Chapter 6, Lancelot (Part 2)

No wonder you are so polite; it turns out you come from a family of etiquette. It is well known that in the history of the Empire, old Harden was famous for his stubbornness and inflexibility. Lancelot muttered this, appearing to have a deep understanding of the Empire's history

I find this flower quite unique; it seems to possess a strong intelligence, which makes it very particular about its preferences

Furrowing his brow slightly, Gong Hao murmured to himself: "I do not know what you like, what you dislike, or what you fear, but I think if you possess wisdom, you should have some basic means of expression. If you cannot cooperate with me to let me know how to take care of you, then I will have no choice but to resort to more drastic measures"

Andrew's brows furrowed deeply

Gong Hao discovered that this flower was indeed not a ghost face flower. Not only was it not a ghost face flower, but it also completely lacked any form of aggression

Gong Hao has taken on an additional task—caring for the peculiar magical plant that resembles a ghost-faced flower

Lancelot nodded slightly: "So that's how it is. What part of the spotted python do you need?"

What surprised Gong Hao was that this protective coloration usually only appears in some weaker magical beasts. A few magically endowed plants may also evolve protective coloration for themselves, but there has never been a plant that would make itself identical to other varieties of magical plants.

Gong Haoming pondered deeply and struggled with his thoughts

Yes, my lord Andrew

It disguised itself as a ghost flower, causing the vast majority of herbivorous magical beasts to refrain from infringing upon it. However, while it could deceive ignorant beasts, it could not fool humans. Lancelot easily saw through its disguise and then brought it back to the castle

Andrew smiled with satisfaction: "You are right, you really have no reason to run away. So go ahead, find Lancelot, take this list to him, and tell him this is the quantity needed for tomorrow. Of course, add your speckled python to it"

Gong Hao smiled with satisfaction

Compared to his poor life skills, the combat abilities of this sky warrior are terrifyingly powerful

The flower before us not only resembles another species, but it also mimics the notorious corpse flower, which is quite astonishing.

Yes, Lord Lancelot, you instructed me to take good care of it, and I do not wish to disappoint you. However, without the spotted python, I fear I will not be able to keep it alive

"Alright," said Lancelot, "I can try your skills; I happen to have some sword rhinoceros meat that I haven't had the chance to ruin yet"

Gong Hao handed over the list: "If the adults need to dine, perhaps I can assist."

Gong Haoxin's heart raced, as this was already approaching the realm of the Sacred Domain.

He picked up the large scissors, aimed at the stem of the flower, and made a motion as if to cut it down with one swift stroke

Gong Hao looked confused: "Lord Andrew, why should I run away? I eat well and sleep well here, and the work is not too burdensome."

Half an hour later, Gong Hao brought up the roasted sword rhinoceros meat, its color a golden yellow and its aroma wafting abundantly, making Lancelot's fingers itch with anticipation

Gong Hao stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying: "Lord Lancelot"

Gong Hao quickly said: "Lord Lancelot, the existence of Purgatory Island is closely related to the future rise of the Empire. Those who can be dispatched here are the most trusted and valued individuals of the state, and it can even be said that they hold the fate of the Empire in their hands. This shows that the Empire indeed places great importance on you. Moreover, only a warrior like you can deal with the powerful magical beasts on Purgatory Island"

However, Andrew looked deeply at Gong Hao and said: "If you wish to take this opportunity to escape from Hell Island, then your fate will be destined to end in that jungle"

The area around the wooden cabin is littered with trash carelessly discarded by this esteemed sky warrior, and the cabin is not only rudimentary but also untidy

Gong Hao has heard that the lives of many high-ranking warriors are quite simple, as a life of luxury and indulgence is the greatest obstacle to human progress. In pursuit of a higher level of martial arts, they almost forsake all pleasures and dedicate themselves to rigorous training

"Hmph, the greatest warrior... so what? I am still sent to this deserted island to do the work of a monster hunter." Lancelot's tone was filled with indignation. It is no wonder; such a top-tier warrior should be contributing to the defense of the nation, enjoying the admiration of countless people at home. Yet here, he must obey Hines, and even his two student assistants can give him orders.

Indeed, Lancelot's angry whisper reached his ears: "Damn it, why is cooking so difficult?"

Andrew looked at the blonde boy in front of him, and honestly, this little fellow worked hard, was diligent and serious; he had a fairly good impression of Huey. "So what you mean is..."

Boom

Gong Haolian quickly replied: "Lord Lancelot, as the pinnacle warrior of the Empire, would certainly disdain to take action against a lowly servant like me"

Is that so? Lancelot was greatly moved. He truly wanted to try the exquisite dishes that Gong Hao had prepared for him with all his effort

Thus, Huigleir took on an additional job—delivering a list of monsters to collect for Lancelot every day and preparing three meals for him, along with books

That would be troublesome. You see, this means I have to catch a live one for you. Catching a live one is not difficult, but the problem is that it is a level 7 magical beast. How do you plan to extract saliva from its mouth? Do you think it is a weeping grass that you can just pinch and squeeze at will?

He seems to have defeated a spotted python and then brought this flower back

Please forgive my ears, are you sure I did not hear incorrectly? A servant actually wants to command a sky warrior to capture a spotted venomous python for him

Andrew impatiently said: "What kind of forbidden place is that? It's just that Lancelot doesn't want anyone to disturb his training, and we also don't want that guy to interrupt our work... Anyway, that place doesn't matter; you can go there to find him. You have the badge, so the castle knights won't stop you from going out"

Happiness sometimes descends upon you in this manner; it always rewards you with returns that exceed your expectations after you have made sufficient efforts.

His original plan was to find a way to establish a good relationship with Lancelot, as this would surely lead Andrew to treat him with greater respect. When he discovered that Lancelot was troubled by his culinary skills, he had already made up his mind to help Lancelot with cooking every day in exchange for Lancelot's assistance, such as extracting the venom from the spotted python. However, he never expected that Lancelot had no intention of doing this at all; instead, he planned to directly teach Gong Hao how to cultivate fighting energy and martial skills. As a result, even if he still could not deal with a level 7 magical beast, it would be much easier to handle a beast that had been imprisoned and had most of its abilities sealed.

I am concerned about what kind of materials it can provide

So, does this mysterious flower also have desires

First, he lifted the kettle, but the flower showed no reaction and exhibited no movement. Gong Hao added some moist soil to the flowerpot, yet it remained the same.

Indeed, this individual, who is revered by thousands even within the empire, has now been defeated by a single meal. Frustrated, he carried a pot of burnt food out of the room and poured it onto the empty ground beside him

It was as if a muffled thunderclap had exploded in Gong Hao's mind

"It is like this... Lord Andrew," Gong Hao stammered, "You know that the flower was sent by Lord Lancelot, and he needs me to keep it alive. However, I have found that this flower does not seem to thrive on water. It appears not to absorb nutrients from the soil because... I have discovered that its roots are severely degenerated, almost lacking the ability to absorb anything."

In stark contrast to his calm and dignified demeanor yesterday, Lancelot now appeared utterly disheveled. His armor was smeared with black and gray, and his face bore patches of black and white, making him look as if he had just endured a fierce battle and had been left in a state of utter disarray.

Lancelot immediately understood: "Is it because of the pot of flowers I gave you yesterday?"

Lancelot looked at Gong Hao and said, "Very well, you are quite eloquent, but there are some things you do not understand. Never mind, hand me the list, and go back to ask Andrew to bring me a meal."

Alright, now I understand how you express fear, but you have yet to express how you feel about liking something. It seems you do not care much about drinking water, so what do you care about? Let me think about what is in the swamp...

Lancelot looked at him in surprise: "Do you know how to cook?"

However, when Gong Hao saw him like this, he almost burst out laughing, as he understood all too well what had happened

Gong Hao thus felt that the operation of all things follows its own trajectory, yet human behavior is devoid of any logic

Lancelot glanced at Gong Hao: "It is you? I remember telling Andrew not to send anyone to disturb my seclusion at will. So, have you violated the castle's rules, or has Andrew become so arrogant as to disregard me?"

It seems that the excessive pursuit of martial skills has caused this reclusive warrior to lose the fundamental abilities necessary for human existence. Beneath that magnificent and powerful exterior lies a profound inadequacy in living.

It turns out that Lancelot does not reside in the castle? Gong Hao felt a surge of joy in his heart, but the next moment he still said with a face full of fear: "But, my lord, you know that the lakeside is a forbidden area"

Despite his disheveled appearance, Lancelot spoke with the demeanor of a king. He didn't even need to move his hands; a tremendous aura enveloped Gong Hao's entire being, binding him so that he could not move at all

The flower immediately emitted a buzzing sound, and the entire flower plate began to contract backward

He suddenly recalled a saying: "Desire is the source of wisdom, and emotion is the manifestation of desire"

At that moment, he thought of Lancelot

Saliva? Is it the saliva of the spotted python? Gong Hao suddenly understood

As he walked towards the lake from a distance, before even reaching the wooden cabin, Gong Hao caught a whiff of a pungent burnt smell

It seems that something is on fire

Gong Hao rushed out and arrived at the library. He quickly found records regarding the spotted venomous python. This is a terrifying giant python, whose venom is no less potent than that of the ghost-faced flower. However, the saliva of this magical beast surprisingly promotes the growth of certain magical plants. Therefore, wherever the spotted venomous python exists, it is certain to be a place of flourishing vegetation

Do not call me teacher; I am merely teaching you some of the most basic fundamentals. As for more advanced topics, I do not intend to teach you. Now, do you have any questions

Just at that moment, Gong Hao lamented, "Unfortunately, I can only come today."

No wonder he dared to venture into the central area and defeat the level 7 venomous python

Gong Hao quickly exclaimed, "No, it is not like that. I am here on Lord Andrew's orders to deliver tomorrow's list to you."

In nature, there are numerous examples of small organisms using vibrant colors to disguise and protect themselves, thereby avoiding harm. The flower before us is clearly one such example

Lancelot looked at Gong Hao and suddenly laughed: "Do you really think I would kill you?"

As he was about to leave, Gong Hao could not help but ask Lancelot a question: "Teacher Lancelot, may I ask you a question?"

"Baron Harden? I recall that there was once a ceremonial minister in the Empire with the surname Harden"

This sky warrior does not advocate a luxurious lifestyle; on the contrary, he prefers to return to nature. The scenery of the lake is beautiful, yet the facilities of the wooden cabin are quite simple

Thank you, my lord

Its saliva

The matter has been decided. Lancelot wrote a receipt for Gong Hao to return to the castle and deliver it to Andrew. Starting today, the task of delivering the list will be the responsibility of Gong Hao. In this way, Gong Hao can both learn combat skills from him and cook for him, achieving two goals with one effort

In the Wind Sound Continent, the hierarchy of warriors, aside from the Sacred Domain, is topped by the Star Warrior. Below this are the Sky Warrior, Earth Warrior, and Ocean Warrior. The Ocean Warrior is classified as a Level 7 warrior, and those above Level 7 are referred to as Free Warriors. This means that general nations do not impose strict regulations on warriors of this level, but rather hire them at a high price.

Andrew understood: "Alright, you can go ask Lancelot to take action. He lives by the lake"

The python on the list is actually what I need. Therefore, Lord Andrew ordered me to deliver the list as well.

Yes, Baron Harden is indeed a descendant of that minister

Aside from the legendary existence of the Sacred Domain, it is said that the total number of Sky Warriors across the entire Wind Whisper Continent does not exceed five hundred. They are distributed throughout the continent, with possibly only a handful of Sky Warriors in a single country

With the disappearance of the aura, Gong Hao finally regained his freedom

From this day forward, the magical plants in Area 13 have increased from forty-two varieties to forty-three varieties

Damn, where am I supposed to get the saliva for this thing myself

He hurried over and saw a person walking out of the wooden house, and it was none other than Lancelot

Upon this thought, Gong Hao immediately took action

Upon hearing Lancelot's words, Gong Hao himself was taken aback.

Why?

Lord Lancelot, the meat of the sword rhinoceros is somewhat tough and actually not suitable for being a delicacy on the dining table. Moreover, there is a lack of sufficient condiments and spices here, so I can only make do with what I have. I believe that if given the opportunity, I could prepare something much more delicious.

Lancelot's laziness provided Gong Hao with the opportunity to learn martial arts; if he fails to seize this chance, he will truly be foolish.

Of course, there are always exceptions. It is said that in the Southern Continent, there exists a sacred domain where one must always make a grand display when entering or exiting, and even during meals, there are seven or eight attendants serving.

As for why it has taken on this appearance, Gong Hao believes that it serves as a form of protective coloration. The Ghost Face Flower is notorious on the Wind Whisper Continent for being a fierce plant, having almost no natural enemies aside from humans. One can understand the terror of this flower simply by considering its dreadful toxicity, which can render its surroundings desolate.

Yes, my lord, I once worked as a handyman at Baron Harden's house, where I did various tasks, including cooking

Lancelot lived in a small cabin by the lake

He tore off a piece and tasted it, a satisfied smile appearing on his face: "Very good, extremely delicious, much better than the chef in the castle."

Do plants also possess intelligence

Sky Warrior? That is a Level 9 Warrior

Andrew would certainly not object to this—another apprentice has been freed from menial tasks

Diligence is always the greatest talent

It is still not very clear. Yes, Lord Andrew, I can chop it up and hand it over to you for research right now, but you know, what if it has some important function, and we cannot find a second specimen of such a flower...

"Yes, my lord Lancelot, I just want to know, since you can get food from the castle, why do you still work so hard to cook every day?"

Gong Hao immediately sighed with a pitiful expression and said, "Alas, I know it's troublesome, but what can be done? I can only risk it and give it a try"

Andrew looked at Gong Hao with a dark gaze

"Hmph." Lancelot replied with a proud snort: "Who would dare to eat what an alchemist has made? Poison, like golems, is their specialty. Of course, they wouldn't dare to poison me, but I also do not wish to eat the meals delivered by a butcher with blood on his hands"

Suddenly, his eyes brightened: "The spotted python? Damn, how could I have forgotten it?"

Well... Lancelot furrowed his brow and thought for a moment: "Alright, for the sake of your culinary skills, perhaps I can teach you a few tricks"