Lin Feng's tone was light, almost casual.
But the words that slipped out of his mouth crashed like divine thunder in the hearts of Qian Daoliu and the others.
All-encompassing benefits.
Healing foundations, repairing injuries, improving talent.
The stronger you were, the greater the gains.
"Gulp."
A chain reaction of swallowing echoed throughout the silent hall.
Several Titled Douluo suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
Their eyes locked onto the now-empty table, blazing with greed and longing.
They originally thought the "god-tier dish" was merely more delicious, more fragrant, more transcendent than usual.
But who could have imagined—
This wasn't food.
This was ascension material.
This was a shortcut to immortality.
This was eating their way to becoming a god!
A frenzy rose in everyone's hearts.
Golden Crocodile Douluo flushed red, rushed forward, and practically rubbed his hands raw.
"S-Senior… Senior," he squeezed out a flattering smile, bowing until his spine might snap.
"We old bones… could we… maybe… partake in a tiny bit of this fortune?"
"Just a taste! Truly not greedy! Just one bite! Just the edge of the aura of a Divinity!"
The moment he finished, Devil Bear, Ghost Leopard, and the others surged forward like starving baby birds.
"Yes! Senior, please show mercy!"
"Just one bite!"
"Just a sniff is fine!"
Lin Feng didn't even lift his eyelid.
He blew lightly on his tea, took a sip, and answered lazily:
"You want to eat god-tier dishes?"
A pause.
"Sure. Become gods first."
Boom.
Their hopes shattered instantly.
An icy stillness spread across the hall.
Faces froze.
Eyes dimmed.
Hearts broke.
"Ahhhhhhh—!"
No one knew who started it, but a wave of regretful howling filled the entire pavilion.
"How could I be so stupid!!" Devil Bear slapped his forehead, nearly knocking himself out. "If I had known the 'smell' was god-tier qi, I'd have inhaled two huge mouthfuls even if it killed me!"
"You said it!"
Ghost Leopard almost wept. "Why did I retreat?! I should've charged in! Even losing half my life would've been worth catching a whiff of immortal qi!"
Everyone nodded in painful unison.
Their regret burned their insides like fire.
Why so timid?!
Why listen to Golden Crocodile?!
Why retreat?!
Golden Crocodile's old face reddened under the sharp, accusatory gazes.
How was he supposed to know?!
That smell was clearly deadly poison gas!
Yet now—
That deadly stench had become "god-tier immortal qi."
A treasure beyond treasures.
A chance stronger than any inheritance.
Everyone lamented.
But one presence remained conveniently forgotten.
At the restaurant entrance—
Spirit Kite Douluo lay sprawled like a salted fish, still unconscious.
Everyone shared one universal, unspoken reaction:
Pretend you don't see.
Better she faint than us.
Sucks for her.
Our loss is still bigger.
Just as everyone was staring resentfully at the satisfied, burping "Angel Rakshasa Dong," Lin Feng's lazy voice drifted again.
"Alright. Stop screaming."
"Breakfast is over."
"Business hours start now."
Everyone perked up instantly.
Right!
If they couldn't eat god-tier dishes, they could still eat their menu!
Even if the ordinary dishes weren't as strong, eating enough over time… they'd eventually ascend too!
Their sorrow transformed instantly into appetite.
"Senior!"
Qian Daoliu had already dragged Posey forward. "Xi Xi and I want nine portions of egg fried rice! Extra eggs! Double eggs!"
"I want a braised pork hock!"
"I'll have two Buddha Jumps Over the Wall!"
They fought to order as if exhaling their frustration.
Just then—
A soft yet clear voice interrupted.
It was "Angel Rakshasa Dong."
She hesitated, looked at Lin Feng, and finally asked the question that had struck both goddesses' divine souls:
"Your Excellency…"
"Can the benefits of a god-tier dish… allow someone to break the limit of a first-rank Divinity… and possibly step into the God King realm?"
Silence.
The entire pavilion froze.
Everyone whipped their heads around, stunned.
God King?
Most didn't know divine classifications.
But "God King" was obviously terrifyingly high.
Lin Feng didn't answer.
He slowly set down his teacup, raised his head, and his dark, unfathomable eyes met hers.
Then—
A faint, almost mocking smile appeared.
"Are you…"
"…doubting the effectiveness of the dishes I make?"
BOOM—!!!
An invisible, crushing pressure exploded outward, enveloping the entire Feng Ran Pavilion.
"Angel Rakshasa Dong" trembled violently.
She felt her divine soul gripped by an invisible beast.
"I— I wouldn't dare!"
She jerked upright, bowing deeply, her voice shaking uncontrollably.
"Junior had absolutely no such intention! Please forgive me, Your Excellency!"
At once—
The pressure vanished without a trace.
She slumped back into her chair, weak all over, cold sweat soaking her back.
Lin Feng's lack of denial—
was the loudest confirmation.
Angel and Rakshasa God trembled internally.
[Angel!! Did you hear that?! He didn't deny it!]
Rakshasa God shrieked like she'd won the jackpot.
[We really have a chance to become GOD KINGS!]
[I heard it! I heard every word!]
Angel God's voice quivered, overwhelmed.
[Oh my heaven… I just resurrected… and I already encountered such a heaven-defying opportunity!]
[God King!!!]
In their minds, the two goddesses hugged each other tightly for the first time.
A rare moment of unity—
Until they realized who they were hugging.
[Tch!]
[Hmph!]
Two identical, disdainful scoffs echoed simultaneously.
They separated at once, each looking disgusted to have touched the other.
Perfect harmony restored.