99: Interstellar Feast, Culinary Diplomacy

The Cloud Court shook the Star Sea, and all nations came to pay tribute, bringing a massive amount of resources and countless opportunities, but also sweet troubles—envoys, merchant groups, and study teams from all sides arrived in an endless stream, making reception work one of Nie Li's biggest headaches. Just arranging accommodation and coordinating meetings already overwhelmed him, not to mention the minor frictions caused by the vastly different customs and dietary preferences of various civilizations.

One day, looking at yet another report of a minor conflict almost caused by "the Lava Realm's envoy finding the Green Source Star Realm's spirit fruits too bland," Nie Li rubbed his throbbing temples and complained with a bitter smile to Yun Qiao: "If this continues, I, as the Vice Dean, might be exhausted by these 'diplomatic disputes' first."

Yun Qiao covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her nimble eyes darting around, then suddenly said, "Brother Nie Li, since everyone's tastes are hard to reconcile, why not... let them showcase their own?"

"Hm?" Nie Li looked up, puzzled.

"Host an 'Interstellar Gourmet Competition'!" Yun Qiao explained excitedly, "Invite all friendly planes to send their most skilled Spirit Chefs to cook the most representative delicacies using the unique ingredients of their respective planes. We'll provide the venue and basic support, with core members of the Cloud Court and esteemed Elders serving as judges. This can not only resolve conflicts arising from dietary differences, showcase the unique charm of each civilization, and deepen understanding, but perhaps... it can also help our Void Academy discover new resources and avenues for cooperation?"

Nie Li's eyes suddenly lit up! Brilliant! This was not only an excellent solution to the current predicament but also a superb "soft power" display and cultural exchange event! It could greatly enhance the Cloud Court's cohesion and cultural influence!

The plan was quickly reported to Yun Feng. Upon hearing it, Yun Feng merely smiled faintly and approved it with four words: "Feasible. Interesting."

As soon as the news that the Cloud Court was holding an "Interstellar Gourmet Competition" spread, it immediately caused a sensation in the major friendly planes! This was far more novel and interesting than mere military deterrence! Various planes eagerly prepared, all seeing this as an excellent opportunity to showcase the depth of their civilization and deepen their relationship with the Cloud Court.

On the day of the competition, the floating plaza specially designated by the Void Academy was bustling with people, filled with fragrant aromas, and shimmering with exotic lights. Spirit Chefs from different planes displayed their Divine Ability:

The giant chef from the Lava Realm controlled the scorching earth flames, roasting a massive lava rhinoceros leg; the aroma of meat mixed with fiery elemental energy, making one's blood surge. The Wood Spirits from the Green Source Star Realm, like dancers, cultivated various spirit plants, creating crystal-clear "Emerald Nectar" on the spot, imbued with majestic Law of Life. The Dwarf Great Master from the Gold Stone Fortress extracted mineral essences with special utensils, concocting "Starry Mead" that could strengthen the body. There was even an envoy from a deep-sea plane, dissecting a Void jellyfish emitting a dreamlike glow on the spot to make sashimi... In the judge's seats, Yun Feng sat in the main position, with Nie Li, Yun Hao, and Yun Qiao on either side, along with several esteemed Elders from other Realms. Yun Qiao, as the main proposer and the most sensitive to Law of Life energy, was responsible for evaluating the dishes' benefits to cultivators; Yun Hao was responsible for evaluating the quality of ingredients and the "power" contained in the cooking techniques; Nie Li focused more on their cultural symbolism and creativity.

The competition atmosphere was lively and friendly, and under the common language of gourmet food, the distance between civilizations quickly narrowed. When Yun Qiao precisely pointed out the subtle nourishment of Soul Power in a certain dish, and when Yun Hao instantly revealed the Realm of a certain beast meat before its death, it drew gasps of admiration, deepening their reverence for the Cloud Court's profound foundation.

However, the final championship went to someone who surprised everyone.

Under everyone's gaze, Yun Qiao gracefully walked into the temporarily set-up kitchen area. She did not use any rare Heaven And Earth Treasure, but only the most common spirit grains, mountain spring water, and several common low-grade spirit fruits from the Demon Spirit Continent.

But her technique was like art. As her ten fingers flew, the Chaos Qi (with Yun Feng's permission, a slight trace was drawn) naturally flowed, integrating into the ingredients. The control of heat was exquisite, reaching Perfection, and the power of the Law of Life, like the gentlest paintbrush, outlined every subtle change in the food.

Half an hour later, a seemingly simple and unadorned "Hundred Fruit Spirit Grain Porridge" was served. The porridge was crystal clear, with faint Chaos light points floating within, emitting an indescribable fragrance that brought peace to the Soul and comfort to the entire body.

After tasting, all the judges were deeply moved!

The Lava Realm Elder felt a warm, moist energy nourishing his Meridians, which were constantly scorched by earth fire; the Green Source Star Realm's Elder Mu Chen felt a sense of Law of Life harmony beyond his comprehension; even Yun Hao, who was the least picky about food, felt his Soul Power subtly invigorate.

This porridge could gently nourish the foundations of cultivators from different civilizations simultaneously! Its efficacy might not be as strong as some potent medicines, but its universality, gentleness, and its ability to harmonize the essence of Law of Life were nothing short of a miracle!

"Returning to simplicity, harmonizing all Laws... This is the Dao of food," Yun Feng said with a slight nod after tasting, giving it the highest praise.

Without a doubt, Yun Qiao won the championship with her "Chaos Hundred Fruit Porridge"!

At this moment, all contestants and spectators were completely convinced. The Cloud Court not only excelled in martial prowess throughout the Star Sea, but even in the Dao of "food," it had reached such a Transcendent Realm!

The competition concluded successfully, with results far exceeding expectations. Relations between various civilizations warmed significantly, a thick stack of cooperation agreements was signed, and several exotic ingredients with special effects, suitable for large-scale cultivation or breeding, were unexpectedly discovered, enriching the Void Academy's resource library.

"I never thought that gourmet food could have such power," Nie Li exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, looking at the harmonious representatives from all sides.

Yun Feng stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the starry sky, a faint smile playing on the corners of his lips. Military conquest might inspire fear, but the infiltration of culture and soft power could truly win people's hearts.

And in this atmosphere of peace, no one noticed that in the shadows of the distant starry sky, a slender, black warship, shaped like a crescent moon, was silently hovering. A ferocious skull emblem was faintly visible on its hull. Inside the bridge, a cold gaze pierced through the endless Void Realm, falling upon the Demon Spirit Continent.

"Cloud Court... gourmet food... It seems the target is more interesting than imagined."