Chapter 12: Is this what a date is like?
But there are probably no more than a dozen Rainbow Lotuses left in the world, and each one is incredibly hard to come by.
Even if you find one, you might not live to take it away.
Over the years, Sylvia had spent a lot of energy searching for the Rainbow Lotus, but to no avail.
A battle a century ago left her with wounds that were hard to heal.
Even though Sylvia's powers continued to grow rapidly over the years.
But whenever she approached the final threshold of the Transcendence Realm, the cold poison left from that battle would invade her body, causing unbearable pain.
If she could get the Rainbow Lotus, it wouldn't completely cure her, but it would significantly heal her injuries.
Originally, Sylvia had almost given up on finding the Rainbow Lotus.
But she never imagined that today, she would receive a Rainbow Lotus in such a manner.
"How on earth did you get this flower?"
Unconsciously, Sylvia's voice trembled slightly.
"I just happened to pick it up by the cliffside, don't worry about it," Timothy said with a smile, not taking it too seriously.
After all, the Rainbow Lotus was just an unlucky draw for him, considered the worst treasure in a newbie's gift pack.
He thought the gift was a bit light, but Sylvia seemed unexpectedly pleased with it.
That's good, it means my taste isn't off!
"Just picked it up..."
Hearing Timothy's casual words, Sylvia's clear eyes swirled with different emotions.
How could she not know how hard it was to obtain a Rainbow Lotus?
In the cozy space, with the aroma of food and dim candlelight.
At this moment, Sylvia realized her heartbeat was a bit faster.
She found that Timothy's image in her heart was becoming increasingly special.
Braving dangers alone to deliver a love letter in the Sky Sanctuary, expressing his love fearlessly, and now, giving her the Rainbow Lotus.
All of this far exceeded the norms Sylvia knew.
"Let's eat first, it's been a long time since I've had ordinary food."
Under the candlelight, Sylvia's beautiful cheeks seemed to blush with the colors of the sunset.
To cover up the pounding of her heart, she quickly picked up her fork.
"Sure, make sure you eat plenty, dear."
Timothy picked up a piece of his favorite Duck Confit and placed it on Sylvia's plate.
"What did you call me?" Sylvia's hand holding the fork trembled slightly.
"Dear, isn't that what couples call each other?" Timothy chuckled.
"Yes, it seems... right," Sylvia's voice was as soft as a whisper.
Seeing this, Timothy hesitated for a moment, then mustered a smile and said, "Oh mighty goddess, you're not used to this nickname, are you? Or maybe, a bit... shy?"
"What! What did you say!"
"Since the goddess has granted my request, I won't mind these little details. A small nickname is nothing!"
Sylvia immediately retorted, but her slightly shy voice lacked its usual threatening tone.
"Cough, let's eat then," Timothy said, holding back a laugh.
Just as he thought, the real Sylvia was much more adorable.
Picking up delicacies one by one, Sylvia's eyes lit up, completely immersed in the deliciousness of the food.
Living in the Sky Sanctuary for so many years, she had forgotten how delicious mortal food could be.
No, it was Timothy's cooking skills that made the food so delightful.
"Mmm, this roast suckling pig is good."
"This fried chicken tastes amazing!"
"Wow, I never knew this stuff was so tasty!"
Like a whirlwind, Timothy was amazed at how Sylvia's cherry-like mouth could accommodate so much food.
In no time, most of the dishes on the table were devoured, and three bottles of wine were emptied.
"Cough, don't look at me like that, I'm only eating this much because it's been a while..."
"It's not what you're thinking!"
Noticing Timothy's gaze, Sylvia tried to explain.
But even she didn't quite believe her own words.
After all, the dishes on the table were just too delicious.
A gentle evening breeze swept through the window, mixing the sunset's glow with the candlelight in the cozy dining space.
It was simple, yet it brought an extraordinary sense of peace.
"Is this what a date is like?"
Sylvia leaned back in her chair, her fingers secretly intertwining under the table, her clear eyes gazing out at the reddish sky.
It was a strange feeling.
There were no big waves, just sitting here besides eating, but somehow, it made her feel unexpectedly relaxed and natural.
It was like returning to the innocence of childhood, a feeling that brought her immense comfort.
Just then, a change in the street caught their attention.
The sound of music rose, and the people on the street suddenly burst into excited noise, a large crowd gathering in the distance.
The red lanterns that hung in every alley were all lit up, and amidst the noisy sounds, the entire Azure Sea City became incredibly lively.
Sylvia and Timothy could easily see what was happening in the distance.
The crowd was gathering around a large, festively decorated stage.
The cheers of the people and the sound of drums grew louder and more intense.
The martial contest to choose a suitor for Princess Emily had begun!
Princess Emily was the beloved youngest daughter of Emperor Shuyuan of the Phoenix Kingdom. Although the contest was held in Azure Sea City, the city had already attracted countless cultivators from the kingdom and beyond.
"Hey, that bracelet on her wrist."
Sylvia's gaze lingered on Emily's wrist, her voice tinged with surprise.
Timothy also felt the vibrant aura emanating from the bracelet and asked with interest, "Is there something special about that bracelet?"
"Yes."
Sylvia nodded. "That bracelet seems to have the ability to nourish vitality and moisturize spiritual energy. It's at least of Epic-level quality."
"What's more, it's extremely rare."
"If that bracelet were used to nourish the Rainbow Lotus, it could probably keep the Lotus vibrant for a long time."
"Oh, that does sound like a treasure," Timothy said, his attention now also focused near the stage.
Just then, the Consul of the Phoenix Kingdom himself stepped onto the stage, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below as he spoke in a deep voice: "Welcome, distinguished talents from all corners gathered here today."
"Today, Princess Emily will choose her suitor through martial contest."
"The marriage of the Third Princess is a matter of great importance to our Phoenix Kingdom."
"On this stage, the strongest will prevail. The one who stands last not only has the chance to become the Prince Consort of the Phoenix Kingdom but will also earn the right to have one wish granted by Princess Emily."
"..."