Full Moon

Full moon Sizzle!

Billowing white smoke churned. The fish skin wrinkled and yellowed, releasing a charred fragrance as it fried in the scalding oil. In the iron box beside it, faint sparks drifted, searing the white flesh.

Ta Ta Kai used his left paw to turn the iron pan, expertly flipping the Treasure Fish, while his right paw opened the wire grill, picked up a brush dipped in oil, and basted the grilled fish over the charcoal fire.

One mind for two tasks, two different methods—he was exceptionally skilled at both.

The Great Beaver, who had been gnawing wood intently, set down the strip in his paws and drooled. The little River Otters of Scarface's family caught the scent, curled into furry balls, formed a little line, and rolled rumblingly in from the yard. Long Li, passing through the courtyard, felt playful and tripped one with her foot, then stood on tiptoe and scared off the River Otter that had straightened up and lunged at her with snapping teeth and claws.

Fist and Round Head in the pond both craned their necks in anticipation, waiting for the fish bones left after the divine lord's meal.

Practice made perfect.

After thousands upon thousands of Big Fish had gone into the pan,

Ta Ta Kai's fish-cooking techniques had reached perfection.

His control of the heat, sauces, and technique was unmatched. Even someone who did not like fish would feel three parts tempted to take a bite.

Leaning back against a Vine Soldier as he waited for the feast, Liang Qu reached into his leather pouch and rolled Mermaid Tears between his fingers one after another, as though fingering Buddhist prayer beads.

Above his head, the Tree Soldier gently fanned its branches. While casting green shade to obscure the sunlight, it also wafted