Published: February 12, 2025
After chopping down a third-level mutated tree, Wang Hanran cut the trunk into several even sections. He then used thick branches to set up a bonfire. Once lit, he placed a hunted seventh-level mutated life form on it to roast.
Wang Hanran's choice of these two items was deliberate. The mutated life was called 'spotted elk beast,' and its meat was quite good, especially suited for roasting. Even without any seasoning, the taste was tender and delicious. The mutated plant used for firewood was known as "spice wood." When dried and ignited, it emitted a fragrant aroma that calmed the mind and soothed the spirit. Many factions enjoyed lighting it up in their leisure time.
However, the primary use of spice wood was as barbecue charcoal. When used to roast meat, it imparted a fragrant essence that made the meat flavorful and utterly delicious. Cloud Summit had studied this phenomenon, discovering that the flavor infused into the meat contained certain elements with a slight healing effect, especially effective for hidden injuries. A few years ago, Cloud Summit had acquired seeds of spice wood from other regions and planted some around.
As Wang Hanran roasted the meat, he took a bottle of strong liquor from his spatial equipment, tilted his head back, and downed the entire bottle. Smacking his lips and expressing satisfaction, he used a small knife to peel off the outer layer of the roast meat. Each slice was briefly held over the flames for a few seconds before being dipped in a bowl of chili powder, relishing every bite.
"Chairman Wang, you seem to have a lot of leisure time."
Xia Lei's laughter arrived before her words as she approached, taking a seat opposite Wang Hanran after a few seconds.
Wang Hanran wasn't surprised by Xia Lei's appearance. It seemed perfectly normal for the current head of Cloud Summit to be found ten kilometers away from the villa.
Not only that, but Wang Hanran also specially roasted a piece of meat and handed it to Xia Lei.
Xia Lei accepted it, and without any visible effort, the steaming hot meat quickly cooled to a temperature suitable for eating.
Wang Hanran shook his head, saying, "At your level, even if the temperature were a hundred degrees higher, it wouldn't cause any harm. Why bother with such trouble?"
"I need to maintain some habits; otherwise, it's easy to forget what I used to be like," Xia Lei replied nonchalantly.
"What you were like before doesn't matter because we cannot return to the past. What we are now is what we should be," Wang Hanran asserted, perhaps feeling unsatisfied. He gestured toward Xia Lei, asking if she wanted more, but upon receiving a negative response, he simply raised the leg of meat to his mouth and started biting into it.
"Stay true to your original intention and keep your eyes on the future; that's the right path."
"Act freely and without concern for gain or loss; that’s the most refreshing way."
"Life is filled with constraints; how can one act freely? If you don't advance, you will perish. How can you disregard gain and loss?"
The two exchanged rapid dialogues, understanding the underlying meanings.
Wang Hanran threw the piece of meat into the fire, pointing at it and saying, "You see, regardless of how one lived, after death, they will eventually turn to ashes. Living is so exhausting that the meat might even taste sour."
"Manage the affairs of the living well, and you'll be carefree after death."
Wang Hanran laughed heartily, his voice shaking the surrounding trees and causing life within several kilometers to flee in all directions.
"Who would have thought the infamous Black-hearted Queen couldn't let go of things?"
Hearing Wang Hanran say this, Xia Lei wasn't angry. She discarded the unfinished piece of meat and looked at the boss of the Ogre Chain before her. "Whether one lets go or not, as long as one is comfortable, that’s enough."
This time, Wang Hanran nodded, "Indeed."
After a moment, Wang Hanran said, "You’re quite bold. Knowing that I am already a nine-star evolver, you still dare to come alone. Aren't you afraid I would capture you to threaten Cloud Summit? Or simply kill you, leaving Cloud Summit leaderless in Ye Zhongming's absence?"