novelraw Chapter 142: Banquet and the Siren
Chapter 142: Banquet and the Siren
Deep sea monster... Not referring to me... Chen Qi confirmed internally.
On the open seas, most humans referred to as "deep sea monsters" were mutated transcendents.
For example, the infamous Abyssal Merchant was a terrifying mutated transcendent.
Most likely, they had encountered someone from the Sea God Pirates.
An uncontrollable sorrow permeated the kitchen.
With the ship already rocking and the fear of death looming, the bald head chef thought of his wife back home, his stir-frying hand trembling slightly.
"Those pirates and monsters are lawless. On this ship, minor chefs like us could easily become their playthings if we're not careful."
The head chef inexplicably regained his composure:
"Sir, don't be too afraid. There are only a handful of pirates at this banquet.
When entering the banquet hall, mind your manners. As long as our dishes are delicious enough, we'll survive just fine."Also, sir, remember never to disobey their orders."
Poor chef... Chen Qi silently chopped vegetables:
"Thanks for the warning, I understand."
Time was tight. To avoid offending the banquet guests, everyone in the kitchen worked frantically to prepare the dishes.
The air was filled with the mixed aromas of various ingredients.
As time passed, one exquisite dish after another was completed.
[You have cooked an exceptionally delicious BoBo lobster, earning 120 Spirit Points.]
"Done!"
Wiping sweat from his brow, Chen Qi surveyed the spread of delicacies on the kitchen counter.
After reaching second-tier profession, his daily quests yielded more Spirit Points.
Following banquet protocol, the three chefs had to present their dishes in the banquet hall after cooking.
Before leaving, a makeup artist approached and handed Chen Qi a fitted white chef's uniform with gold trim.
Since there was no chef's hat, Deepsea Water Spirit No.1 would have to suffice.
Dressed and with the water spirit perched as his hat, Chen Qi followed the waiters carrying dishes into the bustling banquet hall.
By now, guests from the White Pigeon expedition ships had begun arriving.
At the front of the banquet, a mustachioed host delivered an impassioned speech:
"Honored guests, welcome to our trading banquet.
With the Dimensional Tide upon us, I'm sure everyone here has acquired transcendent items during your journeys through the Rift Sea.
However, limited by our Affinities, we don't always obtain what we seek during rift expeditions.
Only through exchange can these items reach their full potential.
This trading event was hastily organized. Some aboard may not know about it yet, but we welcome everyone to join us in breaking through the century-sealed wall of transcendence, forging the path to legend together!"
After listening, Chen Qi pondered briefly.
The guests aboard were all transcendents who had recently returned from the Rift Sea.
At a noble's suggestion, they had organized this trading banquet.
The situation wasn't as dire as he'd imagined - very few pirates attended this banquet.
He could even participate in the trading himself.
During rift expeditions, even with perfect performance, one inevitably acquired skill cards unrelated to their profession.
For example, he possessed the floral-affinity Wyvern Charm and the Phantom Affinity one-time skill card 'Empty Skeletal Head'.
As chef, Chen Qi followed the waiters to the head table to introduce the dishes:
"Honored guests, this is transcendent squid ball from the Rift Sea's depths - consuming it enhances inspiration.
This is premium BoBo lobster imported from the Goldenfinch Kingdom..."
A sultry female voice interrupted him:
"Did you prepare this BoBo lobster, little chef with the water spirit hat~?"
"..."
Chen Qi turned to the critical guest.
His BoBo lobster knife skills had been found out.
A woman in a blue gown sipped red wine, her sapphire eyes fixed on Chen Qi.
She had cascading blue curls, and her form-fitting blue dress accentuated her voluptuous figure like rolling hills.
A mischievous smile played at her lips, inviting wild imaginings.
A pirate... Chen Qi's pupils contracted.
He recognized this woman of many sins!
A notorious figure from gaming forums - an executive of the Blackfin Crew's Big Mom pirate ship, the Sea King Siren!
She had many monikers: 'Online Romance Killer', 'Wicked Woman', 'Miss Siren', 'Super Sea King', 'Cosplay Master'.
A third-tier Floral Dice Affinity professional - a Shapeshifter, with second-tier as floral-affinity [Singer] and first-tier as floral-affinity [Singer Apprentice].
Beyond physical transformations, she also wielded forbidden songs.
Her transcendent profession coupled with unparalleled beauty made her resemble legendary sea witches.
Hence she was called Siren.
The Big Mom Pirates were a formidable faction under the Blackfin Crew, home to many pleasure-seeking floral-affinity criminals.
And Siren was among their best.
She was scum who had deceived countless men and women of both body and heart!
With honeyed words and Shapeshifter abilities, she could effortlessly adopt different appearances and personas for different targets.
Numerous players had been tricked by Siren, implanted with special drugs to become her dogs.
Some victims, after bitter reflection, joined the navy to exact revenge!
While others claimed 'we love bad women' and willingly joined the Black Whale Pirates to be Siren's dogs.
Forum debates over 'What's wrong with being Siren's dog?' had sparked thousand-post flame wars!
Siren was formidable herself, backed by the fourth-tier Big Mom.
She remained at large, toying with countless hearts.
She'd even publicly abduct men or women she fancied onto her ship for humiliation - the epitome of arrogance.
An extremely dangerous individual... Chen Qi thought.
To encounter a Blackfin Crew executive on an ordinary passenger ship!
Like Black Glove, Siren was a Blackfin Crew executive with liberation techniques - not to be underestimated.
At his current strength, he stood no chance against Siren.
Siren watched Chen Qi's thoughtful expression:
"What's wrong, little chef? BoBo lobster is simple cuisine.
I heard you made the White Pigeon Times. Seems only your reputation is impressive~"
Other guests also looked skeptical.
As she spoke, Siren flashed a devilish smile.
My cooking skills being mocked!
Chen Qi immediately explained seriously:
"No, honored guests, this is an innovative approach. As you know, a BoBo lobster's final emotions affect its texture.
But judging those emotions solely by knife work is unreasonable.
I've infused my joy and culinary passion into each cut.
While differing from traditional methods, through my blade I've conveyed my culinary pursuit and delight to the lobster!
Trust me, this dish won't disappoint."
Conveyed passion to the lobster? Infused joy into ingredients?
Siren's smirk faltered slightly.
What nonsense was this chef spouting? A con artist?
Curious, she took a bite with fork and knife, savoring carefully!
"Hmm..."
Instantly warmth flooded her body as exquisite flavors burst across her tongue:
"Amazing... I mean, passable!"
"Really delicious?"
Others at the table skeptically sampled bites.
As they chewed, the lobster's flavors blossomed like flowers.
Just as the chef claimed - exceptionally delicious!
The ingredients' full potential was unlocked!
Despite imperfect knife work, the taste was flawless!
Unbelievable!
They envisioned the lobster coming alive, urging "Eat me, I'm delicious!"
"Who knew this shabby ship had such exquisite cuisine."
"I'll have my chef learn this technique - cooking with love and joy!"
They marveled.
Good thing I'm skilled... Chen Qi sighed internally.
Poor knife work compensated by Soul Seasoning!
A master chef with Soul Seasoning could perfectly draw out ingredients' essence!
Meanwhile, Siren rested her chin on hand, eyeing Chen Qi's water spirit:
"Chef, you're quite tasty - your cooking I mean. Pity my sisters aren't here to try it.
Little chef, could you reintroduce this dish to my sisters later?"
Siren's tone was deliberately seductive, certain the chef would succumb.
Targeted... troublesome... Chen Qi replied:
"Certainly, miss. Thank you for the praise. Enjoy your meal."
Retreat!
At his current strength, attracting Siren's attention spelled trouble.
Chen Qi quickly left the table for the banquet's center.
As the host concluded, the transcendent item exchange began!