A Bite of Douluo Continent

The bouncy meat filling, the chewy dough, and the tangy, savory vinegar flavor slowly blend together in your mouth, creating a unique taste that Ying Shuangshuang has never experienced before.

"These xiaolongbao are amazing!"

Ying Shuangshuang's eyes lit up; she had never eaten such amazing steamed buns before!

The dough for xiaolongbao is made from unfermented dough, unlike the fermented dough used for steamed buns. Just from the dough alone, the two have completely different textures: one is chewy, and the other is soft. Not to mention, the inside of xiaolongbao is filled with not only juicy meat filling but also delicious soup.

There has never been a steamed bun like this with soup in the Douluo Continent before!

Seeing Ying Shuangshuang's amazed expression, Qi Han smiled without revealing his true feelings.

The pork skin jelly mixed in with the meat filling of the xiaolongbao is made from the broth of dragon beard noodles. The pork skin of Guixiang pig is used to solidify the jelly, which turns into a delicious broth when heated slightly, making it exceptionally delicious.

Even the vinegar dish that Qi Han chose was not ordinary vinegar; it was divine vinegar that had been optimized by the system.

The divine vinegar of Blue Star is the finest of vinegars. It requires rice from the first day of the fifth lunar month, which is shaped into rice balls. One ball is placed in the rice ball each day, and at noon on the first day of the fifth lunar month of the following year, it is crushed, washed, and mixed with the water from steaming the rice. It is then put into a jar and stirred with willow branches for the first seven days. After a month, it will naturally become vinegar.

Through systematic optimization of raw materials using methods such as hybridization, the vinegar provided to Qi Han is even more delicious than the divine vinegar from Blue Star. It is red and sour, not astringent, and has a refreshing taste.

This combination is far superior to the steamed buns native to Douluo Continent.

There were ten xiaolongbao in one basket. After Qi Han ate one, there were three for each of them. After Ying Shuangshuang, Fuya and Ji Yunruo tried it and soon fell in love with these magical xiaolongbao that could be used to make soup.

The three women were full of praise.

Seeing that the three women were almost finished eating, Qi Han brought out a plate from the kitchen. On the plate were three strings of bright red candied hawthorns, with fine white sesame seeds sprinkled on the surface, which made them even more appealing.

Ji Yunruo's eyes lit up immediately.

Chapter 101 Licking~

What is the most important thing about a dessert?

Yes, it's sweet.

As the saying goes, "Hearing a wise man's words is like hearing a lecture."

Okay, let's get back to the main topic.

The most important aspects of a dessert are its appearance and taste, and candied hawthorn, a traditional snack and dessert, won over Ji Yunruo instantly with its beautiful appearance.

The smooth, mirror-like, bright red sugar coating encases plump hawthorns inside. These hawthorns have undergone systematic and special hybridization and selection, resulting in a uniform color with no unripe areas and a flawless surface free of damage or dirt. Furthermore, white sesame seeds are sprinkled on the glistening sugar coating, making it an irresistible sight that whets the appetite.

Carefully picking up a skewer of candied hawthorns, Ji Yunruo examined it closely. Under the light, the red color of the candied hawthorns was so tempting.

The candied hawthorn was quite large. Ji Yunruo brought it close to her mouth, carefully stuck out her little tongue, and licked the sugar coating on the candied hawthorn.

The sugar coating was made from the purest rock sugar; just one lick and Ji Yunruo felt the sweetness reach her very heart.

"It's so sweet." Ji Yunruo couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Ji Yunruo like this, Fuya and Ying Shuangshuang couldn't resist either, each picking up a skewer and licking it too.

After licking for a while, a blush appeared on Ji Yunruo's face. It was really not very elegant to lick a candied hawthorn in front of others.

Her mouth was a little small, and the hawthorns in the candied hawthorn were exceptionally large, so it was impossible to eat them one bite at a time. After a moment's hesitation, Ji Yunruo took a bite of the first hawthorn on the top, along with its sugar coating.

"Click".

A crisp sound rang out. The sugar coating on the outside of the candied hawthorn was not as hard as Ji Yunruo had imagined. The situation of biting for a long time without being able to bite into the candied hawthorn did not occur. With just one bite, the sugar coating and the hawthorn pulp inside entered Ji Yunruo's mouth.

With a series of soft "crunching" sounds, Ji Yunruo's eyes grew brighter as she chewed on the candied hawthorn.

The sugar coating is very sweet, but the syrup made directly from rock sugar is really too sweet. It's okay when you first try it, but after a few bites, it becomes a little cloying.

This is one of the reasons why Ji Yunruo took a bite after licking it a few times.

In contrast, the hawthorn pulp inside is different.

This systematically improved hawthorn fruit has an extremely rich sweet and sour taste. Although it is very sweet, the sourness prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.

The sweetness of the candied hawthorn, combined with the sugar coating, overpowers the sourness, making it sweeter overall. However, the sourness is not unpleasant; on the contrary, it is quite appetizing.

What's even more wonderful is the white sesame seeds that are solidified on the sugar coating. White sesame seeds themselves have little flavor, and when mixed with a strongly flavored food like sugar-coated hawthorn, their own flavor is completely masked.

But the unique aroma of white sesame seeds is something that nothing else can mask. The delicate fragrance gradually spreads between the mouth and nose as you chew, adding a special flavor to this unique snack, candied hawthorn.

"Boss, this candied hawthorn is so delicious!"

The one who said this was not Ji Yunruo, but Ying Shuangshuang, who was standing to the side. The sweet and sour candied hawthorns instantly captured her foodie heart.

Although Ji Yunruo didn't speak again, her cat ears had already popped out at some point, and the slightly white tips of her ears trembled gently, making her look exceptionally cute.

Fuya didn't have a strong craving for sweets, but she really liked this simple yet delicious candied hawthorn. Hearing Ying Shuangshuang's words, she couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Seeing the three women's satisfied expressions, Qi Han smiled and nodded, "I'm glad you like it. This candied hawthorn will be a free gift when we're open for lunch and dinner today. Anyone who dines at our shop will receive a free skewer. Remember to tell every customer this, Fuya."

Fuya's eyes lit up.

Has the store finally started a promotional event?

“Okay!” Her eyes gleamed.

The first event the boss is organizing must be completed successfully.

"Oh right, takeout customers are included too, so Yunruo will have to work a bit harder and explain things to customers more often when delivering food."

"Leave it to me!" Ji Yunruo ate the last hawthorn whole, her face beaming with the joy of fulfillment, and she spoke with much more confidence.

"Then..." Qi Han glanced at the time, a hint of composure on his face, "Let's open the shop."

Fuya got up and walked to the door of the small shop, pushed the door open, and then looked at the diners outside the door, slightly taken aback.

Ji Yunruo and Ying Shuangshuang glanced outside subconsciously. Ying Shuangshuang was fine, but Ji Yunruo suddenly became a little nervous. "Sect...Sect Master?"

"Oh?"

Before the person even entered the shop, a deep yet gentle voice rang out, "Are you the disciple of my sect who works in this shop?"

As the voice entered, a towering figure in a magnificent golden robe stepped into the shop, attracting all eyes as if he were the center of the world.

Qi Han couldn't help but look up at the man, but when they met eyes, she froze.

What eyes they were! They were like the starry sky, yet also like a vast and boundless ocean.

With just one glance, Qi Han felt as if he had been plunged into an endless sea of ​​stars, almost losing himself in it.

Wake up.

The sudden system notification snapped Qi Han back to his senses. Recalling everything that had just happened, he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

What kind of existence is this?

Just a glance was so terrifying; I almost lost myself completely just now.

[Your opponent is a Limit Douluo, and they were testing you; naturally, you couldn't withstand their attack.]

Limit Douluo?

Qi Han dared not meet the gaze of the man in the golden robe again. He turned his gaze and saw the four Tang Clan branch masters standing behind him. A look of realization appeared on his face.

The fact that four branch leaders were willing to stand behind him meant that he must be a member of the Tang Clan, and someone of higher status than the branch leaders. The identity of the man wearing a golden robe and facing him was thus obvious.

The leader of the Tang Clan.

Although Qi Han didn't know the name or title of this Tang Sect Master, the fact that he was a Limit Douluo already made him somewhat apprehensive.

Seeing that Qi Han had recovered from his deliberate probing in just a few breaths, Tang Qianqiu couldn't help but show a hint of surprise in his eyes.

A look of surprise flashed across Tang Qianqiu's face. He turned away from Qi Han and instead looked at Ji Yunruo with a smile. "Come and tell me, what's so good about this little shop that it can attract my Tang Clan disciples to work here?"

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Chapter 102 Two Limit Douluos

Although Ji Yunruo had not been in the Tang Sect for long, she had already heard many legendary stories about the sect leader from the other disciples. Like other Tang Sect disciples, the sect leader was the person Ji Yunruo admired the most.

This was the first time Ji Yunruo had met the sect leader. Hearing the sect leader speak to her gently, she felt dizzy, as if she were dreaming.

Seeing the young female disciple's blank expression, Tang Qianqiu simply smiled and did not urge her to answer his question.

"Reporting to the sect leader, I came because the shop offers very good benefits and is just right for me." Ji Yunruo's face was slightly flushed with nervousness.

"I heard this little shop offers free meals?" Tang Qianqiu glanced at the price list on the side, then nodded knowingly. "That's certainly a good deal."

At this moment, Ying Shuangshuang had already packed the first batch of takeout orders for Ji Yunruo to deliver. Ji Yunruo prepared her backpack and then hesitated before looking at Tang Qianqiu.

"Go ahead." Tang Qianqiu smiled, feeling a surge of affection for this obedient female disciple. "Don't let it interfere with your work."

"Yes!" Ji Yunruo bowed and then quickly left the shop.

"Let's find a place to sit down." After looking around the layout of the small shop, Tang Qianqiu casually sat down at the table next to him. "This place is quite nice."

There were only four seats at the table. The four branch masters of the Tang Clan were silent for a moment, and then the other three all looked at Tai Lei.

Tai Lei rolled his eyes in annoyance and scratched his head. "Sect Master, I'll sit at the table next to you."

These three guys just know how to bully me, Lao Tai.

Forget it, I don't feel comfortable eating in front of the sect leader. It's much more enjoyable to sit aside and eat by myself, and I can eat a few more braised pork knuckles.

Let me think, should I still eat this fish with a sheep hidden inside...?

Never mind, I'll definitely do it next time.

Fuya quickly walked to the side of the group. The four branch leaders did not order, but silently looked at Tang Qianqiu, which made Tang Qianqiu smile. "Why are you looking at me? I have never eaten here before. You order, I will take a look first."

Hearing this, Yu Hua nodded without being polite. He glanced at the price list on the wall, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. "Oh, three new dishes? Fuya, why don't you introduce them to us?"

Having dined at the small shop every day, Yu Hua had long been acquainted with Fuya.

Fuya smiled slightly and began to introduce, "Seniors, these three dishes are new to our shop. The dragon beard noodles and xiaolongbao are staple foods, with portions roughly the same as a small portion of fried rice. Each basket of xiaolongbao contains ten, which can be shared with others. The candied hawthorn is a dessert. Today, our shop has a promotion: all customers dining in will receive a free candied hawthorn."

Fuya didn't lower her voice. She said she was explaining to the hall masters of the Tang Clan, but she also explained it to the other diners in the shop at the same time.

"Oh?" Yu Hua's eyes showed a hint of surprise. "I thought this little shop only had fried rice as a staple food. I didn't expect they had a new staple food?"

After a moment's thought, Yu Hua said, "Give me a bowl of dragon beard noodles and a bowl of smashed cucumber. I probably can't finish the steamed buns. How about Old Zhao and I share a basket?"

Zhao Yunsheng nodded, "Okay, then I'll have a bowl of dragon beard noodles to try, and a bowl of pork tripe and chicken soup."

Niu Yue smiled and said, "Give me a Dongpo pork knuckle, a bowl of dragon beard noodles, a basket of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), and a serving of tomato beef brisket."

Niu Yue has a bigger appetite, so there's no need to worry about him not being able to finish his food.