Xue Xi heard the commotion and immediately came out, still holding a half-cut carrot. Seeing her disciple's bewildered expression, she smiled and opened her arms. "Welcome, my silly disciple. Don't you recognize your master?"
Hearing the familiar teasing from the person before her, Tang Xiaoyou's eyes instantly reddened. She ran over in three quick strides and wrapped both arms tightly around Xue Xi's waist, whining pitifully, "Master, I nearly never got to see you again. If Venerable Shi Huo hadn't arrived in time, I'm afraid—"
Xue Xi stroked her disciple's ear-length hair and reassured her, "All right, it's fine now, isn't it? From now on, just stay here in Chaos City and cook with me. When your master's skills have advanced greatly, we'll travel the universe together and taste every dish under the heavens! How does that sound?!"
Tang Xiaoyou smiled through her tears. "All right! I'll work hard too!"
At that, Venerable Shi Huo, who had been watching nearby, shook his head like a rattle. "Shopkeeper Xue, don't even think about it until you can fully protect yourself. I've heard that the Zerg Mother Empress, the Machine Race Father God, and Dream Demon Ancestor—all the most powerful beings—have announced that if they get the chance, they'll personally kill you. Giant Axe Founder is still adventuring in the Tilted Peak Realm, and no one can protect you anywhere other than the Initial Universe. You must be extremely cautious about going out!"
Xue Xi hugged Tang Xiaoyou and nodded. "Don't worry, Venerable Shi Huo. I treasure my life more than anything. Oh, right, here's your payment."
With a wave of her hand, eighteen bowls of prepared Tofu Pudding floated in front of Venerable Shi Huo. Xue Xi clearly heard the heavy breathing of the people around them. Venerable Shi Huo furrowed