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Chapter 12: Encounter with the Mysterious Being (Continued)
(The cave was silent. Dim blue light filtered through cracks in the ceiling. Gu Tāng stood still — his skeletal body unmoving, as if frozen in time.)
🔊 Gu Tāng (softly):
— "This world was built on the taste of blood... But you entered it with the taste of food."
💭 "What does that even mean? The taste of food...? He talks like my system..."
🔊 Xiao Feng (hesitant):
— "You know me… but I know nothing about you. Who are you? Why are you here?"
(Gu Tāng stepped forward. The sound of his bones echoed like dry branches snapping underfoot.)
🔊 Gu Tāng:
— "You are the Immortal Chef… and I am one of those who swore an ancient oath with you. An oath you've forgotten."
(Xiao Feng's eyes widened.)
🔊 Xiao Feng:
— "I… made an oath? With who? Why?"
(Gu Tāng glanced at a long-dead fire pit. He raised a finger—suddenly, the fire roared back to life. Within the flames, a symbol formed: a cooking spatula crossed with a dragon-shaped flame.)
🔊 Gu Tāng:
— "When you taste the true flavor of this world… you'll understand why you were chosen. Until then, I will stay by your side. Not as a friend. Not as a foe."
(Gu Láng wagged his tail, his tone half-sleepy, half-annoyed.)
🔊 Gu Láng:
— "Ugh… great, another cryptic bone dude. What did we just walk into?"
(Xiao Feng stepped forward, still unsure.)
🔊 Xiao Feng:
— "If you're going to follow me… then at least tell me what you want from me."
(Gu Tāng's invisible smile sent a chill through the cave. His voice echoed, low and heavy.)
🔊 Gu Tāng:
— "Only one thing… Immortal Chef. The day you taste your true anger… I'll tell you the truth."
(Suddenly, the system chimed.)
🔔 System:
— "New Companion Unlocked — Gu Tāng (Class: Unknown, Loyalty: Undetermined)"
💭 "Second companion? Wait... does that mean more are coming?"
(The shadows danced along the cave walls. Gu Tāng turned and slowly faded into the darkness.)
🔊 Gu Tāng (fading):
— "Head east. There… you'll find the first sign."
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🔥 End of Chapter 12