Chapter 40: The Group Members' First Meeting
Upon meeting, everyone quickly became familiar with each other. Shi Jian and Xiao Yan needed no introduction, as their uploaded videos from testing the chat group's functions already introduced them to everyone. The others quickly got acquainted as well: Meng Qi was a bald monk, Lin Dong an uncultured young man with a wild spirit, Yang Qi youthful and spirited, while Fang Han appeared slightly more mature. Without formal introductions, they simply sensed and recognized each other.
In addition, Fang Han and Xiao Yan introduced their companions, Yan and Yao Lao, respectively. Lin Dong also had a Lord Diao, though he had not yet awakened.
After everyone had introduced themselves, Shi Jian led them into Stone Village: "This is the Great Wilderness. Our civilization here exists in the form of tribes, so there aren't many grand places to entertain you. Please forgive any lack of hospitality!"
Everyone was initially curious, surveying the environment of Stone Village. Upon hearing Shi Jian's words, they all waved their hands, saying, "It's fine, our offline gathering is simply to get to know each other!" Naturally, no one minded such a small matter.
The people of Stone Village eagerly greeted Shi Jian upon his return. "These are my friends. They'll be staying in Stone Village for a day or two. Everyone, please help me entertain them well!" Shi Jian announced, setting down the Vicious Beast he carried, then called out to the people of Stone Village. The villagers were surprised; Little Stone had made friends outside? That was indeed a rare occurrence. Their surprise quickly turned into enthusiastic welcome, as Shi Jian's friends were naturally Stone Village's friends.
The old village chief promptly ordered the large cauldron, previously used to boil Shi Hao, to be brought over. He instructed them to cut and cook the essence of the Cave Heaven Realm Vicious Beast inside. Shi Jian then took out a few lesser Vicious Beasts from the chat group's storage and gave them to the old village chief.
The people of Stone Village also processed these Vicious Beasts, then set up large pots for boiling. Various strange Spirit Medicine were added, while another portion of meat was skewered and grilled over a fire. Each household also prepared their signature dishes and unique delicacies of the Great Wilderness, making the entire village resemble a festive food party.
Fang Han and the others were immediately touched by the warm hospitality of the Stone Village people. Soon, the Vicious Beast meat in the bronze cauldron began to glow as it cooked, shimmering with colorful light in the boiling water, and its aroma filled the air! The meat stewed until tender, its essence blood transforming into a radiant glow, blending into the rich broth. This unique Great Wilderness cooking method, similar to decocting Precious Medicine but with a slightly lower utilization rate of the Vicious Beast's precious blood, was akin to medicinal cuisine. The taste was absolutely superb.
"Everyone, please try the unique delicacies of my Great Wilderness…" Shi Jian invited everyone. He then scooped out a piece of Vicious Beast meat and took a bite. The meat melted in his mouth, and golden juice erupted in his oral cavity, like burning flames!
"Then I won't be polite!" Xiao Yan, equally unreserved, grabbed a stone spoon and began scooping meat from the bronze cauldron. The others followed suit, eating heartily. This primitive cooking method indeed offered a unique flavor.
Not long after, Meng Qi, who had the weakest strength, ate with a flushed face. The old village chief had also added some Precious Medicine to the cauldron, which naturally had nourishing effects. "What strong medicinal efficacy…" Meng Qi felt streams of essence Qi continuously strengthening his body, sweating profusely as he ate. He finally understood why Shi Jian had invited him to cultivate in this world before. If he could eat this Vicious Beast meat daily, his Cultivation would surely advance by leaps and bounds.
"So fragrant, the texture of the Vicious Beast meat in your world is simply amazing!" Xiao Yan swallowed large mouthfuls, the golden broth flowing, its intoxicating aroma making his bones tingle. The nourishing effect wasn't as strong for him, but after suffering much while searching for different flames, he finally had a chance to relax and eat well, naturally savoring the taste!
Yang Qi, Fang Han, and Lin Dong also ate with great delight. The children of Stone Village joined the feast too, though they could only manage a few bites before feeling too full to move. If the meat's essence blood were absorbed, they could take in more, but eating it directly quickly filled them up. Only Shi Hao ate the most.
One large pot was quickly emptied. The old village chief waved his hand, and another pot of well-cooked Vicious Beast meat was brought up. The few of them ate from noon until evening. After eating the stewed Vicious Beast meat, they then had barbecue. During this time, Xiao Yan even showed off his grilling skills. After the meal, everyone felt incredibly full. The people of Stone Village had limited digestive capabilities, so most of the food was consumed by Fang Han and the others. The only exception was Shi Hao, who also ate with an oily mouth, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"What the heck is this little guy? He eats more than I do…" Meng Qi looked at Shi Hao in surprise. He felt so humiliated. His strength in the group was inferior, so it was understandable if he couldn't digest too much Vicious Beast meat. But why did Shi Hao, a three or four-year-old child, eat more than him? Could it be that he couldn't even compare to a child? The other group members also looked at Shi Hao upon hearing this.
Shi Hao, unaware of the discussion, held a milk pot and drank milk. After feasting on stewed Vicious Beast meat, then barbecue, and finally beast milk, Shi Hao felt as if his life had reached its peak.
"This child is extraordinary… His body seems to contain a very powerful force!" Yan revealed his form. He and Yao Lao had been hidden earlier in Stone Village, reappearing now that most villagers had dispersed.
"Good insight…" Shi Jian looked at Yan in surprise. For him to discern the abnormality within Shi Hao's body, even across different worlds, showed Yan had some skill.
"Shi Hao's Physique is extraordinary. He originally had a Supreme Bone within his body, but it was later dug out!" Shi Jian explained. "The Supreme Bone is a special Physique in my world. You know that my world emphasizes the power of runes, and some people are born with a bone covered in runes, which eventually grants its owner a Precious Art. Its possessor, with the power of this Supreme Bone, can rival ancient Divine Beasts. Anyone with this bone is destined to become a Human Race Supreme. Furthermore, the Supreme Bone also has abilities such as healing injuries and and enhancing resistance."
"Hiss… That sounds pretty awesome!" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up upon hearing this. A Supreme Bone sounded extraordinary.
"Special Physique?" Yang Qi was surprised. Special Physiques also existed in his world. Those with them had an inherent advantage in the Dao of Cultivation. His enemy, Yun Hailan, was recruited as a Core Disciple of the Heavenly Mandate Academy precisely because she possessed a special Physique. No wonder this child, at such a young age, could eat so much.
"What does 'dug out' mean? Can this Supreme Bone even be transplanted to others?" Meng Qi also asked in surprise.
"The Supreme Bone can be transplanted to others and can undergo Nirvana rebirth. Shi Hao's Supreme Bone was dug out and transplanted to someone else!" Shi Jian responded calmly.
"A bone-digging vendetta? Who has such deep hatred for Shi Hao?" The group became indignant. None of them were individuals who would resort to any means for Cultivation, so they naturally disdained acts like digging out and seizing bones, especially from a child. With such conduct, even with a Supreme Bone, how could one become a Supreme?
"This matter is a bit complicated, but Shi Hao is a protagonist just like you, so you don't need to worry about him!"
"Is he also a fellow Transmigrator?" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He then looked at Shi Hao, who was holding a milk pot, and shook his head. From his appearance, it was clear that he wasn't a fellow Transmigrator, but rather an indigenous protagonist, just like Yang Qi and the others.
"Can someone this old who still drinks milk also be a protagonist in a story?" Xiao Yan shifted his attention to another aspect.
Shi Jian rolled his eyes upon hearing this. "If you, who start with three years, can be a protagonist, why can't someone who just hasn't weaned be a protagonist?"
"Cough cough! What are you talking about, what are you talking about? I was just too excited when I Broke through to the Dou Practitioner Realm, alright? It wasn't intentional!" Xiao Yan immediately felt guilty.
"No, Xiao Yan, did you really do that? I'm going to call the police and have you arrested!" With the phrase "starts with three years," Meng Qi immediately understood its meaning. He righteously denounced Xiao Yan. "Damn it. I'm also a Transmigrator, but I'm still a monk in Shaolin Temple, unable to touch meat or alcohol. And Xiao Yan had already indulged?"
"It's not what you think… I didn't do anything!" Xiao Yan quickly cried out in injustice, stating that he was just an honest person.
The others were somewhat confused. Although they didn't fully understand the meaning, they knew this was likely Xiao Yan's dark history. Was Xiao Yan's life really that exciting? The Three-Year Agreement was one thing, but now these strange things were added. They couldn't help but feel their lives weren't as exciting as Xiao Yan's!