"Where's the promised epic turning point in the plot?"
In the thunderous collapse of the Demon Realm, Huai Shi sat on a stone, deep in thought.
After witnessing the entire process, he only felt a cold shiver despite the hot weather, icy hands and feet. When will we tools finally rise? Seems like I hardly did anything this time around!
Is that it? Solved?
Huai Shi looked questioningly at Guo ShouQue, "Will Deer's Sing Hall still get involved?"
"That's someone else's job, no need for us to handle it," Guo ShouQue said.
"What about interference and influence from other factions?"
"All are handled by designated personnel."
"And then?" Huai Shi asked.
"Well, there's no 'then' after it."
Guo ShouQue drank the last drop from his bowl, putting the porcelain bowl down.
As he lifted his gaze, he saw a dignified samurai, clad in armor, slowly emerge from the shattered palace. Everywhere he passed, the holy aura of Paradise spread, extinguishing all resentment in the air.
That was the Vajra Crystal Armor—Eight Rooms, once more revealing its majestic and sacred presence after the dark side was swept away.
After killing the collective magic thoughts within, all his power had been devoured by Gu Huo and Nine Phoenix, bringing Amber to an unprecedented peak.
With the blessing of the Stigmata Relic: Eight Rooms, she was undoubtedly the rightful Li Jian Clan Leader, AnFang Country King.
"Fantastic, absolutely fantastic."
Huai Shi applauded in celebration, "Congratulations, Amber, o-me-de-to-u! So that's it, huh? Great, indeed! Now that the work's done, I shouldn't linger any longer. I'll take my leave. As for the Uji Treasure matter, let's discuss it next time. So then, bye~"
He finished speaking and was about to run off, carrying the unconscious Zhenxi.
Then, he saw... Guo ShouQue blocking his way.
"Miss Huaizhi."
The sinister middle-aged man showed a peculiar smile, "You don't think it's over, do you?"
"What? Planning to kill the rabbit and cook the dog?" Huai Shi raised an eyebrow, "This isn't right, I thought Dongxia Genealogy values credibility."
"No, it's simply that the work remains unfinished."
Guo ShouQue continued to smile, "You see, the Chef Demon duel isn't over, right? Without this segment, Amber's legitimacy as the clan leader could be questioned."
He said, "Neither your job nor mine is complete."
Those predator-like eyes relentlessly locked onto Huai Shi, refusing to let him leave.
Huai Shi frowned, "Even if you restart now, there's no judge."
"That's easy, I carry them with me."
Guo ShouQue lifted his foot and kicked the bamboo basket, causing two gooey silhouettes to suddenly vomit out from the darkness inside, screaming in terror, utterly clueless about what had happened.
Lo and behold, it's the envoy from the Former Emperor, along with his follower.
"Look, judges are here." Guo ShouQue spread his hands.
"..." Huai Shi twitched his eyebrows, continuing to argue, "Even with judges, there's no crowd, so no atmosphere, right?"
"That's even simpler."
Guo ShouQue clapped his hands, looked around, and his deep laughter echoed throughout the Satomi clan's estate.
Soon, one by one, figures emerged from shadows and corners, some disheveled, some neat, all with complicated expressions.
During the sudden upheaval, most candidates and chef demons were inadvertently dragged in. Before clarifying the situation, they chose mutual assistance, defending themselves to the maximum.
Though they received a harsh blow, aside from a few unlucky ones, most chef demons and candidates were more or less intact.
Just a bit battered.
They hadn't expected that once the dust settled, Amber would already have Eight Rooms in her grasp, with rightful authority. Meanwhile, the family elders—the Eight Canine Warriors—were either dead or injured, incapable of management.
Many ambitious schemers began secret collaborations, seeking opportunities. Yet, those undeterred by the witnessed might of Phosphorus found their family chefs discouraging their reckless pursuits—Brother, just stop, this isn't the way to seek death. Why not just suck up to the new leader?
Some felt otherwise but didn't dare voice their concerns, planning underhanded tricks in Kyoto. However, regardless of cursing inwardly, they could only smile on the surface now.
"You've all been watching for a while... So, do you have time? Willing to watch a competition?" Guo ShouQue warmly smiled, "It's free, no charge."
Everyone's faces turned sour immediately.
Having barely survived, only to lose such a great clan leader position, now being forced by Guo ShouQue to act as 'enthusiastic spectators,' no one's mood could be good.
Moreover, who doesn't know Guo ShouQue's character?
Did he come from Dongxia to be a benevolent person?
"See, now we have an audience too."
Guo ShouQue turned back, smiling just as warmly.
"But the venue's in ruins, no mood," Huai Shi said expressionlessly.
"Easy to fix."