The dining hall was less crowded at this hour, making it easier for them to secure a private table in the inner disciples' section.
After selecting their own meals from the abundant buffet spread along the hall's eastern wall, Li Hua carefully arranged the plates she'd selected. Among her own modest choices and Li Wei's hearty portions, she discreetly placed an extra plate she'd filled with an assortment of spirit-infused pastries—sweet buns filled with essence-rich cream, delicate cookies that sparkled with spiritual energy, and small cakes that seemed to float slightly above the plate.
Little Firefly's essence practically hummed with delight at the sight, though his tiny form remained perfectly still, his golden feathers only betraying his excitement by gleaming a shade brighter than usual—dignity above all else, even in the face of irresistible pastries.
