New Applications of the External Incarnation

For the sake of the Deep Sea Primordial Breath Shark, Elder Qian swallowed back the mountain of complaints on the tip of his tongue and diligently set about wrapping dumplings.

As the sun set in the west, the spacious mansion was enveloped in a scene of tranquil peace.

"I'll help too."

Seeing the whole family busy, Ying Bing rolled up her sleeves, probably wanting to feel involved.

Li the Chef, who had just finished mincing the filling, sensed the critical element and immediately came over to guide her to sit down.

Noticing her gaze drifting towards the dumplings, Li Mo asked nonchalantly:

"Ice block, what have you been doing at home?"

"Waiting for you to come back."

"...Besides missing me?"

"Make... delicious food?"

The ice block seemed to have a certain obsession with things she wasn't good at.

To be honest, if one disregarded Ice Block's culinary skills, the fact that she personally wanted to cook for you was genuinely a bit overwhelming.

Surely everyone can relate. You come home from work, and the most aloof empress you've ever seen in two lifetimes is in the kitchen, the hand that wields a sword now preparing soup for you. Wouldn't your little heart take a critical hit?

Even the famously steadfast and wife-empowering little tyrant found it a tad overwhelming.

"Really?"

"Mhm."

Ying Bing nodded, narrowing her eyes.

"You really don't need to cook personally. My favorite thing to eat doesn't require any cooking at all. You know I love delicious things, but lately I can't eat much, so I can only eat delicious things that don't take up much stomach space."

Ying Bing: "?"

"Does such a thing exist in the world?"

Elder Qian's eyes lit up. He had gained weight again recently but couldn't control his appetite.

"It does," Li Mo said seriously.

"What is it?"

"Elder Qian, you're still young. You'll understand when you reach my age."

"Well, I never!"

Qian Bufan raised both eyebrows, temporarily setting aside his weight-loss thoughts, deciding this would be his last feast today and he must eat heartily.

Is that the right way to speak to an elder?

See, even Little Bing'er is stepping on that rascal's instep. She must also think it's improper.

Before long, steaming hot dumplings were served.

Elder Qian's pair of beady eyes fixed on the dumplings, his chopsticks seemingly about to transform into runaway wild dogs.

"Hey, Elder Qian, what do you think about using all bright red decorations for our Promotion Ceremony?"

Li Mo suddenly asked, casually picking up a dumpling.

Qian Bufan was taken aback: "It's festive, but who uses all red for a Promotion Ceremony..."

"We can use it directly for the betrothal ceremony right after. Convenient and saves money."

As Li Mo spoke, Ice Block also casually fed a dumpling into his mouth.

Even though it was wrapped by Elder Qian's own hands, it could still be considered fed by hers.

Qian Bufan felt Li Mo was being unusually talkative during the meal today, but the mention of saving money diverted his attention.

Soon, Li Dalong, Gu Xueqin, and other family members joined the discussion about the betrothal.

"Hmm, even though the Promotion Ceremony and the betrothal banquet are held together, we should still collect congratulatory gifts for both occasions."

Elder Qian grew more enthusiastic as he spoke; this sect would surely fall apart without him.

"The Elder is right. No matter how large the family business, one should save where one can and spend where one must... munch munch."

"I'm glad you think that way, old man."

"Alright, Ice Block and I will go out for a stroll first. Elder Qian, please continue chatting with my parents over the meal."

"Sure thing."

Elder Qian waved at the two as they stood up.

He turned back and reached out with his chopsticks, suddenly freezing as if struck by lightning, his smiling expression stiffening on his plump face.

The plate... was empty?

What the devil, who ate them? Li Mo had been talking to him the whole time... Wait, no!

Little Bing'er had been feeding him the whole time!

No way, did you two coordinate this? Those were all wrapped by him! He hadn't eaten a single one, and Little Bing'er had fed them all into Li Mo's stomach, while he foolishly planned the ceremony days away.

He used to be the one pulling this trick! How did he fall for it today?

Elder Qian couldn't figure it out. After all, he hadn't reached Li Mo's level yet. Fortunately, many dumplings had been made, and Gu Xueqin brought out a few more plates, otherwise Old Qian might have turned dark.

....

Elsewhere.

It was autumn, but for some reason, the plants in Purple Sun Prefecture remained lush, showing no signs of the season. Even the autumn cicadas retained their vigorous vitality.

The two didn't go to the bustling areas but headed towards the outskirts of the city.

The evening breeze was gentle. The usually quiet East City Gate now saw considerable traffic.

There were long caravans bearing generous gifts, and youths from various places, carrying dreams of joining the great province-guarding sect.

"Hah....... Sigh..."

Standing on the city gate tower, Li Mo let out a long breath, then sighed.

"Being sentimental again?"

Ying Bing turned to ask him.

Li Mo was startled, then put on a profound expression: "Today's wind is..."

"I know. You're just too full, right."

"......Mhm. My inner world currently relies entirely on this mouth and stomach of mine."

Ying Bing's lowered eyes flickered slightly, as if pondering related martial techniques.

Li Mo took the opportunity to hug her from behind, encircling her slender waist, resting his chin on the crook of her shoulder, and taking a deep breath of that icy scent he had missed for days, a scent he craved.

"Don't mess around yet. I'm almost done thinking."

"But I want to eat something delicious that doesn't take up stomach space."

"No such thing exists."

"I don't believe it. Unless Sister lets me search for it."

Without waiting for her reply, Li Mo 'ate' her sense of hearing.

"Found it?" Ying Bing's fingers curled slightly, a blush spreading on her neck, but her voice seemed as composed and plain as ever.

Li Mo held her tighter with a serious expression: "Not yet. Did you eat it yourself? Let me check again."

Ying Bing opened her mouth, but before any words came out, her vermilion lips were sealed.

She realized Little Li seemed to have found the 'delicious thing' he mentioned and was now savoring it carefully.

But...

That 'delicious thing'... seemed to be the one she used to taste other delicious things with.