Age of Ascension: Forging an Immortal Realm from Nothing

"No wonder I felt so comfortable… So that's why."
Wu Chi takes a deep breath, a shiver running down his spine as the two distinct, intoxicating floral scents tickle his nose again. He can't help but stare at Lin Daiyu. Her devastatingly beautiful face holds a faint hint of a pout, her gorgeous eyes blinking softly. Below her delicate nose, her thin lips are pressed together in a way that is just… captivating. This time, she hasn't tied her hair up, letting the silky strands cascade down to her waist, a ribbon swaying gently with her every movement.
The sharp-tongued beauty continues, 
"You've got a death wish, don't you? Wouldn't it be better to rest in the cottage? The bond between us is already beyond life and death, so what's the big deal about sharing a bed?"
"If you catch a cold, you're the one who suffers, not us."
Hearing this, a warmth spreads through Wu Chi's chest. He gently wraps an arm around her willowy waist, murmuring, 
"It's fine. We're inside the territory. It's not that easy to get sick."
Her waist is so slender, so soft in his grasp. He doesn't want to let go.
Lin Daiyu's cheeks flush a light pink. She shoots him a glare and stands up. 
"It's past nine o'clock and the monster wave still isn't here. I'm going to go prepare."
"Wait!" Wu Chi snaps back to reality. "Have you two eaten?"
"Not yet!" Both girls shake their heads.
A mysterious smile plays on Wu Chi's lips. 
"You must have realized this building is a restaurant, but it's ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) not just any restaurant!"
"What's so different? Don't tell me it can conjure flowers out of thin air," Lin Daiyu retorts, a playful glint in her eyes.
This is it. His moment to show off years of bachelor-honed culinary skill. He has them take a seat, then personally heads to the kitchen, laying out his prepared ingredients and the precious spice.
Soon enough, two dishes—one meat, one vegetable—a soup, and a pot of rice are ready. He brings everything to the table, grinning. 
"Come, try the masterpieces of Chef Wu!"
"Young Master knows how to cook..?" Qin Keqing's eyes go wide with surprise.
Wu Chi gives a casual smile. 
"I know a thing or two."

On the table sit three dishes: Braised Pork Belly, Stir-fried Greens, and a Fish Head Tofu Soup. The main event? All three dishes are literally glowing.
"Glowing food? Could it be that one's culinary skills can reach a point where they emit a divine light?"
The two girls are visibly stunned. Wu Chi's confidence inflates like a balloon. With a grand wave of his hand, he presents them with chopsticks. "My two beauties, please, dig in!"
"Thank you, Young Master!" Qin Keqing's face is a lovely shade of crimson as she accepts the chopsticks with a graceful nod and takes a cautious bite.
Lin Daiyu just glances at Wu Chi, says nothing, and begins to eat.
[Braised Pork Belly]
Type: Gourmet Food
Quality: Trash
Effects: Constitution +0.5, Spirit +2.5 (for 1 hour)
Description: This blackish braised pork… has a certain… unique flavor.
[Stir-fried Greens]
Type: Gourmet Food
Quality: Trash
Effects: Constitution +2, Spirit +0.5 (for 1 hour)
Description: One bite of this, and you'll want to punch somebody.
[Fish Head Tofu Soup]
Type: Gourmet Food
Quality: Trash
Effects: Spirit +3 (for 1 hour)
Description: A fish that died from sheer agony. (TL note: demn...)
…
After they've both had a few bites, Wu Chi asks expectantly, 
"So? So? How is it? Pretty good, right??"
"It's… delicious," Qin Keqing says, her face flushed, her soft voice tickling Wu Chi's heart. 
"Young Master, back home, I often cooked for my foster mother. If you'll allow it, perhaps I can handle the kitchen from now on."
"Sure, whatever," Wu Chi says nonchalantly, turning to Lin Daiyu. The beauty's expression is calm. She blinks, and a smile suddenly blossoms on her face. 
"Young Master," she says gently, 
"Why don't we let Peppa have a taste?"
"Peppa the pig? What for?" Wu Chi is confused. He's just been feeding the wild pigs regular grain these past few days.
Lin Daiyu's smile is radiant, her voice like tinkling silver bells.
"Because even a wild pig would take pity on you. There's no way they'd dare to eat this." (TL note: ooooohh!!! Sister Lin!!!!)
Wu Chi: "…."
Oh, you are so done for, Sister Lin!
…
The scene of Wu Chi delivering a spanking to Sister Lin never materializes. Not because he fears her fists, but because…
The monster wave has finally arrived.
In the dead of night, the light of the territory is a beacon, guiding the surrounding monsters. With a roar from the defense towers, horrifying creatures begin to emerge from the mist. Swarms of them, pouring in from all directions. They look like upright lizards, covered in bony plates with sharp spurs jutting from their shoulders.
"Prepare for battle!" Wu Chi orders from the wooden wall, putting on his [Lens of Truth].
"Appraise!"
[Desert Lizardman]
Race: Beastkin/Void
Level: 9
Constitution: 44+10
Spirit: 2
Skills: "Sandstone Bone Armor," "Bone Spur."
Description: A strange race that dissolves easily in water. Practically useless in river or ocean environments.
[Elite Desert Lizardman]
…