Chapter 87: The Monsters' Banquet

“Turn up the heat, will you? Haven’t you eaten?”
In the bustling kitchen of the Monster Tavern, Miss Ming Shan was energetically stir-frying dishes. She had her sleeves rolled up and wore a little floral apron, looking every bit the picture of a virtuous wife and loving mother.

Around her, pots, pans, and all manner of kitchenware seemed enchanted, busy with their own tasks, creating a lively and chaotic scene. Everyone had their sleeves rolled up, working hard, because today was the monthly feast day for monsters—a day they all slaved away for, just to enjoy a hearty meal to sustain their lives.

“Lower the heat! Are you trying to burn the food?”
As a chef, Miss Ming Shan was truly dedicated, expertly tossing the wok with one hand while skillfully adding ingredients and seasonings with the other. Crimson flames flickered from the stove. Ah Huang lay nearby, baring his teeth and glaring at Li Changlu, and at the half bun in his hand.

“What are you staring at? You’re the divine dog of the tavern, this sort of thing doesn’t befit your status.”
Li Changlu, savoring the half bun he’d snatched from Ah Huang, twisted and licked it, finishing the meat before tossing the bun skin back to the dog.

“I just don’t get it—after all that drama just to make me stoke the fire. What’s the point? Didn’t I already agree to help?”
Li Changlu smacked his lips, picked up a piece of firewood, snapped his fingers, and a jet of black flame appeared in his hand. He lit the wood and tossed it into the stove.

The flames roared back to life.
Earlier, he’d entered the stove with Ah Huang to ignite the sacred cauldron’s fire, ensuring the source never died out. As long as the source flame burned, he could use special fire to rekindle it, so this time, he didn’t have to crawl into the stove again.

He lounged in a chair by the stove, legs crossed, teasing Ah Huang.

In the Monster Tavern, all monsters received their food based on task points.
But since Li Changlu was tricked into doing grunt work, Miss Ming Shan turned a blind eye to him and the dog scheming for buns.

“Yes, yes, you agreed to help me, but you little rascal, you raised the price and swindled two guest rooms out of me. Who knows what you’ll ask for next?”
Miss Ming Shan, brandishing her spatula, handed a piece of glossy braised pork to Li Changlu.

He didn’t stand on ceremony, grabbing it and popping it into his mouth. Though the heat made him gasp, the flavor was exquisite.

Miss Ming Shan was fiery in temperament, but her culinary skills were remarkable.
The braised pork was so hot it nearly brought tears to Li Changlu’s eyes.

“Is it good?”
Miss Ming Shan’s gaze lingered on Li Changlu, full of hidden meaning.

Li Changlu was quick-witted—he knew she had a motive. Was she hinting at something? Like those masters who answer riddles with a single gesture?

Ah, so that’s it.

How clever I am—instantly understood.

“You mean to say, after accepting your food, I shouldn’t be picky with my hands?”
Li Changlu answered proudly and confidently.

“Ah, I just wanted you to try the taste.”
...

“It was the tavern keeper’s idea to trick you into being a free servant, then have you sign a contract. But after all that scheming, a single word from the keeper was more effective. You, you’re just a glutton for punishment.”
Miss Ming Shan shook her head in resignation as she cooked.

...

“Who exactly is the tavern keeper? I’m completely lost.”
Li Changlu’s hand crept toward the plate of food, but Miss Ming Shan shot him a glare, and he quickly withdrew.

“There’s only one tavern keeper.”
Miss Ming Shan deftly plated another dish.

“Is the tavern keeper out of his mind? Split personality, maybe?”
Li Changlu asked with a grin.

“You’re the one who’s out of your mind, kid. Just mind your fire and don’t ask questions you shouldn’t.”
Miss Ming Shan waved her spatula at Li Changlu to scare him.

Just then, Zheng Odd, swaying his hips and dressed in his peculiar blend of East-West server attire, entered carrying a tray. He squinted, smiling, looking nothing like his bedraggled self from yesterday.

“Feeling better?”
Miss Ming Shan asked, not bothering to hide her annoyance.

“Ah? What’s wrong? I lost my memory yesterday. Whatever you say, I don’t understand.”
Zheng Odd smiled, his eyes nearly closed.

“You forgot about getting beaten yesterday? Your clothes were burned.”
Li Changlu reminded him mischievously.

“Oh, you mean when I ate the flatbread yesterday? Hahaha, I’d forgotten. The flatbread tasted great, really enjoyed it.”
“Aha, lately I’ve been losing my memory. Damn amnesia! What were you saying again?”
Zheng Odd replied, covering his mouth and giggling, completely off-topic.

Li Changlu was dumbfounded...

I’m talking about your clothes getting burned...

How strong is your ability to fill in the blanks?
Amnesia is one thing, but must you be so dramatic?

And...

Why are you pulling out a sword as tall as a man?
Who are you threatening?

Can’t you at least have some self-awareness about getting beaten?

“Oh ho, right, we’re short-handed today. Little demon, come help me serve the dishes.”
Zheng Odd squinted at Li Changlu.

Li Changlu was amused...

I’m already working for free as your fire-stoker...

Now you want me to be your runner too...

Is bullying me addictive?

No way, I’d rather die than go...

Yet...

Li Changlu, smiling, picked up a plate of food...

Grinning, he walked out of the kitchen...

With a sword as tall as a man hovering behind him.

The feeling of being coerced was so...

Exciting...

The tavern hall was bustling.

On this day every month, all the monsters gathered to indulge in food and reap the rewards of their completed tasks.

As usual, monsters of every kind, in strange attire and from every race, filled the Eight Immortals tables.

Everyone chatted away...

Some recounted their task adventures with gusto...

Others demonstrated their newly learned techniques, smashing stones on their chests...

Still others bragged, only to be pinned and rubbed against the table...

The tavern was alive with laughter and chatter, men and women alike.

Li Changlu, carrying food and drink, wove through the crowd of monsters. All eyes were drawn to him.

A group of monsters whispered, pointing at Li Changlu.

“Look, that’s the demon-human. It’s him...”

“It’s really him...?”

“How could it be him?”

“It’s him, it’s him, it’s definitely him...”