A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 351 The God of Food's Abode

In the dense forest southeast of Yunmeng Marsh, the Immortal of Wine faced eight skilled fighters alone, while Helian Ba ​​stood aside to watch. Although the Immortal of Wine had killed eight people earlier, he had also been stabbed several times and his palm strikes had been distracted. Although he was still incredibly powerful, in Helian Ba's eyes, the Immortal of Wine was already at his limit.

"Once you've run out of your 'Overlord Wine,' let's see what kind of arrogance you can still display."

Helian Ba ​​snorted coldly in his heart, slowly gathering power in his right hand, ready to strike the Immortal of Wine at any moment.

At this moment, the Immortal of Wine felt his true energy was running low. He mustered his last bit of strength and threw a punch downwards. The powerful force of the punch swept in all directions, and the eight people who attacked were immediately knocked back. Just then, a palm suddenly struck the Immortal of Wine in the chest. The latter's face turned pale. When he saw that the person who came was Helian Ba, he roared and his energy surged, forcibly forcing Helian Ba ​​back.

Before the crowd could surround him again, the Immortal of Wine uncorked the gourd, raised it, tilted his head back, and swallowed the last of the Overlord Wine. Helian Ba ​​was not surprised but delighted. He gave an order, and the eight men charged forward again, fearless of death.

"Overlord Fist!"

The Immortal of Wine drank the Overlord Wine to the last drop, his aura surged, his face turned as red as blood, and with a shout, he swept his fist outward. The eight men couldn't react in time, their weapons broke, and with a few soft thuds, six of them were first injured by the broken blades, and then their bodies were blasted by the fist's force. After a few screams, they exploded into a rain of blood, which fell down and dyed the surrounding area for about ten feet red.

"Good boxing skills!"

Helian Ba ​​waved for the two who had narrowly escaped to step aside, clapped his hands at the Wine Immortal, and sincerely praised him.

"I absolutely must obtain this Overlord Wine. With it, I can cultivate my Shadow Clone Technique to the ninth level. At that time, I will have no fear of the likes of Guan Yutian and Sword Master."

Helian Ba ​​stared intently at the Drunken Immortal, whose aura was surging. His figure moved instantly, and phantoms flew out one after another. Soon, the surrounding area was filled with Helian Ba's phantom clones, all of whom attacked the Drunken Immortal with their palms.

"Shadow Clone!"

The Immortal of Wine's expression changed. This clone, Helian Ba, had actually cultivated to such a level that he couldn't distinguish between the real body and the illusion at all. Seeing the illusory clone rushing towards him, the Immortal of Wine didn't hesitate. He swept his fist force across, and in an instant, the dozen or so illusions that were acting as the vanguard were instantly destroyed. However, Helian Ba, who was hidden among them, snorted coldly. Then the illusion split again to fill the gap and continued to rush forward. Now he still had 80% of his power remaining. Even if he was trapped, he could wear the Immortal of Wine down to death.

"Once the effects of your Overlord Wine wear off, that will be your end."

The Immortal of Wine relentlessly attacked the phantoms with his fists, shattering them one after another. Although he appeared to be incredibly powerful, as time went on, the effects of the Overlord Wine gradually dissipated, and his stamina waned. The space he had originally intended to use shrank continuously, while the number of Helian Ba's clones on the other side increased. From the sky, it looked as if the Immortal of Wine was almost completely surrounded by dozens of Helian Bas. No matter how domineering his fists were, he could not break free from the predicament.

"Helian Ba ​​is trying to exhaust my true energy and capture me alive. No, I would rather die than fall into Helian Ba's hands."

With his internal energy completely depleted, the Wine Immortal sensed the increasing pressure from the outside world. His expression turned serious for a moment, then hardened as he mustered the remaining energy in his body, preparing to self-destruct. But at that moment, a palm wind suddenly appeared from nowhere, attacking the Wine Immortal's right hand. The Wine Immortal hurriedly turned around and threw a punch to meet it head-on. But the instant his fist and palm collided, the Wine Immortal was horrified to realize that the source of the palm wind was actually an illusion.

With a loud "bang," a palm struck Jiu Zhongxian squarely in the chest. Jiu Zhongxian's internal energy dissipated, and he was sent flying, crashing to the ground. Before he could get up, his acupoints were sealed, and two steel knives were placed against his neck.

"To make me pay such a high price, Immortal of Wine, you have every reason to be proud, haha, take me away!"

Helian Ba's arrogant words caused the Immortal of Wine to completely faint. After cleaning up the battlefield, Helian Ba ​​and the other two quickly left with the Immortal of Wine, leaving only freshly washed soil and a faint smell of blood.

Several days later, Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi appeared. As soon as Sai Huatuo arrived, he sniffed the air and his expression suddenly changed. He hurriedly ran inside, and Sai Xishi followed him.

"Old man, what have you found?"

Seeing Sai Huatuo's solemn expression, Sai Xishi couldn't help but approach and ask.

"Although it has been treated, there is still a trace of blood in the air, and it is not from beasts, but from humans."

Sai Huatuo replied and started walking in one direction. Sai Xishi's expression changed upon hearing this. Yunmengze was usually a deserted place. In recent days, besides the couple, only the Wine Immortal had appeared here. According to the old man, could it be that something had happened to the Wine Immortal?

On the other side, Sai Huatuo stood still, looking at the ground covered with withered leaves. He waved his hand, and a gust of wind blew them away, revealing the black ground. He took out a porcelain bottle with the words "Xianzhen Powder" written on it from his bag, uncorked it, and poured it onto the ground. A shower of white particles fell, and the moment they touched the ground, blood suddenly gushed out from the black ground, startling Sai Xishi, who had just approached to watch.

"Old man, this!"

Sai Xishi's expression changed drastically, and her bad premonition was indeed confirmed.

"The Immortal of Wine is likely doomed." Sai Huatuo sighed softly and put away the porcelain bottle.

"Is it possible to tell who did this?" Sai Xishi thought angrily. Anyone who dared to oppose the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust must be someone of great importance.

"The blood energy is already weak, and we can't see the trick. However, there are only a few people in the martial arts world who can capture the Immortal of Wine in such a short time: Guan Yutian, Helian Ba, Sword Master, and Master Sixin. As for whether there are any in secret, we don't know. But we can investigate these people in the open and test them one by one. We will surely find out the clues."

Sai Huatuo already had a guess in his mind. Guan Yutian was always proud and extraordinary, and would not lower himself to do such a lowly thing. Sword Master and Master Sixin, one did not leave Sword Forging City and the other had lived in Sixin Sect for a long time. Moreover, the two had no grudges or interests with Immortal of Wine. After this investigation, it could only be Helian Ba.

However, Sai Huatuo knew that Sai Xishi was always outspoken, and if she accidentally revealed it, it might attract Helian Ba's attention. He would then decide to take her down, and the two of them wouldn't be able to withstand his distraction.

“Old man, let’s go to the Supreme Alliance first. Yiyi’s Food God’s House has just opened, so let’s go and support her.”

“Alright, Yiyi’s Food God’s Abode attracts guests from all directions. Perhaps we can find out some information from there. Let’s go.”

Sai Huatuo nodded upon hearing this, and then led Sai Xishi out of Yunmengze, sailing south. After several days of travel, they finally docked at Linjiang Wharf. The moment the two appeared, they were spotted by the people of the Supreme Alliance.

"The arrival of Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi, the Three Heroes of the Wind and Dust, at the headquarters of my Supreme Alliance is quite interesting. We should keep an eye on them and see what they're up to."

Inside the main hall of the Supreme Alliance, a tall, handsome young man in fine clothes with a sword at his waist listened to his subordinate's report. His eyes flashed with a sharp light. This man was Ren Qianxing, the vice leader of the Supreme Alliance and the only direct disciple of Guan Yutian. After Guan Yutian went into seclusion, he took charge of the alliance's mundane affairs.

"I obey my orders."

Just after the subordinate left, Ren Qianxing's confidant rushed in. Upon seeing this, Ren Qianxing asked in a deep voice, "What happened?"

The confidant looked around, and Ren Qianxing immediately understood. He waved to the others in the hall, and after everyone else had left, Ren Qianxing said, "You can speak now."

"Master, Master Sima harbors treacherous intentions!"

After the confidant finished speaking, Ren Qianxing was startled and his expression changed slightly, but he quickly calmed down and asked the confidant, "Do you have any conclusive evidence?"

"Yes, Master Sima has deposited 50,000 taels of silver in each of the Jubao Money Shop, Sihai Money Shop, and Tongyue Money Shop. However, given his salary, he shouldn't have so much wealth. I dare not alert him. I cannot obtain the details of those financial transactions for the time being."

Ren Qianxing nodded upon hearing this. These three major banks also had some background. Although the Supreme Alliance was powerful in the Jiangnan martial arts world, the power behind those merchants was not to be underestimated. The Supreme Alliance had to tolerate them to some extent in certain places. Unless the master went there in person, no one could access the details of private financial transactions.

However, in Ren Qianxing's view, it was enough to know that Sima Tian's large amount of wealth was of unknown origin, which would prove that he had ulterior motives, and no one would question him even if he followed the alliance rules.

"Have someone keep a close eye on Sima Tian to see who he is in contact with. Report back immediately if there is any news. Do not act rashly."

"Yes, Hall Master."

"Go down." Ren Qianxing waved his hand, and the confidant bowed and turned to leave the main hall.

"Sima Tian, ​​humph!"

Ren Qianxing's eyes flashed coldly. This Sima Tian was the head of the Azure Dragon Hall of the Supreme Alliance, and he had always been at odds with his own White Tiger Hall. Although this man's martial arts were slightly inferior to his own, he had a group of elders supporting him, which was why he was able to firmly hold the position of the first hall leader of the Supreme Alliance.

Now that I have such a big handle on him, if it is found to be true, I will make sure he is severely punished, even if he doesn't die. Anyone who dares to oppose me will not have a good ending.

"Oh right, Yiyi's Food God Restaurant opened today, I almost forgot." Ren Qianxing was excited when he thought of Liu Yiyi finally opening a restaurant in the Supreme Alliance. The story of their connection can be traced back to that braised lion's head.

"I'm going out for a while. You all guard the palace gates and don't let anyone in, understand? Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

Ren Qianxing left the main hall, looked at the sun high in the sky, solemnly instructed the dozen or so subordinates guarding outside the hall, then left the main hall, left the Supreme Alliance, and walked onto Furong Street. When he arrived in the middle of the street, he heard a burst of firecrackers not far away, as well as the sound of gongs and drums.

He quickly walked around the crowd, and from the white smoke came a brand-new, luxuriously decorated three-story restaurant into Ren Qianxing's eyes. On the restaurant's plaque were three powerful, gilded characters:
Food God Residence

At the entrance, a figure in white was greeting guests with a clear and melodious voice, like a nightingale. Upon hearing this voice, Ren Qianxing felt all his fatigue vanish, a smile spreading across his face as he headed towards the restaurant. Just then, a hidden weapon suddenly pierced through the air, its target none other than Liu Yiyi. Without a second thought, Ren Qianxing leaped into the air, drew his sword, and slashed. With a clang, the hidden weapon was cut in two and fell to the ground. The previously noisy crowd fell silent instantly, then scattered with a clatter.

Liu Yiyi also came to her senses at this moment. She turned around and watched Ren Qianxing run away and disappear in the blink of an eye. After a moment's thought, Liu Yiyi gave an order to the shop assistant beside her and then used her lightness skill to chase after him in the same direction.

"Where did this little thief come from, daring to run wild in the territory of the Supreme Alliance? He's got a death wish!"

Ren Qianxing looked at the figure in front of him, roared, drew his sword and slashed. A sword light flew away. The person in front seemed to be prepared. He calmly dodged to the side. His nimble body twirled in the air in a "Z" shape. At the same time, a dense swarm of black needles shot towards Ren Qianxing. The latter's expression changed slightly upon seeing this.

"Thousand Feather Flying Needles!"

He hurriedly sheathed his sword and turned around, a ball of sword light firmly protecting himself. The thousand feather flying needles arrived in an instant, the clanging sound was incessant. When the attack subsided, the sword light flashed and swept away the remaining flying needles, but the person who released the hidden weapon had already disappeared.

"These Thousand Feather Flying Needles were made by the Poison Sect. They are extremely precious and few exist in the world. Since this person can possess such a thing, his status and position must be very high. Just who is he?"

Ren Qianxing landed, reached out and sucked up the few intact flying needles left on the ground. Noticing footsteps behind him, Ren Qianxing turned around and saw that it was Liu Yiyi. He couldn't help but show a happy expression.

"Yiyi, what brings you here? What happened at the Food God's Restaurant..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi said, "That person was clearly coming for me. I was a little worried about you, so I chased after him. Old Wu is at the Food God's Residence, so nothing will go wrong for the time being. How are you? Are you hurt?"

Hearing Liu Yiyi's worried voice, Ren Qianxing felt a warm current in his heart. He then shook his head and said, "That person used the Thousand Feather Flying Needles to cut off our retreat. I was caught off guard and he escaped."

"Thousand Feather Flying Needles!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi's expression changed. After seeing that Ren Qianxing had no wounds, she breathed a sigh of relief. The Thousand Feather Flying Needle was the Poison Sect's ultimate weapon. Even a top-notch expert would die instantly from poisoning if stabbed by it.

"This person possesses the Thousand Feather Flying Needles, so he must be no nobody. If he fails to achieve his goal, he will surely come back again. With this in mind, I, Liu Yiyi, am not someone to be trifled with."

"Yiyi, don't worry. This is the first time something like this has happened in the territory of the Supreme Alliance. With me here, I will absolutely not let anyone harm a single hair on your head. I promise!"

Ren Qianxing held up three fingers to the sky, which made Liu Yiyi chuckle. The laughter was so loud that Ren Qianxing almost lost his bearings.

"You're always like this. Alright, I've prepared your favorite braised lion's head meatballs. They won't taste good when they're cold. Let's go."

Liu Yiyi greeted Ren Qianxing, who replied with a smile and happily followed Liu Yiyi back to Shishenju. They went up to the second floor, sat by the window, and after the waiter served tea and snacks, Liu Yiyi poured Ren Qianxing a glass of water.

"I'll go to the kitchen to cook first. You have a glass of water first, it'll be ready soon."

"Ah."

Ren Qianxing took the teacup from Liu Yiyi, watched her leave, and then took a small sip, finding the tea sweeter than usual.

Just as Ren Qianxing was waiting, looking idly at the pedestrians on the street, his eyes suddenly narrowed as he saw Sai Huatuo and his wife appear at the entrance of the Food God's Residence.

"Could these two be here specifically to find Yiyi?" Ren Qianxing's pupils shrank. The identities of these two were far too sensitive, and he did not want Yiyi to be associated with them.

"If you drag Yiyi into this mess, I, Ren Qianxing, will never let you get away with it!"

Outside the Food God's Residence, Sai Xishi pointed to the plaque and said, "Old man, we've arrived at the Food God's Residence."

"Yes, let's go in quickly. This is the territory of the Supreme Alliance, so we should be careful and avoid causing any trouble."

Sai Huatuo looked around, and then the two of them entered the Food God's Residence together. When the waiter saw the guests come in, he immediately went up to them in a warm manner. Before he could speak, the old man opposite him waved his hand.

"I'm looking for your restaurant owner, the female food goddess Liu Yiyi. I'll tell her that a patron of the night has arrived."

The shop assistant was taken aback upon hearing this. He glanced at Sai Huatuo and Sai Xishi from head to toe. Although they were dressed plainly, they had an extraordinary air about them and knew his boss's name. He dared not be negligent and led the two to a bright table, brewed a pot of tea, and then went to the counter to inform the accountant.

"These two might not be acquaintances of the boss. You stay here and keep an eye on things. I'll be right back."

The accountant glanced at Sai Huatuo and his wife, then turned and went into the kitchen. Inside, steam rose and the aroma was enticing. The accountant walked toward the special stove reserved for Liu Yiyi.

Liu Yiyi was currently completing the last step of making braised lion's head meatballs. The accountant dared not disturb her and waited quietly to the side. After a short while, Liu Yiyi poured the thickening sauce evenly over the lion's head meatballs, washed her hands, and, holding the milky white porcelain plate, said to the accountant beside her, "Old Wu, what's the matter?"

"Boss, two guests just came by. They said they wanted to see you, and that they were 'guests of the night'."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi's eyes lit up. She nodded, said "I understand," and then carried the plate out of the kitchen, rushing up to the second floor.

"You've been waiting impatiently, haven't you? Hurry up and eat it while it's hot, here you go

Liu Yiyi placed the porcelain plate containing the lion's head on the table, took a pair of wooden chopsticks from the chopstick holder, wiped them with a handkerchief, and handed them to Ren Qianxing.

Ren Qianxing took the wooden chopsticks, looked at Liu Yiyi, picked up a piece of the lion's head from the porcelain plate, and slowly savored it.

"Qianxing, I have guests downstairs. You eat first."

Liu Yiyi didn't wait for Ren Qianxing's reply and went downstairs decisively. Ren Qianxing, who was enjoying the lion's head meatballs, suddenly changed his expression, and the originally delicious meatballs became tasteless.

"Why didn't you two tell me beforehand so I could have been prepared?"

When Liu Yiyi saw Sai Huatuo and his wife, she hurriedly walked over. Sai Huatuo and his wife were also delighted to see Liu Yiyi.

"We just happened to come and check it out when we heard you opened Shishenju here. How have you been lately?"

Sai Xishi pulled Liu Yiyi down to sit, showering her with concern and warmth. Liu Yiyi felt a surge of warmth in her heart and replied, "I'm doing well. How have you two been lately, seniors?"

"Alas, the two of us are on good terms, but the Immortal of Wine is in a rather unfortunate situation."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiyi was immediately startled and hurriedly asked, "What's wrong, Senior Wine Immortal?"

Seeing Liu Yiyi's anxious appearance, Sai Huatuo recounted what had happened in detail. Finally, Sai Huatuo said, "Yiyi, your Food God's Abode attracts guests from all directions and has a good network of information. Could you find some clues from there?"

(End of this chapter)