This Hedonistic Young Master

Chapter 15: Comfortable Cultivation: Where the Belly Meets the Dao

A few more days passed in a blissful routine of indulgence and companionship. Tian Hao spent his days lounging in the secluded garden, cultivating with Lin Mei, and enjoying the gourmet meals that Fatty Wu continued to sneak in for him.

This, Tian Hao decided, was cultivation as it was meant to be—no harsh drills, no sleepless nights, just good food, pleasant company, and the steady hum of spiritual growth. He'd even begun to develop a fondness for the gentle swaying of the willow branches and the soft murmur of the nearby stream, finding a meditative peace in the natural rhythms of the garden, a quiet contrast to the bustling energy of the main sect grounds.

One afternoon, Tian Hao sat cross-legged in the overgrown garden, a wide grin on his face as Fatty Wu waddled towards him, carrying a large, heavily laden wicker basket. The aroma of roasted duck, freshly baked buns, and something subtly sweet and herbal wafted through the air, making Tian Hao's mouth water.

"Young Master Tian Hao!" Fatty Wu called out in a hushed but excited tone, his round face beaming. He set the basket down with a gentle thud, the wicker creaking under the weight of its contents. He lifted the cloth covering the basket with a flourish, revealing a dazzling array of delicacies—roasted duck with skin glistening like polished amber, steamed dumplings plump and delicate as clouds, glazed ribs glistening with a sticky, savory sauce, a small container of jade-green herbs radiating a faint, ethereal glow, and a small, intricately carved jade box.

"Fatty Wu, you've truly outdone yourself this time," Tian Hao said, his eyes widening at the sight. He inhaled deeply, savoring the complex blend of aromas that filled the air, a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that danced on his senses. He leaned forward, picking up a rib with practiced ease, the glazed surface sticky against his fingers. He moaned softly, savoring the smoky, sweet flavor. "This is... divine."

Fatty Wu beamed, his cheeks flushing with pride. "It's nothing, Young Master. Just a little something I whipped up. Though," he added with a conspiratorial wink, leaning closer to Tian Hao, his voice dropping to a whisper, "I managed to... acquire... a few rather special ingredients from the sect's stores. Some rare spirit herbs, said to enhance cultivation and... other... pleasurable sensations."

Tian Hao raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He reached for the small, jade container, its surface cool against his fingertips, the intricate carvings hinting at the precious contents within. He carefully opened it, revealing a handful of jade-green leaves, their edges shimmering with a faint, ethereal glow. He picked one up, holding it delicately between his thumb and forefinger, bringing it to his nose and inhaling cautiously. The scent was fresh and invigorating, almost like the crisp air of a mountain spring, with a subtle undercurrent of earthy sweetness.

"Not as potent as a fully refined elixir, mind you, but it'll definitely give you a noticeable boost to your cultivation. Think of it as a... culinary catalyst, if you will." He lowered his voice again, glancing around conspiratorially, though they were alone in the secluded garden. "Just don't let Elder Hua catch wind of it, or we'll both be scrubbing floors for a week. Not the fun kind of scrubbing, either. The kind with stiff bristles and lukewarm water." He shuddered dramatically, his ample frame shaking, adding a touch of comedic flair to the otherwise serious warning.

Then he reached for the jade box, his fingers tracing the intricate carvings on its surface. He opened it carefully, revealing a handful of small, translucent berries that shimmered with an inner light. They emanated a subtle, floral aroma, tinged with something warm and spicy, that tickled his senses. "These are?" he asked, picking up a berry and examining it closely.

Fatty Wu nodded enthusiastically. "Cloudberries, grown only on the highest peaks of the Misty Mountains. Said to amplify the flow of Qi and... enhance certain... experiences. Though," he added with a mischievous grin, "they're also said to have rather... interesting... side effects. But don't worry, nothing too drastic. Just... a heightened sensitivity to... well, everything." He winked again, his eyes twinkling with amusement.