Chef God of the Wuxia and Fantasy World

“That’s really impressive,” Empress Zhangsun said with a smile. “And judging from her expression, she seems to have resigned herself to her fate.”

"What can you do if you don't accept your fate?" Ling Chi asked with a smile. "Her master and junior sister are here, and she has good food and drink every day. It's much better than eating kimchi all day in Goguryeo."

Empress Changsun covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "If we're only comparing the delicacies of Peach Blossom Island, even the emperor of the Sui Dynasty is not much different from the common people."

"There's no need for such flattery among our own people." Ling Chi smiled slightly and said, "Speaking of which, I did help my brother-in-law solve a minor problem this time."

"Oh?" Empress Zhangsun's bright eyes were filled with curiosity.

I killed the two dragons, clearing away the biggest obstacle for my brother-in-law.

Unfortunately, I can't say that.

“You don’t need to know these things.” Ling Chi smiled slightly: “Just eat on time and practice your skills on time every day. As long as you do as I say, I guarantee you will become a grandmaster.”

Currently, Changsun Wugou is cultivating the Cihang Sword Manual. Since Ling Chi is instructing Shi Feixuan anyway, it's all the same whether you herd one sheep or two. So, let Changsun Wugou also cultivate the Cihang Sword Manual. If he doesn't have time to explain it to Changsun Wugou, Shi Feixuan can also serve as a half-teacher.

perfect.

As one of the four great martial arts books, the Cihang Sword Manual cultivates innate true qi. The fact that Shi Feixuan and Wanwan became grandmasters is directly related to the techniques they practiced. In terms of aptitude, the characters in the Tang Dynasty world are no better than those in Jin Yong's world; the difference lies entirely in the techniques themselves.

The reason Wang Chongyang was able to surpass the Four Great Masters and become the number one martial artist in the world is related to his cultivation of the Innate Divine Skill. It would be strange if someone who cultivates innate true qi couldn't win a fight against a bunch of people who cultivate acquired true qi.

However, this is based on the premise that the world in which one lives possesses sufficient innate spiritual energy. The reason why Jin Yong's martial arts techniques are not as good as Huang Yi's is ultimately due to the influence of the cultivation environment.

Huang Yi's martial arts world is rich in spiritual energy, which provides fertile ground for creating innate martial arts techniques. There are even many spirits and monsters, and in the end, they can even shatter the void, which is several levels stronger than Jin Yong's martial arts world.

The spiritual energy in Jin Yong's martial arts world is not abundant, a fact that Ling Chi discovered after arriving in this world. Therefore, most of the cultivation techniques in Jin Yong's world involve cultivating acquired true energy. Only Wang Chongyang, an anomaly, managed to cultivate the innate divine skill, but he died young. Besides Wang Chongyang's numerous hidden injuries, could it also be related to the backlash caused by the innate true energy in that world being insufficient when he cultivated the innate divine skill?

Therefore, the quality of a cultivation technique depends entirely on the environment. In this world rich in spiritual energy, it is naturally better to cultivate innate cultivation techniques; the Compassionate Sword Manual or the Longevity Scripture are both excellent choices.

Ling Chi initially wanted Changsun Wugou to learn the Longevity Technique, but he had no experience in cultivating it. Although the spells he was currently practicing were derived from the Longevity Technique, they were, after all, modified versions by Wang Chongyang and were quite different from the original Longevity Technique.

After careful consideration, he decided to have Changsun Wugou practice the Cihang Sword Manual.

Firstly, he has cultivation experience and has already reached the level of Sword Heart Clarity, so he can give Changsun Wugou the most detailed guidance. At the same time, Shi Feixuan is also here, so the two women can learn from each other and verify each other's progress, which will benefit both of them.

Now, Empress Changsun has been cultivating the Cihang Sword Manual for two months. With the help of various delicacies, her progress is extremely rapid. She has already reached the second stage of the Sword Master of Heaven and Earth realm. At this rate, when Li Shimin comes to pick her up next year, although it cannot be guaranteed that she will be a Grandmaster, she will definitely be a first-class expert.

Li Shimin's path to the throne and to governing the country was fraught with difficulties. He spent almost his entire life fighting wars, not only against foreign powers, but also against his own brothers and sons. Beset by internal and external troubles, his life was extremely difficult.

Even under such difficult circumstances, he still created the Zhenguan Era of Prosperity. For this alone, Li Shimin deserves the title of one of the greatest emperors of all time.

It's a pity about Empress Zhangsun. Historically, she died of illness in her early thirties. If she had lived a healthy life, at least her sons wouldn't have fought amongst themselves. Perhaps Li Chengqian wouldn't have offended Li Shimin by keeping a rabbit figurine, which led to his moral failings and ultimately resulted in his exile.

History cannot be changed, but the future, which has not yet happened, is entirely in our hands.

Lingchi wanted Empress Zhangsun to live a long and healthy life, so that the Tang Dynasty, which was historically renowned and attracted all nations, could become even more glorious.

Chapter Twenty-Six: You're My Own Brother

In May of the thirteenth year of the Daye era, Li Yuan finally rebelled against the Sui Dynasty at the instigation of Li Shimin.

Meanwhile, Yang Guang became increasingly debauched and incompetent in Yangzhou. He ordered Wang Shichong to select beautiful women from the Jianghuai region to fill his harem, indulging in wine and women every day. He would look at himself in the mirror, sensing that his end was near. Having lost all his ambition, Yang Guang would often look at himself in the mirror and say to Empress Xiao and his ministers, "What a fine head! Who will cut it off?"

The world was in chaos, with countless uprisings and attempts to establish their own rule. Talented but unambitious scholars and warriors were all looking for a wise ruler, so Li Shimin established the Tiance Mansion to recruit all kinds of talents.

With the support of Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Chan Temple, Li Shimin's own power expanded rapidly. After leading his troops into battle on his own, he won one victory after another, attracting the attention of the world.

Li Jiancheng, feeling immense pressure, received support from the demonic sect led by the Yin Gui Sect, and his own strength was rapidly increasing. Moreover, among his brothers, the fourth brother, Li Yuanji, was not on good terms with Li Shimin and had always supported Li Jiancheng, which brought the two sides to a balance of power, making it difficult for either to suppress the other.

This balance of power was broken when Shang Xiuxun, the owner of the Pegasus Ranch, stepped forward and secretly supported Li Shimin.

With the acquisition of a large number of excellent horses, the strength of the Tian Ce Mansion increased rapidly. Unfortunately, it failed in its attack on Luoyang, the eastern capital, in December. Fortunately, it set up a three-pronged ambush when facing the pursuit of Sui general Duan Da, and defeated Duan Da, fleeing back to Chang'an in a somewhat disheveled state.

Li Shimin's defeat greatly excited Li Jiancheng's forces, while the morale of the Tian Ce Mansion declined. Li Yuan even suspended Li Shimin's command of troops under the pretext of "getting a good rest," which greatly frustrated Li Shimin.

With the year-long deadline fast approaching, Li Shimin decided to put aside his official duties and go to Peach Blossom Island to fetch his wife.

……

In the warm spring of March, Li Shimin arrived at Peach Blossom Island with the guards of the Tian Ce Mansion.

"Oh ho?" Ling Chi saw Li Shimin and the hundred or so people behind him and said, "Brother-in-law, why did you bring so many people? Let me make it clear first, I can treat you to a meal, but they have to pay for it."

Seeing that Ling Chi was still the same as before, Li Shimin was both amused and exasperated: "Brother Ling, don't worry, I'll cover whatever they eat."

"Alright then." Ling Chi nodded and said, "Your arrival was a bit sudden. Wu Gou just finished practicing and is covered in sweat. I was afraid you would find it offensive, so go take a bath and change your clothes quickly."

Li Shimin chuckled lightly: "I did come in a bit of a hurry. Alas! If I hadn't been forced to, I would have liked to take my wife away in a more grand manner."

Ling Chi looked at him and said, "I heard about your defeat. To be honest, I was a little anxious. Remember: haste makes waste."

"I know that haste makes waste, but the situation was very favorable at the time, and the momentum was strong, so I took a gamble," Li Shimin said with a wry smile.

"It's alright." Ling Chi patted his shoulder: "Failure is the mother of success. Remember the lessons learned from this failure; it will make you stronger."

"Failure is the mother of success?" Li Shimin's eyes lit up, and he clasped his hands and bowed: "Brother Ling is absolutely right, I have learned a lot."

"Your humble and eager-to-learn attitude will help you succeed." Ling Chi smiled slightly and said, "Look at you, all travel-worn. How will you face Wu Gou later? Go take a shower and change your clothes. I'll cook something, and we'll have some drinks later."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Ling." Li Shimin swallowed and said, "I have often missed Brother Ling's cooking over the past year."

"Haha, just wait and see what good food you get!"

……

Half an hour later, a refreshed Li Shimin sat at the dining table, arm in arm with Empress Zhangsun, who was even more beautiful than a year ago. He was filled with excitement: "It's been a year since I last saw you, and you've become even more beautiful, my lady."

Empress Zhangsun blushed slightly and said, "Brother Ling always makes me all kinds of beauty and health recipes, saying... saying that a woman must be young and beautiful in order to keep a man's heart."

"Hahaha..." Li Shimin laughed heartily: "Brother Ling really understands men's hearts, but don't worry, my wife, even if you get old in the future, the woman I love most will only be you."

Empress Zhangsun blushed even more, and nestled shyly against his shoulder: "I believe you."

"..." Ling Chi silently brought in two dishes, placed them on the table, gestured for them to continue, and then left.

"..." Empress Zhangsun lifted herself off Li Shimin's shoulder, her head bowed: "How embarrassing."

Li Shimin was also embarrassed: "Uh, Brother Ling probably didn't do it on purpose."

"..."

Although absence makes the heart grow fonder, it was broad daylight and Ling Chi was busy cooking for them, so Li Shimin couldn't do anything rash. He could only have some intimate conversations with Empress Zhangsun, but as they talked, the topic turned to the recent defeat in battle. He said with great frustration, "It's all my fault for being too complacent back then. If I had prepared better, this wouldn't have happened."

Empress Zhangsun held his large hand tightly and said, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. My husband, you need not worry about it. I believe that you will become more courageous with each setback and will eventually prevail."

"Thank you, Madam." Li Shimin's eyes were gentle. "How fortunate I am to have married such a beautiful and virtuous woman as you. With you in my life, I would die content."

“My lord, you must not say such ominous things,” Empress Zhangsun quickly said. “My lord will surely live to be a hundred years old.”

Just as the young couple were getting intimate, Ling Chi brought in two more dishes.

"Oh?" Ling Chi chuckled. "Did I disturb you?"

"Brother Ling~~~" Empress Zhangsun said coquettishly.

During her year on Peach Blossom Island, Changsun Wugou had come to understand Lingchi's personality. He was a man who didn't usually exude any authority; he preferred a familial relationship, where laughter, anger, and playful banter were unrestricted. The past year had been the most comfortable one for Changsun Wugou. Although she had to practice martial arts every day, life here was far better than having to be so careful with her words and actions.

Seeing Empress Zhangsun's coquettish reproach, Li Shimin paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought.

Ling Chi chuckled, put down two plates of food, and said, "You can continue. There's one more soup."

Empress Zhangsun rolled her eyes again.

After Ling Chi left, Li Shimin smiled slightly: "Madam seems much more lively."

"Ah!?" Empress Zhangsun was slightly taken aback. Seeing the somewhat strange look in Li Shimin's eyes, she quickly explained, "Husband, please don't be offended. It's just that Peach Blossom Island doesn't have the rules of a proper family, and I've been influenced by them for a long time, which is why..."

“My lady, there’s no need to explain.” Li Shimin smiled slightly. “Although it lacks the formalities of a grand family, it feels more like a home. I like these changes in you very much.”

"Husband..."

“In the future…” Li Shimin said, “When we have children, let’s do it this way!”

"Ah? This is..."

“No need for that…” Li Shimin said, “Perhaps I will be the ruler of a country in the future, and my wife will be the empress of the world, but a home still needs to be a home. I am very happy with the changes in my wife on Peach Blossom Island. Even if our future children are not very successful, as long as they live freely, are sensible, and are filial, that will be enough.”

Empress Zhangsun looked at him and said earnestly, "I will do my best to create a good atmosphere at home and teach the children well so that they will not become spoiled brats."

"You've worked hard, my lady." Li Shimin held her hand, his eyes tender: "I am thrice blessed to have married you."

“Husband…” Empress Zhangsun blushed.

"Ahem, did I disturb you?" Ling Chi walked in carrying a pot of hot soup.

Li Shimin: "..."

Empress Zhangsun: "..."

If I could beat you, I'd beat you to a pulp, you believe me?

"Looks like I didn't disturb you." Ling Chi placed the hot soup in the middle of the table and said, "Alright, four dishes and a soup. Eat first, and then we'll serve the main course and eight bowls. I guarantee you'll eat until your belly is round and you won't be able to eat dinner."

Putting aside his resentment, Li Shimin laughed and said, "Brother Ling, you've miscalculated. No matter how much you eat at noon, I'll still have a big meal tonight."

“You’re really taking advantage of me.” Ling Chi untied the wine gourd from his left waist and pulled out the bamboo tube wine from his right waist: “Wu Gou will drink the bamboo tube wine, and brother-in-law will drink the strong liquor with me.”

"What kind of liquor is Lao Bai Gan?" This was the first time Li Shimin had ever tasted it.

"Baijiu (Chinese liquor)." Pulling out the cork, a fragrant aroma wafted out. Li Shimin's nose twitched, and his eyes lit up: "What a fragrant liquor!"

"It tastes even better." Ling Chi handed the bamboo tube of wine to Changsun Wugou: "Wugou, pour it yourself, I won't serve you."

Empress Changsun accepted the bamboo tube of wine and smiled, saying, "Little sister should be serving her husband and Brother Ling."

"Haha, no need for that," Ling Chi laughed. "This is a family dinner, there aren't many rules, just relax and enjoy yourself."

“Brother Ling is absolutely right,” Li Shimin said with emotion. “Only here can I feel the warmth of home.”

Ling Chi glanced at him, noticing a hint of sadness in his eyes, and smiled slightly: "The pleasures of the harem are a hero's grave. You should conquer the world and govern it well first. Whenever you want to rest, just hand the throne to your son. Then, I'll make sure you get all the good wine and food I need."

Li Shimin immediately smiled broadly: "Then it's settled. When the world is at peace and I'm free from all troubles, I'll bring my wife to your place to freeload. You can't kick us out, brother."

"Just give me the money." Ling Chi rubbed his fingers together. "Even the richest family doesn't have surplus grain!"

Li Shimin laughed heartily.

……

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Li Shimin, slightly drunk, said, "Brother Ling, I am currently unemployed at home and don't know what to do. Please teach me."

Although Li Shimin is considered one of the greatest emperors in history, he is currently only a twenty-year-old young man. Having suffered a major setback, he is inevitably somewhat disheartened. Although he has never shown this to others, for some reason, he revealed his most vulnerable side to Ling Chi. This shows that he trusts Ling Chi very much and considers him a trustworthy person.

"The setbacks you're facing right now are only temporary," Ling Chi said with a slight smile. "Conquering the world is never an easy task. You can only succeed by putting in more effort and becoming stronger than you are now."