Inside the cave, the two sat facing each other.
Qian Renxue silently helped Xiao Tianyang bandage his wound without uttering a word.
After a long while, the wound was finally dressed, and Xiao Tianyang, sensing the awkward atmosphere, broke the silence. "Aren't you hungry?"
"Not really," Qian Renxue replied coldly, her expression frosty.
Xiao Tianyang withdrew his hand, flexing it slightly, before a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "In that case, let me treat you to a taste of my culinary skills."
At his words, Qian Renxue's eyes lit up. She fixed her gaze on him, her beautiful eyes narrowing slightly. "Is that recipe book causing a stir in Heaven Dou City these days yours?"
"You could say yes, or no," Xiao Tianyang replied with a half-smile, his eyebrows raised teasingly.
"Speak clearly," Qian Renxue demanded, her tone sharp, a dangerous aura emanating from her.
Xiao Tianyang felt the pressure and couldn't help but swallow hard. If it were before, when she was still a Soul Emperor, he wouldn't have been intimidated—he might even have been able to overpower her.
But now, Qian Renxue had stepped into the realm of a Soul Saint. Not only had her cultivation undergone a qualitative leap, but her seventh soul ring, derived from a 60,000-year-old Golden Flame Tiger Bear, added immense pressure.
Simply put, even if her seventh soul ring had been obtained through normal means, it would still exert some pressure on him, though not overwhelmingly so. But now, Qian Renxue's strength had at least doubled compared to before.
The real reason, however, was that he was simply too lazy to deal with her.
Thus, he raised his hands in surrender and answered honestly, "That recipe is a medicinal diet compiled by Xiao San and me. Oh, Xiao San is Tang San."
"So, you put that cookbook up for auction?" Qian Renxue's lips curled into a faint smile. "In that case, you must be quite wealthy now, right?"
"Ahem, the cookbook was stolen before the auction. I'm just as helpless about it," Xiao Tianyang shrugged. "Besides, do I look like someone who's short on money?"
Qian Renxue had initially intended to probe him, but his response left her frowning slightly.
She didn't need to think too deeply—after all, if he had won all his matches in the Great Spirit Arena back then, he wouldn't be lacking in funds.
Moreover, with a Super Douluo backing him, it would be laughable to claim he was short on money.
Yet, ever since the cookbook surfaced, Qian Renxue had harbored suspicions about the matter.
She couldn't shake the feeling that it was somehow connected to Xiao Tianyang. Otherwise, she wouldn't have rushed to Shrek Academy (previously Blue Tyrant Academy) immediately after someone ambushed Chrysanthemum Douluo.
Wasn't it simply because she suspected him?
But now, hearing his answer, it seemed her suspicions might have been a bit far-fetched.
A person with such extraordinary cultivation talent—if he were equally exceptional in other areas, it would be almost terrifying.
With that thought, Qian Renxue relaxed her furrowed brows and looked at Xiao Tianyang. "Then what are you waiting for?"
Xiao Tianyang was momentarily stunned but soon nodded with a smile. "Okay. I'll get to it right away."
With that, he turned and walked toward the cave entrance, where he began setting up kitchen utensils and ingredients, eventually lighting a bonfire.
Meanwhile, Qian Renxue watched his figure, her beautiful eyes filled with uncertainty.
"With his talent, no one on the continent will be his match in the future. As long as he's well-protected, that woman's plans won't succeed..."
Her eyes hardened with resolve at the thought.
Half an hour later, a tantalizing aroma filled the air.
Qian Renxue, who had been meditating to calm her mind and adjust her state, suddenly opened her eyes and inhaled deeply.
"It smells amazing..." The moment the words left her lips, she blushed faintly.
Despite her privileged upbringing, where she had never lacked for fine food or clothing, she had never been so absent-minded as to utter such a remark.
Just then, Xiao Tianyang returned, carrying a tray.
"What did you make?" Qian Renxue asked, her confusion evident as she eyed the dish on the tray.
"It's called Steak Wellington, one of my specialties," Xiao Tianyang explained, placing the tray on a flat stone. He then took out a knife and fork, slicing off a piece.
Instantly, the aroma, previously sealed by the pastry, wafted out, causing Qian Renxue's eyes to glaze over momentarily.
Xiao Tianyang's culinary skills were indeed extraordinary because of which Qian Renxue had let her guard down completely around him.
That's one of the reason for loosing her composure so easily. Another reason was Xiao Tianyang himself.
Otherwise, if an enemy were to serve her this dish and attempt to cut it in front of her, the result would undoubtedly be that enemy being sliced in half...
Qian Renxue pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "I've never heard of it..."
"Now that you have heard of it, give it a try," Xiao Tianyang interjected, placing a piece directly into her mouth.
Qian Renxue was momentarily stunned, then shot him a reproachful glance. After all, she was a young girl—how could he be so ungentlemanly?
But in the end, she couldn't resist the temptation and began to chew.
As her eyes gradually brightened, Xiao Tianyang smiled slightly. "How is it? Not bad, right?"
Swallowing the bite, Qian Renxue nodded faintly. "It's delicious."
"Glad you like it. It's all yours," Xiao Tianyang said, standing up and turning to leave.
"Where are you going?" Qian Renxue asked, momentarily taken aback. She had been about to ask what he would eat but changed her question upon seeing him leave.
"Just stepping out for a moment. Do you want to come too?" Xiao Tianyang turned back, feigning surprise.
Qian Renxue's face flushed instantly, and she glared at him.
Xiao Tianyang chuckled and walked out of the cave.
Sitting on a stone ledge at the cave entrance, Xiao Tianyang took the opportunity to focus on his system interface.
The earlier state, followed by the teasing and intimacy after waking up, had left him with no time to check. Then, cooking had taken up the rest of his time.
Only now, while Qian Renxue was eating, did he have a moment to spare.
After all, once she finished her meal, wouldn't it be better to talk, share a few jokes, and keep her in good spirits?
Host: Xiao Tianyang
Physique: Pure Body
Strength Level: Level 43 [Soul Ancestor]
Soul Skills: Myriad Transformations Fire, Fire and Ice Heart Lotus, Burning Sky Shackle Formation, Soul Flame Magma
Soul Bones: Xuanjing Phoenix Wings, Right Arm Bone of the Earthquake God Bull
Martial Souls: Scythe of Judgment, Ancient God Eye, Emperor Flame
Expertise Attributes: Cooking Master, Firearms Master, Combat Master, Physical Strength Master
Draw Value: 12,344
Then, a prompt appeared on the system interface.
Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the main quest [Fourth Soul Ring]!
Reward obtained: Level 2 Lottery x1!
…
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