Li Yan was already used to being challenged by others.

After all, in this pugilistic world, slowly building a reputation through a knife or fist was too slow; perhaps, one could only become known locally after half a lifetime.

The best way, undoubtedly, was to make a name by stepping on someone else's reputation.

Therefore, those with some fame in the pugilistic world couldn't escape such matters.

But the young man in front of him was somewhat different.

His smile was very calm, and it carried a sense of confidence.

Li Yan was familiar with this kind of smile.

It's called "a newborn calf that isn't afraid of a tiger."

Full of enthusiasm, clear and reckless.

"Alright."

Li Yan readily agreed but discreetly glanced at the blind old Daoist, a feeling of doubt arose in his heart.

He could see through the young man.

But this old Daoist was somewhat strange.

He was obviously extraordinary, but in Li Yan's perception, he appeared to be just an ordinary Daoist, maybe even somewhat dispirited.

To give him such a contrasting feeling, his Dao must be profound.

Having seen many worldly scenes, Li Yan naturally wouldn't rashly go forward to probe, instead, he turned his head to look at the servant, "What specialties do you have?"

Wang Mazi was difficult to communicate with, so he couldn't be bothered to waste words.

After all, it was just for eating, not making friends.

The servant was also startled by the question, sneaking a glance at Wang Mazi. Seeing that he wasn't reprimanded, he whispered, "The master has rules, no ordering, you eat whatever he makes."

"Alright then, bring the dishes."

"How many dishes do you want, guest?"

Li Yan smiled and said, "As many as are made, as many as I'll eat."

"Humph!"

Wang Mazi snorted but said nothing.

He wore rough cloth, with cuffs tightly restrained, and with a slight flick of his little finger, a huge vegetable knife leaped into his hand.

With several flips, the gleam of the knife flickered, accompanied by the sound of thudding, and the pork instantly turned into slices as thin as cicada wings.

Then he turned around, chili peppers and Sichuan peppers were already in hand, cut into strips, crushed, his actions swift and smooth.

As the pan heated and the oil boiled, the meat slices flew, tofu lightly seared, chili peppers, Sichuan peppers, and bean paste melded in, and a pot of spicy fragrance soared into the air, making "Mapo Tofu"…

Next, again the gleam of the knife flickered, chicken fillet instantly turned into dices, marinated for a moment, then scattered in oil.

Peanuts were fried until golden, along with scallions, ginger, garlic, and a special sauce dancing with the chicken dices, bright red, spicy, forming Kung Pao Chicken…

Following that was "Couples' Lung Slices."

Beef tripe, beef heart, beef tongue, beef stomach, sliced as thin as paper, uniform and thin. Specially made chili oil, Sichuan pepper powder, soy sauce, and sesame oil blended, poured over the sliced meat making a bright red, spicy, and aromatic dish with a rich taste…

In the Great Xing period of the former dynasty, sea merchants introduced chili peppers to the Central Plains, though called "foreign peppers," they were already being grown on a large scale in Shu.

Whatever it's called, it had already become the soul of Sichuan flavor.

Especially this Wang Mazi, worthy of being the culinary general, though ugly, standing before the stove had the imposing presence of a master at battle.

Each move and style was focused, the gleam of knives and the shadow of ladles, mixing with the crackling sound of hot oil as if performing martial arts.

Li Yan saw it too.

Wang Mazi's awakened power should be Body Divine Power, not as mysterious as other Divine Skills, but it allowed maximum mobilization of the five senses and bodily control.

Taste, this thing, although not a matter of a fine line leading to a great miss, precise control was naturally indispensable.

Everyone in the dining shelter was almost attracted.

Moreover, the fragrance also attracted some troubles.

Some clueless common folks followed the aroma.

They intended to enter for a taste but were immediately warned by others.

"Don't go, you won't bear it once you go, it's just home-cooked dishes, not mountain and sea delicacies, yet sold more expensive than the restaurants in Chengdu Prefecture…"

"Really?"

"Why would I lie to you, it's…"

"Bah! With that money, you could buy a pig!"

The onlookers were discussing, but there were some not short of money.

Several richly dressed men immediately pushed through the crowd, trying to come in, cursing and clearly ready to stir up trouble.

Wu Kang of the Chang Chun Association saw this and rushed out.

"Get lost, or I'll break your legs!"

He glared at them, scaring them away, and called some subordinates to guard the outside to prevent disturbances to the guests inside.

He was very perceptive, noticing the situation seemed a bit off.

In such a time, he wouldn't want to offend anyone.

Li Yan naturally understood the situation outside, but he couldn't be bothered to pay attention as several dishes had already been served on the table.

He appreciated this place for one more thing.

Though it looked simple, it was absolutely clean.

The servant was very diligent, wiping tables and chairs spotless, from the teapot before to the bowls and chopsticks brought up, all exuded a refreshing feel.

Along with the fragrant rice, Li Yan and Wu Ba started eating vigorously, chopsticks moving like the wind, one bowl of rice after another.

Soon, the dishes on the table were swept clean.

Fortunately, Wang Mazi's hands were quick too, the clinking of the pot and ladle, accompanied by the sound of sizzling oil, one dish after another came up.

On the other side, the old Daoist and the youth did the same.

The whole tent seemed like a battlefield, both sides were eating furiously, the cook concentrated on cooking, without a wasted word.

Only the servant was the most unfortunate, almost breaking his legs running.

He had to serve dishes and still wash dishes, using the chilling spring water from the side, his hands were red from the cold in such freezing weather.

Unknowingly, the two large pots of rice were already empty.

Thud!

Wang Mazi fiercely inserted the knife into the cutting board.

"Not cooking today, out of food!"

It was because Li Yan and the others had eaten all the ingredients he had prepared.

Wu Ba, still unsatisfied, anxiously looked at Li Yan.

Standing at the door, Wu Kang was very perceptive, quickly bowing and saying, "Master Wang, what do you need? I'll prepare it right away?"

"Prepare for what!"

Wang Mazi glared, "Damn it, can't you see my hands are cramping from fatigue? Not serving today."

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