The aftermath of Fatty Wu's victory echoed through the alleys and streets of Skyveil City, lingering like the sweetness of the Black Pearl Rice Pudding that had sealed his triumph.
Tian Hao, his voice hoarse from cheering, watched Fatty Wu's flushed face, his laughter ringing out above the crowd. The sight of his friend holding the shimmering cooking tools, the way Fatty Wu's eyes glistened with disbelief and joy—it stirred something deep in Tian Hao's chest. His heart swelled, and he couldn't stop the smile spreading across his face.
Every cheer, every congratulatory shout, felt like a tribute not just to Fatty Wu, but to all their shared struggles. The energy in the marketplace was infectious—laughter and celebratory shouts blending with the symphony of a hundred conversations.
“You did it, Fatty! You actually did it!” Tian Hao yelled as he pushed his way through the throng of people to reach his friend. He threw an arm around Fatty Wu’s broad shoulders. “The first Skyward Lotus disciple to win the Celestial Conclave cooking competition! How does it feel to be a legend?”
Fatty Wu, his cheeks flushed, still holding his new cooking tools, could only laugh in response. “I never imagined it would go this way,” he admitted. He looked down at an ornate ladle in his hands, its surface shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow. “These tools… they’re incredible. They’ll help me take my craft to the next level.”
Tian Hao patted his back with such force that Fatty Wu had to steady himself. “Next level? With those, you’re going to surpass all the realms of culinary cultivation. Imagine it—the Divine Chef of the Skyward Lotus Sect! People will write songs about your broth and odes to your dumplings.”
Fatty Wu’s laughter was interrupted by a familiar voice. “A legend, perhaps. But one victory doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels.”
Lin Mei stepped into view, her arms crossed, her eyes flickered as they lingered on Fatty Wu—pride evident in the way her gaze warmed, but there was a hint of tension too, her brows subtly furrowing, as if she could already see the paths this victory might lead them down. Despite her words, a smile played on her lips. “Congratulations, Fatty. You did well… better than I expected.”
“Is that your way of saying you were worried about me?” Fatty Wu teased, his grin widening. Lin Mei rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away.
“Don’t push it, Fatty. Just take the compliment,” she said, though there was no sting to her words.
“Alright, alright. I’ll take it.” Fatty Wu bowed slightly. “I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to worry about starting fights with other sects. That’s more Tian Hao’s domain, isn’t it?”
Lin Mei’s smile tightened, and she shot Tian Hao a look. “Yes. Unfortunately, it seems our young master here has a knack for drawing attention—the kind of attention that doesn’t always lead to prizes.”
Tian Hao waved a dismissive hand, his grin never faltering. “Come on, Mei Mei. It’s all part of the game. Besides, you didn't see the way those Pure Path disciples looked at me! I’m practically an enlightened master to them now.”
Lin Mei shook her head, though she couldn’t completely mask her smile. “'Enlightened Master', troublemaker… it’s a thin line, Tian Hao. You’re always dancing on it.”
“That’s what makes life interesting,” Tian Hao replied, throwing a wink her way. He turned back to Fatty Wu, his voice quieting slightly. “But really, Fatty Wu. You showed everyone today what a Skyward Lotus cultivator can do. You’ve done more than just make great food—you’ve earned the sect respect.”
Fatty Wu nodded, his grin giving way to something more sincere. “Thanks, Tian Hao. I couldn’t have done it without you two backing me up. This victory… it’s for all of us.”
“Then let’s celebrate properly!” Tian Hao announced, his voice suddenly loud again, his energy bouncing back. He gestured toward the street, where vendors were still selling all manner of treats and trinkets. “We’ve got a prize to spend and a reputation to live up to. The Skyward Lotus Sect doesn’t just win—we revel in it!”
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Fatty Wu’s laughter was infectious, and even Lin Mei couldn’t suppress her smile.
They made their way through the busy market. Vendors called out to them, recognizing Fatty Wu as the victor, offering discounts or free samples in exchange for his endorsement.
“Try this, Master Chef!” a vendor shouted, holding out a skewer of caramel-glazed fruits.
Fatty Wu took it with a gracious bow, savoring the taste. He closed his eyes dramatically, nodding slowly. "Ah, exquisite! The caramel is like a kiss from the heavens, and the fruit itself? A burst of celestial sweetness that could make even an immortal weep. Truly, this is the kind of treat that brings enlightenment one bite at a time!"
Jiuwei, perched on Tian Hao's shoulder, rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh yes, truly an enlightened culinary genius. If only more cultivators spent their time perfecting desserts instead of martial arts, we'd be free of all worldly troubles by now," she said, her tiny voice dripping with sarcasm.
Fatty Wu chuckled, breaking off a piece of the caramel-glazed fruit and offering it to her. "Here, Jiuwei. Surely even you can't resist a taste of enlightenment."
Jiuwei sniffed, but her eyes narrowed as she eyed the fruit. After a moment's hesitation, she snatched it from his hand. Taking a bite, her expression softened almost instantly as the sweetness melted on her tongue. "Fine... it's passable," she said, trying to maintain her aloofness, though a pleased purr escaped her throat.
Lin Mei stayed close, her gaze occasionally drifting to Tian Hao. She watched him laugh and joke, his carefree nature lighting up the evening, but she couldn't shake the tension in her chest.
A smile lingered on her lips, but beneath it, a knot of unease twisted tighter. 'Tian Hao… you make it all seem so easy, like we’re just here for the fun of it,' she thought, her brow furrowing slightly as her eyes flickered to the crowds around them.
'This isn’t just fun rivalry,' she thought, her fingers tensing at her side. 'This is the kind of escalation that could bring us face to face with forces we’re not ready to deal with.'
She forced her smile to stay in place, but the knot remained, heavy in her chest, refusing to loosen.
As the night wore on, they found themselves on the upper floor of a small pavilion overlooking one of Skyveil City’s busy squares. The lanterns around them swayed gently, their light casting soft, flickering patterns across the ground. Tian Hao leaned against the railing, his gaze fixed on the sights and lights of the city.
“What a night,” he murmured, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. “This is what it’s all about, right? The journey, the wins, the memories with friends. Makes all the trouble worth it.”
Fatty Wu nodded in agreement, but it was Lin Mei who spoke, her voice softer, more thoughtful. “Just remember, Tian Hao… every action has consequences. While tonight was a win, there are some forces that won’t take kindly to our actions. We need to be ready for what comes next.”
Tian Hao turned to her, his smile still there but tempered by understanding. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know, Mei Mei. We will be. Together, we’ll face whatever’s waiting for us. But tonight… let’s just enjoy the moment, alright?”
Lin Mei hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Tian Hao's face. She let out a sigh, her tension easing just a fraction. "Alright, Tian Hao. Just tonight."
Tian Hao grinned, sensing an opportunity. "I know that look, Mei Mei. You're still worried. How about I make a deal with you?" He leaned in, his grin widening mischievously.
Lin Mei raised an eyebrow. "A deal? What kind of deal, Tian Hao?"
"I'll agree to more of your etiquette lessons," Tian Hao said, putting a hand over his heart dramatically, "to soothe your worries and make sure I don't accidentally offend some powerful elder next time."
Lin Mei's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Etiquette lessons? You? Willingly? Now this I have to see."
Fatty Wu, who had been watching the exchange, laughed. "Is the great Tian Hao finally going to learn how to bow properly? Maybe even learn not to talk back."
Tian Hao shot him a playful glare. "Don't push your luck, Fatty. I'm doing this for Mei Mei's peace of mind, not because I need it."
Lin Mei smiled, a genuine warmth reaching her eyes this time. "Alright, Tian Hao. I suppose that's a start. Just remember, I'm holding you to this."
Tian Hao nodded, still smiling, though a hint of seriousness touched his expression. "Anything for you, Mei Mei. Now, let's enjoy tonight."
As the final cheers of the crowd echoed into the night, Tian Hao grinned and reached into his storage ring, pulling out a fine bottle of Celestial Jade Spirit and several delicate glasses. With a flourish, he filled each glass—one for Lin Mei, one for Fatty Wu, one for Jiuwei (much to her delight), and finally one for himself.
He handed out the glasses, each one shimmering in the lantern light, and raised his own high. His voice carried a promise. "To the Skyward Lotus Sect. To the legends we’ll write, and the stories we’ll tell, and to the friends who make every step of this journey worth taking."