Chapter 5

"System Reward: Enhanced Fried Rice, one fragment of the Chef God Set."

The system's cold voice rang out, detailing the rewards that Bu Fang had obtained.

However, after hearing the system's rewards, the excitement on Bu Fang's face froze, then gradually faded, until his expression became blank.

"How is it fried rice again? What's different about the enhanced version?" Bu Fang was actually quite unenthusiastic. He had thought he might unlock a new dish, but it turned out to be fried rice again, even if it was an enhanced version... it was still fried rice!

"Enhanced Fried Rice: A higher grade than ordinary fried rice, with different ingredients, and served with a clear soup. Those whose cultivation is below the Third Rank Battle Frenzy cannot order it."

The system solemnly and seriously explained the differences of the enhanced fried rice. Bu Fang was somewhat surprised but then shrugged, after all, it was an enhanced version, so it had to be different.

"What about the fragment of the Chef God Set?"

"Fragment of the Chef God Set: Collect multiple fragments to exchange for the Chef God Set. The current utensils used by the host are low-grade ordinary utensils."

The Chef God Set sounded really impressive! Bu Fang blinked his eyes, and a smile appeared on his previously blank face.

Unconsciously, a new dish had been added to the menu in the small shop, with a price tag.

Enhanced Fried Rice, priced at ten yuan crystals.

"As a young man who aims to become the supreme chef at the top of the food chain in the mystical world, how can you not have short-term goals? System Task: Please earn one hundred yuan crystals and one thousand gold coins within a week."

The system solemnly and seriously issued the task to Bu Fang.

A week is seven days. Earning one hundred yuan crystals in seven days means selling one hundred bowls of ordinary fried rice, or ten bowls of enhanced fried rice. Earning one thousand gold coins means selling ten bowls of stir-fried vegetables or dry noodles...

"System, you're making it too difficult. I only sold one bowl of fried rice today, and you want me to sell one hundred bowls of ordinary fried rice in seven days... You might as well just kill me!" Bu Fang protested to the system with a mix of anger and sorrow.

However, the system still coldly and solemnly gave Bu Fang a bowl of chicken soup: "To become the supreme chef at the top of the food chain in the mystical world, do not fear any difficulties. All the hardships and obstacles are stepping stones for your success. Step over them, and you will look down upon the world!"

Bu Fang's expression remained blank, unmoved by the system's chicken soup. Of course, if the system hadn't used such a cold and serious tone, Bu Fang might have actually drunk the chicken soup.

He sighed softly, lay down on the bed, and closed his eyes to rest.

...

Xiao Xiaolong, who returned to the General's Mansion, seemed somewhat distracted. The surging true qi in his body made him feel somewhat unreal.

Just eating a bowl of fried rice had shown signs of a breakthrough, which... was really quite unbelievable. Recalling the fragrance of the fried rice, Xiao Xiaolong seemed to be intoxicated, feeling as if he was floating in an ocean of aroma, unable to extricate himself.

The General's Mansion was large, and the servants and maids were busy along the way. When these maids saw Xiao Xiaolong's appearance, they all covered their mouths in surprise.

"What's wrong with Young Master Long today?!"

"That expression is so perverted!"

"Ugh! Too scary, the beautiful image of Young Master Long in my heart has collapsed, my first love!"

...

The chatter of the maids and servants brought Xiao Xiaolong, who was immersed in the ocean of fragrance, back to his senses. Feeling the strange gazes around him, his face turned red, and he quickened his steps, disappearing from everyone's sight.

Sitting cross-legged in a simple room, Xiao Xiaolong closed his eyes to rest. True qi circulated in his body, a faint glow flowing over his skin, making him look extremely pure.

A surge of qi rose from Xiao Xiaolong's dantian, instantly rushing through his limbs and meridians, impacting the acupoints in his body. The true qi was incredibly smooth, like a gentle stream, nourishing everything, as soft as a woman's hand kneading.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Xiao Xiaolong's face turned red, and his eyes suddenly opened, emitting a bright light. He exhaled a mouthful of dark, turbid qi, and the aura around his body rose sharply.

When the aura reached its peak, it poured down like a waterfall, completely收敛起来.

Xiao Xiaolong stood up, and the sound of his bones cracking echoed throughout his body. He raised his hand, and a wisp of true qi wrapped around his palm.

"Ha ha! True qi externalized! I, Xiao Xiaolong, have really broken through to the Third Rank Battle Frenzy!"

Xiao Xiaolong was overjoyed and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Zhao Ruguo! Now I'm also a Third Rank Battle Frenzy, I'm not afraid of you anymore!" Xiao Xiaolong grinned foolishly.

However, before he could finish laughing, his door was pushed open by a powerful palm, and the true qi sealing the lock was instantly dispelled by an even stronger true qi.

"Xiao Xiaolong! You've got some nerve, daring to bet with Zhao Ruguo! And the stakes are your sister's lifelong happiness!"

As the door was blasted open, a pleasant voice, like the chirping of a bird in a secluded valley, rang out, and a graceful figure stepped into the room.

"Eh? Ah... Sister!"

Xiao Xiaolong's whole body trembled in surprise when he saw the visitor.

The visitor was a woman, with skin as fair as snow, eyes as bright as autumn water. Her collar was slightly open, and she wore a snow-white brocade robe over her light green silk dress. Her hair, as smooth as a black river, flowed down, making her incomparably beautiful.

Xiao Yan Yu's delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and she looked at Xiao Xiaolong with a hint of anger in her eyes. Her supposedly charming brother had the audacity to bet on her lifelong happiness, which really made her angry.

"Sister, don't be angry. I was just angry at Zhao Ruguo's despicable attitude. Don't worry, I will definitely win the bet! Look, I'm already a Third Rank Battle Frenzy now!"

Xiao Xiaolong quickly said, extending his hand, and a wisp of true qi appeared.

Although Xiao Yan Yu was angry, she was also somewhat surprised. She knew her brother's strength very well; he had always been stuck at the peak of the Second Rank Battle Master, with no signs of progress yesterday. How did he break through today?

"Sister, although Zhao Ruguo is also a Third Rank Battle Frenzy, you should believe in me. I can definitely beat him up!" Xiao Xiaolong said with a chuckle.

Xiao Yan Yu was known as the most beautiful and talented woman in the Qingfeng Empire. Everyone in the capital knew that Zhao Ruguo had lusted after her beauty for a long time, but because Xiao Yan Yu was the daughter of General Xiao Meng, the son of the Left Chancellor, Zhao Ruguo, did not dare to act rashly.

If Xiao Yan Yu were just an ordinary woman, she might have already become Zhao Ruguo's concubine.

"Sister, aren't you curious about how I broke through?" Xiao Xiaolong said, showing off.

Xiao Yan Yu lifted her skirt slightly and sat on a stool in the room, glancing at Xiao Xiaolong with her bright eyes and said coolly, "Tell me, I'll listen."

Xiao Xiaolong grinned, knowing that his sister would definitely notice the peculiarity of his breakthrough.

Xiao Yan Yu was not only beautiful but also highly intelligent, known as the first talented woman of the Qingfeng Empire. How could she be fooled by such a small trick?

So, Xiao Xiaolong mysteriously leaned close to Xiao Yan Yu's ear, as if it were a serious matter.

Xiao Yan Yu's heart also tightened, realizing that this secret must be significant if it made her usually carefree brother so serious. She decided to listen carefully.

"Sister! The secret to my breakthrough... is actually... a bowl of fried rice!"

"Really, it's just fried rice! Eh? Fried rice?!"

Xiao Yan Yu's beautiful face froze, then turned red. This naughty boy, daring to tease his sister!

Immediately, Xiao Yan Yu's slender fingers grabbed Xiao Xiaolong's ear and said coldly, "You've really grown up, daring to tease your sister! Do you think fried rice is a magical elixir that can help you break through? You're just talking nonsense!"

Xiao Xiaolong felt as if an invisible arrow had pierced his heart. He was telling the truth! What happened to the trust between siblings?

Xiao Xiaolong could only put on a bitter face and recounted his morning encounter, describing the small restaurant in the alley in a mysterious way.

"So, you mean you spent one yuan crystal on a bowl of fried rice?!"

Xiao Yan Yu's eyes widened as she looked at her still smug brother, wishing she could twist off the ears of this wastrel.

"Sister! Don't disbelieve me. I'll take you to that small restaurant tomorrow, and I promise you'll be satisfied. The texture and fragrance of that fried rice... oh, it reminds me of my lost childhood."

Xiao Xiaolong was completely entranced.

However, Xiao Yan Yu didn't believe him at all. This boy must have been drugged. A bowl of fried rice, how good could it be?

Humph! I'll have to see for myself tomorrow what this fried rice that can help people break through is all about!