"This batch tastes even better than the last."
Xia Zhi set his spoon down.
"Really?"
Xiangling couldn't help but ask.
"Mm. I adjusted the technique a little this time. But you all probably shouldn't taste it right now—if you do, you won't have room for anything else."
"Got it!"
The girls nodded eagerly, though they still couldn't stop themselves from swallowing a few mouthfuls of drool.
After all, the scent inside the kitchen was so much richer than the one in the main hall.
Xia Zhi placed the lid back over the jar.
…
In the hall, the rich aroma in the air slowly began to dissipate.
Just like last time, everyone was starting to lose focus.
Especially Kirara. Though she kept her head down and tried her best to stay calm, the two tails behind her simply wouldn't settle down, swaying nonstop.
As each minute ticked by, the clock finally struck twelve.
"Lunch time!"
Diona's bright and energetic voice rang out from the kitchen.
Everyone immediately perked up, bustling around to help set the table.
There were even more people dining today than on New Year's, with both Kirara and Yelan joining in. So Xia Zhi had made even more dishes to match.
Aside from a few favorites that had been requested, the rest of the menu was completely different from the last feast.
Xia Zhi stepped out of the kitchen.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Xia!"
"We're all friends here. On this day of Lantern Rite, simply being able to gather like this is more than enough."
"Mhm!"
Diona went around pouring drinks for everyone.
Zhongli raised his cup, eyes resting on Xia Ci and Xia Zhen on the opposite side of the table, along with several Adepti beside them. A trace of sentiment surfaced in his gaze.
To think, there really would come a day when old companions could gather again like this.
Even though not everyone was here yet… who could say what the future might hold?
"Mr. Xia."
"Hmm?"
"A toast to you."
"You're too kind, Mr. Zhongli. Here's to the school being completed soon. Once it opens, I hope you'll pay extra attention as Vice Principal."
"Of course."
"And Vice Principal Ningguang as well."
"Naturally."
Cups clinked, and the mood around the table quickly grew lively.
Even Yaoyao had two drinks—her little cheeks flushed bright pink, looking adorably rosy.
Baizhu, now rid of his earlier exhaustion, was glowing with vitality once more.
The two Adepti had successfully nabbed drumsticks this time.
Delicious.
They were both visibly pleased.
Last New Year's, they'd lost out to Guoba, and had been grumbling about it ever since. If they missed out again today, they might've had to kick their blankets off in frustration all year.
Guoba stared in stunned silence, tilted his head, then went to munch on something else.
To him, everything was tasty!
Xiao ate at a steady pace, but was starting to feel full.
He glanced at Mountain Shaper beside him. He wanted to ask for a digestion pill, but felt a little awkward about it.
Better to wait until he sees Mountain Shaper take one first.
Five minutes passed.
Ten minutes passed.
Mountain Shaper was still shoveling food down like there was no tomorrow—not a hint of fullness in sight.
Xiao fell silent.
Seriously? I know you were shoveling dirt all night, but I spent the whole night fighting monsters too. We both pulled all-nighters—how can you two eat this much?
Just then, Zhongli gently set his chopsticks down, the soft clink against the bowl breaking the silence.
Mountain Shaper paused and instantly caught on to the silent cue from their leader.
The Geo Archon was full.
Without hesitation, he pulled out the small medicine bottle Baizhu had given him and discreetly passed it under the table.
Zhongli accepted it without a word and gave him an approving nod.
Truly considerate.
Xiao observed the whole exchange and gave it some thought.
Then, he followed suit and put down his chopsticks.
Mountain Shaper turned and smiled, handing him two pills. "Tch, you could've just said so. Here."
Xiao: "…"
He felt like his Yaksha dignity had just been thoroughly trampled.
Whatever. No point arguing. Eating came first.
Xiao popped the pills.
A sweet and tangy flavor burst on his tongue.
Almost immediately, the fullness in his stomach began to fade away.
Baizhu really was a miracle worker.
Once the dishes on the table were mostly finished, Xia Zhi stood up and said a quick word to everyone before heading back into the kitchen with Xiangling.
Everyone instinctively stopped eating and turned to watch the kitchen.
There was an unmistakable sense of anticipation in the air.
Soon, Xiangling emerged, effortlessly carrying out the heavy jar.
"Gods' Temptation is served!"
"Yay!"
As the lid came off, a blinding light shot out.
An unbelievably rich, almost mystical aroma surged through the room.
And then—
Gulp.
A chorus of synchronized throat-swallowing echoed.
Xiangling chuckled and began ladling portions for everyone.
Ganyu pressed her lips together, casting a wistful glance at the jar before lowering her head to focus on her bowl of vegetarian food.
Xia Zhi walked out just then, carrying a covered dish, and went straight to Ganyu's seat.
She looked up, slightly startled.
"Mr. Xia… this is?"
"Last time was my first attempt at Gods' Temptation, so I didn't properly consider your needs. I hope you'll forgive me."
"N-No, it's alright! You don't have to go out of your way… it's my own issue…"
"But this time, I prepared a special dish for you—made using the same techniques, but fully vegetarian."
"A vegetarian… Gods' Temptation?"
"You could call it that. But I prefer the name Hundred Herbs Broth."
Xia Zhi placed the dish on the table and lifted the lid.
Another wave of radiant golden light spilled forth.
[Hundred Herbs Broth]
Quality: Gold
Type: Consumable
Property: Vegetarian
Effect: A strange and exquisite dish made using one hundred rare plant ingredients, crafted with the skills of a culinary grandmaster. The more dedicated the vegetarian, the better it tastes.
Hidden Effect: Prepared using a full gourmet cookware set. Grants longevity.
Non-recyclable.
Xia Zhi smiled gently. "Miss Ganyu, please enjoy."
Inside the dish was a vibrant green soup that seemed to shimmer with life.
It gave off a fresh and invigorating aroma.
To Ganyu, it was even more tempting than the fragrance of Gods' Temptation.
I want to eat it! I really want to eat it!
Her cheeks flushed as she picked up the spoon. "Thank you, Mr. Xia. I'll gladly accept."
One spoonful—
And Ganyu instantly went blank.
She felt as if she had tumbled into a meadow of a hundred herbs, where every blade of grass was filled with clean, delicious energy.
"It's incredible…"
After all, Hundred Herbs Broth was highly effective for vegetarians. For someone like Ganyu, who had been one for centuries, its potency rivaled that of Gods' Temptation for Morax himself—especially since this version included Melk Stardust.
The others were now digging into their bowls of Gods' Temptation, and just like before, fell into a dreamy stupor.
The room fell into a quiet haze of bliss.
Xia Zhi looked around, smiling as he saw everyone's dazed, enraptured expressions.
Yes. This is what I was hoping for. Not a single person missing.
After a while, everyone began to return to their senses.
"Mr. Xia's cooking is truly divine!"
"You flatter me. If you like it, feel free to help yourselves to seconds."
"Mm!"
---
Join my Patreon for early access to 100+ chapters and to support my work: Patreon.com/rivyura