Luo Chen's astonishment deepened, with incredulity filling his expression. He still hadn't fully recovered from Elder Cyan Dragon's disappearance earlier, and now Riven's words brought him back to reality.

"What do you think? This dish smells so good that no one would believe it wasn't made by me." Riven said confidently, clearly very pleased with her culinary skills.

Looking at her smug expression, Luo Chen couldn't help but burst into laughter, "You're really the peacock of the Demon Race."

Riven paused, but quickly understood what Luo Chen meant, and proudly replied, "Naturally. But isn't using a peacock to describe my beauty somewhat vulgar?"

Luo Chen chuckled, shook his head, and said, "My mother told me that a peacock prides itself on its beauty, but when it sees its reflection in water, it mistakes it for a rival and jumps in recklessly."

Riven's smile gradually faded as she understood the implication in Luo Chen's words, and a trace of displeasure appeared on her face, "You're mocking me."

Luo Chen just pursed his lips, innocently said, "I just think that if you change skirts every day, the person doing your laundry would be very tired..."

Riven seldom rolled her eyes at Luo Chen, feeling somewhat displeased, but quickly regained her charming demeanor, laughed, and said, "Hurry and eat, if you don't, there might really be no chance to taste my cooking again."

Luo Chen was left speechless by her words. He looked at the delectable and fragrant dishes before him, secretly admiring Riven's cooking skills in his heart, but verbally he refused to yield. He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of meat into his mouth, savored it carefully, then said, "The taste is indeed quite good."

Finally finishing the meal, Luo Chen puzzledly looked at Riven, who was resting her chin and staring at him, and asked, "Are you done watching? Do I look good while I eat?"

Riven shook her head with a smile, "No, I was just admiring the blissful look on your face when you eat delicious food. That sense of satisfaction is truly joyous."

After listening, Luo Chen couldn't help but awkwardly scratch his nose. He hadn't expected his expression while eating to be observed so intently by Riven. But then he felt relieved, because in the battle and slaughter-filled world of the Demon Race, being able to enjoy a meal was a rare form of relaxation and healing.

The two exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere instantly became relaxed. Although there was some subtle distance between them, at this moment they seemed like old friends, enjoying the fleeting tranquility.

However, such moments are always short-lived. Luo Chen knew he was about to leave this place and continue an unknown journey. Meanwhile, Riven would continue with her life, perhaps they would meet again, or perhaps this would be their last dinner together. Regardless, this pleasant memory would always stay in their hearts.

Listening to Lan Xin's words, Luo Chen almost spat out what he had just eaten. He shook his head helplessly and said, "I'm going to sleep now, you should return to your room too." His words carried a hint of fatigue.

Lan Xin blinked, her eyes revealing a hint of reluctance. She softly said, "Alright, but before you go to sleep, take a bath in the medicinal water. I've prepared the water for you, you'll feel more comfortable after soaking."

Luo Chen froze, then remembered the refreshing feeling from the last time he soaked in the medicinal bath, as if all his fatigue was washed away. He nodded, "Got it, thank you."

Lan Xin smiled gently, "Then I'm leaving, haha, hope you have a good sleep." With that, she gracefully stood up and walked away. As the door closed softly, the room was left with a lingering faint fragrance, as if it were Lan Xin's gentle imprint.

Alone in the room, Luo Chen stared at the door, lost in long contemplation. He always felt as if he were caught up in a massive conspiracy, with the people and events around him all seemingly connected to him in countless ways. He constantly felt like he was being led by the nose but couldn't shake off this restraint.

He laughed at himself, at present, his strength was weak, seeming to have no choice but to compromise. However, the feeling of being manipulated was extremely unpleasant, he yearned to hold his fate in his own hands instead of being a pawn in someone else's game.

The morning sunlight spilled through the window onto Luo Chen's face, warm and bright. He rubbed his sleepy eyes, pushed open the wooden window, and a rush of fresh air greeted him. Outside, a few carp leaped on the lake's surface, swimming freely in the water, their red and white scales glistening under the sun, exceptionally dazzling.

However, Luo Chen's gaze did not linger on the carp for long, it was drawn to the three figures by the lake. The three stood at the lake's edge, seeming to be discussing something important, their expressions serious and focused.

Suddenly, one of the three figures turned to look towards the room where Luo Chen was, startling him to shrink back quickly, for fear of being found. He felt his heart racing, unsure of what would happen next. After a while, he cautiously peeked again only to find that the three had already left the lakeside, making Luo Chen let out a sigh of relief.

Luo Chen hid in the corner of the wooden house, cautiously peering out, his gaze fixated on the three figures by the lake. Lan Xin, Thunderstorm, and that strange creature with blood-red wings, their presence sparked curiosity in Luo Chen while also stirring a strong sense of intrigue.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.