["Hey, Old Antique..."]
As Fu Hua strolled back along the path, feeling the softness of grass beneath her bare feet, she heard Senti's voice within her mind.
The corners of her lips curved upward with a graceful smile. "What is it?"
["Don't say 'it's not that big of a deal' anymore, okay?"]
"Hmm?"
["Suffering psychic damage without any prior preparation can be quite severe. You'll need more time to fully recover. You're the type who insists everything's fine as long as you're still alive... No, let me rephrase: even if you believe something is worth dying for, you'd claim it's no big deal. Please don't do this again."]
Senti's voice sounded somewhat somber, likely tinged with guilt but predominantly concern.
Fu Hua continued walking, sensing the wind against her palm, and responded with unwavering cheerfulness:
"Thank you for your worry, but I'm truly alright. Haven't I managed through all these years just fine?"
["That's exactly why I'm saying it's not acceptable! If Zeke hadn't intervened, I might not have woken up in time before you pushed yourself too far! Listen to me—you must value your own life more!"]
"But isn't confronting Honkai...all about making such sacrifices?"
[Ah! There's no reasoning with you stubborn old fossils! Just remember this: from now on, prioritize your own well-being and don't recklessly risk your life anymore!] In the consciousness domain, Senti clutched her Fu Hua plushie tightly, rolling irritably on the ground.
She couldn't bear it!
This Old Antique always ending up battered and bruised—it was unbearable! The Old Antique deserved so much better—a life with friends, tranquility, and that ever-gentle smile.
Senti hugged the plushie closer, sighing dejectedly. Then, she mustered her spirits anew.
Well, the Old Antique is just too stubborn and inflexible; it's unsurprising that reason falls on deaf ears. But as long as Senti is around, she won't let any more detestable dangers harm the Old Antique.
With determination, Senti nodded firmly, followed by a sneaky giggle.
"Protecting the Old Antique will be my responsibility"—how to describe it? These words instilled Senti with immense strength and brought her great joy.
"Oh right, are you sure you don't want to come out and meet them?"
[Pass! After all that just happened, it'd be too awkward. Maybe some other time!]
Upon returning to the garden, the porridge that the Book of Fuxi had been simmering for hours was just ready to be served.
The tiny figure held a bowl larger than herself along with a big ladle, calmly distributing food to those seated.
Noticing Fu Hua's return, Zeke casually asked, "Did you manage to convince her?"
"She was never truly a bad kid; explaining the situation resolved it." As Fu Hua responded to Zeke, she glanced sidelong at Kevin, his expression indifferent, and sighed ambiguously.
In a wooden tone, Kevin queried, "Are you blaming me?"
"Not entirely, I understand your concern for me. Nonetheless, thank you. And please have some faith in Senti, alright?"
Facing Fu Hua's gentle request, Kevin slightly furrowed his brow, seemingly caught between hesitation and contemplation. Eventually, he shook his head and said, "Hua, I respect your choice. However, while you have the right to accept, I too have the right to maintain my skepticism and vigilance. Please tell this 'Senti'—if she dares make any suspicious moves, next time, I won't hold back."
"Say that again if you've got the guts!" Fu Hua's demeanor instantly shifted, her tranquil blue eyes flaring into fiercely crimson hues, lips curling with defiance as she forcefully slammed the table, exuding an intimidating presence.
Was this guy questioning her intentions towards the Old Antique or doubting her power? Despite recent encounters with Kevin, including their previous conflict, she hadn't gained much advantage—but that was only because she hadn't fully engaged! If she unleashed her Divine Essence, both Kevin and Zeke would kneel at her feet!
Kevin remained seated without further reaction, calmly looking at the girl before him, and simply stated:
"If you dare to do anything malicious, next time, I won't hold back."
"Dang! You actually repeated it?! Fine, forget it—you've always been stubborn as hell for fifty thousand years, unchanged till now. Dealing with you is just asking for trouble. Listen up, Herrscher transformation and dual personalities are the current trend; if you can't keep up with the times, I suggest you start learning! Little Fuxi, I'm ready for my meal!"
Having vented her frustration, Senti shrugged off her earlier awkwardness and confidently sat down, eagerly requesting sustenance from the Book of Fuxi.
The Book of Fuxi rolled its eyes, placing a steaming bowl of congee in front of Senti.
"Here, come eat."
"Is there only congee? I want some meat."
"I spent hours simmering this with only the finest ingredients. If you keep blabbering, I'll make a hole in your head and pour it straight in."
The Book of Fuxi flew up to Senti, flicked her forehead gently with its small hand, and spoke grimly.
Senti shrank back slightly.
"Okay, okay! I'll eat right away; I love porridge!"
Ignoring the scorching temperature, she lifted the bowl and eagerly gulped down the contents.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Mm... Delicious!"
"Of course, did you doubt my culinary skills? This level of craftsmanship is priceless—you understand that, don't you?"
With hands on hips, the Book of Fuxi proudly puffed out its chest.
Meanwhile, Su, Kevin, and Zeke also began enjoying their meals.
"The flavor is truly exquisite, bringing out the best from each ingredient. The taste combinations blend perfectly, and the cooking timing is just right—well done, Little Fuxi!"
"Tasty, thank you."
Su and Kevin expressed their sentiments one after another. Although their tone and word count differed significantly, both conveyed appreciation.
The Book of Fuxi's head swelled even more with pride.
As for Senti, she had already raised her empty bowl.
"One more bowl, please!"
"All right, all right. Take your time, there's no rush."
The Book of Fuxi's expression turned crestfallen, yet she continued grumbling helplessly like a doting mother. She took Senti's bowl, which seemed large enough for her to take a bath in, and refilled it with more congee.
After consuming nearly half the pot, the crimson hue faded from Senti's eyes, allowing Fu Hua to regain control of their body.
"She said she wanted me to taste it too," Fu Hua remarked with amusement. Without burdening the Book of Fuxi further, she poured herself a small portion of congee. Holding the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other, she gently blew on it before savoring each bite leisurely.
This drew peculiar glances from everyone present.
"What is it?" Fu Hua asked, cradling the bowl, blinking, and tilting her head in confusion.
Zeke spoke candidly on behalf of the group: "Mainly because the contrast between your personalities is just so stark—it truly lives up to having dual personas. I'm glad I don't have that issue."
Recalling Senti's eating behavior, Fu Hua scratched her face awkwardly, momentarily at a loss for words.
Then, Zeke added, "I do have some insights when it comes to education. How about this? I have three thousand sets of basic knowledge exams and sixteen hundred hours of comprehensive curriculum lessons. With a few classes and several exam sets per day, trust me, you'll see significant improvement after some time."
Zeke handed her a black USB drive.
In that moment, the air grew silent.
Fu Hua's expression shifted rapidly as she looked at the USB drive before her. What should she do? It seemed appropriate to accept it, but Senti would undoubtedly vehemently oppose.
As expected, Fu Hua's eyes transformed once more into vivid crimson, and with gritted teeth, Senti angrily exclaimed:
"You fucking..."
"Thank you so much! This is exactly what I've been worried about! With this, things will be much easier from now on."
The Book of Fuxi grinned, hugging the USB drive tightly, expressing deep gratitude.
Under the subtle gaze of the Book of Fuxi, Senti reluctantly swallowed her eloquent and refined retorts, sulkingly retreating back into the consciousness world.
In that moment, Fu Hua's position at the top of Taixuan Mountain's food chain was once again unequivocally affirmed.
Fu Hua rubbed her temples with a headache, likely dealing with Senti's protests echoing in her mind.
With a smile, the Book of Fuxi placed the USB drive into Fu Hua's pajama pocket.
Su watched this scene, grinning contentedly, finding it both amusing and relieved that the issue had been resolved.
As usual, Kevin showed no visible expression, quietly sipping his porridge.
After a brief contemplation, Zeke spoke up, "Fu Hua, I believe my intervention played a significant role in resolving this situation."
"Uh... indeed, without Zeke stepping in, Senti wouldn't have calmed down so easily. Her martial mindset is actually quite similar to mine; as long as she maintains rationality, the Herrscher's instinctual madness poses little challenge for her. So, Zeke's presence was truly crucial."
"In that case, would you accompany me and lend a hand?"
"Hm? Sure, absolutely no problem."
Although Fu Hua didn't know what exactly Zeke required, she rarely refused any request from him.
As for Senti's vehement opposition and colorful outbursts within the consciousness realm—Fu Hua subtly glanced at Zeke, deciding it was best to suppress the child's voice momentarily, lest it trigger another round of violence on the spot.