Chapter 82: Splitting the Fish

Bai Yue was lost in thought when Yan Hua, in her arms, tugged at her sleeve.

“Master, I’m hungry.”

Yan Hua’s sleepy eyes looked at Bai Yue.

“Then I’ll make you something delicious. At this time of year, the fish in the lake outside should be fat and tender. How about grilled fish?”

Bai Yue asked.

“Okay, I love the grilled fish Master makes.”

Yan Hua nodded immediately in agreement.

“What about Chenxi? Do you want to eat Master’s grilled fish?”

Of course, Bai Yue wouldn’t favor one over another, so she turned to ask Mu Chenxi.

“Mm, I love the fish Master makes too.”

Mu Chenxi also agreed.

“Alright, I’ll go catch some fish for you now. You two keep resting here.”

Bai Yue stood up as she spoke.

“I want to watch Master grill the fish.”

Though Yan Hua was still drowsy, looking half-awake, she wobbled up to her feet.

“I’ll help Master catch the fish.”

Mu Chenxi recalled how Master had struggled to catch a Spiritual Fish before, and the corner of her mouth curved as she offered to help.

Though her strength hadn’t fully recovered, catching a fish was still simple enough.

“Alright.”

Bai Yue nodded, then led her three disciples out of the bamboo house.

By then, the rain had cleared and the small lake outside was calm and serene under the sunlight.

Looking at the three disciples beside her, Bai Yue felt at peace.

Mu Chenxi floated to the lakeside, her clothes billowing like an immortal from a painting.

With a casual gesture, the still surface of the lake exploded into a splash, and a plump green fish burst from the water, arcing gracefully through the air to land precisely in her hand.

The fish was still flopping, but Mu Chenxi merely flicked her finger, and a stream of Sword Qi flashed.

The fish immediately quieted.

The nimble Sword Qi descaled and cleaned the fish in one fluid motion, the entire process as smooth as flowing water.

Bai Yue took out some Red Wood, started a fire, and skewered the cleaned fish with bamboo sticks to roast.

The flames seared the fish, and soon, a thin layer of fish oil began to sizzle out, dripping onto the charcoal and sending up tiny sparks and wisps of smoke.

Bai Yue methodically sprinkled on spices, and a fragrant aroma gradually spread.

The unique charred scent mixed with the freshness of the fish, rich and mouthwatering, making anyone’s appetite stir.

The fish skin curled up into a tempting golden hue, making it look irresistibly delicious.

Yan Hua and Mu Chenxi had already been drawn over by the smell, and even Su Qiuyue, the Remnant Soul who could only look but not eat, floated nearby with longing eyes.

Finally, the fish was ready.

Crispy outside, tender inside, and full of fragrance.

Bai Yue, satisfied, took the grilled fish off the fire and gently picked off the most tender belly meat with her chopsticks.

For a moment, she instinctively wanted to feed it to her beloved disciple.

But when she looked up—

Three pairs of eyes were fixed intently on the piece of fish in her hand.

Yan Hua’s gaze was the most direct, even with drool at the corner of her mouth—a pure, simple craving for delicious food.

Mu Chenxi, though more reserved, had anticipation flickering in her cool eyes.

The meaning was clear.

She wanted to eat.

Even Su Qiuyue forgot her body was just a Remnant Soul, her eyes filled with longing and hope, as if just tasting it would make her completely content.

Bai Yue’s hand froze in midair.

Oh no.

She couldn’t balance this bowl of water evenly.

Having too many disciples was also a headache.

There was only one fish.

And only one first bite.

Who should she give it to?

If she gave it to Yan Hua, how would Chenxi feel?

If she gave it to Chenxi, Yan Hua would definitely be upset.

As for Qiuyue, she couldn’t even eat it.

Bai Yue’s mind started buzzing, feeling as if she wasn’t facing three obedient disciples but three impossible puzzles.

She rubbed her temples in frustration.

Forget it.

“Ahem, as your Master, I’ll taste it first to check the flavor.”

Under the gaze of three hungry pairs of eyes, Bai Yue calmly placed that bite of fish into her own mouth.

Mm, the fish was tender and flavorful, so delicious it made her mouth water.

“……..”

“……..”

“……..”

The air instantly fell silent.

Yan Hua and Mu Chenxi were both stunned, clearly not expecting this outcome.

Bai Yue pretended nothing had happened, chewing calmly before clearing her throat and assigning tasks.

“Ahem, Chenxi, you divide the fish. Yan Hua, you choose first.”

This should be fair, right?

Mu Chenxi, though a little disappointed inside, obediently replied.

She formed her fingers like a sword, and a sharp stream of Sword Qi sliced through the fragrant grilled fish, dividing it perfectly in half.

The cut was smooth as a mirror—neither more nor less, perfectly even.

Both halves were almost identical in size and seasoning.

Except…

One half had a bite taken out of it by Master.

Mu Chenxi’s gaze fell on the half-missing piece, her mind spinning with calculations.

She wanted the side Master had tasted.

Based on Yan Hua’s personality, she would probably choose the bigger, more intact half—for the extra bite of meat.

Mu Chenxi made her plans, ready to quietly take the half Master had eaten once Yan Hua picked.

However.

Yan Hua didn’t even glance at the whole piece.

She reached out without hesitation and, with her fork, took the half that Bai Yue had bitten.

Then Yan Hua happily sat to the side, nibbling away.

Mu Chenxi stared, stunned, her whole body stiff.

She looked at the half-fish in Yan Hua’s hand, then at the untouched piece before her, feeling a sourness rise inside.

Why did Yan Hua also want the half Master had tasted?

She wanted to eat it too…

Mu Chenxi unconsciously gripped her skirt, lips pressed together, clearly unhappy.

Bai Yue could only watch helplessly from the side.

What kind of situation was this?

She looked at Mu Chenxi’s aggrieved little expression and sighed.

Forget it, forget it.

She walked over and picked up the untouched fish in front of Mu Chenxi.

“Chenxi, let me taste your half to see if it’s seasoned well.”

Saying this, Bai Yue gently bit into the same spot.

Then she placed the fish back before Mu Chenxi.

“It’s just as flavorful.”

“Chenxi, eat it while it’s hot.”

Looking at the small, fresh bite mark carrying Master’s scent on her fish, Mu Chenxi’s mood instantly lifted.

All the sourness vanished, and the corners of her lips couldn’t help but rise.

“Mm.”

She happily picked up her half of the fish and began to eat.

The taste was wonderful, and her icy blue eyes sparkled with delight.

Bai Yue watched Mu Chenxi’s reaction and smiled wryly. At last, peace had been restored.

In this scene of happiness, only Su Qiuyue silently floated nearby, watching them eat with envy.

As a Remnant Soul, she had no body and couldn’t taste these mortal delights.

It felt like staring through a glass wall that could never be broken, watching the joyful world inside.

She was envious, yet understanding enough not to disturb her Master and senior sisters’ good mood.

Just as she was about to drift back into Bai Yue’s body to seek a bit of warmth—

A warm hand gently held her.

Bai Yue raised her hand and softly patted her head.

“Do you want to eat?”

Bai Yue’s voice was gentle, carrying a comforting strength.

“Mm…”

Su Qiuyue paused, then nodded shyly.

“Next time, Qiuyue, enter my Sea of Consciousness. I’ll find something delicious for you there.”

Bai Yue comforted her softly.