Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Wu Fengshui nodded in deep agreement and said, "No matter what, applying life therapy to cooking is simply like having a cheat code!"

“Especially for martial artists.” Hearing Wu Fengshui’s words, Wu Qiqi, who was standing beside him, nodded in agreement and said:

"It can revitalize the body and heal those hidden injuries that are difficult to detect in daily life, accumulate over time, and only become apparent after aging... For our race, it can definitely be considered a special attack."

Upon hearing this, not only others, but even the usually carefree Wu Lei'an nodded in deep agreement.

Although the Wu clan's physique is able to adapt to liberation, it can be seen from Wu Huiliyang's condition that this frequent physical overload will eventually cause serious damage to those dormant 'redundant human structures'.

When you're young, it's fine; you have plenty of energy and can handle it. But as you get older, with the constant accumulation of physical strain, every act of relaxation consumes the already limited vitality you have left.

For the Wu clan, being able to perceive and heal these injuries not only deepens their understanding of liberation but also directly prolongs their peak condition, preventing their bodies from declining prematurely due to frequent liberation.

"That sounds great, but I'm not a martial artist, just a host who enjoys working out~"

Blinking, Katahara Sayaka then turned her gaze to the meal that Yuan Chen had brought.

Although she said she didn't care, listening to the Wu family's scathing remarks, she couldn't help but show a hint of anticipation.

As Wu Zhiyi, standing to the side, said something that made her look at Katahara Shoka with a slightly critical eye.

Even Katahara Sayaka had to admit that Gentsu's culinary aesthetics were indeed quite good.

Although it was a small shop, Yuan Chen had all the necessary preparations.

The appetizer was salted edamame, with the pods trimmed off, sprinkled with coarse salt, and served chilled with ice.

Along with the salted edamame, a pickled platter and miso tofu were also served.

The cucumbers and radishes, after a brief pickling process, did not lose their original color; instead, the slight dehydration made them crisp and refreshing. The soft tofu was topped with finely ground ginger and scallions, and a touch of red miso.

Although it looks simple, it is surprisingly abundant. The colors are simple and elegant, and it is refreshing and appetizing. It should be a near-perfect appetizer combination for a late-night snack.

After the appetizer came the grilled dishes: thick slices of beef tongue grilled on one side until they changed color and curled up. They weren't soaked in sauce, but simply sprinkled with black pepper and sea salt, and were served with finely shredded scallion whites and lemon wedges.

The premium Wagyu beef brought by Katahara Shoko was not wasted. It was cut into pieces the size of mahjong tiles and quickly grilled until the surface was browned to lock in the juices inside. When you pick it up with chopsticks, you can even clearly feel the crispness of the caramelized crust.

There is also an offal platter, with cut beef intestines and beef heart marinated in advance with ginger, garlic and miso sauce to remove excess flavor. Then, sake is poured in and simmered in advance. Just before serving, it is grilled until the casings shrink and the meat surface is charred and dry.

Generally speaking, when they arrive here, a glass of ice-cold beer, a highball, or a bowl of ochazuke (rice with tea), along with some ramen, would be enough to satisfy the vast majority of Japanese people for a satisfying meal.

However, considering that the vast majority of people present were martial artists, Yuan Chen did not stop there.

Instead, they then served salt-roasted scallion chicken and chicken skin that had been slow-roasted over medium heat until crispy.

Next came fresh clams, which were wrapped in aluminum foil into bowl shapes and placed in the corner of the grill rack, then braised with butter, sake, and chopped scallions.

Meat and seafood are served, followed by a vegetable platter to cleanse the palate and cut through the richness.

Green bell peppers, asparagus, shiitake mushrooms, and zucchini.

There are no fancy techniques involved; it's simply a matter of sprinkling salt and grilling to lock in the juices and bring out the natural aroma of the vegetables.

The protein and vitamins were replenished, and the last thing was half a bowl of tea-soaked rice for each person.

Grilled salmon flakes or plums are placed on rice, topped with sencha (a type of savory tea), and sprinkled with shredded nori and sesame seeds. It looks like a comforting dish that can also help with hangovers.

"Drinks are optional."

Yuan Chen tapped the table and lifted the ice bucket onto it. Various drinks and liquors were inside. Upon seeing this, the customers eagerly ordered drinks, some even pouring them into glasses, while others asked for ice to mix their cocktails.

"Draft beer has been over there ever since~"

Japanese industrial beer is quite good, with most of it being modified Pilsner lagers. The brewing standards are far higher than most affordable industrial beers from Europe and America. The low-temperature, long fermentation process allows the yeast to completely consume the residual sugar, resulting in almost no cloying sweetness. Combined with soft water brewing, it has very low off-flavors and astringency, and a refreshing and crisp taste. It is very suitable as a late-night snack to pair with grilled meat, yakitori, sashimi, and other dishes.

However, for some people, this overly refreshing beer, or to put it another way, malty and mild, is too light and watery.

However, in the height of summer, this is actually an advantage for these drinkers who crave large quantities of alcohol.

"It looks pretty good!"

Katahara Sayaka, standing to the side, licked her lips and said, "It looks pretty good!"

“I’m very confident in the taste too~” Yuan Chen shrugged, his face full of nonchalance, as if he had everything under control. Seeing Yuan Chen’s reaction, Katahara Sayaka nodded in deep agreement.

But then she looked at Yuan Chen curiously and said, "But... can I ask why you put out so much extra food?"

He glanced at the empty seat to one side, where some dishes were laid out but no one was eating them.

"Does that mean there are still guests?"

"More or less." Hearing Katahara Sayaka's question, Yuan Chen also looked towards the door and said, "Since you're all here, why don't you come in and have something to eat?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Jialouluo, Wu Lei'an, and the others were not particularly surprised; they simply enjoyed their meal with great interest.

Katahara Sayaka and Wu Fengshui also showed surprise on their faces and looked back. After a moment, in the deep night, two figures slowly walked out after a brief silence.

They were both men, one tall and one short. One of them had medium-length red hair tied in a small braid that fell down one side of his forehead. Although he was wearing a sharp suit, he had tattoos on his face, which made him look quite unconventional, to be honest.

The other one was slightly shorter, with short hair, and had a relaxed and lazy expression.

Upon seeing the two figures, Katahara Sayaka's face showed surprise, and she said:

"Huh? Lietang? Sanchao? What are you doing here?"

The two figures that emerged from the darkness were none other than the "annihilation unit," a special group within Katahara Metsudo's private army, the "Guardians."

Among them, Katahara Retsudo, as the son of Katahara Metsudo and the younger brother of Katahara Sayaka, personally served as the leader of the annihilation force.

As for Michiko, he was Katahara Retsudo's adjutant and martial arts instructor.

If Yuan Chen remembers correctly, after the first part of Kengan Ashura ended, when the fifth generation Metsudo Kiana, Kano Aru, went off to train and travel the world, he succeeded the third generation Metsudo Kiana. He also defeated the traitor who was once the sixth generation Metsudo Kiana in the battle between the Kengan Association and Rengoku.

Now, feeling the stench of blood, a sigh appeared on Sanchao's face. He scratched his head and smiled helplessly, saying:

"So let's just come out. That Yuan Chen is obviously not an ordinary martial artist. It will be very difficult for him to hide perfectly."

Upon hearing Misaki's words, Katahara Retsudo's face showed a hint of embarrassment, but he still forced a cough and said, "Guardians should hide in the shadows... It's a different story if they are discovered."

“That’s strange too,” Sanchao said casually. “It’s very difficult to conceal one’s presence in front of an assassin family like the Wu clan.”

"That's a different matter..."

Katahara Retsudo looked a little embarrassed, but still forced himself to sit down with a straight face.

In contrast, Sanchao seemed much more cheerful, eagerly taking her seat, picking up her chopsticks, and saying, "Let's eat!"

Please go ahead~

Yuan Chen nodded, picked up a beer from the side, leaned back against the bar, and leisurely began to drink.

On the contrary, Katahara Retsudo looked at Yuan Chen with some suspicion before slowly picking up his chopsticks.

To be honest, Yuan Chen wasn't too surprised that Katahara Retsudo would be here.

Simply put, Katahara Retsudou is a Monster Hunter Charge Blade player with a very high level of dedication—and a sister complex.

However, Yuan Chen could understand why Katahara Retsudo was a sister-complex... After all, she was beautiful, poised, understanding, wealthy, and possessed a superior figure and appearance...

Under these circumstances, it is only natural that Katahara Retsudo would become dependent on his older sister.

However, someone like Katahara Sayaka would never lack suitors.

Especially as Katahara Metsudo's eldest daughter, born when he was over seventy, she was showered with love and affection. Combined with the prevalent Japanese culture of 'adopting a son-in-law,' it's easy to imagine that there would be many people who wanted to rise to the top in one step.

Especially in many family businesses in Japan, there have been instances where adopted sons-in-law are so outstanding that the legitimate sons of the main family are appointed as assistants, and the situation has become increasingly complex.

In this era of flourishing martial arts, it was common for families to recruit strong individuals as sons-in-law to consolidate their foundations.

It was under these circumstances that Katahara Retsudo's most frequent task was to help his sister get rid of some blind, scheming, and delusional individuals who wanted to rise to the top overnight.

Now, it is clear that Katahara Retsudo is also very wary of Yuan Chen's identity.

Although he didn't say anything, Yuan Chen could tell from Katahara Retsudo's eyes that the other party didn't intend to easily acknowledge him.

However, Yuan Chen didn't take it to heart. After all, some things will naturally cause a change in one's mindset after being exposed to them.

Feeling Yuan Chen's easygoing nature, Katahara Retsudo couldn't help but wonder if he was being too nervous... otherwise, why did Yuan Chen not seem to react at all?

Regardless, Katahara Retsudou remained vigilant in the slightest.

Unfortunately, due to his outstanding personal qualities and family background, Katahara Retsudo had seen far too many guys who had their eyes on his sister and harbored ulterior motives.

As for Yuan Chen...

He's incredibly strong, has a clean background, is handsome, and is also an excellent cook...

Although his father spoke highly of him, Katahara Retsudo did not agree.

The reason is simple: in Katahara Retsudo's eyes, his older sister is simply too outstanding.

Even if your father has already approved of you, don't think you can easily gain my approval... especially since you already have so many other women around you!

Thinking this, Katahara Retsudo also glanced at Wu Jialouluo, Wu Fengshui and the others standing to the side.

We all know each other to some extent, and I know these girls aren't just anyone, but even if you can gain their approval, don't even think about gaining my approval, Katahara Retsudo!!

As he pondered, Katahara Retsudo's eyes sharpened, and he expressionlessly picked up a edamame bean, preparing to taste it briefly and offer his opinion.

But the next moment, Katahara Retsudou also fell silent, and after a brief hesitation, he said:

"Um... could you get me a beer, please?"

Book 1: Chapter 113 - The Arrival of the Baroque

Originally, Katahara Retsudo was still savoring the food with a somewhat critical and nitpicking eye. After all, as the eldest son of the president of the Bank of Japan, no matter how exquisite the delicacies were, they were nothing special to Katahara Retsudo.

As for the simple street food like this, Katahara Retsudo thinks it's fine to eat it temporarily to relieve boredom, but it's a bit inexplicable to think of it as some kind of delicacy.

But as the beans entered his mouth, Katahara Retsudo suddenly understood why some people always enjoy eating outdoors in the evening breeze on hot summer nights.

Throughout his journey, he concealed his aura. Although as a martial artist, Katahara Retsudo wouldn't break out in a sweat from the slightest heat like an ordinary person, it was undeniable that the prolonged concealment of his aura had left him with a stuffy heat in his chest.

The moment the beans touch your mouth, a cool sensation hits you. The chilled beans burst open between your teeth with a "pop," and the simple saltiness acts like a sharp blade, cutting away the sweetness of the green beans, leaving a unique aftertaste of beans mixed with fragrance and sweetness.

You're saying it's so delicious?

That definitely doesn't count.

It's just edamame cooked in salt water with spices like star anise and bay leaves. If you had to say, it's that the cooking time was just right and the preparation was very meticulous. They even trimmed the pods on both sides with scissors beforehand so that diners could easily pick them out and enjoy the flavor.

But it is this simple flavor, a light saltiness mixed with the aftertaste of beans lingering in the mouth, that makes one feel that even a somewhat sultry summer night is not so bad.

And... it would be even better with a glass of ice-cold beer.

"Here." Seeing that this brother-obsessed boy was tugging at his nose and wanted to eat more, Yuan Chen didn't force him. Instead, he handed him a glass of fizzy draft beer.

At first, Katahara Retsudo wanted to be more refined, but he soon discovered that beer, especially on a cool summer night, should be drunk with head tilted back to truly enjoy it.

He drank nearly half of the one-liter glass in one gulp, feeling the crisp aroma of wheat mixed with the faint bitterness of hops and bubbles rising to his head. Katahara Retsudo also exhaled a long breath, as if he wanted to expel all the heat that he had been holding in during his hiding.

After exhaling a breath of dry air, Katahara Retsudo immediately felt much refreshed.

I was about to offer my praise, but then I remembered that I had come here to cause trouble. I glanced to the side and found that Xing'ao didn't seem to care at all. She was just eating and drinking and chatting happily, discussing what she was going to do next and her martial arts insights.

Noticing Katahara Retsudo's reaction, Yuan Chen raised his chin and said, "Don't just drink, remember to eat too."

"……Oh."

Somewhat embarrassed, Katahara Retsudo turned his head away, clearly realizing that his reaction was somewhat shameful.

But this feeling didn't last long. As soon as new food entered his mouth, Katahara Retsudou's attention was focused on his mouth and taste buds.

The dry draft beer rinses the mouth, removing any lingering dryness from the body and leaving a refreshing feeling.

He picked up a slice of cucumber, took a bite, and found it crisp and refreshing, its sourness awakening his taste buds. The miso tofu had a rich saltiness, coated with the spiciness of ginger, yet the cool, smooth texture of the tofu completely balanced it.

The beef tongue was cooked to perfection, the edges curled up and browned, the sea salt and black pepper releasing a warm, fragrant aroma from the high heat. As you chew, the charred crust crackled softly between your teeth, the inside tender yet chewy, the juices mingling with the salty savory flavor, carrying a subtle smoky aroma.

The Wagyu beef chunks, seared and shrunken, had a perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust. Each bite produced a satisfying crunch, followed by the sizzling, juicy meat slowly melting in the mouth. A rich, savory aroma of oil surged forth, smooth and full-bodied. As you savored this slightly oily sensation, a sip of ice-cold beer followed, the fine bubbles enhancing the malty flavor. The initial greasiness dissipated with the bubbles, leaving only a clean feeling in the throat…

While Katahara Retsudo was quietly enjoying his meal, on the other side, Misasa was eating with a look of astonishment, remarking in amazement:

"Oh! So delicious! So delicious! I wish I had come sooner, I could have brought some back for An Chang and the others too!"

Hearing Misa's words, Katahara Sayaka, who was standing next to her, smiled and said, "Misa is still the same as before. No matter what she does, she always speaks her mind very frankly."

"Because it's delicious, no one can deny that."

Upon hearing Katahara Sayaka's words, Misasa replied with a nonchalant expression: