Three cold appetizers graced the table.

[Sugar-Frosted Tomatoes] [Soy-Tossed Watermelon Rind] [Smashed Cucumber Salad]

The tomatoes were a vibrant red, dusted with granulated sugar that looked like crushed snow. As the sugar melted into the tomato juice, it created a syrup that promised a burst of sweet acidity.

The watermelon rind—usually discarded as waste—had been pickled in a light soy sauce. It retained the crisp crunch of the melon while taking on a savory, complex flavor profile.

The cucumbers had been chilled in spring water before being smashed with the flat of a knife to loosen their fibers. Dressed with minced garlic, chili oil, and aged vinegar, they offered a refreshing kick: spicy, sour, and ending with a lingering sweetness.

Then came the main event: six hot dishes.

[Tomato Scrambled Eggs] [Garlic Mud White Meat] [Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs] [Secret Recipe Braised Pork] [Winter Melon Rib Soup] [Steamed Topmouth Culter]

Every dish glistened under the warm light of the cabin, the aromas weaving together into a tantalizing cloud. A pot of [Lean Meat Porridge] bubbled softly on the side, accompanied by a steaming basket of [Top-quality Spirit Rice]. And, of course, the Spirit Wine flowed freely.

These were simple, home-style dishes, the kind found on any family dinner table. But since arriving in this world, Jiang Chen’s only hobby outside of farming was cooking. His skills had been honed to perfection.

Lin Yu stared at the spread, her eyes wide and a thin line of drool threatening to escape the corner of her mouth.

“I’ve never seen half of these dishes!” Lin Yan admitted, her usual composure cracking.

Wang Bing’s heart raced as she looked at the food, then at Jiang Chen. This… this is the domestic life I’ve always dreamed of.

Wang Ze gave a firm thumbs-up. “Junior Brother Jiang, you are a Cultivator.”

Even Jin Fugui and Mo Yu, who had tasted Jiang Chen’s cooking before, were rendered speechless by the sheer scale of the feast.

Jiang Chen wiped his hands on a cloth, feigning a modest sigh. “It’s a pity I was rushed. If I had more time, I could have prepared something truly special.”

“It’s already amazing!” Lin Yu protested.

Jiang Chen smiled. “Then don’t stand on ceremony. Let’s eat!”

Chopsticks descended like rain.

The Tomato Scrambled Eggs were a perfect balance of sweet and savory, the fluffy eggs soaking up the rich juice.

The Garlic Mud White Meat—thin slices of boiled pork belly—seemed plain until dipped in the garlic sauce. Then, the fat melted on the tongue, rich and savory without being greasy.

The Sweet and Sour Ribs were coated in a translucent, amber glaze. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, they delivered a punch of caramelized sweetness followed by a vinegar tang. Lin Yu sucked the sauce off her fingers shamelessly.

The Winter Melon Soup was a palate cleanser, the broth clear and the melon translucent, offering a subtle, refreshing sweetness.

The Steamed Topmouth Culter was pristine white, the fish flesh tender and devoid of any fishy taste, highlighting the pure flavor of the ingredients.

Watching them eat with such abandon, Jiang Chen felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He picked up the wine jar and filled everyone’s cups.

“Cheers.”

“Wait,” Lin Yan scolded, glaring at her sister. “You’re too young.”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Chen waved a hand. “It’s low alcohol, mostly sweet.”

“Hehe.” Lin Yu grinned and took a sip. Her eyes lit up at the sweet-tart flavor.

Good wine. Good food. Good company.

The feast lasted from dusk until the Hour of Zi—11 PM.

Reluctantly, the guests began to stand.

“Thank you for the hospitality, Junior Brother Jiang.” Wang Ze summoned his giant transport butterfly.

“We’re heading back.” Lin Yan wiped a smudge of grease from her sister’s cheek.

“We won’t overstay our welcome.” Jin Fugui and Mo Yu left together.

Chen Bo hesitated, seemingly deep in thought, before blurting out, “See you tomorrow!”

Wang Bing lingered last. She stared at Jiang Chen, her lips parting as if to speak, but the words died in her throat. With a look of lingering regret, she turned and followed the Bai sisters into the night.

Jiang Chen bowed to their retreating figures. “Safe travels. Thank you for coming.”

The cabin, moments ago filled with laughter and warmth, fell silent. The transition from lively to lonely was instantaneous.

Jiang Chen washed the dishes, swept the floor, and grabbed a bottle of Golden Wine. Instead of sitting on his porch, he leaped onto the roof.

He lay back against the thatch, watching the stars and the full moon, savoring the quiet aftermath.

“Raising my cup, I invite the bright moon…” he murmured, quoting the poet Li Bai. “Drinking together…”

The next morning, Jiang Chen woke up on the roof.

The autumn air was crisp, bordering on cold. As a cultivator with Fire and Wood roots, he felt the chill but suffered no discomfort.

He jumped down, stretching his limbs.

Crack. Pop.

His joints snapped like frying beans.

Da Huang emerged from the doghouse, looking haggard. He wobbled over, eyes glazed.

“Rough night?” Jiang Chen chuckled, scratching the dog’s ears.

Da Huang yawned, a long, jaw-cracking affair. Being petted by Wang Bing all evening had clearly been exhausting.

Jiang Chen checked the chicken coop. The Pearl Chicken, usually roosted in the center, was huddled in the deepest corner, balled up defensively.

Looks like both of them suffered under Wang Bing’s ‘ruthless hands’, he thought with a grin.

He started his daily routine, heading straight for the second mu of Spirit Farm.

First, he transplanted the withered Mutated Green Gourd vine. He arranged it along the perimeter, creating a partial fence. Since the field was twenty to thirty meters on a side and the vine was only ten meters long, it couldn’t enclose the whole area, but it was a start.

Even though he had announced his Foundation Establishment, Jiang Chen didn’t change his habits. He worked the land with the same methodical care.

He wouldn’t plant the second field immediately. It needed to be prepped: Spirit Beast manure, Spirit Rain, and a round of slash-and-burn cultivation to enrich the soil. Only then would he synchronize it with the first field.

As the sun climbed toward noon, his storage pouch vibrated.

He pulled out a Communication Talisman.

“Junior Brother Jiang! My Rainbow Orchids have matured. Come harvest them!”

Jiang Chen blinked, then laughed.

So that’s why Chen Bo said “See you tomorrow.”