Huo Yuhao placed the last carefully prepared dish on the long table covered with a simple, elegant tablecloth. It was steamed sea bass; the fish meat was as white as snow, dotted with tender green scallion shreds and bright red chili rings. The steaming broth was crystal clear and exuded a faint, refreshing fragrance. Immediately after, he brought over a plate of golden, crispy roasted rabbit meat. The skin was roasted to perfection, and the grease gleamed alluringly under the sunlight.
Tang Ya's nostrils flared slightly. Her bright eyes were fixed on the delicacies on the table, and her fingers, clutching her chopsticks, tightened and then relaxed unconsciously. She held back the urge to dig in immediately and snuck a glance at the elegant Jiang Nannan beside her, trying hard to maintain a lady's demeanor. However, the subtle act of swallowing her saliva repeatedly betrayed the longing in her heart.
Jiang Nannan's gaze lingered on the exquisite dishes, and a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes. The plate of emerald, stir-fried seasonal vegetables was arranged in the shape of a lotus flower, accompanied by radishes carved into the shape of a jade rabbit. The surface of the grilled fish was scored with delicate patterns, every cut showcasing the chef's dedication. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Such exquisite cuisine is rarely seen even at the banquets of royal nobles."
"Hello," Jiang Nannan bowed slightly, her voice soft and pleasant. "Are you two Furina and Huo Yuhao? Tang Ya mentioned you to me on the way here." Her gaze lingered on Furina for a moment, attracted by her unique aura—it was a special presence that was both noble and approachable, both distant and warm.
Furina nodded gently, a gentle smile blooming on her lips. "That's right. Surely Tang Ya mentioned our intention to invite you to join the Axis Cult." As she spoke, her fingers brushed lightly against the edge of her teacup, her movements elegant and natural.
Jiang Nannan looked slightly surprised. "She didn't go into detail about that. But when she came to find me, she did mention there was something important to discuss, and even said it was a wonderful opportunity."
Tang Ya stuck out her tongue in embarrassment and pressed her hands together in an apologetic gesture. "I'm sorry. I was in such a rush at the time, and I thought it wouldn't be too late to explain once everyone was gathered." Her gaze drifted unconsciously toward the fragrant plate of roasted rabbit meat again, her eyes filled with longing.
Furina made an elegant "please" gesture. "It's fine. Why don't we enjoy the food while we talk?" She sat down first, her skirt spreading out like flowing water.
"That should have been done ages ago!" Tang Ya responded immediately, picking up her chopsticks impatiently. "Yuhao's cooking is truly amazing; just smelling the aroma is irresistible. I don't think even those great nobles get to eat such exquisite dishes often."
Huo Yuhao smiled modestly. "Actually, it's not that exaggerated. In our Axis Cult, everyone can learn these culinary skills." As he spoke, he carefully served dishes to everyone.
"Really?" Tang Ya opened her eyes wide in surprise.
Furina took over the conversation, her tone carrying a hint of pride. "This is all thanks to the careful guidance of our little culinary genius. Although others might not be able to match the dishes Yuhao cooks himself, the taste is absolutely top-notch." She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and brought it to her mouth with elegant movements, a look of appreciation flashing in her eyes.
"Does that mean if I join the Axis Cult, I can eat such delicious food often in the future?" Tang Ya asked excitedly, her chopsticks already poised to strike.
Bei Bei shook his head helplessly, his tone filled with doting. "My dear Sect Master of the Tang Sect, Teacher Tang Ya, are you joining the Axis Cult just for this food?" As he spoke, he thoughtfully picked up a piece of rabbit meat that Tang Ya had been staring at for a long time and placed it in her bowl.
Tang Ya answered righteously. "That's just one of the reasons! Besides, what's wrong with being able to enjoy such delicious food? The joy of life should come from food, after all!" She finally couldn't resist, carefully took a bite of the rabbit meat, and immediately narrowed her eyes in happiness.
Bei Bei laughed in spite of himself and turned to look at Jiang Nannan, finding that she was also amused by Tang Ya's antics.
"Anyway, let's get back to the point." Jiang Nannan restrained her smile and said seriously. "Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Jiang Nannan, and my Martial Soul is the Soft Bones Rabbit; its quality isn't very high. My family is poor, and I don't come from a noble background. Even if I join the Axis Cult or the Tang Sect, I fear the help I can provide will be very limited." As she said this, her fingers rubbed the hem of her clothes unconsciously, revealing her inner anxiety.
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