[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-lord-of-the-immortal-food":3,"chapter-lord-of-the-immortal-food-lord-of-the-immortal-food-chapter-745":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Lord of the Immortal Food",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2313868,4524,"Chapter 745: Shared Banquet","lord-of-the-immortal-food-chapter-745",745,"\u003Cp>\"The Immortal Hunter’s Tongue differs from humans, but is broader—it can speak human speech and also roar. Take a moment to adjust.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye furrowed his brow and tilted his head, trying; the banquet table soon echoed with chirps, squawks, caws, and trills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about a dozen sounds, Pei Ye finally found the right pitch and chirped, \"Is this right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu glanced at him coolly: \"Your tone sounds like a eunuch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This bird voice is too shrill,\" Pei Ye said, turning to Lu Wu. \"What breed am I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu said: \"Young Jiu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu said: \"Bird.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye was startled: \"So you can speak human speech.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only ever seen two birds chirping together before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu said: \"Green Birds have their own language—you may learn it later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu let out a \"chirp\" at him; Pei Ye narrowed his bird pupils—he didn’t understand, but sensed it wasn’t anything kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he looked down at the branch beneath his feet—a tiny divine tree, its left side fused with the Great Jiu’s, as if two branches of one trunk, leaves like pearls, brimming with immortal aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye hopped toward the Great Jiu and found no barrier between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he realized the table had fallen silent, all eyes fixed on him; after a pause, he hopped back to his own branch, folded his wings, lifted his neck, and stood like a beautiful, tranquil immortal bird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu swept his gaze across the table and smiled: \"Let us welcome our new Young Jiu, young master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he clapped twice, producing two dull, resonant sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Jiao imitated the clap, his benevolent smile seemingly permanent. Yingzhao said: \"Welcome.\" Shengyu turned his head and gave a slight nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu also chirped twice—Pei Ye didn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spread his wings and chirped twice in return, his bird pupils scanning each figure before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never before sat at a table of this rank, sharing equal status with these immortal beasts—he knew each of them likely stood on heights he could never reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jian needed no introduction—the ruler of Immortal Platform, standing atop the highest stargazing terrace in Divine Capital, gazing across all of Tang. Pei Ye had already interacted with him several times, yet still could not fathom the shadow behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao’s identity remained mysterious; the only information he’d revealed was that he’d recently been in the north, aware of matters concerning Zhao Lingjun, and that Li Jian had sought his aid to counter the Mirage’s influence. His tone with Li Jian was casual; Pei Ye guessed he stood at roughly the same height as Li Jian—and likely was quite old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yingzhao’s nature was gentle; Pei Ye always felt he was a kind, upright person, yet his identity remained entirely obscure. Pei Ye partly suspected he was an elderly female elder, also holding a very high position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—A young person could not speak so calmly of cosmic secrets, discussing the Western Court of Immortal Authority without solemnity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye had little impression of Shengyu, this large and beautiful bird, but he had already guessed her identity—she had participated in the recent Water Lord’s ascension, and at their first meeting in Zhu Jingdian, she had told him, \"I look forward to the day we truly work together\"; later, she appeared on the lake and subdued Chan General.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye believed his guess was nearly certain, for she was indeed in Divine Capital, and when he had wished to pay his respects to this Sword Master after their last parting, Li Xizhou had told him, \"Ask her yourself in a few days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This identity was not yet common knowledge among those at the table—Pei Ye held it as his own secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu needed no introduction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until now, her identity had also been secret, but after the Mirage incident, Jiao had clearly deduced it—and that day, he had not concealed it, smiling openly: \"Bring back our 'Great Jiu' Princess soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, of the other five at the table, he now knew three identities—and felt a quiet satisfaction. But then he realized: everyone else likely knew exactly who he was. He fell silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu tapped his claw on the table: \"The Dog of Fate has long kept its doors shut; adding a new companion is no small thing. This seat was long known to us, and now, after three changes of owner, it has come to you, thanks to the Great Jiu’s recommendation. As before, I shall reiterate the 'Three Prohibitions of the Queen Mother' to all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu’s voice was calm; in the Immortal Realm, only his voice echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First: Without unanimous consent from all present, no one may reveal even the slightest detail of the Queen Mother’s dreams to the mortal world;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second: All who receive the Queen Mother’s banquet gifts must strive to fulfill the ideals they have pledged, and never betray their vows;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third: Once entered into this enclosure, one must hold pure sincerity, share the same breath and roots, and never kill or betray one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who violate these three shall be jointly punished.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The others all said: \"We vow to obey the Queen Mother’s command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye frowned in silence for a moment; when several gazes slowly turned toward him, he hurriedly added: \"We vow to obey the Queen Mother’s command.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, I didn’t fully grasp what they meant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu said: \"Really? I thought you were having second thoughts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye asked curiously: \"Can you back out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several pairs of eyes fell silent upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I was just asking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao smiled: \"No one has ever tried. I don’t know if it’s possible—you may give it a shot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye asked curiously: \"How would one try?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Try surviving under her claws,\" Jiao pointed to Lu Wu beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye looked up—the great tiger’s eyes were expressionless, yet calmly fixed on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... Why are you looking at me? You really waiting for me to try?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the Young Jiu has no such intention, it is fortunate for the Dog of Fate,\" Lu Wu withdrew his gaze. \"I shall make further introductions. First: Within the Queen Mother’s dream, avoid mentioning each other’s true names unless absolutely necessary. Second: The Dog of Fate makes no distinction between official and personal matters—any request for information or aid may be made here. Third: Among Dog of Fate members, precisely because we wear masks, we are closer than you imagine. As long as you maintain respect and adherence, all here are reliable companions—though it will take time to build familiarity and trust. Fourth: We are powerful, but against what we oppose, we are all merely short-lived inchworms. May you see this clearly, yet never lose your will to fly toward the flame.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he turned his tiger head toward the other four: \"The Young Jiu is our youngest member—and perhaps our strongest in the future. If any of you have spare capacity, please lend him your care.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished speaking, it turned its tiger head to look at the other four: “Shaoqian is our youngest member, and perhaps will become our most powerful one in time. Should any of you have spare strength, please lend it to watch over them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye stood straight and bowed with his wings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu tapped his claw on the table: \"Then, let the banquet begin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye paused, but no one needed to explain—the dream suddenly filled with the sound of silk and bamboo instruments, like celestial music. No food appeared, but at the table’s center, a hollow jade plate materialized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he looked, he saw other figures’ tables begin to show scattered objects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lu Wu appeared a golden scroll, beside it a small sword—identical to the one he’d seen atop the stargazing terrace, but greatly reduced in size. Beside that, a jade cup, half-filled with clear liquid, colorless and still, like a tiny mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Shengyu appeared another small sword, its slender bamboo scabbard marked with fine speckles—the very [Xiang Huang]. Beside it, a jade cup containing a viscous liquid, less than half full, as if gently writhing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Shengyu’s table lay a small sword, its slender bamboo scabbard marked with fine, delicate spots—the very blade known as [Xiang Huang]. Beside it rested a jade cup, filled halfway with a thick, viscous liquid that seemed to pulse faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao also had nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye looked again at Yingzhao—and froze. His table now held a small sword-shaped object, but wrapped in cloth, its form hidden. Then, a jade cup appeared before him, half-filled with clear liquid, colorless yet rippling without wind, profoundly mysterious. Pei Ye glanced at it once and felt dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye turned to Yingzhao and froze again: before it, a small sword-shaped object had appeared, wrapped entirely in cloth, its form hidden. Then, before it, a jade cup materialized, half-filled with clear liquid—colorless, yet rippling without wind, ineffably mysterious. Pei Ye glanced at it once and felt a wave of dizziness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something had appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small scroll, only the length of a palm, its axis of dark purple jade bamboo, tightly closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A jade cup, filled with a divine, multicolored liquid, dazzling at a glance, half-full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another jade cup, much smaller than the last, filled to the brim with clear, crisp water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another jade cup, also much smaller, filled to the brim with deep blue liquid, tiny flame blossoms dancing along its rim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye stared for a moment, then raised his head, deeply astonished, studying the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the other creatures showed no surprise—only the Great Jiu glanced curiously at the items before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Recently, in Divine Capital, thanks to the efforts of the Great Jiu, the Young Jiu, and Shengyu, our long-planned Mirage matter has concluded. Now we have one tail and two beginnings.\" Lu Wu said. \"First, the urgent matters: The Young Jiu now holds the star rights of Can and Zi, and may activate [Shi Shen]. Yet all other paths are already open; once he claims [Shi Shen], he will likely face the True Heaven directly. This step cannot be avoided, yet must be taken with extreme caution. I seek your counsel and confirmation—this is our first agenda.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao asked: \"What are your concerns?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three,\" Lu Wu had clearly considered this for days. \"First: His spirit may not withstand direct confrontation with the True Heaven; if captured or harmed, he may descend into madness. Second: His mortal body may not endure the True Heaven’s authority and could shatter. Third: We know nothing of heavenly affairs—opening the link between mortal realm and True Heaven may invite Immortal Lords to descend. Other unforeseen risks, please consider.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao looked at the new green bird: \"The Young Jiu carries [Chun Shou]—his spirit should not be a concern.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye looked down at his jade cup and nodded. Then added: \"But I don’t know how to use it well... I’ve never trained in spirit arts, not even as a child.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao asked: \"You’ve never studied anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye thought: \"Only one Confucian technique: [Xin Jian].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiao was surprised: \"You’re a Confucian disciple? That’s already a unique spirit art in the world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye shook his head: \"It was taught to me by a master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Jiu said: \"It was Zhu Zhezi of the Tianli Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, I see,\" Jiao mused. \"Then your conditions are already met—you simply lack skill in manipulation. Learn it, and you’ll be fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu looked at Jiao: \"That’s why I need you to teach him. If you agree, this issue is settled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, then so,” Jiao mused. “The conditions are already met—you simply lack the skill to manage them. Learn, and you’ll do fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Pei Ye: \"We’ll arrange a private session later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second matter is harder to resolve, but simple to state,\" Lu Wu said. \"Either ask Shengyu for help, or consult the Mount Tai Herbal Retreat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shengyu glanced at Pei Ye: \"His current form is unsuitable for sudden change. If not urgent, I believe the safest method remains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye asked curiously: \"What’s the safest method?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shengyu said: \"Form your own spiritual body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... \" Pei Ye froze. \"Won’t that be too late?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With your talent, entering the Mystic Gate shouldn’t be a barrier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Wu nodded: \"I think so too. What do you think, Young Jiu?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye paused, recalling that night when he’d gazed through the Western Court and seen the True Heaven—again, a cold shudder rose from his soul... He clearly felt his own weakness. Slowly, he nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the Feather and Scale Trial, I’ll begin preparing to break through.\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, the third matter,\" Lu Wu said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye sat stunned for a moment, recalling again that night when he had gazed through the Western Courtyard at the true sky—and once more, a chilling tremor rose from the depths of his soul… He clearly felt his own weakness now, and slowly nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye also pondered—he understood Li Jian’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was likely the person most familiar with the Immortal Lords in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mortal realm—Pei Ye—Edict Map—Immortal Lord: this was a path he had etched into his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye also pondered, understanding Li Jian’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was likely the person most familiar with the Immortal Lord above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mortal realm—Pei Ye—Edict Map—Immortal Lord, this was a path he held firmly in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first, Pei Ye and the Imperial Edict were severed, but later at Kongdong, the Edict invaded his spirit, and though he resisted, he was already nearly destined to become the vessel for the Immortal Lord’s descent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During that time, he resolved to kill himself, so that the link of “Pei Ye” would break, and this pathway would at least not connect through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later still, in the rain of Great Kongdong, he willingly recited that sacred name and accepted all knowledge of the “Purple Bamboo Grove Immortal Lord’s Secret Edict,” truly becoming the Master of the Edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was with the Edict as his weapon that he defeated Qu Zhu, who held the Western Court Heart; after acquiring the Western Court Heart, his fusion with the Edict never severed again, yet the Western Court Heart blocked the connection between the Edict and the Immortal Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he now seeks to touch the True Heaven’s authority, then this pathway is: mortal world — Pei Ye — Western Court Heart — True Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knows what happens in heaven?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Immortal Lord resides above True Heaven, then the Edict is unnecessary — the Western Court Heart would become the crucial link connecting Him to the mortal world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter, I believe, requires us to chiefly consider myself and Shaoqian,” Lu Wu gazed at Pei Ye. “First, we know more of Him; second, I must answer for the mortal realm of Great Tang, while Shaoqian — if this link fails, you may once again have to sacrifice your life to sever Him. And from then on, the Western Court Heart will be corrupted, and no one will ever inherit it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye slowly nodded, his bird-pupils silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before I take form, I will find a way,” he said earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” Lu Wu nodded. “Great undertakings begin with small steps; there’s no need to rush a solution within days. Today, let us establish a direction. First, we must wait for the White Water God’s name to be granted to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye asked curiously: “What is this god’s name this time? Is it pleasant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“【Chi Jiang Zi Yu】,” Lu Wu did not flip through the golden scroll in his hand. “Acceptable?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pei Ye furrowed his brow deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>",2612,"2026-06-20T13:17:12.150Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d68c3bd30934c7f9b2ec29553369fde71a7149fa0d71b405630e17e16c737642","lord-of-the-immortal-food-chapter-746","lord-of-the-immortal-food-chapter-744",771,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flord-of-the-immortal-food-cover.jpg"]