment, everyone was immersed in the dishes, though each person was only tasting the dish they had ordered.

"Shopkeeper Chen!

Another bowl of rice"

Zhao Gongming brushed the rice grains off his face with his hand and shouted.

This is so delicious, he feels he could eat a whole basin!

"Add rice and pay, one-tenth of the fee standard"

Chen Nuo spoke fluently.

Zhao Gongming's standard is ten thousand taels of gold; even one-tenth is a thousand taels of gold.

Ordinary white rice worth a thousand taels of gold can be said to be absolutely unique.

Although Chen Nuo said so, deep down he didn't actually think Zhao Gongming could afford it—after all, such expensive rice, probably few fools would buy it.

However... "Shopkeeper, give me eight bowls"

Zhao Gongming waved his hand grandly, stood up, and was about to pay.

This guy is clearly already carried away by the food, heedless of consequences—eight bowls, already nearly up to the cost of a meal.

But, Chen Nuo, this great benevolent, has no intention of reminding.

Again, a heap of golden ingots was directly absorbed by the crystal ball, listening to the notification sound in his mind.

Chen Nuo lightly coughed and said: "Ao Ling, go, serve eight bowls of rice"

Ao Ling reluctantly put down the crystal ball, somewhat unwillingly went to the Back Kitchen.

"Um, Shopkeeper Chen, do you have any alcohol here?"

Zhao Gongming laughed heartily, and indeed bore a few resemblance to Tian Peng facing Chen Nuo in posture.