Xiao Ran looked Mo Ju up and down. She was almost unrecognizable.
Before, Mo Ju had reminded him of Nie Xiaoqian from A Chinese Ghost Story. Now she had the air of the Old Lady, more like the head of a household.
It wasn't just her appearance that had changed. Mo Ju's strength had also undergone a tremendous transformation since their last meeting.
Xiao Ran could clearly sense that Mo Ju was no weaker than him.
At least, without using [Dragon Abyss], he probably wouldn't be able to keep her in check.
Mo Ju rolled her eyes at Xiao Ran and said to a maid beside her, "Tea."
Soon, the tea was brought to Xiao Ran.
Xiao Ran looked up at Mo Ju, puzzled. On the maid's tray sat three cups of tea.
"Go on, try them. They're all new teas we've made here. I don't know if you'd call them local specialties."
Mo Ju pointed to the cups in front of Xiao Ran and looked at him expectantly.
Xiao Ran picked up the cup on the left. The tea inside was water, yet it looked like fire and carried a distinctive scent of dates and honey.
He took a sip. A rich, honeyed fragrance spread across his lips and tongue, and the moment he swallowed, Xiao Ran felt a change.
You consumed the C-class Cursed Object [Fire Orchid Fragrance]. Permanent Strength +5. Effective only for first-time tasters. You consumed the C-class Cursed Object [Fire Orchid Fragrance] and gained Privilege: Fire Rabbit High Illumination. Immune to fire damage below C-class; reduces C-class and higher fire damage by 50%. Duration: 22 hours.
A flicker of surprise crossed Xiao Ran's eyes as he read the prompt.
"Excellent tea."
He set down the cup, picked up the one in the middle,