Raziel Phoenix was the only one from their group still fighting in the individual competition. Ray was left with just the blacksmith's and team battles.

Even with his rapid recovery, forging demanded enormous stamina. After discussing it with Kaelan, Ray decided to skip the final round of the blacksmith competition.

It didn't matter much anyway.

He was guaranteed at least second place. A second-grade thousand-refined metal carried too much weight in the scoring system.

"You didn't get injured on purpose just to make me champion, did you?" Rachel rushed in after hearing the news of his injuries.

The moment she saw him, her anxiety evaporated.

This guy was sprawled on the bed, stuffing his face like nothing had happened.

Clearly, his injuries weren't serious.

"Of course not," Ray said around a mouthful of pork shoulder. "My opponent was much stronger than me."

Rachel nodded. "Good. As long as you're alright. Be more careful next time." Then she smirked. "And you can celebrate, you little money grubber. I won the championship. The prize money's yours."

"Hehe. Thanks, senior disciple sister." Ray grinned. "Honestly, I really lost this time since I couldn't compete in the finals. You're too kind."

Rachel laughed. "Enough. Stop flattering me. We both know you love money." She glanced at the food. "Still hungry? I can buy you more. Eat up and recover faster."

Ray silently set down his pork shoulder.

This was already the third time today.

Lily. Raziel Phoenix. Violette. Kaelan. And now Rachel.

Why did everyone treat him like a bottomless pit the moment they visited him?

Even if he was one, couldn't they at least pretend not to notice?

Rachel giggled at his embarrassed expression. "So who beat you up like that today?"

"A girl with a sword," Ray replied.

He didn't mention Central Academy. There was no resentment in his heart. In truth, she had shown restraint, deliberately avoiding vital points. Otherwise, he wouldn't be sitting here eating.

A knock sounded at the door.

Rachel opened it slightly. Outside stood the chubby Jacob, who froze the instant he saw her. "Uh… hello. I'm looking for Ray."

"Come in," Rachel said, opening the door wider.

Jacob's nose twitched. His eyes widened. "Pork shoulder! You've got pork shoulder!" He hurried in, swallowing hard as he stared at the food spread out before Ray.

"Jacob?" Ray was surprised. "You want to eat with me?"

Jacob lowered his head guiltily. "Sorry, Raymond. This is all my fault. If I hadn't forgotten my money that day, none of this would've happened. Big Sister is actually really nice! She usually takes good care of me. Please don't blame her."

Ray waved it off. "It's fine. It was just a match. Injuries are normal. How could I be mad at her?" He chuckled. "Look at me. I'm almost fine already. We might even meet again in the team competition. With my teammates, we might steal a win from you."

"I'm not even the strongest on my team," he added casually.

Jacob's eyes went wide. "Y-you're fine already? Big Sis's stargod energy is terrifying! And you're sitting up eating?"

Ray scratched his cheek. "I eat a lot, so my skin's thicker than normal."

Off to the side, Rachel nodded solemnly, as if that explained everything.

Ray noticed and coughed lightly. "Senior disciple sister, if you don't have anything else to do, you should go rest."

Rachel snorted. "Trying to chase me away? Dream on." She plopped herself down by his bedside with the air of someone claiming territory.

Ray could only sigh inwardly. Against this senior disciple sister, resistance was a luxury.

Meanwhile, Jacob circled Ray like a curious shark, eyes sweeping up and down his body. "You really are a freak. I can't believe you're already fine. That's terrifying!"

"Enough," Ray said, half-annoyed, half-amused. "If you're just here to stare at my wounds, you might as well eat too. Your drool's about to hit the floor."

"Really?" Jacob lowered his voice, eyes flickering with uncertainty. "You're… not mad at me?"

Ray laughed. "It's hard to find a fellow foodie, you know. How could I be angry? Besides, didn't you say you'd call me big brother since I can out-eat you? What kind of big brother holds grudges against his little brother?"

The tension drained from Jacob's face in an instant. He grinned so hard his cheeks nearly split. "That's right! Since there's food with big brother, I won't hold back then!" He grabbed a pig trotter and started gnawing like his life depended on it.

Rachel covered her mouth, shoulders shaking. Gluttons really do recognize their own kind.

"Oh, right!" Jacob suddenly slapped his thigh. "Boss, I didn't just come to visit. I brought you something good."

He raised one chubby hand. Soul power surged, and two dazzling soul rings rose beneath his feet.

"I have… a meat bun."

Light gathered in his palm, and with the glow of his first soul ring, a steaming bun appeared.

Ray and Rachel froze.

"You're a food-type soul master?" they exclaimed in perfect unison.

Food-type soul masters were rarities among rarities. And this one had two rings at just ten years old!

No wonder cultivation was so hard for them. Yet this guy had pulled it off anyway.

Ray instantly remembered the white objects Jacob had tossed during the exhibition match. So they hadn't been steamed buns after all, but soul skill buns.

Meat buns.

Of course, they were meat buns.

Ray took one and bit down. Steam burst out, carrying a rich aroma. The bun was overflowing with meat and broth.

Warmth spread through his body almost immediately. His soul power stirred, recovery accelerating at a visible pace.

Jacob puffed up proudly. "First soul skill, Recovery Pork Bun. Restores physical strength and soul power. It's great mid-battle too. Strengthens the body as well. Want more?"

"Yes!" Ray answered without hesitation.

In the end, he devoured more than ten buns in one sitting. His soul power recovered completely, and his wounds visibly improved.

Jacob, meanwhile, only looked a little tired.

"This martial soul is ridiculous," Ray said in awe.

Jacob straightened, chest out. "Naturally. I'm a food-type soul master with innate full soul power, a once-in-a-century talent. I'm already guaranteed a spot in the inner court. When they tested me, they said my potential was even higher than Big Sister Xinglan's!"

The two little gluttons resumed their feast with renewed vigor. Even Rachel couldn't resist anymore and tried a bun herself. One bite was enough for her eyes to light up.

Ray sighed inwardly. If this guy could just stay by my side forever, I'd never have to worry about food again.

*

Jacob's buns lived up to the hype. By the next morning, Ray was completely healed. The scabs peeled away, revealing smooth new skin beneath.

"You recovered even faster than I expected," Alfred said, standing beside him as they cultivated the Purple Demon Eyes together.

Raziel Phoenix, also an Immortal Guild member, had chosen different arts: the Mysterious Heaven Method and Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track.

"Are you still competing in the blacksmith's event?" Alfred asked.

Ray shook his head. With second place secured, there was no reason to continue. Letting Rachel take first felt right.

"Good," Alfred said. "Then come back to the room. I'll teach you another Immortal Guild secret art."

Ray's spine tingled. Another Immortal Guild art?

The Mysterious Heaven Method boosted cultivation and endurance. Purple Demon Eyes strengthened control and spiritual power.

So what would the third be?

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