Honkai Impact 3rd: Catching the Herrscher of Sentience at the Start

"I don't believe you. Go blow one up right now," Fu Shi sipped the drink Wutong handed her, completely indifferent to Raven's plight.

"...…"

"Poor Raven. May God bless your little island. Amen," Fu Lin said, offering silent prayers for Raven while watching the two argue.

At that moment, Raven, toiling away to earn money, thought, "Kids, wait for me. I'm almost there—just a bit more and I can buy back the island."

"Even an angry Sirin is cute. So is Master," Wutong exclaimed, taking a deep sip of orange juice and watching the two with excitement.

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Slurp! Slurp!

"Fu Shi, Sirin, stop arguing. If you don't eat your noodles soon, they'll get soggy." Fu Lin said while eating, glancing at the two who were locked in a debate.

"Why is it noodles again? Are you 'Kevin' or something?" Fu Shi looked helplessly at Fu Lin, who had ordered noodles once more, voicing her dissatisfaction.

"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm," Yae Sakura nodded in agreement from the side.

"...Wait, why did I order noodles?" Fu Lin paused mid-bite, staring at the noodles in disbelief.

"Boss, bring me your house specialty instead. Take these noodles away!" Fu Lin waved his hand grandly, calling out with enthusiasm.

"Got it! Here at our Taixuan Village (Town), there's one dish you simply must try. My restaurant is the most authentic one in preparing that dish within a ten-mile radius!" The restaurant owner grinned, signaling his staff to take away the noodles while proudly boasting.

"Oh? Then I'll definitely have to give it a try." Fu Lin's interest was piqued by the owner's introduction. He eagerly waited for the specialty dish.

"But why did I hear that the place next door is more authentic?" Wutong scratched her head, recalling the research she'd done before coming here.

"Ahem! Online rumors aren't reliable. When it comes to authenticity, this is the real deal. My ancestors learned this culinary art directly from the Immortal Celestial of Taixuan Mountain. It's honest, authentic food that'll have you coming back for more!" The owner thumped his chest in assurance.

"Fu Shi, what dishes has Fu Hua ever taught others?" Fu Lin scooted closer to Fu Shi and whispered in her ear.

"Um... the old antique passed on a lot of stuff. It seems like she taught the culinary traditions and delicacies from the previous civilization..." Fu Shi rubbed her temples, unsure what dish would arrive.

"Then it should be fine. No way it'll be Spring Bu... Old...!" Fu Lin froze mid-sentence, staring at the plate of steamed buns and a small dish of Spring Fried Vegetables that had just been served.

"Ha-ha, what an 'Immortal's Recipe'—so delicious, truly exquisite..." Fu Lin bit into a bun, half-heartedly praising it.

"If it's good, have more." Fu Shi placed another bun in Fu Lin's other hand, speaking with an almost paternal tone.

"The specialty Red Chicken Set is here!"

"This includes Red Chicken Stew with Mushrooms, Small-cut Red Chicken, Braised Red Chicken, and Red Chicken Soup," the owner said patiently, introducing each dish as they were served.

"Red... chicken?" Fu Lin's thoughts drifted. "What does it have to do with the Immortal...?"

"Ahem! The Red Chicken is a unique specialty of Taixuan Mountain. Its red-and-white color is distinctive, and it's lively and feisty. The meat is exceptionally delicious, a rare treat. It's said the Immortal Celestial were particularly fond of it, with rumors claiming it grants immortality!"

"Does it really grant immortality?" Fu Lin asked curiously, gnawing on a chicken leg.

"Of course not! Immortality is a myth. At most, it nourishes the kidneys and boosts vitality, restoring a man's vigor..." The owner waved dismissively, patting Fu Lin on the shoulder with a hint of amusement.

"!!!!" Fu Lin's eyes widened. He grabbed the bone he'd already gnawed clean and began chewing on it again, determined to leave nothing edible behind.

"!!!"

"Boss, we'll have a Red Chicken Set too!"

Hearing the owner's explanation, the customers at the nearby tables perked up, energetically ordering their own Red Chicken dishes.

'I really want to get some for Fu Lin...' Kiana, who had been quietly observing, swallowed her saliva upon hearing the owner's description.

"When did Taixuan Mountain ever have a creature called 'Red Chicken'? I've never heard of it..." Fu Shi muttered under her breath, glancing at the food on her plate, but her voice was soon drowned out by the surrounding chatter.

"Boss, is there a version of Red Chicken that's good for beauty and skincare?" Wutong asked sweetly, her innocent gaze fixed on the owner.

"The Black Chicken Set from the shop next door is for that..." The owner pointed to the restaurant across the street.