Chapter 1168: The Miracle of Grilled Fish

What a waste!

What an absolute waste!

The Dao-Transforming Sturgeon is a supreme treasure of heaven and earth, yet it was roasted and eaten—how much of its essence was squandered?!

Dozens of people stood in the distance, their hearts aching at the sight of scattered fish bones strewn across the ground.

Luo Pengfei had long braced himself for this and sneered at the starstruck expressions of these sycophants. But when he caught sight of Xu Baichuan’s oily lips, he quickened his pace.

That old fox truly had no honor!

They had agreed to wait for his return before indulging, yet here he was, sneaking bites behind his back. Had Luo Pengfei arrived any later, even the bones would’ve been licked clean!

As he hastened forward, the others followed suit.

Walking along the fishpond corridor, they glimpsed dozens of Dao-Transforming Sturgeons swimming gracefully on either side. Their eyes burned with envy, and their expressions grew tense with awe.

Luo Pengfei reached the bonfire only to find a few small fish remaining.

His eyes darkened with murderous intent.

“Brother Xu, we agreed to wait for my return! How could you devour most of it without me?!”

Xu Baichuan’s aged face showed not a hint of shame as he casually flicked his sleeve.

“Brother Luo, calm yourself. Please, take a seat.”

A gentle breeze swept by, pushing a stone stool before him.

Sensing the Dao-infused power within that breeze, Luo Pengfei froze in shock.

Sword intent?

Xu Baichuan had attained the Dao through music—how could he suddenly wield sword intent, and at a level rivaling even Lu Renkuang?!

Unless…

Before Luo Pengfei could ponder further, Yi Feng handed him a grilled fish.

“Brother Luo, don’t blame Brother Xu. I heard eating this fish could grant insights into the Dao, so I couldn’t resist trying it.”

“Go on, give it a taste. See if you notice anything special?”

Yi Feng wore a sullen expression.

Supposedly, eating the fish was like opening a mystery box—a chance to grasp the Dao’s power. Yet, he’d drawn nothing but blanks, not even a whiff of enlightenment. His luck was downright rotten!

Seeing Yi Feng intervene, Luo Pengfei dared not act arrogantly.

He accepted the fish with reverence, bowing repeatedly.

“Many thanks, Master!”

Gazing at the long-coveted Dao-Transforming Sturgeon before him, his heart raced. Recalling the razor-sharp sword intent from earlier, his excitement only grew.

He took a delicate bite.

The tender, succulent flesh and crispy skin melded in his mouth, creating layers of flavor unlike anything he’d ever experienced.

It was…

Unbelievably delicious.

How could grilled fish taste this divine?!

For thousands of years, he’d consumed spiritual fruits and fine wines solely to absorb their essence, never for mere pleasure. Yet now, he felt pure bliss, like a mortal savoring a feast.

After swallowing, Luo Pengfei’s eyes widened in astonishment.

A profound, unfathomable enlightenment surged through his mind—each thread of insight refined as if tempered over millennia.

Within his consciousness…

A tiny figure recited poetry, surrounded by dancing, jubilant characters.

The power of the Literary Dao?!

Just as the legends said—the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon truly contained the essence of the Great Dao!

His face flushed with exhilaration, nearly losing composure. Before he could speak, his cultivation surged wildly.

Early Third Stage…

Mid Third Stage.

Late Third Stage!

In mere breaths, his stagnant cultivation—unchanged for centuries—soared, teetering on the brink of breakthrough. Insights flowed effortlessly, as natural as breathing.

The path was clear.

A short retreat, and he would ascend!

The Dao-Transforming Sturgeon didn’t just impart Dao insights—it also boosted cultivation?!

Was this real?!

Had the fish always been this potent?

Luo Pengfei shot to his feet, utterly stunned.

Seeing his fervor, Yi Feng leaned in eagerly.

“Well? How’s the fish? Did you gain any insights into the Dao?”

Meeting Yi Feng’s expectant gaze, Luo Pengfei snapped back to reality.

No wonder Master had insisted on grilling the fish, exuding the same confidence as when fishing. Grilling was the true method of preparation! His knowledge and skill were beyond comprehension.

First, the gift of the fish. Now, this guidance.

In just days of acquaintance, he’d stumbled upon such fortune. This was a windfall beyond measure!

Overflowing with gratitude and admiration, Luo Pengfei nearly blurted out the truth.

But mindful of eavesdroppers, he chuckled instead.

“Thank you, Master!”

“This grilled fish is the finest delicacy in all the world!”

Yi Feng’s face fell slightly.

Even Brother Luo hadn’t experienced anything extraordinary. So, the fish’s reputation was just hype.

“Great Dao insights”? What a scam.

This island lord was a swindler!

Having eaten his fill, Yi Feng had lost interest. He nodded with a smile.

“The rest are yours. Enjoy them with Brother Xu. I’ll go greet our guests.”

The two men lit up with joy.

As Yi Feng glanced toward the approaching crowd, the newcomers tensed, standing stiffly while stealing glances at the grilled fish.

Noticing their gazes, Yi Feng greeted them warmly.

“Welcome, everyone. My apologies—we only grilled a few fish. Another time, perhaps, I’ll invite you all properly.”

They hurriedly bowed, voices trembling with deference.

They had come solely to pay respects to Yi Feng, hoping to mend past oversights. The thought of claiming a Dao-Transforming Sturgeon never crossed their minds—they’d be lucky if he even accepted their gifts.

Amid the nervous silence, Old Man He stepped forward once more.

“You honor us too much, Master.”

“We came only to pay our respects, nothing more. Our visit was rushed—forgive any improprieties.”

Though his words were humble, his hands presented a set of knives.

“Master, the Dao-Transforming Sturgeon is best enjoyed as sashimi to preserve its essence and enhance its flavor. This old man happens to own a set of blades. A small token of respect.”

Old Man He offered the knives, a gleam of cunning in his eyes.

As the brocade box opened, the exquisite Seven-Star Treasure Knives gleamed, drawing envious stares. Old Man He stood poised, basking in the spotlight.

But Yi Feng sat frozen, baffled.

This was a freshwater fish. Could it even be eaten raw?

That’s just unsanitary!