C2 Gluttony Feast

Wu Pingfan strolled down the central street of Snow City with Coal by his side. The outside world was indeed a spectacle. People donned beautiful clothes and adorned themselves with delicate jade jewelry. The streets were lined with an array of irresistible delicacies, their aromas wafting through the air. Surely, this was more appetizing than the wild vegetables and roots on the mountain?

He found himself missing Senior Sister Zhuo. Since her arrival on the mountain, she had taken charge of the meals, ensuring a continuous supply of delectable dishes. But after she descended the mountain, the culinary standards had plummeted back to their original state. It was a pitiful situation indeed!

"Coal, should we learn some culinary skills out here and cook for the old man?" Wu Pingfan mused, glancing down at the big block dog.

"Woof!" Coal barked in agreement. The mountain food might have been nutritious, but it certainly lacked in flavor.

At that moment, a group of customers at a nearby stall, enjoying their wontons, struck up a conversation. "Hey, the Keep is throwing a banquet today for some guests. They've brought out loads of ingredients and even hired a top chef from the Imperial City."

"Don't tease me; I'm getting hungry. We'll never get to savor that," another lamented.

"I wonder who the City Lord is hosting today," a third chimed in.

"I heard it's an elder from a powerful sect..." the conversation trailed off.

Wu Pingfan, overhearing their chat, latched onto one crucial detail: the Keep was serving delicious food, and he was famished!

Swallowing hard, he approached the stall with Coal and inquired nonchalantly, "Hello, could you tell me how to get to the Keep?"

The patrons looked at him, slightly taken aback. One kind soul pointed out the way, "Sure, go straight in that direction, then take a right at the end, and you'll find the Keep."

Wu Pingfan glanced in the indicated direction and set off without a word of thanks. The old man in the mountains had never taught him about pleasantries, only to follow his heart in speech and action. So, when hunger struck and he didn't know the way to the Keep, he simply asked. And having asked, what else was there to do but head straight for the Keep?

The few vendors at the stall glanced at the peculiar teenager, shook their heads in bewilderment, and resumed their discussion of the latest gossip.

Indeed, the Keep wasn't at the end of a right turn off the main street; instead, its signboard was visible from a distance.

When Wu Pingfan arrived, he noticed a procession slowly making its way into the Keep's entrance. Upon closer inspection, it was the same group he had encountered just outside the city not too long ago. The elderly man and the young girl were at the forefront of the group, looking expectantly into the Keep, seemingly awaiting something.

Before long, a middle-aged man burst out of the Keep. His attire and the distinguished crown he wore indicated his high status.

Yao Jing, the elder, stepped forward with a respectful bow. "We, the disciples of Starfall Peaks, are passing through and are grateful for the hospitality of the City Lord. It's quite humbling."

The middle-aged man was revealed to be the City Lord of Snow Sky City.

With an embarrassed grin, the City Lord replied, "Elder Yao, you're too modest. It's a privilege for us to host the esteemed guests from Starfall Peaks. We've prepared a grand banquet inside. Please, come in!"

The Starfall Peaks delegation followed the City Lord into his residence.

Wu Pingfan, with an expression of indifference, made his way toward the Keep. The guards at the entrance seemed not to notice him, offering no reaction whatsoever.

Thus, the man and his dog entered the Keep unimpeded.

Inside the Keep's reception hall, several round dining tables were arranged with precision. Each table seated around ten guests, perfectly accommodating the Starfall Peaks group. The tables were laden with a variety of dishes, and the enticing aroma of wine filled the room, leaving the guests from Starfall Peaks utterly enchanted.

Even for Starfall Peaks, a top-tier second-rate power, such exquisite culinary delights were a rare treat.

The banquet commenced shortly after. City Lord Huang began by offering a toast to Elder Yao, followed by a toast to the rest of the Starfall Peaks party. After exchanging pleasantries, it was time to dine. However, the spread of food and wine was clearly insufficient for the appetites of these cultivators.

In this world, only those who have reached the Soul Manifestation Realm can forgo eating altogether.

Yet, those who haven't attained this level must grapple with constant hunger.

They need to consume vast quantities of food daily to stave off the gnawing hunger that comes with their training.

A typical cultivator's appetite can match that of five grown men.

As a result, the sumptuous spread of food and wine on the table was nearly obliterated by these voracious eaters in less than fifteen minutes.

City Lord Huang watched the spectacle unfold with acute embarrassment.

"This..."

Yao Jing had actually considered intervening.

Given their status as disciples of a prestigious sect, such behavior seemed rather unseemly.

But then he remembered the severe losses they had recently suffered and the low point they had reached; he decided to let them be.

It was only food, after all. He could simply compensate City Lord Huang if needed.

"Ahem, ahem."

City Lord Huang cleared his throat with evident discomfort.

He then gestured for the servants to hurry to the kitchen and expedite the meal preparation.

But shortly thereafter, a servant returned with alarming news!

The entire Keep's food supply had been devoured by a big block dog!

City Lord Huang's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the green-clad servant before him.

Did he truly understand the gravity of his statement?

How could City Lord Huang be unaware of the Keep's food reserves?

Even if a big block dog had snuck some food, how much could it possibly consume?

It was obvious that the servants were trying to deflect blame by pinning it on a convenient scapegoat—a big block dog.

Yao Jing, seated next to City Lord Huang, also caught wind of the servant's claim.

At the mention of "big block dog," he paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

Could it be the same creature they had encountered earlier?

While everyone pondered the situation, a series of footsteps echoed from the corridor connecting the main hall to the kitchen.

All eyes turned toward the sound.

A plump big block dog came into view, looking quite satisfied as it patted its belly, then let out a hearty belch.

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