Yi Tianxing realized that if his gourmet cells were to directly absorb the delicacies, his flesh and blood would autonomously devour the food. However, even the essence of gourmet dishes would still contain various impurities. Although these impurities might temporarily strengthen the body, they would inevitably accumulate and become a burden, even a hidden danger in the future.
However, the Life Aperture "Food Cauldron" could refine all the essence within gourmet dishes, transforming them into a pure essence devoid of any impurities—as if the food had been re-cooked inside the cauldron, thoroughly removing all pollutants. This not only made the food more delicious and easier for the body to absorb, but it also stimulated the gourmet cells within every inch of his body, making even his bones and flesh feel a sense of joy.
Moreover, as his body absorbed the power of the gourmet food and felt immense pleasure, it instinctively began drawing vast amounts of pure Heaven and Earth energy from the surroundings. This was a near-instinctive ability, and the energy absorbed was all highly purified, seamlessly merging into his flesh and blood. Every inch of his body began to transform and evolve.
This surge of power and the joy induced by the food made his entire being feel intoxicated. Thanks to the essence within the fish meat and the fusion of Heaven and Earth energy, his physical strength had increased by several pounds. That might not sound like much, but to gain such strength after just one meal, without any side effects, was astonishing.
If word got out, countless people would be envious.
This was the wondrous transformation brought about by the gourmet cells.
"Interesting... Even if I become a glutton because of these gourmet cells, and eating becomes a weakness, it's still insignificant compared to the benefits. No one is perfect. Nothing in this world is flawless—perfection can sometimes be a flaw itself."
Yi Tianxing contemplated silently.
What truly amazed him was the synergy between the Food Cauldron and the gourmet cells. Together, they were a perfect match, eliminating his greatest concern and opening up a new path—a path of pure physical strength.
With nothing but raw physical might, one could shatter the heavens and rend the void—a power of ultimate destruction. This was a path described in the Heavenly Dragon Scripture, one that focused entirely on refining the physical body, harnessing unrelenting brute force to crush all in its way. A body refined to the extreme could become truly invincible. But the scripture offered no concrete method of cultivation—only the possibility of such a path.
Cultivators on this path were known as Body Refiners, or Physical Cultivators. Their cultivation stages were simple—divided by Nine Cauldrons, with one cauldron being equivalent to a Divine Sea realm cultivator. And at the same level, Body Refiners were usually stronger and more dominant than Qi cultivators. Their physical power was simply too overwhelming.
However, Body Refinement required supreme willpower and harsh discipline. One had to travel the world enduring hunger, cold, extreme heat, and all sorts of cruel environments to temper the body, eventually awakening flesh treasures and body-based Life Apertures. These cultivators didn't rely on many Life Apertures—they had one cauldron, one divine power.
In the past, Yi Tianxing never dreamed of walking the Body Refiner's path.
It was too hard. Too extreme. And without the right method, it was near-impossible.
But now, things were different.
With his gourmet cells, he might really be able to eat his way to the pinnacle.
He buried the thought deep within his heart. Whether or not he could walk this path didn't matter for now—but as long as he kept pursuing it, it might become his strongest hidden trump card. When an enemy thought they knew everything about him, he could suddenly unleash a whole different power and turn the tide of battle.
He resolved that this path of body refinement must remain a secret.
Besides, as long as he didn't say anything, no one would know—because he didn't need to temper his body with pain and suffering like traditional Body Refiners.
All he needed to do was—eat.
"Village Chief, what do you think of the world we live in now?" Huang Chengyan asked as he sat beside Yi Tianxing, enjoying a piece of grilled fish.
"It's chaos—an unprecedented era of disorder. Like the savage ages, where people are free, but everyone must face death at any moment," Yi Tianxing replied calmly, sensing deeper meaning in Huang Chengyan's words.
"Do you wish to end this chaos, Village Chief?" Huang looked straight at him, clearly invested in the answer.
"This chaos isn't something one person can end, nor can anyone change it alone. What I can do is lead those who trust me to survive this cruel era—to live, to live well. That's all. As for the future... there's no need to overthink it." Yi Tianxing smiled and shook his head. In a vast world like the Eternal Continent, ending the chaos was an impossible task. Even legendary powerhouses likely couldn't do it.
All he could do was carve out a piece of land, protect his people, and build a place of peace amid the storm. That would be a true accomplishment—anything more would be wishful thinking.
"Still, survival in this chaos requires strength—and allies. Though old, I can still offer advice and manage affairs," Huang said meaningfully.
Yi Tianxing nodded internally. If Huang had said he wanted to end the chaos, he might've been disappointed. Ambition without stability is dangerous. In chaotic times, only by laying a solid foundation can one go far.
"Elder Huang, your talent and vision are unmatched. If you're willing to help, I'll be more than grateful. We'll need you to help run the village. I see you haven't started cultivating yet—there's a technique in the Scripture Pavilion called the 'Record of Righteous Blood and Loyal Heart'. It should suit you. Go and receive its inheritance."
Huang Chengyan's intention to truly follow him was clear now. It might not be wholehearted devotion, but in this chaotic world, he had little choice, and Yi Tianxing's setup in the pavilion had clearly played a role.
In a world like this, strength is everything. Without it, death comes quickly.
But once someone like Huang swore loyalty, he would be a trusted ally. Ancient scholars placed great importance on integrity and reputation.
"Thank you, my Lord. I will do my utmost for the village."
Huang Chengyan rose and bowed deeply, formally pledging himself.
Yi Tianxing didn't stop him. After the bow, he smiled and helped him up. "Our Xuanhuang Village is still in its infancy, and we need your expertise. Even the smallest village needs structure. We might be small, but we'll build strong foundations. The village is not our future—it's just the beginning."
"You can count on me, my Lord," Huang replied confidently, stroking his beard with a smile.
Yi Tianxing nodded. "Then I'll leave the village matters to you. Meanwhile, I'll try to track down the Burrowing Worm and kill it. It's a huge threat. No one knows when it'll strike again."
Just thinking about the worm gave him a headache. According to the Heavenless Tome, the worm's only weakness was its intense vengefulness. If provoked, it would stalk its target relentlessly, seeking revenge with extreme persistence.
But the real problem was—how to find it.
He feared not the piranhas, but this damned worm was a nightmare.
"If we could use bait, like before, we might lure it out. Once it appears, it'll be easier to handle," Huang suggested.
"I've thought of that too," Yi Tianxing sighed. "But we don't know what attracts it. Without that, baiting it is impossible."
"I'll head to the Scripture Pavilion and accept the Record of Righteous Blood and Loyal Heart. If I can channel scholarly energy and open the Divine Sea, I'll finally be of some use—not just a frail old man," Huang declared firmly.
"With your talent, Elder Huang, your scholarly aura must be immense. Once your Divine Sea opens, your cultivation will soar—you may even leap across multiple realms at once."
Such was the potential of top-tier Confucian scholars, especially the seasoned ones.
Now it was just a matter of seeing how far Huang Chengyan could go.
Yi Tianxing had high hopes—and there was even a chance Huang would surpass him in cultivation very soon.
But that was nothing to be jealous of.
After finishing his meal, Huang hurried to the Scripture Pavilion. He couldn't wait any longer to inherit the Record of Righteous Blood and Loyal Heart.