Chapter 15: One Steamed Bun Turns Two Against Us

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Watching the two in action, many people suddenly realized something. How had they never thought of it before?

“Brother, how about we team up?”

The diners in line began forming alliances; strangers could instantly become close comrades just to try a variety of flavors.

“Of course!”

Before long, pairs were formed in large numbers. Some brothers who had been at odds moments earlier were now arm in arm, showing affection.

“Bro, you’re the best brother I’ve got. Together, we’re unstoppable.”

“Little brother, you’re the one I trust most. I promise I’ll never betray you.”

Their eyes met, tears glistening at the corners.

Brothers—what mortal grudge could there be between them?

Lu Wu was no longer surprised by such scenes.

At this moment, a young boy stood before her, wanting two red bean buns.

His face bore faint freckles that slightly marred his appearance, but upon closer inspection, his features were quite handsome. Without those spots, he could be a striking youth.

“Thank you, Sister Lu,” the boy said gratefully, his eyes full of appreciation.

Though a boy, he cared deeply about his looks. It was Sister Lu’s buns that gave him hope for recovery.

“I should be the one thanking you for liking my buns,” Lu Wu replied with a faint smile.

She had noticed several customers in line with similar dark spots on their faces. Judging by his age and his occasional communication with others, she knew these youths were the masked ones from yesterday.

Scanning his freckles, Lu Wu pondered for a moment before offering, “Would you like to switch to a crab roe bun? The effect is the same.”

Even if the recipe changed, there were only two possible effects—one to boost vitality, the other to fade spots. The crab roe bun was the latter.

“Great!” The boy nodded eagerly, swallowing hard.

He had long been tempted by the other fillings; even if he could only try one kind, he’d be happy.

Seeing the boy’s delighted expression, Lu Wu packed the buns for him.

The young boy quickly shared the news with his companions.

Countless sparkling eyes glimmered with gratitude, making Lu Wu smile.

Young people were indeed easy to please.

By the door of the Hundred Flowers Pavilion sat Old Man Li on a chair, holding two buns, eating while watching the flower girl inside.

“Old Man Li, join us!” a customer called from the entrance, holding buns but not eating them.

At the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, buns were better currency than spirit stones.

If one was willing to offer two buns, they could get a half-price discount on a night’s stay from the flower girl.

“Get lost,” Old Man Li replied sternly.

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Faced with the customer’s teasing, Old Man Li wore a serious expression.

“I’m not like you. Don’t insult me like that.”

Though he spoke bravely, inside he was crying.

He tried hard to keep strong in his old age, but he feared his long-deceased tigress of a mother would come back to punish him.

“Go play somewhere else,” he said, rolling his eyes in annoyance.

“Hehe,” the customer laughed as they went inside.

Old Man Li’s gaze shifted to the street entrance.

A brother and sister arrived.

A smile graced Old Man Li’s face, but his eyes were cold.

Had the Hidden Spirit Sect still not given up? Did they truly want their sect destroyed?

“Brother, it’s up to you,” the sister urged, unaware of Old Man Li’s deadly glare, nudging her brother to hurry inside.

There’s a saying: know thyself and know thy enemy.

They weren’t here to fight; they were here to join… or rather, to gather intelligence.

No matter how the sect investigated, this boss Lu seemed ordinary.

Aside from his culinary skills, there was nothing remarkable.

Yet, he had a powerful protector.

To uncover his true nature, they had to take the risk themselves.

“Let’s queue up first,” the brother said, watching the slowly moving line, careful not to reveal their identities.

The siblings strained to overhear any useful news, but all the customers talked about were buns.

“Brother, I’m craving one,” the sister rubbed her stomach. The Hidden Spirit Sect’s finances had taken a downturn lately; she was a bit hungry.

“When you’re out, always remember your identity. Don’t do anything embarrassing,” the brother warned, clutching his own abdomen secretly.

He was hungry too.

Cultivators had keen senses; the aroma of buns reached them at the street corner.

Their cravings were stirred, but they had to endure.

After about half an hour of waiting, it was finally their turn.

Just then, Old Man Li straightened up, staring unblinkingly at them.

The elder of the Bun Sect was present; who dared be disrespectful?

“Boss, we’re together. Two of the same, please,” the brother said with a gentle smile.

“Sorry, only chive and egg filling and red bean filling remain,” Lu Wu replied apologetically.

Business was too good.

Few buns were left.

Compared to vegetarian fillings, customers here preferred meat.

“Then two of each, please.”

While packing, the brother observed Lu Wu closely.

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Lu Wu’s looks were delicately charming but not stunning in the realm of countless beauties known as Qingyuan.

There was no spiritual energy fluctuation about her.

Her dress and appearance were ordinary.

Such a simple bun stall owner had ruined their plans—that was unexpected.

Unable to find any flaw, the brother was troubled.

“Here you go, customers,” Lu Wu said.

Looking up, she caught the brother staring blankly at her but didn’t think much of it.

She realized these customers’ gazes were all impure—they came for her buns.

“Ah, okay,” the brother responded, exchanging a glance with his sister. They didn’t leave immediately but ate just a few steps away.

Many customers behaved this way, unafraid of being noticed.

“Brother, I want a red bean bun,” the sister said, gnashing her small teeth, treating the bun like a lifelong rival, and took a big bite.

“Ow!” she yelled, stomping wildly.

She’d been burned and surprised.

“The buns are fresh and hot. Please eat carefully,” Lu Wu kindly reminded her.

“Mm-hmm,” the sister nodded casually, no longer paying attention to Lu Wu.

Hot or not, what was a little burn to a cultivator?

Her mouth full, the sister grabbed her brother’s arm with surprising strength, causing him to gasp.

“Spit it out if it’s hot,” the brother said, teasingly—wasn’t she just asking for trouble?

He leisurely tore open his bun to let it cool before eating.

Suddenly—

“Swish!”

A hand flashed, snatching the bun from the brother’s mouth. His sister, eager and ready, seemed intent on seizing the rest he held.

“Brother, I think the task isn’t something we absolutely have to complete,” the sister whispered.

Confused, the brother listened.

“Brother, just try it, and you’ll understand.”

He did.

Then he understood her meaning.

Boss Lu’s craftsmanship deserved all the praise.

Even he was conquered by the bun in his hand.

When food reaches a certain level of deliciousness, the one who eats it feels true happiness.

That happiness was what these siblings had long sought.

And so, he wavered.