On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, the afternoon sun filtered through the layers of leaves, casting mottled shadows on the forest clearing. Huo Yuhao followed behind Furina, his face filled with confusion.
They had originally planned to head directly to Shrek Academy to register, but they had stopped at the outskirts of this dense forest. Huo Yuhao looked around; this place was still quite far from the core area of the Star Dou Great Forest, not even considered the inner circle. What was even stranger was that they had taken a long detour specifically to get here.
"Sister Furina, why did we come to the Star Dou Great Forest?" Huo Yuhao finally couldn't help but ask. "Didn't we agree to go directly to Shrek Academy?"
Furina turned around, a mysterious smile curling the corners of her lips. "We're going to Shrek, of course, but before that, we need to wait for someone."
"Waiting for someone? Is it a member of our Axis Cult? Or an old acquaintance of yours?" Huo Yuhao became even more puzzled.
"Well..." Furina put her index finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. "I can't tell you yet. But you'll find out in a bit. Remember to keep it a secret."
Huo Yuhao nodded obediently. "Don't worry, I definitely won't tell anyone."
"I'm hungry after walking so far." Furina clapped her hands and suggested enthusiastically, "Let's catch some fish and Soft Bones Rabbits to roast and eat!"
This suggestion immediately met with Huo Yuhao's approval. Being able to repay Furina's kindness with his cooking was the best way for him to express his gratitude. Ever since Furina had brought him out of that dark corner and given him a brand new life and hope, he had always kept this kindness in his heart.
"Alright! I'll go prepare right away." An eager light flickered in Huo Yuhao's eyes.
Furina smiled and summoned her Second Martial Soul, and the three members of the Salon Solitaire appeared gracefully.
"Please go catch some Soft Bones Rabbits," Furina instructed.
The three members took their orders and quickly dispersed, nimbly disappearing into the forest. Watching them leave, Huo Yuhao said, "Then I'll go to the river to catch some fish."
For Huo Yuhao, who possessed the Spirit Eyes Martial Soul, catching fish was as easy as turning over his hand. Even without using a Spirit Ability, he could easily catch plump, fresh fish in the clear stream with his extraordinary vision and reaction speed.
Before long, the three members of the Salon Solitaire returned with several plump Soft Bones Rabbits, while Huo Yuhao also returned to the clearing with seven or eight cleaned fish strung on a grass rope.
Huo Yuhao took out his white tiger dagger and began to process the ingredients with practiced skill. The blade flew in his hand, cleaning the fish scales and rabbit fur completely. The whole process was smooth and natural, making Furina nod repeatedly.
Meanwhile, Furina exchanged an exquisite lighter from the system mall, easily lighting the campfire, and then took out a professional grill from her storage ring. These convenient tools always felt novel to Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao evenly sprinkled special spices on the prepared fish and rabbit meat, then carefully placed them on the grill. Soon, an enticing aroma began to permeate the forest, and the fat dripping onto the charcoal made a "sizzling" sound that made one's mouth water.
Just as the roasted food was about to be fully cooked, Huo Yuhao suddenly raised his head alertly, his Spirit Eyes Martial Soul quietly activating. Through his First Soul Skill, Spiritual Detection, he clearly perceived a man and a woman approaching. They were about the same age as Furina and carried themselves with an extraordinary air.
"Sister Furina, someone's coming," Huo Yuhao said in a low voice.
A glimmer of expectation flashed in Furina's eyes. "How many?"
"A man and a woman, their ages should be similar to yours."
"The time has come," Furina whispered to herself, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
"Are they the people you've been waiting for?" Huo Yuhao asked curiously.
Furina didn't answer directly, only smiling mysteriously. "It's mainly that young lady I want to see."
In less than a minute, light footsteps came from the forest, followed by a young girl's surprised cry:
"It smells so good!"
Furina was secretly delighted: They're finally here.
Emerging from the woods were Tang Ya and Bei Bei of the Tang Sect. Tang Ya was dressed in purple, lively and spirited, while Bei Bei was dressed in blue, gentle and refined. Walking side by side, they looked like a perfect couple.
Furina thought to herself: Since I've already decided to recruit Tang San's daughter to my side and stage a play of "loving father and filial daughter," I'll have to oppose that God King sooner or later. In that case, why not take all the power he once had for myself?
Not only will I recruit his daughter, but I'll also take over the Tang Sect he left behind. Moreover, I have the complete version of the Mysterious Heaven Skill in my hands, which is the perfect opportunity to expose the truth behind the glorious image of that "Buddha Tang."
Tang Ya, who was in the lead, had already rushed to Huo Yuhao in a few strides. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on the golden grilled fish and rabbit meat on the rack, and she couldn't help but swallow. "Little brother, and this Young Miss, do you sell your grilled fish? It smells so good! How did you make it?"
If it were the green Huo Yuhao from the original story, he would probably be blushing by now. But the current Huo Yuhao had matured a lot through his experiences in the Axis Cult, and being used to being around beauties like Ye Guyi, he only smiled calmly in the face of Tang Ya's enthusiasm.
"Since it's fate, why don't we enjoy it together?" Huo Yuhao said, skillfully picking up a perfectly grilled fish and handing it to Tang Ya. "There's plenty more here."
Tang Ya happily took the grilled fish and thanked him repeatedly. Ignoring her image, she sat directly to the side, blowing on it in small breaths while impatiently tasting it, her mouth constantly mumbling, "So hot... but so delicious!"
Bei Bei shook his head helplessly and politely greeted Huo Yuhao and Furina. "Xiao Ya is being too rude; you two haven't even eaten yet."
"What did you call me?" Tang Ya immediately looked up, her beautiful eyes wide, pretending to be Life Qi as she glared at Bei Bei.
Bei Bei immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, Teacher Xiao Ya, is that better?"
Only then did Tang Ya give him a satisfied look. "That's more like it. Watch your status." Although she was young, this casual glance carried a hint of charm, making Bei Bei dazed for a moment.
However, Huo Yuhao was already immune to this, and Furina didn't care about these details at all.
Huo Yuhao picked up another skewer of grilled fish and handed it to Bei Bei. "Please, help yourself."
Bei Bei took the grilled fish and thanked him warmly. Huo Yuhao waved his hand, indicating there was no need for formalities.
"That's right, all who come are guests, so why stand on ceremony?" Furina agreed with a smile, but her gaze remained on Tang Ya with a hint of deep meaning.
Bei Bei elegantly tasted a bite of the grilled fish, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes, then gently introduced himself. "I am Bei Bei, and this is Tang Ya. May I ask how to address you two?"
At this moment, a meaningful curve curled the corner of Furina's lips. The good show was just beginning.
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