Chef God of the Wuxia and Fantasy World

Three days later, Li Shimin saw Tang Xuanzang and Ling Chi off from the Tang Dynasty to the Great Thunder Temple in the Western Paradise to seek the true scriptures. Before parting, Li Shimin held Ling Chi's hand and said many words. He also gave Tang Xuanzang the Dharma name Tang Sanzang, and picked up a pinch of soil and said, "I would rather cherish a pinch of soil from my hometown than love ten thousand taels of gold from a foreign land."

Tang Sanzang was deeply moved and swore an oath to retrieve the true scriptures and transform the Tang Dynasty into a paradise on earth.

Ling Chi, who was listening from the side, chuckled. He was kind enough not to argue, giving him face.

And so, Ling Chi and Tang Sanzang embarked on their journey to the Western Paradise to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Yang Chan, having followed Ling Chi for so many years, had already cultivated to the level of a Taiyi Golden Immortal and was fully capable of protecting herself. Therefore, after hearing Ling Chi's plan a few days ago, she returned to Mount Hua at Ling Chi's urging.

Although the two were temporarily separated, Yang Chan obtained a communication device that some geniuses in the farm space had recently developed over the years before leaving. It looked similar to a modern smartphone and allowed the two to make video calls over a long distance. It was because of this communication device that Yang Chan agreed to separate; otherwise, she would never have agreed.

The two have been together for hundreds of years. Although they have not had a marital relationship, their feelings are no different from those of family. It is just that the time is not right and the two have not yet defined their relationship. However, Ling Chi has promised Yang Chan that he will definitely take Yang Chan away sometime in the future. Otherwise, how could Yang Chan have been willing to follow him for five hundred years?

Everyone hopes to receive something in return for their efforts; efforts made without seeing any hope of reward will not last.

……

Under Lingchi's protection, Tang Sanzang arrived at Liangjie Mountain several days later. Once outside Liangjie Mountain, they would be out of the Tang Dynasty's territory. However, Liangjie Mountain was teeming with wild beasts. Not long after they arrived, they heard a tiger's roar. Tang Sanzang's white horse was startled and almost overturned him. Fortunately, Lingchi calmed the horse down in time, preventing Tang Sanzang from making a fool of himself.

"Thank you, Imperial Preceptor." Tang Sanzang, having calmed down somewhat, quickly expressed his gratitude.

"Elder, there's no need for that." Ling Chi glanced at the white-browed tiger with piercing eyes patrolling the forest not far away, waved his hand, and put it into the farm space. He'd keep it for now! Later, he'd skin it, eat its meat, stir-fry its penis, and make tiger bone wine.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye. Tang Sanzang was completely unaware and thought the tiger had already left. He continued his journey to the Western Paradise under Lingchi's guidance.

After the two had walked away, a hunter emerged from the dense forest, his eyes filled with deep doubt: "Who was protecting Tang Sanzang? Why can't I see clearly?"

Soon after, the hunter turned into a wisp of green smoke and disappeared from the spot.

After several days of traveling, Ling Chi escorted Tang Sanzang safely to the Five Elements Mountain. Upon arrival, Ling Chi stopped and said, "Elder, this is the furthest I can take you."

Tang Sanzang panicked immediately: "What do you mean by that, National Preceptor? Do you mean you're leaving me?"

It's no wonder he was flustered. In fact, although there weren't many major dangers along the way, there were quite a few minor ones. Not to mention, without Ling Chi by his side, Tang Sanzang even had difficulty getting a full meal. But with Ling Chi, every meal, though simple, was very delicious. Even though the journey to the West to obtain the scriptures was a tough one, in just over a month, Tang Sanzang found himself gaining weight. It was simply because Ling Chi's cooking was so good that he couldn't control his appetite!

But what did Ling Chi just say? He's just dropping him off here? What will happen after that?

Seeing Tang Sanzang's panic, Ling Chi said, "Elder, there's no need to worry. There's a stone monkey under the Five Elements Mountain ahead. That stone monkey is Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, who committed a grave mistake in Heaven five hundred years ago. To atone for his sins, he was imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain by the Buddha for five hundred years. Now that the five hundred years have passed, it is up to you, Elder, to rescue him. After the rescue, Sun Wukong will escort you to the Western Paradise to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. I'll just take you this far."

It turned out to be the case.

Tang Sanzang breathed a sigh of relief, but still frowned and said, "What if Sun Wukong is no good?"

Ling Chi chuckled lightly: "Everything is preordained, Elder, please rest assured."

After saying that, Ling Chi disappeared from the spot.

"Imperial Preceptor! Imperial Preceptor!" Tang Sanzang was truly panicked this time. He called out to the Imperial Preceptor several times, but received no response. He could only continue riding forward with a mournful face.

Soon after, he heard someone call him "Master." Looking closer, he saw it was a monkey spirit with a thunderous mouth, imprisoned under the Five Elements Mountain. Remembering Ling Chi's words, Tang Sanzang asked, "Who are you? Why are you here?"

“Master, I am Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven from five hundred years ago…” Sun Wukong explained his situation and then said, “Master, I have been enlightened by Guanyin Bodhisattva and am waiting for you here. Master, please let me out quickly so that I can protect you on your journey to the West to obtain the scriptures.”

Upon hearing that Guanyin Bodhisattva was also helping him, Tang Sanzang finally felt relieved. He then took down the notice and rescued Sun Wukong.

After a touching reunion between master and disciple, Sun Wukong, whose wildness had been tempered over five hundred years, escorted Tang Sanzang straight to the Western Paradise. However, having been imprisoned for five hundred years, Sun Wukong was inevitably lively and restless, constantly flying and leaping about, which terrified Tang Sanzang.

As fate would have it, just as Sun Wukong was disappearing again, Tang Sanzang encountered a tiger once more. Upon seeing the plump man and horse, the tiger roared and pounced on Tang Sanzang.

"what--!!"

Tang Sanzang cried out in agony: My life is over!

Just at this critical moment, Sun Wukong ran back and killed the tiger with a single blow, saving Tang Sanzang.

Afterwards, Sun Wukong casually skinned the tiger and ran to Tang Sanzang to claim credit. Although Tang Sanzang was somewhat displeased, Sun Wukong had saved his life after all, so he had no choice but to swallow his anger, and the two continued their journey.

After they had walked away, Ling Chi appeared beside the tiger's carcass, looked at the skinned tiger, and sighed, "What a waste!"

Bringing the dead tiger into the Culinary God's Space, Ling Chi dissected the tiger meat, bones, and penis. The spiritual energy in this world was abundant, and the tigers were of higher quality, making it entirely possible to create purple or even red recipes.

According to Ling Chi's plan, he was to follow Tang Sanzang westward, but he would not travel with Tang Sanzang, as that would expose his identity. So his plan was to follow behind Tang Sanzang and wait until Tang Sanzang had overcome all the tribulations he had encountered before he would reap the benefits.

This tiger was the first bargain I ever got, and it's quite a memorable find.

"Shuang'er, come and stir-fry some tiger penis for me."

……

Under Sun Wukong's protection, the master and disciple stayed overnight at the home of an octogenarian. Tang Sanzang also used his needlework skills to sew a tiger-skin skirt for Sun Wukong, which made Sun Wukong very happy: "Master, this tiger-skin skirt is so beautiful, thank you Master."

Seeing that Sun Wukong did indeed look quite good in the tiger-skin skirt, Tang Sanzang smiled and said, "That's good." Feeling a wave of fatigue, Tang Sanzang said, "It's night, go to sleep!"

"Yes, Master."

Just as the master and his disciple were about to go to sleep, a group of bandits broke in, ruining their plans. Sun Wukong bared his teeth and slaughtered the bandits, leaving Tang Sanzang terrified.

This... has resulted in a death!

Sun Wukong wasn't afraid of killing a tiger, since tigers are wild beasts and if he didn't kill it, he would be eaten. But Tang Sanzang couldn't accept Sun Wukong killing a person. In his anger, he cursed Sun Wukong without thinking.

What kind of temper does Sun Wukong have? He doesn't care about anyone unless they have the power to subdue him. Although Tang Sanzang saved him, he also killed a tiger and a bandit to save him twice. So, Tang Sanzang still owes him! So, Sun Wukong angrily shouted a few times, rode away on a cloud, and didn't care about Tang Sanzang's life or death at all.

Tang Sanzang was completely stunned.

Hey, what happened to your promise to protect me on my journey to the West? Did you go back on your word? Wukong, come back! Don't leave me alone, I'm scared.

Tang Sanzang was filled with remorse for his actions, but since things had come to this, he could only bear it himself. Early the next morning, he continued his journey westward alone on horseback.

However, without Sun Wukong's help to beg for alms, he was exhausted and thirsty after only a few days on his journey, and could barely continue.

Just then, a village girl carrying a basket walked towards them. Tang Sanzang was extremely excited: Finally, he saw someone!

He hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Female benefactor, may this humble monk ask for a bowl of water?"

Seeing his tired and disheveled appearance, the village girl immediately poured him a bowl of water and said, "Master, please enjoy your drink."

"Thank you, benefactor." Tang Sanzang eagerly drank the bowl of water in one gulp, finally quenching his thirst.

Then the village girl handed him two steamed buns: "I have some food here, Master, please have some too!"

"Amitabha, thank you, benefactor." Tang Sanzang said his thanks and sat down on a roadside stone to eat a steamed bun. During this time, the village girl asked Tang Sanzang why he was there alone. Tang Sanzang only said that he came from the Tang Dynasty in the East and was on his way to the Western Paradise to worship Buddha and seek scriptures. He had taken in a disciple on the way, but the disciple was wild and unruly. After killing someone, he couldn't stand being scolded by Tang Sanzang and ran away.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Tang Sanzang was about to express his gratitude when he saw that the village girl had transformed into Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Tang Sanzang was both surprised and delighted, and hurriedly bowed and said, "Tang Sanzang greets Guanyin Bodhisattva."

Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded, gave Tang Sanzang a yellow hat, and said, "I will teach you the Tightening-Headband Mantra. When Sun Wukong puts on the hat, you should silently recite the Tightening-Headband Mantra to restrain him."

"Thank you, Guanyin Bodhisattva."

After Tang Sanzang obtained the hat and learned the Tightening-Headband Mantra, he continued his journey westward. Just then, Guanyin Bodhisattva spoke to the void, saying, "Since the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons is here, why not show yourself?"

Ling Chi revealed himself and smiled, "As expected, I couldn't hide it from the Great Master."

Guanyin Bodhisattva smiled and said, "I wonder why the Great Sage has been following Tang Sanzang all this way?"

"The journey to the West to obtain the scriptures is a major undertaking. I have been idle in the mortal world for five hundred years and am not happy to encounter such a major event. I want to secretly protect Tang Sanzang and wait for him to successfully obtain the scriptures and complete his merits before I leave."

"I see." Guanyin Bodhisattva nodded and said, "But this is a matter for the Three Realms to decide. Although Tang Sanzang's journey to obtain the scriptures is fraught with difficulties, it will ultimately be safe and sound. There is really no need for the Great Sage to interfere."

Ling Chi chuckled and said, "Since I'm just idling around anyway, and Tang Sanzang will encounter a lot of things along the way, I might as well find some fun to keep myself from being idle for too long and dying of boredom."

"..." Guanyin Bodhisattva gave him a deep look: "Great Sage, do you really have no other desires?"

"Not really," Ling Chi said. "Bodhisattva knows that before I became the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons, I was the God of Cookery in Heaven. I love collecting all kinds of ingredients. Along the way, Tang Sanzang will definitely encounter many demons, and those demons are all excellent ingredients. Moreover, those demons will definitely collect some good things, which can enrich my kitchen. As the God of Cookery, how can I miss such a good opportunity to collect ingredients?"

Chapter Eleven: Robbery After Robbery

"If the Great Sage only wishes to find some ingredients, this humble monk can certainly lend a hand," Guanyin Bodhisattva said calmly. "How much ingredients does the Great Sage desire?"

“Of course, the more the better,” Ling Chi said. “However, ingredients require discernment. Without the ability to discern, even precious ingredients will be treated as weeds. If you want to help me, you can first learn cooking skills from me. After learning for a hundred or eighty years, I believe you will definitely become one of the top chefs in the Three Realms.”

"..." Guanyin Bodhisattva said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Great Sage, but this humble monk has no intention of learning cooking skills." She paused, "As long as the Great Sage does not interfere too much in the journey to the West, this humble monk will not interfere."

"You jest, Your Excellency. I never intended to interfere; I merely wanted to follow along and take advantage of the situation." Ling Chi waved his hand. "It seems Your Excellency didn't trust me before!"

Guanyin Bodhisattva shook her head and said, "This humble monk had no such intention. Now that this matter is settled, this humble monk will take his leave."

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the Great Master."

……

After Guanyin Bodhisattva left, she did not return to the South China Sea temple, but instead went to the Great Thunder Temple in the Western Paradise to report the Lingchi incident to the Buddha.

After listening to Guanyin's report, Buddha Tathagata remained silent for a moment and said, "The Great Sage Who Subdues Demons has a mysterious origin and boundless magical power. If he intends to interfere in this matter, it will be a troublesome affair."

"This is also what I'm worried about," Guanyin Bodhisattva said. "I wonder what the Buddha's plans are? Will he intervene to stop him?"

"No need," said the Buddha. "Great Golden Immortals don't lie, and he escorted Tang Xuanzang all the way to the Five Elements Mountain, so what he said must be true. The only thing to watch out for is whether he will interfere in something and cause a change in the situation. You should pay more attention to this matter, and if things go wrong, you can intervene to stop him."

"Disciple obeys."

……

The next day, Sun Wukong, who had gone to the Dragon Palace to drink, returned to Tang Sanzang's side. Tang Sanzang then tricked him into wearing the hat and recited the Tightening-Headband Mantra. Sun Wukong was tricked and felt like killing Tang Sanzang. At the critical moment, Guanyin Bodhisattva, who had returned from the Great Thunder Temple, reappeared, scolded Sun Wukong, gave him three life-saving hairs, and promised him that as long as he could escort Tang Sanzang to the Great Thunder Temple in the Western Paradise, the Tightening-Headband Mantra would be removed, and he would also be granted enlightenment.

Although Sun Wukong was full of grievances, he was at the mercy of others and had no choice but to obey orders.

And so, Sun Wukong escorted Tang Sanzang on their journey. A few days later, they arrived at Eagle's Sorrow Gorge. Because the White Dragon had eaten Tang Sanzang's white horse, it was beaten up by Sun Wukong. With the intervention of Guanyin Bodhisattva, the White Dragon was transformed into a white dragon horse, carrying Tang Sanzang on their continued journey westward. At this point, Tang Sanzang's pilgrimage team was halfway complete.

Riding on his white dragon horse, Tang Sanzang was full of vigor and felt that he should soon be able to reach the Great Thunder Temple, obtain the Mahayana Buddhist canon, and then return to the Tang Dynasty in the East to become a holy monk revered by all the people of the world.

Ling Chi followed behind them, so bored he was practically growing moss.

Fortunately, we'll be at Guanyin Temple in a few more days. Not far from Guanyin Temple is Black Wind Cave, where there's a black bear monster. Black bears are top-quality food, especially their paws, which are a delicacy that no one in modern times would dare to eat. But in this world, all wild animals can eat to their heart's content, and no one will care even if they are eaten to the point of extinction, although no one would actually do that.

However, this black bear monster had quite a bit of cultivation. Later, it was even taken in by Guanyin Bodhisattva as a guardian deity of the mountain. Ling Chi pondered for a moment and decided to strike first and capture the black bear monster as soon as possible.

The black bear monster had become a spirit, and it had never done anything bad in its life, so it would be a pity to kill it. Ling Chi decided to beat it up first, then feed it some food to subdue it, and then take it into the farm to work for it.

……

Just as Tang Sanzang and his disciples were about to arrive at Guanyin Temple, Ling Chi had already arrived at Black Wind Mountain.

Black Wind Mountain may not sound like a pleasant place, but it is actually quite beautiful. One sees: Thousands of streams rushing through the valleys, a thousand cliffs vying for attention. Birds sing, but no one is seen; fallen flowers still exude fragrance. After the rain, the sky meets the green cliffs, moist and lustrous; the wind stirs the pines, unfurling a verdant screen. Mountain grasses sprout, wildflowers bloom, precipitous cliffs rise; ivy grows, beautiful trees flourish, lofty ridges and gentle hills stretch out. Without encountering a recluse, how can one find a woodcutter? Two cranes drink by the stream, wild monkeys roam freely on the rocks. Towering peaks, like clusters of dark green, majestically embrace the verdant landscape, shimmering in the sunlight.

Deep cliffs and precipitous peaks, clouds rise atop the ridges; ancient cypresses and verdant pines, wind rustles through the forest. Deep cliffs and precipitous peaks, indeed, are sparsely populated and haunted by evil spirits; ancient cypresses and verdant pines, also, are places where immortals and hermits cultivate their spiritual lives. The mountain has streams, the streams have springs, the murmuring waters sound like a zither, enough to cleanse the ears; the cliffs have deer, the forest has cranes, the ethereal sounds of immortals echo through the valleys, enough to delight the heart.

When Ling Chi arrived at this place and saw the beautiful scenery of Black Wind Mountain, he couldn't help but marvel. It was such a wonderful place, yet it was called Black Wind Mountain. What a waste of this place!

According to the original text, this black bear spirit often discussed life with the white snake spirit, the gray wolf spirit and Elder Jinchi, the abbot of Guanyin Temple, in this beautiful environment. He can be said to be a rare cultured person among the demons. Although he caused a stain on his bear life by stealing the brocade cassock, it did not hinder his skills and talents. Otherwise, he would not have been taken in by Guanyin Bodhisattva as the guardian god of the mountain.

After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Black Wind Mountain, Ling Chi headed towards Black Wind Cave.

Inside the Black Wind Cave, the Black Bear Monster was drinking and making merry, surrounded by a group of little demons. Seeing this Black Bear Monster, who simply walked upright and whose appearance was no different from a black bear, Ling Chi felt a little itchy to touch him.

Although it has already become a spirit, it is still far from being able to transform into human form. Even if he kills it, it should be fine. But since he has already decided to recruit it, he can only choose to subdue it with a recipe. But... he really wants to make it into bear meat soup!