Su Yun followed closely behind Mo Qingqing, his large, pinkish-blue tail swaying gently and kicking up a faint breeze against the ground.
At this hour, the lights of the city’s commercial street had already begun to flicker on. Various magical lanterns hung beneath the eaves, emitting a soft glow that illuminated the entire street as if it were broad daylight. Mages hurried to and fro wearing various robes; some gathered in groups of three or five to discuss their gains from the Trial Worlds, while others browsed the stalls for magical items.
The air across the entire street was thick with the fragrance of magical potions, the savory scent of roasted meat, and the unique aroma of various magical plants.
“It’s that shop up ahead,” Mo Qingqing said, pointing toward a storefront hanging a plaque that read “Nightmare Wheat Noodle House.”
The plaque was crafted from ironwood, a material unique to some unknown world. Flowing magical runes were carved into its surface, shimmering with a faint golden light under the lamps.
The shop was small but packed to capacity. A modest queue had formed at the entrance, mostly consisting of people wearing mid-tier mage robes, though a few low-tier mages could be seen as well.
Su Yun stood on his tiptoes curiously, peering through the crowd to catch a glimpse inside. The tables and chairs were made of polished soft-gold, and the walls were adorned with paintings depicting forest scenery from other worlds. In the corners, several pots of lush green magic plants continuously released a refreshing aura.
Most eye-catching of all was the large cauldron behind the counter, where a thick broth bubbled away. A layer of bright red chili oil floated on the surface, releasing an aroma so potent that the rich scent of meat and wheat could be smelled from far away.
“Let’s get in line,” Mo Qingqing said as she walked to the end of the queue.
Su Yun hurriedly followed, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, afraid of being separated by the crowd.
While they waited, the surrounding mages spoke in low voices. Most of their topics revolved around the Trial Worlds and the newly opened noodle shop.
“I heard the Nightmare Wheat noodles here are made from flour brought from another world. They’re incredibly chewy,” a mage in fiery red robes said with an expectant look.
Spatial mages often scavenged strange materials from parallel worlds. Now that things had stabilized, many had simply opened shops.
“They’re more than just chewy. That Flame Pig meat sauce is the real star! It’s meat from a Level 30 Magical Beast. The texture is tender and carries a hint of fiery heat. Paired with the Nightmare Wheat noodles, it’s a perfect match!” another mage chimed in, his voice full of praise.
“I waited for over half an hour yesterday just to get a bowl. I made sure to come early today, but I didn’t expect there to still be so many people.”
Su Yun pricked up his ears, committing these words to memory. At the same time, he kept a watchful eye on his surroundings through his peripheral vision, terrified of running into someone who might recognize him—or hearing someone mention the “Samoyed” who had gone on a killing spree against mid-tier mages in the Trial World.
He kept his small head slightly lowered, his fluffy ears pinned submissively against his crown. He looked like nothing more than an obedient little follower. No one would ever associate him with that decisive, ruthless character. Occasionally, a mage would catch a glimpse of him and simply think the little pink-blue fox girl was cute, offering no further attention.
Finally, it was their turn. The two of them were lucky enough to find a vacant table by the window.
Soon, a staff member in a gray uniform arrived carrying two steaming bowls of Nightmare Wheat noodles, placing them carefully on the table. The bowls were made of white ceramic and decorated with exquisite wheat patterns. The noodles were a rich golden-yellow, each strand distinct and uniform in thickness, covered by a thick layer of Flame Pig meat sauce. Red chili oil drizzled down the sauce, staining the noodles an enticing red. Several green Molu leaves were scattered on top as a garnish; the dish looked, smelled, and surely tasted divine.
“Eat up,” Mo Qingqing said flatly, picking up her chopsticks and gently stirring her noodles.
Su Yun’s mouth was already watering. He quickly grabbed his chopsticks, carefully picked up a strand of noodles, blew on it, and popped it into his mouth.
The Nightmare Wheat noodles certainly lived up to their reputation. They were springy and smooth with a unique wheat fragrance, possessing an elastic texture that lacked any of the mushiness of ordinary noodles. The Flame Pig meat sauce was even more delicious; the meat was tender and juicy, melting in the mouth with a faint fiery warmth that wasn’t overly spicy. The aroma of the chili oil, meat, and wheat blended perfectly, exploding in his mouth and leaving a lingering aftertaste.
“So good!” Su Yun couldn’t help but exclaim. His eyes sparkled, and his small mouth was stuffed full like a hamster hoarding food.
He didn’t dare to gorge himself too shamelessly, but he also didn’t want to act in a way that betrayed his current appearance. Thus, he deliberately controlled his speed to avoid appearing too eager. Occasionally, he would look up and see Mo Qingqing eating slowly and methodically. He would then slow down even more, chewing in small bites to maintain a refined facade.
Mo Qingqing looked at his gluttonous display, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. The fatigue in her eyes dissipated significantly. She ate gracefully, every bite precise. From time to time, she looked out the window at the night view or observed the activity around them. Her gaze swept through the shop, and she offered a slight nod to a few familiar mid-tier mages without engaging in further conversation.
The two ate in silence as the noise of the shop and the aroma of the noodles intertwined, creating a warm atmosphere.
As Su Yun ate, he mentally calculated his plans for the following day while keeping a close eye on Mo Qingqing’s expression. He was terrified of doing something wrong that might arouse her suspicion. He knew that while Mo Qingqing appeared casual, she was actually extremely meticulous. He had to remain vigilant at all times and ensure not a single flaw was exposed.
After finishing the meal, Mo Qingqing called the waiter over to settle the bill. It cost a total of two silver coins.
Looking at the shiny silver coins Mo Qingqing produced, Su Yun clicked his tongue inwardly. ‘The price of these noodles isn’t cheap; in another continent, this could let a refugee live for months.’
The two of them walked back slowly. The night breeze carried a hint of chill, feeling quite comfortable against their faces. Su Yun followed behind Mo Qingqing, his fluffy tail swaying gently. Occasionally, he would look up at the stars, but his mind was occupied with the journey to the Trial World scheduled for the next day.
Upon returning to their residence, Mo Qingqing sat on the sofa, took a sip of warm water, and looked at Su Yun. Her tone was serious. “I will teach you the Blood Escape magic now. Watch closely.”
Su Yun immediately straightened his back and sat obediently across from Mo Qingqing. He stared at her without blinking, afraid to miss even the smallest detail.
Blood Escape magic. As the name suggested, it was likely an escape spell. This fit perfectly with his loot-running tactics for the next day. And even if he didn’t use it tomorrow, it would definitely come in handy in the future!