C5 Familiar yet Unfamiliar Delicacies

Among Shen Jun's many disciples, Zhuge Tianji certainly wasn't the most gifted.

But he was unquestionably the most merciless!

Whenever he struck, it was with lethal intent, always claiming a life.

The path bestowed upon him by the System was also the most blood-soaked of all—the path of killing.

Shen Jun recalled how the young Zhuge Tianji, much like other children, would incessantly beg for stories. Yet, unlike his peers, he had a peculiar fascination with tales of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, undercover operatives, spies, and assassins.

Shen Jun had impressed upon Zhuge Tianji that for a spy or an assassin, the key to success wasn't the art of concealment, the means of killing, or even one's own prowess.

It was intelligence.

To be an enigma to your enemy while having them completely figured out—that was the advantage. With such knowledge, even a toddler could take down a formidable cultivator.

Little did Shen Jun expect that Zhuge Tianji would take his words to heart and, after his own demise, establish such a formidable force that spanned the entirety of Central State—a land several times larger than Earth itself.

Reflecting on Old Eight's relentless determination, Shen Jun felt a pang of sympathy. Without his guidance all these years, his disciple must have endured many hardships.

With a soft sigh, Shen Jun resolved to waste no more time. With a flick of his wrists, he conjured two spells, and the grand hall trembled. Corpses, black ash, bloodstains, and even the four stone pillars vanished without a trace, restoring the hall to its pristine condition.

Shen Jun walked confidently towards the exit.

The recent surge of spiritual Qi had wrought incredible changes in his body. Now, his talents rivaled even those of his strongest disciple—a thought inconceivable eight hundred years prior.

Simultaneously, he received his first post-resurrection mission: to locate his former disciples, with the promise of a generous reward from the System for each one found.

Shen Jun's spirits were soaring. In his past life, he had poured his heart and soul into caring for his disciples. Now, the time had come for his bountiful harvest.

My disciples, brace yourselves for the return of your master!

Shen Jun's objective was crystal clear: his first task was to locate the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion and its master, Zhuge Tianji.

With the Heavenly Mysteries Pavilion under his control, he would have access to the intelligence network of the entire Central State—a significant asset in his search for a disciple.

...

The moment he effortlessly skirted the restrictive formations and stepped out of Shen's Tomb...

Far away, in a high-rise belonging to an array masters' guild, a young man clad in brocade leapt to his feet!

Instantly, the loft was suffused with a palpable killing intent, and the temperature plummeted to freezing.

The mere emotional outburst of this brocade-clad youth was enough to alter the natural environment, hinting at his formidable power.

Two senior officials, in the midst of their routine briefing, were so startled that they immediately knelt, too frightened to even breathe loudly.

The Guild President was renowned for his unflappable demeanor. Who within the guild had ever witnessed such a display of uncontrolled fury from him?

What could possibly have transpired to cause such an upheaval?

"Notify Wang Jingyu at once, and have him report to me immediately!" the youth commanded, his face a mask of ice, his voice chilling. "Inform him that there's trouble back home."

"At once, sir!"

A senior official hastened to send the message, his mind reeling with shock.

What could be so urgent as to compel the guild leader to summon that man?

Wang Jingyu was the preeminent architect of Central State, a legendary figure revered as the Craftsman God.

Yet, despite their astonishment and curiosity, no one dared to inquire further. The President's authority was deeply ingrained in the hearts of all.

"Summon all members of the Sky Array," the young man in the brocade robe ordered next. "Tell them to bring everything they need to guard the house and be ready to depart at a moment's notice!"

"Yes, sir!"

Another high-ranking official took the command and departed.

The Sky Array!

It represented the pinnacle of the Array Formation Masters Guild's combat forces, a power that commanded respect throughout Central State.

Even the least among them, if placed outside, would be eagerly sought after by families, sects, and sacred grounds.

It seemed that there had never been an occasion that necessitated the full mobilization of the Sky Array—until now.

What on earth had transpired? Had some unparalleled demon emerged from the shadows?

Once the young man in the ornate garments was alone in the room, he gazed out the window with a frosty demeanor. His eyes were fixed in the direction of Shen's Tomb. "I'm eager to find out who was bold enough to desecrate my master's resting place," he said, his voice laced with a chilling resolve. "I swear, I'll hang the culprit's body from this window for a full week, making an example for all to see that there are sacred places one simply does not trespass!"

"Not even a fleeting thought of it should cross their mind, or it's death!"

"Master," he uttered softly, his expression softening at the mention. "Rest assured, I, Ouyang Fa, will undoubtedly locate that fabled ancient celestial formation and bring you back to life!"

"Just wait for me!"

...

Yunlan City was the nearest city to Shen's Tomb. Following his recent empowerment, Shen Jun's abilities had surged, allowing him to reach the city in less than a day.

The matter of finding a disciple could wait.

For now, his priority was to indulge in a sumptuous meal. Currently at the Supernatural Power Stage, he hadn't yet mastered the art of abstaining from food. After eight hundred years without a meal, he was both ravenous and craving a feast! Thankfully, Elder Zhang had some money left intact, not a fortune, but certainly enough to satisfy his hunger.

Upon entering the city, Shen Jun approached a portly guard, slipping him a gold coin with a friendly grin. "Brother, I need some advice. Where can I find the best eats in Yunlan City?"

The guard, grinning as he accepted the gold coin, replied, "You've come to the right person. I've been a local here since childhood and have dined at every establishment."

"If you're looking for something affordable yet delicious, head to the east side of the city for Floris and Shaandong's Oil-Splashed Noodles."

"For a mid-range meal that's still a bargain, try the Golden Arch or Pioneer Visitor in the south of the city. Their fried chicken and tomato flatbread are second to none!"

"And if you're feeling flush and want a lavish dining experience, the city center boasts a seafood buffet and the Divine Call Steakhouse. That place... hehe, I've heard you can even savor the rarest of Demonic Beasts!"

Shen Jun was utterly baffled by the barrage of names that felt both familiar and foreign.

What?

Golden arches, divine steak?

What in the world was all that?!

Had it not been for the rich spiritual energy surrounding him, he might have believed he'd somehow returned to Earth!

However, Shen Jun quickly gathered his wits.

"Hey, brother," Shen Jun said as he pulled out another gold coin and handed it over, his voice laced with intrigue, "The shops you just mentioned... do they all belong to the same owner?"