Li Ming stared at the bamboo basket full of spiritual herbs, his expression blank.
Across from him, Lei Shan sat on a rock, tail swishing, eyes glowing with pure expectation.
"Let me confirm," Li Ming said flatly. "You want me to cook you cultivation food?"
Lei Shan nodded, proud. "You're my parent. Feed me like one."
Bai Guo snickered. "You've gone from alchemist to chef. Congratulations, descendant. The Dao of Cuisine awaits you."
Li Ming rubbed his temples. "I have fought lightning guardians, survived time cracks, and faced a chicken deity. I will not be defeated by a lunch menu."
---
The First Attempt
The cauldron flared to life. Li Ming poured in herbs with precise control, adding a wisp of thunder qi for balance. The aroma was divine—until Lei Shan sneezed.
A pulse of lightning rippled from the cub's nose, striking the cauldron.
The concoction turned purple. Then hissed. Then grew legs.
Li Ming's expression didn't change. "Why is my meal walking away?"
