Chapter 101: Chef: Li Zhishu
The wounded camp, shrouded in darkness, was exceptionally peaceful. Liu Feng and the others, lying on their simple beds, drifted off to sleep.
That night, their frayed nerves finally relaxed completely, their bodies and minds slowly healing in the tranquil atmosphere, accumulating the strength to rejuvenate.
At dawn, the sky was just beginning to turn pale, and the first rays of light filtered through the thin cracks in the tents, gently casting a shadow on the faces of the men.
Elder Sun quietly appeared in the wounded camp.
His steps were brisk yet cautious, fearing to disturb the still-sleeping wounded.
Elder Sun's face, as always, wore a gentle smile.
He knew that after a night of rest, the wounded were at a critical juncture of recovery, and his treatment would be more effective.
Elder Sun steadily walked to the center of the tent, took a deep breath, and his spirit power began to flow through him like a gurgling stream.
The purple, thousand-year-old soul ring beneath his feet suddenly lit up, emitting a mysterious and powerful light that cast a faint halo over the surrounding space.
Immediately afterwards, golden holy light gushed out from his palm like a surging tide, gently enveloping each injured person like the warm morning light.
Nourished by this holy light, everyone's body trembled slightly, and even those still immersed in sleep seemed to truly feel the magical healing power.
While dreaming, Liu Feng suddenly felt a warm current envelop him. His hands, once aching and itchy, as if pricked by countless tiny needles, now felt like being gently caressed by a pair of soft hands.
The pain gradually subsided, and the unbearable itch of new flesh growing less intense.
He slowly opened his eyes, and through his hazy vision, he saw Elder Sun concentrating on his soul skills. A surge of gratitude welled up in his heart.
As the holy light continued to envelop, the others gradually awoke.
Liu Qing's injuries hadn't been serious to begin with, and after Elder Sun's second treatment, he had fully recovered.
He excitedly stretched his muscles, a relaxed and joyful smile on his face.
Zhang Niu and Zhang Ma, though suffering internal injuries, had also largely recovered thanks to Elder Sun's soul power and were now able to carry out their daily activities with ease.
They sat up and excitedly discussed their recovery progress, their faces filled with the relief and joy of having survived.
However, the situation for Liu Feng and Aunt Liu was less optimistic. Both had injured arms, making their movements extremely difficult.
Since her injuries, Liu Qing had tirelessly and attentively cared for Aunt Liu.
The morning sun poured unreservedly into their tent, bathing the entire space in a golden glow.
Liu Qing's cheeks flushed slightly, and with a touch of shame, he slowly approached Aunt Liu's bedside.
Aunt Liu leaned against the headboard, a hint of shyness in her eyes.
Liu Qing carefully picked up a towel, gently soaked it in warm water, and then carefully wrung it dry before beginning to wipe Aunt Liu's face.
His movements were gentle and slow, as if he was afraid to hurt Aunt Liu with each wipe.
After wiping her face, Liu Qing picked up a comb and patiently combed through her somewhat messy hair.
His fingers trembled slightly, obviously from nervousness, but he managed to remain calm, focusing and carefully combing each strand, as if completing a task of great importance.
Meanwhile, Zhang Niu was beside him, carefully watching over Liu Feng as he washed and dressed.
He first filled a basin with warm water, soaked a small coin in it, and handed it to Liu Feng.
Liu Feng instinctively tried to take it with his injured hands, but as soon as he raised his hands, he gasped in pain and realized that he couldn't do it.
Seeing this, Zhang Niu quickly said, "Liu Feng, don't move. I'll help you."
He gently picked up the towel and wiped Liu Feng's face and neck.
Although his movements were not as delicate and gentle as Liu Qing's, each one was filled with the care and love of an elder.
After wiping, Zhang Niu picked up the clothes and carefully helped Liu Feng put them on.
Liu Feng said a little embarrassedly, "Thank you for your help, Uncle Niu."
Zhang Niu replied with a bright smile, "What are you talking about? We've been through life and death together, so this little thing doesn't matter."
Elsewhere, Zhang Ma was tending to Zhang Feng.
Zhang Feng's injuries were relatively minor, and with Zhang Ma's help, he quickly washed and dressed.
Zhang Feng watched the busy crowd, feeling a surge of emotion. He knew that through this life-or-death ordeal, their bond had grown stronger and more unbreakable.
Liu Feng and the other two witnessed the slightly shy yet tender interaction between Liu Qing and Aunt Liu, understanding that their relationship had blossomed during this time of shared hardship.
The four of them tacitly stood away from Liu Qing and Aunt Liu, giving them ample privacy.
Liu Feng and the others walked to the other side of the tent, chatting quietly, occasionally glancing at Liu Qing and Aunt Liu with knowing smiles filled with well-wishes and relief.
Once everyone had finished washing, Zhao Wuwei strode into the wounded camp with steady, powerful steps.
He was dressed in majestic armor, his posture erect, and a friendly smile on his face.
Seeing Zhao Wuwei come in, everyone stood up, wanting to express their gratitude. Zhao Wuwei quickly waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please don't be polite. You are all heroes who have made great contributions to the camp, and
now you are all wounded. Sit down, sit down."
Zhao Wuwei walked into the crowd, cleared his throat, and said loudly, "I have good news for everyone."
"Marquis Song Yao is very satisfied with your heroic performance in escorting the herbs, especially your Qingmu Pharmacy."
"After this battle, the Marquis has decided to establish a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with you. From now on, you will be one of the exclusive herbal suppliers of the camp." "
Moreover, the Marquis also rewarded you with a generous sum of gold soul coins to commend your loyalty and bravery."
Upon hearing the news, happy smiles instantly appeared on the faces of Liu Feng and others.
Then, Zhao Wuwei looked at Zhang Feng and said, "Zhang Feng, you have made great contributions this time. The Marquis said that after you recover from your injury, you should return to the team as soon as possible and be promoted to a higher rank."
Zhang Feng's face flushed with excitement, and he said, "Thank you, Marquis, and thank you, Captain. I will definitely recover from my injury as soon as possible, return to my post, and do my best for the camp."
Zhao Wuwei smiled and said, "This is the honor you deserve."
Zhao Wuwei nodded, and then said to everyone, "Considering your injuries, the Marquis has specially approved that you can rest assured in the wounded camp for a week."
"During this week, Elder Sun will come to treat you every day and strive to make you recover as soon as possible."
"After a week, you will leave the wounded camp."
"As for the issue of meals, you can go to the cafeteria for meals like other soldiers. It's all free."
"If you want to improve your meals, you can also pay to have a special meal in the cafeteria."
"As for the location of the mess hall, just ask the other soldiers or follow Zhang Feng."
With these words, Captain Zhao handed Liu Qing a Gold Soul Card. It featured an image of an emerald swan and a lightning bolt. It looked like a joint venture between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Gu Lei Kingdom.
Zhao Wuwei addressed Liu Qing, "In the Heaven Dou Empire and the Gu Lei Kingdom, any hotel owned by the royal family or members of the royal family can withdraw Gold Soul Coins. The value of all the medicinal herbs you've collected, as well as the Gold Soul Coins awarded to you, will be deposited on this card."
Liu Qing took the Gold Soul Card in his arms and nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Captain Zhao."
Liu Feng asked, "Captain Zhao, besides receiving treatment, is there anything else we need to do this week?"
Zhao Wuwei replied, "You don't need to do anything. Just focus on recuperating."
"This is the Marquis's order. You've made a tremendous contribution to the camp. Now rest well and take good care of yourselves."
Everyone expressed their gratitude. Zhao Wuwei gave a few more instructions before leaving the wounded camp.
At noon, the sun was blazing, almost scorching.
Liu Feng, Liu Qing, Zhang Niu, Zhang Ma, and Zhang Feng all made their way to the mess hall.
After walking around the camp for about twenty minutes, they finally arrived.
The mess hall was bustling with activity, soldiers coming and going, laughter and chattering.
The cafeteria's walls were decorated with simple, unadorned ornaments, and more than a dozen rows of tables and chairs were neatly arranged, creating a sense of cleanliness and order.
Upon entering, Zhang Feng spotted a short, stocky figure bustling about.
He smiled and said, "Let me introduce you to our head chef, Li Zhishu."
Everyone looked in the direction Zhang Feng pointed, only to see Li Zhishu, dressed in a pristine white chef's uniform. A warm smile graced his face, his beard quivering slightly as he smiled, giving him a particularly friendly air.
He was short and stocky, with a slightly protruding belly, and he looked incredibly affable.
Zhang Feng walked up and greeted Li Zhishu warmly: "Old Li, long time no see."
When Li Zhishu saw Zhang Feng, the smile on his face became even brighter: "Oh! Zhang Feng, I heard that you made a great contribution this time. You, a guy, even made a contribution during your trip."
Zhang Feng quickly said modestly: "It's all thanks to everyone. I can't do anything alone."
"Old Li, these are my companions who escorted the herbs with me. They were also injured this time."
Li Zhishu looked at Liu Feng and others, his eyes full of concern: "Oh, since you are Old Zhang's friends, you are also my friends."
"I'll treat you to dinner today. I'll cook a special meal for you so that you can have a good meal."
"By the way, do you like beef?"
"The meat we sent you this time is a little tough. I'm afraid you won't be used to it."
Everyone agreed, and expressed their gratitude.
Li Zhishu asked them to find a seat, then hurried off to the kitchen.
Soon, he emerged with several plates of steaming, fragrant dishes.
The first dish was sizzling beef, grilled to a golden brown, a vibrant red, and a fragrant aroma that made everyone salivate.
Li Zhishu smiled and said, "This is the meat of a ten-year-old soul beast, the Galloping Bison. It's good for wound healing, so eat plenty.
"
The second dish was steamed fish, neatly prepared and evenly sprinkled with shredded green onions and ginger. The moment it was drizzled with hot oil, the aroma instantly spread, filling the entire cafeteria.
There was also a vegetable soup, a vibrant array of fresh vegetables, rich and mellow.
Li Zhishu said, "The vegetables in this soup are a plant soul beast, and they're also good for recovery. Come and try it.
"
The sight of these delicious dishes whetted everyone's appetite.
Liu Feng picked up a piece of pig's trotter and put it in his mouth. The soft, glutinous texture and rich flavor made him exclaim, "Brother Li, your cooking is truly amazing. It's delicious."
Li Zhishu smiled and said, "Haha, as long as you like it. You've risked your lives for the camp. All I can do is make sure you eat well and drink well, and get well soon."
As everyone enjoyed their meal, they listened with great interest as Li Zhishu recounted interesting stories from the cafeteria.
Zhang Feng introduced Li Zhishu to the group, saying, "Did you know that Old Li's spirit is the baguette? Every time I cook, I feel like his spirit is helping me."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Zhang Niu asked curiously, "Brother Li, how do you usually use your spirit?"
Li Zhishu said enthusiastically, "Sometimes when I make bread, I use my spirit to shape it. The bread I make is both beautiful and delicious."
"Also, my spirit can sense the freshness of ingredients, so when you eat here, you'll definitely get the freshest food."
As everyone enjoyed their delicious food and listened to Li Zhishu's stories, laughter and joy filled the cafeteria.
In this warm and harmonious atmosphere, they temporarily forgot their pain and thoroughly enjoyed this rare moment of relaxation.
After finishing their meal, everyone sincerely thanked Li Zhishu and left the cafeteria.