A rare magical miracle in the world

"So, this is where we part ways."

A few days ago, Hailbo had parted ways with Handlebar Mustache, who after learning of Hailbo’s destination, held him in high regard.

"Venturing into the territory of the Emperor of Beasts, you’re like making history."

Handlebar Mustache:"That place is the legendary den of demons."

Anybody from the Mountains would know the terrifying legend of the Emperor of Beasts.

A thousand years ago, the people of the Mountains, dissatisfied with the rule of the Master of Miracles, initiated a massive rebellion under the leadership and incitement of an aspiring individual.

Their momentum was enormous, their speed startlingly rapid.

Within a matter of months, the fires of rebellion had spread across half the country, millions of citizens had joined them, and they had amassed an army of hundreds of thousands.

However, that day, a giant Green-haired Lion descended from the sky, blocking out the sun.

It opened its gaping maw and in an instant, devoured a hundred thousand lives.

Mortals were so terrified that they scattered, and truly realized the gap between themselves and the Master of Miracles.

The title of the Emperor of Beasts originated from that Green Lion, also hinting at his brutality and terror.

And since then, the Emperor of Beasts had dispatched his Miracle Citizens, who transformed into monstrously fearsome creatures, leaving behind a multitude of terrifying legends.

Every Mortal from the eight countries of the Mountains had heard these chilling tales.

Therefore, the thought of visiting such a place scared Handlebar Mustache, let alone setting foot there; it was far too terrifying.

"Make sure to come back safely," said Handlebar Mustache, "someone like you shouldn’t die in a place like that."

"Ever since I set out on this mission, I’ve hardly heard a word of encouragement."

Hailbo waved his hand:"I’ve become somewhat indifferent to it, take care."

"I wish you success!"

And so, Hailbo disembarked in the territory of the Emperor of Beasts.

He didn’t linger or sightsee, but headed straight northwest.

The territory of the Emperor of Beasts has limited borders with the ocean, and Hailbo couldn’t approach the Kingdom of Mountains yet—that was the second stop on his diplomatic mission, not the first.

"That man."

"Hey, look at that man."

"Wow, who is this distinguished individual, he’s dressed so finely?"

"..."

"Sshhhhh."

A few days later, in an open-air eatery, Hailbo was eating dumpling soup with a thick, pasty consistency.

But in Hailbo’s memory, this food was the top-tier delicacy of his dreams.

It contained meat, delicious vegetables, and fine spices, with an incredibly tempting flavor; however, even with its status as a delicacy of the Mountains, Cat Lulu nearly spit it out.

"Meow~~"

At the dinner table, Cat Lulu stuck out her tongue and lay on her back, her face full of disgust: ’So nasty! What is this ghastly stuff, and how can it taste so awful?’

"So, Sir, what do you think?"

Hailbo’s attire was far too splendid, and the sight of such an individual eating there frightened the owner.

The owner waited nervously at the side, fearful of Hailbo’s evaluation.

Cat Lulu?

Who would care about a cat?

"Clatter."

Hailbo unfolded his hand, placing down some silver coins.

He disliked wasting food, even if it was the ’delicious cuisine’ of the Mountains that had a strong smell and terrible taste; Hailbo would still finish it.

Naturally, it was because Hailbo had grown up there.

Although he had spent some good days in Hailbo, he hadn’t forgotten his past hardships.

Now, tasting this food again, Hailbo felt quite reflective: ’The very thing I once drooled over with desire, now, even a cat won’t eat it, huh?’

"You can leave; I’m fine eating by myself."

"This..."

Seeing the owner’s hesitation, Hailbo added:" Your standing here is making it hard for me to eat."

"Oh, right, of course!"

The owner quickly departed, afraid to disturb Hailbo’s enjoyment.

"Why come here to eat when it’s not even good," Cat Lulu kicked Hailbo’s arm, "Just find any place, and I’d cook for you, isn’t my food delicious?"

"Of course, it’s not as delicious as our food."

Hailbo said:" My main purpose is still to see if the material conditions of this country are the same as those of my hometown."

"There are eight countries in the Mountains; I live in the northwest region, and with such a distance, I am not clear if each country is similar, so I came to try it for myself."

"Meow?"

Cat Lulu promptly sat up, perched on the table: "So that’s why."

"But mainly, I wanted to have a taste."

Hailbo:" I’ve wanted to eat it since I was young, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the money and couldn’t afford it."

After saying this, the youth quickly finished the food in the bowl, not leaving a single bit.

"Urgh~~~"

Recalling the taste of the food, Cat Lulu said, "This stuff, wouldn’t it only be fit for feeding pigs in our Hailbo?"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Hailbo put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth:" Food is holy, anything that fills a person’s stomach, even tree bark, should be appreciated."

If food saves your life, it’s disrespectful to scorn it once you are well-off.

Hailbo might be living the good life now, but one should never forget one’s roots.

"So, what did you get out of this meal?"

Respecting Hailbo’s wisdom and defeated by it, Cat Lulu obediently took on the role of a cute cooking kitty.

"The standard of living is very poor, much lower than ours in Yatun," said Hailbo, "If things go as planned, the food we’ve brought should be quite an eye-opener for them."

Later, the man and cat left the eatery.

"Hey handsome, where are you from? You look so good; why don’t you come in and have some fun?"

After their meal, in a laneway constructed with pale yellow stones, flamboyantly dressed women in scant clothing beckoned to the passing youngster, drawn by his attire.