The rich, intoxicating aroma of searing wild mountain leeks, ginger, and diced crystal-mantis meat completely overpowered the ambient, damp smell of the pearlescent mist.
"More heat, Zechuan," Ji'an commanded, not looking away from the sizzling pan.
Sitting cross-legged on the obsidian floor directly across the fire pit, Shen Zechuan dutifully raised his finger as a highly controlled sliver of abyssal energy funneled oxygen directly into the coals, causing the flames to roar higher, kissing the bottom of the iron wok in a perfect, uniform sear.
"Is this adequate, Ji'an?" Zechuan asked, his dark, bottomless eyes entirely focused on the fire, his face glowing in the orange light.
"Perfect. Hold it there," Ji'an replied, tossing the wok one last time before pulling it off the heat.
She portioned the spicy, steaming stir-fry into two deep ceramic bowls, handing the larger portion to the abyssal prodigy.
