Chapter 17: Experienced, Expecting

The next day, Lu Wu significantly increased her procurement once again. Her business was thriving; even with a two-item limit per person, demand far exceeded supply. Many diners came from out of town, and Lu Wu couldn’t bear to have them come all that way only to leave empty-handed, so she pushed herself harder.

After becoming familiar with her suppliers, she arranged for deliveries directly to her doorstep, sparing herself the need to run errands. The courtyard was piled high with unprocessed ingredients, and as usual, she prepared everything carefully and methodically.

Lu Wu’s small courtyard doors were tightly shut, and inside, the atmosphere was bustling. A large basin of flour was expertly mixed with water under her hands, the proportions perfectly balanced. The pliant dough took shape smoothly; when pressed, it left a dent that quickly rebounded.

Here, proofing dough was effortless—just placing a spirit stone beneath the basin maintained a constant temperature, saving both time and effort. Truly, cultivation changed life.

Today, Lu Wu had adjusted her recipes, beginning with a beef and vermicelli bun. The vermicelli was soaked in advance until it became springy, then chopped into small segments. Besides the usual scallions and ginger, she also added shiitake mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

Large chunks of beef were diced into small pieces, their fresh red color turning as they met hot oil in the pan. Once transformed, she added an array of seasonings, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Then she mixed in the vermicelli, which absorbed the sauce’s rich hue, becoming both flavorful and tantalizing.

Lu Wu’s crab roe took form in the guise of soup-filled buns, a far more intricate craft than ordinary buns. The key lay in the aspic.

Large slabs of pigskin were retrieved from water, soaked in hot water, and then Lu Wu meticulously scraped off every stray hair. She patted the slippery surface before placing it into a pot.

No ingredient could be omitted: cooking wine, salt, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, bay leaves, and cinnamon bark. All were added with water and simmered slowly over low heat until the skin turned tender and gelatinous.

The aroma wafted in waves, penetrating deeply. When the lid was lifted and the scum skimmed off, the remaining broth was thick, white, and fragrant. A gentle prod with a spatula almost dissolved the pigskin into the broth.

Lu Wu sealed the mixture and chilled it rapidly using a spirit stone. The aspic set into a translucent, glossy sheet. She carefully picked out the crab roe and meat, then processed the prepared pork into a fine paste.

This filling required no pre-cooking; it was simply combined with the pork paste, aspic, and seasonings to create the stuffing. Kneading in a clockwise motion was taxing—her shoulders ached from the exertion.

By the time the preparations were complete, it was nearly noon. Starving and running low on energy, Lu Wu left the other two bun fillings unchanged. The dough had risen just right, and she prepared to eat the soup-filled buns for lunch.

She rolled the dough into a long strip, pinched off small pieces, and rolled each into thin wrappers. The filling was tightly enclosed in a delicate skin, pleated skillfully by hand along the top.

After steaming, the aspic inside the soup buns would melt, making them prone to leaking, so Lu Wu avoided overfilling them.

The water in the pot had long since boiled, and she placed the buns into the steamer. In about fifteen minutes, the skins turned translucent, and the filling gently swayed inside—fully cooked.

Lifting the steamer lid, an intoxicating aroma burst forth. Lu Wu inhaled deeply, a gentle smile curving her eyes.

Her cultivation communicator beeped—an incoming message from Old Li, who wished to visit. It was clear the enticing scent had drawn him once more.

She chuckled and agreed.

“Cough cough, Little Lu, what new buns do you have today?” Old Li appeared at the kitchen door, hands clasped behind his back, as swift as a gust of wind.

Ignoring Lu Wu’s teasing gaze, he stared longingly at the soup buns, saliva uncontrollably gathering.

“Why are these buns so beautiful?” Old Li’s eyes widened in admiration.

“These are crab roe soup buns. Take care while eating, sir—go slowly to avoid burning yourself. Bite small bites, as the soup inside tends to spill,” Lu Wu said, placing the buns onto a plate and handing them over.

Old Li carefully lifted one by the pleats, holding it up to the sunlight. The dappled light filtered through the delicate skin, revealing the melted filling gently swaying within like a precious work of art—crystal clear and radiant.

After holding it for a moment, the skin began to strain under the weight, sagging slightly.

Unable to resist, Old Li bit in.

He ate in his usual manner—one big bite.

But the magic of the soup bun lies in that sudden burst of soup the moment the skin tears under the teeth.

Unprepared, Old Li was caught off guard.

“Ouch!” he exclaimed, clutching his mouth, with splattered soup staining his collar.

Despite the mess on his new clothes, Old Li paid no mind, his eyes shining with enjoyment and appreciation.

Eating it whole locked all the flavors inside his mouth.

Lu Wu had used top-grade crab, properly handled to preserve its natural freshness. The heat fully activated these flavors, which were then enveloped in the aspic’s melted broth, creating a warm stream that slid smoothly down Old Li’s throat.

The taste was so exquisite that Old Li hesitated to part his lips, afraid of losing any of the treasure within.

Watching Old Li struggle with his meal, Lu Wu grinned slyly like a cunning fox.

She had more experience—biting a small hole first, then slowly sipping the soup inside.

The soup bun surpassed all others in flavor, becoming Lu Wu’s favorite.

After finishing one, she wiped her mouth. Truly delightful!

Old Li, teased by the younger generation, found it impossible to keep a straight face.

His eyes darted toward the remaining buns in the steamer, clearly hinting at something.

Lu Wu caught on instantly.

“This whole basket is for you,” she said generously, having made plenty and knowing cultivators had hearty appetites.

“Little Lu, rest assured, I won’t disappoint you,” Old Li declared, brushing her aside to personally help himself, uttering words she didn’t understand.

After stuffing himself and taking several home, Old Li finally patted his bulging belly and returned home.

He opened his communicator to contact the congregation.

“You all did well last night. It’s time for rewards,” he announced.

“The top three contributors in the operation each get two buns. Note, these are new varieties—tested and effective.”

“Others who didn’t earn rewards, remember to line up early today.”

Patting his stuffed belly again and eyeing the six remaining soup buns in his hand, Old Li was reluctant to stop.

He felt he could still eat more, but the congregation had performed so well that rewards were necessary.

In a residence in Little River Town, upon receiving Old Li’s message, Lou Xiaotian smiled triumphantly.

It was no surprise—he had placed third.

First was a mysterious prodigy who dared not reveal his true name, codenamed “Oath to Kill Big Yellow,” and second was Miss Lotus from the Hundred Flowers Pavilion.

Both were formidable opponents; Lou Xiaotian had no chance against them and settled for third.

Just last night, cooperating with the rebellious Hidden Spirit sect siblings, they eradicated the remaining cult members from Little River Town.

From today onward, Little River Town, like Boss Lu’s buns, would be clean and pure.

This group of guardians would continue their covert vigilance, swearing to protect Boss Lu’s safety with their lives.

All for this very moment.