As time ticked by, the True Spirit Food Competition entered its second-to-last day, and the atmosphere around the paper figurine shop was more lively than ever. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over the small shop, making it feel like an enchanted realm. And all of this was wrapped in the irresistible aroma of spirit dumplings—like a magical scent that no one could resist.
Reika and Zephyr were already busy early in the day. One batch of dumplings after another steamed from the stove, releasing waves of spirit energy. Outside, a line of cultivators had already formed, some even bringing their spirit tools, ready to snatch up the dumplings like they were must-have treasures for their cultivation journeys.
As Reika stuffed more dumplings, she peeked out at the growing crowd, her nerves getting the better of her. "This time, I can't screw it up. If anything goes wrong again, I might really have to run away…"
Zephyr, on the other hand, was as relaxed as ever. He stood by the door, dressed in a crisp white chef's coat, holding a large spoon with a smile that could light up the entire shop. His grin was like a beacon, drawing passersby like moths to a flame. Some female cultivators, blushing furiously, couldn't help but slow their steps and stare.
"Handsome, how do your dumplings smell so amazing? What's the secret?" one shy young female cultivator asked, her face flushed.
Zephyr flashed a dazzling smile, lifting the spoon like a pro. "Our dumplings are crafted with ingredients picked fresh from Spirit Mountain, using secret techniques passed down for centuries. One bite, and you'll be hooked, I promise."
The girl's eyes sparkled, like she'd just discovered the holy grail of spirit food.
Reika, peeking from the kitchen, rolled her eyes so hard she thought they might get stuck. "This guy really knows how to lay it on thick. A dumpling that'll boost your spirit energy? Sure, why not! But, I have to admit, his smile probably does more than the dumplings…"
Thanks to Zephyr's charm, business was booming. Cultivators flooded in non-stop, enchanted by the magical smell of the dumplings. Even the Spirit Sword Delivery boys were so busy flying in and out with orders that their swords were starting to wobble in the air.
"Fresh dumplings are ready!" Zephyr's voice rang out, bright and clear like a cheerful street vendor in the heavens. He welcomed each customer with enthusiasm.
"Wow, I can feel the spirit energy already—my core is heating up!" one cultivator exclaimed, eyes wide with excitement.
"What's in these dumplings? Just from the smell, I feel like I'm about to break through!" another chimed in, nearly drooling.
Meanwhile, Faron decided it was time to pull out his secret weapon—paper figurine magic. From the back, he waved a spirit talisman, and two lifelike paper-figured children floated down from the air, quickly getting to work wrapping dumplings. Reika stared, her jaw dropping in disbelief.
"Faron, are you serious? These paper kids can wrap dumplings too?"
Zephyr blinked, just as stunned, muttering under his breath, "That old man really knows how to pull off a trick or two."
The paper children worked with impressive speed, wrapping dumplings that were so round and perfect they looked like miniature works of art. Faron, still directing with his talisman, shouted from the back, "The spirit energy has to be just right—make sure they're plump and juicy!"
Reika scrambled to stuff the fillings, her eyes wide with awe. "At this rate, we'll be millionaires! These paper helpers are a game-changer!"
Outside, the aroma of the dumplings was drawing more and more cultivators, some traveling all the way from outer districts just to get a taste of the famed spirit dumplings. Female cultivators, completely distracted by Zephyr's smile, had clearly forgotten they were here for food.
"Handsome, can I take a picture with you?" one young female cultivator asked, eyes practically sparkling.
Zephyr, without a hint of embarrassment, grinned. "Of course! Snap away!"
Reika ground her teeth, listening from the kitchen, and rolled her eyes again. "Is he selling dumplings or his face? But… I guess business is booming, so I can't complain."
The Spirit Sword Delivery boys were darting in and out, while the customers outside eagerly awaited their chance to taste the magic dumplings. It was a lively scene, more like a spirit market festival than a dumpling shop, and business was far better than Reika had ever imagined.
Faron, watching the scene, stroked his beard with pride. "We'll definitely take first place at the competition this time with these dumplings!"
Reika couldn't help but smile. After all the ups and downs they'd faced, it finally felt like things were looking up. But deep down, she remained cautious, knowing the Voidclaw Brotherhood wouldn't just let them off the hook so easily. The storm wasn't over yet.
"Faron, we've still got two days of competition left. We can't let our guard down just yet," Reika warned, a hint of worry in her voice.
Faron patted her shoulder, his voice full of calm reassurance. "Don't worry. With our spirit dumplings—and those paper helpers—we'll be just fine!"
Zephyr, still working the crowd outside, flashed another dazzling smile and winked at Reika as he called over his shoulder, "Relax! With me here, your dumplings will be the talk of the town!"
Reika sighed, exasperated. "You're more exhausting than the dumplings!"
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the bustling shop, Reika and Faron knew the real challenge was still ahead.
＊＊＊
As the True Spirit Food Competition continued, Reika and Faron's stall was packed with customers. Spirit Sword delivery boys zipped around, so busy they were practically a blur, while the line of hungry cultivators waiting for spirit dumplings stretched around the corner. Right next to the stall, Zephyr Nightbane stood with a grin so bright it could outshine the sun, looking like a walking celebrity.
"Step right up! Freshly steamed spirit dumplings, guaranteed to make you float on air and send your spirit energy soaring!" Zephyr called out, swinging a large spoon with playful enthusiasm, his cheeky wink dazzling enough to make people dizzy.
"He's just too handsome!" one female cultivator gushed, her heart racing as she fumbled in line, stealing glances at Zephyr and nearly forgetting she was there for dumplings.
"Hey, handsome, we're looking for a chef back at home. Interested?" Another bold female cultivator called out teasingly, winking at him with a mischievous grin.
Zephyr flashed his signature charming smile. "Haha! I'd have to ask my boss for permission first!" He shot a quick glance toward Reika, giving her a playful wink, as if to say, "See? I'm a hit!"
In the back, Reika rolled her eyes so hard she could practically see her own brain. "Does this guy think he can get away with anything just because he's good-looking? He's begging for a smack!" she grumbled to herself, shaking her head.
Just as they were riding the wave of customers, a man in ragged clothes, but with an intense and intimidating aura, approached their stall. He looked like he had crawled straight out of an ice cave, his icy glare completely at odds with the cheerful atmosphere.
"Hey there, big guy! How about a bowl of our famous spirit dumplings? These will fill you with so much spirit energy, you'll practically be walking on air!" Zephyr, ever unbothered, greeted him with his usual sunshine grin, waving his spoon around like it was a magic wand.
The man barely glanced at Zephyr, his voice low and cold as he said, "One large portion."
"Coming right up!" Zephyr scooped up a steaming hot batch of dumplings, silently thinking, "This guy looks like he could freeze an entire river. Can he even handle something as cute as these dumplings?"
The man took the dumplings, silent as ever, and popped one into his mouth. But then, something bizarre happened. His expression changed instantly—his body began to shake uncontrollably, his eyes rolled back, and before anyone could react, colorful smoke started pouring out of his mouth. And then, right there at the stall, he collapsed face-first onto the table.
"What the—?!" Zephyr froze, his spoon nearly slipping from his grasp. He spun around, shouting toward the kitchen, "Reika! This guy just passed out from eating the dumplings!"
Reika rushed over, eyes wide as she saw the smoke rising from the man's body. Her jaw dropped. "What in the world? Did we accidentally make knockout dumplings?! Is this food or a spell?!"
Zephyr looked just as bewildered, throwing up his hands. "I dunno… should we give him another one? Maybe that'll wake him up?"
Reika shot him a death glare. "Are you insane? What if another dumpling sends him straight into the spirit realm?! One was enough!"
By now, the crowd was buzzing with murmurs, everyone exchanging anxious glances as they watched the colorful smoke swirl around the stall.
"These dumplings are powerful enough to knock someone out? That's intense!"
"Did I hear that right? Dumplings that make people faint and emit smoke? Is this part of the show?"
"Maybe that guy's spirit energy was already crazy strong. No regular person would react like that!"
Before long, a group of spirit healers arrived, rushing to the man's side. They took one look at the smoke and immediately started checking him over. The crowd fell into a hush, all eyes on the healers, waiting for the diagnosis.
After a few tense moments, the head healer finally spoke, his tone calm and reassuring. "This customer has an unusually high level of spirit energy. The dumplings didn't cause any harm. In fact, they simply triggered an internal surge in his spirit power. The dumplings are completely safe."
Reika let out a long breath, clutching her chest. "Phew! For a second there, I thought we were selling poisoned dumplings!"
Zephyr, however, was already back to his usual self. He clapped Reika on the shoulder and gave her a confident grin. "Don't worry, I'll smooth things over with the crowd!"
He stepped up to the front of the stall, waving at the gathered customers with a broad smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, no need to panic! Our spirit dumplings are 100% safe! That gentleman just had a little too much spirit power, and our dumplings gave him a bit of a boost. But for the rest of you, these dumplings will give your cultivation a nice little boost too. So, eat up!"
He finished with a playful wink, his smile so warm and genuine that it was impossible not to believe him.
"He's so trustworthy, I feel much better now!"
"Yeah, with a smile like that, who wouldn't be reassured?"
Thanks to Zephyr's smooth-talking, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal, and soon, the customers were once again lining up for dumplings. But while Zephyr's dazzling smile hadn't wavered, his mind was elsewhere. His eyes flicked toward the man who had just been carried off by the healers, his expression darkening.
Later that evening, Zephyr silently followed the spirit healers as they took the man away, hiding in the shadows as he observed their every move. When the man suddenly stood up, completely fine after the healers had left, Zephyr's suspicions were confirmed—this guy wasn't just any customer.
After a bit more covert investigation, Zephyr discovered that the mysterious man was actually a spy sent by the Voidclaw Brotherhood! His real mission had been to cause trouble for Reika and Faron's stall, stirring up chaos at the competition.
"So, it's the Voidclaw Brotherhood's doing…" Zephyr's eyes narrowed with determination. He silently vowed to expose their plot and protect Reika from any further harm.
Meanwhile, back at the stall, Reika was still oblivious to the looming threat. She continued to work tirelessly, unaware that she had already been pulled into a much larger conspiracy.