In the Bamboo Grove on Cold Moon Peak, an earthenware pot sat on the stone table, bubbling and steaming.
Long Yan'er crouched beside it and stirred with a wooden ladle. The broth had already simmered to a milky white.
The aroma of spirit beast meat mingled with the sweetness of medicinal herbs, rising with the steam and drifting throughout the courtyard.
She had grown taller now. As she crouched there, her ponytail hung down to her waist, and an occasional drifting bamboo leaf landed on her shoulder.
Lin Shisan sat down at the stone table and accepted the bowl of soup Long Yan'er handed him.
"Master's Master, taste it and see if it's salty enough. I added hundred-year lingzhi and goji berries. They can soothe the mind and nourish your qi."
Long Yan'er crouched beside the stone table with her hands braced on her knees, looking up at him.
Lin Shisan lowered his head and took a small sip. The broth was warm and rich on his tongue. The savory spirit beast meat and sweet medicinal herbs melted across his tongue and slipped down his throat into his belly. Warmth rose from the pit of his stomach and spread through every limb and bone, making his whole body feel much more at ease.
"Mm, just right. The seasoning couldn't be better."
"Hehehe..."
Long Yan'er grinned, revealing a little pointed canine, exactly as she had three years ago.
"Then have another couple of bowls, Master's Master. There's more in the pot. Grandmistress, I'll get you a bowl."
"Mm, all right, Yan'er. Just a little."
Zi Yuner handed her bowl over.
Feng Xian'er emerged from the Bamboo Hut, sat down at the stone table, and poured herself some tea. In no hurry, she held the cup and sipped slowly.
After two bowls