Opening loot boxes.
Opening loot boxes...
While waiting for their food order, Cao Cheng returned to his room, locked the door, and began opening loot boxes.
This was exactly why Cao Cheng didn’t like having outsiders at home.
If it weren’t for this "Fourth Sister" Ren Yuege, Cao Cheng would have lit incense, taken a purifying bath, and even lit three cigarettes—going all out for the ritualistic vibe.
But now, he had to sneak around like a thief just to open his rewards.
The ten-draw began.
In the void, countless loot boxes spun, their colors shifting endlessly—iron, bronze, silver, gold...
Occasionally, a dazzling diamond chest flashed by, vanishing almost instantly, barely visible to the naked eye—proof of its absurdly low drop rate.
[Ding~]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Strength]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Agility]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Constitution]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Strength]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Strength]
[Congratulations… Iron…]
(▼ヘ▼#)
Cao Cheng’s veins bulged in frustration.
Aside from the pain from the sudden strength boost, what really stung was the sheer disappointment.
What kind of garbage was this?
Sure,
stat boosts were useful for Cao Cheng.
They’d refine his combat skills, pushing his personal power to new heights.
But still,
this was just too damn unfair.
An entire month’s worth of saved-up emotional points—
and this was all he got?
The grind had been brutal.
Sure, he was raking in points now, but at the start, he barely scraped 10 a day, maxing out at 16.
Do you have any idea how many people he’d pissed off this past month?
Could the system at least throw him a bone here?
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained a Silver Chest: Mastery of the Eight Great Cuisines]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained a Silver Chest: One Jin of Fragrant Serenity Tea]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained an Iron Chest: +1 Agility]
[Ding~]
[Congratulations, Host! You obtained a Gold Chest: Grandmaster Piano Skills]
Whew—
Thank god!
At least he got one gold and two silvers in the end.
Cao Cheng let out a relieved sigh.
At least his month-long effort—and all the people he’d offended—hadn’t been for nothing.
Thanks, Aunt Wang.
Even though
piano skills weren’t particularly useful, a grandmaster-level skill was still great for showing off.
Who knew when it might come in handy to blind someone with sheer talent?
After all, skills—no matter how niche—were never a burden.
As for the master-level cooking skills…
He’d ignore those for now.
Cao Cheng hated cooking.
It was terrible for his skin, okay?
Besides,
the real gem of this ten-draw was the [Fragrant Serenity Tea].
According to the description, it was a mid-grade immortal tea from a cultivation realm, used by cultivators to calm their minds and deepen their enlightenment during meditation.
For ordinary people, the effects were even more miraculous—
eradicating illnesses and extending lifespan.
Most importantly, the appearance of immortal tea hinted that future draws might even yield…
Cultivation Techniques.
…
Afterward,
Cao Cheng checked his physical changes.
The +3 Strength boost had visibly bulked up his muscles.
His six-pack abs were now faintly visible.
The average adult male’s strength stat was below 10, and while Cao Cheng had been training, progress had been slow.
But this sudden +3 was a massive leap.
If before,
his body could only bring out 10% of his grandmaster combat skills, now he could likely push past 20%.
A few more draws, and his physique would reach terrifying levels.
The future looked bright!
…
Soon,
the hotel’s food arrived.
Seven or eight servers brought in dish after dish, covering the entire table—
chicken, duck, fish, meat!
The aroma was overwhelming.
A lavish feast.
But the moment Cao Cheng took a bite…
He instantly understood.
The [Mastery of the Eight Great Cuisines] he’d drawn was at least one or two tiers above even a five-star hotel’s head chef.
In his eyes now, these dishes were nothing more than pretty plating—the flavors were mediocre at best.
His heightened taste buds could dissect every ingredient and flaw in an instant.
“What, not to your liking?”
Ren Yuege noticed his expression and took a bite herself before nodding. “Seems fine to me.”
Cao Cheng’s lips twitched. “You just haven’t eaten anything good.”
Ren Yuege raised a brow. “And you have?”
Cao Cheng shook his head.
He couldn’t admit he had.
Nor could he admit he could cook.
Otherwise, she’d definitely make him cook for her.
Not worth the effort.
Even if he did, all he’d get was her praise and a measly trickle of "positive emotions."
Whatever.
He’d force it down.
It wasn’t terrible, at least.
…
Ren Yuege had the appetite of a bird.
She ate with refined elegance, setting down her chopsticks after just a few bites. “I’m full. Take your time, little brother.”
Cao Cheng stared at the table full of dishes. “Two bites? Are you serious?”
She wasn’t even overweight—why eat like this?
Ren Yuege shrugged. “I don’t eat much. You go ahead.”
“There’s no way I can finish all this. If you knew you’d eat like a sparrow, why order so much?”
“I was worried you’d still be hungry. Ungrateful brat.”
“So I should thank you?”
“No need. That’s what big sisters are for.”
“Tch—can’t take a hint, huh?”
Cao Cheng glared at the mountain of food, exasperated.
“You wanted five-star food, so no leftovers allowed, little brother.”
Ren Yuege grinned. “By the way, do you have plans this afternoon?”
Cao Cheng grunted. “Nope. Free as a bird.”
“Perfect. You’re coming with me.”
“…”
Ren Yuege giggled. “I’ll go buy some gifts first. I’m visiting my teacher later. Be a good boy and clean up after yourself—wash the dishes too.”
“!”
Bang.
The door shut behind her.
Cao Cheng sighed at the feast before him.
The portions weren’t huge, but with so many dishes—especially the heavy ones—it was still a challenge.
Not that he couldn’t finish it.
His appetite was decent, and after the stat boosts, he was ravenous enough to devour half a cow.
His body needed the fuel.
But with his refined palate, some dishes were borderline inedible.
Might as well reheat them.
He got up, carried a few dishes to the kitchen, and adjusted the seasoning for a quick fix.
Soon,
the reheated dishes returned to the table.
The home stove’s heat was gentler, so the presentation wasn’t as pristine, but the flavors had improved by at least a tier.
Mastery of the Eight Great Cuisines meant even an amateur could run a thriving restaurant.
At the proficient level, you could be a head chef at a high-end hotel.
At mastery? You were a culinary legend, sweeping cooking competitions with ease.
As for grandmaster…
To establish one's own culinary school means creating a unique style beyond the existing major cuisines, mastering signature dishes, and even taking on disciples.
Thus,
With the system's (Master-level) culinary skills, the flavors of the cooked meal instantly burst on the taste buds, making one narrow their eyes in delight.
Yet, a concern arises.
Will I ever be able to enjoy meals from outside restaurants again?
Cooking for myself every day sounds exhausting.
Please, don’t let it be like this.
System.
Can I exchange this reward?
I don’t want culinary skills anymore.
I’ll even take a loss—how about swapping it for a… Master-level Cultivation Technique instead?
for mindless slaughter, this isn't for you.] My name is Ye Shu, and I'm a transmigrator. It seems I'm supposed to be the protagonist, but that feels pretty unlikely. This world has been invaded by a system. The antagonists on the other side have suddenly become pure, flawless saints. The female leads have been force-fed the so-called "original plot," making them think they've been reborn. Now, everyone thinks I'm scum. Including the old lady in my ring. And here I am, in the Monster Beast Mountain Range, braising pork. To put my situation in perspective— It's as if, the moment Xiao Yan stepped into the Monster Beast Mountain Range, the Soul Emperor already knew he would become the Flame Emperor, and Yao Lao had been turned to the enemy's side. I have nothing right now. Oh wait, that's not true. I do have a white-haired loli child-bride who's the Heavenly Dao, and her only skill is acting cute. So, tell me guys... what are my chances of making it to the end?
agon king storylines. At the start, I obtained the "Ultimate Lackey System" - the more I act as a lackey, the stronger I become. What else could I do? I chose to become the personal henchman of the ultimate villain, Su Muwan. I provoke all sorts of chosen ones, snatch away their opportunities, and commit every evil deed imaginable. You ask who's behind me? Hmph! You're not worthy of knowing my lady's name! ...... ....... I am Su Muwan, the eldest daughter of the Su family. Since childhood, I've possessed extraordinary talent in martial arts, which led to my arrogant and domineering personality in my past life. I was even foolish enough to repeatedly challenge those favored by heaven, ultimately resulting in a tragic death. In this life, I must behave and absolutely cannot walk the same path again!! However... SLAP!! "So you're the Dragon King, huh?!" When I saw my little lackey swagger over and viciously slap the Dragon King who was hiding his identity, I felt my heart sink. Su Muwan's suspended heart finally died as she watched Qin Luo, her utterly loyal lackey, standing before her. She fainted on the spot from shock. Heaven is determined to destroy me!! (Pure love 1v1, light-hearted, no angst, single female lead, villain, reincarnation, lackey)
rowess are unmatched, commanding a million-strong army! Yet, the Emperor wants to depose him for the sake of a false prince? Hold on, are you throwing me into some female-oriented romance plot? How can I tolerate this? With a grand wave of his hand—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! Slander the Emperor? Very well, all of you shall die! ... The False Prince: "Although I am not the biological son, Father and Mother love me more. The throne should be mine!" The Female Lead: "Qin Xiao, you are the Emperor, and I am a commoner. If you wish to marry me, you must abdicate. Otherwise, you will never have me!" The Empress: "After we divorce, you must give me half the empire!" The Transmigrator Consort: "You worthless Emperor, why should I kneel to you? All men are equal—I advise you to be kind!" The Great General: "The enemy general is my childhood sweetheart. For her sake, I willingly abandon the frontier defenses!" The Retired Emperor: "Although Yu'er was adopted, I prefer him. Qin Xiao, you should abdicate and let him become Emperor!" ... Very well! So this is how you want to play? Facing this twisted world of female-oriented tropes, Qin Xiao grins and raises his hand to unleash—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! I am the Emperor. Why would I bother reasoning with you? Seal the gates! Leave none alive!
young master of the Shen family—a figure of immense power and wealth beyond measure—and awakened the "Destined Ultimate Villain System"! His starting scenario? Running into his icy fiancée who shows up with a mountain-descending divine doctor to break off their engagement. The divine doctor arrogantly taunts: "What does your Shen family have besides a bit of stinking money? You're not even worthy of tying Qingxue's shoelaces!" Shen Fei just smiled. He completely defied the usual script: "Fine, I agree to break off the engagement. Also, notify the finance department to withdraw all investments from the Su family." Minutes later, with its capital chain severed, the Su Group teetered on the brink of bankruptcy! The once aloof and proud ice queen CEO was thrown into utter panic. That very night, she went to Shen Fei's villa, casting aside all dignity to beg and plead desperately... From then on, in this world teeming with Sons of Destiny, Shen Fei embarked on a path of extreme dimensional suppression! A mountain-descending divine doctor? Peerless medical skills? Shen Fei: "Reporting you for practicing medicine without a license! I'll gladly take your ancient medicinal cauldron and twin sister assassins." The Crooked-Smiling Dragon King? Commanding a hundred thousand soldiers with a single order? Shen Fei: "Illegal assembly and suspected treason! Let a fleet of attack helicopters sanitize the area and teach you what the state apparatus really means!" A reborn tycoon? Knows all the golden opportunities of the next decade? Shen Fei: "A trillion in capital to reverse and pump the stock market, making you blow your margin and jump on the very first day of your rebirth!" What Chosen Ones? What bearers of Heavenly Fortune? In Shen Fei's eyes, they're all just chives (i.e., suckers/marks) waiting to be harvested! Shen Fei: "Sorry, but as the Destined Ultimate Villain, I don't play by the rules of honor. I only play the game of dimensional suppression."
