Martial arts are not something one can acquire by simply meditating or practicing internal energy techniques.
If you've never thrown a full-powered punch in your life, how could you suddenly gain precise control over your strikes during a fight?
That's obviously impossible.
But at this moment, Zhang Wei's strength was so immense that even casual movements felt like cannon blasts. This place was perfect!
Zhang Wei took a deep breath.
He slowly drew his left hand back behind him...
The accumulation of power caused the veins on his left arm to bulge, his blood to surge, and his skin to gradually turn red.
"Full power punch!"
There were no techniques or skills involved, yet a sky-shattering roar erupted!
Steel powder flew.
Tiny, crystal-clear white crystals were mixed among the shattered rocks.
"Awesome!"
After so long in this transmigration, this was the first time he had unleashed his extraordinary power so thoroughly!
[Collection Complete!]
[Ingredient Acquired: Sedimentary Salt Essence]
[Replication Time: 190 days]
In the Hall of Treasures, a display pedestal suddenly lit up, and a small pinch of Sedimentary Salt Essence appeared within it.
Zhang Wei looked at the rock wall. The blast he had just unleashed had gouged out a hole over three meters deep, as thick as a dinner plate.
"That single strike must have excavated at least 400 kilograms of rock."
"Only this much can be refined from 400 kilograms of rock? About 2-3 grams?"
The collections in the Hall of Treasures were absolutely precise and beyond doubt.
This proved how difficult it was to mine this so-called Sedimentary Salt Essence!
No wonder it was so precious.
"Let me get a good workout."
After unleashing over a hundred more punches, Zhang Wei's power release became increasingly proficient.
The width of his punch's force expanded from dinner-plate size to that of a cartwheel, and the depth extended to four meters.
Don't underestimate this improvement; the amount of rock destroyed by a single punch had increased to at least 1000 kilograms!
In other words, a single punch from Zhang Wei now was enough to pulverize a ton of steel!
In the Hall of Treasures.
That small pinch of salt gradually grew to the size of a tablespoon.
The replication time also shortened to 25 days.
Glancing at the time, Zhang Wei left the underground cave and returned to the great glacier.
After his strenuous efforts, Zhang Wei's appetite was immense, and his food intake had increased significantly.
The Hall of Treasures was gradually taking shape, yielding a substantial amount daily.
Zhang Wei often fretted about not being able to finish it all, considering it a great waste.
Now that he had a place to expend his energy, both his mind and body were thoroughly satisfied.
With this energy flowing in and out of him, Zhang Wei's strength was improving at rocket-like speed.
"This world is truly convenient!"
"Cultivating extraordinary power, there's no such thing as a bottleneck!"
"Over countless centuries, how many powerhouses have been born!"
The unfettered amplification of extraordinary power was not necessarily a good thing for the world.
But this was not something Zhang Wei needed to consider right now. With the Hall of Treasures in hand, his goal was to possess all the delicacies under heaven!
...
Processing Room.
Zhang Wei was examining the inventory list.
"Garon Tiger has arrived? Send all four!"
"Yes," the supervisor nodded.
"Mili-berry strawberries?"
"They are extremely small strawberries, about the size of normal rice grains, and are the main ingredient for jam."
"Alright, get me a few pounds. And this Ten-Yolk Egg, Four-Winged Black Chicken, Dart Sea Urchin..."
With each item Zhang Wei mentioned, the supervisor's smile widened.
Today was another day of substantial commissions.
"Just these nine items, and give me five times the usual portion."
Since his strength had grown so rapidly, his appetite was even more astonishing.
A casual afternoon tea session required the food equivalent of fifty servings for a normal person.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, his main meals, amounted to a staggering one hundred and fifty servings!
In addition to that were desserts, midnight snacks, and post-meal fruits...
He had to work hard!
"Why is it so chaotic outside today?"
The supervisor chuckled, "They're setting up the venue. A distinguished guest is arriving today, rumored to be a strategic ally of the Association."
"Ally..."
"Our Association has been around for over seventy years, so it's not unreasonable to have some friends."
The supervisor continued, "They say a banquet is also being prepared for today. It would be best for Brother Wei to head over soon."
"No problem."
Zhang Wei's current culinary skills were incredibly swift. If not for fear of appearing too astonishing, he could handle ingredients for hundreds of people without breaking a sweat.
A red carpet, kerosene lamps, and fireworks outside the glacier gave a festive, New Year's Eve atmosphere.
Over a hundred ice-plain yaks were driven into the great glacier. These yaks, known as the "ships of the ice plains," were excellent pack animals.
Each beast was laden with enormous leather satchels, easily cubic meters in volume.
"The Mystic Realm Exploration Association, Vice President Izer, extends its warmest wishes for abundant food luck to President Xi Feng!"
The leader, a handsome and dashing young man with golden hair, spoke.
His cheerful smile evoked a sense of inexplicable familiarity.
Xi Feng, standing on a raised platform, gave a slight nod.
Personally coming out to greet them as President was already a significant gesture of respect.
Izer pointed at the yaks and said, "Oh my, Uncle, it's been a while! I've specifically brought some wine and meat to visit you."
"You're too kind! Your presence is gift enough, why bring anything else!"
Xi Feng bellowed, "What are you all standing around for? Unload the goods quickly! Do you expect the guest to do it himself?"
Everyone: ...
Izer's subordinate picked up a manifest and began to read, "Frostfall Bull Ribs, 20 pieces; Omega Tequila, 50 bottles; Shambo Fruit, 15 cases..."
Everything Izer had brought was a rare delicacy.
Take Omega Tequila for example; it remained a sacred offering for certain religions, with an annual production of only a few hundred cases.
Shambo Fruit was even more fantastical; it was said that eating just one would leave a person fragrant for three days.
However, Xi Feng's expression gradually turned somber.
One or two items might be considered a token of affection, but the combined value of all these... was far more than a simple gift of greeting!
Composing himself, Xi Feng forced a smile, "You've gotten so handsome since we last met, nephew. The banquet is ready, let's have a good drink between us uncle and nephew!"
"I'll certainly stay and enjoy myself to the fullest."
As soon as the guests arrived, the kitchen became bustling.
All sorts of ingredients that were usually kept under lock and key were brought out, and the chefs showcased their utmost skills.
Soup Master also prepared a pot of rich broth. While it couldn't compare to the Spiritually Connected Five Beasts Soup, it was still a top-tier delicacy.
"Zhang Wei, would you like to prepare a dish?" Soup Master asked.
Zhang Wei shook his head, "No, I'll stick to chopping vegetables. I'm crucial for this banquet."
Kidding aside, ordinary dishes wouldn't be collected, and focusing on cooking might expose his identity.
Chopping vegetables was also a form of ingredient processing. Since he could collect ingredients, there was no need for such trouble.
During the banquet, Izer got straight to the point, "Uncle, I actually have something to ask of you this time."
"The World Treasure Association made a big move in the Eighth Courtyard not long ago. I heard they managed to acquire the nearly extinct Rainbow Fruit. Our Mystic Realm Exploration Association desperately needs this item. Uncle, you must help us!"
"This..."
Xi Feng had already guessed, but he hadn't expected Izer to be so blunt.
"Dear nephew, this Rainbow Fruit is no ordinary thing. Give me some time to consider it."
"Our Secret Intelligence Association is willing to offer a substantial reward!"
Izer put on a pained expression, "My uncle went deep into the mystic realm months ago and was poisoned. Doctors say only the Rainbow Fruit can save him."