Mu Yang watched as Shenhe focused on enjoying the delicious food, a knowing smile forming on his face.

This is how it should be—who could survive on just herbs every day?

He selected fresh bamboo shoots and prepared them, getting ready to make the final dish—Wenxin Tofu.

This was an extremely knife-skill-intensive dish.

But for the current Mu Yang, it was as easy as flipping his hand.

In no time at all, two servings of Wenxin Tofu were ready.

Mu Yang set aside one for Shenhe and took the other bowl for Cloud Retainer.

He placed all three dishes on the stone table where they usually gathered and called out to her.

"All three dishes are done. Come and try them first."

"Very well." Cloud Retainer exited her work mode, assumed human form, and walked over.

Before she even sat down, the rich aroma had already captivated her.

"Your cooking never disappoints. However, this one is confident that the Mechanical Cooking Device will soon reach this level of mastery."

Mu Yang smiled but said nothing.

He wasn't Xiangling—if it were her, she'd probably argue with Cloud Retainer directly.

"How can machine-made dishes count? Cooking must be done by hand to be authentic!"

Cloud Retainer would likely retort proudly, "The device was made by my own hands—how does that not count as 'by hand'?"

Now seated, Cloud Retainer gazed at the three steaming dishes before her.

Even she couldn't help but swallow lightly—such was the temptation.

These three dishes had been carefully selected by her.

Take the Wenxin Tofu, for instance.

The tofu threads, fine as autumn hairs, drifted through the bowl like morning mist in a forest, while the bamboo shoot strips added a fresh, sweet vibrancy to the scene.

Cloud Retainer took a small sip and was immediately immersed in the rich, savory fragrance.

She removed her glasses and turned to the second dish—Braised Beast Meat, its heat still radiating.

The thick broth and tender meat melded perfectly, releasing an irresistible, hearty aroma.

The scattered vegetables, soft yet intact, added layers of flavor to the dish.

Halfway through, Cloud Retainer tucked her hair behind her ear and began eating with gusto, not stopping until only the broth remained...

Finally, she happily savored the Rice Pudding—her own twist on the classic dessert.

Once cooled, the smooth milky sweetness was utterly satisfying.

Cloud Retainer exhaled deeply, as if her spirit had been refreshed—one word: bliss!

It had been years since she'd eaten something so delicious.

Occasionally, those seeking the adepti would come to Mt. Aocang with offerings, and Cloud Retainer, not wanting to waste them, would partake.

But while their hearts were sincere, food relied on skill, not just good intentions.

Truly, only Mu Yang can deliver such perfection!

As Cloud Retainer basked in the afterglow, Mu Yang asked about the progress of her device.

"The internal parameters have been set, but the issue with the stove's flame remains unresolved," she replied.

"These are flames guided by adeptal energy. If not controlled precisely, they could damage the pre-set mechanical components."

"And if the parameters are off, the flavor of the dishes will..."

Cloud Retainer trailed off, lost in thought again. "Perhaps if I..."

Mu Yang shook his head, collected the plates, and returned to the abode.

Inside, Shenhe had just finished eating and was cleaning up.

Mu Yang kneaded the dough—it had risen enough. Now, it was time to make the mooncakes.

He spent some popularity points to have the system create several sets of intricate molds.

Shenhe approached. "Master, are we starting on the 'mooncakes' now?"

Mu Yang nodded. "Let me demonstrate first."

Shenhe stood by attentively, ready to learn.

Mu Yang took a portion of dough, rolled it into a round wrapper, filled it with stuffing, and sealed it.

He then placed the filled dough into a mold and pressed it into shape.

Just like that, a simple mooncake was made.

Shenhe eagerly tried her hand, but her strength was too great—she failed several times before succeeding.

Besides the stuffed mooncakes, Mu Yang also prepared special molds—cranes, koi fish, and the like—these were left unfilled.

Working together, master and disciple soon completed a batch.

Mu Yang thoroughly enjoyed the process.

Just imagining the satisfied expressions of his friends when they received and tasted these mooncakes filled him with joy.

The next step was baking—something Shenhe couldn't help with, so she waited nearby.

During baking, a layer of egg wash was applied to enhance color and sheen.

When the first batch was done and had cooled slightly, Mu Yang handed one to Shenhe.

If I don't give her one now, she might burn a hole through the oven with her stare.

Shenhe held the mooncake, feeling its warmth.

Her Cryo Vision flickered, cooling it slightly.

She took a small bite.

The sweetness was just right, and the pastry was perfectly crisp.

As Shenhe savored it, Mu Yang also tried one—the flavor was remarkably faithful to the original.

In the following hours, Mu Yang continued baking while Shenhe and a certain tsundere adeptus (who had been lured in by the aroma) sorted the finished mooncakes into gift boxes.

Working seamlessly, the three prepared all the Moonchase Festival gifts.

——————

The next day.

Shenhe set out with the gift boxes.

Mu Yang hadn't sent her into the city—instead, she was to deliver these mooncakes to the adepti first, satisfying their cravings.

As for Mu Yang himself, he headed to Liyue Harbor with his own set of gifts.

His first stop was Wanmin Restaurant.

First, because it was still early—others might not be awake yet, but Xiangling definitely was.

Second, he wanted to see Guoba's reaction to the mooncakes.

When Mu Yang arrived at Chihu Rock, he found Wanmin Restaurant's door slightly ajar.

Xiangling had probably gone out to shop.

So he bought some breakfast and waited while eating.

Before long, Xiangling and Guoba returned.

"Mu Yang, good morning!" Xiangling was as energetic as ever.

"Rua♪!" Guoba matched her energy.

"Morning, Xiangling. And Guoba." Mu Yang took the bags from Xiangling's hands.

"Thanks! Why are you here so early?" Xiangling pushed open the door, and they entered.

"Don't tell me—is that 'pastry' you mentioned yesterday already done?!"

Xiangling's hands trembled slightly as she set down the ingredients.

A new idea conceived just yesterday… and it's already finished in a day?

And ready to gift?!

She had assumed it would take until the Moonchase Festival itself.

Her eyes widened as Mu Yang produced two exquisitely wrapped gift boxes out of thin air.

No matter how many times she saw adeptal arts, she couldn't help but envy their convenience.

"This is the new idea I mentioned—mooncakes."

"Mooncakes?"

"Open it and see."

Xiangling opened the gift box and was immediately captivated by the delicate, intricate designs.

Of course Mu Yang had used his popularity points to create the finest molds possible.

After all, these weren't just for the adepti and friends in Liyue Harbor—

They were also for Lumine, Paimon… and the players.