Little Cooking Saint – 0248 – Meaty Pork Crackling Noodle (c)

Chapter 248 Meaty Pork Crackling Noodle (c)

Translated by Gumihou

Edited by Gumihou

 

That night, the Star Washing Lake was like a pool of black ink. Close to the edge of the lake was a specially built [1] nine-turn bridge where people could better enjoy the lakeside scenery. The little bridge with its delicately painted red railings glowed prettily under the candle lights.

Lighted river lanterns floated from the bridge in ever-widening circles as more and more people released them, making it look as though a brilliant red lotus flower was blooming across the lake. When a breeze blew, the river lanterns dispersed gently across the black lake.

The lake was surrounded by flowering trees that were [2] lit up by hanging lanterns and strategically placed night pearls. Some people like to sit in the pagoda-like towers and gazed over the lake, watching as people sang or recite poetry on love. Friends called out to each other making the night was very bright and lively.

Tan-Tai Chu seated herself by the railings of a tall pagoda even before the lanterns were lit. Her eyes carefully scanning the pedestrians below, waiting to catch those people. She had been at it for close to an hour and the moon had risen past the willow trees when her eyes suddenly narrowed.

 

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There were quite a few stalls selling river lanterns.

Shiyu inspected one of the lanterns and was surprised by the exquisiteness of its design. She was very interested in this activity since she had never participated in it before. She lived in the city most of her life and regulations for water-related activities were very strict due to potential accidents. Additionally, a lot of the lakes and rivers in the cities were rather murky and stank like sewers.

However, standing by an inky lake, an exquisitely made yet inexpensive river lantern in hand and surrounded by the lively bustle of people enjoying themselves… Shiyu suddenly found herself eager to buy a few and join in the fun.

She was not alone in this. Her friends, normally stoic and disinterested, appeared eager as well. The stallkeeper could tell that these were monied people and quickly launched into a promotional story involving the very important activity of releasing river lanterns into the lake.

“You can make a wish before setting the lantern onto the lake,” he began. “If the Star Washing Lake Fairy sees your wish, they could make it come true. Naturally, your wish must come from a pure and sincere heart.”

Of course, every wish related spiel must come with the ‘pure and sincere heart’ disclaimer.

Shiyu looked up interestedly, “Has anyone ever had their wish granted?”

“Of course! Leaving aside the wishes from long ago. Last year, a young lady from a rich family came and made a wish to meet her fated one. The moment her lantern touched the surface of the lake, the water suddenly agitated and waves three feet high came crashing to the shore. When the water receded a handsome young man has washed ashore and landed right by her feet. She took the unconscious young man home looked after him until he woke up.

It turned out the young man was a student of the Imperial College who had been trying to catch river lanterns on Double Seventh when he was ambushed and fell into the lake. The young man acknowledged her as his saviour and married her. Later, when news of how this pair met went around and even more ladies came to float river lanterns on this lake.”

Shiyu laughed, “That’s really fate, ah. Boss, give us three lanterns each. Let me know how much it is.”

Three lanterns per person should be enough for everyone to have a little fun. Once the money was handed over, they came to the edge of the inky lake surface. Calm and cool as glass, the lake reflected the light like a mirror, giving off a warm feeling.

“It’s quite pretty,” said Shiyu happily.

The inky lake, glowing lights and tourists having fun gave the scene the impression of an exquisite ink painting done in warm colours.

A little to the side, Dong-Fang Zhen held Xuan Yin’s waist and said, “Wife, would you like to see something even more beautiful?”

“Hm?” Xuan Yin looked up curiously.

“Watch!” with a wave of his hand, the peacefully bobbing river lanterns flew off the lake surface and floated to the air.

Suddenly, the air was filled with glowing lanterns in many shapes and patterns. Lotus flowers, boats, classic lantern shapes fluttered in the air like swarming fireflies.

The dreamy scene caused people to gasp in surprise and admiration as the lanterns floated over the Star Washing Lake. Lovers stepped closer to each other, those who have yet to confess stole glances at their beloved, sighing deeply in their hearts, and missing the stolen glances cast upon their person.

Compared to ten miles of floating lantern lights, you are more beautiful in my eyes.

Shiyu was also staring at the floating lights. This… isn’t this a fire hazard? Would tomorrow bring news of someone’s house burning down due to lantern related accident…

Lin Fan’s eyes settled on the person beside him. Under the gentle glow of the lanterns, it was as though Shiyu’s entire person was shining with a golden light. Seeing her happy, really made him happy.

Wait a bit more. Wait until I can properly protect her.

 

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Behind them, perched on a high tower, Tan-Tai Chu watched the scene played out beneath her. The sound of long nails scraping across the tabletop was sharp and piercing. However, it was drowned under the noise of happy celebration.

When Tan-Tai Chu first encounter Lin Fan, he left a very deep impression on her. After all, not many Core Condensation 5 people could stand against Uncle Wang. How long was it since? To think that he actually reached Core Condensation 8. This speed of Cultivation under the Ninth Realm was too incredible.

It was as though not even the Ninth Realm could suppress his talent.

More importantly, he has eyes on that person wearing the same face as hers.

That Shiyu girl.

She has a name now.

This girl… if she’s a twin, that she would be the same age as herself. That double has reached Core Condensation 9. If this talent is nurtured on the island, surely she would also be considered a top-notched talent?

Was it due to their shared blood?

If… they were to Cultivate under the same environment, would this double surpass her? The real thing?

Are you saying she’s better than me?

The cup in Tan-Tai Chu’s hand shattered.

What a joke. How could she be inferior to a Cultivator from the Ninth Realm? She is the future heir of the Tan-Tai Clan, and should never doubt herself.

Her eyes fell upon the group of people now setting little lanterns onto the lake, lingering long upon the youth in black changpao.

Candlelight flickered, casting shadows on her face as a new idea insinuated itself into her heart.

Yes. There are other, more interesting ways to destroy a person without killing them.

 

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While these people were enjoying the Double Seventh Festival, Wen Xian finally managed to get out of that horrible place.

“Brother! How could you trick me?!” he howled while pointing a shaking finger at his brother.

“You’re the one who fell into the trap, why accuse me?” Wen Heng was busy pruning a flower bush. He was surrounded by so many colourful flowers that it looked like he was standing in the middle of a colourful cloud.

Wen Xian stamped his foot. Even, even if that’s the truth, do you know how terrifying that place is, ah?! It’s filled with all kinds of horrors and it was only after going through many hardships that I finally made it back. How could this rotten brother of his did not come to his rescue after he had fallen into the trap?

“Ah, speaking of which. I shall not be around for half a year. Go and experience other worlds yourself. Be alert and stay safe. If you haven’t improved in that half a year, I shall not be responsible for my actions.”

Wen Xian pulled a face, “Where are you going? I want to go with you. I want to eat Sister Shi’s cooking.” Ever since he came to this place, all he ate all day were random treasure herb this or precious grass that. If he opens his mouth a bird might fly out!

Wen Heng stroked the bud before him, “The Three Realms Flower is about to bloom. I need to prepare some things. If you wish to come with me, you should reach Divine Transformation Realm at least.”

 

[Gumihou: Gumi can’t wait to see how Tan-Tai Chu made a fool of herself.]

 

Gumihou is keeping track so that you don’t have to ~

 

凝氣	Condensation Stage	Stage 1
化丹	Core Transformation	Stage 2
凝丹(46)	Core Condensation	Stage 3
化神(52)	Divine Transformation	Stage 4
成嬰	Nascent Formation	Stage 5
合體	Unification	Stage 6
返墟	Revert Decay	Stage 7
歸真	Original Purity	Stage 8
成仙	Become immortal	Stage 9

 

[1] Nine-turn Bridge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-turn_bridge

[2] Added Details for Dramatic Purpose: It said that the place was surrounded by flowers, which is kind of pointless if everyone’s in the dark so Gumi hung lanterns and night pearls around.

 

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