Soon after, Yi Tianxing discovered that the dish "Moonlit Night on the Twenty-Four Bridges" had an incredibly unique flavor. It encompassed all kinds of tastes—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, burnt, and umami—each bite delivering a cascade of flavors that danced across the taste buds in intricate succession. It was truly the ultimate indulgence, a sensory symphony that captivated both body and mind.
"Another two hundred thousand catties of physical strength increased."
When he finished the entire dish, Yi Tianxing felt his strength surge once again—an additional two hundred thousand catties of raw power, bringing his total to over 1.4 million catties, approaching a terrifying 1.5 million.
Without hesitation, he uncovered the remaining dishes.
Amid this extraordinary convergence of color, aroma, and flavor, he savored one divine dish after another.
Yes, this was pure enjoyment—an exalted experience of the highest level.
Ding ding ding!!
Unknowingly, once he had tasted every dish, a crisp chiming echoed from within his body. The Crimson Cauldron (Chiding) emitted two successive rings, and at that moment, the remaining impurities within his body were shattered by its resonance. His muscles and bones underwent further tempering—their density greatly increased, inscribed with mysterious Dao patterns interwoven through his flesh and blood.
"Second Ring of the Crimson Cauldron. 2.1 million catties of physical strength."
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath. At this moment, he felt that even if a mountain stood before him, he could pulverize it with a single punch.
"What a remarkable Yin-Yang Inn. What a formidable God of Food. No wonder it holds such standing in the Ghost Market. Truly extraordinary."
Yi Tianxing nodded to himself in sincere admiration.
Just one meal had caused his physical power to spike dramatically, directly pushing him from the First Ring to the Second Ring of the Crimson Cauldron. The leap in strength was equivalent to a full breakthrough during battle. Though it cost some money, compared to the boost in strength, it was more than worth it. Thirty thousand Eternal Coins for a hundred-thousand-catty increase in strength? Bargain of the century.
The Snake Queen also ate with immense satisfaction. She could feel her body benefiting, subtle injuries healing, and impurities within her being cleansed. Her entire essence felt reborn, her face radiating a newfound vitality.
"Thank you for your patronage. The total for this meal is 300,000 Eternal Coins, or alternatively, 30,000 Willpower Beads. Which currency would the honored guest prefer to use?"—asked the clever Spirit Imp with a smile.
For only a few dishes, the cost reached hundreds of thousands of Eternal Coins. But Yi Tianxing didn't mind at all. To him, it was absolutely worth it—even cheap. You couldn't achieve this kind of power increase even by burning countless resources.
"Eternal Coins."He nodded calmly.
Only a fool would pay with Willpower Beads. With a wave of his hand, 300,000 shimmering Eternal Coins appeared in front of him. The Spirit Imp's eyes lit up as he cheerfully collected and tallied them.
"Much obliged, honored guest."The imp grinned as he put away the treasure.
"When does the Ghost Market appear? How frequently, and how long does it last?"Yi Tianxing asked curiously.
"The Ghost Market is everywhere,"the Spirit Imp explained."This is a place where Yin and Yang intersect—it exists permanently, but its entrances shift. In one region, it might appear every few months or years. It's random. With fate, you can enter."
As a wealthy customer, someone like Yi Tianxing was naturally welcomed in the Ghost Market.
While the Ghost Market had existed for ages, its entryways constantly shifted. However, once an entrance appeared, all beings within a 10,000-mile radius would sense it. If they had the power and fate, they could enter.
"And how does one leave the Ghost Market?"Yi Tianxing asked again.
"That's the easy part. One can leave through an exit gate within the market or by visiting special places like the Yin-Yang Inn. Alternatively, when Yin and Yang shift, people can naturally exit. The market vanishes with the coming day."
So leaving the Ghost Market wasn't difficult.
Though unaffected by Yin-Yang shifts themselves, the Ghost Market aligned its closing with the cycle. It only existed at night, and places like the Yin-Yang Inn allowed for exits at any time.
Leaving was easy. Entering required fate.
When the first ray of dawn broke over the Eternal Continent, two figures emerged outside the Serpent Valley, stepping naturally onto the ground. It was none other than Yi Tianxing and the Snake Queen.
They had left the Ghost Market.
"This trip to the Ghost Market was highly fruitful. My only regret is not being able to recruit the God of Food to Great Yi. If I had, this visit would've been perfect."Yi Tianxing sighed.
He had tried to inquire about the chef at the Yin-Yang Inn, but the Spirit Imp became alert and refused to reveal anything, fearful that Yi Tianxing would try to poach their culinary treasure.
That kind of protection made it clear how valuable the chefs were.
"Snake Queen, have you made your decision?"Yi Tianxing asked again, seeking a final answer.
"If I go with you, what about my people in Serpent Valley?"she asked seriously.
Indeed, she could travel to Great Yi, especially with a child in her womb who would be well protected. But what about the Serpentfolk of the valley?
"In the Great Yi Dynasty, we tame the wilds with immortal cities. Humans live in the cities, while the wilderness outside holds many non-human tribes. As long as these tribes don't harm our people and act peacefully, we leave them be—even open up trade. One in the wilds, one in the cities—it's a way of peaceful coexistence."
Yi Tianxing spoke firmly.
Though the wilds weren't fully under Great Yi's control, they could be. Great Yi had the strength to crush all resistance. But total domination wasn't the goal. There were deeper reasons for restraint.
After all, danger and opportunity always walked hand-in-hand.
"If my people can be properly settled, I will go to Great Yi,"the Snake Queen finally said.
She wasn't someone indecisive. With tensions rising and the Behemoth King likely furious, she knew Serpent Valley wouldn't survive for long. Great Yi couldn't keep troops stationed there indefinitely. With a promise of refuge, she agreed.
She also understood Yi Tianxing well—if she refused, he might take drastic measures. Better to avoid conflict.
"Good. I have spatial gates that can help your people migrate quickly. Gather your things—we return to Great Yi."Yi Tianxing smiled. Her agreement made things far easier.
"Wait here. I'll go speak to my people and pack."The Snake Queen shot him a look before turning toward Serpent Valley.
A hint of sorrow lingered on her face. This valley had been her home since arrival. In their hearts, it was their land—their sanctuary.
But within Serpent Valley, her word was law—revered and obeyed by blood-bound loyalty. When she gave the order to migrate to Great Yi, no one objected. They all began to pack quickly.
Only a fool wouldn't see the truth: in the eyes of the Beast King Court, Serpent Valley had become a thorn, a target for annihilation. And when they returned, it would be with overwhelming force.