Seeing that Nezha still did not understand, Zhuang Yan explained, "These ingredients are all rare treasures. The spirit mushrooms and immortal vegetables Fellow Daoist Lu Hanzhi gathered, the spirit birds and Spirit Beasts the Fire Spirit True Immortal and Lan'er hunted—it would be such a waste to miss them."
Lan'er then set the seasonings and a pot of fragrant oil before Nezha. Catching its scent, Nezha blurted out, "Is this Suhe Sesame Oil?"
The Fire Spirit True Immortal nodded. "Exactly. Elder Guangde of Tianci Temple presented it to the Divine Lord at the beginning of the year."
Zhuang Yan taught Nezha how to mix his dipping sauce, then personally swished a slice of meat for him. "It tastes even better dipped in this." He added teasingly, "Don't worry. None of these spirit creatures possess intelligence, so the Buddha will not blame you."
Nezha laughed. "The Buddha is my father. Why would he punish me?" With that, he picked up the meat, dipped it in the sauce, and put it into his mouth. Sour, sweet, fragrant, and spicy flavors immediately blossomed over his tongue. Though the broth was hot enough to kill an ordinary mortal, it was just right for immortals.
"Wonderful!" Nezha's eyes shone as he began feasting heartily.
Once he had finished eating, Zhuang Yan handed him a cup of chilled fruit wine. "Try this."
Nezha took it and drank, immediately feeling ice and fire intertwine as the fruity aroma collided with the lingering spice between his lips and teeth. He tipped back his head and drained the cup, saying with satisfaction, "Refreshing! Mortal flavors really are the finest."
Zhuang Yan laughed loudly. "Everyone, don't stand on ceremony. Dig in."
At his words, everyone raised their chopsticks. Each person had a jar of fruit wine, which they drank and