She said softly, "A few days ago, I hunted a rare fish demon. Its fins are succulent, and it just so happens that my ten fingers are eager to touch the waters of spring."

Song Yan laughed, "Are you trying to capture my heart through my stomach first?"

Tang Ningxin became even more gentle, slightly lowering her head like a bashful water lotus, then she said softly, "Actually... in my heart, you have long been my Dao companion. No matter what you think, Ningxin is simply fulfilling her duties as a Dao companion."

Song Yan laughed, "Then... remember to add more poison when cooking the fish. It's a one-time opportunity, don't be careless and miss it."

Tang Ningxin glared at him playfully, then said with a slightly annoyed tone, "I was just about to say something, but you interrupted, and I forgot. Now I still have to say it to you.

There is no one more outstanding and brilliant than you, have you not heard the saying that times change?

If Ningxin, and even the Primordial Ancestor, had known that you possessed such skills, who would have dared to make a move against you?"

After speaking, she gently hit Song Yan's arm like a little wife in a playful huff, lamenting, "Isn't it because you intentionally pretended to be weak? If not for that, I would have long been devoted to you, right? Isn't that the truth? Isn't that the truth?"

Song Yan admired Tang Ningxin; if his mind was even a bit unsteady, he would have surely been coaxed by this little temptress.

At this moment, he pretended to be deep in thought and said, "Go ahead."

Tang Ningxin joyfully stood up, saying, "The last time Ningxin cooked for a man was thousands of years ago when she was a girl... Ningxin cooked for her father. But now it's for you. They say women rely on their fathers when they're young, and on their husbands when they grow up."

With those words, she left without waiting for Song Yan to reply.

Before long, Song Yan smelled the aroma.

Not long after, the scent grew stronger and stronger, so much so that despite not needing food, his mouth watered.

Soon after, he sensed that the barrier isolating the Ancestral Vein Celestial Pool was lifted, and on the mountain path, several streaks of rainbow light swiftly approached from below.

Leading them were a pair of youths, though young, their demeanor was composed and mature, emitting the aura of the Early Stage of Divine Infant.

Song Yan recognized their identities: they were his former foster father Tang Xiaokong and foster mother Tang Yanfen.

Tang Xiaokong gazed at the youth waiting to dine under the tree; no matter his sentiments, he still placed the tray he carried onto the table with both hands.

The tray held a piece of fish with golden crispy skin, the deep-fried fish scales visible and upright, accompanied by a sauce similar to crab roe.

Tang Xiaokong raised his voice, "Old Ancestor Song, this dish is named 'Golden Scales Reflecting the Sun, Leaping Over the Dragon Gate', crafted by Old Ancestor Ningxin using a demon fish known as 'Frost Scale Jade Fat', consisting of eighteen dishes; this is the first."

Tang Yanfen then offered the second dish, respectfully saying, "Old Ancestor Song, this one is called 'Profound Frost Ice Soul Dragon Saliva', made by rapidly cooling the cooked demon fish, making it crystal clear, retaining the frosty essence of the 'Frost Scale Jade Fat', very refreshing to the palate."

Song Yan remained silent for a moment.

He understood Tang Ningxin's intention.

This second dish represented familial bonds.

After living together for a century, Tang Ningxin knew him well.

Song Yan squinted his eyes, thought for a moment, and said nothing, just uttered, "I see."

Tang Xiaokong laughed, "In those days, thanks to the Old Ancestor's assistance, I obtained the Profound Yellow Material and swiftly broke through with the True Spirit Fragment."

Song Yan sighed and said, "Take care on your journey ahead."

Tang Xiaokong and Tang Yanfen bowed again, then turned and left.

Soon, more familiar figures approached from afar, respectfully presenting dishes upon the table, introducing the names with smiles before bowing and departing.

Song Yan's thoughts momentarily drifted afar, when another pair approached.

This pair was Tang Yi and his wife.

Tang Yi suppressed the complex emotions in his eyes and respectfully said, "Old Ancestor Song, this dish is named 'Purple Aura from the East, Lying Cloud Fat', made with fish belly steamed with perilla and plum, please enjoy while hot."

Song Yan nodded.

Tang Yi and his wife bowed again and were about to leave.

Song Yan suddenly said, "Wait a moment."

Tang Yi stopped and bowed, "Is there anything else the Old Ancestor would like to instruct?"

Song Yan conjured the "Faceless Mask" from his Divine Soul and with a gesture, the Faceless Mask floated gently towards Tang Yi.

Tang Yi's pupils widened, instinctively raising his hands to catch it. As the Faceless Mask settled into his hands, he began to tremble. His hands shook, and his voice trembled, "Old... Old Ancestor... What... What does this mean?"

Song Yan laughed, "It originally belonged to your lineage. I've borrowed it for many years, and now it should return to its rightful owner. I've added some Secret Techniques inside, consider it interest."

"This..."

Tang Yi's expression was complex, uncertain whether to accept it or not.

He understood that the person before him was no longer the Song Yan he once knew, but was now intertwined with great cause and effect. Would accepting it bring calamity to his family?

Just then, a calm voice drifted from above.

"A gift from the Old Ancestor, how can it be refused? Take it."

The Divine Maiden in green robes stepped lightly through the air, holding a porcelain pot. She landed beside Song Yan, setting down the pot with a smile, "This soup is called 'Great Jade Jade's Pendant Mandarin Duck'."

Tang Yi hurriedly accepted the Faceless Mask, taking his wife with him as they quickly departed.

Soon, the sound barrier reappeared around them.

He glanced at his wife beside him, who was looking at him with equal surprise.

They recalled the times they spent outdoors grilling with the young man, feeling as if it were all a dream.

...

On the mountain peak, beside the Celestial Pool.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.