1. Midnight Snack, Eternal Burden

  Chen Bu never really asked for much in life.

  Just some peace, sleep, and dumplings that weren’t haunted.

  It was around 2:46 a.m. when he tiptoed through the outer disciple quarters of the Moon-Bitten Mushroom Sect, clutching a suspiciously dented steamer basket.

  His robe was inside-out, his hair seven different types of disheveled.

  His goal was simple:

  – Hot food. No weirdness – he muttered, shuffling toward the communal kitchen.

  Just dumplings. Maybe with sauce. Please.

  He should have known better.

  The moment he placed the steamer on the jade-heated burner, the ground began to tremble. A soft hum filled the air, and the walls glowed a faint purple. Chen Bu, ever the cautious cultivator, froze.

  ...Huh – he mumbled, glancing at the steamer as though it might explode.

  Suddenly, the ground shifted beneath his feet. Before he could react, the floor opened up beneath him, and he tumbled into a glowing void.

  – Great – Chen Bu sighed.

  Falling. Of course.

  He landed softly on a bed of fluffy white rice.

  His first instinct was to climb back out, but before he could, a massive wok appeared in front of him, surrounded by ancient runes that pulsed with energy.

  – Ah, the wok of destiny – a voice boomed.

  You have awakened it! The Eternal Steam Technique will now be yours!

  A figure materialized in front of him: an old man dressed in a flowing apron, with hair so white it seemed to shimmer.

  He held a spatula like a divine weapon.

  – I am Chef Wei, the Spectral Master of Culinary Arts! – the figure bellowed.

  And you, Chen Bu, are the chosen one!

  Chen Bu stared at the apparition.

  – Chosen for what? I just wanted some dumplings.

  Chef Wei’s eyes blazed with fiery intensity.

  – You have awakened the culinary Dao! The path of culinary immortality is now yours!

  Chen Bu blinked in confusion.

  – Look, I didn’t ask for this. I’m just here for some hot food.

  A little peace and quiet would do wonders right now.

  Chef Wei gave him a stern look.

  – You must follow the Dao! You have chosen the way of the eternal steam, Chen Bu!

  – No! I didn’t choose anything – Chen Bu groaned.

  I just wanted dumplings. Please, let me go back to my life of sweeping floors and... oh, I don’t know, maybe brewing tea?

  Chef Wei shook his head.

  – You are now bound to the Dao! There’s no turning back!

  Chen Bu sighed.

  – Great. So, what’s first? Steam dumplings with divine power?

  2. The Spectral Cooking Master

  Chef Wei’s spectral form floated above the wok, gesturing to Chen Bu with his spatula.

  – Now, Chen Bu, you must learn to control the steam.

  The Eternal Steam Technique is not merely a cooking method—it is the art of shaping the heavens themselves!

  Chen Bu looked at the steaming wok, his stomach growling in protest.

  – What exactly am I supposed to do?

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Chef Wei chuckled.

  – You must infuse the steam with your will.

  Feel the energy of the universe in every swirl of the spoon.

  Become one with the dish!

  Chen Bu stared down at the pot of ingredients, uncertain.

  There were mushrooms, fish, and herbs—none of which he could even identify.

  – I just want to cook something simple – he muttered.

  But before he could protest further, the wok ignited with a golden flame.

  Chen Bu staggered back, nearly tripping over a stack of dumpling wrappers.

  – This is not simple!

  – The path of culinary enlightenment is never simple! – Chef Wei boomed.

  You must embrace the heat!

  Chen Bu grabbed the spoon and stirred cautiously.

  The steam began to swirl in the pot, lifting up in spirals.

  For a moment, everything felt perfectly normal—until the steam took on a life of its own, swirling faster and faster.

  – Uh... I don’t think I’m doing this right! – Chen Bu shouted.

  – No, you’re doing fine! – Chef Wei reassured him, floating higher.

  Feel the flavors, shape them with your will! Harness the steam!

  Chen Bu sighed, his hand shaking as he stirred the ingredients. The steam thickened, and a faint golden glow began to shine from the wok. The smell of fried garlic and chili filled the air.

  – That’s it! Keep stirring, Chen Bu!

  Chef Wei urged, clapping his ethereal hands.

  Chen Bu’s mind whirled. The wok was glowing.

  The smell was intoxicating.

  But all he could think was, Please don’t explode, please don’t explode.

  3 . Steam and Sorrows

  Chen Bu had never considered himself a chef.

  In fact, he was pretty sure he could burn water if given the chance.

  But now, standing over an ancient wok glowing with mystical energy, he found himself oddly... relaxed.

  The steam began to rise, thickening into an ethereal mist that filled the air.

  Chen Bu’s mind buzzed with energy.

  The ingredients in the pot began to glow, their flavors melding into something far greater than he had ever imagined.

  Then, without warning, the flame shot higher, almost singeing his eyebrows.

  He yelped and threw himself to the ground, but when he opened his eyes, everything was... calm.

  The wok had calmed.

  The golden steam settled, leaving behind a perfectly cooked dish.

  Chen Bu cautiously dipped a spoon into the pot and tasted the soup.

  His eyes widened.

  – What... is this?

  Chef Wei appeared next to him, his ethereal face lighting up.

  – It is the dish of destiny, Chen Bu! The Eternal Steam Technique is now yours to wield!

  Chen Bu felt a strange sense of accomplishment.

  – Wait. I just made... something that tastes good?

  Chef Wei nodded.

  – Indeed! You have awakened the culinary Dao.

  The world of food will never be the same!

  Chen Bu rubbed his forehead.

  – I didn’t sign up for this.

  I’m not even hungry anymore.

  4 . A New Enemy (of Taste)

  Chen Bu thought he could finally go back to sleep.

  But as soon as he stepped outside, he was greeted by the most unfortunate sight.

  A group of cultivators stood at the doorway, staring at the steaming bowl in his hands.

  One of them—a very important-looking cultivator—pointed at Chen Bu's soup and declared:

  – This is the legendary ‘Mystic Dumpling Soup!’

  Chen Bu froze.

  – No, it’s not—

  The cultivator’s eyes narrowed.

  – You’ve done it! You’ve unlocked the culinary Dao!

  And now, the Grand Tasting awaits!

  Chen Bu groaned.

  – I just wanted dumplings. Please.

  5 . The Grand Tasting (and Other Sins)

  The Grand Tasting turned out to be less of a culinary contest and more of a public execution of Chen Bu’s sanity.

  Each cultivator took a bite of his mystic soup, their faces lighting up as they reached a state of enlightenment—or in some cases, borderline euphoria.

  Chen Bu was terrified.

  – I didn’t mean for this to happen – he whispered to himself, trying to hide behind the massive stack of plates.

  But then, the Sect Leader stepped forward.

  – Chen Bu – the Sect Leader said, his voice booming

  You are now the chief culinary master of the Moon-Bitten Mushroom Sect!

  Chen Bu turned pale.

  – No. I am not. I just want a nap!

  The Sect Leader laughed.

  – It’s too late. Your destiny is sealed!

  Welcome to the realm of eternal cuisine!

  6 . The Reluctant Culinary Hero

  Chen Bu stood in the center of the bustling hall, a steaming bowl of soup in one hand and a mountain of expectations on his shoulders.

  His fate was sealed.

  The sect had spoken.

  He was now the chief culinary master of the Moon-Bitten Mushroom Sect.

  The weight of the title was nearly unbearable... and the smell of the soup wasn't helping.

  He glanced around at the assembled cultivators, all staring at him with awe and reverence.

  – Long live the Mystic Dumpling Soup! – one of them shouted.

  – May your culinary mastery elevate the sect! – another chanted.

  Chen Bu’s mind raced.

  This isn’t what I signed up for!

  Just then, a loud voice echoed through the hall, breaking through the murmur of the crowd.

  – Ahem – said a familiar voice—none other than the Sect Leader himself, holding a cup of tea in his hands. –

  Chen Bu, I trust you will lead us to greatness with your culinary skills.

  The future of our sect depends on you!

  The weight of the tea cup felt like the weight of the heavens themselves pressing down on Chen Bu’s shoulders.

  He wasn’t sure if it was the pressure or the heat from the soup that made his forehead sweat, but either way, he felt like he might pass out at any second.

  – Yes... yes, of course – he mumbled, trying to force a smile.

  I’ll... lead you all to culinary glory.

  Just then, another cultivator—this time a woman with a mysterious air—stepped forward.

  She bowed deeply.

  – Master Chen Bu, your soup is extraordinary.

  I was wondering... would you consider hosting a Grand Feast for the sect?

  It could be an opportunity to showcase your talents.

  Chen Bu’s heart sank.

  He didn’t want a feast. He didn’t want a Grand Tasting.

  All he wanted was to go back to his quiet life of tea-brewing and the occasional floor-scrubbing.

  Before he could respond, Chef Wei’s voice echoed in his mind:

  – Embrace your destiny, Chen Bu. You’ve awakened the culinary Dao.

  You cannot turn back now.

  Chen Bu sighed.

  – Alright – he muttered.

  A feast. But only because I’m really good at cooking under pressure.

  The woman smiled.

  – You will not regret it, Master Chen.

  And so, Chen Bu found himself standing at the crossroads of culinary greatness and disaster, unsure of where the path would take him.

  His journey had only just begun... and the ingredients for his destiny were still simmering.

  But for now... at least the dumplings were ready.

  And ever since, he has been cooking magical dumplings, while his sect has gained new strength—full of energy, sizzling flavors, mystical aromas, and occasionally, the faint smell of something slightly burnt.

  The disciples still wait to see what “delicious” adventure Master Chen will serve up next...