Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Lu You's Awakening
Xiao Yang awoke the next morning feeling invigorated. Glancing at the 15+ years of time energy glowing on his forearm, he marveled at his enhanced physique. In his past life, his 1,000-year time energy had rendered blades harmless—but true power lay in reaching higher tiers. He'd seen 10,000-year veterans shrug off bullets like mosquito bites. Priority one: stockpile more time energy—for myself, Wanqing, and Lu You.
Beside him, Mu Wanqing still slept soundly. Outside, snow draped the world in white. He kissed her cheek, tucked the blankets tighter, and headed downstairs.
The aroma of stir-fried pork kidneys and garlic-glazed okra greeted him. Lu You emerged from the kitchen, waving a spatula. "Just two dishes? Hardly a feast! Got congee simmering too—young men need nutrition."
Xiao Yang blinked. Kidneys? Okra? Is she implying…? He shrugged and devoured the meal.
"Where's Wanqing?" Lu You asked as she served steaming porridge.
"Let her rest," Xiao Yang mumbled through a full mouth, earning a disapproving glare.
Midday Revelations
By noon, Mu Wanqing finally descended. Lu You resumed her kitchen symphony, hips swaying as she chopped vegetables. Xiao Yang lounged on the sofa, idly studying her silhouette—the impossible contradiction of a chef's robust curves and a dancer's tapered waist.
CRACKLE—THUD!
A scream shattered the tranquility.
Lu You stared at her smoking wok, spatula clattering to the floor. "I… I shot lightning from the spoon!"
Xiao Yang inspected the charred stir-fry. Residual sparks danced across the pan. "Congratulations, Sister You," he grinned. "You've awakened a lightning ability."
Power Unleashed
Guided by Xiao Yang, Lu You tentatively aimed her palm at the ruined cookware.
Zzzzt—BOOM!
A thumb-thick bolt erupted, flipping the wok like a pancake. The trio gaped at the scorch marks.
"Level 1 and already taser-grade," Xiao Yang whistled. "Imagine this at tier nine—you'll fry zombies medium-rare."
Lu You flexed her trembling fingers, equal parts awed and terrified. "Who needs knives when I've got live wires?"
Mu Wanqing squeezed her shoulder. "Our kitchen goddess just became a war goddess."
"Damn right!" Lu You laughed, sparks dancing in her eyes. "Next bastard who looks at us funny gets the crispy special!"