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Xiulan strode through Blackmere’s streets with Mei Chen padding silently beside her as they approached the city manor. A line of wagons stretched along the street outside, loaded with furniture and supplies.

Inside, servants scurried about like hurried mice, carrying boxes and directing movers. The organized chaos filled every corner of the entrance courtyard. Xiulan spotted Lan Zhao directing the placement of a carved wooden cabinet while Zhang Wei bounced between helping different servants.

I should have prepared proper noble quarters. Xiulan resisted the urge to smack her forehead. The city manor remained spartan compared to the Lin family estate’s luxuries.

Zhao Lian stood in the center of the commotion, radiating calm authority as she coordinated the efforts. Her eyes lit up at Xiulan’s approach.

"Mother." Xiulan bowed formally.

"Xiulan!" Zhao Lian stepped forward and clasped Xiulan’s hands. The familiar scent of jasmine enveloped them.

"Are you alright? What happened at the manor?" Xiulan scanned her mother for signs of injury.

"The attackers damaged parts of the estate, but Ren Chun and the other cultivators drove them back." Zhao Lian squeezed Xiulan’s hands. "We suffered only minor casualties."

"The manor—why travel here?"

"The damage was just minor." Zhao Lian gestured to the wagons outside. "We brought supplies and assistance. And with Lord Chao’s capture, my presence here could prove beneficial. And… I thought you might need help."

The servants bowed deeply as they passed. Xiulan nodded thoughtfully. Her mother’s diplomatic skills would indeed help navigate the aftermath of Lord Chao’s failed siege… or at least shift the burden to her.

Which considering how she was supposed to be distancing herself from mortal affairs, seemed to be in the right direction.

But with how involved cultivators were in the events and battle that had ravaged the city, it seemed premature to think they could extract themselves from things cleanly .

At the very least she wasn’t going to even consider leaving until things were settled one way or another.

Movement across the courtyard caught Xiulan’s attention. Zhang Wei walked alongside Ren Chun, laughing at something the young cultivator said. The moment Zhang Wei spotted her, his smile vanished. He turned away, shoulders stiff, and whispered something to Ren Chun.

A sharp ache bloomed in Xiulan’s chest. The cold dismissal stung worse than any blade. He used to run to greet me with such joy.

"I’ll see to our quarters and organize the household." Zhao Lian touched Xiulan’s arm before following Zhang Wei into the manor.

Ren Chun approached with measured steps. "Congratulations."

"For what?" Xiulan kept her tone neutral.

"The siege. Defeating Lord Chao. Protecting Blackmere."

The words tasted like ash. Empty praise for bloodshed and death. "Thank you for protecting my family during the attack on the manor."

Xiulan escaped with Mei Chen. Feng Yu could handle him for her…

Ren Chun watched them go with a frown.

The next week passed in a blur of activity. Her mother proved invaluable, taking command of the city officials and directing military matters with practiced grace. The relief of delegating those duties gave Xiulan precious time to focus on cultivation.

She and Mei Chen maintained their daily lessons at the Treasure Pavilion. Between training sessions, she crossed blades with Feng Yu and Ren Chun, testing her growing spear skills against their swords.

She was no expert, but at least she didn’t embarrass herself and trip over her own feet any more…

The share of ransoms from the captured cultivators exceeded her expectations, yet barely offset her expenses. The war had devoured two-thirds of her earnings from the dawn serpent scale venture with Feng Yu in Fershere. Her funds dwindled to just under two thousand spirit stones.

It was an incredible amount of wealth by mortal standards, but for a young cutlivator with aspirations, it could only be the beginning.

By the end of the week Xiulan studied her collection of elemental pills and refining powder. Her progress felt sluggish. Perhaps it was time to complete her body refinement and advance to the next stage of cultivation.

Xiulan arranged her cultivation supplies across the low table, frowning at the array of pills and powders.

"What troubles you?" Mei Chen leaned forward over her shoulder with a hug.

"I need to catch up to Feng Yu and Ren Chun. They’ve already reached qi gathering while I’m still stuck in body refinement." Xiulan tapped her fingers against the wooden surface.

"Why not ask Fairy Feng for advice?" Mei Chen tilted her head.

Xiulan blinked. "That’s... actually brilliant. Why didn’t I think of that?"

"Because you turned it into a competition?" Mei Chen grinned.

"You’re too smart for your own good." Xiulan turned and hugged her back. The ghost-girl preened under the praise, a soft purr rumbling in her chest.

They found Feng Yu in the manor’s kitchen, surrounded by bewildered cooks. She stood at a prep table, pressing ground meat into flat circles while asking questions about beef patties.

"What are you doing?" Xiulan stared at the unusual sight.

"Trying to recreate hamburgers." Feng Yu shaped another patty. "The cooks think I’m mad."

Xiulan burst into laughter. "I thought you’d be practicing sword forms or meditating. Aren’t you supposed to focus on cultivation?"

"Cultivation extends beyond meridians and dao." Feng Yu flipped a patty onto a heated stone. "Hamburgers might be able to enrich the spirit."

"Then let me help." Xiulan rolled up her sleeves.

Xiulan watched Feng Yu work the meat. Last time I didn’t even consider mayonnaise...

"Chef Yao?" Xiulan turned to the puzzled head cook. "Could we create an egg sauce?"

The elderly chef stroked his wispy beard. "What kind of egg sauce, Miss Lin?"

Xiulan tapped her chin. "We need egg yolks, oil, and vinegar. Maybe some salt and mustard powder too."

"An interesting combination." Chef Yao beckoned to his assistants. "Bring fresh eggs from this morning’s collection and the seasoned rice vinegar."

Xiulan separated the yolks into a bowl while explaining the process to Chef Yao. "The key is whisking constantly while adding the oil drop by drop."

"Like making an emulsion?" Chef Yao brightened. "Similar to our sesame paste preparation?"

"Exactly!" Xiulan grinned. The kitchen staff gathered around as she demonstrated, slowly incorporating the oil into the egg yolks.

Mei Chen sniffed at the developing sauce. "The scent changes as you whisk."

Three failed attempts later, the sauce finally achieved the right consistency. Chef Yao examined the thick, creamy result with professional interest.

"Fascinating. The oil and egg bind completely." He dipped a spoon to test. "And the vinegar adds brightness."

Feng Yu assembled the first burger while Xiulan finished the sauce. Fresh lettuce leaves and sliced tomatoes from the supplies brought in after the siege complemented the seasoned meat patty.

"If only we had some cheese." Xiulan sighed wistfully. "What kind of cheese do we have?" she asked Chef Yao.

"We produce several varieties from goat’s milk." Chef Yao gestured to one of his assistants. "Bring the aged white cheese from storage."

The assistant returned with a crumbly white mass wrapped in cloth. Xiulan sniffed it—the sharp, sour aroma reminded her more of yogurt than cheese.

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"We age it in ceramic pots for three months." Chef Yao cut a small piece. "The western traders taught us their methods generations ago."

Xiulan tasted the sample. The texture felt dry and granular against her tongue, with none of the creamy richness she remembered from American cheddar. This wouldn’t melt right on a burger at all.

"I’ve never seen you so focused on cooking before." Mei Chen leaned over the counter, sniffing at the ingredients.

Xiulan laughed. "In my—umm, it’s a new enjoyment. A hobby!"

"We should skip the cheese." Feng Yu shaped another patty. "It makes it taste different from what we had before. The mayonnaise seems fine, though."

"Agreed." Xiulan returned to whisking the mayonnaise. "The burgers will taste better without it."

They worked together assembling the meals—Feng Yu grilling the meat, Xiulan spreading sauce, and Mei Chen arranging the vegetables. The kitchen filled with savory aromas that drew curious onlookers.

Zhao Lian appeared in the doorway, followed by a hesitant Zhang Wei. "Something smells wonderful."

"Join us?" Xiulan gestured to the finished plates. "There’s plenty."

They gathered around a small table in the kitchen corner. Zhang Wei went and found Ren Chun who was sitting stiffly.

His eyes widened at the first bite. "This is better than before."

Xiulan watched the group gathered around the kitchen table. No formal dining room, no servants standing at attention, no rigid etiquette—just people enjoying food together. A warm contentment spread through her chest. This casual gathering fulfilled something she’d longed for as Li Mei and never experienced as Lin Xiulan.

"Chef Yao, remember those crispy potato strips from earlier? We should make those too."

Chef Yao nodded and went to work slicing potatoes into thin strips while his assistants heated oil in large woks. The familiar sizzle brought a smile to Xiulan’s face.

"An excellent suggestion." Chef Yao dropped the first batch into bubbling oil. "These foreign dishes intrigue me."

The aroma of frying potatoes drew more curious onlookers. Servants poked their heads through doorways, and soon the kitchen buzzed with activity. Everyone wanted to try the new foods.

Xiulan dipped a golden-brown fry into the mayonnaise. "We need something else too—a sauce made from tomatoes and spices." She turned to Chef Yao. "Do you have any vinegar and sugar?"

The kitchen staff eagerly joined the experimentation. One cook suggested adding ginger, while another offered dried chilies. Servants rushed to fetch ingredients, staying to taste-test each attempt.

More people filtered in as word spread through the manor. Guards off-duty squeezed beside maids at the tables. Kitchen helpers passed plates of burgers and fries to the growing crowd. Laughter and chatter filled the space as everyone shared their opinions.

This feels like what home should have been , Xiulan thought, watching Zhang Wei demonstrate the proper way to assemble a burger to wide-eyed servants.

The rigid barriers of status dissolved in the steam and savory scents of good food shared among friends and family.

* * *

The sweet burn of rice wine slid down Xiulan’s throat. Lanterns dotted the streets of Blackmere, casting warm light over crowds of celebrating citizens. Drums thundered somewhere in the distance, mixing with drunken singing and laughter.

"Another round!" A guard slammed his cup on the wooden table.

"You’re just trying to get me drunk." Xiulan accepted the refilled cup anyway. The wine tasted surprisingly good—smooth and fragrant rather than the harsh spirits she expected.

Feng Yu drained her third pitcher without pause. "Watch this." She grabbed another, drawing cheers from the assembled guards.

Xiulan studied Feng Yu’s steady hands and clear eyes. The cultivation energy coursing through their meridians burned through alcohol faster than normal people. A smile tugged at her lips as she raised her own cup.

Feng Yu jumped onto the table holding up the wine pitcher and launched into a tale.

"And then—" Feng Yu gestured dramatically, nearly knocking over a lantern. "Xiulan called down lightning from the heavens! Thunder boomed as a hundred enemy cultivators exploded into ash!"

"That’s not what happened!" Xiulan protested through her laughter.

"Miss Lin!" Mei Chen hovered anxiously behind her chair. "You shouldn’t drink so much. What if—"

"Relax." A guard raised his cup. "We’re celebrating not dying!"

The crowd roared agreement. More wine flowed. Someone started singing a bawdy victory song.

"To the Thunder Goddess!" Feng Yu proclaimed.

Xiulan tried to object but found herself floating pleasantly, the world soft around the edges. When did everything get so fuzzy?

The guards bellowed toasts, their voices carrying across the festivities. Mei Chen’s worried face blurred in and out of focus as Xiulan swayed gently in her seat.

A wave of shouts rippled through the nearby streets.

Xiulan turned toward the commotion as soldiers dropped to their knees in rapid succession, creating a ripple effect through the crowd. Through the wine-induced haze, she focused on a procession entering the courtyard.

Robed figures strode forward while servants carried flags that caught the lantern light.

The familiar pattern on the flag snapped Xiulan to attention. Gold thread on jade and white silk displayed the imperial sigil—five suns arranged in a circle. The words "Fifth Small Sun of the Kingdom" glinted beneath the embroidered design.

Xiulan stumbled to her feet alongside Feng Yu as two men in ornate robes approached. Their clothing sparkled with precious gems and intricate embroidery—one in white and gold, the other in blue and black.

"Kneel before His Highness, Sheng Hao, the Fifth Prince of the Kingdom!" A servant rushed ahead to announce.

The courtyard erupted in movement as everyone dropped to bow. Xiulan started to bend her knee but noticed Feng Yu remained standing tall beside her. Of course she wouldn’t kneel. I was right...

"Rise." The prince in white and gold waved his hand dismissively. "What a crude establishment." He wrinkled his nose and turned to his companion. "Is this truly where we had to come?"

The wine burned through Xiulan’s veins, loosening her tongue. "My sincerest apologies, Your Highness." She injected sweetness into her tone. "House Chao recently burned our manor to the ground. We’ve only just rebuilt. Perhaps the accommodations aren’t suitable for those accustomed to more... extravagant tastes."

The prince’s gaze locked onto Xiulan, deliberately avoiding Feng Yu’s presence. "Is this the girl?"

The second man stepped forward, his robes rustling against the courtyard stones. "Are you Lin Xiulan?"

Xiulan clasped her hands and bowed formally, keeping her movements precise despite the wine. "This one is Lin Xiulan of Blackmere County."

"Ha!" The prince’s laugh cut through the tense atmosphere. He turned to his companion with exaggerated dismay. "Why isn’t she in chains already?"

The man in black and blue smoothed his sleeve. "I am Min Tajin, your cousin." He paused, studying her with calculating eyes. "You stand accused of causing catastrophic damage within the kingdom. You are under arrest."

Silence descended over the courtyard. The celebrating crowds stilled, their earlier joy evaporating into the night air. Even the distant drums seemed to fade.

"Well?" The prince’s voice dripped with mockery as he addressed Tajin. "Where are the chains? Surely you don’t mean to leave such a dangerous criminal unbound?"

"She would break them." Tajin spoke matter-of-factly.

Prince Sheng Hao scoffed. "You jest! What about my safety? This—this barbarian could strike me down where I stand!"

Tajin glanced meaningfully at Feng Yu before returning his attention to the prince. "Your Highness, there isn’t a soul present who could stop her from removing your head before you hit the ground. But rest assured, I would face severe punishment for such a failure."

The prince rolled his eyes toward the dark sky. "Of course, of course." He waved his hand in a dismissive circle. "Where is Lord Chao then? You’re having such a delightful celebration—have him come here at once."

The wine buzzed pleasantly as Xiulan straightened her robes. "Lord Chao resides in my dungeon at present." She didn’t break eye contact with the prince. "I had to remove his legs. They sustained too much damage during the battle, and sadly, my limited finances couldn’t cover the cost of healing pills."

"That utter buffoon." The prince pressed elegant fingers against his temple and released a dramatic sigh. "Fine! Since we must dine among common soldiers tonight, bring me whatever food and wine you’re serving at this..." He gestured vaguely at the celebrating crowd. "...festivity."

Servants rushed forward with a lacquered table, setting it before the prince with practiced efficiency. The polished surface gleamed in the lantern light as they arranged cushions and placed an ornate wine service. A steaming hamburger arrived on a jade plate, garnished with fresh herbs.

The prince stared at the round creation. "What manner of peasant food is this?"

"A delicacy from distant lands, Your Highness." Xiulan watched him prod the bun.

He lifted the burger with obvious reluctance and took a delicate bite. His eyebrows shot up. He devoured the remainder, then dabbed his mouth with an embroidered napkin.

"Interesting." The prince sniffed dismissively while eyeing the remaining burgers across the courtyard.

The wooden doors creaked open. Zhao Lian hurried across the courtyard, her formal robes rustling against the stones. She dropped into a deep bow before the prince.

"Your Highness, please forgive our humble accommodations." She turned to Tajin with a graceful nod. "Sir Min, welcome to our manor in the city." She bowed to the prince again. "Your Highness, would you prefer to continue this discussion inside?"

"Absolutely not!" The prince sprawled on his seat, leaning back on it’s two rear legs and balancing himself while pointing at Feng Yu. "I wish to hear what fascinating tales float through these common gatherings."

Xiulan’s head spun, and not just from the wine.

The prince’s moods shifted like quicksilver—disdain to curiosity to calculated interest. His true intentions remained maddeningly unclear.

Did he support House Chao? House Min? His gaze kept sliding toward Feng Yu, who maintained perfect composure throughout the exchange.

Her friend stood perfectly still, face expressionless as a marble statue. Not a single reaction crossed her features despite the prince’s obvious provocations.

Feng Yu finally cracked and moved so swiftly Xiulan thought she was actually taking the prince’s head off. But she stopped near his ear.

"First, we routed an ancient beast and stole it’s most precious treasure. That precious child turned into our strength, and burnt our enemies with golden wreathed fire, until they were nothing but ash… just like they planned to do with us," she whispered loudly enough for those nearby to hear.

Liuhuo’s head emerged from her sleeve as if called and let out a warning hiss toward the prince’s cheek.

Prince Hao swallowed nervously. "Of course, it sounds terribly barbaric. I, for one, never had any love of fires, or anything to do with them. Everyone knows and remembers that?"