Deep-sea monsters are not referring to me... Chen Qi confirmed in his heart.
On the sea, most people who could be called "deep-sea monsters" were mutated humans.
For example, the infamous Deep Sea Merchant was a terrifying mutated Transcendent.
The most likely scenario was that they had encountered someone from the Sea God Pirate Group.
A sense of uncontrollable sorrow spread through the kitchen.
The ship was already pitching and tossing, compounded by the fear of death. The bald chef remembered his wife back home, and his right hand, which was frying a dish, trembled slightly.
"Those pirates and monsters run amok. On this ship, chefs like us, if we're not careful, could become their playthings for amusement at any moment."
The bald chef inexplicably rallied in his heart:
"Sir, don't be overly afraid. At this banquet, there are only a few pirates.
When entering the banquet hall, mind your manners, and as long as our dishes are delicious enough, we can survive.
"Oh, and sir, remember, never disobey their orders."
Poor chef... Chen Qi silently continued chopping vegetables:
"Thank you for the reminder. I understand."
Time was running out. To avoid offending the guests in the banquet hall, everyone in the kitchen hastily prepared the dishes.
The air was filled with the aroma of various ingredients blending together.
As time passed, one exquisite dish after another was completed.
[You have cooked an exceptionally delicious Bobo lobster, gaining 120 Spiritual Points.]
"Done!"
Looking at the many delicious dishes on the chef's table, Chen Qi wiped the sweat from his forehead.
After reaching the Second-tier profession, the Spiritual Points he gained from his daily tasks had also increased.
Once cooking was completed, according to the banquet's procedure, the three chefs also had to go to the banquet hall to introduce the dishes to the guests.
Before heading out, a makeup artist came over and handed Chen Qi a fitted white chef's outfit with golden trim.
Without a chef's hat, he used Deep Sea Water Elf No.1 instead.
Chen Qi dressed properly, adjusted the Water Elf hat, and followed the waiter carrying the dishes into the bustling banquet hall.
At this moment, the guests of the White Dove ship had begun to enter.
At the front of the banquet, a host with a mustache was giving an impassioned speech:
"Dear guests, welcome to this trading banquet.
With the arrival of the Crack Tide, I believe everyone present has obtained Transcendent items during their journey in the Crack Sea.
However, due to the limitations of nature, not every journey to the crack allows us to get the desired items.
Only through exchange can the items find their proper value.
This exchange event is temporarily organized. There may still be people on the ship who are unaware of it, but we welcome everyone to join this event, jointly break the century-sealed wall of Transcendence, and achieve Transcendence to become legends!"
After listening, Chen Qi pondered for a moment.
The guests on this voyage were all Transcendents who had just returned from the Crack Sea.
At the suggestion of a noble, they had organized this trading banquet.
Things were not as serious as he had imagined; there were only a few pirates at this banquet.
He could even participate in this exchange event.
During the crack expeditions, even with the highest appraisal, it was inevitable to obtain skill cards unrelated to one's own craft.
For example, he had the Floral Appearance Dragon Charm and a one-time skill card of the Void, 'Void Skeleton Head.'
As a chef, Chen Qi followed the waiter to the front row of a table at the banquet and introduced the dishes to the guests:
"Guests, this is a Transcendent ingredient from the depths of the Crack Sea, squid balls. After enjoying them, they can increase inspiration.
This is a top-notch Bobo lobster imported from the Golden Flower Bird Kingdom..."
At this moment, a seductive female voice interrupted him:
"Did you prepare this Bobo lobster, little chef with the Water Elf on your head~?"
"..."
Chen Qi looked at the guest who was picking on him.
His problem with the knife skills on the Bobo lobster had been noticed after all.
A woman in a blue dress drank a glass of red wine, her gem-like blue eyes stared at Chen Qi.
She had cascading blue curls, and her tight blue dress hugged her body curves, outlining an alluring figure like a mountain peak.
At the same time, a devilish smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, evoking wild imaginings.
Pirate... Chen Qi's pupils constricted involuntarily.
He recognized the sinful woman in front of him!
Infamous on a gaming forum, a cadre of the Black Whale Group's Mama Pirate Ship, Sea King Siren!
She had multiple nicknames: 'Online Dating Killer,' 'Bad Woman,' 'Miss Siren,' 'Super Sea King,' 'COS Master.'
Third-tier Dice Phase profession, Shapeshifter, second-tier profession of Floral Appearance [Singer], first-tier profession of Floral Appearance [Singer's Apprentice].
Therefore, besides changing her posture, she also mastered the forbidden voice.
Transcendent profession, coupled with extraordinary beauty, was very much like the legendary sea demon.
Hence, she was also called Siren.
The Mama Pirate Ship was a powerful pirate group under the Black Whale Group, with many hedonistic Floral Appearance hedonists.
And Siren was one of the outstanding ones among them.
She was a scum who had deceived numerous men and women, toying with their bodies and emotions!
Using sweet words and the Transcendent ability of a Shapeshifter, she could easily change clothes and show different forms in front of different targets.
Countless players had been deceived by Siren, implanted with special potions, and become Siren's dogs.
Some players, after being deceived by Siren, made a resolute decision to join the Navy to punish her and seek revenge!
While some players said 'they don't love women who aren't bad' and resolutely joined the Black Whale Pirate Group to become Siren's dogs.
There was even a heated thousand-comment debate on the forum about 'What's wrong with being Siren's dog' that sparked a war of words between two factions of players!
Siren herself wasn't weak, and with the backing of a Fourth Rank Mama, she had always evaded capture, playing with the emotions of countless people.
She would even tie men or women she liked to her ship on the street, humiliating them mercilessly. Her arrogance knew no bounds.
An extremely dangerous character... Chen Qi thought to himself.
He never expected to encounter a Black Whale Group's cadre on an ordinary voyage ship!
Like Black Gloves, Siren was also a Black Whale Group cadre who mastered release skills, and her strength couldn't be underestimated.
At his current strength, he was certainly no match for Siren.
Siren looked at the contemplative Chen Qi and said:
"What's wrong, little chef? Bobo lobster is a simple dish.
I've heard that you appeared in the White Dove Times, but now it seems you only have a reputation~."
Other guests also showed doubtful expressions.
Siren began to show a devilish smile.
My culinary skills are being taunted!
Chen Qi immediately explained seriously:
"No, dear guests, this is the latest method. You should know that the mood of the Bobo lobster before it died affects the quality of its meat.
However, judging the Bobo lobster's mood just by the knife work is extremely unreasonable.
I infused my joy and pursuit of culinary arts into the knife.
Although the knife work may differ slightly from traditional methods, I have conveyed my joy and pursuit of culinary arts to the Bobo lobster through my knife!
Please believe me, this dish will not disappoint you."
Conveyed the pursuit of culinary arts to the Bobo lobster? Infused joy into the ingredients?
Siren's slightly upturned lips could no longer hold the smile.
What's happening? What is this chef talking about? Could he be a fraud?
Curious, she picked up a knife and fork, ate a piece of lobster meat, and slowly savored it!
"Hmm..."
Instantly, she felt a surge of heat through her body, the flavor exploded on her tongue:
"Fantastic... no, it's decent!"
"Is it really that good?"
The other people at the table also looked skeptical and took a bite.
As they chewed, the flavor of the lobster bloomed like a flower in their mouths.
It was just as the chef had said, the Bobo lobster was super delicious!
The food's intrinsic flavor was completely unleashed!
Although the knife work was lacking, the taste was perfect!
Unbelievable!
They felt like they were in paradise, seeing the Bobo lobster come to life and say, "Eat me, I'm super delicious!"
"I didn't expect to find such top-notch cuisine on this shabby ship."
"When I go back, I'll tell my head chef to also pour love and joy into the ingredients while cooking!"
Everyone marveled.
Thankfully, my skill saved the day... Chen Qi let out a long breath in his heart.
Lacking knife skills, soul seasoning made up for it!
A complete form chef, paired with soul seasoning, could perfectly bring out the original flavor of the ingredients!
At this moment, Siren also rested her chin on her right hand, staring at Chen Qi's Water Elf hat:
"Chef, you're quite delicious, don't get me wrong, I mean your cooking. It's a pity my sister isn't here, or she could also taste your culinary skills.
Little chef, later could I trouble you to reintroduce this dish to my sister?"
Siren's tone was very deliberate and seductive; she thought the little chef before her would certainly fall for it.
Got targeted, troublesome... Chen Qi replied:
"No problem, Miss, thank you for the compliment. Enjoy your meal."
Retreat!
Given his current strength, being targeted by Siren was indeed a troublesome matter.
Chen Qi quickly left the table and walked to the center of the banquet hall.
At this moment, under the host's speech, everyone began to exchange Transcendent items!