The storm unleashed by the "Lazy Person's Version of Immortal Jumps Over the Wall" finally came to an end in an absurd and shocking manner.
Pan Yue, carrying his ridiculous faith in the Way of Cooking, fled with his tail tucked between his legs.
Meanwhile, the backyard of "Food is Heaven" had become a temporary place of culinary pilgrimage.
The chefs who had originally come to demand an explanation were now the most devout of believers.
They gathered in small groups, clutching empty bowls with entranced expressions, as if savoring some divine miracle.
They muttered under their breaths, exchanging their shattered insights into the Way of Cooking.
Lin Qingyue had absolutely no interest in this.
She finished her own portion of dinner, elegantly patted her hands, and turned her gaze toward the other protagonist, Pan Wenhuo.
At this moment, Pan Wenhuo had been completely reborn.
He stood quietly to the side, his eyes clear and bright.
The bone-deep decay that had once clung to him was swept away.
In its place was a sharp focus and a sense of rebirth, like a sprout breaking through the earth after a torrential rain.
His gaze toward Lin Qingyue was a mixture of awe, gratitude, and a trace of pilgrim-like fervor.
"How do you feel?" Lin Qingyue asked casually.
"A thousand-catty shackle has been lifted. I have never felt so light."
Pan Wenhuo's voice had grown much steadier.
"Thank you for your guidance, which has allowed me to understand the true meaning of 'The Great Dao Is Simple.' I will never forget this kindness for as long as I live."
"Alright, spare me the pleasantries."
Lin Qingyue waved her hand, pulled over a small stool, and sat down comfortably.
"As you can see, I'm the kind of person who hates trouble most," she said lazily, getting straight to the point.
"Making me wait here for seven days just to enter a competition would seriously delay our itinerary."
"However, I am somewhat interested in the champion's reward."
"So, this is how it will be."
Hearing this, Pan Wenhuo's expression turned solemn. He stood up straight and listened intently.
Lin Qingyue raised a fair finger and gave it a gentle wag.
"I can give you a few more pointers on the secret of that soup."
"As for how much you can grasp, it will depend on your own destiny."
"With this, you will go and win the championship of the Feast of a Hundred Flavors for me in seven days."
She did not say "try your best to win," but "win it for me."
Her tone suggested that the championship was already in her pocket.
Pan Wenhuo's breath suddenly quickened.
This divine skill, a veritable nuclear bomb of the culinary arts, was being so casually... imparted?
"What do I need to do after I win?" he asked, suppressing his excitement.
"When you pray to the God of Food, ask a question for me," Lin Qingyue's voice was flat.
"The whereabouts of the World Heart."
Pan Wenhuo did not understand what those words meant.
But from Lin Qingyue's calm, rippleless gaze, he could read a weight sufficient to overturn the world.
Without a moment's hesitation, he solemnly cupped his fists and bowed deeply.
His gaze was utterly resolute.
"Your Excellency has granted me a second life. What does a mere question matter?"
"Wenhuo will surely fulfill this!"
Lin Qingyue nodded in satisfaction.
"Very good. I like dealing with smart people. Do you have confidence in yourself?"
Pan Wenhuo fell silent for a moment.
He slowly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white from the effort.
The talent and pride that had been suppressed by Sloth for so long now transformed into a burning, tangible flame in his eyes.
"The old me wouldn't dare say so."
"But now..."
"I can!"
A single word, resolute and unwavering.
"Very good."
The smile on Lin Qingyue's lips deepened.
At that moment, Pan Wenhuo seemed to remember something. He solemnly took an item from his robes and offered it with both hands.
It was a feather the size of a palm.
The feather was crimson all over, its radiance flowing, its texture as clear as red jade and glazed glass.
Within it was sealed a slowly pulsating living flame, emitting a comforting warmth.
"This is..."
Lin Qingyue felt a wave of extremely pure fire elemental energy wash over her.
"The Vermilion Bird Fire Feather."
Pan Wenhuo's gaze was somewhat complicated.
"I obtained it while exploring the Vermilion Bird Ruins. All the trouble I've faced is precisely thanks to it."
He twitched the corner of his mouth, his smile full of bitterness.
"The reason I was tainted by the 'Sin of Sloth' was because I was too greedy back then, wanting to go deeper into the ruins' core to find the legendary 'Sun Fireseed'."
"In the end, although I was lucky enough to obtain a Divine Feather, I was also mentally and physically exhausted. After I returned and the strength that had been propping me up passed, I completely collapsed."
He held the Fire Feather out to Lin Qingyue.
The radiance on the feather grew even brighter, as if dancing with joy.
"I am merely a cook. Using it to control the heat of a fire is its utmost limit. But in the hands of a powerful being like you, it can truly shine."
"Please accept it. It is both a token of my gratitude and a way to put an end to my own presumptuous greed."
Lin Qingyue reached out and took it.
The moment her fingertips touched the Fire Feather, a searing yet pure stream of warmth surged into her body.
It coursed through her meridians, instantly spreading to every limb and bone!
In her spiritual realm, a high-pitched, clear phoenix cry resounded!
Her soul was bathed in a warm, flowing spring, and every cell cheered.
[ Ding! You have obtained a Legendary Grade item: Vermilion Bird Fire Feather! ]
[ Vermilion Bird Fire Feather ]
[ Quality: Legendary ]
[ Attributes: Intelligence +50 ]
[ Special Effects: Fire Element Resistance +30%, Fire Element magic effects increased by 30%. ]
[ Description: A feather from the legendary divine beast, the Vermilion Bird. It seems to contain some kind of guidance. ]
[ Remark: It seems to have sensed a kindred aura on your body. The special effects are doubled and apply to the entire party. ]
Lin Qingyue slightly raised her eyebrows.
The stat boost is just too practical.
"Thanks."
She didn't stand on ceremony and accepted it directly.
With the deal settled, everyone was happy.
Lin Qingyue let out a delicate yawn and stretched lazily, her body forming a breathtakingly beautiful curve.
Pan Wenhuo showed no reaction to this.
Of course, by Pandaren beauty standards, she probably fell into the "bony and slender" category, which wasn't very attractive.
"Alright, the deal is done, and I've eaten my fill... I'm sleepy."
Lin Qingyue patted her mouth.
"Boss Pan, thank you for your hospitality tonight. There are many rules here, and a lack of sleep will affect my condition."
Hearing this, Pan Big-Ladle was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed and scraped:
"Of course! Of course! It is this small shop's honor to have such a distinguished guest stay with us! I will go and prepare the best guest room right away!"
That night, the backyard of "Food is Heaven" returned to tranquility.
Pan Ironpaw specially prepared fruit wine, tea, and snacks, and together with Pan Wenhuo, earnestly sought guidance from Lin Qingyue.
Pan Wenhuo, like the most devout student, recorded every key point of "Lazy Man's Stewing Theory."
Pan Ironpaw brought out her own original Hundred Herbs Gastronomy Classic, a record of her insights into the Way of Medicinal Cuisine, and shared them without reservation.
"This 'Dragon-Whiskers Grass' has a cold nature, and when paired with 'Fire-Kirin Ginger,' it can neutralize dryness..."
Lin Qingyue listened intently, interrupting from time to time.
"If we replace the Fire-Kirin Ginger with another gentler-natured yang-type herb and add a neutral, nourishing fungus, could we create a medicinal dish that temporarily increases fire resistance?"
Combining the herbalism knowledge she had farmed from Baizhu with Earth's dietary therapy theories, her questions made Pan Ironpaw's eyes light up in recognition of a kindred spirit.
The two chatted more and more enthusiastically, sparks of ideas constantly colliding.
[ Ding! You have learned the core concepts of the "Way of Medicinal Cuisine" and integrated them with your own "Culinary Arts" and "Herbalism" knowledge systems. "Medicinal Cuisine Mastery" has been unlocked, allowing you to cook food with special effects. ]
-
The night was deep and still.
In front of Xia Lian, Lin Qingyue openly drew a Teleportation Array.
"I'm going back to pay my 'grain tax' and pick up some supplies."
Xia Lian's face flushed crimson instantly, and she muttered softly, "So... you're going to see Her Majesty the Queen..."
Lin Qingyue winked at her.
Ten seconds later, a flash of light flared, and she vanished.
Elven Royal Palace, within the bedchamber.
After skillfully taking care of the child, feeding her, and putting her to sleep, Lin Qingyue carried the Queen into the bathing chamber.
After a spirited battle in the bathpool, Lin Qingyue propped herself up with one hand on the soft, large bed, looking down upon Ilanier, whose delicate body lay limp, her seductive eyes shimmering like silk.
"When Cyrene came to deliver the message this morning, I thought you wouldn't be coming tonight."
Ilanier lay lazily, her white-jade fingers drawing circles on Lin Qingyue's firm, smooth chest and abdomen.
"How are you not ticklish at all?"
"The more muscle I have, the less ticklish I am."
Lin Qingyue grinned wickedly and reached out, scratching the soft flesh of the Queen's waist a couple of times.
Ilanier instantly broke her composure, her noble and elegant air vanishing as she curled up and laughed like a silly girl.
"Have you thought about your title, Your Highness the Queen Consort?"
Ilanier asked, panting.
"No," Lin Qingyue declared righteously, "I want to be the Royal Consort!"
"Titles like Beloved Consort or Queen Consort sound like they're for playing palace intrigue. I'm the type who fights with my fists!"
"Fine, have it your way..."
Ilanier offered no resistance, her eyes brimming with tenderness.
"Even if the position of Royal Consort didn't exist before, what's the harm in creating one for you now? After all, who else but my dear Royal Consort has achieved such world-shaking merit?"
The two played around for a while longer before Ilanier took an exquisite storage bag from beneath the bed.
"Here! The generous gifts I promised."
Lin Qingyue didn't stand on ceremony with this queen of a wealthy nation, reaching out to take the bag. "What good stuff is in here?"
Ilanier's hand still lingered on Lin Qingyue's muscles and soft skin, her tone tinged with a hint of boastfulness.
"A few mid and high-grade Priest Sets, ranging from Excellent to Epic. You're about to advance in rank, so these will be perfect for you."
She paused, then added.
"And, I also personally sponsored a Paladin Set for your sister. Consider it a bribe from your future 'sister-in-law' to her little sister-in-law."
Lin Qingyue glanced inside and felt a warmth in her heart.
"How thoughtful! To show my gratitude, how about I pay advance on the next few days' 'public grain' right now? I probably won't be able to come again for the next few days."
Hearing this, Ilanier's wine-red eyes instantly filled with terror.
"No, no, no! I'm scared of you!"
She waved her hands in a hurry, saying coquettishly.
"If we do this again, I really won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow!"