"Looks like we'll feast today,"
Zhang Hao leaned against the wall, staring at the golden crucian carp on the cutting board, unable to resist licking his lips.
The golden crucian carp wasn't particularly large, around five pounds, but enough to provide a hearty meal for three people and two little ones.
At that moment, Chen Yuan's attention was entirely drawn to the data panel in front of him:
[First collection of Golden Crucian Carp, Source Point plus one]
[Name: Golden Crucian Carp
Level: Level 1 Spirit Fish]
Compared to other Extraordinary Creatures, the data panel for the golden crucian carp was quite basic, lacking information on attributes and skills.
"Spirit Fish?"
"Is that a category of Extraordinary Creatures?"
Chen Yuan felt puzzled but didn't delve deeply into the matter.
By now, the Spirit Fish was already on the cutting board; beside it, the old man was sharpening his knife with focus, while at his feet, Cola was drooling, eyes full of longing.
Chen Yuan lightly kicked Cola and, with a joking scold, said, "You still have the nerve to eat? You weren't even there during the battle earlier."
"Howl～"
Cola glanced at him with a pitiful look and then rubbed against his calf with a playful grin, its fluffy tail quickly twirling behind it.
Leaving the kitchen to the old man's expertise, Chen Yuan and Zhang Hao headed to the courtyard to tend to the unconscious Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle's injuries.
During the previous battle, Spark had dealt a heavy blow, causing significant harm to the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle.
If left unattended, the wounds might get infected later.
Even though Zhang Hao was a Forest Ranger, he knew basic wound treatment and squatted beside Chen Yuan to lend a hand.
[First collection of Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle, Source Point plus two]
[Race: Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle
Attribute: Wind
Level: 3 (Tier One)
Favorability: –35
Skills: Wind Blade (Novice 1.9/3) + Wind Cut (Novice 0.3/3) +
Quality: Elite
Promotion to Commander Quality Conditions: Source Point insufficient (6/10)]
Judging by the data panel's displayed strength alone, the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle was already stronger than any wild Pet Beast Chen Yuan had encountered.
Unfortunately, it had encountered Spark.
Chen Yuan didn't mind the negative favorability; for animals, competing for prey was a necessary part of survival.
Even if they evolved into Extraordinary Creatures, their perception wouldn't change drastically.
If Spark was strong enough, then the prey belonged to it.
However, there would be inevitable resentment and dislike.
After nearly half an hour of work, the simple surgery was finally completed.
Zhang Hao wiped the sweat off his forehead, unable to resist a bit of complaining: "Performing surgery is so tiring, worse than patrolling the mountains."
Chen Yuan casually replied, "You have to be careful patrolling the mountains now; there are tons of Extraordinary Creatures out there."
"Hehe." Zhang Hao nodded, "I know, that's why I'll only go into the mountains after contracting a Pet Beast."
"Let's wash our hands and eat."
During the conversation, Chen Yuan saw Chen Weiyi coming out of the kitchen with a pot of fish soup and promptly spoke.
The two washed their hands together, and Cola waited obediently on the side. After Chen Yuan rinsed its limbs with tap water, it quickly ran towards the dinner table with a wide grin.
The three of them sat at the dining table in the courtyard, the roof's eaves casting a large shadow. Cola waited eagerly by the side, while Spark stood quietly on Chen Yuan's shoulder.
"It looks delicious," Zhang Hao stared at the white fish soup, and the golden slices of fish faintly visible, swallowing his saliva involuntarily.
"My cooking isn't great, so just bear with it." Chen Weiyi chuckled.
Zhang Hao chuckled, "How could it be? This looks like a masterpiece; just by the presentation, it's worth a five-star review."
"Okay, okay, let's dig in." Chen Yuan interrupted Zhang Hao's string of compliments, picking up his chopsticks.
Seeing Chen Yuan and Chen Weiyi start to pick up the fish, Zhang Hao finally reached for his chopsticks: "Well, I won't stand on ceremony then."
Swallowing a piece of fish, then sipping a bit of fish soup, a delicious and rich flavor instantly doubled in his mouth, the delicate texture dancing on his tongue.
Chen Yuan raised his eyebrows and sincerely praised, "The taste is really good."
Chen Weiyi squinted his eyes and gave a review, "It's very different from regular carp; the flesh is much more delicate."
"And also..."
He paused, seemingly choosing his words, then said, "I feel a warm current flowing within my stomach."
This was the unique aspect of Spirit Fish, no doubt.
Thinking this, Chen Yuan smiled and added, "I heard this fish is very beneficial to the body. Grandpa, you should eat more."
"Mmm mmm mmm..." Zhang Hao picked up another piece of fish, mumbling, "While you two have the leisure to discuss, I'll just focus on eating."
Once he felt somewhat full, Chen Yuan quickly grabbed a few pieces of fish and placed them in the dog's bowl. Cola, who had been eagerly waiting, was overjoyed, drooling immediately: "Howl howl howl!"
Afterward,
Chen Yuan took a small piece of fish and fed it to Spark.
Seeing this, Cola suddenly felt that the fish in its mouth wasn't so tasty anymore.
But its thoughts came and went quickly, and the next second, it buried its head in the bowl, devouring with great delight.
At the same time,
"Caw..."
The Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle, not yet opening its eyes, had a tantalizing aroma drift rudely into its nostrils,
Delicious!
An unprecedented deliciousness!
The Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle suddenly opened its eyes, trying to get up, but its movements tugged at its wounds, causing faint pain, making it let out a soft whimper.
Yet the aroma lingered around its nose, engendering an unprecedented craving within the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle, forcing it to struggle to lift its head.
Once it lifted its head, it met several pairs of eyes.
The Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle froze in place, then saw the bowl of white fish soup on the table, from which the enticing aroma emanated.
At that moment, its stomach let out a rumbling sound.
Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle: "..."
"Since you're awake, have some to eat," seeing the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle awaken, Chen Yuan smiled gently and scooped some fish and soup into a small bowl, ready to place it before it.
"Caw caw caw!"
Seeing this hateful human approaching, the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle showed a fierce countenance, struggling backward, dragging dust with its feathers.
"Chirp."
However, at that moment, a familiar chirping sound echoed in its ears, causing the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle's movement to stop abruptly.
It stood dazedly, cautiously glancing at those deep blue eyes.
The memories of the beating came rushing back, amplified by the persistent pain, making its body tremble.
At that moment, all its unwillingness and stubbornness were subdued by those calm eyes, and it slowly bowed its head.
Moments later,
"Isn't the fish soup tasty?" watching the Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle devour the food, a smile appeared on Chen Yuan's face.
"Caw!"
The Gray Feathered Hunting Eagle spread its wings, instinctively responding, then realized something, vigorously shaking its head.
No, no!
This fish soup isn't tasty at all!
Yet the soup's deliciousness lingered between its teeth, causing it to lower its head unconsciously and murmur softly, "Caw..."
But it really is delicious.