Although Ji Yuan had never held himself in particularly lofty regard, no matter what, he had long since truly become one with the Dao. Simply cooking a dish, he would never lose to any of the finest chefs under heaven. Besides, the ingredients were exceptionally extravagant.
Using the fish Old Dragon had brought, supplemented with the other ingredients from the small pavilion, he made a heaping basin of Winter Mustard Greens Stewed Fish in a white jade bowl slightly smaller than the stone table. He also steamed a pot of rice, and then the group gathered in the courtyard to eat.
"How does it taste? Ji's cooking hasn't gotten rusty, has it?"
Ji Yuan stretched his limbs and was the last to pick up his bowls and chopsticks. Within the fragrant small courtyard, everyone seemed quite pleased.
"Savory and fresh, with sweetness amid the freshness—truly a dish of the highest grade!"
Old Dragon carried his bowl as he tasted it, lavishing praise upon Ji Yuan's cooking.
Hu Yun, at the side, had no time to speak at all. Holding his bowl of rice, he wildly shoveled down Winter Mustard Greens and fish meat, both cheeks puffed out. Getting a meal like this was no easy matter—once in a thousand years. He had to eat more, and only managed to mumble, "Tasty."
Lord Lu carried his bowl and picked up dishes with his chopsticks. Though he looked refined on the surface, his heart was brimming with excitement. As he chewed, happiness filled him to the brim. This was the first time he had eaten food made by Honored Master.
"Honored Master, of all the dishes this disciple has tasted, this is the finest!"
"Mother Jujube also thinks it is extraordinarily delicious!"
Mother Jujube held her bowl and ate with the greatest