11:30 AM, ThursdayCrush Fang Quarter, Imperial City
Yang Xiaolong adjusted his robes anxiously, glancing sidelong at his sister as they walked. Even in a simple outing to some tavern, Yin insisted on attracting every pair of eyes within ten miles. She'd changed from her formal gown into something slightly less extravagant—by her standards at least.
Her new outfit consisted of a long, figure-hugging crimson cheongsam adorned with intricate gold phoenix embroidery that shimmered subtly with each graceful step. A deep slit running along the side revealed slender, toned legs clad in delicate black stockings, and elegant heels clicked softly on the cobblestone streets. Her platinum-blonde hair fell smoothly down her back, a few loose strands framing her flawless face, violet eyes glittering imperiously.
Every male—and some females—on the bustling street stopped, stared, and occasionally stumbled into one another in awe. Vendors paused mid-haggling, customers halted transactions, and even passing carriages slowed just to catch a glimpse.
Yang Xiaolong scowled fiercely at the gawkers. "Elder Sister, must you always draw attention?"
Yin Xiaolong raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, unfazed. "Brother, it's not my fault people lack self-control. Should I dress like a peasant simply to ease your discomfort?"
Yang sighed dramatically. "Just... let's hurry to the tavern."
They continued down the street, passing various stalls serving grilled meats and steamy noodle soups. Yang grimaced at the sight.
"You still refuse street food?" Yin teased lightly.
He scoffed indignantly. "Of course! Cultivators can't afford impurities. Our meridians and cores absorb everything we consume—every impurity, every toxin, every flawed morsel. It's why powerful sects employ personal chefs, Elder Sister. One mistake, and your cultivation can be tainted for years."
She nodded thoughtfully, well aware of their family's strict dietary guidelines. High-grade ingredients, careful preparation, impeccable purity—such rules shaped their daily lives. She paused, briefly inspecting her internal cultivation, summoning the status of her core clearly in her mind:
— Cultivation Status —Name: Yin Xiaolong
Class: Destroyer
Bloodline: Pingping Fire Fox
Core Rank: Fourth-Grade Golden Qi, Grandmaster Realm
Sub-Ranks Cleared: Purification Stage (Peak), Refinement Stage (Peak), Crystalization Stage (Advanced), Manifestation Stage (Intermediate)Techniques: Tai-Chi Mastery, Taekwondo Mastery, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Sword Style
She exhaled softly. She'd fought hard for every single advancement. Achieving Grandmaster rank had taken years of meticulous cultivation and precise Qi control. It wasn't easy to maintain.
Her musing was cut short as a loud, arrogant voice echoed from the crowded street ahead.
"Well, if it isn't my dear friends, the esteemed Xiaolong siblings!"
Yang's expression darkened instantly. "Ban Tan Lu."
Ban Tan Lu approached, swaggering confidently. His silk robes, black embroidered with gold dragons, gleamed brightly, hair slicked back arrogantly. His family was prominent, controlling multiple lucrative trading houses, but their wealth couldn't buy refinement—or manners.
"Yang Xiaolong," Ban sneered mockingly, "I heard you crawled out of your pitiful stagnation. Interesting."
Yang's Qi flared dangerously, causing passersby to recoil.
Ban merely smirked. "Temper, temper. Tell me—what brings you both to such a disgraceful district? Surely not food from commoners?"
"That's none of your business," Yang growled.
Ban's smirk widened, eyes drifting greedily toward Yin. "Lady Yin, surely you aren't here voluntarily. Allow me to escort you to somewhere befitting your beauty—"
Yin's eyes flickered coldly, instantly freezing Ban mid-sentence. Her voice was dangerously soft. "Ban Tan Lu, the mere sight of you spoils my appetite. Move."
Ban felt genuine fear seize him, swallowing hard and stepping back obediently. "As you wish, Lady Yin."
The siblings walked past, leaving Ban standing dumbly behind.
After a short silence, Yin spoke gently, "Remember, brother—control your anger. A true cultivator doesn't let mere pests disrupt their state of mind."
He exhaled slowly. "Understood, Elder Sister."
Soon, they reached their destination—Iron Fang Tavern.
Yin eyed the unusual establishment skeptically, noting the massive black-furred wolf-like creature lounging lazily by the entrance, a feline beast with a lion's mane curled atop it.
"Interesting pets," she remarked dryly.
Yang stopped. "I didn't hallucinate them."
"No," Yin muttered. "You didn't."
Before entering, loud voices from inside caught their attention.
"Duelist Kingdom, you sexy bitch!" shouted a male voice heatedly.
"No, it's obviously Battle City, you stubborn, handsome bastard!" retorted a woman's fiery voice.
"Duelist Kingdom was the OG, babe—show some respect, you ten-out-of-ten fine woman!"
Yang and Yin exchanged bewildered glances, carefully stepping inside to see the owners engaged in an intense but seemingly playful argument.
"Final Battle arc had better animation, Lan. Duelist Kingdom had better stakes."
"No one gives a shit about stakes when the animation looks like doodoo!" barked a tall woman in a wine-stained apron, red hair tied back loosely, two flaming fans strapped to her hips. "You wanna fight me on this, husband?"
"Oh, I'll fight. Right after I make your stubborn fine ass some dinner."
"I'm still hotter than Kaiba!"
"Damn right you are," Gazei muttered. The cook notice that had a customer and there both pretty.
The dark-skinned man—Gazei, as Yang recalled—was gesturing passionately, cornrows swaying with each emphatic movement. Lonfan stood opposite him, arms crossed defiantly, crimson hair flowing dramatically.
"Dude," Gazei suddenly interrupted, turning to Yang. "You do realize standing next to her, you look way sexier, right?"
Yang's face exploded into a furious blush, momentarily forgetting his refined composure. Lonfan burst into hearty laughter, slapping her knee.
"Oh, husband," she grinned wickedly, "Look, you made Pretty Boy blush!"
"It wasn't that hard to so do."
Yin calmly ignored her brother's embarrassment, addressing them directly. "You two are the owners, I presume?"
Gazei grinned broadly, proudly crossing his muscular arms. "Damn straight, pretty lady. Welcome to Iron Fang. What'll it be today?"
Yin glanced briefly at the menu board. "Surprise me. Impress me like you did my drooling brother here."
Lonfan smirked, eyes glittering with excitement. "With pleasure, gorgeous."
The two vanished into the kitchen, bickering affectionately once more.
Outside the tavern, Ban Tan Lu had quietly followed, eyes narrowing suspiciously. Approaching Yin cautiously, he spoke softly, "Lady Yin, what truly draws you here? These slum-dwellers can't possibly offer anything worth your beauty."
Yin regarded him coldly, her voice icy and firm. "Ban Tan Lu, perhaps one day you'll understand the true value of things. For now—leave me."
Ban clenched his fists, humiliation burning hotly in his chest as he backed away reluctantly, plotting silently as he vanished into the crowd.
Inside, Yang recovered from his embarrassment, turning to his sister. "Was that truly necessary?"
Yin smirked elegantly. "Absolutely."
He sighed dramatically. "Very well. But Elder Sister, I warn you—their food is addictive."
She raised an eyebrow elegantly, unconvinced. "We'll see."
Yet, deep down, anticipation blossomed. Perhaps, she thought, there really was something extraordinary in this bizarre little tavern—and its even stranger owners.
Gazei soon emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming platter, Lonfan close behind, still playfully debating.
"I still say Battle City," she muttered defiantly.
"Girl, please," he scoffed affectionately. "Sit your beautiful ass down."
They placed the vibrant, aromatic dish in front of Yin. Its fragrance and beauty immediately silenced her skepticism.
"Well then," Yin whispered, impressed despite herself. "Perhaps there truly is magic in this humble place."
As she tasted the first bite, a faint smile graced her lips, and Yang knew instantly—his sister was hooked.
Yin Xiaolong took another bite, this time allowing herself to fully savor the dish. Her carefully maintained composure wavered, her violet eyes widening slightly, betraying genuine surprise and delight. Each component of the dish harmonized perfectly—flavors layered like a symphony playing in her mouth.
"What… exactly is this?" Yin finally murmured, her voice betraying an uncharacteristic softness. "Such purity of Qi… I've tasted imperial banquets that pale in comparison."
Lonfan smiled broadly, leaning casually against the counter. "That's the magic, sweetheart. Gazei may look like a muscle-bound idiot, but the man knows his flavors."
"Thanks, I think?" Gazei shot his wife a mock-glare before turning back to Yin. "What you're enjoying there, beautiful, is a personal twist on pesto flatbread, using Cloud Wheat from the floating mountains northeast of the Jade Cloud Peaks, Zephyr Olive Oil harvested from the Wind-Realm Orchards near Mount Tempest, Phantom Basil from the Valley of Eternal Mists, and Sky Wyvern Mozzarella. And of course, Lonfan's signature Inked Tofu made from Deepwater Kelp Essence, freshly sourced by yours truly."
Each name struck Yin like a musical note, her astonishment growing. She was familiar with each ingredient, though she'd rarely tasted them in such remarkable purity and combination. Even royal banquets had seldom reached this level of cultivation-enhancing purity.
Yang looked triumphant, eyes practically sparkling. "I told you, sister. There's something special here."
Yin allowed a small, graceful nod, reluctant but amused. "Perhaps I misjudged your enthusiasm, brother."
Across the room, Lonfan nudged Gazei with her elbow, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Aren't siblings adorable when they make up?"
Gazei smirked, arms folded over his chest. "Yeah. Makes you almost wanna stop arguing over card games."
Lonfan flashed a wicked grin. "Never gonna happen, sexy."
Yin delicately set her fork down, drawing herself up regally. "You've thoroughly impressed me. And I must admit, this tavern intrigues me more than I'd anticipated. Tell me, why open such an extraordinary establishment in a district like this?"
Gazei rubbed his chin thoughtfully, looking at Lonfan. "Honestly? Kinda stumbled into it. You'd be surprised what you find when you stop giving a damn about social expectations."
Lonfan snorted softly. "Translation: my dear husband wanted to run far away from bureaucracy, snobby cultivators, and annoying rich idiots. No offense, obviously."
"None taken," Yin replied lightly, hiding a small smirk behind her hand.
The tavern owners' candid manner intrigued Yin deeply. Cultivation circles she usually frequented were filled with layers of calculated pretense and hidden agendas. Here, however, Gazei and Lonfan openly wore their thoughts, trading insults and compliments with easy familiarity.
Yang chimed in hesitantly, curiosity piqued. "Then…why cooking, exactly?"
Gazei shrugged, eyes distant but amused. "You ever tasted something so good it changed your entire day? Cooking's kinda like that—small miracle after miracle, served fresh."
Lonfan nodded firmly. "Also, we figured cultivators needed better food. No more tasteless pills. Life's too short for boring meals."
Yang nodded eagerly. "Agreed."
Yin, increasingly intrigued, gently steered the conversation. "Speaking of cultivation, your skills are extraordinary. Are you truly unaware of the cultivation world's inner workings, or are you simply pretending ignorance?"
Gazei scratched his head awkwardly, laughing sheepishly. "I mean, we get the basics, but honestly, most cultivation politics confuse the hell outta us. We just make damn good food, let it speak for itself."
Lonfan snickered loudly. "Translation: Husband's a big dummy when it comes to politics."
"And yet," Yin said with quiet respect, "perhaps your ignorance is precisely what makes your skills so pure. You've somehow stumbled onto a truth many cultivators spend lifetimes missing."
Before either Gazei or Lonfan could respond, a commotion outside interrupted. Voices raised, growing louder.
"Oh, hell," Lonfan muttered, eyes narrowing sharply. "Looks like Pretty Boy's annoying stalker returned."
Outside, Ban Tan Lu stood, loudly proclaiming his disdain to passing cultivators who ignored him. "The Xiaolong siblings demean themselves, associating with lowly street cooks. Mark my words, Iron Fang Tavern is a disgrace! I'll have it closed before week's end!"
Yang rose, Qi surging fiercely in response. "I'll handle him."
Yin raised a calming hand. "No, brother. Allow me. It seems someone needs reminding of their proper place."
She stepped gracefully outside, instantly commanding the street's attention. All eyes, even Ban's, turned immediately to her.
"Lady Yin," Ban began uncertainly, momentarily losing his arrogant bravado.
"Ban Tan Lu," Yin's voice was silk wrapped around steel, soft yet lethal. "Your constant interference grows tiresome. You dare to openly threaten establishments under my family's protection?"
Ban faltered, suddenly realizing the gravity of his mistake. "Lady Yin, forgive my rashness. I—"
She cut him off sharply. "You, Ban Tan Lu, represent your family poorly. Your father understood boundaries; you clearly do not. Perhaps I shall discuss your recent behavior directly with Patriarch Ban."
Ban visibly paled. "Lady Yin, I—I meant no offense."
"I suggest," Yin continued calmly, unwaveringly, "you leave immediately. The Xiaolong Clan will not tolerate further disrespect."
Ban hesitated briefly, then quickly retreated, pride wounded and thoroughly humiliated.
Inside, Lonfan smirked approvingly. "Damn, Pretty Boy's sister doesn't mess around."
Gazei nodded solemnly, eyes sparkling with admiration. "Remind me never to piss her off."
Yin returned, resuming her seat gracefully, as though nothing had occurred. "Now," she said pleasantly, looking at Lonfan, "tell me more about this inked tofu. Your mastery intrigues me."
Lonfan leaned forward eagerly, passion clear in her voice. "It's about controlling the kelp essence. Too much, the Qi overwhelms flavor. Too little, you lose the impact."
Gazei nodded enthusiastically, adding, "Balance and patience—two things Lonfan lacks everywhere except the kitchen."
"Shut it, handsome," Lonfan shot back playfully. "But seriously, inked tofu is delicate. Deepwater Kelp grows in pure Qi-infused waters deep beneath Black Jade Lake. Cultivators risk their lives to harvest it."
Yang gasped softly, eyes wide with admiration. "You source such dangerous ingredients yourself?"
Gazei smiled easily. "Risk is half the fun. Can't serve greatness without a little danger."
Yin regarded them thoughtfully, respect clearly deepening. "Your passion is extraordinary. Cultivators spend lifetimes seeking enlightenment through meditation, training, and pills. You two…you achieve it effortlessly through cooking."
Lonfan shrugged modestly. "When you love something, effort stops feeling like work."
Gazei added warmly, "Besides, life's short. You gotta do something you genuinely enjoy. Otherwise, what's the point?"
Yin smiled softly, the warmth reaching her eyes fully now. "A rare philosophy. Perhaps that is the key to your success."
Yang grinned proudly, clearly pleased his sister approved. "Told you, sister—they're special."
Yin inclined her head, openly acknowledging it. "Indeed, brother. I've seldom encountered individuals so refreshingly genuine and skilled."
Lonfan chuckled lightly. "Careful now. Keep praising us like that, and my husband's head won't fit through the tavern door."
Gazei feigned offense. "My head is perfectly sized, thank you."
The group laughed genuinely, camaraderie blossoming warmly among them.
As the siblings eventually stood to leave, Yin addressed Gazei and Lonfan formally. "Your hospitality was remarkable. We'll return soon—and next time, perhaps discuss business."
Lonfan smirked knowingly. "Looking forward to it."
As the siblings departed, Yang glanced back fondly. "They truly are extraordinary."
Yin nodded gracefully. "Indeed. And perhaps we've finally discovered something worth pursuing beyond mere cultivation."
Yang beamed brightly. "Glad you agree."
Behind them, Lonfan nudged Gazei, smirking. "Looks like we made new regulars."
He laughed softly, nodding. "Yeah. Good food always wins."