Xu Yuan looked up, a trace of self-mockery curling the corners of his lips.
He suddenly realized he had become a bit too engrossed in his role.
After all, his initial intent had been to use the so-called Washboard Saintess merely as a tool.
No one is heartless; even seven years with a pet animal can breed affection, let alone with his companion through thick and thin, Tianyan.
With that thought, Xu Yuan irritably tugged at the hair at the back of his head, then smiled wryly.
In his previous life, he had been accustomed to fleeting relationships, to fast-food-style love, to the thrills of one-night stands—accompanying Tianyan in a slowly developing pure romance in this life was not entirely unacceptable.
this was only within the Illusionary Realm...
Today’s meal at Xu Yuan’s home was hot pot.
An exquisite porcelain pot was placed over the bonfire inside the cave, its bubbling broth releasing waves of ’gurgling’ that mixed with the ’crackling’ of the fire; the spicy red soup infused with various seasonings wafted its fragrance throughout the cave.
Assorted Demonic Beast meats were arranged on both sides of the pot, each piece the most precious essence from Integration Body stage beasts.
He sliced, seasoned, plated, and laid them out on both sides of the table. Xu Yuan then took out several jade boxes from his Sumeru Ring.
The jade boxes opened.
Wafts of medicinal aroma spread from within.
These treasures, acquired through bloody battles, some could nourish the Sea of Consciousness, others could enhance one’s power, all of them rarities seldom found on the market.
After preparing everything, Xu Yuan turned his gaze toward the motionless girl.
He found that the Washboard Saintess really had a temper.
He had forgiven her, yet there she was, still sulking.
Shaking his head slightly, Xu Yuan sat down on a cushion before her, retrieving two pairs of white jade ivory chopsticks.
A pair for her, a pair for himself.
Once everything was in place, he didn’t call out to Tianyan but began eating on his own.
Tianyan remained sitting, unmoved.
Xu Yuan, on the other hand, ate while observing her.
When she first entered the Illusionary Realm, Tianyan had already lost the habit of consuming food. Yet, over seven years, Xu Yuan had successfully reintroduced her to the myriad of modern culinary practices.
Life should be celebrated with ritual.
Now, Tianyan too cherished the ceremonial aspect.
Since he had added mountain and sea peppers to the broth today, the whole pot was still a bit too spicy for Xu Yuan, even a Primordial Realm cultivator.
But that’s what hot pot was all about—the spiciness.
"Smack smack... sss... Hah..."
"Smack smack... Sss..."
Tianyan suddenly stood up.
She cast her a glance.
He also gave her a look.
"Did you poison it?" she countered.
Xu Yuan chuckled softly and gestured with his chopsticks towards the opposite seat.
Tianyan huffed coldly and silently knelt down opposite him.
Xu Yuan naturally added some slices of meat and medicinal vegetables to her bowl, whispering softly,
"Eat more, it’s all prepared for you. My cultivation won’t benefit from it, and after this meal, we’ll have to enter Sword Casting Valley. It might be quite a while before both of us can..."
Tianyan placed her small hand on her knee, looking up at him, "... Why are you still so good to me?"
"Ah?" Xu Yuan was taken aback, his chopsticks halting as he looked at her exceptionally beautiful face, "What?"
Tianyan’s golden eyes, pure and clear, stared intently at him.
"With the way you operate, shouldn’t you be cutting losses by now?"
Xu Yuan placed the medicinal vegetables onto her bowl with his chopsticks, laughing softly,
"Cutting losses? Where did you hear that term?"
Tianyan mockingly retorted,
"Minister Xu must have a short memory."
"Hmm, seems I must have mentioned it myself," he mused.
Xu Yuan lightly shook his head, drew back his chopsticks, and spoke solemnly,
"Cutting losses isn’t easy; affection knows no reason, that is why it deepens. I do have feelings for you, and moving on will likely take some time."
Tianyan pursed her lips, picked up a white jade chopstick, and elegantly placed a piece of green vegetable into her delicate mouth, chewing thoughtfully,
"How long will it take?"
Xu Yuan, eating meat leisurely, replied methodically,
Tianyan’s heart tightened, her grip on the jade chopsticks subconsciously strengthening,
"Yes, a month if it’s soon."