After finishing emptying the wine from his cup, Yang Qing sensed something that prompted him to look to his left where he saw Ye Xun standing like a solitary beauty as she raised her wine cup toward him with a smile that he never thought he would ever have the chance of seeing due to her stoic nature.

Her smile surprisingly wasn't that bad for someone who didn't like to show much emotion on her face. She was already a golden beauty even when wearing her stoic demeanor, and now smiling, though it was a small one elevated that beauty even further.

Yang Qing nodded toward her in gratitude for showing up but also for the help she had provided while he was still within the range. He knew throughout their stay here, despite her not showing herself a lot, she had been monitoring and watching over them, especially when they were outside, which was why she had been alarmed when she couldn't sense Yang Qing the time the mysterious middle-aged man appeared.

Yang Qing looked around and noticed none of the people present seemed to have realized she was present except him, and when he turned to her with a doubtful look, he saw her shake her head with an apologetic look.

Yang Qing nodded coupled with an understanding smile. Ye Xun had isolated her presence from the rest with her domain space, and Yang Qing would not have noticed her had she not specifically revealed herself to him. As for why she'd rather hide herself, Yang Qing had a few guesses one of which she was being considerate.While he, Luo Meili, Su Jinjing, and Administrator Mo Guang would be comfortable in the presence of a domain expert, the same could not be said about the rest. They would likely act reserved around her, defeating the whole purpose of the party. Ye Xun isolating herself was understandable, besides from the little interactions he had with her, Yang Qing felt she much preferred it this way.

With introductions and speeches out of the way, the next session which both Yang Qing and Ellie agreed was the most important part out of all arrived.

Shi Hai expertly introduced the dishes and even went as far as to give his suggestions on the pairings they could try for maximum flavor. Everyone listened aptly, committing it to their hearts, well except the two, man and spirit beast who had long lost their mind to hear anything else other than the food that was already beckoning them.

With the explanations out of the way, Meifeng and Gu Xing followed the lead of the two inquisitors who decided to start with the soup first as they worked their way up. For the soup dishes, there were only three; the tomato and egg soup, hot and sour soup, and the West Lake beef soup, each packed with flavors and breathtaking aroma.

Meifeng was undecided on which to choose and opted for the hot and sour one because of the golden steam and radiance it released, as Gu Xing chose the tomatoes and egg soup, while Su Jinjing and Luo Meili went for the West Lake beef soup. They paired their soups with the spring rolls that were placed next to them.

Meanwhile, on this other end administrator Mo Guang went for pine nuts and sweet corn which he paired with some green tea. Haishi and Bolin had automatically gone to the table that had the meat and poultry, however, halted their steps when Ellie sent them warning gazes, luckily Yang Qing stepped in with a wallop to the head and a few threats before he threw Ellie to the vegetable section for her behavior.

"Go on, eat your fill, and don't worry about her, she won't dare retaliate or I'll have her sent to the purple forest for a few months.." Yang Qing menacingly said as his gaze fell on the aggrieved cloud-swallowing kite that ate the spicy and sour shredded potato with a pitiful look even though said dish would cost an arm and tooth due to its rich flavors and the dao nourishment that filled it.

As for Yang Qing, he always thought himself to be an equal opportunities person when it came to his meals, he didn't favor one above the other, and his chivalric spirit wouldn't allow him to do so. So staying true to himself with an air of righteousness, he filled his plate with a little bit of everything from stir-fried bean sprouts with dried tofu to sweet and sour pork fillet to red braised beef, to gold duck roast, to clear noodles soaked in autumn moon chili sauce.

Every single person couldn't help but hum in pleasure at the stupendous taste of the dishes and their wonderous abilities as seen on dao-infused dishes. Each one of them was transported to a different realm from every dish they ate which left them with pleasant and sentimental expressions on their faces. Meifeng had teared up at some point, Gu Xing had this nostalgic smile as she stared at the stars, Bolin had a conflicted look, Haishi, and Ellie were just greedy, and Mo Guang smiled his smile was like that of a parent whenever they remembered their child, Ye Xun who had picked a few dishes without anyone being the wiser had a nod of approval as she shot a casual glance Shi Hai's way who was choked up with emotions when he saw the reactions the rest had toward his meals.

As for Yang Qing, Su Jinjing, and Luo Meili, they were long accustomed to the emotions brought about by dao-infused meals as each surrendered themself to the journey. It was the best way to both enjoy the meal and harvest greatly from dao- infused meals.

"Shi Hai, you've truly created something special here.." said Yang Qing with deep-felt admiration.

"I don't know about that, but I am glad I took the offer.." Shi Hai said, tears almost falling with a smile of gratification.

The others echoed Yang Qing's sentiments as they complemented Shi Hai on his skills, even Gu Xing wasn't reserved with her compliments.

The atmosphere grew harmonious and the serenity river melody skylark after eating a few lotus roots was pumped full of energy as she flew around the alcove chirping joyous melodies that elevated the mood by renewing and refreshing them. The crystal-winged moth joined it, and a few moments later Meifeng joined them adding notes of her own that blended perfectly with the tune of the serenity river melody skylark.

The diamond beetle was the only one that didn't move as it remained perched on Yang Qing's shoulders eating off his plate. Yang Qing added more spicy dishes when he noticed it seemed to be its favorite.

The mood had already turned full throttle into that of a party, as Yang Qing shamelessly joined despite numerous protests.

It was in the midst of singing off-key that Ye Xun told him,

"Seems like you have another guest.."