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."


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