I was just fishing, how did I become a Great Old One?

Royal Dragon Bay, Villa No. 13, basement.

Before the morning sun had even climbed onto the windowsill, Jiang Li had already finished washing up and stood in front of the glowing "dog hole" with a refreshed expression.

This is a fixed-space portal that Big Yellow created at the cost of half a ton of dragon meat, connecting the villa's basement to the Black Pearl's cabin at the old dock.

At the edge of the cave entrance, blue-purple spatial light flickered like neon lights, and from time to time, one could hear the sound of waves crashing against the ship on the opposite side, and even smell a faint fishy smell.

"This high technology is so convenient; it completely eliminates commuting time."

Jiang Li straightened his tie while sighing.

However, there is a minor problem with this hole.

"It's a bit too humid here, the basement is almost damp."

Jiang Li touched the wall, which was covered with a layer of fine water droplets.

That was abyssal water vapor from the Misty Sea, with extremely strong corrosive properties. If ordinary reinforced concrete were to come into contact with it, it would crumble into dust in three days.

"I'll have to buy a high-powered dehumidifier to put here later."

Jiang Li muttered to himself, picked up the [Screaming Demon Jar] (a pickled vegetable jar) from the side, and placed it next to the cave entrance.

"Don't just stand there, open your mouth and inhale some moisture."

Magic Pot: "..."

This dignified C+ grade cursed object not only has to pickle vegetables, but now it also has to be used as a dehumidifier?

But under Jiang Li's "kind" gaze, it could only humiliatingly open a small crack and begin to frantically devour the abyssal vapors that were enough to corrode the soul.

"That's right, make the most of everything."

Jiang Li nodded in satisfaction and stepped into the light circle.

"Buzz—"

A sudden dizziness.

The next second, Jiang Li's foot was already on the solid deck of the Black Pearl.

……

At this point, Deep Blue Seafood Restaurant (the physical store) has completely changed.

After several days of renovation and refurbishment, this restaurant, located in the bustling city center, has become the most mysterious, popular, and feared "Instagrammable spot" in Jianghai City.

At the main entrance, two rows of "waiters" dressed in black suits, bow ties, and white gloves were lined up neatly.

However, these waiters were somewhat hunched over, walked with their toes pointing outwards, and had fine scales covering the backs of their hands that were exposed outside their sleeves. Their mouths, which they tried to open wide to appear "kind," occasionally revealed one or two sharp fangs.

[Deep Diver - Waiter Edition]

This is the result of the "pre-job training" that Jiang Li specially arranged.

"Cheer up, everyone! Smile! Show eight teeth!"

Wang Ergou (the current lobby manager) is patrolling the line with a pointer in hand.

"Gah—"

A Deep One forced out a smile that was more like a grimace, its mouth splitting to its ears, revealing a mouthful of jagged teeth, making it look like it was about to devour someone.

"Snapped!"

Wang Ergou lashed it across the rump with a whip.

"That smile is too fake! Start over! Be genuine! Treat your guests like...like gods! Not like food!"

The Deep One covered his buttocks in grievance.

too difficult.

They are the rulers of the sea, but here they won't even laugh.

"The captain has arrived!"

Just then, a loud shout rang out.

Jiang Li pushed open the door and entered, looking at the room full of "sea monkeys" in suits and ties, and nodded in satisfaction.

"Not bad, it's quite impressive, it looks legitimate."

He walked up to a Deepsea diver and straightened its crooked bow tie.

"This tie isn't tied well, pay attention next time. Also, remember to trim your nails regularly, don't scratch the plates, those plates are quite expensive."

The Deep One was so frightened that it froze, afraid to move, lest Jiang Li turn it into sashimi.

"Ergou, are all the appointments booked for today?" Jiang Li asked.

"It's full! It's been full for ages!"

Wang Ergou excitedly reported to his superior, "The appointments are booked until next month! Even the mayor has to pull strings to get a meal here!"

"very good."

Jiang Li walked into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Lei Meng was wielding two huge cleavers, processing the meat of the [Abyss Dragon] he had brought back from Guixu.

"Boss! This dragon meat is too tough! A regular knife can't cut it at all!"

Lei Meng was covered in sweat. "I've already broken three steel swords!"

"fool!"

Jiang Li walked over and took out his pig-slaughtering knife.

"You have to cut this thing along the grain, and you have to use a finesse."

He swiftly brought down the knife.

"Sizzle—"

The incredibly tough dragon skin split open with a snap, revealing the dragon flesh inside, which was as translucent as a ruby.

"See that? That's what professionalism is all about."

Jiang Li tossed the knife to Lei Meng, "We have distinguished guests today. Slice this best piece of 'Dragon Tenderloin' into thin slices. We'll make 'Dragon Meat Congee'!"

……

Noon.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped in front of the Deep Blue Seafood Restaurant.

The car door opened, and an elderly man in a Tang suit, holding a folding fan, and with a ruddy complexion stepped out.

His name is Tang Sanpao, also known as "Old Tang". He is a leading figure in the Chinese culinary world and a hidden A-level expert (food type).

It is said that his tongue can taste the essence of everything in the world, even poison, as long as it passes through his mouth, he can discern the formula.

He came here specifically to "check out the store".

"Hmph, Deep Blue Seafood Restaurant? What arrogance."

Old Tang looked at the eerie and terrifying skeletal archway at the entrance and snorted disdainfully.

"All this fancy gimmicks and attention-seeking! I'd like to see if your dishes are really as miraculous as they're said to be!"

He stepped through the gate.

"Welcome—Gah!"

The two rows of deep-sea divers bowed in unison. Although the "ga" sounded a bit strange, the momentum was quite impressive.

Old Tang glanced at the waiters, his pupils contracting slightly.

"This aura... damp and cold, fishy and foul, carrying the pressure of the deep sea..."

"These aren't people! They're clearly a bunch of sea monsters in human skin!"

He was secretly alarmed.

Who exactly is the owner of this shop? How could he possibly tame so many sea monsters to work as waiters?

"How many are in your party, sir?"

Wang Ergou came up to greet him with a bright smile.

"One person. Bring me all your signature dishes!" Old Tang waved his hand and found a seat by the window.

"Alright! One Supreme Set Meal! Just a moment!"

Not long after, the dishes were served.

The first dish: [Cold Deep-Sea Kelp Salad] (actually, it's the tentacles of a sea monster).

The second dish: [Stir-fried Nine-Turned Intestines] (actually the intestines of some kind of worm-like evil beast).

The third dish: [Steamed Lion's Head Meatballs] (actually meatballs made from some kind of hairy sea animal).

Finally, the grand finale was a bowl of steaming hot, golden-brown congee with freshly cooked dragon meat.

Looking at the strangely shaped dishes on the table, which emanated terrifying spiritual energy fluctuations, Old Tang's hand holding the chopsticks trembled slightly.

"This...this is edible?"

Although he was well-informed, this was the first time he had ever seen someone treat an evil god like a dish.

"What? You're afraid to eat it?"

An elderly diner at the next table (the same old man who had previously broken through to the D-level bottleneck) chuckled, "Mr. Tang, if you're scared, just let me have it. I'll pay double!"

"Who said I'm scared?!"

Old Tang's competitive spirit was aroused.

He's a gourmet! He has an iron stomach! There's nothing in this world he wouldn't dare to eat!

He picked up a strip of seaweed, closed his eyes, and put it in his mouth.

"Creak!"

Crisp! Tender! Fresh!

An intense umami flavor explodes in your mouth, as if the entire ocean is dancing on your tongue.

Immediately afterwards, a cool energy slid down his throat, instantly soothing his stomach lining, which had been somewhat damaged by years of tasting food.

"Hmm!"

Old Tang suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing with a sharp light.

"Excellent! This is a Grade C spiritual material! And it's been processed perfectly, completely free of toxins!"

Without further hesitation, he swiftly ate the food with his chopsticks, creating a whirlwind of culinary delight.

"Delicious! So delicious!"

"This large intestine is fatty but not greasy, and has a unique, distinctive aroma!"

"These meatballs are incredibly bouncy and burst with juice when you bite into them!"

Finally, he picked up the bowl of dragon meat porridge.

The porridge was milky white, with glistening rice grains, and a few thin slices of red meat floated on top, exuding an aura of subjugation.

"Gulp."

Old Tang took a sip.

"boom--!!!"

It was as if a giant dragon had awakened within him, unleashing a deafening roar.

That's the power of the ancient dragon's bloodline!

The immense energy instantly broke through his shackles, and his cultivation, which had stagnated for ten years, actually... loosened at this moment!

"I'm about to break through?!"

Old Tang was so moved that tears streamed down his face.

He thought he would be stuck at A-level for the rest of his life, but a bowl of porridge gave him hope of reaching S-level!

"A divine chef! This is a divine chef!"

Old Tang put down his empty bowl, disregarding his image, and shouted directly at the kitchen, "I want to see the boss! I want to become his apprentice... no, I want to be his food taster! For free! I'll even pay him!"

The surrounding diners were used to it, and some even looked down on it.

"Tch, another one's gone mad."

"Get in line, old man. There are plenty of people who want to be Boss Jiang's dog. Who do you think you are?"

……

Just as Old Tang went mad.

The back door to the kitchen was quietly pushed open a crack.

A figure dressed in a black bodysuit and wearing a gas mask, like a gecko, scurried in along the wall.

She is a top assassin sent by the Dragon Cult, codenamed "Shadow Serpent" (B+ level).

Her task was simple: find Jiang Li's food warehouse and poison it.

Although Young Master Long Aotian lost money, he couldn't swallow his anger. He wanted to ruin Jiang Li's business and disgrace him!

"Hmph, what Deep Blue Seafood Restaurant? If I add this [Corruption Potion] to the ingredients, you can expect to be out of business tomorrow!"

Shadow Serpent gripped the bottle of green poison in his hand, a sinister glint in his eyes.

She carefully avoided the busy chef (Lei Meng) and made her way to the huge soup pot.

It was a pot of "broth" that was simmering, with various unknown bones and chunks of meat bubbling inside, and the aroma was irresistible.

"This is it!"

Shadow Snake unscrewed the bottle cap, preparing to pour in the poison.

Sudden.

A large hand reached out from the side and grabbed her wrist.

"Hey? The new dishwasher?"

Jiang Li appeared behind her at some point, holding a large spoon and looking at her with a puzzled expression.

"What are you doing with that eye drop bottle? Putting eye drops in the soup? What kind of folk remedy is that?"

Shadow Snake: "!!!"

She was startled and instinctively tried to break free, but found that the hand was like an iron clamp, completely immobile.

"Let me go!"

With her other hand, Shadow Snake drew a dagger and stabbed Jiang Li in the throat.

"Ding!"

The dagger pierced Jiang Li's neck with a crisp sound, and then... it bent.

Jiang Li touched his neck; it was a little itchy.

"What's wrong with you? If you don't want to work, then don't. Why stab someone with a knife? Luckily, I'm thick-skinned (physical immunity)."

He frowned, glanced at the bottle in Shadow Serpent's hand, and then smelled it.

"This tastes... kind of like mint? Or wasabi?"

Jiang Li mistakenly thought it was some kind of seasoning.

"Oh! I see! You want to add some 'strong stuff' to the soup, right?"

Jiang Li suddenly realized, "This soup is indeed a bit greasy. Adding some mustard to cut through the richness would be a good idea. You're quite creative, young comrade!"

Shadow Snake: "???"

mustard?

This is a highly toxic substance that can corrode the intestines and cause abdominal rot!

"Alright, stop with the dripping, it's too much trouble."

Jiang Li snatched the bottle and poured the entire bottle of poison into the soup bucket with a "glug glug" sound.

"Alright, let's stir things up."

He picked up a large spoon and stirred the contents of the bucket a few times.

The broth instantly turned an eerie fluorescent green and began to bubble.

"Hmm, this color looks quite appetizing, like matcha soup."

Jiang Li scooped up a small spoonful and handed it to the Shadow Snake's mouth.

"Here, you are the inventor of this dish, you try it first to see if it's salty or bland."

Shadow Snake's face turned green as he looked at the spoonful of bright green soup.

"No...I won't eat...I have a stomach problem..."

"Don't be so polite! Have a taste!"

Without saying a word, Jiang Li shoved the spoon into her mouth.

"Gurgle."

The shadow snake was forced to swallow it.

it's over...

She closed her eyes in despair, awaiting the agony of her intestines being torn apart.

however.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

The expected excruciating pain did not come.

Instead, a cool sensation rose from her stomach, invigorating her and even making her feel that the physical strength she had used up during her stealth had been restored.

"what?"

Shadow Snake opened its eyes, looking completely bewildered.

What about the poison?

What she didn't know was that in this cauldron blessed by the [Nine Nether Soul Refining Furnace], any toxins would be instantly refined and transformed into pure energy.

This bottle of highly toxic substance ironically became the "mint-flavored additive" to this pot of soup.

"How is it? Delicious, right?"

Jiang Li looked at her with a smile, "I knew you were creative. Alright, now that the soup is ready, you can stay and take charge of seasoning. I think you're quite skilled too, you should be pretty fast at chopping vegetables."

"Ergou! Find her some clothes! From now on, she'll be our seasoning chef!"

Shadow Snake: "..."

She looked at the man who had a "I have high hopes for you" look on his face, and then at her own bent dagger.

She suddenly felt that being a seasoning chef... seemed much safer than going back to face Long Aotian's wrath?

"Yes... Boss."

Shadow Snake lowered his head and silently accepted the apron that Wang Ergou handed him.

……

lobby.

Old Tang finished the last sip of soup and let out a satisfied burp.

"Delicious soup! It even has a subtle, refreshing mint aroma; the aftertaste is simply wonderful!"

He exclaimed in admiration, "No wonder he's a master chef! He can even come up with such an idea!"

"Waiter! The bill, please! And could you also ask the owner if we can take this soup to go?"

Amidst this chorus of praise...

Jiang Li stood at the kitchen door, looking at the thriving restaurant, the busy Deep Diver and the new "seasoning master", and revealed a simple and unpretentious smile.

"It seems the restaurant industry has a lot of potential."

"Once I've made enough money, I'll buy all these streets and build a 'Deep Blue Food City'!"

His ambition is expanding little by little along with his "fishpond".