Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 93Book 5: : Greedy! I want it all!

...

Immortal Palace.

[Minghuang Pavilion].

The Immortal Palace holds a revered status within the Immortal Dynasty, but with many disciples residing there, it naturally sees a constant flow of guests. As such, several elegant guest residences have been established.

Minghuang Pavilion is specifically designed to host distinguished female guests.

Behind Minghuang Pavilion, there is a rare grove of fire-type parasol spiritual wood. The sturdy trunks stand tall and majestic, with fiery red leaves swaying in the wind, emitting an aura as scorching as flames.

These parasol spiritual woods are all cultivated by the Immortal Palace, with the most formidable one having reached the pinnacle of the tenth tier.

Within the grove, several fire-type spiritual phoenixes reside. The most powerful among them is only at the ninth tier, but its bloodline is exceptionally pure, with the potential to ascend to the eleventh or even twelfth tier.

Even within the Immortal Palace, which boasts numerous blessed lands, Minghuang Pavilion is considered a rare treasure. Cultivating here not only accelerates progress but also refines one's state of mind.

Yet, amidst this treasure land, smoke billows into the sky, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of roasted meat.

"Senior Huowu," Wang Lici said with a tense expression, her face serious, "The firepower is a bit lacking. To ensure this rare eleventh-tier squid tentacle is cooked properly, could you please break off another two thousand pounds of tenth-tier dry branches for me?"

Two thousand pounds?

The one addressed as "Senior Huowu" was a burly elder with fiery red whiskers, exuding a strong and intense flame aura.

Upon hearing this, his eyes nearly popped out: "Lici girl, you've only been staying at Minghuang Pavilion for less than two months, and you've already used up tens of thousands of pounds of dry branches. You've emptied the stockpile I've accumulated over the years."

Clearly, this Senior Huowu was the formidable leader of the parasol spiritual wood grove, a pinnacle tenth-tier parasol spiritual tree. Within the Immortal Palace, everyone respectfully referred to him as "True Master Huowu."

"Senior Huowu, that's not fair. You've enjoyed plenty of delicacies from hotpot to teppanyaki these days... It's just some useless dry branches and leaves," Wang Lici pouted, then sighed, "Alright, alright, if this time the cold jade grilled squid tentacle isn't cooked well, don't blame my cooking skills."

Over the past few months, Wang Lici's face seemed to have grown rounder, and her complexion improved, clearly indicating that the food in the Immortal Palace was excellent.

"How can this be?"

True Master Huowu was about to breathe a sigh of relief when a teenage girl with red hair and a red dress protested.

She swallowed her saliva, tugging at True Master Huowu's arm, shaking it vigorously: "Sister Lici said that quality ingredients should be cooked with quality spiritual wood. If it's not cooked well, it won't taste good. Grandpa Huowu, why don't you transform and shake off some more dry branches and leaves?"

Shake it off?

True Master Huowu was both amused and exasperated.

He was shaken until he felt dizzy, but he couldn't resist the pleading of the fire phoenix, whom he regarded as a granddaughter. Reluctantly, he waved his hand, producing a large pile of parasol spiritual wood.

"There are no more dry branches and leaves. These are the top-quality materials I usually prune. Use them sparingly, Lici girl..."

This pile of parasol spiritual wood was clearly of superior quality, each piece as thick as a barrel, with a thin layer of flame-like energy flowing over the red bark.

Such high-grade parasol spiritual wood is extremely rare, incomparable to mere dry branches and leaves.

They can be used to forge fire-type magical treasures, or to create high-end fire-type furniture, fire-type cultivation rooms, and so on. They can even be smoldered into parasol spiritual charcoal, a small piece of which can burn endlessly, making it a favorite among alchemists, trial equipment makers, and spiritual chefs.

Its market price is quite expensive, often hard to buy even with money.

"Gulp!"

Wang Lici secretly swallowed her saliva, discreetly brushing her hand over the parasol spiritual wood, making the pile of wood vanish into her palm.

Then she quickly took out some dry branches and leaves, swiftly tossing them into the fire.

As the bonfire grew stronger, the squid tentacles on the cold jade board began to sizzle.

She immediately took out her treasured bottles and jars, skillfully sprinkling various cherished spices and self-made sauces onto the squid tentacles, while energetically flipping them with a large spatula and shouting, "Come, come, the top-quality jade board grilled squid tentacles are ready to serve."

The overpowering aroma wafted through the air, capturing everyone's attention.

Nearby, the Immortal Palace's young talent, Zhang Huaibing, was similarly drawn by the delicious scent, unconsciously twitching his nose, saliva pooling in his mouth, even forgetting to emphasize, "These are not just any squid tentacles, but the tentacles of the eleventh-tier deep-sea overlord, the Giant Octopus King."

As the saying goes, experience makes the master, and a foodie becomes a chef.

After nearly two hundred years of being a foodie, Wang Lici had become a discerning gourmet, her culinary skills becoming increasingly refined, capable of cooking any ingredient with ease.

"The delicious food is ready, everyone take some."

Wang Lici divided the squid tentacles into six large bowls, ensuring Wang Yingxuan, Lan Wan'er, the red-haired fire phoenix girl, True Master Huowu, and Zhang Huaibing each had a share.

The tentacles of the eleventh-tier Giant Octopus King were extremely thick. To facilitate cooking, Wang Lici had cut them into pieces, each still as large as a fist, substantial and satisfying.

The octopus tentacles were tender and juicy, with each bite releasing a burst of flavor in the mouth, blending with the secret sauce to provide an unparalleled taste sensation.

"Delicious!"

Whether human, tree, or phoenix, they all ate with bright eyes, nearly swallowing their tongues.

After devouring a large bowl, everyone still seemed unsatisfied.

"Brother Huaibing," Wang Lici licked the sauce residue from her lips, looking eagerly at Zhang Huaibing, "I believe you still have some squid tentacles, right?"

"No, no, the last piece was given to you for grilling," Zhang Huaibing shook his head repeatedly, clutching his storage ring, even taking a few steps back in fear.

His master and a team had painstakingly slain an eleventh-tier deep-sea Giant Octopus King, sharing over a thousand pounds of tentacles with him.

In just two months, Wang Lici had coaxed and cajoled him into giving it all away. But then again, this Fairy Lici's culinary skills were truly exceptional.

"Is that so? Then, Zhang Huaibing, you can do whatever you like," Wang Lici's expression changed instantly, impatiently dismissing him, "We at Minghuang Pavilion are all women, having a man hanging around all day isn't appropriate."

Zhang Huaibing's face stiffened.

Fairy Lici, do you have to be so realistic?

When he still had rare ingredients in his storage ring, she called him "Brother Huaibing" with a gentle and kind tone.

But as soon as the ingredients were gone, she discarded him like an old shoe. This feeling of being despised was truly unpleasant.

"My master probably still has some," Zhang Huaibing quickly said, "I can go and ask for more."

"Brother Huaibing, that would be really appreciated," Wang Lici blinked, her expression turning gentle and kind again, "You can also ask for more of other excellent ingredients, my cooking skills are quite good."

"Yes, yes, Fairy Lici is right," Zhang Huaibing agreed repeatedly, then hurried off to find his master for more ingredients.

As soon as Zhang Huaibing left.

Two figures appeared almost simultaneously in the sky above Minghuang Pavilion.

One was fat, the other thin; one tall, the other short. Their temperaments were vastly different, yet their steps were remarkably synchronized, even their words were similar, both speaking in clear voices: "Dear disciple, see what your master has brought you?"

As soon as they spoke.

The newcomers glared at each other, then each angrily demanded, "Old fellow, who are you calling disciple?"

These two were none other than Gui Yi True Monarch of Gui Zhen Holy Land and Yuan Yuan True Monarch of Heaven-Devouring Holy Land.

Both True Monarchs had taken a liking to Wang Lici, each vying to take her as a disciple, neither willing to yield. This competition had lasted for over two months, during which they gradually learned Wang Lici's preferences.

Since their future beloved disciple had an insatiable obsession with "eating," as masters, they naturally had to cater to her tastes.

After all, with a Glutton bloodline, where would one find the strength to cultivate without eating?

"Hmph!"

Gui Yi True Monarch snorted discontentedly at Yuan Yuan True Monarch, then descended first to stand before Wang Lici, displaying a kind and friendly smile: "Lici, I just returned from the Northern Frozen Ocean, where I slew a ninth-tier Profound Ice Wild Bear causing trouble. This bear weighs over a hundred tons, enough to last you several days."

Before he could finish speaking, Yuan Yuan True Monarch also landed, smiling amiably: "What Profound Ice Wild Bear? Only the bear paws are worth eating. I ventured to the Xiju Ocean this time, hunting a ninth-tier Purple Lightning Dragon Blood Eel. This blood eel is rich in blood, with a delicate and sweet flavor, also having beautifying and skin-enhancing effects..."

The two took turns speaking, each trying to win over Wang Lici, while subtly competing with each other, the atmosphere crackling with tension.

"Um... Are eleventh-tier ingredients really that hard to come by?" Wang Lici, having grown accustomed to eating eleventh-tier ingredients, couldn't help but ask in surprise.

"Uh, well..." Gui Yi True Monarch and Yuan Yuan True Monarch both showed expressions of difficulty and helplessness, speaking in unison, "They are indeed hard to obtain. Eleventh-tier spiritual beasts are all major figures, not only powerful but each with a large number of subordinates. Especially within the Immortal Dynasty's territory, the existing eleventh-tier spiritual beasts have all submitted to the Immortal Dynasty, becoming vassals of one of the holy lands, making it difficult to act against them."

"As for those eleventh-tier beasts in the outer seas, they are equally challenging to deal with. Unless they provoke the Immortal Dynasty, it's not easy for us to join forces to hunt them."

"Sigh~" Wang Lici shook her head helplessly, "The civilized world is so troublesome, even hunting is heavily restricted. Life will be tough in the future."

Although the Immortal Dynasty's breeding industry is relatively developed, even the high-end farms can only breed up to the seventh tier. Beyond that, it's too difficult, with time and economic costs being prohibitive.

"It's not entirely hopeless. If we go to war with the Demon Dynasty, I can gather some allies and specifically target the leaders of their vassal holy lands..." To please his "disciple," Gui Yi True Monarch was even considering targeting the Immortal-Demon Battlefield.

"Recently, the Red Moon Demon Dynasty and our Immortal Dynasty have been restraining each other, so there might not be any major conflicts in the short term. Instead of hoping for an Immortal-Demon war, it's better to gather some friends and explore the outer regions, where we might find valuable treasures," Yuan Yuan True Monarch suggested another idea.

No sooner had he spoken than a stern voice echoed from the sky.

"Rubbish!"

Everyone's expressions changed, and they saw a misty figure rapidly coalesce before them, clad in white like snow, exuding an awe-inspiring immortal presence.

It was none other than the avatar of the Immortal Sovereign.

He sternly eyed Gui Yi True Monarch and Yuan Yuan True Monarch, his voice severe: "Is the outer region so easy to explore? You are both pillars of the human race. If you recklessly venture into the outer region and fall, it would be a loss for the entire human race. With the war against the outer region demons becoming increasingly intense, if you truly wish to court death, you might as well head to the outer region battlefield and take down a demon of equal rank."

"Greetings, Immortal Sovereign."

The two True Monarchs shrank their necks, immediately falling silent.

Though they were both leaders of holy lands under the Immortal Palace, they lacked the courage and confidence of True Lord Yuling to openly defy the Immortal Sovereign.

"Greetings, Immortal Sovereign."

True Master Huowu and the fire phoenix hurriedly pulled Wang Lici, Wang Yingxuan, and Lan Wan'er to pay their respects.

"No need for formalities."

The Immortal Sovereign's avatar waved a hand, his gaze toward Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan warm and gentle: "I am aware of your circumstances. With our human race facing increasing difficulty in repelling external threats on the outer region battlefield, seeing the rise of your younger generation is truly heartening."

"Immortal Sovereign, do you have any food?" Wang Lici seized the opportunity to ask eagerly.

"Uh..."

Caught off guard by the sudden request for food, the Immortal Sovereign was momentarily taken aback.

He pondered for a moment, then with a wave of his hand, two large pieces of eleventh-tier dragon leg meat appeared, floating before them: "These were obtained during an expedition to the outer region long ago. Keep them and enjoy."

The Immortal Sovereign was generous, each piece of dragon leg meat weighing over ten thousand pounds.

"Thank you, Immortal Sovereign."

Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan smiled so broadly that their eyes narrowed.

These were highly nourishing ingredients, capable of replenishing a large amount of blood energy, greatly aiding cultivation.

The Immortal Sovereign quickly changed the subject: "Lici, are you planning to apprentice under Yuan Yuan True Monarch or Gui Yi True Monarch?"

"But I already have a master," Wang Lici quickly stored the dragon leg meat, her eyes innocent as she said, "My master is Yunyang from the Lingyun Holy Land."

"That's not a problem," the Immortal Sovereign said kindly, "Lingyun Holy Land is also a branch of the Immortal Palace. With Yunyang's current strength and level, he can't teach you much anymore. Taking on an additional powerful master is necessary and not against the rules. Just don't let Yunyang down in the future."

The Immortal Palace had naturally investigated Wang Lici and Wang Yingxuan's backgrounds thoroughly. Their family was clean, with a clear lineage, and their ancestors could be traced back for dozens of generations, effectively ruling out the possibility of them being spies for the Demon Dynasty.

"I think both True Monarchs are great. Can I apprentice under both of them?" Wang Lici's mind was calculating rapidly.

Masters could provide food, and having two Void Realm masters would mean even more food.

"......"

The Immortal Sovereign was momentarily speechless.

This cheeky girl really dared to think big~ Why not be even bolder and directly ask to apprentice under me?

However, even if she asked, given the Immortal Sovereign's current situation, he wouldn't easily take on a disciple. After all, while Lici and Yingxuan had high potential, they were still a step away from possessing the true potential of an immortal.

This step was like a chasm, and even with enormous resources, it might not be crossed.

Of course, this was also because the Immortal Sovereign already had a favored successor in mind. That individual had exceptional potential, comparable to the current Little Demon Lord of the Demon Dynasty.

With such an outstanding choice surpassing previous generations, while Lici and Yingxuan's potential was passable, they weren't the absolute top choice.

With their current bloodlines, without a breakthrough, even inheriting the Immortal Scripture would make it difficult to reach the True Immortal Realm without vast resources. If any accidents occurred, damaging their lifespan or foundation, they might not even break through to the True Immortal Realm.

"Let's do this, you can stay at Minghuang Pavilion for now," the Immortal Sovereign considered, "Yuan Yuan True Monarch and Gui Yi True Monarch will take turns teaching you. Once you're familiar, you can decide which lineage to choose."

"We have no objections," Yuan Yuan True Monarch and Gui Yi True Monarch exchanged glances, both seeing the burning battle intent in each other's eyes.

Lici not only had a high bloodline awakening level but also possessed the rare devouring talent, making her perfect for their scriptures.

After handling Wang Lici's matter, the Immortal Sovereign turned his attention to Wang Yingxuan: "Yingxuan, I've reviewed your records. You are also a child with great potential. With your qualifications, it wouldn't be difficult to find a holy land to join. However, within our Immortal Palace, there happens to be a special scripture that has yet to find an inheritor. Observing your temperament and aptitude, it seems you are quite compatible with that scripture. Would you like to give it a try?"

Wang Yingxuan's eyes lit up, and she immediately stood up: "I, Wang Yingxuan, am not afraid of challenges. Please, Immortal Sovereign, lead the way."

"Very well."

The Immortal Sovereign's avatar waved a hand, enveloping Wang Yingxuan and flying off into the distance, leaving only a parting remark.

"Yuan Yuan True Monarch, Gui Yi True Monarch, take good care of Lici. She is the future pillar of the human race."

"Yes, Immortal Sovereign."

Yuan Yuan True Monarch and Gui Yi True Monarch responded in unison, then looked at Wang Lici with even more fervent eyes.

Meanwhile, Wang Lici was secretly pondering how she could manage to have both masters.

...

While Wang Lici and Yingxuan successfully integrated into the Immortal Palace and began to shine.

Above the Storm Ocean.

The eternal gale roared across the sky, with swirling energy colliding to create countless streams of light, resembling stars in motion.

Several blue Yun Yao flying boats swiftly navigated through them, their massive wings rising and falling like manta rays patrolling the deep sea, appearing leisurely and slow, yet moving with the speed of lightning.

Inside one of the Yun Yao flying boats, an elderly man in black stood with his hands behind his back, gazing down at the vast sea of clouds below.

He appeared to be in his fifties, with broad shoulders that were inexplicably slightly hunched. His eyes, lowered, held a deep and inscrutable expression, lost in thought.

"Old Pei, you should rest for a while. We're almost at the Eastern Qian Kingdom, and we'll need to coordinate with the Wang's Clan there."

At this moment, a middle-aged man in a trial equipment maker's robe approached from the adjacent dining area, softly advising.

"Huai Jin, I've dragged you into this," the old man, referred to as "Old Pei," turned to the middle-aged man with a sigh, "If it weren't for my stubbornness offending Liu Zhangling, you wouldn't have been assigned to the Eastern Qian Kingdom with me."

"Old Pei, there's no need for such words. I've learned more than half of my skills from you; you're my mentor. Wherever you go, I go—it's only natural," the middle-aged trial equipment maker smiled, "Besides, we're here to support the development and crafting of new battle armor, which is bound to teach us a lot. Even if the Eastern Qian Kingdom is a bit backward and the living conditions are tough, a decade or two will pass quickly."

The middle-aged man, named "Xiang Huaijin," was a trial equipment maker with the Black Armor Department.

Since joining the Black Armor Department, he had always been by Old Pei's side, well aware of Old Pei's character.

Old Pei was talented and capable, ranking among the top in the Black Armor Department in terms of crafting skills. Unfortunately, his personality was stubborn and rigid, often clashing with superiors, frequently suffering from their petty retributions.

This time was no different. During an internal meeting, he spoke too bluntly, offending Liu Zhangling, who was in charge of allocating trial equipment maker tasks, resulting in his "assignment" to the Eastern Qian Kingdom.

As Old Pei's subordinate trial equipment maker, Xiang Huaijin naturally found himself included in this "assignment."

"The Eastern Qian Kingdom is just a remote small country; it can't compare to the opportunities in the Immortal Capital. By the time we return in a decade or so, those who were once your peers might have already been promoted," Old Pei sighed, still unable to shake off his gloom.

He didn't regret standing up to Liu Zhangling, as he would never compromise on matters of principle. However, dragging others into it was not his intention.

The atmosphere grew somewhat oppressive.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the dining area, an elderly couple with graying hair was also discussing the Eastern Qian Kingdom.

The old man had a calm demeanor and a gentle aura, while the woman had sharp phoenix eyes. Even with her aura restrained, she exuded a faint military presence.

This couple was none other than Chaoyang King and Yao Yuangang.

Though invited by Wang Anye for this trip to the Eastern Qian Kingdom, they didn't wish to make a grand entrance, opting instead for a low-key journey in plain clothes. Even the Yao's Clan steward on the Yun Yao flying boat was unaware of their true identities.

Their status was exceedingly high, and wherever they went, they received warm hospitality.

In such circumstances, what they saw and heard was often a staged scene.

Over time, they preferred to stay at the Wang's residence, rarely venturing out.

With few people in the Eastern Qian Kingdom recognizing them, they seized the opportunity to disguise themselves as "commoners," experiencing the Eastern Qian Kingdom from a different perspective, finding it a unique pleasure.

If Wang Shouzhe knew of this, he would likely twitch his lips. These big shots seemed to have a penchant for undercover visits.

It was almost becoming a tradition~