Chapter 107 Breakfast
"Two mortal empires? Hmmm… I love the sound of that, Uncle Gideon. I'm sure the other elders are occupied, so I'll take the sect mission myself," Riley volunteered, his eyes gleaming with interest.
There were no pressing matters that required his attention, and this mission seemed like the perfect opportunity to leave his mark on the world.
Being popular was one thing, but true influence came from action, from making tangible changes that shaped the course of history.
He wasn't just here to bask in admiration—he was here to make a difference.
The sect master frowned slightly, his brows knitting together in concern.
"Are you certain, Young Master Riley? In my opinion, this mission is beneath someone of your status. It would be more fitting for another elder to handle such a task."
Riley merely smiled, unfazed by the remark.
"I beg to differ, Uncle Gideon. I see this as a valuable learning experience. I'm still young, after all, and I've spent my entire life within the safety of the sect. If I truly wish to grow, I need to step outside these walls and experience the world for myself."
The sect master hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable as he studied Riley. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally nodded.
"Very well. If that is your wish, Young Master Riley, then I shall not stop you. May this journey bring you the wisdom you seek."
Riley inclined his head respectfully before turning on his heel and striding out of the chamber, the thrill of adventure already buzzing in his veins. He had barely taken a few steps when—
"BEEEEEEEEEEE!"
A small, round creature hurtled toward him, bouncing excitedly across the floor before flinging itself at his legs.
Fluffy, his ever-hungry companion, practically vibrated with energy, its tiny paws clawing at his robes in demand.
Riley let out an amused sigh.
"Settle down, Fluffy. There will be food later, I promise."
At his words, the little orange furball stopped its frenzied movements and instead gazed up at him with large, pleading eyes. Riley nearly groaned.
Fluffy had perfected this expression—it was an undeniable weapon, capable of melting even the coldest hearts.
"You're getting too good at that look," he muttered, crouching down to scratch behind its ears.
"Fine, I'll get you something to eat soon. But you better not cause trouble while I'm gone."
Fluffy let out a satisfied chirp before nuzzling against his palm. Riley shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips.
If raising a spirit beast was already this exhausting, he couldn't even imagine what it was like raising an actual child. Fluffy was, in many ways, just like one—only a million times more gluttonous.
With his mischievous companion now momentarily pacified, Riley straightened up and turned his gaze toward the horizon. A new journey awaited him, and he intended to make the most of it.
They spent the night at the sect, and, as expected, Riley indulged in the company of his girlfriends—one at a time.
Despite his playful suggestions, none of them were willing to share a bed together, leaving him with no choice but to visit each of their chambers in turn. It was an exhausting yet thoroughly enjoyable night.
Fortunately, with a devoted bedwarmer and a diligent maid attending to his needs, everything was well taken care of.
By the time dawn broke, Riley had yet to sleep—not that he needed it.
His cultivation base had long since freed him from such mortal limitations. Instead of feeling fatigued, he was refreshed, his body practically buzzing with energy.
As he made his way to the dining hall, his stomach rumbled in anticipation. A long night of pleasure was best followed by a feast, and Riley was more than ready to indulge.
The servants had outdone themselves, preparing an extravagant spread fit for royalty.
Plump roasted meats glistened with juices, steaming bowls of fragrant rice sat beside baskets of freshly baked bread, and golden platters were laden with fruits so ripe they practically burst with sweetness.
The moment Riley laid eyes on the feast, his lips curled into a grin.
He wasted no time, digging in with enthusiasm. His chopsticks moved with lightning speed, piling food into his mouth as though he had been starved for days.
The rich flavors exploded on his tongue, and he couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh.
But just as he was about to reach for another dish—
"BEEEEEEEEEEE!"
A familiar high-pitched cry echoed through the hall.
Riley turned just in time to see Fluffy—a small, round, orange creature—barrel straight toward the table, its tiny paws already outstretched.
The little glutton landed on a plate of dumplings, stuffing its face without a moment's hesitation. Within seconds, half of the plate had disappeared.
Riley raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Feeling competitive today, are we?"
Fluffy responded with another enthusiastic chirp, barely pausing in its relentless eating spree.
A slow grin spread across Riley's face. "Fine, let's see who can eat more."
With that, the competition officially began.
Servants and disciples watched in stunned horror as their esteemed Elder Riley engaged in a fierce eating battle against a tiny, fluffy creature. Dishes disappeared at an alarming rate.
Bowls were emptied before they could even be refilled. Plates were stacked and cleared away within moments, only to be replaced by more food that vanished just as quickly.
The once elegant dining hall had turned into a battlefield.
"Quickly, bring in the rest of the food!"
"Cook faster! We need more hands in the kitchen—get more servants to help!"
"Move it! If I catch anyone slacking, I'll personally kick your butts!" an elder bellowed, his face red with both exertion and frustration.
The kitchen staff scrambled in panic. They had always known Riley possessed an enormous appetite, but now, with this strange, insatiable furball competing against him, they were utterly unprepared for the sheer volume of food being devoured.
"The meat! Where's the meat?!"
"Someone fetch more rice—we're running out!"
"Who let them eat the dessert already?! That was supposed to be last!"