CFSMS -Chapter 154 The Flaming Phoenix, Invincible Without Equal

Lapis-colored flames rolled beneath the stove, while steam billowed up from the cauldron.

Lu Wu placed the rice noodles into the pot. Beside her, the siblings and two small beasts all wore solemn expressions.

Today’s first battle of Lu Wu’s stall was about to begin.

“Based on my investigation over the past few days, I’ve mixed together the most highly-rated chilies as today’s competition ingredient.”

“To ensure fairness, each bowl contains the same amount of chili.”

“During the competition, no one is allowed to use any spells, cheat, or have others eat on their behalf.”

“The one who finishes all their food first wins.”

The four participants—none of them human.

Rice noodles slid from the ladle into the bowls. Rich broth was poured over them by Lu Wu, thick slices of snail meat were laid on top, and fried “bombs,” peanuts, and pickled bamboo shoots were essential toppings.

As the main attraction, chili was added spoon by spoon. Some diners who couldn’t handle spicy food gasped in sharp breaths just looking at that lethal amount.

“This… this is brutal?”

“This is nothing. It’s just the beginning.”

The rules were simple: each person would eat three bowls of snail rice noodles. The spice level of each bowl would increase gradually—this was only the first bowl.

Toolman No.1, Qin Zhan, placed the prepared bowls on the table.

Both sides took their seats.

“Chirp chirp!”

Huo Huo flapped her wings against the table, signaling for the match to start immediately.

“Brother, don’t be nervous. Even if you lose, it’s fine. I’ll help you win this victory,” Dragon Pearl tugged at Dragon Zhang’s sleeve and whispered softly.

Her delicate face was full of attachment toward her brother.

“You’re so good, little sister.”

Dragon Zhang was deeply moved. “But don’t worry, I won’t lose.”

After all, the first-place winner would be invited by Boss Lu for a private special meal at her home.

“Mm-hmm. I believe in you, brother.”

While fiddling with something in her hand, Dragon Pearl was already considering whether she should also take action against this second brother.

After all, the eldest brother was easier to deceive.

But she didn’t want to give this opportunity to her second brother.

She wanted to stick close to Boss Lu—the fragrant Boss Lu. Preferably even sleep in the same bed.

As an octopus, she had many tentacles, and she was confident she could take good care of Lu Wu.

Winning this competition was her first step toward Boss Lu.

Wait for me, Boss Lu!

“Ew.”

Lu Wu shuddered violently, shaking off the strange chill crawling over her body. She raised her hand.

“Participants ready…”

“Three…”

“Two…”

“One—Start!”

The moment the signal dropped, Dragon Zhang and Dragon Pearl picked up their chopsticks and began.

Dragon Pearl, small and delicate, had a cherry-sized mouth. Though her mouth looked tiny, her eating speed was astonishing.

All people could see was her little mouth opening and never closing, while the noodles in her bowl rapidly disappeared.

A strong opponent—but the beasts on this side were no weaker.

The first to strike was Da Huang.

With a flick of his tongue, he rolled all the noodles into his mouth.

He didn’t even bother chewing—he simply gulped them down, letting them slide straight through.

Meanwhile, Huo Huo ate with unusual elegance.

A gentle peck of her beak made a strand of noodle vanish.

Among the four competitors, Huo Huo was the slowest.

“Huo Huo, hurry! Faster!”

Seeing Dragon Zhang’s bowl nearly empty, the human spectators grew anxious and began cheering.

Dozens of eyes stared at her like wolves, urgency burning within them.

Hearing the pressure, Huo Huo’s eyes rolled slightly, feathers flickering like flames in the air.

“Chirp!”

Birds don’t panic. Humans do.

This is called pretending to be weak first, then striking when the enemy least expects it.

“Delicious!”

Dragon Zhang finished the last bit of toppings in his bowl with satisfaction.

He let out a content sigh.

There was still some soup left, and he didn’t want to waste it.

He looked up and noticed Da Huang was still closely behind him, but Huo Huo had only eaten half.

Victory was within reach.

Smiling proudly, Dragon Zhang lifted the big bowl and gulped down the remaining soup.

Fast.

“Your Highness, go for it!”

Hearing his clan members cheering, Dragon Zhang confidently set down the bowl and was about to call for the next one—when he saw Huo Huo tilt her head.

Then her small bird beak suddenly grew wide.

With a chirp, she kicked the bowl into the air with her claw. Just as the soup and noodles were about to spill, she caught it perfectly.

In an instant, the entire bowl was emptied—clean, not a single drop spilled.

“That’s unfair! The bird is cheating!”

A sea race member protested.

Wasn’t the rule no magic?

“This isn’t magic. It’s her racial talent,” Lu Wu stepped in as referee.

After all, Huo Huo’s true form was far larger and more formidable than a palm-sized bird.

Huo Huo was already starting on her second bowl. The red chili nearly covered the entire surface.

The spiciness had clearly increased.

Flames began rising from her tail feathers.

Truly—so spicy it caught fire.

“So it can be done like that?”

Seeing Huo Huo’s move, Dragon Pearl—who had originally been third—suddenly understood.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh…

Tentacles burst from beneath her skirt.

Soft and pinkish, even the suction cups were heart-shaped. Their appearance made some girls squeal in delight.

And then—

A massive maw appeared.

Eight tentacles, each holding chopsticks, moved in perfect coordination.

In a flash of lightning, the bowl before her was empty.

The mouth closed.

One tentacle immediately brought up the second bowl.

“It’s just… I only do this occasionally,” Dragon Pearl said shyly, covering half her face with a tentacle as she smiled.

“See that? If you don’t behave, I’ll let this octopus sister swallow you,” a father immediately threatened his child.

Hic!

The child burst into tears, hiccuping in fear.

Doesn’t a child’s life matter?!

Seeing others accelerate, Da Huang refused to be outdone.

His tongue moved even faster, and after licking the bowl clean, Qin Zhan promptly brought the second one.

“Dog bro, go! You absolutely cannot lose!”

If Da Huang lost, what would that make Qin Zhan, who had once been stepped on by him?

But Da Huang, fully focused on eating, didn’t care about his emotional turmoil.

Head buried in the bowl.

His tail wagged so fast it looked like it might take off.

“Woof woof woof!”

Good food!

So spicy!

The spicy-eating contest was in full swing.

The final bowl of noodles awaited its destined owner.

With Dragon Pearl’s guidance, Dragon Zhang also used his tentacles.

One tentacle even held a cloth, wiping away sweat caused by the spice.

“Damn, just watching hurts,” someone muttered.

As everyone knew, spiciness is pain, not taste.

Some spectators who couldn’t handle spice winced just watching.

“Look! Huo Huo is the first to reach the third bowl!”

“Long live Huo Huo!”

“It’s almost over—looks like Huo Huo is going to win!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Chirp chirp!”

Hearing the praise, Huo Huo let out a joyful cry.

I, Huo Huo—the Flaming Phoenix—am invincible without equal.