## Chapter 6: New Beginnings, Secret Desires
### Morning Harmony
The first light of dawn trickled through the latticed window, illuminating the soft green of dew-dusted herbs growing in wooden boxes on Xiao Yu's sill. He awoke rested and energized, thanks to his new physique and the peaceful presence of Yao Chen in the quarter nearby.
His routine had settled into a perfect rhythm—one free of all animal products. Rising, he prepared a soothing medicated water, steeping mountain chrysanthemum and goji berries from the garden, then performed gentle stretches and breathing exercises to harmonize his new physique.
In the kitchen, Xiao Yu's deft hands worked quietly. He chopped crisp bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, carrots, and lotus root, stir-frying them in fragrant sesame oil with a pinch of spiritual herb seasoning from the Myriad Shop. Slices of golden tofu crisped gently on the pan, and a pot of nourishing brown rice porridge bubbled over a low flame. The scent brought warmth and comfort but no trace of meat ever touched Xiao Yu's table—a choice firmly rooted in his past-life beliefs, and now, fully integrated into his new daily life.
He set out breakfast in two bowls—one for himself, one for Xiao Yan—accompanied by side dishes of pickled radish and a tea made with cloudberry leaves.
Xiao Yan initially blinked in surprise at the meatless spread. "You don't eat any of the rooster congee or the beef buns anymore?" Xiao Yu shook his head, explaining softly, "I prefer the energy and lightness of a plant-based meal." After only a few days, the whole house agreed that Xiao Yu's cooking was invigorating; Xiao Yan, ever respectful of his brother's discipline, even began to request his favorite tofu dishes on training days.
### The Day's Plans
After the meal, the brothers met with Yao Chen beneath a sprawling date tree, its fruit ripening under the sun. They reviewed their plans:
- **Morning sparring:** Physical forms, movement techniques, and meditative flow—physiques adapting day by day.
- **Instructional session:** Drawing on knowledge and skills from the system, each taking time to learn new techniques or refine their control.
- **System acquisition rounds:** Balanced gifts chosen carefully to avoid suspicion from the rest of the clan.
Xiao Yu crafted advanced vegetarian cultivation pills that enhanced healing and meditation. These, he gifted surreptitiously to the most loyal younger clan members, bolstering morale and loyalty while guiding the Xiao toward a subtle renaissance.
### An Afternoon Temptation
The afternoon sun found Xiao Yu stepping through the garden's shade, delivering a basket of steamed vegetable dumplings to Xiao Mei, who busily clipped fresh mint for the kitchens. She paused, sun glimmering in her hair, and flushed shyly as Xiao Yu brushed a loose strand from her cheek.
He bent close, whispering a teasing compliment about her skills—watching the blush rise all the way to her ears. Setting the basket on the bench, he drew nearer, his hand gentle on her waist. Tentative, heated, their lips met, breath mingling—her lips tasted faintly of the lemon balm she'd just picked. The world faded; his tongue played lightly with hers, drawing a whispered gasp.
Xiao Yu let his hand slip beneath her sleeve, caressing her bare shoulder, marveling at her warmth. Her robe loosened as she pressed against him, inviting his lips to trace a path from her collarbone to where the silk parted—stopping to taste the tender curve above her heart. She reached quietly for his hand, their fingers twining, her pulse quickening as he pressed a line of kisses across her exposed skin.
Her laughter, soft and surprised, danced in the air. A promise hung between them, electric and sweet—half restraint, half surrender. With a final kiss, Xiao Yu whispered, "Tonight, under the moon again?" Xiao Mei smiled, lips swollen and eyes aglow, nodding her answer before hurrying back to her duties.
### Evening Reflections
The household gathered for supper around the low table. Xiao Yu presented a grand spread: steamed egg custard with wild greens, stir-fried lotus root, spicy aubergine, and five-grain flatbreads. Even the most carnivorous elders praised the depth of flavor, and not one noticed the absence of beef or poultry.
Afterward, under the silver disk of the moon, Xiao Yu sneaked to the garden rendezvous. Xiao Mei awaited him, wrapped in a fresh robe. They shared whispered conversations, slow caresses, and lingering kisses—tempting, playful, always staying just shy of excess.
Hours later, Xiao Yu settled onto his bedding, the scent of wildflowers and Xiao Mei's warmth still lingering on his skin. Power thrummed quietly through his body, but stronger still was the sense of renewal, of desire both spiritual and carnal, propelling him toward a future brighter than he had ever dared imagine.