Chapter Thirteen: When Do You All Start Eating?

The next morning, the gentle sunlight softly caressed Gu Xuan’s face. Outside the window, birds sang joyfully, weaving a lively morning song. Gu Xuan gradually awoke, feeling an invigorating energy surging through his body; the pain from yesterday had vanished without a trace.

He slowly sat up and looked around, spotting Yao Qianqian sitting gracefully in midair inside the room. Her slender figure was draped in a flowing blue robe that fluttered lightly in the breeze. Her eyes were closed, her expression serene, fully immersed in the cultivation of refining profound energy.

“Awake already?” Yao Qianqian’s voice was like a spring breeze, gentle as always.

Gratitude filled Gu Xuan’s eyes. “Senior sister, the wounds on my body have completely healed. It must be your meticulous care last night—such great kindness, words cannot express my thanks!”

Yao Qianqian slowly opened her eyes, a soft light flickering within them before she floated down to the floor. Elegantly, she walked to a stool and sat, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She teased, “Good to know. Now come quickly and offer your senior sister a cup of tea.”

Gu Xuan dared not delay. He quickly jumped off the bed and hurried to the table in three strides. Picking up a teacup, he poured a steaming cup of fragrant tea for Yao Qianqian.

“Senior sister, please have some tea...” After handing it over, he took a seat nearby, his gaze marked by both restraint and respect.

Yao Qianqian accepted the cup, took a light sip, then set it down. Her expression suddenly grew serious. “Young man, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Seeing her solemn demeanor, Gu Xuan immediately straightened, his face serious. “Senior sister, speak freely. I will answer without reservation.”

A brief cough escaped her lips as she nodded slightly, one hand unconsciously touching her mouth. “Young man, I want to ask—when do you eat around here? I’m starving…”

Gu Xuan was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter that filled the room.

Yao Qianqian’s face flushed crimson. Both embarrassed and annoyed, she reached out and twisted Gu Xuan’s ear.

“You brat, why are you laughing?”

Gu Xuan winced in pain, baring his teeth as he begged, “I’m sorry, senior sister! Show mercy, please!”

He clasped his hands together, looking genuinely remorseful.

Only then did Yao Qianqian release him, shooting him a glare.

“I thought someone as powerful as you wouldn’t care for worldly things... I was careless. I’ll prepare something for you right away.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle softly, a hint of helplessness in her voice. “Are you dumb? The situation’s different now—we’ve all come out of the barrier. Who would want to starve when they can eat properly?”

Scratching his head with a sheepish grin, Gu Xuan said, “Senior sister, I’ll cook a sumptuous meal personally to properly thank you for saving my life!”

Without another word, he dashed out the door.

Soon enough, Gu Xuan returned like a skilled waiter, bringing dish after dish of aromatic delicacies until the table was filled to the brim.

Yao Qianqian stared at the feast, her mouth watering uncontrollably. Her eyes sparkled, fists clenched tightly, her voice trembling with excitement.

“It’s been a thousand years! A whole thousand years! I can finally have a proper meal…”

Her eyes reddened suddenly, tears shimmering within.

“Senior sister, please try my cooking...” Gu Xuan barely finished before Yao Qianqian dove for the table.

She grabbed her chopsticks and, with lightning speed, scooped a large piece of meat into her mouth, her cheeks puffing out like little balloons.

She devoured the food while mumbling indistinctly, “Delicious, so delicious...”

Her ravenous eating suggested the dishes might vanish into thin air any second.

Feng Xuan, standing nearby, quietly murmured, “Skillful…”

He was utterly stunned by Yao Qianqian’s sudden display of ravenous appetite, standing dumbfounded.

“Boy, I didn’t expect you to be such a good cook. Well done—you won’t have done all this for nothing. Later, I’ll tell you about a few herbs you need to find. If you can refine them into a profound pill, your cultivation will definitely advance at least one rank.”

Yao Qianqian spoke while continuing to eat.

“Thank you so much, senior sister,” Gu Xuan said, his heart bursting with joy. Unconsciously, he fell into deep contemplation.

“If what senior sister says is true, after taking the profound pill, I should be able to break through to the fourth rank of profound energy. Then, in the upcoming family competition, I might stand a chance... Ah, I must sincerely thank Ling’er. If she hadn’t kindly told me about the Spirit Gathering Herb back then, how would I have gotten such a rare opportunity?”

Filled with gratitude and hope, Gu Xuan turned around and looked up.

“Senior sister, does this meal suit your taste...?”

Before he could finish, his smile froze, his eyes wide with astonishment.

The previously lavish table was now completely bare, as if raided.

In mere moments, every dish had been devoured.

Yao Qianqian calmly licked her lips, her gaze lingering with unspoken satisfaction, as if savoring the fleeting beauty of this feast.

Gu Xuan was stunned for a long moment before recovering, cautiously asking, “Senior sister, do you feel full? If not, I can prepare some more immediately.”

Yao Qianqian snapped out of her reverie, realizing her earlier gluttony was somewhat unbecoming. Her cheeks flushed as she turned away slightly and cleared her throat, feigning composure.

“I usually watch my figure, so this amount is enough. Clean up here first, then bring me paper and brush; I’ll write down the list of herbs you need.”

Gu Xuan eyed her doubtfully. “Are you sure you don’t want more, senior sister?”

“Oh, just clean up when I tell you to. No need to talk so much!”

As she spoke, Yao Qianqian raised her hand again.

Unexpectedly, Gu Xuan moved swiftly and tidied the place in an instant. He also placed paper and brush before her.

Yao Qianqian sat down, organizing the materials as she explained.

“This place is not territory of the Yao clan. Without special techniques and a third-rank profound pill, your cultivation won’t improve here. But don’t worry. With these herbs, I can refine a Spirit Gathering Pill to help you advance.”

Curious, Gu Xuan asked, “Spirit Gathering Pill? Senior sister, is it very powerful?”

Yao Qianqian raised her brow, her expression indifferent.

“Not particularly. It’s just a third-rank profound pill.”

Gu Xuan thought silently, having seen much in this new city but never heard of a Spirit Gathering Pill before, let alone that it was a third-rank pill.

Yao Qianqian glanced at him, about to write.

“Is there a place for trading herbs in your city? Take this list and try to find them. These herbs are rare in a small city like yours; you’ll probably have to inquire in larger places.”

Gu Xuan quickly replied, “Senior sister, we do have such a place—the Xin Yu Commerce Association. It’s the largest trading institution here, often holding auctions where priceless treasures appear. To be honest, before meeting you, my father even instructed me to find profound pills there to improve my cultivation.”

A spark of delight flashed in Yao Qianqian’s eyes.

“In that case, this will be much easier.”

She swiftly wrote down three herb names.

Gu Xuan leaned over and read aloud, “Moonshadow Grass, Fire Spirit Flower, Ice Heart Lotus.”

Yao Qianqian nodded. “Correct. You’ll need three of each. Together with the Spirit Gathering Herb, you can refine a third-rank profound pill called the Profound Spirit Pill.”

She paused then patiently explained, “Though the Spirit Gathering Herb is a third-rank herb, its potency is fierce. With your current cultivation, if you force yourself to take it, you won’t be able to withstand the powerful medicinal force.”

Gu Xuan listened attentively, admiration shining on his face.

“Senior sister, you are truly amazing. I admire you completely!”

Yao Qianqian lifted her chin proudly.

“Are you starting to see me in a new light? From now on, you better cook me good food often, and I won’t let you down.”

“Of course! Senior sister, you know everything. I look forward to your guidance!”

Gu Xuan grinned, eager to please.

“Senior sister, I fully believe the Spirit Gathering Pill will help me advance. But in this whole city, I’ve never heard of anyone who can refine a third-rank profound pill. Even if I gather the materials, if I can’t find an alchemist, it will all be for nothing.”

Yao Qianqian looked surprised.

“What? Didn’t I tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Gu Xuan was equally puzzled.

Yao Qianqian lightly tapped Gu Xuan’s head, annoyed.

“I can refine pills myself. Why would I need to find someone else? You really are slow to catch on.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Xuan’s eyes lit up with joy. He stood respectfully and bowed deeply to Yao Qianqian.

“Senior sister, you are indeed extraordinary and formidable. Without delay, I will head to the Xin Yu Commerce Association and find the three herbs you need.”