A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 155 - 128: Spirit Monster Flesh and Blood, Culinary Skills

"The Gourd Kiln is really useful!"

Lu Shiping scrutinized the Yuan Blue-and-White Porcelain produced by the small kiln:

"Brother Bai truly has extraordinary insight. If all the Dragon Kilns were transformed into this kind, the yield rate could increase to about sixty-five percent."

The Ceramic Kiln Master was quite excited, surprised that Ninghai Zen's disciple not only had great martial talent but also excelled in porcelain firing. If he were not deeply knowledgeable about the soil veins and the nature of fire, how could he offer such effective suggestions with pinpoint accuracy?

"Actually, I have another idea, but it requires more space and higher costs, needing to rebuild the kiln room."

Bai Qi spoke only half of his thoughts this time; he had taken over the fishery booth at the ferry crossing and planned to incorporate more boats next. If he could pull together Chai Market and the fire kiln, like organizing martial arts practice, grasping the fist tightly, utilizing the resources of the five hundred miles of mountain roads and eight hundred miles of Black Water River, perhaps Yihai Prefecture could house another industry.

By then, the entire Black River County would resemble a chamber of commerce, allowing him to rise from "Boss Bai" to "Chairman Bai".

Sitting over the fishery, Chai Market, and fire kiln, with treasure fish, treasure plants, treasure medicine, along with weapons forged a hundred times over—having it all!

"I'll discuss with Master if we can systematically demolish the Cyan Flower Kiln..."

Looking at the fire kiln winding like a dragon, Lu Shiping decisively made an option, with three large kilns left by Master. The Inch Gold Kiln handles the official golden brick business, while the Big Punishment Kiln continuously sends forged weapons into County City's Hongming Company, whereas the Cyan Flower Kiln of his just sits in the middle.

Lu Yaotou always wanted to compete for the title of official kiln, but unfortunately had no outstanding quality to show. Yihai County Government Office's criteria are extremely strict—porcelain bodies with purple mouth and iron feet, glaze as thick as piled fat—only one in a thousand, or one in a hundred, would be stamped with the "Imperial" gold seal.

If successful, there would be no need to concern with the Zhu Family's attitude anymore.

"No need to rush, Lu Yaotou, first finish the orders at hand."

Bai Qi quickly halted the daydreaming, advising Lu Shiping, as he awaited his return to Black River County to discuss with Song Qiying to have Chai Market cut more pinewood and gradually build several long oval town kilns like inverted urns.

After some small talk and discussion on porcelain firing techniques, Bai Qi headed down the mountain back to the inn. Along the way, he encountered Zhu Ling'Er, the Second Miss Zhu who seemed to be inviting him.

Training, reading, resting.

Bai Qi politely declined three times in a row.

He was indeed very busy lately, not even bothering with He Jingfeng, let alone Zhu Ling'Er.

Every day, he would punctually run to the Big Punishment Kiln, where he'd either chat idly with Li Yuan or watch blacksmiths fold, forge, and cast steel weapons.

Yet, he had not seen any movement from the text mark, failing to conjure up the "Blacksmithing" technique.

This puzzled Bai Qi; could it be he was not the "Innate Blacksmith Sacred Body"?

He closed the door, sitting peacefully cross-legged on the bed, breaking down secrets with the two pages of spells he carried, progressing his literacy skill.

Then, in sequence, he followed the Golden Core Great Strength Skill, Dragon Palm, Arhat Hand, Silk Binding Strength, White Ape Skill, cultivating his energy and blood.

"The day darkens with each blink of the eye."

Bai Qi shook his head; despite being good at inner cultivation and maintaining vitality, repeated practice kept his spirit fresh, warding off fatigue.

Yet, as his martial arts increased in difficulty, he began to encounter the issue of not having enough time in the day.

"Brother Bai, Brother Bai! Open the door; it's He Jingfeng..."

The slightly annoying voice abruptly interrupted his thoughts, Bai Qi frowned, having already told Seventh Young Master He not to disturb unless it's important.

"Mother sent over several Spirit Deer Legs, come quickly and taste them!"

He Jingfeng's latter words made him a little less irritating.

In Yihai Prefecture, the prominent families often occupied vast lands, even enclosing mountain tops to build estates.

They tend to keep some spirit creatures captured from Fulong Mountain for supplementing their martial arts and cultivation diet.

Such good stuff, like the Inner City's The Great Martial Arts Hall's Tendon Healing Ointment, Bear Gallbladder Wine, Heart Nourishing Pills, isn't typically available for purchase and only favored core members in the long house, receiving much affection, would get their share.

"He Jingfeng is heavily favored at home; even while in Black River County, he gets to enjoy spirit monster flesh and blood."

Thoughts flickered in Bai Qi's mind as he got up to open the door, finding Seventh Young Master He's face, perhaps softened by the Spirit Deer Legs, looking remarkably friendly.

...

...

"Bai Qilang went to eat with He Jingfeng? But he clearly said he'd already eaten at Master Li's place and planned to rest without eating."

Zhu Ling'Er widened her eyes, having just heard from the maid that Bai Qi and He Jingfeng left the inn, they said they went out to grill some game to satisfy cravings.

"Miss, I heard from the boatman at the ferry that Young Master He specially brought Spirit Deer Meat from County City."

The maid added.

"No wonder; Bai Qilang is obsessed with martial arts practice, he surely can't resist such spirit monster flesh that strengthens oneself."

Zhu Ling'Er suddenly understood, thinking to herself:

"He Jingfeng is putting so much effort into drawing in Bai Qilang, definitely for some ulterior motives; things the He Family can eat, the Zhu Family certainly has as well."

She made up her mind, immediately instructing the maid:

"Xiaotan, get pen, ink, paper, and inkstone; I must send a letter to Father immediately, ask him to send the garden-fed deer to Wagang Village, no need to wait for the New Year's gathering."

The maid hadn't sorted out the situation yet and asked:

"Miss, are you craving too?"

Zhu Ling'Er flicked a finger at the maid's forehead, causing the maid to repeatedly withdraw, lifting her head triumphantly:

"If He Jingfeng can offer, so can I."

...

...

"Brother Bai, these Spirit Deer Legs taste really good! Not only are you great at fishing, but you also have a grilling talent!"

He Jingfeng ate more elegantly, having Uncle Yang tear the oily roasted deer legs into strips, placing them in a dish, and dipped them in sauce for a thorough enjoyment.

Conversely, Bai Qi wasn't as particular, slicing sections with a knife and eating directly.

He maintained a meticulous attitude towards food, personally grilling, making crisscross cuts, sprinkling spices, grilling the precious spirit monster flesh thoroughly.

Chewing a few pieces, the texture was quite tender, and once swallowed, it generated warmth that accelerated the flow of qi blood.

"Eating this spirit monster flesh can enhance strength, the physique seems to have slight micro-improvements as well."

Bai Qi grilled and savored, utilizing the One-Practice Perfect Golden Flesh and Jade Veins method to grasp this subtle bodily transformation.

Until they finished grilling four Spirit Deer Legs, consuming dozens of kilograms of meat, both Bai Qi and He Jingfeng exhaled a long breath in satisfaction.

"Eating and drinking while enhancing power, much more satisfying than practice—could this be the lavish life of the prominent families?"

Bai Qi mused, no wonder the good seeds cultivated by these wealthy families mostly matured successfully.

With such rich material supply, even Xiaotou breaking through second or third practice wouldn't be difficult.

As he pondered, his soul suddenly trembled, the text mark brightened, revealing clearly written lines.

[Skill: Master Chef (Introductory)]

[Progress: 0/800]

[Function: Cooking meals, savory enough]

"Ah?"

Bai Qi's gaze was bewildered, unable to believe. He diligently reported to the Big Punishment Kiln every day, watching the blacksmiths' crafting, even consulted Master Li, swung the hammer himself, yet failed to conjure the "Blacksmithing" technique.

How is it that grilling a Spirit Deer Leg with He Jingfeng made the "Master Chef" technique appear?

Could it be that he is not Innate Blacksmith but an Innate Chef?