Abyss Summoner-Chapter 321 - 314: Offering the Sacrifice

Under the night sky, numerous bonfires were lit in the square of the Economic Development Zone, roasting countless pieces of insect meat cut into small slices, tender and delicious, sending off waves of meaty aroma.

Survivors of the Economic Development Zone either sat on the ground or gathered to chat, and even some warriors found a rare moment of relaxation, joining in this revelry to release their tension, fear, and worries since the apocalypse, afraid that if they missed today, there might be no more chances for celebration in the future.

The lively atmosphere made the insect fire burn even more fiercely, and some survivors who had lost loved ones were also infected, roaring and singing songs, chaotic and noisy, but no one scolded them because everyone was a bit crazy, enjoying this rare festivity.

Even though they weren’t drinking alcohol, their minds were getting muddled in their grief.

Apart from those on duty, most people came here, and looking around, there were heads all around, a sea of people, casting numerous shadows under the firelight.

A rare harvest indeed.

In this joint operation between the Economic Development Zone and Bridge East, besides successfully killing the Dragon Patterned Beetle, countless other insects were killed or wounded, and even after sharing some insect meat with Bridge East, an astonishing amount remained.

This insect meat was enough to support a grand celebration.

The city had changed a lot.

In Chen Feng’s memory, at this time in his past life, as food became more and more scarce and the pressure to survive increased, such a celebration was unimaginable. Except for some small banquets held by the upper echelons, ordinary people never enjoyed such treatment.

Moreover, at that time, the Economic Development Zone, due to its sparse population, ended up like Bridge West. Most people had moved to Bridge East, and this area became a breeding ground for insects.

Back then, people were busy defending every day, too exhausted to engage in such gatherings. Even after a day’s labor, too tired to lift an arm, the food obtained was just a little bit, and insect meat? That was food they didn’t even dare to dream of.

But now, the Economic Development Zone had undergone a dramatic change.

Thanks to the emergence of mutant crops, not only was the famine problem solved, but due to the consolidation of combat power, after finishing a battlefield, people had the opportunity to obtain some meat.

In such an environment, at worst, they could only call it difficult, rather than desperate.

The items obtained from the insect nest, after distribution, had all been transported to the two cities.

Besides adult insects, there were even thousands of dense insect eggs in the insect nest. The insects’ breeding ability was super strong, especially since in the dark and dreary underground, they had nothing else to do but mate.

As a result, in the narrow space, there were heaps of dense insect eggs. If no countermeasures had been taken early on, even with only a thirty percent survival chance, these eggs would have been a nightmare-level disaster for humans.

However, now these insect eggs had lost the chance to hatch and instead had become a delicacy, placed on dining tables after a series of culinary processes.

"Please, have a taste..."

A chef chuckled, handing a plate to Chen Feng.

"This is the chrysalis of the Ice Flame Golden Cicada, very rare in supply. We only found ten in the insect nest this time. I specially cooked this one according to your taste, sir, please try it..."

This was indeed a talented person.

Capable of perfectly integrating food and medicine.

In peaceful times, he was a famous medicinal cuisine chef nearby, serving high-ranking officials and dignitaries, with ordinary people hardly ever tasting his craft.

The man had good skills and spoke appropriately, so he was specially responsible for cooking ingredients for Chen Feng, having served by his side for more than two months.

This was not considered a disgrace.

On the contrary, within the entire [Order], countless people were eyeing this position eagerly. Who was Chen Feng now? It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he was the leader of the entire Economic Development Zone. Serving by his side, one already had a gigantic support.

Moreover, Chen Feng enjoyed the highest amenities in the city. As the imperial chef, he occasionally got some benefits, at the very least, eating and drinking well, without worrying about hunger.

Under such competitive pressure, how could the chef dare to be negligent? Every dish he made was with 100% dedication, striving for perfection.

Ordinary cicada pupae are only half a palm size, but this mutated chrysalis was as big as an apple. At this moment, the chef cut it into six pieces and sprinkled it with fragrant royal jelly, an untold amount of sweetness.

"Hmm, indeed not bad."

Chen Feng picked up a piece and put it in his mouth to chew slowly. Upon touching his lips and teeth, the so-called chrysalis seemed to melt, and a rich aroma immediately spread in his mouth.

Ice Flame Golden Cicada.

This counted as a rare variant of insects with strong talents, and as long as there’s enough food, reaching Silver Tier was just a matter of time, and in the eyes of some Insect Control Masters, it was simply a treasure.

However, the flesh of the Ice Flame Golden Cicada contained toxicity.

Because it was a kind of insect that could manipulate both ice and fire, many parts contained unknown poison. Eating recklessly could lead to instant death!

Only a master like Chen Feng could use it with peace of mind. If it were an ordinary person, just one bite would cause them to vomit blood and perish.

It’s akin to eating supplements; ingesting too much of them can be harmful to those with weak constitutions.

Swallowing it, energy bloomed within, and many old hidden injuries were slowly healing thanks to this massive supplement, making the whole person surprisingly invigorated.

This is the charm of medicinal cuisine.

"Reward!"

Chen Feng gently uttered a word, and the chef, who had seen a fair share of the world, hurriedly nodded in gratitude.

The lord was not stingy.

In the confines of [Order], getting a "reward" from Chen Feng was undeniably a pleasant surprise.

Watching the graceful insect fire, observing the dancing people, and savoring a bite of the delicacy on the plate, Chen Feng suddenly felt that this kind of life wasn’t bad.

However, this thought vanished silently in an instant.

Born in adversity, dying in comfort.

Comfort, too, is a forbidden word in the apocalypse.

If alcohol could numb people’s brains, then comfort would corrode their faculties and soul.

Chen Feng knew that the reason he could witness all this was ultimately due to powerful strength. Without the support of strength, this city, and everyone here, would become desolate ruins and decaying corpses.

The banquet lasted for two hours and ended around eleven o’clock.

Most people returned to their houses to rest, while a small number of people began to clean up the chaotic aftermath. Due to the disorder, there were occasionally a few uneaten pieces of insect meat on the ground. At this time, the staff would carefully wrap them in a bag and then stash them inside their clothes.

At this moment, the patrolling warriors turned a blind eye and did not stop these people’s actions.

Another hour passed.

The square became completely quiet, making it hard to imagine that a bustling event had just taken place here.

Order mandated a curfew!

At midnight, besides patrols and staff, ordinary people were required to return to their rooms. After a period of adaptation, people strictly adhered to these rules.

There were many rules within Order; although cumbersome to some, no one dared to openly protest because they knew who the ruler was here.

Chen Feng.

This was not a presence to be trifled with.

............

A corner of Order.

For most, this was a forbidden area, as it was where Chen Feng resided.

And now, instead of going to bed early as he usually did, Chen Feng stood in the spacious courtyard, staring at the corpse before him.

This body had a powerful name.

Dragon Patterned Beetle.

One of the Insect Emperor’s generals, rampaging across past battlefields, killing countless humans, yet before it could shine with all its terrifying glory, its life came to an end, leaving it in this current state.

Compared to the insects from the insect nest, the corpse of this Insect King was the most useful, as it could be fashioned into many fine pieces of equipment.

The carapace of the Dragon Patterned Beetle had exceptionally high defense; with minor processing, it could be made into excellent shields or, with precise craftsmanship, even several suits of armor.

Even if Chen Feng wouldn’t wear it, it could equip his core subordinates!

Just imagine, when Wei Xun donned such armor, paired with his formidable arms, his defense would significantly increase, allowing him to challenge even stronger opponents.

Therefore, upon returning, Chen Feng had already ordered people to strip all the carapace from the Dragon Patterned Beetle. Now, the Insect King lay bloody in the blood pool, resembling a skinned whale and appearing somewhat pitiful.

Besides the Insect Armor, the blood, organs, insect meat, etc., were essentially treasures. If used to feed the insects, it wouldn’t take long before many mutated insects were cultivated.

However, Chen Feng would never do such a thing.

He had already rejected the requests of Inferior Demons, so how could he make it easy for those brainless insects? For Chen Feng, there was a more important task at hand.

Summoning.

The body of the Dragon Patterned Beetle contained powerful energy, and if used for summoning, it might call forth some useful allies.

Chen Feng drew out a blade and swiftly slashed at the body of the Dragon Patterned Beetle, and without the defense of the Insect Armor, the body was cut open, spilling a flood of blood.

He carefully used the insect blood to draw a summoning array around, then plunged his hands into the creature’s flesh and blood. Although the process was somewhat nauseating, this method was more likely to gain the monsters’ favor.

The sacrifice had been offered.

Next, it was time to witness the miracle...