99-109 - Xu que - CHERREADS

Chapter 99: Master Hua Is Cooking Shit!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

As soon as Xu Que stepped onto the staircase leading to the third floor, the Sky Incense Valley disciples shifted the spell up as well. The entire area of the third level was now transparent to them. Without daring to relax the slightest in anticipation of Xu Que's weird antics, they watched on tensely.

The second Xu Que arrived at the third level, he felt an entire wave of pressure sweep across his body.

He felt as if he was placed in a perilous situation with a huge flood of water submerging him under.

Xu Que trembled as he planted his feet firmly on the ground. It took him all of his energy in order not to be swept away by the strong force. He gritted his teeth and held on for dear life.

He told himself to hold on tight and to concentrate all his thoughts and willpower to remain firmly rooted.

This was the best way to deal with such a force which aimed to suppress a person's mind and soul!

Xu Que wasn't alone in doing that. The rest of the cultivators on the third floor were doing the same as him. Each one of them looked like a mountain, firmly rooting themselves to the ground. All of them were deep in concentration, finding it extremely hard to take another step forward.

"Look! The black robed cultivator has been restrained!"

"But, he just stepped into the entrance of the third floor and he's already having so much difficulties? Wasn't he extremely at ease on the second floor?"

"Looks like he was feigning it on the second floor then. When he finally reached the third floor, the pressure was too much for him to handle and revealed his true strengths."

"He's really having problems! But as a Full Foundation in the Golden Core Stage, being able to withstand the pressure of the third floor was already quite an achievement."

"Eh... that's the normal standards for someone of the Golden Core Stage!"

"I guess that's good as well. Now we don't have to worry about anything unusual happening on the third floor."

The people standing outside the Tower of Souls broke out into discussion immediately.

Some people felt it was a pity that the third floor is probably where Xu Que's journey would end. Others were slightly doubtful and were still suspicious of Xu Que and his strange ways.

An example of this was the group of cultivators who had followed Xu Que from the previous stage. Seeing such a scene, their reaction was the same as before, "If you fall for this, it's your loss. He is definitely pretending, nothing more."

The group of cultivators who had been expelled from the second floor as a result of Xu Que's antics were still fuming with rage. Seeing him having difficulties caused them some happiness as they gloated in his misfortunes.

"Hm, I thought he had some incredible mental strength. I didn't expect the third floor to be more than he can handle!"

"He is trash!"

"In fact, he's currently stuck at the entrance of the third level. He probably won't even be ranked among the top 100 cultivators!"

"Well, he deserves it. As long as he doesn't end up joining the Sky Incense Valley, we can attack him after all this is over and kill him!"

At the same time, on the third floor of the Tower of Souls...

"Shit! How weak is my soul? Looks like I have to buy more booster pills to consume!"

Xu Que's legs trembled slightly as he scolded out in his mind. He then entered the system's shops and spent 500 act tough points and purchased the Dark Jade Dew.

"System, I can't move a muscle. Consume the Dark Jade Dew on my behalf!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for consuming a single Dark Jade Dew. Your soul strength and mental fortitudes have increased by 60%!"

Boom!

All of a sudden, Xu Que could feel the boundaries restraining his brain explode open!

The feeling can only be described as having an atomic bomb detonate within his brain, blowing everything inside apart 'till nothing was left. His mind was a complete blank.

In the next moment, all his memories and emotions came gushing back to him. He could feel the peripheries of his mind becoming much broader and wider. It was almost as if his perception skills and thought processing speed became 60% faster.

Xu Que then understood. The strength of his mind and soul was heavily dependent on his perceptions and way of thinking.

He then snapped back to reality and could feel an immediate difference. The powerful pressure which once restrained him was no longer present. He felt extremely light and comfortable. In fact, he felt no different now than outside the tower. Not a tinge of pressure was felt by him at this point.

"Aiyo. This is amazing!" Xu Que shouted out loudly.

All the cultivators on the third floor were immediately roused from their deep concentration.

"Pu!" A pair of cultivators who were hanging on for dear life were instantly distracted to the point of no return and vanished from the spot instantly. They then appeared outside the Tower of Souls.

The pair of them raged out in apparent anger but had no way of venting it. The pair of them had mocked Xu Que when he was stuck on the first level as well. It was an eye for an eye.

The group of cultivators outside the tower weren't even bothered by the pair of cultivators who had been expelled. The entire group broke out in shocked conversations as they looked at Xu Que through the transparent windows.

"How… How was this possible?"

"He merely stood there for several seconds. His mind and soul received yet another breakthrough?"

"What on earth was happening?"

"He was clearly having difficulties earlier and was trapped. And now he managed to overcome all the resistance. He must've been pretending from the start. Or was it that he really managed to find a breakthrough in such a short span of time?"

"He's too strong. Look at how everyone is trembling vigorously from the pressure on the third floor. Then look at how at ease he is, as if the pressure has no effect on him whatsoever."

Everyone was extremely alarmed and astonished!

Only the group of cultivators who had followed Xu Que from the earlier test stage weren't surprised. Instead, they revealed the same looks of 'We saw through his act from the start'. Their hearts were full of pride as if they were correct and extremely smart to have seen through Xu Que's act.

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acting tough. The reward is 30 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"

Just like that, Xu Que had earned an additional 70 act tough points."

However, he still felt like he had lost out. He spent 500 act tough points to purchase the Dry Jade Dew. Although this increased his mental and soul strengths, he only managed to earn back a small fraction of whatever he spent. He knew that this wasn't enough.

With his hands behind his back, his chest stuck out and his head raised high, he started roaming around the entire third floor, completely at ease.

It was as if he was the leader of an investigation, walking around and examining the area thoroughly. The group of ten cultivators were looking at him, completely bewildered by his unbridled and composed demeanor.

However, they decided not to bother too much with him and shut their eyes before concentrating hard once more. They didn't even have any energy remaining to deal with Xu Que at this point, for most of their strength had been devoted to repelling and resisting the strong crushing pressure.

Xu Que walked an entire round of the third level and didn't find anything interesting. He then walked over to the window of the tower and looked down at the group of people outside.

The Sky Incense Valley disciples looked at him and hurriedly shouted out, "My friend, since you have such strong soul strength, why not make full use of the time and head over to the fourth level?"

"The fourth level? There's no rush. There's nobody up there and I'm still hungry. I shall cook something else to eat." Xu Que waved his hands and replied casually.

"Hsss..." Everyone outside inhaled a deep breath of air.

They're finished. Looks like he's up to something again!

The Sky Incense Valley were extremely anxious when they heard this, "My friend, you promised me you wouldn't eat anymore."

"What farts are coming out from your mouth? I promised that I wouldn't eat anything too delicious smelling." Xu Que replied.

Everyone paused in shock. He won't eat anything too delicious smelling? Then what was he going to eat? Was he really this hungry and wanted to cook plain rice for himself to eat?

The Sky Incense Valley disciples paused in shock before asking, "Then… What does my friend wish to eat?"

"Don't worry. I understand your struggles as well. Eating something too delicious would distract the other cultivators and make it hard for them to concentrate. I am not an inconsiderate person, so please relax. I shall eat something else." Xu Que replied.

When the group of people heard this, they nodded their heads helplessly.

"Looks like this black robed young man is quite a nice person after all."

"Eh at least he knows when to stop misbehaving when things are getting serious. At least this shows that he's a person of good moral conduct and that he knows how to behave."

The group of Sky Incense Valley disciples clasped their hands together and saluted him, "Many thanks, my daoist friend."

The group of cultivators who had followed him from the previous stage had expressions full of doubt and suspicions. They still didn't believe whatever Xu Que said.

In that next instant, they saw Xu Que taking out his iron pot once more, retrieving a strange looking vial.

"I knew it wasn't so simple. He's probably trying to cook something else." The group of cultivators who had followed Xu Que muttered out under their breaths.

The Sky Incense Valley disciples saw this, their lips twitched as well. "My friend, please don't do anything that might disturb the rest of them. If not, it would be hard for us to handle the matter."

"Don't worry. I am a man of my word. If the smell is too delicious that it would distract them, I would come down and kill myself by eating all the dung I can find."

Xu Que slapped his chest as he spoke out.

Soon after, he started greasing his pot before sitting down on the ground. Once again, he took out some wood to start a fire as he heated the oil on his pot.

The group of cultivators outside the tower watched him silently. Their thoughts and expressions were extremely cautious and strange.

They were clearly here to see people pass this stage and move on. Why were they watching the black robed youth cook now? And he was doing all these within the Tower of Souls…..

Before long, the pot started steaming as the sound of oil sizzling could be heard.

Xu Que raised his eyebrows as he took out something from the system inventory. He retrieved the "Fermented Smelly Tofu" and emptied the entire packet of it into the hot pot.

"Gulu gulu…."

The smelly tofu was rolling in the oil, as it started cooking.

At the same time, the few people nearest to him could smell the stomach-turning stench wafting out from the pot. The smell diffused slowly across the entire third floor before long.

"Oh ! What's that foul and offensive smell?"

"It smells exactly like dog shit!"

"Damn it…"

The people outside the tower had strange expressions as they hurriedly pinched their nostrils.

The Sky Incense Valley disciples were extremely anxious and angry. At this point they then realized what was happening. He said he wouldn't cook anything delicious smelling. Hence he decided to cook something smelly!

The group of cultivators who followed Xu Que from the valley earlier on looked down as they mumbled to themselves, "Master Hua…. Is cooking shit!"

Chapter 100: When He Turns Fierce, He Won't Even Let Himself Off!

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"Pff! Pff! Pff!" tens of Cultivators on the third level of the Tower of Souls were overwhelmed by the unbearable stench. Their minds became disorganized and they were being expelled from the tower from being unable to withstand the pressure.

"I won't admit defeat!"

"Seniors from the Sky Incense Valley, what is happening here?"

"Are you all going to let him continue his nonsense?"

"Are you all going to let us pass the stage or not?"

"This is not fair. Who can stand this stench?"

"Quickly kick him out of here and disqualify him!"

In a moment, the ten cultivators who were sent out of the tower were making a din outside. They looked especially furious as if bearing immeasurable hatred against Xu Que.

The Sky Incense Valley disciples were also holding their noses and creasing their eyebrows. They didn't even feel like speaking.

One of the disciples immediately rode on his sword and rushed to inform the Elder.

They didn't know how to handle the situation since there were no rules which prohibited anyone from eating or cooking.

After all, such a situation hasn't happened before. Most Cultivators would have difficulty even moving after they entered the third level since they had to stay mentally focused. Who would have the time to disturb others, let alone cook?

The remaining onlooking Cultivators also started to inch further slowly. They found the stench very difficult to tolerate, since they had not encountered such a smell before.

Xu Que who was still in the tower took a deep breath, feeling especially blessed.

"That's right, this familiar smell!" He became deeply emotional and reminiscent. Who knew that the system store had the Smelly Tofu on sale. Furthermore, it was the authentic version of the "Chang Sha Smelly Tofu". This smell could not be matched.

Nevertheless, there were still two Cultivators in the third level and both of them were forging on and tolerating. Being able to maintain their focus in this overwhelming stench, it showed that their soul strengths were quite spectacular and they definitely had a shot in moving on to the fourth level!

However, the two of them viciously taunted and ridiculed Xu Que when they were at the first level.

Xu Que remembered the both of them very clearly. Now, seeing that they were still able to hold their grounds, he became overjoyed. He smiled and said, "My two dear friends, don't choke. After I finish cooking, I will feed them to you both!"

"Pfff!" one of them could not hold it in anymore. His soul broke and was expelled out of the Tower of Souls.

Outside, he started to scream in anger, "You get the hell down, I won't let you off!"

The rest of the onlookers' faces were filled with bitterness and shook their head while holding their noses.

"This black robed young man is too vicious."

"Cooking shit was bad enough already and he still said that he will feed that 'shit' to others. Who could tolerate that!"

"It's a pity for that guy. With such a high level of soul strength, he could definitely pass to the fourth level."

"No choice. He can only blame his luck for meeting that black robed youth!"

"Sigh, it's really his own fault. If they did not provoke that young man at the first level, wouldn't this be avoided?"

"Now we only have one person remaining and he is still holding on!"

Everybody's attention started to focus on the third floor and they could see the last remaining man gritting his teeth and holding on.

Xue Que was just carefreely sitting on the ground. He went into the system store and exchanged for a pair of chopsticks and fiddled with the Smelly Tofu inside of the pan. As he flipped and tossed them, the smell became richer.

He also exchanged for a sparkling and resplendent jade bowl, only costing him one act tough point!

Of course, this was not any ordinary bowl. The system described it as being able to enhance the taste of food.

Since Xu Que was currently rich, for delicious food, he would gladly spend the 1 act tough point!

Also, he made a bunch of food ingredients like oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and chilli oil. In the end, he also made a piece of chopping board and a small knife. After finding a few pieces of garlic and cilantros, he started to cut them all up on the chopping board.

When eating the Smelly Tofu, other than the tofu itself, the accompanying sauces were all as important. Therefore, Xu Que decided to personally make some spicy garlic paste. Since it was made of garlic, he had to mince them into a paste-like state.

"Chop! Chop! Chopchopchopchop!!!"

Soon after, from the Tower of Souls ,sounds of Xu Que chopping garlic could be heard. The consecutive tapping sounds of the knife on the chopping board echoed.

The others outside started to sweat all over and their lips twitched in disbelief.

Brother! Why are you even here? Are you really treating the Tower of Souls as a kitchen? He even brought a knife and chopping board. As a Cultivator, can you be more perceptive of the situation?

"Hah!"

In the tower, Xu Que picked up another pan and started to fry the garlic. The combination looked very good but the smell of the garlic was still covered up by the heavy stench of the Smelly Tofu.

A few moments later, he finally finished preparing the sauce. He poured it into a small jade bowl before scooping up the Smelly Tofus from the oil pan and placed them inside the bowl one by one.

The skin of the "Chang Sha Smelly Tofu" was black. Although it looked a bit ugly due to it being a little burnt on the outside, it was soft in the inside. It had a good texture in the mouth and tasted spectacular!

However, the many Cultivators at the foot of the tower could not recognize the Smelly Tofu. They tiptoed and looked over and were immediately shocked, breaking out in cold sweat.

"How frightening! It's a large black piece of poop!"

"This is really quite disgusting!"

"How long did he leave the poop out? Why is it so black in colour?"

"Don't say anymore, don't say anymore…"

Everyone did not dare to think about it anymore.

At the same time, Xu Que had already filled the whole bowl with Smelly Tofus. The fragrance of the sauce was overwhelmed by the stench. But one would not argue that this is an absolutely authentic and delicious snack.

However, to the rest of the cultivators, it looked like a bowl of fried poop and it was still steaming…

At this time, Xu Que held up the bowl and took the pair of chopsticks before walking directly towards the last enduring Cultivator.

Everyone at the foot of the tower was shocked!

Then they saw Xu Que picking up a piece of black "poop" with his chopsticks. With smoke still rising from it, he grinned from ear to ear and brought it towards that Cultivator.

That Cultivator still had his eyes closed and did not witness this scene. However, he could feel the stench was slowly being stronger…

"Pfff!" In the end, he could not tolerate it anymore. His entire body trembled and he lost his soul. He was then expelled from the Tower of Souls.

"You shameless bastard! How dare you use poop to humiliate me?" That Cultivator appeared at the foot of the tower, abruptly lifted his head and stared at Xu Que who was in the tower, furiously reprimanding.

Without much care, Xu Que nodded, "You people are ignorant. This is the exclusive and tasty dish of my Heaven Explosion Faction. My Smelly Tofu is even more famous than roasted chicken wings. Don't spout nonsense if you people don't appreciate it!"

"Tofu?"

The people outside the tower became stunned, followed by looks of despise.

"Friend, stop joking already."

"How can you still eat a tofu which has already turned bad?"

"And we haven't seen a tofu so smelly. Stop pranking us. Eat it if you have the guts."

"That's right. If you were really cooking food, we would have nothing much to say. But now, you are cooking poop and it simply drives us nuts!"

"Your actions are simply incorrigible!"

Many people started to point fingers at Xu Que and shouted out in anger.

Xu Que held up his bowl and laughed lightly, "All of you, shut your dog mouths. You are a bunch of idiots who don't know their delicacies. Open your eyes wide! This is called Smelly Tofu and it is absolutely delicious. The smellier it is, the better it tastes."

Finishing his speech, he picked up a piece and immediately placed it into his mouth.

Upon biting down, one could see its crunchy exterior and silky interior. Its juices and that rich flavor filled his mouth.

However…

The Cultivators at the foot of the towers were dumbfounded. Their faces were filled with astonishment and their eyes widened bigger than ever.

The bunch of Cultivators from the second stage were also dumbfounded yet again and stared at Xu Que in shock.

"Too… too scary. Hero Hua is actually eating 'poop'!"

"Who knew that when he turns fierce, he won't even let himself off!"

Chapter 101: He Ate Poop And Laughed So Happily

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 50 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for eating 'Smelly Tofu', soul strength increased by 1%."

"Ding! After validation, host 'Xu Que' has successfully cooked 'Smelly Tofu' into a One Star Cuisine."

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for automatically discovering the Secondary Occupation: 'Chef'. Rewarded with Secondary Occupation Giant gift bag x 1!"

"Huh?"

Xu Que became stunned. This chain of system messages made him confused.

It mentioned raising of the soul strength and also something about One Star Cuisine. And another one mentioned Secondary Occupation: "Chef"?

What are all these?

He regained his focus and kept the bowl of Smelly Tofu back into the System Deposit Storage. He started to check out its properties and became astounded.

One Star Cuisine, cooked by host 'Xu Que', effective for 3 days.

Effect: Can replenish hunger and increase soul strength by 1% (Effect works only once per day).

"What the hell? I just casually cooked some Smelly Tofu and it had such a use to it!" Xu Que was elated.

Although he actually did put in effort for the Smelly Tofu, making use of various sauces, cutting onions and whatnot, along with that jade bowl, they made the Smelly Tofu dish taste even better.

Although it was only One Star and its effects were nothing extraordinary. No matter how many pieces he ate everyday, it could only increase the soul strength once.

But, this allowed Xu Que to discover something new.

Although this One Star Cuisine's effects were nothing out of the ordinary, if he managed to make a Three Star or a Four Star delicacy, or even make a higher rank of cuisines, their effects would be extraordinary!

"Oh yes! And for that Secondary Occupation Giant Gift Bag… hahaha! System, let me open and see what's inside!" Filled with anticipation, Xu Que entered the system inventory and stared at that big, red gift bag.

A "swish" sounded.

The system interface streaked past various rays of light and several items appeared in his inventory.

"Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acquiring the 'One Star Chef' Occupation Skill Book. After using, host will be able to cook One Star Cuisines with 100% probability!"

"Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acquiring the 'One Star Musician' Occupation Skill Book. After using, host will be able to perform One Star Music Scores with 100% probability!"

"Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acquiring the 'One Star Medicine Refiner' Occupation Skill Book. After using, host will be able to refine One Star Medicines with 100% probability!"

"Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acquiring the 'One Star Equipment Refiner' Occupation Skill Book. After using, host will be able to refine One Star Equipments with 100% probability!"

"Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for acquiring the 'One Star Amulet Maker' Occupation Skill Book. After using, host will be able to create One Star Amulets with 100% probability!"

"Damn… I've earn it big this time!" Xu Que opened his mouth wide. He did not expect a fortune to fall upon him so suddenly.

Opening the big gift bag, he received so many Occupation Skill Books in one go.

It was not that the system store did not sell these Occupation Skill Books, but it was that they were too expensive. A simple One Star Occupation Skill Book costed 500 act tough points.

And yet, Xu Que had suddenly acquired five different Occupation Skill Books at one go. It was equivalent to saving 2500 act tough points. Moreover, he was able to learn the skills of these five Occupations. It seems like his luck was bursting!

"Use it, use it all!" Xu Que shouted with excitement.

In a flash, the five Occupation Skill Books were consumed. A tremendously loud system beep then sounded in Xu Que's head.

Soon after, when he opened his eyes, he had already learnt the five new skills. The skills seemed familiar to him as if he was born with them.

The usage of the Chef skill was obvious. It was to cook Cuisines with attribute bonuses attached.

However, the Musician occupation was quite shocking. It allowed one to be an expert in many types of ancient musical instruments. For example, the Ocarina, Fou, Five-string Lute, Pan pipes, Chinese harp, Gu Zheng, Gu Qin and more. Also, the music being played from the scores had a direct impact on the moods of others. It could even entirely control the opposition's rationality and thinking.

These were definitely very useful. On top of that, all of the Occupation Skills were essential for acting tough!

Xu Que felt at ease. With a brilliant smile, he felt that this world is wonderful. Everywhere was filled with opportunities to act tough!

Yet, outside the tower, the Cultivators were stunned after witnessing the scene.

"Oh my God!"

"Take a look at him. After he ate the poop, he's laughing so happily."

"How scary!"

"Crazy! This lad is definitely crazy!"

"No. I feel that he is really gutsy and fierce. Terrifying! He is fierce to the point where he even eats poop just to prove a point!"

"Urgh, I can't take it anymore… ughhh!"

Suddenly, a few Cultivators outside could not take it anymore and started leaning over and retching on the spot.

Xu Que witnessed this and without any expression, he stared at them, "Those of you who puke better not run, I will personally feed you real shit later."

"..." The few Cultivators, who were still puking, changed their expressions. They turned and cupped their hands, "Everyone, we have something to do, we shall take our leave first!"

They quickly turned and rode off with their flying swords.

Xu Que let out a cold sigh and did not bother to chase them down.

He lowered his head and looked at the few remaining Smelly Tofu in the oil pan. He suddenly let out a slight grin as if something just came to his mind.

He looked at the people below and laughed, "All my friends, do you want to know how I improved my soul strength so quickly?"

Everybody could not help but stare at him shockingly.

This black robed young man had a breakthrough with his soul strength at the very last moment. The progress was extremely quick which would frighten anyone.

One of them could not take it, cupped his hands and replied, "I would like to know!"

Xu Que stretched out his hand and pointed at the Smelly Tofus in the oil pan and said while laughing, "It's because the stuff that I just ate is no ordinary food. This Smelly Tofu is exclusive only to my Heaven Explosion Faction and its effects are comparable to One Star Empty Sky Pills. When you eat it, it can increase your soul strength immediately."

Everybody moved the corner of their lips.

"Friend, stop kidding around."

"We won't fall for your tricks."

"You are obviously tricking us into eating 'poop'!"

"No, he actually knows about the Empty Sky Pill. That pill had been lost in history for a very long time!"

"That's right. I've once read in an ancient text that the Empty Sky Pill was a type of medicine which could increase one's soul strength but it has been lost for thousands of years!"

"Could it be that… what he said was the truth?"

Some of them became suspicious and stared at the pan of Smelly Tofus at the third level, contemplating. Some of them shook their heads profusely and would not believe Xu Que's words under any circumstances.

Without speaking further, he immediately carried the pan and went down to the first level. He said, "Everybody, count this as a present from the Heaven Explosion Faction. After you try it and get the effects, do help me spread the great name of my faction! As for daring enough to try it out or not, it's up to you guys!"

"Yum!" Finishing, he picked up another piece of Smelly Tofu from the oil pan, slipped it into his mouth and swallowed it. His face was filled with satisfaction.

Soon after under the startled expressions of everyone, Xu Que turned and left as he decided to take a walk up the higher levels of the tower.

Because ever since he had increased his soul strength, he had this strange feeling that at the eighth level, someone was there!

Chapter 102: Oh My God, This Tastes So Good

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

After Xu Que left, the people started to ponder over his words.

Staring at that oil pan, they spoke out doubtfully, "Just now… If I'm not mistaken, that black stuff actually looked rather like tofu."

"This cannot be... that is poop, it's manure! Guaranteed!"

"But this is still unbelievable. Who in the world will eat 'poop'?"

Everybody broke out into a discussion but in the end, nobody dared to check the pan out.

Only that group of Cultivators from the second stage previously started to look at one another. One of them said, "Why not we go check it out? Maybe it's really food which increases our soul strength."

"Yeah! I feel that with that killing-obsessed maniac's personality, he will never eat 'poop'! It is probably as he said. These are all Smelly Tofu." Another of them nodded.

"Even that murderous maniac dared to eat it. Why shouldn't we dare? Also, if it can really improve our soul strength, this would mean that we are kind of lucky too!"

"Let's go and try it!"

"It's no big deal. Many people eat faeces too."

In the end, the few of them had decided to give those "Smelly Tofus" a try.

They walked out of the crowd with determined faces, while gripping their fists tightly. They went directly towards the entrance of the Tower of Soul, while staring at that oil pan!

"Hey, my friends, what are you all… trying to do?"

"Don't tell me that you believe what that lad said?"

"Don't go! That thing cannot be eaten!"

"It stinks so much. How are you going to eat it?"

Everybody started to panic and tried to stop them.

The few Cultivators were determined. They had to try it no matter what. After all, they had to take on the third stage soon. It would be a good fortune for them if their soul strengths really increased!

"We must try!"

The few of them clenched their fists and walked slowly to arrive before the pan of Smelly Tofus.

In the face of the stench, their stomachs started to churn and they lost the courage to eat it all over again.

At last, one courageous man stood out from that group. He quickly pinched and picked up a piece of Smelly Tofu, closed his eyes tightly and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Wa!" a person in the crowd started shouting out in surprise.

"What a hero!"

"I admire you fully for having the guts to eat it!"

"Eh?" the Cultivator who ate the Smelly Tofu started to widen his eyes and his face was filled with astonishment.

"Brother Wu? What's going on with you?" A few of his accomplices asked in a panic upon witnessing his weird expression.

However, that Cultivator did not care to answer and his mouth started to chew quickly.

After swallowing the Smelly Tofu, he abruptly exclaimed, "Oh my God, this is too delicious! Hero Hua didn't lie to us! This is really Smelly Tofu. It smells bad but it's taste is spectacular. I swear on my soul, this is the most delicious food I've ever eaten!"

Finishing, he stretched out his hand towards the oil pan and took several pieces of Smelly Tofus.

Everyone was dumbfounded after hearing his words.

It smells bad, but it's taste is spectacular?

And… He even swore on his soul?

"This is a fine delicacy!"

Those standing around the pan started to react, immediately stretched out and took a bunch of Smelly Tofus, stuffing them into their mouths without hesitation.

Immediately, that crunchy exterior, silky and juicy interior texture threw them into a state of happiness and surprise!

"This… is too delicious!"

"Who knew that in this world, there exists such a peculiar dish. It's taste is incomparable!"

"Hahahaha! Hero Hua did not lie to us! My soul strength really increased."

"Hey, me too!" The few of them started to gasp in surprise and they were overjoyed. Their gamble was correct.

"What? It is really delicious?"

"And it strengthens one's soul strength? This can't be..."

"Friends, friends, don't take everything! Leave some for us to try!"

The group of Cultivators onlooking could not sit still anymore. One by one, they came forward to try it. Even those Sky Incense Valley Disciples could not resist and went forward to see what was the commotion is about.

In the end, after trying it, they immediately let out shouts of surprise and excitement.

"Damn, this is too delicious!"

"And my soul strength had obviously increased."

"This is really something magical! Who knew that, just a piece of Smelly Tofu would have such godly effects!"

"Eh? This black piece really looks a bit like poop!"

"Can't be… it's the one Hero Hua especially cooked. It you don't want it, give it to me."

"That Hero Hua is too good. The Heaven Explosion Faction definitely possess talented people and all of them must be a blessed son of gods."

"Everyone, could you all leave a few pieces?"

Faced with the excited and overjoyed lot, the large group of conservative Cultivators could not take it anymore and rushed towards the oil pan one by one.

Xu Que did not cook many smelly tofus. When they reached there, only the oil in the pan was left.

This group of conservative Cultivators became annoyed and felt like crying.

Missing out on such magical food which could even raise one's soul strength… What a waste.

"Haha! I still have a piece of it with me. Who wants it? Starting bid is 10,000 Spirit stones. Highest bidder wins!" A Cultivator suddenly raised his arms and shouted. He was pointing at a piece of the dark Smelly Tofu.

Everyone saw and quickly gathered around.

"Friend, you are too harsh, 10,000 Spirit Stones? Alright, I'll take it."

"Wait, I bid 11,000 Spirit Stones"

"I bid 13,000."

"Hmph! 15,000 for me!"

"Damn it! I'll bid 20,000!"

In a flash, the previously feared Smelly Tofu was instantly treated as a treasured Elixir. It attracted many people to raise the bid!

Not only it was tasty but more importantly, it was the property it possessed. It could raise one's soul strength and this type of attribute would move countless hearts.

And so, the great name of the Heaven Explosion Faction gradually started to soar!

However, in the midst of the chaos, no one realized that Xu Que had already advanced to the fourth level of the Tower of Soul!

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 50 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 70 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 80 act tough points!"

Countless system beeps sounded in Xu Que's head and he let out a slight grin.

"Looks like those people had already tried it. However, they should be unaware that I've sneaked some Demon Beast's manure inside." Xu Que held in his laughter and took out the bowl he was using with some Smelly Tofu in it and walked deeper into the fourth level while eating.

After all, his soul strength had already been strengthened by another 60%. In this fourth level, although Xu Que felt a little pressure, he could still move freely.

But when he was reaching the stairs to the fifth level, his footsteps became sluggish. He glanced upwards and was shocked.

"Weird… this feeling is becoming more and more intense. Looks like there is really someone upstairs. Ah… I have to take a look."

Chapter 103: The More You Don't Want Me To Go Up, The More I Want To.

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"Chhh!"

At this time, outside the Tower of Souls...

Rays of light started to whiz in the skies and landed on the ground in a flash.

It was the Sky Incense Valley disciple who left previously. He called for the Elder who was in charge of the Test Area.

The Elder's presence surprised everyone outside of the tower.

After all, actually seeing an Infant Transformation Stager was rare for these Cultivators.There were even Cultivators who had never seen one before despite having trained for their entire lives.

"What a strong presence. Standing in front of him, I feel like kneeling down."

"So this is the aura of an Infant Transformation Stager. How frightening!"

"If I succeed in joining the Sky Incense Valley and go under the guidance of a strong Infant Transformation Stager, it would really be beneficial for me!"

Everybody discussed among themselves quietly and focused their attentions on the Elder.

"The Seventh Elder has arrived!"

Upon the Elder's arrival, all the Sky Incense Valley Disciples at the scene started to kneel and paid their respects!

However, the Elder suddenly held his nose and frowned, "What's this smell?"

One of the disciple quickly replied, "Reporting to Elder. This was a delicacy a black robed young man cooked. Its name is the Smelly Tofu. I got a piece, but did not manage to try it yet."

Finishing, he opened his palm and presented a piece of very dark-colored Smelly Tofu.

"This is regarded as a delicacy?" The Seventh Elder pouted his lips.

On his way here, he had already heard about the situation from a few of his disciples. However, after personally looking at this piece of Smelly Tofu and smelling that choking stench, he still felt that this was unbelievable.

"I initially didn't believe it myself… Although it smells really bad, it tastes wonderful. It even increased one's soul strength!" The Sky Incense disciple respectably replied.

"Increase soul strength?" The Seventh Elder was surprised. He waved his hand and the piece of dark-coloured Smelly Tofu floated into his palm.

Everybody's eyes followed the Smelly Tofu. They inevitably let out envious looks and some of them unknowingly licked their lips.

The Seventh Elder stared at that piece of Smelly Tofu suspiciously and yet could not find anything unusual with it.

Perhaps it was the countless passionate and burning eyes which were staring upon this piece of Smelly Tofu, but after a few moments, he popped the Smelly Tofu into his mouth.

At the next moment, his muddy eyes widened, and was filled with astonishment!

"It is indeed very delicious, and… there is a mysterious force coming from it. It's as if the force is starting to affect my soul.No, that's not right, this… this magical food is nourishment for the soul!" The Seventh Elder was shocked.

The Sky Incense Valley was renowned for its expertise in refining medicine. However, for medicine which could nourish the soul, they had only one type. Furthermore, that medicine had a very low chance of being refined into a pill. Even after refining, it would be kept in the Sect as a treasure and cannot be taken out easily for use.

But now, a mere piece of Smelly tofu, a weird looking food, had the effect of nourishing one's soul strength. This fact shocked him deeply.

"Little friend Hua!" The Seventh Elder immediately lifted his head and called for Xu Que who was looking around his surroundings at the fourth level.

Xu Que was pondering if there was really somebody upstairs. When The Seventh Elder called out, he gave Xu Que a shock. He stared and chided, "Hua your sister! Do you need to be so loud?"

"Screw that!"

Everybody was stunned as they took a deep breath and stared at Xu Que in shock. They wondered to themselves when did this lad get to the fourth level? And was he tired of living? How dare he talk this way to the Elder of the Sky Incense Valley?

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 50 act tough points!"

Xu Que apparently had acted tough unintentionally and it was to great success.

However, the Seventh Elder did not get angry. He even bore an apologetic tone and laughed embarrassedly, "Small friend Hua, do not get angry. It was indeed I who was being rude. May I know if you are free to come down? This old man has got something to ask of you!"

"Not free. Can't you see me being busy passing through the levels?" Xu Que rejected without hesitation.

The Seventh Elder panicked, "Friend Hua, this old man here is the Elder of the Sky Incense Valley and I am ranked the Seventh out of the Elders. Actually, you are already qualified to become one of our Elite Disciples. I'll count you as having passed this stage. You don't need to continue on already."

"Nope, I am a man with principles. If I want to move up, it means I will. I won't give up until I reach the highest level!" Xu Que replied with resolution.

Everybody was stunned.

"The Elder did not flare up? And he apologized?"

"And… Did I hear wrongly? The Elder had already termed him as an Elite Disciple and yet he rejected?"

"What is this lad doing?"

"I really cannot read his mind!"

The Sky Incense Disciples were in shock too and stared upwards at Xu Que blankly.

At this time, Xu Que wanted to turn around and leave.

The Seventh Elder asked in panic, "Friend Hua, I'll wait for you to get to the fifth level. Could we go to the stone house and have a chat later?"

"Fifth level? Are you kidding me? My plan is to reach the tenth level. Stop talking to me already. I need to pee urgently and I will relieve it at the top of the tower. All of you better hide properly later!" Xu Que finished, disappeared from the tower window and immediately rushed up to the fifth level.

The Seventh Elder and other Cultivators were all speechless.

Reach the tenth level? And to pee from the top of the tower? Why don't you pee from the heavens?

Reaching the fifth level would be already considered as an amazing feat for normal Cultivators. After all, no matter how strong one's soul was, there were limits.

Even for this Seventh Elder from the Sky Incense Valley, his best record was reaching the middle of the seventh level!

"The more one goes up, the higher and more terrifying the pressure will be on one's soul. Nevermind. He'll understand when he reaches the fifth level." The Seventh Elder shook his head and muttered to himself.

At the same time, the Sky Incense Valley Disciples quickly moved up the transparent tower windows as Xu Que's image emerged on the fifth level.

He had already moved to the middle of the fifth level. It looked like the pressure was huge as if he was carrying something on his shoulder while walking. Although his movements were slow, he was still able to advance.

Everybody was dumbfounded at the sight!

"How… how could this be?"

"He is still able to advance on the fifth level?

"Is he really trying to reach the sixth level? Oh my god! How is this happening?" The Sky Incense Valley disciples exclaimed.

Even the Seventh Elder blanked out and became awestricken.

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 40 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"

However, Xu Que still continued inching forward.

He was indeed feeling a considerable amount of pressure. It felt like he was walking through a swamp and every step felt heavy and difficult to take.

However, it was still bearable for him. Also, he could faintly feel that his soul strength was resisting the pressure and that it was slowly strengthening. Although small, it was big enough for him to realize the change.

Before long, he had reached the stairs to the sixth level. He looked up and hesitated a little.

"If I continue going up, I'll have to purchase a Dark Jade Dew again. Should I buy it or not?"

"Friend Hua, who knew that you have such strong soul strength at such a young age? You have my respects. However, you shouldn't move up to the sixth level. It's not a place for young people." The Seventh Elder advised from below the tower.

Xu Que heard it and immediately became unhappy.

"Screw you rotten old man! You dare to provoke me? The more you don't want me to go up, the more I want to!" He reprimanded in his head and immediately spent 500 act tough points to exchange for a drop of the Dark Jade Dew. He swallowed it straight and advanced towards the sixth level.

The Seventh Elder's expression changed. He called out, "Friend Hua, don't do it! I am really not kidding with you. The sixth level's soul pressure is really powerful. If your soul strength is not strong enough, it will can be crushed by the pressure even before the Tower of Souls could send you out."

Xu Que suddenly stopped, turned and looked downwards through the tower windows. He faintly laughed, "So what?"

Everyone was astounded!

In the next moment, Xu Que's expression became impassioned. He tilted his head slightly, looked up into the sky and exclaimed resoundly, "In this life, I have to be the best person who ever existed. Even when I die, I will be an heroic ghost. As I tread along this path, I cannot let this mere Tower of Souls stop me from my dreams!"

Finishing his speech, he turned his body resolutely and marched upwards!

What was left were shocked faces at the foot of the tower. The stupefied group of Cultivators were thrown into complete disarray!

Chapter 104: Tempering Of The Soul Strength

Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation

"In this life, I have to be the best person who ever existed. Even when I die, I will be an heroic ghost." What a good and famous saying from the ancient times! Who knew that he is a man of talent and possessed the gift of gab!"

"That's right. Moreover, he also possess a strong and fearless heart and was always pressing forward."

"What a figure to be admired!"

"No wonder that he is so powerful. We aren't comparable to him and we should be ashamed!"

Many Cultivators, one by one, started to sigh regretfully. They were won over by Xu Que's lofty and imposing attitude before he left for the next stage.

On the other hand, the group of Cultivators who had followed Xu Que from the second stage and even the Seventh Elder were at loss for words!

They knew about the incident back at the second stage and the number of people he killed effortlessly. Similarly, he displayed a no-fear-for-death attitude and also said that he wanted to walk the path of the strong. He even wanted to fight over hundreds of Cultivators to the last drop of blood. In the end, he decimated everyone with a single move and left just like that.

And now, this lad is telling all of them here that he wanted to walk the path of the strong and talking big again. What rubbish! Who would believe his nonsense this time!

"However, Hero Hua is in for a big challenge this time. He must've never heard of the saying before. This Tower of Soul is regarded by others as 'The lowest five levels of the human world and the top five levels of hell!'"

"Yes. Although the first five levels are quite difficult to pass, any genius with strong soul strength will be able to complete them. But for the top five levels, it cannot simply be cleared by being a genius. Those top five levels are regarded as hell."

"Rumors say that normally, Infant Transformation Stagers would only be able to withstand the sixth level in an incense stick's burning time. To be able to reach the seventh level, one would need to be one of the more well-known or stronger Infant Transformation Stagers."

"Oh dear. Looks like this time, Hero Hua will have to take some pain."

Several of them started to discuss quietly.

The Seventh Elder was burning with anxiousness. He had discovered that Xu Que was indeed a good young sapling and wouldn't stand by and let him send himself to his death. He immediately ordered to a few disciples, "Why are you all not opening the tower door?"

The disciples had bitter looks, "Elder, the Tower of Souls was last modified by you. The moment it closes, it will only open again after the last person has been expelled!"

"This..." The Seventh Elder was at a loss of words. He furiously flung his sleeves and wished that he could give himself a slap on his face.

He felt that if he were to lose such a good young potential sapling like Xu Que due to his modification, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

"What am I supposed to do?" The Seventh Elder was panicking and stared closely at the higher part of the tower.

The tower windows could only be opened up until the fifth level. Beyond that, everything was enclosed.

The reason was due to how intense the soul pressure was from the sixth level onwards. If the windows were opened, the pressure will start to rush out of the tower and destroy the tower windows' restrictive powers!

As such, no one was able to see Xu Que and could only gaze at the wooden tile floating outside the tower.

That wooden tile was an indication of Xu Que's condition. If it remained afloat, it meant that his soul strength was still doing good and is able to withstand the pressure.

But how long could he endure? Many of them started to guess in their minds.

In a breath's time? Two breaths' time? At most… three? That's the maximum they could guess.

However, after many moments, the wooden tile was still floating outside the tower and did not move.

Everybody was flabbergasted!

"What, this… this can't be?"

"He is still not out yet!"

"Looking at the wooden tile, it seems like he is really enduring the sixth level's pressure."

"This is really shocking. There is someone with such strong soul strength in this world?"

Voices full of astonishment started to echo.

The Seventh Elder was amazed too. In the numerous years that he had lived, he had seen countless of talents grow up. The Elder had seen the Empress of the Water Nation grow up from a young girl to a mighty cultivator that she was today.

But now, the wise and experienced Elder was in shock. A mere Golden Core Stager who was at Full Foundation was able to hold his own in the sixth level. If news of this were to spread, not only it would shake the entire Five Nations, it would even surprise powerful people throughout the lands.

"We've profited! We've profited! This time, our Sky Incense Valley has profited big. Who knew that this kid's gifted talents would totally surpass my expectations!" The Elder's eyes were filled with anticipation and excitement.

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 50 act tough points!"

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully acting tough. The reward is 60 act tough points!"

At the same time, the system beep resounded in Xu Que's mind. He was currently at the sixth level, had cold sweat all over him and was trembling from head to toe.

Before coming up from the fifth level, he had already drank a dose of the 'Dark Jade Dew'. It was the second time he had strengthened his soul strength by 60%. However, when he stepped into the sixth level, he still felt a crack in his soul and was extremely close to losing his mind!

He had underestimated the pressure of the sixth floor. Luckily for him, he was able to rapidly adapt to the crushing pressure of the sixth level.

"Ding! Evaluated host's present situation. If host stays at the current level for half an hour, his soul strength will automatically be tempered and will be strengthened by 50%!"

The system message sounded just as Xu Que was hesitating to spend another 500 act tough points to exchange for his third drop of the Dark Jade Dew.

Xu Que was stunned and became overjoyed, "Stopping for half an hour will strengthen my soul strength by 50%? Damn! Of course I will do it!"

This way, he could save a big sum of act tough points. Furthermore, he would be able to continue on to the seventh level without worries. Why shouldn't he be happy?

Furthermore, Xu Que had realized that the soul crushing pressure present on the sixth level was far more terrifying than the fifth floor. However, he did not expect that it would allow the system to introduce him a new function. He could make use of this immense pressure to automatically temper his soul strength.

If such a fortune had befallen on him at the sixth level, wouldn't it be even better as he climbed up the seventh, eighth and higher levels?

"I want this 50% added to my soul strength. I also want my soul to be tempered for the next few levels!"

Xu Que shouted in his head and continued to grind his teeth as he forged on.

Gradually, he exerted all his strength to move forward. He concentrated his soul strength into a round ball and resisted his way through against the menacing pressure.

Before long, half an hour had gone by.

"Ding! Congratulations to host 'Xu Que' for successfully tempering with his soul strength. Soul strength is strengthened by 50%!"

Boom!

With the system beep sounding in his head, Xu Que started to feel an explosion in his brain, entering into a white, blank space akin to the splitting of the heavens and the space turned even more vast.

Xu Que quivered and abruptly regained his focus as the shackling chains of pressure instantly broke.

He started to feel at ease again, almost as if he had just been pulled to the shore from drowning at sea and was able to breathe a breath of fresh air.

Xu Que could feel the fatigue creeping up on him and sat down on the ground before picking up a piece of Smelly Tofu from his bowl and started to eat.

After feeling full and rested, Xu Que finally decided to start moving. Without any hesitation, he strode towards the stairs leading to the seventh floor.

"I shall thoroughly clear all the levels of this Tower of Souls and ruthlessly earn a big load of soul strength and act tough points!"