After successfully convincing his junior sister to permanently retire from her culinary adventures, Xiang Yu returned to his training ground with renewed purpose. Each swing of his practice knife cut through the air with increasing precision, his movements gradually shedding their awkwardness like a snake molting its old skin. The afternoon sun traced a slow arc across the azure sky as he repeated the fundamental forms again and again, carving them into his muscles through sheer will.
By the time the sun began its descent behind the jagged mountain peaks, painting the clouds in brilliant shades of amber and crimson, Xiang Yu finally allowed himself a break. His earlier collapse had served as a harsh reminder: unlike true cultivators, he couldn't live on spiritual energy alone. His mortal body had mundane needs that required attention, regardless of his cultivation ambitions.
As he straightened from his stance, stretching the muscles that were protesting after hours of continuous exertion, an unmistakable stench assaulted his nostrils.
Turning his head slightly to investigate the source, Xiang Yu made the unpleasant discovery that the offending smell was emanating from none other than his own body.
After two full days of intense training without a bath, he had developed what could only be described as an aura of his own—one that would certainly not enhance any dining experience.
"I can't cook like this," he muttered, grimacing at his own fragrance. "Bath first, then food."
Gathering a fresh set of robes and a bundle of bathing herbs from his humble dwelling, Xiang Yu made his way to a secluded river spot nestled deep within the mountain's embrace. The water, crystal-clear and invigoratingly cool, flowed down from the melting snow high above. As he dropped his sweat-soaked garments and stepped into the brisk current, a deep sigh of relief escaped his lips.
The natural bathing herbs he had brought with him released their essence when crushed and mixed with water, not the artificial, chemical perfumes he had known in his past life, but something earthier, subtler, and far more pleasant. Their clean, organic fragrance seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, cleansing more than just his body—it felt as though his spirit, too, was being gently renewed, without masking his natural scent entirely.
Freshly bathed and dressed in clean robes, and with his damp hair still clinging to his neck, Xiang Yu made his way to the pavilion's communal kitchen. To his surprise, Li Yao was already there, another unfortunate wild boar laid out before her, ready for preparation.
"Senior Brother, do you know how to cook?" she asked, her eyes bright with excitement and curiosity.
A confident smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he rolled up his sleeves. "Just watch and learn."
Inwardly, he tempered his own expectations. He wasn't a professional chef—his culinary skills were utilitarian at best, developed merely for survival during his former life's bachelor years. But compared to whatever strange and arcane cooking technique his junior sister might have employed, his basic competence would surely seem like heavenly craftsmanship.
With calm, practiced motions that belied his modest abilities, Xiang Yu selected the most promising portion of meat—a well-marbled section of loin that promised tenderness and flavor when properly prepared. His hands moved with deliberate confidence as he trimmed away excess fat and sinew, preparing the cut with methodical precision.
The seasoning was simple, yet effective—coarse salt crystals and freshly cracked pepper formed the foundation, enhanced by a carefully selected blend of fragrant mountain herbs. Crushing between his fingers, the juniper berries released their sharp, resinous aroma, alongside the fragrant sprigs of rosemary and thyme—scents that stirred forgotten memories of comfort and satisfaction.
When the seasoned meat hit the hot surface of the ancient cast-iron pan, a satisfying sizzle echoed through the kitchen. The aroma that followed was primal and enticing, enough to widen even Li Yao's eyes with appreciation. The blackened surface of the well-used pan, witness to countless meals throughout the pavilion's history, seared the meat to perfection, developing a caramelized crust while sealing in the precious juices.
After allowing the roast to rest beneath a makeshift tent of thin metal foil, Xiang Yu turned his attention to the pan drippings. That concentrated essence of the meat itself became the foundation for a luxurious sauce, as he added wild mushrooms he had gathered during his bathing expedition and a splash of aged brandy from the kitchen's modest stores to enhance it. The alcohol flared in a brief, brilliant blaze as it hit the pan before simmering down into a silky, aromatic reduction.
When he finally carved the finished meat, his knife glided effortlessly through the meat. The perfectly cooked meat revealed itself—a gradient of golden from the herb-crusted exterior to the slightly pink center. Each slice released a fresh wave of fragrant steam that filled the dining area with its mouth-watering promise.
Li Yao stared at the masterfully prepared meal, her expression one of undisguised longing as moisture gathered at the corners of her mouth. Xiang Yu smiled warmly before he served her a generous portion, which she devoured with immediate enthusiasm. He then plated his own serving and joined her at the table. He was left surprised by how easily conversation flowed between them as they savored the simple yet satisfying meal.
What neither of them noticed was the gradual pull of another presence—one drawn toward their dining spot by the irresistible aromas drifting through the air. High within the Mountain Heart Pavilion, its revered master, Elder Guo Shantian, had been deep in meditation in his private chambers when the tantalizing aroma began its relentless assault on his senses. For nearly an hour, the venerable cultivator had maintained his disciplined posture, fighting the distraction with every single technique he had accumulated over centuries of spiritual discipline.
In the end, even an immortal will prove insufficient against such culinary temptation.
In a blur of motion that belied his apparent age, Elder Guo appeared right beside their table, stroking his long beard in an attempt to maintain his dignified demeanor despite the obvious hunger in his eyes.
"Young disciple," he intoned solemnly, attempting to maintain his dignity, "remember that the path to enlightenment requires one to let go of attachments… particularly the delicious ones that steam with such tantalizing aromas."
Without missing a beat, Xiang Yu reached out for a large plate he had prepared in anticipation of this very scenario. "This is for you, Master," he said respectfully, offering the generous portion with a slight bow.
The elder's eyes sparkled as he accepted the dish, any pretense of detachment completely falling away as he settled in beside them at the table. "A good and filial disciple," he declared approvingly before succumbing to the meal's allure with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.
As night completely blanketed the Mountain Heart Pavilion, an unusual scene unfolded in its humble kitchen—master and disciples were gathered around, sharing not just food but genuine moments of connection, their laughter and conversation rising into the starlit sky like the steam from their plates—simply, human moments that nourished more than just the body.