"Wow! What a fierce ingredient!"
After rolling several times on the ground, Xiangling exclaimed in excitement.
She had wandered mountains and fields for ingredients countless times. Compared to some past encounters, this wasn't even the most dangerous. Instead of fear, her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
In her mind, the raging Pyro Regisvine was already a future dish—salt and pepper? Braised? She'd practically decided the menu.
After its pillar of flame missed, the Regisvine lifted its massive crown and began firing consecutive fireballs.
Lu Lin flicked his fingers, and a wall of Cryo energy formed in front of them, blocking the barrage.
Using the ice wall as cover, they advanced steadily.
"I see it! There's nectar inside that giant blossom!" Xiangling shouted excitedly.
"Good. Push forward a bit more—find your moment and cut it down."
After prolonged attacks, the Regisvine's elemental output faltered for a split second.
Xiangling seized it instantly.
She leapt into the air, her spear sweeping across the crown. With a precise flick—
"Got it!"
She landed smoothly, the massive blossom skewered cleanly on her spear tip, nectar perfectly preserved.
Without its crown, the Regisvine visibly withered, losing most of its vitality.
"It's still alive, just weakened. Let's leave it. When the crown grows back, we can harvest again."
Sustainable harvesting.
Lu Lin gave her a thumbs-up.
(If the Regisvine could talk, it would protest.)
Nightfall – Camping
With their prize secured, they left the valley and set up camp in an open area.
They could have returned to the Serenitea Pot—but what was adventure without camping under the stars?
Lu Lin set up the tent.
Xiangling prepared the fire.
She dipped a finger into the nectar and tasted it.
"Mm! Sweet and spicy—amazing! I need to record this!"
She pulled out a small notebook filled with dense scribbles:
Qingxin stir-fried lizardSlime fried riceCharcoal-roasted Geo lizard…
Lu Lin stared.
Should he be worried?
"Xiangling… how exactly are you planning to cook this?"
"I brought some lean meat—we can roast it with nectar glaze. We also collected plenty of slime condensate… maybe a cold salad? Or soup? Actually—let's make soup with the blossom, and use the nectar for dressing!"
He heard "slime condensate" and grimaced.
Edible?
Seeing his expression, Xiangling grinned confidently.
"Trust me! It'll taste great!"
She moved quickly and skillfully.
Roasting meat.
Simmering blossom soup with mint, sweet flower, dried chili.
Mixing slime condensate with nectar, soy sauce, salt, and spice.
Surprisingly—
The aroma was incredible.
"Dinner's ready!"
Before eating, Lu Lin suggested a photo.
They leaned close together, heads nearly touching, with the feast behind them.
Click.
The Meal
The roasted meat was fantastic.
Sweet, spicy nectar enhanced the savory fat perfectly.
"Delicious!" Xiangling beamed.
Even the soup and slime dish tasted unexpectedly good.
They ate heartily.
Then—
Something felt off.
A warmth began rising from Lu Lin's abdomen, spreading through his body.
He turned to Xiangling.
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes soft and unfocused.
"Brother Lu… I feel kind of hot~"
Her voice, normally bright and lively, was now soft and syrupy.
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I want to do the things you did with Hu Tao and Sister Ganyu…"
She sounded almost tipsy.
"Xiangling… stay clear-headed."
"I am clear-headed! I was curious yesterday, just too shy to say it. This blossom is magical—it gave me the courage to say what I couldn't before!"
No, he thought. You're just intoxicated.
Her awareness was intact—but her inhibition was gone.
She reached inside his clothes.
Her hand was warm, soft despite years of spear training and cooking.
She nestled against him, faint fragrance drifting between them.
He gently held her face.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I've thought it through."
He smiled faintly.
"Then one last question—how should this dish be cooked?"
"Huh?"
She blinked, confused.
"If you don't know… I'll tell you."
He leaned down and whispered two words:
"High heat."