Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3134: A Sponsored Banquet

Lin Mu sat near the head of the hall with Grand Elder Huo and the City Lord, while Meng Bai and Ashy took their places beside him.

The moment they entered, all eyes had turned toward them, admiration and awe written plainly across countless faces.

These cultivators... elders, juniors, merchants, and wandering experts alike saw Lin Mu not merely as a guest of honor, but as a living legend. The duel that had carved a valley into the land itself was already being told and retold in a hundred embellished forms. To see him in person, seated with such calmness, was enough to stir their spirits.

But Lin Mu was not alone. His beasts, too, had been invited, and the sight of them caused murmurs to ripple through the guests.

Little Shrubby immediately made himself at home before a massive platter piled high with roasted meats, his tail swishing contently as he devoured them without restraint.

The twin serpents, Xiao Yin and Xiao Yang, coiled together on a cushioned seat, taking turns tasting from a dish of Spirit Jade Eggs. They were hard-boiled eggs infused with concentrated Qi, their shells gleaming faintly like gemstones.

They flicked their tongues happily, occasionally hissing their approval.

Ashy, the little black bird, fluttered to the edge of Lin Mu’s table and pecked eagerly at slices of roasted fish, chirping with joy at every mouthful. Even she, tiny as she was, had her fill of rare delicacies.

The chefs had also been informed about the bird’s presence, and special delicacies made with insects were soon prepared especially for her.

Elyon, sitting further down the table with Daoist Chu and Cattaleya, looked completely overwhelmed.

His eyes shone wide as he sampled dish after dish, each one more flavorful and refined than the last. "I... I’ve never tasted food like this," he said with his mouth full, quickly covering himself when he realized he was speaking too bluntly. "This is... this is a banquet beyond imagination!"

Daoist Chu laughed heartily, pouring himself a cup of wine. "Hah! Then get used to it, hungry wolf. If you stick with us, such banquets will not be rare. This is the Immortal Realm—sometimes, survival is harsh, but when there is joy, it can be as grand as this!" He slapped Elyon’s shoulder, nearly making the wolfkin spill his soup.

Elyon could only nod enthusiastically, still chewing on a piece of immortal pheasant, his face flushed both from wine and happiness.

Meanwhile, Cattaleya had already claimed an entire jug of Fire Nectar Liquor for herself.

She leaned lazily against her chair, her cheeks rosy, a mischievous grin on her lips as she drank cup after cup without restraint.

"Hah! Expensive liquor, rare liquor, all free! Finally, something good comes of these endless battles and dangers to get to this world!" She tipped the jug straight into her mouth, ignoring the stares of the nearby cultivators, who could only shake their heads in disbelief.

Glug Glug Glug

Grand Elder Huo, on the other hand, was in his element.

He laughed so hard his beard shook, challenging one elder after another to drinking contests. "Come now! Don’t tell me that’s all you can drink! Even a young disciple could hold more than that!" He slammed down an empty jug, demanding another.

His once-broken arm showed no sign of weakness, as if the duel with Lin Mu had only made him stronger.

The City Lord played the role of gracious host perfectly, moving between groups, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and acknowledged.

To the merchants who had sponsored the event, he offered subtle words of gratitude, assuring them their investment was well-placed.

To the sect disciples and wandering cultivators, he offered toasts and words of encouragement.

To the commoners who had been invited as honored witnesses, he gave respectful bows, knowing the value of public perception.

The hall grew louder as the night deepened. Music played from cultivators skilled in zither and flute, their melodies mingling with the laughter and chatter. Cups clinked, dishes emptied, and the atmosphere became one of true celebration.

Lin Mu, though calm, could not deny the warmth that seeped into him as he watched his disciple and companions enjoy themselves.

Meng Bai was sampling food with bright eyes, and occasionally directing them towards some pretty girls that were staring at him.

Elyon was glowing with delight at every dish. Daoist Chu’s jokes were met with hearty laughter. Even his beasts, who often enjoyed such luxuries due to Little Shrubby’s cooking, were content.

For once, there was no looming threat pressing down on them, no schemes to unravel, no battles to fight. Just warmth, food, and fellowship.

And though Lin Mu knew that peace was always fleeting, he allowed himself this night of respite.

Because tomorrow, the world would once again demand his strength.

.

.

.

The banquet had reached its peak when Lin Mu finally let loose.

Platters vanished before him like a gust of wind stripping leaves from a tree. Spirit Flame Pheasant, roasted ribs of Immortal Ox, bowls of Molten Rock Stew, mountains of steamed buns stuffed with rare beast meat, whole trays of Silverfin Carp... all of it disappeared down his gullet as though he were a bottomless abyss.

At first, the crowd laughed and clapped, impressed at the cultivator’s hearty appetite.

But as time went on, and the dishes kept piling up at Lin Mu’s table only to vanish just as quickly, the atmosphere shifted. Gasps, incredulous murmurs, and even outright exclamations filled the hall.

"By the heavens! That’s the fifth tray already!"

"Is he... is he still not full?"

"My uncle once told me body cultivators ate more than normal cultivators, but this... this is like feeding an army!"

Even the City Lord, though trying to maintain his host’s composure, rubbed his temples as he watched. "My poor chefs..." he muttered under his breath. "And the merchants too. Their precious profits are melting away in one man’s stomach."

Still, he kept his smile firm—after all, every bite Lin Mu ate was a performance, a reminder of his boundless vitality.