The following days settled back into a period of calm as the entire nation prepared for the Lunar New Year.
The atmosphere this year was particularly festive, with smiles gracing everyone's faces. This was especially true after the official explanation for the day's strange phenomenon, which revealed it was the Elder showing his divine might, further invigorating the people.
Resurrection Era 986, February 3rd.
Chen Shu lay on the rooftop of his apartment complex, gazing out at Nanjiang City before him.
Behind him, wisps of fragrant meat smoke wafted through the air. Zhang Dali, clad in his God of Cookery attire, was diligently preparing Golden Monarch meat.
"Big Dali, your cooking is still the best..."
The little sprite sat on Dali's shoulder, legs crossed, savoring a piece of beast leg with hearty bites. They were perfectly matched, one cooking, the other eating.
"I still have a lot of room for improvement..."
Zhang Dali was focused, performing at his peak. Cooking Golden Monarch meat was significantly improving his culinary skills. He was also contemplating forging a new path, perhaps through Monarch-tier ingredients. After all, these were incredibly expensive, and no spirit chef could afford such extravagance. Moreover, the authorities would never permit such waste. But Chen Shu was different. Following him, there would be opportunities to cook with various Monarchs in the future.
The little sprite, thoroughly enjoying itself, occasionally took a puff from a cigar and said, "Do you think there's a possibility I could become your contracted spirit?"
"?"
Zhang Dali glanced at him. Was he really selling himself for a good meal?
"Then, you cook, I eat. The strongest duo on Earth, isn't it?" The little sprite's eyes gleamed, already envisioning their future.
"..."
Zhang Dali's mouth twitched. He turned to Chen Shu and said, "I only have one question!"
"What?"
"Who's going to kill the fierce beasts?"
"..."
The little sprite froze, realizing it had overlooked a minor detail.
Just then, it felt a hand grab it.
"Daydreaming again?" Chen Shu said nonchalantly, "Are you thinking of running off with someone else?"
"Let me go..." The little sprite thrashed, trying to put on a fierce display. "Little Chen, I'm giving you three seconds! Otherwise, you'll face the consequences!"
"Oh? What consequences?" Chen Shu's lips curved into a teasing smile.
"..."
The little sprite was momentarily stunned, realizing it couldn't really control Chen Shu. Its dark eyes darted around, then it clenched its fist and said fiercely, "Don't force me... I'll give you another three seconds!"
"..."
Chen Shu grinned, about to speak, when his phone rang.
"Governor of Nancang?" He paused slightly before answering. "Uncle Fang? What's up?"
"There's an important provincial meeting this afternoon. We need you to attend. Do you have time?"
"Me attend?" Chen Shu's eyes widened, looking somewhat bewildered. "Really? I don't think I've ever attended a meeting before..."
Governor Fang replied, "You're a legitimate Scarlet Imperial Dragon Guard, of course you're qualified to attend!"
"No problem." Chen Shu nodded and hung up. He murmured to himself, "Could something have happened?" Today was New Year's Eve. Logically, unless it was a critical event, a meeting wouldn't be called on short notice.
In the afternoon, in a conference room on the top floor of the Nancang Provincial Government Building.
"Governor, has something happened?" A Golden Beast Tamer in Imperial Dragon Guard uniform asked, a hint of worry in his eyes.
Governor Fang said calmly, "We'll discuss it collectively in a moment. Please find your seats first."
By then, over thirty people were in the conference room. The twelve in the front were all Golden Beast Tamers, while the rest were outstanding Silver-tier individuals. Everyone present was either a major minister in Nanjiang City or a representative of the Imperial Dragon Guards from a certain city. In essence, the high-level management of Nancang Province had gathered.
A Golden Beast Tamer below said, "Brother Fang, can we begin?"
"Let's wait a bit longer... one more person hasn't arrived." Governor Fang checked the time and looked towards a seat at the very front. He muttered, "I hope this kid doesn't stand me up."
At that moment, the conference room door opened, and everyone turned to look. A young man in a black military uniform stood at the doorway. He was tall and upright, with a smile on his face. The scarlet armband on his right arm exuded an inexplicable aura of authority, causing people to unconsciously distance themselves.
"Chen Shu?!" Everyone stiffened, surprised that the person the Governor was waiting for was the "fierce bandit of Nanjiang."
"Good afternoon, Governor. Good afternoon, everyone..." Chen Shu's expression was calm as he walked to the seat at the very front. The others responded with smiles. Despite being only twenty-three, his strength and status far surpassed theirs, making him arguably the second most influential figure in Nancang Province.
"Alright! Now that everyone is here, today's urgent meeting officially begins!" Governor Fang looked down, his expression becoming somewhat grave. The others also seemed to sense something, their expressions becoming serious as they treated the meeting with utmost importance.
Governor Fang stated, "This meeting is not just for Nancang Province; all provinces nationwide are holding similar sessions, and it has been personally authorized by the Elder!" Everyone nodded, realizing the significance of the matter.
"Let me first share some sensitive international information..." Fang Wei sat down and said calmly, "At 3 AM on January 31st, a large number of high-level fierce beasts appeared within the territory of the Free Alliance, causing massive casualties and a critical situation. For a time, the Alliance's forces were in full retreat. At a crucial juncture, three legendary contracted spirits appeared and began to suppress the fierce beasts in various regions. It was believed the situation would soon stabilize..."
Fang Wei paused briefly and then continued, "However, the world's second most dangerous place, the 'Demon's Den,' suddenly erupted, led by three Beast Emperors. Ultimately, a major battle ensued, and the fierce beasts retreated. But one legendary contracted spirit was severely injured, and another lightly injured."
"Hmm?" Chen Shu raised an eyebrow, though he didn't seem overly concerned.
Fang Wei's expression remained grave as he said, "But this is just the beginning..."