Chapter 15: The Cherry Blossom Fish Feast

As expected, after a series of examinations, the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts showed normal physical signs. Not only that, but their physical constitution had improved significantly compared to before. Even their ability to refine immortal spiritual power was much stronger than it had been previously.

“Immortal, it seems Chen Xi must have some special methods of nurturing,” the physician responsible for the examination said, nervously looking at Immortal Wuyi and the immortal from the Beast-Taming family standing nearby. He continued, “Not only has there been no harm, but it has been greatly beneficial.”

“Understood. You may leave,” Immortal Wuyi coldly dismissed the physician, and then fell silent. As for the people from the Beast-Taming family, their expressions were filled with fluctuating emotions. However, in the end, they said nothing. They only instructed for the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts to be sent back to Chen Xi’s place.

“Young Master Wang, we must come up with a plan,” Immortal Wuyi said meaningfully, pointing at the retreating Moonshadow Celestial Beasts. Wang Luo only replied, “Understood,” before turning and leaving with his people.

Chen Xi, this mortal, was truly troublesome, but sooner or later, he would step on them with his own feet. However, to everyone’s surprise, before Wang Luo’s plans could even take shape, Chen Xi once again slapped him hard in the face.

—

It was dinner time again. The immortals were preparing meals for the celestial beasts in their assigned areas. However, most of them seemed distracted. The recent outburst of the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts had left a deep impression on them, and they even felt that this mortal, Chen Xi, was somewhat unfathomable.

Even so, these immortals still believed in their hearts that Chen Xi must be hiding something, or harboring some special secret. After all, how could a mortal have such extraordinary means?

“Maybe Chen Xi has some connection with a powerful being in the Upper Three Immortal Realms,” someone whispered to their companion. “Don’t you think it’s strange how he unexpectedly ascended?”

“I’ve thought so for a while. And do you remember when the Moonlight Celestial Beast first arrived? When Chen Xi stepped into the teleportation array, he could barely hold on, yet he somehow didn’t die.”

As the immortals chatted, they were refining beast pills according to the recipe, planning to deliver them to the respective celestial beasts. But just as the celestial beasts were about to start eating, every water mirror across Beast Island, no matter the size of the area or the corner, unexpectedly lit up at the same time. At the same moment, Chen Xi’s face appeared on the water mirrors.

He… What is he going to do now?

Some instinctively recalled the incident when Wang Xun had refined ingredients, and the result after Chen Xi activated the water mirror. A chill ran down their spines, and an ominous feeling began to cloud their minds. Despite their unease, the celestial beasts were still stirred by curiosity. They all turned their attention to the water mirrors, eager to see what was happening.

Chen Xi’s name had recently become widely known across Beast Island. Every time his name was mentioned, it was associated with major events. However, since the Moonlight Celestial Beast had protected him so well, many celestial beasts had never seen him in person. Now that they saw him appear on the water mirror, they were naturally curious to see what kind of person Chen Xi truly was.

The immortal crowd couldn’t help but be shocked. Yet, despite their astonishment, no one had the authority to stop him. At this moment, Chen Xi spoke.

“Good evening, everyone, I am Chen Xi.” He slightly adjusted the direction of the water mirror, standing before everyone with a warm smile. “I know that the recent advancement of the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts has raised suspicions about me. People may wonder whether I used some forbidden methods or added prohibited ingredients to the food for the celestial beasts, forcing them to unleash their potential, which led to the unexpected breakthrough.”

He paused for a moment, adjusted his sleeve, and continued, “So, I’ve decided that from now on, every time I prepare a meal, I will open the water mirror and make the process completely transparent. Anyone who has doubts or does not trust me can monitor me through this method.”

“This…” As soon as Chen Xi finished speaking, the crowd erupted in surprise.

In the Immortal Realm, the methods for nurturing celestial beasts were controlled by the three major Beast-Taming families. The techniques that were passed down were mostly limited to making low-level beast pills. As for the meals, they were tightly controlled. No Beast-Taming had ever displayed their techniques in public before.

Was Chen Xi stupid? Didn’t he fear that others would steal his methods? But recalling the times when they had tried to follow Chen Xi’s approach to preparing meals, only to fail repeatedly, they remained silent. However, their eyes were still fixed on the water mirror, not wanting to miss any details.

At present, Chen Xi was still preparing the ingredients in the water mirror. However, the scene that appeared was enough to stir the curiosity of everyone. The area where Chen Xi was preparing meals in the Zefeng Cave had changed drastically from the beginning. After several modifications, it now looked almost identical to the kitchen Chen Xi used for his live streams on Earth.

There was a wooden rack with room-temperature ingredients, various types of knives, and even an Immortal Realm refrigerator made from ice-element immortal stones. The ingredients inside were arranged in an orderly manner, and just looking at them made one’s appetite increase.

So, this is how you can arrange things?

For the celestial beasts, this kitchen was extremely novel. Many of them even approached eagerly, hoping to observe the scene that had never appeared in the Immortal Realm up close.

“Despicable mortal, just trying to gain popularity!” On the other side, an immortal from the Beast-Taming family, also forced to watch Chen Xi’s live stream through the water mirror, angrily cursed. They were already overwhelmed by the issues with the Sun-Chasing Celestial Beasts, and now Chen Xi was causing even more trouble.

To these immortals, Chen Xi’s actions were no different from naked self-promotion, so they couldn’t help but criticize.

“Immortals don’t need to arrange things this way. All you need to do is use a Spatial Bag. Only a despicable mortal would be so petty.” The tone of disdain was unending, but these remarks were just a veil of embarrassment put up by the immortals from the Beast-Taming families.

However, to their surprise, their criticisms were clearly transmitted into Chen Xi’s mind.

This system of Chen Xi’s was quite interesting. The Immortal Realm’s water mirror was not the same as Earth’s live streaming platforms, but the system could read the thoughts of the viewers and turn them into comments, directly replaying them in Chen Xi’s mind, like live stream bullet comments.

Interesting. Chen Xi curled his lips, watching for a while as the celestial beasts muttered and the immortals expressed their disdain and amazement. Then, he slowly picked up a kitchen knife, preparing to start today’s culinary live stream—the Cherry Blossom Fish Feast.

A more than one-meter-long Cherry Blossom Fish was placed on the chopping board. Its pinkish scales shimmered in the sunlight, looking like a finely crafted artwork. The slender fish filleting knife moved like a swimming dragon across the fish’s body, leaving different depths of cuts in a smooth, flowing motion. When he stopped, only the neatly filleted Cherry Blossom Fish remained on the board.

The fattest part of the fish’s belly, rich in oil, was placed separately on a snow-white plate. Meanwhile, the firm-fleshed fish back was cut into small square pieces, marinated with olive oil and lemon juice, then stacked irregularly together. As for the fish head, bones, and dorsal fin, they were not discarded as waste either. They were neatly placed in a large bowl beside the dish, as if resting for a while before releasing a richer, more distinct flavor.

The Moonlight Celestial Beast glanced at the fish disapprovingly, finding the way Chen Xi had cut the fish bones into pieces somewhat displeasing. It couldn’t help but raise its paw and slap the exposed fish tail. After seeing the fish tail wobble, it couldn’t resist giving it a few more slaps.

“Alright, time to eat,” Chen Xi said, reaching out to lift the Moonlight Celestial Beast and speaking to it in a coaxing tone. But in response, he was met with two small, soft paws pressed against his face.

“Unbelievable! What kind of display is this?” The Moonlight Celestial Beast, startled by Chen Xi’s sudden closeness, instinctively broke free, its ears twitching in displeasure and every whisker showing signs of irritation.

Unable to resist, Chen Xi rubbed the irritable little cat’s head and continued his work. However, the celestial beasts watching the whole process were already astounded by these simplest culinary techniques.

“Cooking can be done like this?”

The celestial beasts that had grown up on beast pills all widened their eyes, staring intently at the water mirror, eager to see what kind of surprise Chen Xi would bring next. On the other hand, the immortals from the Beast-Taming families had even darker expressions, especially Wang Luo.

Unlike the others, Wang Luo was the young master of a Beast-Taming family. Having studied ancient texts since childhood, he could naturally understand that while Chen Xi’s ingredient combinations appeared random, they were actually extremely meticulous. The key point was that Wang Luo realized that with his current ability, he could only barely tell that Chen Xi’s approach was extraordinary, but he couldn’t fully comprehend the underlying principles. Did this mean that Chen Xi’s culinary techniques were even more advanced than those from their prestigious families?

Who exactly was he?

Clenching his fists tightly, Wang Luo’s eyes burned with jealousy. But just as he was pondering this, the scene in the water mirror gave him an even greater blow.

Hot oil was poured into the pan, and the pink Cherry Blossom Fish head gently slid along the bottom, quickly forming a golden, glistening outer layer. Green onions were hidden inside the fish’s hollow head. As the temperature rose, a different fragrance mixed with the rich, mouthwatering flavor and slowly wafted out. Finally, a bowl of broth that had been simmering for hours was added. With the nourishment of time, the dish effortlessly reached its most authentic and delicious form.

The fish belly of the Cherry Blossom Fish was perfect for raw consumption. The greasy fish skin had been removed, leaving only the freshest and most tender flesh. Chen Xi skillfully divided the fish into two parts. One half was cut into thick slices about the width of a finger, arranged neatly on a bed of pure white radish puree. A small dish of specialty sauce was placed on the side—just a small dip was enough to savor the top-tier delicacy.

But the most irresistible part was the marinated small squares of fish back. After being grilled, their surfaces exuded an enchanting charred fragrance, and beneath the crisp exterior was the most tender and bouncy texture. Chen Xi brushed them with golden-brown honey and sprinkled them with fragrant toasted sesame seeds. The combination of the fish’s softness and the grainy texture of the sesame seeds created a perfect balance, adding more depth and flavor to the Cherry Blossom Fish.

“Xixi Xixi, I love this!” Chen Xi picked a small piece and fed it to the Moonshadow Celestial Beast, which was rubbing against his leg. Hearing its exaggerated praise, Chen Xi couldn’t help but smile gently.

On the other side, as the fragrance continued to drift out from the water mirror, the celestial beasts watching nearby became mesmerized. Some even clung tightly to the water mirror, their noses twitching, unwilling to miss any scent that entered their nostrils.

“Ah, I really want to eat…”

This is almost the innermost thought of every celestial beast. As for the immortals, they are left in silence.

Especially the immortals from the Beast-Tamings’ family, their faces have turned red, unable to say a word. Even the disdainful expression they had when they first tried to maintain composure has vanished.

They glance at the food they prepared, then glance at the meal Chen Xi made. The difference is so vast that “worlds apart” doesn’t even begin to describe it. As for Wang Luo, his anger is so great that he cannot contain it.

The young master of the three great Beast-Tamings’ families of the immortal world, unable to turn the situation around, has been trampled underfoot by a mere mortal. How humiliating and tragic is that? Especially now, the beast pills he had just crafted are sitting in front of him. Yet, the celestial beasts that should have respected him are unresponsive, all staring blankly at Chen Xi’s meal in the water mirror, eyes full of surprise and admiration. Occasionally, those whose gaze strays to the side and lands on the beast pills show no interest in eating them, only displaying clear disdain. It’s all because they’ve seen Chen Xi’s cooking.

“Damn it!” This kind of neglect is like a slap to Wang Luo’s face, crushing his pride. Unable to endure anymore, he fled the Sun-Chasing Celestial Beast’s cave and muttered curses under his breath. He wished he could tear Chen Xi apart to quell his rage.

However, this awkwardness isn’t just a one-time thing.

Completely out of the immortals’ expectations, Chen Xi’s live broadcasts begin every day on time. No one knows where he keeps finding so many recipes, over the days, not once has he repeated one. And no matter whether the cooking methods are simple or complicated, the final result always leaves people drooling, wishing they could replace the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts and be part of the feast themselves.

With Chen Xi’s daily live streams, more and more celestial beasts on Beast Island, who no longer find food enjoyable, are becoming fascinated by it. The key is, these immortals are completely helpless.

Chen Xi’s methods look simple, but they are fundamentally impossible to replicate. Even if the same techniques are used, and even if the timing is just a little off, the results never turn out the same. These celestial beasts have an extremely sensitive sense of taste, even the slightest discrepancy is unacceptable, and they cause an uproar, mocking the immortals as trash.

Except for the Beast-Tamings’ family, where the situation is somewhat better, it’s not that their skills are enough, it’s just that most of the celestial beasts treat their food as medicine. After all, Chen Xi is just one person, and among the remaining immortals on Beast Island, only the Beast-Tamings’ family members are tolerable.

“So it’s the Moonlight Clan’s treachery. If they hadn’t been protecting Chen Xi, who would have expected him to have such skill?”

“Exactly, I can’t stop watching every day.”

“Sigh, but now we can only make do with the Beast-Tamings’ family. At least their beast pills have some effect, which is a small consolation…”

Hearing these celestial beasts’ conversation, Wang Luo’s face becomes increasingly twisted, but he has no solution.

Later, due to the immense pressure from Chen Xi, Wang Luo even ruined several batches of beast pills, further damaging his reputation among the celestial beasts. However, as this took its toll on him, Chen Xi seemed to have found his stride. Not only does he do three meals a day, but he also occasionally adds midnight snacks or afternoon tea segments to the water mirror for the celestial beasts to watch whenever they wish.

It must be said, as a professional pet food blogger, Chen Xi picks the angles and timing with remarkable precision, almost always getting them just right. Whether it’s the food itself or the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts immersed in it, everything looks utterly irresistible, making it impossible to look away. The key is, these segments are even more tantalizing than the live streams. At least in a live stream, you can see the detailed process, but these short clips, after sparking your appetite, leave you hanging, with no further content.

This continued for ten days, and the entire Beast Island was thrown into chaos. It wasn’t just the island, even some high-level celestial beasts who occasionally checked on the situation were also stirred.

Celestial beasts have their own way of spreading news, and in just a few days, almost the entire celestial beast community knew about Chen Xi and his mouthwatering feasts.

Although not every celestial beast deliberately tuned into the water mirror to watch Chen Xi’s broadcasts, his name had spread.

That night, Chen Xi found himself unable to sleep. He was calculating his popularity, thinking he was still a little short of one million points. In fact, his popularity was rising every day, especially during his broadcasts and when he posted food segments, which increased his popularity even faster. But even so, Chen Xi still felt it wasn’t enough. At the moment, the Moonshadow Celestial Beasts around him were using 【Holy Hand Treasure】 every day, and as for the Moonlight Celestial Beast, though the effect wasn’t significant, it still had great utility for healing its old injuries. With the daily consumption, Chen Xi became increasingly worried about running out of points.

Coincidentally, tonight the Moonlight Celestial Beast said it would take several Moonshadow Celestial Beasts out to practice, leaving Chen Xi alone in the Zefeng Cave. Looking up at the bright moonlight outside, Chen Xi thought for a while and concluded that such a beautiful night was perfect for deep-night reporting. Moreover, if he could coax that aloof cat master back, tonight would no longer feel lonely.

Thinking this, Chen Xi opened the water mirror and walked to the place where the ingredients were stored, preparing to select materials for later use. Just at this moment, a large cat with beautiful silver-gray fur was slowly walking over, silently approaching Chen Xi…

—

Author’s Note:

Emperor Qing Yang: On such a fine night, I’ll come see the newly recruited Chef.