The Immortal's Wine Store, page 4
It was unknown if he was crying due to the spiciness of the Viper Magma Chilli or because of the deliciousness of the deep-fried Overlord Shrimp.
He then burped with a satisfied smile on his face. His expression then turned into one of surprise as he exclaimed.
"It's stimulating the true essence inside my body! This... It's actually worth more than several pills added together!"
Brother Xu stood up after sensing himself breaking through towards the 4th-rank Knight Crusader without even meditating.
Even if one consumes a 4th-grade pill, they still had to meditate and direct the true essence from the pill towards their dantian. But brother Xu has not even meditated yet and he already broke through a realm in one go!
"What the hell?!"
"He broke through in one go! He actually broke through in one go! Am I dreaming? He did not even meditate... This..."
Boss Scar's jaw dropped on the ground and his eyes went wide. He then glanced at Jiu Shen with an inquiring look, but the latter did not even bother looking at him.
Jiu Shen nodded his head calmly as if it was within his expectations. The Overlord Shrimp was, after all, a 5th-rank Spirit level creature, and the other ingredients used were likewise rare and abundant in true essence. Hence, breaking through in one go was to be expected.
Brother Xu's true essence did not stop from increasing after breaking through towards the 4th-rank Knight Crusader. His aura became increasingly stronger and consolidated. And the most surprising thing was that he did not even meditate! It means that the true essence from the dish instantly went inside his dantian.
Brother Xu's aura stopped from increasing after it reached the peak of the initial-stage 4th-rank Knight Crusader.
The drunk expression on brother Xu was gone and it was replaced by an ecstatic look. He then glanced smugly at the other mercenaries while smiling at them broadly.
"You lost the bet. Now, it's time for you to pay." Jiu Shen's calm voice entered his ears like a bucket of cold water. The smile on brother Xu's face twitched as he glanced at the emotionless expression of Jiu Shen.
"Of course. Of course, how could I not pay? Such a fine dish with shocking effects. 100 True Crystals is truly a bargain." Brother Xu smiled while paying for the dish. He was genuinely happy for breaking through. It even exceeded his expectations by a great margin.
Brother Xu glanced at the young man in front of him. He was shrouded by a thick veil of mystery, and even his strength was unfathomable.
'Just who is Wine Master Jiu Shen? And how come an expert like him established a small store here in the capital city?'
The True Crystals in Jiu Shen's hands vanished in a blink of an eye. The mercenaries were no longer surprised after seeing it. They were already numbed on the surprises inside the small store.
As for how the True Crystals vanished, of course, they were taken away by the system without even asking for Jiu Shen's permission.
Jiu Shen was still wearing his poker face when the True Crystals vanished. He then glanced at the tongue-tied mercenaries who were looking at him as if he was the reincarnation of buddha.
"Are you guys still going to order? If not, then pay your bills and get out of my sight." Jiu Shen said without batting an eyelid.
The mercenaries' faces twitched, but they were already growing accustomed to Wine Master Jiu's eccentric personality.
"Wine Master Jiu, give me two orders of the dish, please." Boss Scar gritted his teeth with an agonized expression.
He only brought a little more than four hundred True Crystals with him and left his remaining crystals in the Mercenary Guild. He never would have thought that Liu Xiufeng was actually speaking the truth regarding the prices of the store's wines.
He felt his heart bleeding, but he still decided to try the dishes. If it was really capable of enhancing the true essence inside his body, then the price was worth it.
"Me too, Wine Master Jiu. Give me one order of the dish." Liu Xiufeng similarly had a contorted expression, but he still fished out one hundred True Crystals from his small bag.
"Me too! One order of the dish!"
"Count me in, Wine Master Jiu! I also want one order of the dish!"
"Sigh! I only brought less than a hundred True Crystals with me. Wine Master Jiu, just give me an order of Ables Blanc."
Jiu Shen accepted the orders with a nod of his head before stepping inside the kitchen.
'Looks like I will be able to finish this mission in just one day. I wonder what the reward will be.'
Chapter11 The Fourth Prince
"Growl!"
"Oh shit! I'm still far from my favorite restaurant and I'm already this hungry! No, I have to satiate a bit of my hunger before going there. Where can I find something to eat?" A young man in his late teens wearing luxurious clothing rubbed his belly with a contorted expression on his face.
"This smell..." The young man's nose twitched and followed the aroma which made him even hungrier.
"The world is tormenting me." The young man had a crying expression, but no tears can be seen on his face.
After following the salivating aroma, he found himself standing in front of a humble store. "The Immortal's Wine? Hahaha! This name... He is even more arrogant than imperial father! Interesting! Let me see if you have the capital to be this arrogant." The young man smirked and walked inside the small store.
After stepping inside the store, he saw a group of mercenaries who were happily drinking their wines. Their faces were red and their eyes were half-closed. A few of them were also eating an eye-catching dish that was producing a mouth-watering scent.
"This..." The young man had an impulse of snatching the dish, but he cleared his throat and looked away. He then stared at a handsome young man with long silver hair. He was sitting nonchalantly on his chair while stroking a chubby white cat. The silver-haired man's expression was calm which surprised him a bit.
"If you want to order something, check that first." Jiu Shen pointed at the blackboard without even glancing at the young man. He just continued rubbing the soft fur of Ice.
The young man was a bit annoyed at Jiu Shen's indifference. It was rare to find someone who was unafraid of him. Even those geniuses from the noble families did not dare act arrogantly in front of him.
He rolled his eyes at Jiu Shen and glanced at the blackboard he pointed earlier. His eyes widened in surprise after he laid his eyes on the prices. "What the hell?! A wine that costs 120 True Crystals?! A dish that costs 100 fucking True Crystals?! Why don't you just go and rob someone?!" Even his favorite restaurant which was also the best in the empire did not even have a dish with such an absurd price, so his reaction was understandable.
Jiu Shen ignored him and rubbed Ice's head gently. It closed its eyes in delight while enjoying the warmth of Jiu Shen's hand.
"Meow!"
Jiu Shen's lips twitched after hearing it release a cat-like sound. 'Little tiger, you can't fool this heavenly lord. If it were the mortals in this world, then they might really fall for your charms. But how could I not know your real origins?'
"Hey! Are you deaf? Don't you know who I am? If you can't explain the absurd prices of your wines and dish, then I will have your store smashed!" The young man said angrily while walking towards Jiu Shen.
The mercenaries who were already drunk glanced at the familiar silhouette but their eyes were too unfocused to realize who he was. Even Boss Scar was entirely absorbed in the pleasure of eating his deep-fried Overlord Shrimp.
Jiu Shen's calm eyes turned cold as he glanced at the young man who was looking at him angrily. 'You dare shout at this heavenly lord? Why are the mortals in this world act more aggressively than those so-called immortals in the Primordial God Realm?'
The young man felt fear after being stared by Jiu Shen's cold and emotionless eyes. The former's legs wobbled as an invisible pressure enveloped his entire body.
"You... You..."
"Milord, stay your hand! His highness is young and impetuous. Let us both take a step back. This old man will compensate you as long as you let his highness go." And old man with long white beard appeared inside the store in a blink of an eye.
The old man was shocked after entering the store because he felt that he was somewhat suppressed. Furthermore, the silver-haired youth was giving him a profound feeling of powerlessness. It was like he was facing a millennium-year-old expert. 'This man... Who is he?'
"Oh, a peak 7th-rank Emperor as a bodyguard. I'm a bit surprised. This young man's identity should not be ordinary." Jiu Shen said with a calm face. His words and his expression contradicted each other, making the old man curse him inwardly.
The mercenaries finally realized that the newcomers were tough to knead.
When they saw the old man and the trembling young man, they almost spat blood. 'Isn't that the fourth prince? As for that old man... He should be...'
The old man did not dare act arrogantly in front of Jiu Shen. He had an absurd thought that the silver-haired youth in front of him can kill him in less than five seconds. Just the pressure he was producing alone was already many times stronger than Emperor Elyk's!
"Milord, his highness is the future of our Silver Wing Empire. I hope you can be lenient with him. This old man is willing to take your punishment on his behalf." The old man bowed his head respectfully, but his heart was clouded by fear. Nonetheless, he was willing to shoulder Jiu Shen's punishment for the fourth prince. He was, after all, the future of their empire.
Jiu Shen sighed and waved his right hand gently. "I admire your loyalty, old man. I can let the both of you go, but..."
Everyone inside the store paused their breathing while looking at Jiu Shen's calm expression.
The old man and the fourth prince swallowed a mouthful of dry saliva while waiting for Jiu Shen's words.
"But...you have to buy one order of each of the things sold at my store." Jiu Shen said nonchalantly while pointing at the small blackboard.
The old man and the fourth prince exhaled a breath of turbid air. They felt like they were given a new lease on life.
"This... Ah..." The old man was somewhat stunned, so he did not know what to say.
Jiu Shen's expression darkened. "Why? Do you think that there is something wrong with my wines and dish?"
"No! No! No! Not at all, milord. We are willing to buy two orders for each wine and that dish." The old man hurriedly expressed his sincerity. Although the prices were somewhat absurd, he was not short on True Crystals. And as long as they can leave this place alive, then it's all worth it.
"Good! Sit and wait for your orders." Jiu Shen's lips curved upwards as he stood up. He then walked towards the wine storage, leaving the stunned onlookers glancing at his mysterious back figure fearfully.
They told themselves to never mess with Wine Master Jiu Shen anymore.
Chapter12 Like Two Barbarians
Jiu Shen stepped inside the wine storage with a faint smirk on his face. "Oh, right! The Deep Sea Spring Dew is still not ready today. Dammit!"
- Ding!
- The Deep Sea Spring Dew is still being prepared by the system. It will be ready by tomorrow, dear host. Please remain patient.
Jiu Shen rolled his eyes after hearing the solemn voice of the system.
He then stretched his right arm. An invisible energy wrapped itself around four bottles of wines, dragging them towards Jiu Shen. In someone else's point of view, the wines were suspended in midair while circling around Jiu Shen magically.
Even the emperor did not have such fine control of true essence. He may be able to do it, but not as proficient as Jiu Shen.
Jiu Shen stepped out of the wine storage area with four wines circling around him. The fourth prince and the old man were astounded by the scene, but they stayed silent.
The mercenaries were no longer surprised about it, but they still kept on glancing at Jiu Shen with admiration and veneration.
"Here are two orders of each of the wines. Just give me a few minutes to prepare your dishes. As for the Deep Sea Spring Dew, it is currently unavailable, but will be ready for serving tomorrow." Jiu Shen waved his right hand gently. The four wines circling around him hovered towards the fourth prince and the old man's table. Jiu Shen also provided them with two small cups. "Enjoy your wines while waiting for the dishes. Once you take the first sip, you will realize why the price is so."
Jiu Shen turned around after he spoke. He then went towards the kitchen with steady steps.
The fourth prince and the old man glanced at his back figure and then towards the wines on the table. "Your highness, I will open it for you."
"Thanks, Defender Duanmu." The fourth prince cupped his fist gratefully. If not for the old man, he would have been punished by Jiu Shen. He was also touched by the old man's loyalty and care towards him.
"Anything for you, your highness. Just make sure to no longer provoke the owner of this store. I have a feeling that he is even stronger than his majesty." Defender Duanmu said solemnly while glancing at the direction of the kitchen.
The fourth prince furrowed his eyebrows and nodded his head. He also felt the man's strength himself. If not for him being lenient, he would have already died for disrespecting him.
Defender Duanmu opened one Mystic Jade and he was instantly assaulted by a fruity fragrance that made him close his eyes in pleasure. "Fine wine!" He poured a cup for the fourth prince and himself.
The fourth prince also inhaled the refreshing smell, making his eyes light up. He placed the small cup in his lips and took a light sip. "Delicious! So that's why...this Purple Blood Ginseng alone is already a precious herb. I even feel embarrassed if I only pay 1 True Crystal for such a wine..."
Defender Duanmu nodded his head and drank his wine with a satisfied expression on his face.
The market price for one Purple Blood Ginseng was one hundred Gold Coins, but a few were also sold at several hundred Gold Coins depending on their age.
After tasting the wine, the slight displeasure in their hearts was no longer there. Only embarrassment and regret remained.
A few minutes later, Jiu Shen came out of the kitchen with two piping hot dishes hovering in front of him. A fragrant aroma wafted towards everyone, making them drool. Even the fourth prince and the old defender were not spared. They glanced at the dishes with great expectations.
"Two orders of Deep-fried Overlord Shrimp Tempura Dipped in Viper Magma Chilli. Enjoy." Jiu Shen calmly said. He then gently placed the two dishes on the table.
The fourth prince and the old man stared at the exquisite dishes in front of them with glittering eyes.
The fourth prince elegantly grabbed the fork and pierced one crescent-shaped tempura. The fork pierced through the succulent shrimp meat with no hindrance. A small amount of shrimp oil dripped down, producing an even stronger shrimp aroma.
The fourth prince no longer hesitated. He placed the crescent-shaped shrimp tempura in his mouth and bit down gently.
"Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!"
"This..." The fourth prince's eyes moistened and he felt as if he was swimming naked in the vast Heavenly Wind Sea.
"An Overlord Shrimp! This... This is an Overlord Shrimp, a 5th-rank Spirit level creature! So that's why it's worth 100 True Crystals... No wonder!" The fourth prince exclaimed after taking the first bite. It wasn't the first time he had tasted the meat of an Overlord Shrimp, but all the Overlord Shrimp dishes he tasted before can be considered as trash compared to the dish in front of him. 'This is a true gourmet dish! What imperial chefs?! Their dishes can't even be compared to Wine Master Jiu's dish!'
The fourth prince's elegant bearing was no longer there. He discarded the fork and grabbed the crescent-shaped tempura by hand. He then stuffed it inside his mouth while disregarding the peculiar gazes of everyone around him. "Truly delicious!" The fourth prince's lips were filled with shrimp oil, but he ignored his current look and focused on his food.
Defender Duanmu was stunned after seeing the change on the fourth prince's bearing in less than a few seconds. He could not help but glance at the dish in front of him. He then took one crescent-shaped shrimp tempura and gave it a small bite which produced a faint crunching sound.
"This... This..."
A few moments later, two men, one young and one old were eating their food like two barbarians eating meat for the very first time in their lives. Looks of satisfaction can be seen on both their faces.
Jiu Shen cast a sidelong glance at them and smirked. He then continued stroking Ice's fur with a calm expression on his face.
Chapter13 Store Expansion Package
As Jiu Shen was calmly sitting on a chair, he suddenly heard the solemn voice of the system ringing beside his ears.
- Ding!
- Mission Accomplished: Earn 1000 True Crystals
- Loading Rewards!
- You received 'Store Expansion Package'
- You received Frozen Origin wine-making method
Jiu Shen remained calm on the surface after seeing the prompts in front of him, but he was pleasantly surprised inwardly. 'System, what is this Store Expansion Package?'
- Ding!
- With this item, the host will be able to commence an expansion of the store. Do you wish to use it now?
'No! Not at the moment. Remind me after we close the store.' Jiu Shen spoke in his mind.
The system remained silent after that.
"Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!"
"This wine's taste is almost on par with the emperor's most cherished wine, the Phoenix's Godly Flames Wine! And to think that there is still something much better sold inside this store! Now, I'm looking forward to the taste of that Deep Sea Spring Dew. Even imperial father might be infatuated with this wine..." The fourth prince smiled foolishly as he kept on praising the wine. Defender Duanmu nodded his head from time to time to show his agreement.
"Wine Master Jiu, it's time for us to leave. Thanks for the wines and dishes, because of it, some of my brothers broke through a minor realm." Boss Scar smiled happily as he cupped his fists towards Jiu Shen. The latter merely nodded his head with no change in his expression.
