In the courtyard lay four young cultivators sprawled across the ground, their bodies twitching from time to time.
They screamed internally as they endured a ridiculous yet terrifying trial of spiciness… courtesy of a single bowl of soup.
Gritting their teeth, they cultivated in silence, and after a while, thick, black, tar-like sweat began seeping from their pores.
These were impurities being forcibly expelled from their bodies, clear evidence of refinement and strengthening under the soup's terrifying, Yang-rich medicinal power.
In Du Yue's case, however, her body was already pure and free of impurities.
Rather than cleansing her, the Yang Qi directly nourished and enhanced the quality and density of her Yin Vital Qi, making it even purer than before.
Even her Pure Immortal Yin Physique showed signs of improvement.
Although the effect was limited... after all, the soup used only Grade 3 ingredients, even so, the improvement to her physique was nothing short of heaven-defying.
The faint glow on her face was proof of her gains.
After the four finished refining the soup's effects, they slowly opened their eyes, gasping for breath.
Their robes were sticky and stained with black impurity residue, but their complexions were noticeably healthier, their eyes clearer, and their auras far denser than before.
What they gained today was not an increase in cultivation, but a refinement of physique and constitution.
Suzume sat on Du Yue's shoulder, peering down at the four men sprawled on the ground.
"-Chirp! Ewww… you're so stinky… gwaah!" she squeaked, flapping her wings to block her nose.
The four men froze, their faces flushing red... this time from shame rather than spiciness.
Silently cursing the little bird in their hearts, they scrambled to their feet and hurriedly circulated their spiritual qi to cleanse themselves.
None of them dared to meet her smug little eyes.
Big Fatty Bai was the first to try and break the awkward atmosphere.
"Haha! Brother Su, I feel amazing! I'll never forget that soup! My cultivation realm hasn't changed, but my constitution feels far stronger!"
Lance chimed in, cupping his fist respectfully.
"Brother Su, my meridians have expanded considerably, and the fire qi within me feels much more refined. Thanks to you, I'll be able to break through to the Mid-stage Golden Core Realm very soon."
Dugu Jian exhaled softly, his usual nonchalant expression returning, though his eyelids still twitched whenever he recalled the hellish spiciness.
"Brother Su… that soup was terrifying."
He paused, then added sincerely, "But its effects are undeniable. My spiritual qi circulation has improved significantly after the tempering. Today, I've gained far more than just excitement."
Fatty Bai nodded so vigorously that his chubby cheeks wobbled.
"Yes! Yes! Brother Su, are you sure you're not secretly a Divine Spirit Chef? Even my ancestors would kneel if they tasted something like this!"
Su Wen rolled his eyes.
"Old Fatty Bai, I think just having you around is dangerous enough. If your ancestors showed up too, the entire city would face an unprecedented food shortage."
The other three chuckled.
Dugu Jian was the first to settle down, his expression turning serious once more.
"Brother Su, I'll soon be heading to the Central Continent to join the Azure Sword Sect. Since fate allowed us to meet today, if you ever need anything in the future, don't hesitate to seek me out."
Fatty Bai clapped his hands enthusiastically, then rubbed his round belly.
"Yes! Yes! I agree! Brother Su, this is the first time in my life I've actually felt full after eating. You are truly miraculous!"
Lance added solemnly, his expression earnest.
"And beyond that, I owe Brother Su a life-saving debt. If you encounter trouble in the future, remember that you have a brother like me."
Su Wen lifted a hand and waved it casually.
"Alright, alright, no need to get so dramatic. It was just a… strongly flavoured soup."
But the three young men still nodded firmly.
"Brother Su…" Lance said, bowing slightly, "…it was more than soup. It was fortune, tempering, and a favour we will never forget."
Dugu Jian nodded in agreement.
"And besides… surviving it together feels like sharing life and death."
Fatty Bai sniffed emotionally.
"And pain," he added. "Don't forget the pain."
Su Wen nodded calmly at the three men, giving them a small, polite smile.
Du Yue gently tugged his sleeve, signalling it was time to move on.
"Thank you again for everything," Lance said, bowing slightly. Dugu Jian and Fatty Bai echoed similar sentiments, their faces a mix of awe and lingering discomfort from the fiery soup.
Su Wen waved his hand dismissively.
"It's nothing. Take care of yourselves. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
Lance, Fatty Bai, and Dugu Jian looked at Du Yue and waved awkwardly, each muttering their own farewells in their characteristic boisterous and restrained ways.
"Farewell, Sister-in-law!"
Du Yue's cheeks flushed deep crimson as she instinctively pressed closer to Su Wen's arm, murmuring softly, "Goodbye…"
Su Wen could only shake his head with a small smile and nod toward the group.
With that, the couple turned and walked away from the pavilion.
Suzume chirped softly on Du Yue's shoulder, fluffing her feathers as she looked back at the group they were leaving behind.
Du Yue looked up at him, her smile bright and satisfied.
"Mm~ Husband, I really liked the flavour today," she said happily. "Can you make it even spicier next time?"
Su Wen stopped short and turned to stare at her in shock.
A complex expression crossed his face as he shivered, vivid memories of that fiery torment flashing through his mind.
He didn't even dare nod in response.