Xiao Ya pushed open the door, a gentle smile gracing her delicate features. In her hands, she carefully cradled a bowl of soup. "I brewed this specially for you. It has calming properties, and I've added some spirit herbs from my own garden. As cultivators, I thought you might enjoy it."
The aroma of the soup was rich and inviting.
Instantly, the entire room was filled with its fragrance.
"It smells wonderful!"
The scent immediately captivated Si Xin Xin. She blinked her bright eyes, her gaze quickly falling upon the bowl of soup.
Xiao Ya placed the soup on the table, her face beaming. "If you like it, I can make more for you tomorrow."
As she looked up, Xiao Ya noticed Si Jian Ye.
The orange candlelight illuminated the man's chiseled face. Si Jian Ye wore no mask, his cool eyes holding a hint of wildness, as if he held nothing in the world in high regard.
He leaned casually against the wall, his tall, upright figure exuding an innate aura of royalty that commanded submission.
Xiao Ya's pupils visibly contracted, and her heart pounded fiercely in her chest.
She had never seen such a handsome and striking face.
Si Jian Ye's gaze remained fixed on Si Xin Xin, never once falling upon Xiao Ya.
Si Xin Xin was happily sipping the soup, her small face alight with joy. "This soup is delicious."
Her childlike voice instantly pulled Xiao Ya back to reality. She quickly spoke up, "My cooking is my only outstanding skill. If you enjoy it, I'll make more food for you before you leave."
"That would be most appreciated."
Feng Ning He did not refuse.
Xiao Ya's culinary skills were indeed excellent.
Xiao Ya subtly shifted her gaze back to Si Jian Ye, feeling a slight blush creep onto her cheeks.
How wonderful it would be if she could serve by this man's side.
Even just to watch him from afar, to be able to face his handsome face every day would be enough to satisfy her.
Soon, Si Xin Xin finished the entire bowl of soup.
Xiao Ya proactively took the empty bowl. "You must all be tired after your journey. Please rest well. I'll make more delicious food for you tomorrow."
Xiao Ya did not linger. Before leaving, she specifically turned her gaze back towards the wooden house.
Xiao Ya returned to her own room.
Aunt Chen was tidying up the room, arranging new items.
"Mother, let me handle this."
Xiao Ya hurried over, taking the items from Aunt Chen's hands.
Aunt Chen couldn't help but smile knowingly, looking at her daughter. "You've become so sensible after this trip."
Xiao Ya smiled gracefully at the praise. "Mother, after experiencing life and death, I have naturally changed. My cultivation has now reached the Foundation Establishment stage."
"What!"
Aunt Chen immediately stood up, her face etched with astonishment. "In the entire village, only the village chief has reached the Foundation Establishment stage. This is a great fortune for you, a cause for celebration! It's good news for the entire Chen Family Village!"
Xiao Ya's smile brightened. "Mother, I will continue to work hard. Perhaps there will be opportunities to improve my cultivation in the future."
Aunt Chen was immersed in joy, exclaiming, "Your father in heaven must be so proud. You've learned without a teacher. We can hold our heads high in the village from now on."
Xiao Ya's eyes darted around. She bit her lip gently. "Mother, our benefactors have high cultivation and are either wealthy or noble. If only I could follow them. Chen Family Village is too small, and I want to see more of the world so I can protect you and Chen Family Village in the future!"
Her words brought a hint of relief to Aunt Chen, who nodded and gently patted Xiao Ya's shoulder. "My Xiao Ya has grown up."
Chen Family Village was, after all, just a village.
Traveling with Feng Ning He and the others would only benefit Xiao Ya.
Their ability to defeat the High Priest and rescue the girls was proof enough of their extraordinary strength.
Xiao Ya's large, clear eyes, set in her fair and delicate face, were filled with anticipation. "My life was saved by them, so it's only natural that I repay them. I just don't know if they'll be willing to keep me..."
Understanding her daughter's feelings, Aunt Chen's expression became a little more serious. "Xiao Ya, there are ways for you to follow them. Your cooking is exquisite, and you have other strengths. Tomorrow, I'll speak with them and ask them to keep you by their side."
At this, Xiao Ya's face lit up with joy. She nodded repeatedly. "Perhaps by their side, I can also learn a thing or two, which will help my cultivation."
The next day.
Aunt Chen woke up early, busy preparing food.
In the courtyard.
Axi was practicing breathing exercises.
Feng Xing was practicing swordplay.
"Achoo!"
Bai Nian Nian pushed open the door, sneezing. She rubbed her nose. "You're all so diligent, practicing so early in the morning."
Xiao Ya, holding a steaming dish, saw Bai Nian Nian and smiled. She proactively asked, "Miss Bai, you're awake?"
Bai Nian Nian nodded quickly, her gaze also falling on Xiao Ya. "Xiao Ya, you're up early too."
Xiao Ya smiled, shrugging off the comment. She swayed the food in her hands. "I got up to make food for you. Cooking is my specialty, so I made a bit extra."
Bai Nian Nian took a closer look at the food. "Xiao Ya's cooking is truly wonderful. It seems we are in for a treat."
Before long, everyone else began to stir.
Aunt Chen finished preparing the meal.
Si Jian Ye put on his golden mask, his cool eyes devoid of any discernible emotion.
Yet, that icy gaze made one's face flush and heart race.
Xiao Ya's heart felt as though it would leap out of her chest.
"Everyone, please come and eat."
Aunt Chen busied herself inviting everyone.
As they all took their seats, Xiao Ya finally composed herself.
Xiao Zhao ate with great gusto, his cheeks puffed out, occasionally exclaiming in approval, "This tastes really good."
The dishes had a rustic flavor, unique and delightful.
Seeing that everyone had eaten their fill, Aunt Chen spoke with a hint of trepidation. "I have a humble request. I wonder if you would grant it."
"Aunt Chen, please speak your mind. We are grateful for your hospitality these past few days," Bai Nian Nian said, wiping her mouth with a napkin after her meal.
Aunt Chen bit her lip and said without hesitation, "I wish... for Xiao Ya to accompany you. You are her saviors, and we have no other way to repay you, so we thought she could serve you, perhaps by cooking for you."
Xiao Ya's culinary skills were indeed excellent.
However, they could eat delicious food anytime and were not particularly lacking in that regard.
Xiao Ya's sincere eyes pleaded, "I have no other particular talents, only my excellent cooking. If you don't mind, please let me follow you."
"This..."
Feng Ning He fell into hesitation.
Xiao Ya's cultivation was low, and following them would be dangerous. Even if they could protect themselves, it would be difficult to guarantee Xiao Ya's safety.