I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 372

Title) Three-Legged Crow caught a Human-Faced Bird

Wild Grylls

(Photo of the cold corpse of the Human-Faced Bird)

(Photo of the Three-Legged Crow looking proud)

(Photo of Tyranno trembling in shock at the Human-Faced Bird)

(Photo of Wonmo sniffing the Human-Faced Bird)

I asked it to catch something good for the body, and it brought back a Human-Faced Bird.

As far as I know, Human-Faced Birds eat dragons, is it good for the body if eaten?

Its face looks so terrifying that I’m scared I’ll get sick if I eat it;;

└ Heavenly Demon) An abomination. By the way, it resembles an aide of mine.

└ Smart Demon) No matter how ugly a person is, you shouldn’t say shit like that, you wench.

└ Heavenly Demon) Why are you throwing a fit? Do you perhaps resemble that thing?

└ Smart Demon) What if I do resemble it?

└ Heavenly Demon) I suspect you would remain ugly even after undergoing Body Metamorphosis.

└ Smart Demon) Fuck

└ Isn’t there a spider similar to that too?

└ Are you talking about the Human-Faced Spider?

└ Yeah, is that ugly too?

└ Rather than ugly, that one looks terrifying.

Yoo So-wol looked away from the Gallery comments.

Where she turned her head, a bowl and chopsticks were neatly laid out.

The meat Grylls had grilled on various grill plates. That was the bowl where those meats had rested.

’It was truly a delicacy among delicacies.’

It was a luxury that even she, the supreme sky of the Cult, would not dare indulge in.

While she held no particular attachment to luxury, it wasn’t that she eschewed it entirely.

Her subordinates were constantly decking her out in all sorts of finery, claiming that the sky required majestic dignity and grandeur.

Of course, even that was limited to clothes and her room; outside of that, she wore no notable ornaments.

’Because I shine brightly even without such things.’

It wasn’t self-praise; it was reality. She didn’t veil her face with silk for no reason.

Although she planned to reveal her identity after the final match of the Martial Arts Tournament, it was not time yet.

She carefully wrapped the bowl and chopsticks received from Grylls in a cloth.

While she lacked the means now, she intended to return them later.

’Regardless, a Three-Legged Crow...’

Before that, another matter had arisen that required attention. The Three-Legged Crow discovered by Grylls.

The Human-Faced Bird could be brushed off as a legendary creature, but the Three-Legged Crow was a mythical beast.

While not quite on the level of the Sky Whale discovered last time, it rivaled it.

’I must look into it.’

Yoo So-wol knew little about mythology. That was the result of pouring herself entirely into martial arts since childhood.

Even so, she wasn’t so ignorant as to be clueless about such vital matters. Besides, she was the type to research what she didn’t know.

Conveniently, it was break time, so borrowing a book would do. There was a bookstore nearby as well.

One might ask why she couldn’t just use the Gallery, but now was not the time.

Smart Demon had informed her that as the Central Plains absorbed minority ethnic groups, it also dismantled their beliefs.

She needed to confirm what had transpired.

"Hmm."

After purchasing an appropriate book at the bookstore, Yoo So-wol read it slowly.

Blessed with extraordinary comprehension and fully master of speed reading, she could absorb the contents entirely even while flipping through pages casually.

Only after a brief time had passed was she able to grasp the general picture.

’It is true that the Central Plains disrupted the faith of the minorities. However, it does not seem likely to trigger a major issue.’

Yoo So-wol judged calmly. It was the opposite of Smart Demon’s concerns.

Because the Heavenly Demon Cult, practically a religion, existed? That was not it.

The Central Plains—specifically the Imperial Court—though arrogant, did not reject religion entirely.

Representative examples were Buddhism and Daoism. Religions anchored by the Shaolin Temple and Wudang Sect respectively.

However, they differed from the minority faith that worshipped the Three-Legged Crow.

’The difference lies in whether there is a physical entity being worshipped.’

Buddhism and Daoism were religions emphasizing one’s own "enlightenment."

They did not clash with the Imperial Court’s creed that the sole entity worthy of worship was the Emperor.

Conversely, the Three-Legged Crow was an object of distinct worship, hence its suppression.

’Foolish.’

Yoo So-wol scoffed. She could not comprehend it.

’The sky embraces all things. Even the Three-Legged Crow is ultimately contained within the sky.’

Even a beast of myth was equal before the sky.

Symbolizing the sun? Is the sun not also a part of the sky?Visit NovelPing for the full chapter.

It was an exceedingly arrogant yet truly Heavenly Demon-like mindset. What was more interesting was that, for that very reason, her tolerance was vast.

Minorities or whatever, Yoo So-wol could embrace them all. Before the sky, everyone was equal.

’Though my benefactor is an exception.’

She turned her head to look at the potted plant. The plant was growing steadily.

Arrogant as her nature was, she revealed her human side before her benefactor.

Sometimes it was excessive, but it was Yoo So-wol’s unique way of repaying her debt.

’It is about time.’

Yoo So-wol sensed a presence approaching from outside. The guide.

It was time for her next match, so she rose from her seat.

’The bowl and chopsticks... I must leave them behind for now.’

If she had her way, she would carry them with her. However, there was a high chance they would be judged as hidden weapons.

Bringing unapproved weapons was grounds for disqualification. With eyes already locked onto her, being faulted would be annoying.

Knock knock knock—

[Are you inside? I am the Martial Arts Tournament guide.]

"I am coming out."

Yoo So-wol followed the guide with a light heart.

[Yaksha Blood Flower, Yoo So-wol wins!]

Waaaaaaaaah!!!

Naturally, she won the Martial Arts Tournament match with an overwhelming difference in skill.

If there was anything different from usual, it was the presence of eye-catching spectators.

’They came from the Imperial Court.’

Several figures from the Imperial Court were visible. Yoo So-wol realized they were keeping eyes on her.

However, since they were merely observing for now, there was no need to cross blades.

Thus, Yoo So-wol returned to her quarters with a relaxed mind.

Contrary to expectations, the bowl and chopsticks were intact.

She assumed they would deem her a target of interest and steal them, so this was somewhat surprising.

[Wild Grylls: Hello, Heavenly Demon-nim! Are you busy by any chance?]

Just as she was about to circulate her Mental Cultivation Method to rest, a message arrived from Grylls.

If it was a request from Grylls, she was willing to grant it anytime.

[Heavenly Demon: If it is your summons, anytime. What is the matter?]

[Wild Grylls: It’s nothing much, but would you like to eat some Human-Faced Bird meat?]

[Heavenly Demon: What...?]

At the mention of Human-Faced Bird meat, Yoo So-wol tilted her head.

She had tasted all manner of delicacies in the Cult, including bizarre dishes.

The meat Grylls gave her was also, in a way, included among those "delicacies."

’If it is a Human-Faced Bird... the one caught by the Three-Legged Crow earlier?’

It clearly referred to that hideously ugly bird. Yoo So-wol flinched despite herself.

No matter how grand Yoo So-wol was, there were bound to be foods she liked or disliked.

In particular, the Human-Faced Bird was rather off-putting due to its grotesque appearance.

’Yet it is food given by my benefactor. I cannot refuse it.’

Furthermore, Grylls wouldn’t give her something truly unpalatable.

Yoo So-wol’s trust in Grylls had already reached the heavens. She waited.

When she indicated she would accept, Grylls handed it over immediately.

Steam— Steam—

"Hmm?"

The Human-Faced Bird meat received in the bowl looked surprisingly normal.

The cut Grylls gave her was the breast meat. Grilled to a golden brown, it looked mouth-watering.

The distinct charcoal aroma was an added bonus. It rivaled the pork belly from earlier.

"..."

Yoo So-wol gazed intently at the Human-Faced Bird breast before taking a bite.

Surprisingly, it was not tough at all and very tender. It was like eating chicken.

In fact, despite lacking various seasonings, a far deeper flavor welled up.

’Exquisite flavor.’

Was the combination of grill plate and charcoal fire that good, or was Grylls’s cooking skill superior?

Perhaps it was both. Yoo So-wol wore a rare, gentle smile.

Serious as she was about everything, gourmet dining was something she thoroughly enjoyed.

[Heavenly Demon: Magnificent. Contrary to its strange appearance, it holds a deep flavor. Did you craft a special spice?]

[Wild Grylls: No. I just put it in the oven. The plate was just Mythricon.]

[Heavenly Demon: To whom did you give the legs?]

[Wild Grylls: I gave them to the kids.]Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping . com.

Had he given them to someone else, she might have felt slightly hurt, so this was a relief.

Feeling a subtle emotion, Yoo So-wol sent a message.

[Heavenly Demon: It feels as though I am only receiving. It is not right for me alone to enjoy such delicacies. Is there any food you wish to eat?]

[Wild Grylls: It’s alright. Grilling here will probably taste better anyway.]

[Wild Grylls: Ah! Wait, no. There is one.]

[Heavenly Demon: Name it.]

[Wild Grylls: Do you happen to have tanghulu over there?]

Tanghulu was something Yoo So-wol knew as well. However, now was not the right season.

Because tanghulu was a winter food. Selling it in summer meant the sugar syrup melted quickly.

[Heavenly Demon: Regrettably, the season does not match, so it is rarely seen.]

[Wild Grylls: Really? That’s a shame.]

[Heavenly Demon: Instead, there is a famous dumpling shop nearby. Would you care to eat those?]

[Wild Grylls: Oh! Sounds awesome!]

The moment Grylls agreed, Yoo So-wol headed outside.

Because she could never pass up what her benefactor desired.

Human-Faced Bird meat cooked for the very first time. It was tastier than expected.

The Three-Legged Crow hadn’t brought it back calling it a delicacy for nothing. Of course, butchering it was extremely unsettling.

’And I got an Inner Core while I was at it.’

I stared at the radiant Inner Core of the Human-Faced Bird.

As a legendary creature, the Human-Faced Bird also possessed an Inner Core.

It was a beast famed for preying on dragons, no less. Tyranno had been shaking in terror earlier, hadn’t he?

’Did they say dragonkin had a hard time breeding because of Human-Faced Birds?’

This was a fact I learned from the Gallery. It wasn’t that Human-Faced Birds were non-existent outside.

However, their numbers were drastically small, and their staple diet was dragonkin.

Well, from my perspective, it was just a single meal. A meal close to chicken, at that.

"Om nom nom! Nom nom!"

"Tasty?"

Currently, Wonmo was busily munching on dumplings received from the Heavenly Demon.

The other kids were the same. I had asked the Heavenly Demon for a decent portion, but she sent practically a mountain of them.

I didn’t know how much money she spent. She said it wasn’t even a speck of dust to her, so she’d manage.

’I’ll substitute sweet foods with honey.’

Bees inhabiting the World Tree consistently produced honey.

Even when I scooped some up along the way, they didn’t react at all.

Thanks to that, food supplies seemed plentiful. There was plenty of room to enjoy gourmet eating.

’Of course, slacking off like this isn’t good.’

Nothing good would come from becoming lazy. I plan to continue exploring steadily.

Since maintenance was properly completed, it would be good to set out again tomorrow.

The forest swallowed by shadows should be fully purified by now, and the stench gone.

’For that, I need the Three-Legged Crow’s help...’

I stared at the Three-Legged Crow, its stomach bulging after devouring the Human-Faced Bird meat.

It was wrapping its wings around its belly like a human, and now it had made itself entirely at home.

’The merit of being able to fly in the sky is immense.’

On top of that, contrary to its appearance, this guy was insanely strong. It could be a solid combat power.

The problem was that it possessed an arrogant disposition like the Heavenly Demon. Persuading it wouldn’t be easy.

"Ahem. Hey, buddy?"

"Kaaak!"

"Ah-ah! This noble self is no buddy! I am the glorious sun!"

Look at that. Even with Lackey translating, its speech tone is bizarre.

Still, I steadily persuaded it. If you help me, I’ll give you tasty food.

At first, it was tempted, but then stubbornly refused, perhaps due to pride.

"Kaaa-ak! Kaaak!"

"Foolish mortal! Do you dare try to win me over with food?"

"Then don’t eat it."

"...is what I would say, but the food is far too delicious. I shall grant permission."

Yeah. You should’ve done that from the start...

"...Huh? You can speak...?"

"Now that we are comrades, I shall speak."

"..."

As expected, there was no one sane in this forest.