Xu Jiujiu Gently took a small bite of the barbecue, and the moment the delicate meat melted on the tip of her tongue, her eyes widened slightly.
It was a taste feast that she had never experienced before.
The rich Soul Power and deliciousness contained in the Dark-Gold Terrorclaw Bear meat itself are completely stimulated by the blessing of [Baida·Soul Cumin]. The outer layer is slightly burnt and crispy, but the inside remains surprisingly tender and juicy.
What's even more wonderful is Lin Ciyan's perfect fire control - that weak but precise "fire" power can unknowingly process every fiber of the meat just right.
"This..." Xu Jiujiu subconsciously took another bite, her movements half a minute more eager than before, but she soon returned to her usual elegant rhythm.
She chewed it carefully, her blue eyes shining with surprise and enjoyment.
Lin Ciyan looked at her reaction, with a knowing smile on his lips.
He casually handed over another bowl of milky-white mushroom and wild vegetable soup. "Try it with this."
Xu Jiujiu took the soup bowl, which was simply carved from wood, blew it elegantly, and then took a sip.
The warm soup enters the throat, and the ultimate umami flavor brought by [Baida·Xianweisu] blooms in the mouth instantly. The fragrance of wild mushrooms and the slight sweetness of wild vegetables perfectly blend, which just right neutralizes the greasiness of the barbecue.
"Well..." She couldn't help but let out a sigh of satisfaction, and then she realized her gaffe, her cheeks were slightly red, but she couldn't hide the joy in her eyes.
Lin Ciyan sat back down naturally and continued to flip the fish on the grill. His tone was as casual as if he was chatting with a friend he has known for many years. "Eat slowly, there are still a lot of them. This fish was just caught from the creek, it's fresh."
"Master Lin... your craftsmanship is really amazing." Xu Jiujiu put down the soup bowl, wiped the corners of his mouth gently with a napkin, and restored the dignified posture of a royal princess, but the true appreciation in his eyes did not fade away.
"I admit I have tasted a lot of delicacies, but it is rare that such simple ingredients can produce such rich flavors."
"Thank you, it's just some wild tricks." Lin Ciyan took off the grilled fish, sprinkled some seasonings, divided it into two halves, and handed half to Xu Jiujiu, "Try this, be careful with the stabbing."
His movements were natural and smooth, without deliberately trying to please or pretending to be reserved and distant, as if all this was just an ordinary sharing.
Xu Jiujiu took the grilled fish, this time she was no longer polite.
The golden and crispy fish skin, the snow-white and tender fish meat, paired with Lin Ciyan's special sauce, is a brand new taste experience.
The two of them sat by the campfire by the stream, one cooking and feeding casually, the other tasting and enjoying elegantly, and the atmosphere was unexpectedly harmonious.
"Master Lin said he is from the Star Luo Empire, but his accent doesn't seem very much like a Star Luo City local?" Xu Jiujiu asked seemingly casually while taking a small bite of fish.
Her words were soft but filled with quiet inquiry.
Lin Ciyan's face remained unchanged, and he naturally said the words he had prepared, "My ancestors left Star Luo Empire in his early years, traveled around the mainland, and finally settled abroad."
"My generation is half a Star Luo Empire person. When I come back this time, I also want to see the place where my ancestors lived."
This is half true and half false. Elder Lin was indeed born in the Star Luo Empire, and later became Mr. Shrek.
"I see." Xu Jiujiu nodded without going into details. She was more interested in the person in front of her.
"Young Master Lin is young, but Soul Power is quite accomplished in cultivation. I wonder where he learned from him?"
She could vaguely feel the restrained but pure Soul Power fluctuations in Lin Ciyan, which were definitely not something ordinary Soul Master could have.
Coupled with his calm and indifferent demeanor, and his cooking skills that even amazed her - this is by no means a simple travel Soul Master.
"It's just family education, not worth mentioning." Lin Ciyan smiled and cleverly changed the subject, "Miss Xu, on the other hand, has extraordinary temperament and good conversation. She must have an extraordinary background. Traveling alone in this wilderness?"
Xu Jiujiu flashed a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
The other party obviously saw that her identity was not simple, but he did not point it out, let alone use it to cling to her. Instead, he expressed concern in this euphemistic way.
"There are elders nearby." She didn't hide it, but she didn't elaborate either, she just smiled.
"It is also a good experience to occasionally leave the familiar environment, walk alone, see different scenery and taste different food."
"Indeed." Lin Ciyan nodded in agreement and added firewood to the bonfire. "Sometimes, the most beautiful scenery and the most authentic taste are found in those inconspicuous corners."
These words seemed to have some meaning, Xu Jiujiu heard it, and his heart moved slightly.
The two of them chatted while eating like this, and the topics slowly expanded from food to the customs and customs of various places, Soul Master's insights into spiritual practice, and even their views on some mainland situations.
Xu Jiujiu was surprised to find that this young Soul Master, who seemed casual and lazy, often had unique and profound insights, and his words revealed a transcendent transparency.
Especially when he talked about spiritual practice, his concept of "Relaxation Domain sees the true chapter" inspired Xu Jiujiu.
As a royal princess, she has heavy responsibilities on her shoulders. She has been required to work hard and be the first in everything since she was a child.
Lin Ciyan's "relax and let nature take its course" attitude is a completely new perspective for her.
As the communication deepened, Xu Jiujiu found himself becoming more and more relaxed.
The reassuring aura of the other party made her unknowingly let go of many of the burdens of a royal princess, and her speech became more casual and natural.
She even took the initiative to talk about some interesting things she encountered when she went out to hunt for the fourth Soul Ring. When she talked about being excited, her eyebrows curved, showing a bit of liveliness that a girl should have.
Lin Ciyan is mostly a listener. Occasionally, he can add a few well-timed comments or humorous ridicule, which can always make Xu Jiujiu smile knowingly.
All this was seen by Nebula Douluo Man Yi who was hiding in the dark.
This Titled Douluo level protector is currently hiding in the shadow of an ancient tree a hundred meters away, his spiritual power covering the river bank like an invisible spider web.
Her brows frowned slightly, and her heart was full of doubts and vigilance.
Based on her cultivation level, it can be seen that Soul Power of Lin Ciyan is about at the peak of Soul Elder. At such an age, having such cultivation level can be called a genius, but it does not surprise her too much.
What really matters to her are two things:
One was the strange aura on that young man's body.
It was not a deliberate Soul Power pressure, but a more essential kind of light and peace that seemed to originate from the origin of life.
Under the influence of this aura, even she felt a little calmer, let alone the princess who was closer. This is definitely not a trait that ordinary Martial Soul can possess.
The second is the reaction of Her Royal Highness the Princess.
Man Yi looked at Xu Jiujiu, watched her grow up, and knew that although this little princess appeared gentle and polite on the surface, she was actually proud on the inside, had a very high vision, and always maintained a just right distance from strangers.
But at this moment, she smiled so naturally in front of the young man, and even took the initiative to share her experience...
"This boy is not simple." Man Yi thought to himself.
She sensed carefully, but found no sign that Lin Ciyan was actively using Soul Skill or Mental Interference.
That aura seemed to come naturally from him.
"Either he is so gifted, or... his cultivation is far beyond his performance, and even I can't fully see through it." Man Yi's eyes became a little sharper. She secretly strengthened her monitoring of Lin Ciyan, Soul Power was slowly circulating in her meridians, ready to take action at any time.
But after observing for a long time, she did not feel any malice or calculation from Lin Ciyan.
The boy's eyes were clear, his demeanor was magnanimous, and he always maintained the right sense of propriety in his interactions with the princess.
More importantly, Her Royal Highness looks really relaxed and happy.
Man Yi It's been a long time since I've seen her smile so unburdened.
"That's all, as long as he doesn't hurt Jiujiu, the rest... we'll observe for the time being." Man Yi finally made a decision.
She still focuses most of her attention on protecting the safety of the princess, but her vigilance against Lin Ciyan has not relaxed.
On the river bank, a bonfire crackled.
Xu Jiujiu finished eating the last bite of the grilled fish, wiped his hands with unfinished content, and looked at Lin Ciyan with a sincere smile in his eyes, "Mr. Lin, this meal is the most special and delicious meal I have had in these years. Thank you."
"As long as Miss Xu likes it." Lin Ciyan put away the tableware and moved calmly, "It is a chef's honor to have someone appreciate his craftsmanship."
"I should pay you." Xu Jiujiu took out an exquisite light gold card from Storage Soul Tool. The edge of the card was inlaid with fine star-shaped gems, and there was an elegant crown pattern in the middle.
"This is the 'Star Brilliance Chamber of Commerce' VIP card owned by the Star Luo Imperial Family. With this card, you can enjoy a 30% discount when spending at any Star Brilliance Chamber of Commerce store within the Star Luo Empire, and you can also obtain information from some special channels."
She placed the card on the clean stone between the two of them and smiled, "The value of this meal is far more than money."
"This card is a piece of my mind. Of course, if you need Gold Soul Coin, I can also..."
"This card is very good." Lin Ciyan did not refuse and collected it generously.
He really needed some information and channels from Star Luo City, and this card came at the right time.
"Then I won't be polite."
Seeing him so calm, the appreciation in Xu Jiujiu's eyes became even stronger.
She stood up and adjusted her skirt elegantly. "It's getting late, I should go back. What are Mr. Lin's plans next?"
"Walking around Star Luo City and seeing the elegance of the imperial capital." Lin Ciyan also stood up and said casually.
"If Mr. Lin encounters any trouble at Star Luo City, or needs help, you can take this card to 'Star Moon Teahouse' in the west of the city." Xu Jiujiu left these words and gave Lin Ciyan a deep look.
"Hope... we can meet again."
"We'll meet again if we are destined." Lin Ciyan smiled and nodded.
Xu Jiujiu said no more, turned around and left along the forest path he came from, his long golden hair glowing softly in the afterglow of the setting sun.
It wasn't until her figure disappeared deep into the woods that Lin Ciyan slowly sat down, playing with the Starlight VIP Card in his hand, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Star Moon Teahouse... It seems that this princess is quite a wonderful person."
He sensed that the powerful aura that had been locked here gradually faded away as Xu Jiujiu left.
"Titled Douluo Protector... is indeed a core member of the royal family."
"Then, regarding Soul-Devouring Engraving Knife, maybe we can really use this line to try."
He put away his VIP card and looked in the direction of Star Luo City.
The bonfire gradually extinguished and the forest returned to silence.
But an encounter that started with delicious food may have quietly created new causes and effects in the dark.