"Indeed, I do bear that title." Huang Di nodded slightly, sending gentle ripples across the water.
"Would you like a serving of delicious red soil...?"
It persistently invited him again, as though this were the best hospitality it could think of at the moment.
"Have you seen my Dog Shun and Tuozi?" Yan Huan did not respond to the offer of red soil, asking directly as his gaze swept over the other Earth Beasts leisurely soaking in the bath.
"I have not." Huang Di shook its head, the rough skin around its neck rubbing together with a faint rustling sound.
"Would you like a serving of delicious red soil...?"
It asked for the third time, its eyes earnest.
"..." Yan Huan lowered his gaze and focused once more on the dark-colored, fine-textured soil in the wooden basin. His nose twitched as he carefully sniffed the subtle scent drifting through the air.
"Why do I smell chocolate?" He frowned and looked at Huang Di suspiciously. "Is your red soil pure? You didn't mix anything into it, did you?" He was reminded of certain pet treats.
"It is merely a matter of personal taste..." Huang Di explained, absentmindedly stirring the soil in the basin with its forelimb.
"During the long Years, one must find something to add variety."
"I mix minute amounts of grindable aromatic plant roots with specific minerals, then bake them over special earthfire... This does not affect its essential nature as the essence of the earth."
Yan Huan folded his arms, his expression grave.
"But dogs can't eat chocolate."
"..."
Huang Di fell silent, its amber eyes fixed on Yan Huan for several seconds.
It took a deep breath, then raised its voice slightly.
"Savior... do not pick a fight..."
Its deep voice echoed by the bath.
"I am