Chapter Sixty-Six: Demon Spice Barbecue

In the end, “The Weaver of Dreams” was auctioned off for a staggering seven million and one hundred thousand magic crystals, stirring up a new wave of excitement. Unfortunately, the next few lots, while undeniably rare and precious, paled in comparison to the weight and significance of the previous two. During this time, Elton placed a bid on a massive meteorite. He seemed to be cultivating some kind of spell, as a circle of starlight shimmered around him, waxing and waning with the ebb and flow of his emotions.

The screen in their box, made of some unknown material, rendered the displayed items with astonishing realism. Whether alchemical tools or raw materials, every inch of detail was perfectly visible, satisfying Qi Xiao’s curiosity and delight.

When the twelfth lot was claimed by a sorcerer in another box, the auction entered its intermission.

Arthur, drowsy and listless, teetered on his chair, nearly asleep. Soon, a knock on the door startled him awake. Rubbing his eyes, he rose to open it.

A servant wheeled in a dining cart and, at Elton’s gesture, left it behind before bowing out of the room.

The four official sorcerers showed no interest in the meal, leaving it all for the apprentices. Anna eagerly lifted the silver covers, releasing a swirl of fragrant steam.

At the center of the cart was the Emerald Dragon-tongue Fish, the main course, artfully arranged on a transparent crystal platter, surrounded by edible Lingling flowers and aromatic herbs. On either side were Flame Phoenix Wings and Enchanted Roast, displayed in perfect symmetry.

At the front stood a bowl of Soul Mushroom Soup, kept warm by a magical stone beneath it, with a basket of croutons and herbs set nearby.

At the rear was the Dream Salad, a vibrant mound of fresh vegetables and berries in a crystal bowl, garnished with edible petals in a riot of colors.

The very front of the cart was reserved for desserts—a dazzling array of confections, each like a small work of art, arranged on delicate plates to tempt the eye.

To one side, a small beverage station offered drinks and spirits to match the dishes: Elven Spring Wine, Dragon’s Breath Liquor, and Moonshadow Mead, all neatly placed on a silver tray.

There were also a variety of side dishes, though the ingredients were less luxurious—delicious, certainly, but lacking any particular magical effect.

Qi Xiao cut a small piece of the Enchanted Roast and, with care, brought it to his lips. Instantly, juices burst across his tongue, the succulent meat and spices weaving together in a symphony of flavor. The roast’s golden, crisp skin gave way to tender, juicy flesh within; each bite was a tantalizing delight.

Qi Xiao could not identify the exact beast from which the meat came, but it was surely a magical creature. The roast was seasoned with a medley of rare magical herbs, which not only enhanced the flavor but imparted a unique magical aura as well.

With each chew, he felt the magic within the meat slowly unfurl in his mouth, a warmth and pleasure spreading through him as though magic itself was wrapping around his body. With just a single bite, he absorbed almost as much magic as he would have gained from an hour of meditation.

Qi Xiao ate heartily, soon discovering that the deeper into the roast he cut, the softer and more melt-in-the-mouth the meat became. The exquisite juices filled his mouth, making each bite more indulgent than the last.

He praised the food inwardly even as he continued eating, but the sense of fullness was overwhelming—after just one serving, he was nearly sated.

He reached for a bottle of wine at random, reading the label: Elven Spring Wine. Uncorking it, a fresh, fruity aroma mingled with subtle floral notes and the scent of wine filled the air, as though he stood in an orchard in spring.

It proved to be a fruit wine. He poured a small glass, the pale golden liquid swirling gently, sparkling like spring water.

He took a sip—Elven Spring Wine was soft and delicate on the palate, blending flavors of apple, pear, and berries. Sweet but never cloying, with just the right touch of acidity. The wine’s contained magic danced on his tongue, infusing him with a bright and refreshing energy.

The crispness of the wine was the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the Enchanted Roast, balancing its fattiness and adding another layer to the meal.

He regretted not drinking the wine alongside the roast, but even though the meat was so filling, he could not resist a few more sips, finally filling his stomach completely. Since arriving in this world, it was the first time he had eaten so well.

Looking up, he saw Arthur gnawing on an enormous, wing-like piece of meat—a sight best avoided.

No one touched the Emerald Dragon-tongue Fish at the center; its rarity was well known, each fish costing at least a thousand magic crystals. None of the apprentices dared take the first slice.

But food was meant to be eaten, after all. Qi Xiao, unbothered, picked up the carving knife and, with deft skill, divided the fish into four even portions. Taking his share, he couldn’t resist tasting a piece, though he was already full.

Prepared from freshly caught Dragon-tongue Fish, the dish gleamed with a jade-green luster. The flesh was delicate, paired with a special herb sauce, shimmering with a captivating glow as if it held the vitality of nature and the rolling waves of the sea.

Qi Xiao studied the thin slice balanced on his knife. The fish’s fine grain was as exquisite as a work of art—each piece as thin as a cicada’s wing, translucent with a faint green tint.

Its aroma unfolded in layers: first a fresh ocean breeze, followed by subtle hints of herbs and lemon, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Placing the morsel in his mouth, he found the fish astonishingly tender, almost dissolving on his tongue and releasing a pure, sea-fresh savor.

Fortunately, Dragon-tongue Fish brought little sense of fullness. Qi Xiao felt as though his whole body was enveloped by the ocean, his mind gently massaged into utter comfort.

He reclined contentedly in his seat, now folded flat into a bed. He was not normally a glutton, but the food here was both delicious and imbued with special effects—truly irresistible.

If this was the result of an ordinary apprentice of the culinary arts, he could scarcely imagine how a legendary gourmet sorcerer’s creations might challenge the senses. As he recalled scenes from films about such legendary figures, Qi Xiao drifted into pleasant reverie.