Zhen Hua's Small Canteen

Zhen Hua's small dining room.

It was not large, only about twenty square meters, with a single round table and simple furnishings, appearing plain and unadorned.

"Have a seat, I'll go prepare the meal," Mu Ye said, turning toward the kitchen.

Zhen Hua quickly called out after him, "Chef, remember to make something substantial today!"

"I know."

Mu Ye didn't even turn his head, responding as he stepped into the kitchen.

"Elder Han, let's sit."

Zhen Hua greeted him courteously, pulling out a chair with the hospitality of a host.

"Mm."

Han Tianyi nodded slightly, his expression calm as he took his seat with composure.

Soon, everyone gathered around the round table.

After Fang Lin sat down, Na'er obediently stayed by his side, her violet eyes curiously scanning the surroundings.

It was her first time in this small dining room, and everything seemed fresh and interesting to her.

Before long, the sound of rhythmic, precise chopping drifted from the kitchen, followed by the faint hiss of a heating wok and the sound of Mu Ye humming a soft tune.

Once this Body Douluo entered the kitchen, his entire demeanor became relaxed and cheerful.

Not long after, Mu Ye emerged.

He had changed into a white chef's uniform.

With his sleeves rolled up to his forearms, he looked clean and sharp, a completely different person from before.

The first dish was served: Millennium Earth Dragon Tendon.

A small portion of a whole Millennium Earth Dragon Tendon, stewed for who knows how long, was soft and glutinous, its color crystalline and translucent, rich with flavor.

The second dish was Deep Sea Millennium Tuna.

On the plate lay over thirty long strips of fish meat, displaying a deep, dark blue hue.

The surface of the fish shimmered with a fresh luster, as if it had just been pulled from the deep sea.

The third dish was Red Jade Shrimp.

On a massive tray, fifteen red items were arranged neatly. They looked somewhat like shrimp, but their size was astonishing.

These fifteen shrimp were blood-red throughout, radiating a warm, jade-like luster from within the red.

The shrimp bodies were plump and round, the shells carefully removed to reveal only the crystalline, translucent meat.

Though there were no heavy seasonings, a rich, sweet aroma already filled the air, making one's mouth water.

Following this, Mu Ye brought out a pot of Moonlight Rice.

The moment the lid was lifted, a faint, silvery-white glow met their eyes.

The grains were crescent-shaped, plump and crystalline, each one distinct, emitting a soft, silvery-white light.

This rice was produced in the bitter, cold lands of the Far North, harvested only once every three years, and was extremely rare.

The three dishes and the pot of Moonlight Rice filled most of the round table.

With their color, fragrance, and taste, the mere presentation was enough to whet anyone's appetite, and the room was filled with an enticing aroma.

Zhen Hua was the first to pick up his chopsticks, greeting them with a chuckle, "Come, come, don't be polite, eat while it's hot!"

"If it gets cold, the taste will be far worse."

As Han Tianyi, Zhen Hua, and Mu Ye began to eat, Fang Lin finally picked up a piece of Red Jade Shrimp and placed it into his mouth. The moment the meat touched his tongue, he froze slightly.

The texture was springy and smooth, the fresh, sweet flavor blooming in layers across his palate.

He barely needed to chew before the shrimp meat melted in his mouth.

A wave of warm spiritual energy then surged down his throat, flowing slowly along his meridians, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.

It didn't feel like eating a meal; it felt more like consuming some rare heavenly treasure.

"Delicious!"

Fang Lin's eyes lit up, and the word escaped his lips.

Seeing this, Na'er mimicked Fang Lin, picking up a piece of Red Jade Shrimp and putting it into her mouth.

She took a cautious little bite at first, then her eyes brightened as if she had discovered a remarkable treasure.

She began to eat in small bites, her cheeks puffed out like a kitten that had stolen a fish, her face full of satisfaction, her violet eyes curving into crescents.

Han Tianyi picked up a piece of Earth Dragon Tendon, chewed it, and nodded slightly.

Although he didn't speak, his expression clearly showed a hint of approval.

Zhen Hua ate with gusto, holding a bowl of Moonlight Rice in one hand and a King Crab Leg in the other.

He devoured the food with immense pleasure, letting out satisfied sighs from time to time.

Mu Ye, by contrast, ate with composure; he picked at his food unhurriedly and occasionally shoveled a mouthful of Moonlight Rice.

Watching the others wolf down their meal, a faint smile played on his lips.

For a chef, the greatest compliment is not spoken in words, but seen in the diners' non-stop chopsticks.

Before long, the table of delicacies had been swept clean as if by a storm.

Not even a drop of sauce remained on the plates, and the bottom of the Moonlight Rice pot had been scraped completely clean.

"Senior Brother, your cooking is truly incredible."

Fang Lin set down his chopsticks and said sincerely, "This is the best meal I have ever had."

"That's right, Senior Brother, your cooking is simply amazing," Na'er chimed in, her expression still lingering with a sense of wanting more.

Although Na'er had not joined the Body Sect, as a disciple of Han Tianyi, it was only natural for her to address Mu Ye as Senior Brother.

From Han Tianyi to Mu Ye, no one felt this was inappropriate.

Mu Ye nodded, observing the satisfied, reminiscent looks on their faces.

He smiled faintly, his tone gentle, "Feel free to come by often when you have time; I can cook for you again."

"Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Fang Lin and Na'er said in unison, their voices filled with joy.

Mu Ye seemed to recall something; he reached out, produced two storage rings, and handed them to the pair. "Here, here, one for each of you."

"Senior Brother?"

Fang Lin took the ring, feeling somewhat puzzled.

He did not understand why his Senior Brother was suddenly giving them these.

Seeing this, Na'er was also confused; she blinked her purple eyes, looking from the ring to Mu Ye.

"These storage rings are filled with ingredients."

Mu Ye explained, his tone indifferent, "There are about thirty pounds in each ring."

He paused, then added, "Eat as much as you like. If you run out, just come back and ask me for more."

"Cultivation consumes a lot of energy; you mustn't neglect your bodies."

Upon hearing this, Fang Lin probed the storage ring with his spiritual power and saw various rare ingredients neatly arranged inside.

Millennium Earth Dragon Tendon, Deep Sea Tuna, Red Jade Shrimp, and other meats and vegetables he couldn't name—every item was of top-tier quality and brimming with spiritual energy.

"Senior Brother, this..." Fang Lin said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Just take them."

Mu Ye waved his hand, his tone brooking no refusal. "These things would just sit there otherwise, and I can't eat that much on my own."

"You young people are still growing; you should eat more good food."

Besides, he glanced at Zhen Hua, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly, "This old thing Zhen Hua is always mooching off me anyway; I'm happy to give them to you."

Zhen Hua rolled his eyes at this and huffed indignantly, "You cook, if you're going to give them away, you don't have to drag me into it."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Fang Lin and Na'er acknowledged him and tucked their storage rings away.

"Oh, right."

Mu Ye remembered something else; he took a small notebook from his storage ring and handed it to Fang Lin. "Take this, too."

"Senior Brother, what is this?"

Fang Lin took the notebook, feeling curious.

"These are my Chef's Notes. They record some of my insights on cooking, as well as methods for processing ingredients and pairing techniques," Mu Ye said, his tone casual.

"Senior Brother, this is too precious, I can't..." Fang Lin began, moving to return it to Mu Ye.

"If I tell you to take it, then take it."

Mu Ye cut him off, his tone unquestionable. "You are a disciple of the Body Sect, which makes you my Junior Brother."

"Passing these skills to you isn't leaking them to outsiders; it's perfectly reasonable."

He paused and said earnestly, "Cultivation is certainly important, but there is more to life than just cultivation."

"If you know how to cook, at the very least, you won't go hungry."

Mu Ye smiled again and added, "Besides, if you ever have someone you like in the future..."

"Cooking a meal for her is more effective than saying a hundred sweet words."

As soon as these words left his lips, the tips of Na'er's ears turned a faint red, but she quickly recovered, so fast that no one noticed.

Holding the notebook, Fang Lin felt not just the texture of the paper, but the heavy weight of Mu Ye's kindness.

"Senior Brother, I will definitely study hard," Fang Lin said solemnly.

Mu Ye nodded, the smile on his lips deepening.