Telling Tales of Shrouding the Heavens

Xiao Yao ignored the murmurs below and slowly walked up to Xun'er. The corners of his lips lifted slightly as he smiled. "Xun'er, you're next. Maybe your test result will even be higher than mine."

Hearing Xiao Yao's words, a trace of shyness appeared on Xun'er's face. She said softly to him, "How could it possibly be higher than Xiao Yao's? Xiao Yao, if I reach the Dou Practitioner realm tonight, will you tell me a new story?"

Looking at Xun'er's adorable face, Xiao Yao affectionately rubbed her head. "Of course. As long as Xun'er reaches the Dou Practitioner realm, I'll make something delicious tonight and tell you a good story while we enjoy the food."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan hurriedly chimed in, "Really? Brother Yao, you're telling a story tonight? Then I'll be there on time. Xun'er, do your best! Whether we get to hear a new story tonight depends on you."

"Cousin Xiao Yao, um... can I come along too?" Xiao Mei softly asked, twisting the corner of her clothes.

"It's fine. If you want to come, then come along."

After hearing the tester call her name, Xun'er took a deep breath and gracefully walked onto the testing platform.

Looking at the black stone tablet before her, Xun'er extended her small hand, revealing an arm as fair and tender as a lotus stem, then lightly touched the tablet.

Her body trembled slightly on the testing platform, as though she were merging with her Dou Qi.

Everyone present held their breath and quietly watched Xun'er's performance.

A short while later, dazzling light appeared on the stone tablet once more.

"Dou Practitioner: One Star!"

The tester nodded in satisfaction. "Miss Xun'er, this is your first test this year, and the result is excellent. Keep up the good work."

Amid everyone's cheers, Xun'er walked down and looked at Xiao Yao with a grin. "Xiao Yao, I did it! Tonight, I'll be waiting for you to make something tasty."

"Then let's head back first." Xiao Yao reached out, took Xun'er's little hand, and led her toward his family's small courtyard.

Night fell, and a gentle breeze swept away the daytime heat, bringing a faint chill. The distant mountains flickered in and out of view beneath the twilight, as if shrouded in a mysterious veil.

With practiced movements, Xiao Yao took an iron rack from his storage ring and set it steadily on the ground. He then pulled out the barbecue grill and special gridded meat rack he had previously bought from the System Supermarket. After lighting the charcoal, dancing flames gradually spread, preparing everything for the barbecue.

Next, Xiao Yao neatly arranged the beast meat and various ingredients he had prepared earlier on the grill.

Relying on his experience and instincts, he adjusted the positions of the ingredients to ensure every piece of meat would be heated evenly.

As the charcoal fire gradually grew hotter, the ingredients began to sizzle. Their fragrance spread through the entire courtyard.

From time to time, Xiao Yao dipped a brush into specially prepared seasonings and evenly coated the ingredients, allowing the flavors to soak in more thoroughly.

Watching Xiao Yao skillfully grill the meat and smelling its drifting aroma, Xun'er could not help swallowing. "Xiao Yao, is it ready yet? I want one of the honey-flavored grilled meats from before."

"Not yet. I know you like sweet things. You'll be able to eat it soon."

Xiao Yao expertly turned the ingredients, ensuring each side was grilled to perfection. Flames danced over the charcoal, adding an enticing sheen to the food.

After a while, Xiao Yao looked at the nearly cooked meat and drizzled a layer of honey over it. Under the searing flames, the honey seeped into the beast meat.

Xiao Yao handed the honey-flavored grilled meat to Xun'er.

Just then, Xiao Yan and Xiao Mei entered, their arrival breaking the courtyard's original tranquility.

Xiao Yao looked up at them with a smile. "You're here. Perfect timing—you can try the meat I just grilled."

Xiao Yao placed the cooked meat onto separate plates, drizzled them with sauce, and handed them over.

Xiao Yan took the grilled meat and lightly bit into it. His eyes immediately lit up. "Mm, it's exactly the sweet-and-spicy flavor I like. Brother Yao's grilled meat never gets old."

Xiao Mei also took a bite, and a blissful smile appeared on her face. "Cousin Xiao Yao, your grilled meat is really delicious, and this honey sauce has such a special flavor too."

"As long as you like it. I'll make more delicious food for you in the future." After saying that, he got busy again, continuing to grill the remaining ingredients.

At that moment, a young woman walked in. She had a tall, slender figure and long legs.

She looked at Xiao Yan and the others, her brows knitting slightly as though she were somewhat displeased.

With her hands on her hips, she stood before Xiao Yan. "Xiao Yan and Xiao Mei, well, well. You two actually came to eat grilled meat without inviting your cousin."

Xiao Yao froze briefly, then recognized her. "So it's Cousin Xiao Yu. We only decided to do this on a whim. We didn't expect you to come."

Xiao Mei also greeted her with a smile. "Cousin Xiao Yu, we were just about to invite you. Who knew you'd find your way here yourself?" Her tone carried a hint of playfulness.

Hearing them, Xiao Yu's expression softened somewhat. "You two little brats, tell me ahead of time next time, or I'll really get angry." She shot them a glare, pretending to be upset.

Xiao Yao and the others hurriedly apologized. "Sorry, Cousin Xiao Yu. We'll definitely tell you in advance next time." As he spoke, he picked up another piece of grilled meat and handed it to Xiao Yu. "Here, try this. I guarantee you'll like it."

Xiao Yu accepted the grilled meat and took a light bite. Instantly conquered by its fresh and delicious flavor, she immediately revealed a satisfied smile. "Xiao Yao, your grilling skills are truly incredible. With this skill alone, you'll definitely make countless girls fall for you."

Xiao Yao smiled and continued grilling. After a period of patient waiting and careful tending, this batch of ingredients was finally ready.

He used a spatula to remove the cooked food and placed it on the plates beside him, preparing to share the delicious meal with them.

After Xiao Yao and the others had eaten and drunk their fill, Xun'er rested her chin in both hands and smiled at Xiao Yao. "Xiao Yao, what do you think we should do after filling our stomachs? Hehe."

"I knew you wanted to hear a story. Fine, fine. I'll tell you a brand-new one."

Xiao Yao cleared his throat and began in a deep, magnetic voice, "At the beginning of the story, the protagonist, Ye Fan, was forced to board the Nine Dragons Pulling a Coffin, leaving his homeland behind and entering a bizarre world of cultivation. It changed the course of his life and altered his entire destiny.

"Riding the Nine Dragons Pulling a Coffin, he eventually arrived at the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land. The story begins here..."

As Xiao Yao's tale unfolded, various expressions appeared on Xiao Yan and the others' faces.

Some had curiosity and anticipation shining in their eyes, while others seemed somewhat nervous and worried.

They were all deeply drawn into Xiao Yao's story, as though they had already entered that bizarre world of cultivation.

Watching everyone's reactions, Xiao Yao thought that his story had indeed caught their attention easily. Next, he could continue telling it and help them better understand that world and Ye Fan's fate.

Thus, Xiao Yao began recounting Ye Fan's adventures and experiences in the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land.

He told of how Ye Fan fought all kinds of powerful enemies, how he unraveled one mystery after another, and how he gradually climbed toward the pinnacle.

His voice was deep and magnetic, every word filled with power and emotion. His narration made everyone feel as though they were in that world themselves, experiencing those thrilling adventures alongside Ye Fan.

As the story deepened, Xiao Yao finally said, "After enduring countless hardships and growing stronger, Ye Fan set out on the road home.

"Yet after more than twenty years had passed, everything had changed. The deaths of his loved ones plunged Ye Fan into despair. He felt that his efforts of over twenty years had turned to nothing, and he was lost about the future as well."

Xiao Yao said to them, "We'll stop the story here for now. I'll continue it when I have time later."

When the story ended, Xiao Yan and the others were all immersed in deep shock.

They felt as if their souls had suffered a powerful impact, as though that world had already conquered them.

Watching everyone's reactions, Xiao Yao could not help feeling that he truly had the potential to be a storyteller.