I Am the True Lord of Running Away

Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Spiritual Food

At the thought of this possibility, Jiang Xu was quite moved.

It seemed Zong Ziqi truly considered him a friend.

’For me to not think of finding Zong Ziqi right after coming out of seclusion... that’s indeed a bit out of line.’

It was just a pity that Zong Ziqi wasn’t around to continue discussing the Young Master Ghost affair, so Jiang Xu had no way to learn more.

As he was lost in thought, Jiang Xu suddenly saw the waiter approaching with a large platter.

The waiter’s steps were steady, and the large platter he held seemed as light as a feather. On it rested a whole male pheasant, vibrant in color and exuding an enticing aroma.

The skin of this Three-Colored Male Pheasant was plump and glossy, mottled with an interweaving pattern of red, yellow, and green. It might sound strange, but seeing it in person, its appearance alone was enough to make one’s mouth water.

The moment Jiang Xu smelled the rich aroma, he knew this was no ordinary chicken.

The fragrance was mellow and complex. It carried the unique freshness and wildness of the deep forest, along with the distinct perfume created by the ingredients and secret seasonings melding together during the stewing process. The scent was irresistibly appetizing.

The waiter carefully placed the large platter down and began to introduce it, his face filled with pride:

"Sir, you’re in for a real treat! This is a freshly slaughtered Three-Colored Male Pheasant we just hunted in the Endless Forest today. It’s a rare delicacy you normally can’t even order. The number we catch each time is extremely limited, and they’re often fully booked before they even make it onto the menu!"

His words brimmed with satisfaction and pride, as if he were showing off a rare work of art.

"What’s more, this was prepared by our Tier Two Spiritual Food Master! It was made using a special infusion of Spiritual Qi nurtured in advance within a Tier Two Spirit Pot. This is an absolute masterpiece!"

A Spirit Pot, like an Array Master’s Array Plate, a Talisman Maker’s Talisman Brush, or an Alchemist’s Pill Furnace, is a tool created specifically for Cultivation Techniques.

When cooking food, a Cultivator only needs to channel their Magical Power into it. The Spirit Pot then releases wisps of Spiritual Qi that thoroughly cleanse and purify the ingredients stewing inside. This process stimulates the innate worldly essence within the ingredients, granting them the ability to nourish Primordial Qi and enhance one’s Cultivation.

Furthermore, it prevents even the slightest excess of heat from destroying the spiritual components of the ingredients during cooking.

And every day, a Spirit Pot can nurture a special infusion of Spiritual Qi. This infusion can dramatically improve the quality and potency of the ingredients, making the resulting Spiritual Food even more effective.

Even though Jiang Xu had lived an ascetic life for three years, after smelling such an aroma, his Dao heart couldn’t help but crumble. He couldn’t wait to dig in.

He first extended a pair of bamboo chopsticks, lightly and skillfully clamping onto the plumpest, most enticing-looking piece of chicken.

The instant the chopsticks touched the meat, he could almost feel its tenderness and elasticity.

Then, he slowly lifted the chopsticks. The piece of chicken quivered slightly between them, glistening with juices and looking all the more tempting.

After bringing it to his mouth, the moment it touched his tongue, a burst of smooth, tender, and savory flavor exploded in his mouth. Every fiber of the meat seemed to contain the very Life Force of the deep forest.

Jiang Xu chewed slowly, savoring the rich texture. The unique wildness and freshness intertwined, making the delicacy even more unforgettable.

At the same time, Jiang Xu could clearly feel a stream of Pure Spirit Qi flowing down his throat and into his body, nourishing his organs. The circulation of his Magical Power sped up, and his entire spiritual state became more vigorous.

This was the unique effect of a supreme-grade Spiritual Food cooked in a Tier Two Spirit Pot. It was similar to an Elixir, yet different. Although not as potent, the upside was that it wouldn’t cause toxin buildup in a Cultivator’s body.

Next, Jiang Xu spooned up some of the broth and slowly savored it. The taste was rich but not greasy, possessing both the freshness of the mountains and the fragrance of the secret seasonings. He could even faintly sense a subtle fluctuation of Spiritual Qi nourishing his body and soul.

Although the life of a cultivator was austere, at this moment, Jiang Xu was immersed in this ultimate culinary experience. In his heart, he gained a deeper understanding of the various "flavors" one could encounter on the Immortal Path.

’The path of Cultivation isn’t just hardship. Some of the scenery along the way is exceptionally beautiful. It’s simply that everyone makes different choices.’

...

After finishing his meal, Jiang Xu left the Spiritual Food Shop.

He didn’t go anywhere else, leaving Demon Hunting City directly and heading toward the Profound Origin Sect.

Along the way, Jiang Xu took out his Communication Pearl and sent a message:

"Brother Zong, how have you been? I just ended my seclusion today and heard that you’ve reached the Foundation Establishment Realm as a Body Cultivator. Congratulations! I wonder where you are now? We haven’t seen each other in a long time, could we meet up for a chat?"

After waiting for a long while, Jiang Xu still hadn’t received a reply.

’Hm? What’s with this guy, not replying after so long? Could it be that I’m just being sentimental? Did he never really care about me?’

’Or did he run out of uses for his Communication Pearl?’

Jiang Xu decided not to worry about it. He put the Communication Pearl away and continued toward the Profound Origin Sect.

’In any case, I should be able to find out Zong Ziqi’s whereabouts once I get to the Profound Origin Sect.’

...

Battles of various scales still broke out frequently along the road, but Jiang Xu paid them no mind.

But as he passed a small hill, a slightly hoarse female voice pierced the clamor of a battlefield like a sharp arrow, stabbing into his ears. The voice carried a resolve and a determination to face death that was impossible to ignore.

"Junior Sister, you go first! As long as you let Senior Sister Yan know, all these Demon Cultivators will die!"

As soon as her voice fell, another woman replied, "Alright! You have to hold on! I’ll definitely find Senior Sister Yan and bring her back to rescue you!"

This exchange made Jiang Xu’s heart tighten. He raced in that direction without hesitation.

Just two minutes later, the scene before him made his heart sink even further.

In a clearing strewn with rugged stones, four Female Cultivators were surrounded by a dozen or so Demon Cultivators.

Three of the Female Cultivators were desperately fending off attacks for the fourth, trying to create an opening for her to break through. Their movements were as swift as lightning, but they were still unable to tear through the encirclement.

The Demon Cultivators were exceptionally vicious, their eyes glinting with greed and bloodlust. Their attacks were as relentless as a tide. Whether it was close-quarters combat with fists and feet or long-range bombardment with Magic, they precisely and mercilessly sealed off every possible escape route.

One of the Female Cultivators brandished her longsword, and the Demon Cultivators dodged wherever her Sword Qi swept past. However, more enemies attacked from the flanks.

Another Female Cultivator was controlling three shields, trying to block all the Demon Cultivators’ attacks, but her face grew paler and paler, a clear sign of immense Magical Power consumption.

Another Female Cultivator unleashed fierce Fire Element Magic, but she was already covered in multiple wounds, her clothes stained red with blood.

The entire situation was precarious and could completely collapse at any moment.