The next few days at Azure Sky Sect were a whirlwind for Li Fan. Word had spread of his newfound role with the Vermilion Bird chick and sect master's favor. Outer disciples treated him with a mix of admiration and envy. Inner disciples, even if grudging, mostly gave him space (having heard how he humiliated Duan Mu). Guo Hei and Duan Mu kept a very low profile after their spice-filled defeat; Li Fan spotted them once in the dining hall, and when he waved cheekily, Guo Hei nearly dropped his tray in anger but said nothing.
Li Fan continued his 'punishment' kitchen duty, which was hardly punishment anymore. Each day he invented new dishes for Hongyan, who would eagerly await him in the mornings and evenings. The big fiery chick even escorted him to the kitchen sometimes, strutting along the paths and scaring the daylights out of unaware disciples. It became a common sight: Li Fan carrying a basket of ingredients, Hongyan hopping behind or perched on a low roof following him. Some started calling him "Chef Li" or even "Bird Brother." Li Fan didn't mind; it was better than being invisible.
About a week after the duel incident, Azure Sky Sect received important visitors. An envoy from the Imperial City arrived bearing gilded scrolls. The sect was abuzz as Sect Master Yao convened all core elders and selected disciples for an announcement.
Li Fan, curious, managed to slip into the back of the assembly courtyard, Hongyan sneaking behind a pillar (as if a bright red bird the size of a cow could hide - but everyone pretended not to notice the divine beast observing the meeting). Pang Wei nudged Li Fan, whispering, "I hear it's about the Grand Cultivation Tournament. All the big sects and clans are invited to the capital this year!"
"Tournament? Do I have to fight again?" Li Fan whispered back, suddenly nervous remembering his last duel.
"Probably not you. They usually only send inner disciples and core disciples to compete in martial arts, alchemy, arrays, etc. We outer guys just watch from afar," Pang Wei replied.
Up front, Sect Master Yao stood beside a regal-looking messenger. She addressed the crowd: "Disciples of Azure Sky Sect, our sect has been invited to participate in the Heavenly Ascension Grand Meet at the Imperial City in one month's time. This prestigious gathering is hosted by the Emperor and the Cultivator's Alliance. It includes tournaments in martial arts, alchemy concoction, beast taming, and other displays of skill. Our sect will, of course, attend and uphold our honor."
A ripple of excitement and murmurs spread. Azure Sky Sect, being top-tier, was expected to perform well. Some seniors looked eager to prove themselves.
Sect Master Yao continued, "Elder Xiang will lead the martial team, Elder Hao the alchemy team," (Elder Hao sniffed proudly), "and Elder Jin the beast-taming team." She listed a few chosen core disciples for each category. Duan Mu was noticeably absent from the list, likely owing to his recent disgrace. Guo Hei wasn't mentioned either.
Then, to everyone's surprise, the sect master added, "In addition, we have a special contributor joining our delegation: Outer Disciple Li Fan." Every eye turned to stare at Li Fan, who nearly choked on his own saliva from shock.
Elder Hao visibly bristled. "Sect Master, pardon me, but why would an outer disciple accompany the delegation? He is not qualified in martial prowess or alchemy..." He trailed off when Sect Master Yao raised her hand.
"Li Fan's contributions in a short time have proven unique. He will attend as our... culinary consultant and morale manager," Yao said with a slight smile. "There is also an exhibition of exotic cuisine at the meet, and I believe he can bring credit to our sect in that arena."
Li Fan's eyes widened. Did she just sign him up to cook at the Imperial meet? That sounded both thrilling and terrifying. Pang Wei quietly pumped his fist in glee for his friend.
Before anyone could protest further, the imperial envoy stepped forward to read a formal statement: invitations, rules, etc., droning a bit. Li Fan was too busy calming his racing heart. Travel to the capital city—he'd never been. And in such distinguished company.
After the assembly, as people dispersed (some shooting Li Fan curious or bewildered glances), Sect Master Yao approached him with Elder Kang in tow. Hongyan hopped out from hiding and playfully pecked at Yao's sleeve. The sect master stroked her feathers. "Li Fan, I trust you are willing to accompany us?"
Li Fan bowed hastily. "Of course, Sect Master! I'm honored... and a bit nervous."
"You'll do fine," Elder Kang said. "Just continue being yourself—albeit maybe avoid flinging chili powder at dignitaries." He winked.
Yao nodded. "We leave in two weeks. Use that time to prepare—Luo Bing from the kitchen can assist you in planning any special ingredients or recipes you might present. If you need anything rare, let me know."
"Yes, Sect Master," Li Fan replied. He felt a mix of excitement (new ingredients! new food!) and dread (so many important people watching). Hongyan nudged him, seeming to sense his mood, and gave a soft warble. Li Fan scratched her head. "At least I'll have one fan in the audience, right girl?" The bird squawked happily.
In the following days, preparation was in full swing. The chosen inner and core disciples trained rigorously. Elder Hao's alchemists were refining pills day and night. Beast tamers brushed up on their showmanship with spirit animals. Meanwhile, Li Fan spent his time experimenting in the kitchen.
Chef Liu was at first floored that his assistant was now a VIP for the trip, but he took it in stride, enjoying the chance to try fancy recipes. Luo Bing helped Li Fan gather exotic ingredients: thunder pepper, jade spirit rice, snow lotus bulbs — the storerooms opened to him truly had treasures. Li Fan felt like a kid in a candy shop, literally.
One afternoon, Pang Wei rushed into the kitchen, face pale. "Li Fan! Bad news... My cousin in town said he saw men from Iron Claw Bandits lurking on the main road from here to the capital. They say the bandits plan to rob sect convoys heading to the tournament!"
Li Fan nearly dropped a cleaver. "Bandits? On the main road?" The Iron Claw Bandits were notorious in the region, a group of rogue cultivators and ruffians.
Chef Liu huffed. "Those scoundrels wouldn't dare attack our sect group, not with elders present." True, an organized sect group with elders would normally deter common bandits. Still, Pang Wei looked worried. "Cousin said they've got a new leader who's very bold and a bit crazy. They might try something unpredictable. Just... be careful."
Li Fan assured his friend not to worry too much. But privately, he did make a note to prepare some 'special' spices in easy-to-throw pouches, just in case.
The departure day arrived. An impressive caravan assembled at the sect gates: disciples on sword mounts or flying instruments, a few carriages for elders and luggage, and Hongyan perched atop one carriage like a gleaming red sentinel (no one could convince her to stay behind). Li Fan was given a seat in the second elders' carriage, which he awkwardly shared with Elder Kang and Elder Jin (the beast tamer head). They didn't seem to mind the smell of pickled radish coming from the snack jar Li Fan brought.
As the group set off down the mountain path, Li Fan peeked out. Pang Wei and other unselected disciples waved goodbye. Pang Wei shouted, "Bring me back some imperial snacks!" Li Fan gave a thumbs-up.
The journey was to take about a week by road and flight combined. They alternated between riding ground carriages on flatlands and using flying swords or artifacts over difficult terrain. Hongyan occasionally provided an updraft for the gliders with a casual flap of her wings.
For the first few days, travel was smooth. Li Fan kept everyone well-fed during stops, to much appreciation. In fact, the sect members started joking that they were gaining more benefit from Li Fan's cooking than the actual tournament training. Even Elder Hao begrudgingly ate a bowl of Li Fan's spicy noodle soup one night (with Elder Kang teasing him, "Careful, you might smile" to which Hao grumbled but slurped the noodles with relish).
It was on the fourth day, while traversing a thick forest valley, that the trouble Pang Wei warned of finally came. The caravan had slowed due to a muddy path. Li Fan was walking alongside a wagon to stretch his legs, Hongyan trudging happily behind him, pecking at butterflies. Suddenly, a whistle echoed through the trees. Then—