Bi Ji's face remained flushed the entire time.
The food was simply too delicious—an experience she had never had before.
She had once thought that fresh grass after the rain and the little fish in the Lake of Life were the most delicious things in the world, but compared to Dan Heng's cooking, those now seemed almost inedible.
If she had to choose, she would rather eat Dan Heng's meals for a lifetime than return to her old diet.
Even the resentful gaze that Zi Ji was shooting at her from behind couldn't stop her from eating.
"Brother-in-law… Brother-in-law is really amazing…" Bi Ji weakly complimented.
"Flatterer…"
Zi Ji muttered under her breath, realizing she had underestimated Bi Ji's threat.
She had only just arrived, and she was already trying to curry favor with Dan Heng?
That perverted old man's tail would be wagging all the way to the sky!
At least she, Zi Ji, had her principles—after eating so many of that pervert's meals, she had never once flattered him!
Thinking of this, Zi Ji giggled foolishly to herself.
Her chest puffed up with pride—she was, after all, a dragon with dignity!
Gu Yuena rolled her eyes at Zi Ji. This silly girl… She didn't even feel like lecturing her anymore.
Soon, dinner was over.
Bi Ji, sluggish and full, had eaten almost as much as Zi Ji.
This surprised Dan Heng—was she another "rice bucket"?
Bi Ji, ashamed, didn't dare look at Dan Heng and instead helped Zhu Zhuqing clean up the dishes.
Zi Ji sidled up next to her, following close behind.
She glanced cautiously at Dan Heng before stepping out with Bi Ji, though her hands were conspicuously empty of dishes. She whispered, "Bi Ji, you better be careful with Brother-in-law!"
"Huh?" Bi Ji looked at her, confused.
Zi Ji continued, "Do you know why Brother-in-law is so nice to you? It's because he's lusting after your body! He wants to make you his little wife!"
She deliberately tried to scare Bi Ji, and sure enough, Bi Ji panicked.
Although she thought Dan Heng was a great man, she absolutely couldn't share him with Her Excellency!
Bi Ji's voice trembled. "Zi Ji, you're just making things up, right? Brother-in-law… Brother-in-law is really nice, he doesn't seem like that kind of person…"
"You, ah, you've been cooped up for too long—you don't understand men at all. I know way more than you. Listen to me…"
Zi Ji lectured her with great patience, her deception unwavering.
Bi Ji hesitated, then asked, "Then… do you hate Brother-in-law?"
"Of course, I hate him! I'm always on guard against him, making sure he doesn't get any perverted ideas and try something on me! You should do the same—stay away from him, and don't eat too much of his food!"
Zi Ji patted Bi Ji's shoulder, giving her a serious warning.
Bi Ji softly agreed, thinking that since Zi Ji was her longtime sister, she should listen to her advice.
At that moment, Zhu Zhuqing walked out of the kitchen and gave Zi Ji a strange look.
It was the kind of look one would give a societal parasite.
Zi Ji gritted her teeth in frustration but had no excuse to argue back, so she could only endure it.
In the main hall, the dining table had already been cleared.
Dan Heng took out the Lovesick Heartbroken Red.
Before recognizing its owner, this supreme immortal herb looked rather unremarkable.
When Bi Ji and the others entered, Zi Ji immediately blurted out, "What kind of flower is that? It looks so plain."
Dan Heng shook his head solemnly. "This herb is called Lovesick Heartbroken Red—it is the ultimate treasure among immortal herbs. It also has a legendary tale…"
"You see those crimson stains on the petals? That is the blood of the young man in the story."
As they listened to Dan Heng's narration, the three women became entranced.
Zi Ji thought for a moment and blurted out, "That flower fairy was a fool, wasn't she? She was an immortal—why would she fall for a mere mortal?"
Bi Ji countered, "It must have been because of love."
Zhu Zhuqing lowered her head, her eyes turning slightly red.
She thought about the love between the flower fairy and the young man. Though they had different statuses, they still had their moments of happiness together.
But what about her?
Even allowing herself to entertain such thoughts brought her unbearable agony.
Gu Yuena wrapped her arms around Dan Heng's, smiling softly. "If any gods dare to stop us…"
Dan Heng shook his head. "They won't."
"Mm…" Gu Yuena responded sweetly, wanting nothing more than to drag Dan Heng into the room at that moment.
Dan Heng continued,"This flower is extraordinary and chooses its master. To pluck it, one must wholeheartedly think of their beloved, with absolute sincerity. Only then, by spitting a mouthful of blood onto its petals, can it be obtained. If the heart wavers in the slightest, even if one spits out their lifeblood, they will never succeed in plucking the flower."
He then explained the terrifying effects of Acacia Heartbroken Red.
There was no doubt—whoever consumed this immortal herb would have the foundation to ascend to godhood.
Zi Ji gulped, tempted.
Gu Yuena chuckled confidently. "You all go ahead and try first. If you can pluck it, it's yours."
"Huh?" Bi Ji was about to refuse.
Zi Ji nudged her. "Elder Sister has already spoken—why are you hesitating?"
Gu Yuena nodded. "That's right, Bi Ji, you go first."
Bi Ji hesitated, then stepped forward.
She activated her soul power, circulated her blood energy, and parted her lips, spitting a mouthful of fresh blood onto the flower petals.
Seconds passed.
The Lovesick Heartbroken Red remained completely still.
Zi Ji burst out laughing, slapping Bi Ji's shoulder. "You're hilarious, Bi Ji! The flower didn't even move—did you just waste your blood for nothing?"
Bi Ji blushed. "I… I couldn't think of anyone…"
"Stop laughing, Zi Ji. You try it."
Gu Yuena gave Bi Ji an approving look before turning to Zi Ji.
Zi Ji rolled up her sleeves proudly. "Watch me! I'm the best younger sister!"
She approached the Lovesick Heartbroken Red, closing her eyes to focus.
Who was the person she loved?
She had encountered many outstanding males among the dragon clan—Di Tian was the most prominent.
But she only saw him as an old man now—she felt nothing.
Instead, a familiar figure surfaced in her mind.
That perverted old man?!
Zi Ji panicked. Her blood surged, and she spat a mouthful of fresh blood onto the flower petals.
The petals trembled slightly.
Zi Ji grew more distressed—why had she thought of that perverted old man?
What was going on? Was her mind broken?
The more she thought about it, the more confused she became. She secretly opened one eye.
The petals shook even more violently—then slowly returned to their original position.
She hurriedly shook her head, trying to erase the image of that pervert.
No way! She couldn't possibly like that pervert!
She was supposed to hate him!
Gu Yuena smiled. "Zi Ji, you were so close. Who were you thinking of?"
"Old…" Zi Ji almost blurted it out but caught herself just in time.
She sighed dramatically. "I thought of every dragon I know, but none satisfied me. Sigh…"
Gu Yuena nodded and turned to Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head. "Master, I won't even try. You know what kind of person my fiancé is."
Gu Yuena nodded gently, not pressing her.
Then she stepped forward, spat a mouthful of blood onto the flower.
Without the slightest tremor, the Lovesick Heartbroken Heartbroken Red detached from its stone and fell silently into her delicate hand.
(End of Chapter)