Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Wu Fengshui, who was standing to the side, nodded in deep agreement and said, "No matter what, applying life therapy to cooking is like having a cheat code!"

“Especially for martial artists.” Upon hearing Wu Fengshui’s words, Wu Hori nodded in agreement and said:

"It can revitalize the body and heal those hidden injuries that are difficult to detect in daily life, accumulate over time, and only become apparent after aging... For our race, it can be considered a special attack."

Upon hearing this, not only others, but even the usually carefree Wu Lei'an nodded in deep agreement.

Although the Wu clan's physique is able to adapt to liberation, it can be seen from Wu Huiliyang's condition that this frequent physical overload will eventually cause serious wear and tear on those dormant 'redundant human structures'.

When you're young, you have plenty of energy and can handle it. But as you get older, with the constant accumulation of physical wear and tear, every break you make consumes the already limited life force you have left.

For the Wu clan, being able to detect and heal these strains not only deepens their understanding of liberation but also directly prolongs their peak condition, preventing their bodies from declining prematurely due to frequent liberation.

"That sounds great, but I'm not a martial artist, just a host who enjoys working out~"

Blinking, Katahara Sayaka then turned her gaze to the meal that Yuan Chen had brought.

Although she said she didn't care, Katahara Sayaka's brows furrowed with anticipation as she listened to the Wu clan's generous praise.

Intrigued by the praise from the Wu clan members beside her, Katahara Sayaka subconsciously scrutinized them with a slightly critical eye.

Even Katahara Sayaka had to admit that Gentsugu's culinary aesthetics were indeed quite something.

Although it was a small shop, Yuan Chen's preparations were still complete.

The appetizer was salted edamame, with the pods trimmed, sprinkled with coarse salt, and served chilled with ice.

Along with the salted edamame, a pickled platter and miso tofu were also served.

The lightly pickled cucumbers and radishes did not lose their original color during the short pickling process; on the contrary, the slight dehydration made them crisp and refreshing. The soft tofu was topped with finely ground ginger and scallions, and a touch of red miso.

Although it looks simple, it is surprisingly abundant. The colors are simple and elegant, and the food is refreshing and appetizing. It is a near-perfect appetizer combination for a late-night snack.

After the appetizer came the grilled dishes: thick slices of beef tongue were grilled on one side until they changed color and curled up. They were not soaked in sauce, but simply sprinkled with black pepper and sea salt, and served with finely shredded scallions and lemon wedges on the side.

The high-grade Wagyu beef brought by Katahara Shoko was not wasted. It was cut into pieces the size of mahjong tiles and quickly grilled until the surface was browned to lock in the juices inside. When you pick it up with chopsticks, you can even clearly feel the crispness of the caramelized crust.

There is also an offal platter, with cut beef intestines and beef heart marinated in advance with ginger, garlic and miso sauce to remove excess flavor. Then, sake is poured in and simmered in advance. Just before serving, it is grilled until the casings shrink and the meat surface is charred and dry.

Generally speaking, when they arrive here, a glass of ice-cold beer, a highball, or a bowl of ochazuke (rice with tea), along with some ramen, would be enough for most Japanese people to have a satisfying meal.

However, considering that the vast majority of people present were martial artists, Yuan Chen did not stop there.

Instead, they then served salt-roasted chicken with scallions and chicken skin that had been slow-roasted over medium heat until crispy.

Next came the fresh clams, which were wrapped in aluminum foil into bowl shapes and placed in the corner of the grill rack, then braised with butter, sake, and chopped green onions.

Meat and seafood are prepared, followed by a vegetable platter to cleanse the palate and cut through the richness.

Green bell peppers, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, and zucchini.

There are no fancy techniques involved; it's simply a matter of sprinkling salt and roasting the vegetables to lock in the juices and bring out their natural aroma.

Protein and vitamins were replenished, and the last thing was half a bowl of tea-soaked rice for each person.

Grilled salmon flakes or plums are placed on rice, drizzled with sencha, and sprinkled with seaweed strips and sesame seeds. It looks warming and helps with hangovers.

"Drinks are optional."

Yuan Chen tapped the table and lifted the ice bucket onto it. Various drinks and alcoholic beverages were inside. Seeing this, everyone readily took their favorite drinks, either opening the lid and drinking directly or pouring them into glasses. Some even asked for an ice bar to mix their drinks on the spot.

"Draft beer has been over there ever since~"

Japanese industrial beer is quite good, with most of it being modified Pilsner lagers. The brewing standards are far higher than most affordable industrial beers from Europe and America. Low-temperature, long-time fermentation allows the yeast to completely consume the residual sugar, resulting in almost no cloying sweetness. Combined with soft water brewing, it has very low off-flavors and astringency, and a refreshing and crisp taste, making it quite suitable as a late-night snack to accompany grilled meat, yakitori, sashimi, and other dishes.

However, for some people, this overly refreshing beer can also be described as having a weak malt aroma, a thin hop bitterness, a light body, and a heavy watery feel.

But in the height of summer, this is actually an advantage for these drinkers who crave large quantities of alcohol.

"Looks pretty good!"

Katahara Sayaka, who was standing to the side, licked her lips and said, "It looks pretty good!"

“I’m also very confident in the taste~” Yuan Chen shrugged, his face full of casualness, as if everything was under control. Seeing Yuan Chen’s reaction, Katahara Sayaka nodded in deep agreement.

But then she looked at Yuan Chen curiously and said, "But... can I ask why there's so much extra food on the table?"

He glanced at the empty seat to one side, where some dishes were laid out but no one was eating them.

Does this mean there are still guests?

"More or less." Hearing Katahara Sayaka's question, Yuan Chen also looked towards the door and said, "Since you're all here, why don't you come in and have something to eat?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Jialouluo, Wu Lei'an, and the others were not particularly surprised; they simply enjoyed their meal with great interest.

Katahara Sayaka and Wu Fengshui also showed surprise on their faces and looked back. After a moment, in the deep night, two figures slowly walked out after a brief silence.

They were both men, one tall and one short. One of them had medium-length red hair tied in a small braid that hung down from one side of his forehead. Although he was wearing a sharp suit, he had tattoos on his face, making him look quite unconventional.

The other one was slightly shorter, with short hair, and had a relaxed and lazy expression.

Upon seeing the two figures, Katahara Sayaka's face showed surprise, and she said:

"Hey? Lietang? Sanchao? What are you doing here too?"

The two figures emerging from the darkness were none other than members of the "Annihilation Squad," a special group within Katahara Metsudo's private army, the "Guardians."

Among them, Katahara Retsudo, as the son of Katahara Metsudo and the younger brother of Katahara Sayaka, personally served as the leader of the annihilation force.

As for Michiko, he was Katahara Retsudo's adjutant and martial arts instructor.

If Yuan Chen remembers correctly, after the first part of Kengan Ashura ended, when the fifth generation Metsudo Kiana, Kanao, went away to train and travel the world, he was succeeded by Sancho and became the third generation Metsudo Kiana. In the battle between the Kengan Association and Rengoku, he defeated the traitor who was once the sixth generation Metsudo Kiana.

Now, feeling the gazes of everyone, a sigh appeared on Sanchao's face. He scratched his head and smiled helplessly as he said:

"So let's just come out directly. That Yuan Chen is obviously not an ordinary martial artist. It will be very difficult for him to hide perfectly."

Upon hearing Misaki's words, Katahara Retsudo's face showed a hint of embarrassment, but he still forced a clear cough and said, "Guardians should hide in the shadows... It's a different story if they are discovered."

"That's strange too," Sanchao said casually. "It's very difficult to conceal one's presence in front of an assassin family like the Wu clan."

"That's a different matter..."

Katahara Retsudo seemed a little embarrassed, but he still forced himself to sit down with a straight face.

In contrast, Sanchao seemed much more cheerful, eagerly taking her seat and picking up her chopsticks, saying, "I'm starting to eat!"

"Please go ahead~"

Yuan Chen nodded, picked up a beer from the side, leaned against the bar, and leisurely drank it.

On the contrary, Katahara Retsudo looked at Yuan Chen with some suspicion before slowly picking up his chopsticks.

To be honest, Yuan Chen wasn't too surprised that Katahara Retsudo would be here.

Simply put, Katahara Retsudou is a Monster Hunter Charge Blade player with a very high level of dedication—and a sister complex.

However, Yuan Chen could understand why Katahara Retsudo was a sister-complex... After all, she was beautiful, poised, understanding, incredibly wealthy, and possessed a superior figure and appearance...

Under these circumstances, it is only natural that Katahara Retsudo would become dependent on his older sister.

However, someone like Katahara Sayaka would never lack suitors.

Especially as the eldest daughter of Katahara Metsudo, who was over seventy years old, she was the object of all his love and affection. Combined with the prevalent 'adopted son-in-law' culture in Japan, it's easy to imagine that there were many people who wanted to rise to the top in one step.

Especially in many family businesses in Japan, there have been instances where adopted sons-in-law are so capable that the legitimate sons of the main family are appointed as their assistants, while the adopted sons seek other opportunities.

In this era of flourishing martial arts, it was common for families to recruit strong individuals as sons-in-law to secure their inheritance and solidify their foundations.

It was under these circumstances that Katahara Retsudo's most frequent task was to help his sister get rid of some blind, scheming, and delusional individuals who wanted to rise to the top overnight.

Now, it is clear that Katahara Retsudo is also very wary of Yuan Chen's identity.

Although he didn't speak, Yuan Chen could tell from Katahara Retsudo's eyes that the other party didn't intend to easily acknowledge him.

However, Yuan Chen didn't take it to heart. After all, some things will naturally cause a change in one's mindset after being exposed to them.

Feeling Yuan Chen's easygoing nature, Katahara Retsudo couldn't help but wonder if he was being too nervous... otherwise, why did he feel that Yuan Chen didn't react at all?

Regardless, Katahara Retsudou remained vigilant in the slightest.

Unfortunately, due to his outstanding personal qualities and family background, Katahara Retsudo had seen far too many guys who had their eyes on his sister with malicious intent.

As for Yuan Chen...

He's incredibly strong, has a clean record, is handsome, and is also an excellent cook...

Although his father spoke highly of him, Katahara Retsudo did not agree.

The reason is simple: in Katahara Retsudo's view, his older sister is simply too outstanding.

Even if your father has already approved of you, don't think you can easily gain my approval... Besides, you already have so many beautiful women around you!

Thinking this, Katahara Retsudo also glanced at Wu Garuda, Wu Fengshui and the others standing to the side.

We all know each other to some extent, and we know these girls aren't casual people, but even if you can gain their approval, don't even think about gaining my approval, Katahara Retsudo!!

As he pondered, Katahara Retsudo's eyes sharpened, and he expressionlessly picked up a edamame bean, preparing to taste it briefly and offer his scathing critique.

But the next moment, Katahara Retsudou also fell silent, and after a brief hesitation, he said:

"Um... could you get me a beer, please?"

Book 1: Chapter 113 - The Arrival of the Baroque

Originally, Katahara Retsudo was tasting the food with a somewhat critical and scrutinizing eye. After all, as the eldest son of the president of the Bank of Japan, no matter how exquisite the delicacies were, they were nothing special to him.

As for the simple street food like this, Katahara Retsudo thinks it's fine to eat it temporarily to relieve boredom, but to think of it as some kind of delicacy is a bit inexplicable.

But as the beans entered his mouth, Katahara Retsudo suddenly understood why some people always loved to eat outdoors in the evening breeze on hot summer nights.

He concealed his aura throughout his journey. Although as a martial artist, Katahara Retsudo wouldn't break out in a sweat like an ordinary person from a little heat, it was undeniable that the prolonged concealment of his aura had left him with a stuffy heat in his chest.

The moment the beans touch your mouth, a sudden coolness hits you. The chilled beans burst open between your teeth with a "pop," and the simple saltiness acts like a sharp blade, cutting away the sweetness of the green beans, leaving a unique aftertaste of beans mixed with fragrance and sweetness.

You want to say how delicious this is?

That definitely doesn't count.

It's just edamame cooked in salt water with spices like star anise and bay leaves. If you had to say something, it's that the cooking time was just right and the preparation was very meticulous. Even the pods on both sides were trimmed with scissors beforehand so that diners could easily pick them and let them absorb the flavor.

But it is this simple flavor, the subtle saltiness mixed with the aftertaste of beans lingering in the mouth, that makes one feel that even a somewhat sultry summer night is not so bad.

And... it would be even better with a cold beer.

"Here." Seeing that this brother-obsessed boy was reluctant to eat more, Yuan Chen didn't force him, but instead handed him a glass of fizzy draft beer.

At first, Katahara Retsudo wanted to be more refined, but he soon realized that beer, especially on a cool summer night, should be drunk with head tilted back to truly enjoy it.

He drank nearly half of the one-liter glass in one go, feeling the crisp malt aroma mixed with the faint bitterness of hops and bubbles rising to his head. Katahara Retsudo also let out a long breath, as if he wanted to expel all the heat that had been suffocating in the hidden space-time vent.

After exhaling a breath of dry air, Katahara Retsudo immediately felt much refreshed.

She was about to offer praise, but then remembered that she had come to cause trouble. She glanced to the side instinctively, only to find that no one seemed to care at all; they were simply eating, drinking, chatting, and discussing their upcoming plans and martial arts insights.

Noticing Katahara Retsudo's reaction, Yuan Chen raised his chin and said, "Don't just drink, remember to eat too."

"……Oh."

Somewhat ashamed, Katahara Retsudo turned his head away, clearly realizing that his reaction was somewhat embarrassing.

But this feeling didn't last long. As new food entered his mouth, Katahara Retsudou's attention was immediately drawn to his mouth and taste buds.

The refreshing draft beer rinses the mouth, removing any lingering dryness and leaving a clean base.

He picked up a slice of lightly pickled cucumber, took a bite, and found it crisp and refreshing, the sourness awakening his taste buds. The miso tofu had a rich saltiness, coated with the spiciness of minced ginger, yet the cool, smooth texture of the tofu completely balanced it.

The beef tongue was cooked to perfection, the edges curled up, and the charred color spread. The sea salt and black pepper released their warm aroma in the high temperature. When chewing, the charred crust made a slight crackling sound between the teeth, while the inside was tender and chewy with a crisp texture. The savory juices mixed with salt grains wafted out, carrying a faint smoky flavor.

The Wagyu beef chunks had shrunk a bit after grilling, their browned crust perfectly crisp. A crunching sound accompanied each bite, followed by the sizzling, juicy meat slowly melting in the mouth. The rich, oily aroma surged forth like a rising tide, smooth and full-bodied. As you savored the slightly oily sensation, a sip of ice-cold beer was poured over it; the fine bubbles accentuated the intense malt flavor, and the initial greasiness dissipated with the bubbles, leaving only a clean feeling in your throat…

While Katahara Retsudo was quietly enjoying his meal, on the other side, Misasa was eating with an amazed expression, exclaiming in admiration:

"Oh! So delicious! So delicious! I wish I had come sooner, I could have brought some back for An Chang and the others too!"

Hearing Misako's words, Katahara Sayaka, who was standing beside her, smiled and said, "Misako is still the same as before. She always speaks her mind very frankly, no matter what she does~"

"Because it's delicious, no one can deny that."

Upon hearing Katahara Sayaka's words, Misasa replied with a completely casual expression: