[220] My Meat!

A Forbidden Fruit could not only be eaten, but could also be used to enhance a Star Divine Artifact. Moreover, using a Forbidden Fruit to strengthen a Star Divine Artifact came with zero side effects. Instead, it bestowed a direct enhancement, whether by amplifying the artifact's raw power or granting it a special ability. The Ancient Cosmos Dragon was ruthless to the core, even by the standards of vicious dragons. Its Star Divine Artifact was extraordinarily unique—it was its very own dragon scales. It had literally torn every single scale from its body, combined them with various materials it had gathered, and ultimately forged its first Star Divine Artifact: the Ancient Cosmos Dragon Armor. This Star Divine Artifact seamlessly covered its body, granting all-around protection while bolstering all of its attributes, providing it with exceptional survivability among those of Star Rank. Unless it ran into a powerhouse above the peak of Star Rank, as long as it set its mind on fleeing, not even stronger Star Rank figures could hope to detain it. Just then, the scales that had been undulating ceaselessly across the Ancient Cosmos Dragon's body suddenly stilled. They snapped tight against its flesh, and at the same moment, the dragon learned the new ability granted to its Star Divine Artifact. Sharpness! The edge of every dragon scale had become razor-sharp, capable of slicing effortlessly through all kinds of matter. Even a Star Divine Artifact could be cut open bit by bit, provided the same spot was struck repeatedly. This was precisely the enhancement the Ancient Cosmos Dragon had desired most. The flames in its eyes blazed furiously, and it could no longer suppress the burgeoning ambition in its chest. ... ... The next morning, sunlight spilled across the land as countless bird-dragons perched on branches, preening their feathers. The plumage of these bird-dragons was quite fascinating. It existed in a transitional state between scales and feathers: the middle portion remained scaly, while the tips branched into soft plumes. An Adamantine Feather shot out in an instant, piercing a bird-dragon roughly the size of a large goose. As the creature tumbled from the tree, Little Nora dashed forward excitedly to catch it. Turning around, it eagerly showed off its prey to Yu Xian. "Boss, I want stir-fry this morning!" Originally, it had been too fat and enormous, possessing only wings and no hands, so in the past it could only eat food raw, usually swallowing it in a single gulp. Ever since following Yu Xian, however, its size had been reduced, and Yu Xian had used the power of the Pangu Transmutation Divine Ability to restructure its wings. While retaining their wing-like nature, they had been modified with hand-like functionality, allowing it to hold objects. It felt immensely blessed now. Not only could it play safely by Yu Xian's side, but it could also enjoy many foods it remembered from its past. It was genuinely happy. Yu Xian retrieved an iron pot from his storage ring and set some water to boil, ready to grant Little Nora's wish and prepare a dish of stir-fried bird-dragon meat. "Little Huangquan, what would you like to eat?" Yu Xian asked as he dressed the bird-dragon, glancing at Little Huangquan, who was studying beside him. Little Huangquan looked puzzled. "Big Brother, I don't know." "..." Yu Xian realized what was happening. From the memories Little Huangquan had revealed earlier, it seemed she had never eaten anything before. He looked toward Zhenwo Changjing nearby and couldn't help asking, "Auntie, do you know what kind of food Little Huangquan eats?" Although Little Huangquan was now bound as one with him and would not starve even without food, what a pity it would be to miss out on delicious delicacies. Take himself, for instance: clearly nothing would happen to him even if he ate nothing at all, but having experienced being unable to consume normal food in the past, he now treasured his ability to eat anything. "Huangquan is a holy spirit, and her nourishment is faith," Zhenwo Changjing replied with a smile. "If you truly want her to eat, try infusing righteous intent into the food." Realization dawned on Yu Xian. He proceeded to cook swiftly. Once a large pot of bird-dragon meat was ready, he scooped a portion into a small bowl and gently channeled righteous intent into it. In an instant, a peculiar aroma mingled with the food's original scent. It smelled like walking into an alleyway in the evening, right when every household was cooking dinner—a distinct, heartwarming blend of savory home-cooked aromas. "Big Brother, it smells so good!" Little Nora stared at the small bowl in Yu Xian's hands, drool dripping steadily from its beak. Yu Xian said helplessly, "Yours isn't ready yet. This is Little Huangquan's food." With that, he handed the small bowl to Little Huangquan for her to try. Under the watchful gazes of Yu Xian and Little Nora, Little Huangquan took the bowl. Since she did not know how to use chopsticks, Yu Xian had prepared a small spoon for her. Scooping up a piece of meat with the spoon, she ate it, and immediately a look of astonishment crossed her face. This was her very first time eating. The taste brought a gentle warmth to her heart, stirring an indescribable emotion within her. "Why are you crying? Don't cry." Seeing her initial astonishment, Yu Xian had smiled, only to see large tears welling up in Little Huangquan's eyes. Soon, she was clutching the bowl and sobbing. Yu Xian hurriedly pulled her into a gentle embrace, coaxing her to stop. "Big Brother, I miss Mama," Little Huangquan said sorrowfully after crying for a while. Yu Xian naturally could not conjure her mother, Wangchuan, out of thin air, so he could only comfort her. "Don't be afraid. Big Brother is here with you." "Yeah, don't be scared! Second Brother is here with you too!" Little Nora swallowed its saliva and chimed in with solemn loyalty. At this, Little Huangquan grew a bit shy. She knew Yu Xian no longer had a mother either, and Little Nora had never seen its mother at all. Everyone was in the same boat, so she felt she ought to be just as strong as them. "Big Brother, it's so delicious. You guys eat too," Little Huangquan whispered to Yu Xian, cradling the bowl as though it were a cherished treasure. Yu Xian nodded with a smile. Seeing her mood improve, he said, "Alright, we'll eat too." "Big Brother, hurry up, I'm starving to death!" Little Nora wiped away its drool and shouted excitedly. It was finally its turn. Yu Xian first scooped some meat into a bowl for himself, then channeled righteous intent into the large pot. Immediately, the entire pot began to radiate that wonderful aroma. Little Nora looked at Yu Xian with delight, and upon receiving his nod of approval, instantly pulled out a knife and fork, ready to feast. Yet just as it was about to spear a choice piece of meat, the ground shook violently. Centered around Yu Xian, the earth abruptly shattered and blasted open. The entire pot of meat was blown straight into the air. Little Nora's eyes went wide as saucers, as if struck by a bolt from the blue, and it wailed in utter despair: "My meat!" In that split second, red light flared from Yu Xian and enveloped Little Huangquan and Little Nora. Little Nora had barely let out its anguished cry before it merged into Yu Xian's body. Yu Xian soared into the air, frowning down at the fractured, splintered earth. As if muttering to himself, or perhaps whispering to someone hidden, he said, "I didn't come looking for trouble with you, yet you dare come looking for trouble with me!" As he spoke, the hero mask appeared in his hand. He slowly placed it over his face. Instantly, countless platinum markings spread across the golden wings at his back, and surging white flames engulfed his entire body. A terrifying wave of energy rippled outward with immense force, instantly dispersing the clouds in the sky as a howling gale swept across the surroundings. [Yu Xian, Combat Power: 256]