Chapter 12: In Heaven and on Earth, Only I, the Bun Leader, Endure Forever

Glancing at the steamed bun in her hand, Lu Wu seemed thoughtful as she walked to the wall and called out.

“Uncle Li, I’m Lu Wu. I made some new flavors today. Would you like to try them and give me some pointers?”

She felt that Uncle Li was just too shy to admit he had a craving.

“Ahem, since Boss Lu says so, I’ll give them a try.”

Though his tone was restrained, the moment he spoke, the steamed bun in Lu Wu’s hand vanished.

The speed made it seem as if he feared she might change her mind.

Having only eaten two, Lu Wu pouted; there was still a new flavor she hadn’t tasted.

The role of the helper was confirmed.

On the other side of the courtyard wall, Uncle Li tore open a bun at random and, not minding the heat, devoured it in one bite.

The meat was tender, not tough at all, juicy and glistening.

The unique aroma of the fat was wrapped within the white dough like a veiled melody, only revealed when the bun was torn open and the savory juices flowed out, offering a glimpse of its charm.

Uncle Li’s eyes brightened considerably.

This beef bun, true to its name, was fiery hot.

After just one bite, he felt as if his whole body was burning.

As expected, this spicy beef bun shared the same effect as the kidney bun.

Uncle Li hurriedly circulated his internal energy to cool himself down.

He was a respectable man who never frequented the Yānliǔ Street, not because those courtesans looked down on his old, frail body or bruised his pride.

Eating hastily, Uncle Li fanned his mouth to cool the heat inside.

His mood was delightfully satisfied.

When he reached for the egg and chive bun, he admired the vibrant, tender chives that still gleamed after being steamed at high heat, and a wistful expression crossed his face.

If only he were younger, he would take this vigor and challenge the mischievous little devils from the Hehuan Sect to a great battle.

With another bite of the egg and chive bun fortifying him, tears welled up in Uncle Li’s eyes.

That deadly egg and chive bun could truly be lethal.

He was old and lacked the strength of youth; otherwise, even risking his life, he would still…

Wiping away a bitter tear, Uncle Li bit fiercely into the crab roe bun.

The combination of crab meat, crab roe, and pork offered a symphony of textures, causing his taste buds to explode like fireworks, sparks flying in every direction.

The happiness from this bite surpassed even the glory of his youth, when he had fought valiantly to suppress the world.

Uncle Li felt as if his very soul had been captured by this bun.

Swallowing the last remnants, he watched the broth almost dripping out and quickly opened his mouth to catch it.

Leaning closer, he slurped up the remaining juice.

The crab roe was incredibly fresh.

He was almost falling in love with the hairy crab.

Who would have thought that beneath that hard shell lay such exquisite flavor?

Crab, you died a worthy death.

Immersed in the delight, Uncle Li nearly forgot there was someone next door waiting for his “guidance.”

The remaining buns were quickly devoured by Uncle Li.

Feeling fully satisfied, he rubbed his belly and came back to his senses.

“At my age, still so reckless.”

Touching his flushed face, Uncle Li scolded himself silently, then praised aloud, “Delicious, little Lu, thank you.”

“Such delicacies are rare in this world.”

“No need for pointers, perfect score.”

“My life has been worth it!”

“Dying without regret.”

Uncle Li’s high praise left Lu Wu a bit awkward.

A few buns shouldn’t be enough to make the old man see through the world’s illusions.

“As long as you like them.”

Lu Wu couldn’t quite discern Uncle Li’s background, but he had been very kind and helpful to her. These buns were meant as a gift for him.

After chatting with Uncle Li for a while, she glanced at the sky; it was still early.

She decided to bring a reclining chair into the courtyard to bask in the warm sunlight, which made one drowsy.

Lu Wu took out her One Realm Pass and began scrolling through the news.

There was plenty of fresh news from the Qingyuan Realm.

“Famous prodigy defeated by a dog, you’d better be a dog to succeed,” “Ancient ruins shockingly harbor mysterious species; disciples exclaim their eyes have been 'molested,’” “A sect leader caught fishing for the enemy’s prized koi at midnight; no one came to his rescue.”

Lu Wu found these stories odd but fascinating.

The Qingyuan Realm was vast; Xiaohe Town was just a small corner. Most cultivators here were at the lowest levels and could only use the One Realm Pass to watch the realm’s shifting affairs.

After a while, she entered the Xiaohe Town section.

“Huh, the Hidden Spirit Sect’s conspiracy uncovered. A venerable last night took action, wiping out the cult’s stronghold in Xiaohe Town.”

Intrigued, Lu Wu clicked to read.

The Hidden Spirit Sect had secretly poisoned some young boys and girls, attempting to destroy their spiritual roots.

Fortunately, some kind-hearted citizens intervened and helped detoxify the children, leaving their innate bones unharmed.

She had heard of the Hidden Spirit Sect, a major cult in the Qingyuan Realm.

Though their influence was limited, they were like stubborn scabs—no matter how many times they were cut down, they kept coming back, harvesting disciples like crops.

The sect’s aim was to oppose the major sects of the Qingyuan Realm. With the annual Awakening Day approaching, the prime talents would be recruited to strengthen the sects.

This cult dared not confront the major sects directly; instead, they aimed to sabotage their growth at the root.

But such a strategy was like an ant trying to stop a chariot.

Lu Wu was curious about who the venerable and the helpful citizens were—it seemed Xiaohe Town harbored many talented and extraordinary people.

At least this assured her own safety.

Patting her chest, Lu Wu dismissed her lingering doubts.

She was just an extra, not destined for a story of underdog triumph or a hidden genius plot; the protagonist’s spotlight had nothing to do with her.

Scrolling further, she found a new post.

“Heaven and earth may change, but the Bun Sect endures.”

“Enter our sect, Amen Amen.”

Lu Wu’s eyes widened as she saw the post originated from Xiaohe Town. Could it be that another cult had emerged here?

But a cult named the Bun Sect? It lacked all dignity.

Lu Wu sneered and swiped past, clicking ‘dislike.’

With such a ridiculous name, it probably wasn’t a serious cult—most likely just a bunch of softies.

At the same moment, Uncle Li next door was also scrolling through the One Realm Pass. Seeing the fledgling Bun Sect, he nodded with pride.

This sect would become Boss Lu’s most loyal protectors.

The first batch of members would become the Bun Sect’s elders, growing the sect and pledging to safeguard Boss Lu.

To secure his position as the sect’s Grand Elder, Uncle Li sent a message to the sect members.

Who was the sect leader?

Of course, it was none other than Boss Lu Wu, who knew nothing about any of this.

“Announcement: Today Boss Lu’s buns come in four new flavors.”

“The taste—slurp! So delicious I nearly had an out-of-body experience and ascended to immortality.”

Uncle Li chuckled wickedly.

As the first customer to savor such marvelous flavors, how could he not boast a little and do justice to his status?