Arrays of Immortality

Chapter 11: The Fire Hatchling Chicken

The meat in the bowl was a faint golden yellow, its texture translucent and glistening. It looked like a chicken drumstick, yet it was about the size of a pork knuckle from Mo Hua's previous life.

The broth was clear and shimmering, with a thin layer of oil that looked rich but not greasy. It was garnished with some mushrooms and small chunks of vibrant green herbs.

Mo Hua hadn't eaten meat in a long time—the last time was during the Beast Hunting Festival six months ago.

In the cultivation world, meat was extremely expensive. Ordinary cultivators could only afford it on rare occasions, such as during festivals.

The meat consumed by cultivators fell into two broad categories: one was the meat of spiritual beasts.

Spiritual beasts were different from demonic beasts. They were raised by cultivators, fed with spiritual herbs and other natural treasures. Their meat was tender, easy to cook, and contained spiritual energy, making it very expensive—something rogue cultivators could rarely afford.

The other type was the meat of herbivorous demonic beasts.

While all demonic beasts were capable of killing humans, not all of them ate humans. Herbivorous demonic beasts fed on spiritual plants. Although they were violent by nature and killed cultivators, they didn't consume human flesh.

Carnivorous demonic beasts, on the other hand, typically fed on humans. If they hadn't, it wasn't because they wouldn't—it was simply because they hadn't had the opportunity to.

Thus, the meat of herbivorous demonic beasts, despite having a peculiar taste, was still consumable by cultivators. However, the meat of carnivorous demonic beasts was foul, bloody, and almost impossible to eat. If consumed by mistake, it could corrupt a cultivator's qi and blood, causing meridian disruptions or even madness.

While herbivorous demonic beast meat wasn't expensive, most cultivators still avoided it.

Demonic beasts, regardless of their diet, had bodies far stronger than those of cultivators. This meant even herbivorous demonic beast meat was extremely tough and required prolonged cooking to make it edible.

Rogue cultivators didn't have the time or resources to prepare such meals. Those who could afford the effort would usually prefer spiritual beast meat.

Thus, no matter the type, meat rarely appeared on the tables of rogue cultivators.

In front of him, however, the bowl of meat emitted a faint mist—clearly carrying traces of spiritual energy.

Liu Ruhua waved to Mo Hua. "This is the meat of a Fire Hatchling Chicken. Your father bought it for you to nourish your body."

She couldn't help pinching Mo Hua's pale little cheeks. "Look at you, you've gotten thinner lately."

Mo Hua frowned slightly. "This meat must have been expensive, right?"

Mo Shan waved his hand. "I only bought half of it, so it didn't cost too much. Plus, I got it from a friend in the beast-hunting team. We'll be working together next year, so it's more of a goodwill exchange—half bought, half gifted."

Mo Hua asked, "Dad, are you heading into the Inner Mountains next year?"

Mo Shan nodded. "The Outer Mountains aren't what they used to be. Hunting a demonic beast barely brings any profit, and if someone gets injured, it might even lead to a loss. While the demonic beasts in the Inner Mountains are stronger, even a small valuable item can make the effort worthwhile, so next year…"

Mo Shan paused and laughed. "Why am I telling you all this?"

Liu Ruhua rolled her eyes at him with a smile and ladled a bowl of meat broth for Mo Hua. "Try it and see how it tastes."

Mo Hua took a sip of the broth and a bite of the meat. The flavor was fresh and aromatic, rich without being greasy, and it tasted wonderful.

"This is the best meat I've ever had," Mo Hua exclaimed, squinting his eyes in delight. "Mom, you made this perfectly!"

Liu Ruhua smiled. "If you like it, eat more. This whole bowl is yours, so be sure to finish it." She then headed toward the kitchen. "I'll go bring out the rest of the dishes…"

Mo Shan stood up to help. "I'll give you a hand…"

As soon as his parents left, Mo Hua quickly moved a few pieces of chicken to his bowl and distributed the rest to his parents' bowls.

When Liu Ruhua and Mo Shan returned with more food, they found their bowls filled with meat.

Liu Ruhua laughed softly, both touched and amused. "This meat was bought just for you. At our age, we don't expect much progress in cultivation, so eating food with spiritual energy is a waste…"

She tried to put the meat back into Mo Hua's bowl, but he covered it with both hands and shook his head. "I have enough. I can't eat more."

Seeing Mo Hua so insistent, Liu Ruhua and Mo Shan relented. However, the couple then started pushing the meat back and forth between their bowls.

Mo Shan placed meat into his wife's bowl, saying softly, "You've worked so hard these years—eat more to nourish yourself."

Liu Ruhua returned the favor, saying gently, "You've had to travel and toil outside, braving the elements. You're the one who really needs this—eat more."

Hearing this, Mo Hua's teeth ached. "Dad, Mom, if you keep this up, the meat's going to get cold."

Both parents suddenly remembered their son was watching. Liu Ruhua's face flushed slightly, while Mo Shan coughed lightly and began eating as if nothing had happened.

Mo Hua watched them eat the meat and finally nodded in satisfaction.

Still, he thought to himself, The Fire Hatchling Chicken is delicious, but it's so expensive.

Demonic beast meat, while lacking spiritual energy, could replenish qi and blood, which was beneficial for cultivators. But it was so tough…

I wonder if there's a way to make it easier for Mom and Dad to eat more meat.

Mo Hua put the thought aside for now. The most important thing at hand was to finish the Bright Fire Array diagrams and bring them to the trading house to exchange for spirit stones.

After the meal, Mo Hua meditated for a while to absorb the energy from the Fire Hatchling Chicken. Since it didn't contain much spiritual energy, it didn't take long.

Once the energy was refined, Mo Hua continued drawing the Bright Fire Array. That night, before going to bed, he successfully completed another diagram.

He then spent the night in the Dao Stele practicing, repeatedly refining his understanding of the formation and reflecting on his brushwork errors.

Over the next few days, Mo Hua steadily improved his skills. By the fifth day, he had completed all ten sets of materials provided by the trading house, successfully drawing eight Bright Fire Arrays.

Though there were still imperfections and room for improvement, Mo Hua was generally satisfied.

That night, Mo Hua indulged himself a little. Instead of continuing his rigorous practice, he drew a few comic-like illustrations on the Dao Stele as a form of relaxation.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mo Hua arranged to go shopping with Da Hu and the other three friends.

Before leaving, Liu Ruhua handed him one spirit stone and five spirit fragments, reminding him to buy himself something nice to eat or play with and to stay safe.

Da Hu and the others patted their chests, promising to protect Mo Hua and make sure no one bullied him.

Waving goodbye to his mother, Mo Hua left the house with his friends.

The four boys, full of energy, bounced along the bustling stone-paved street—three rough-and-tumble kids and one doll-like little boy hopping happily together.

(End of Chapter)