The air tasted like stolen nostalgia and the metallic tang of memories best left buried.
The invitation arrived on a plate of solidified time, the Void Emperor's seal burning through reality itself:
"DINE WITH ME TONIGHT
MENU: REGRETS & REVELATIONS
DRESS CODE: MORTAL TREMBLING"
Luo Feng stared at the floating cutlery that kept trying to stab him. "This is either a trap or a really weird date."
[System Alert: Mandatory Social Engagement Detected]
[Objective: Survive the Celestial Banquet]
[Recommended Preparation:
Poison Antidotes (x3)
Emotional Armor
A Convincing Alibi]
The Nine-Tails Goddess sniffed the air, pupils dilating. "I smell...my own birth. How intriguing."
COURSE ONE: APERITIF OF ABSENCE
The banquet hall stretched into infinity, its walls lined with caged recollections screaming behind glass.
First Dish: The Death Queen's Lost Innocence
Served in a chalice of frozen tears
She drank it without flinching
"Tastes like someone else's tragedy."
Second Dish: Li Qing's First Failure
A single overcooked dumpling floating in broth
She froze it solid and shattered the bowl
"I have no failures. Only delayed successes."
Then—the main course arrived.
COURSE TWO: ENTREE OF ECLIPSED MOMENTS
A silver platter unveiled Luo Feng's memories, still wriggling:
His first stolen sweet (sticky with guilt)
The day he realized he could die (bitter almonds)
And there—his first kiss (a shimmering, half-formed thing)
The Nine-Tails Goddess moved faster than divine law should allow.
One flick of her tongue—
—and the kiss memory vanished down her throat.
Luo Feng choked. "Did you just—"
She licked her lips, tails puffing. "Mmm. Tasted like nervous sweat and poor life choices."
[System Warning: Memory Theft Detected]
[Side Effects:
5% Emotional Numbness
78% Awkward Tension
100% Regret]
COURSE THREE: DESSERT OF DENIAL
The Void Emperor finally spoke, his voice the sound of a universe shrugging:
"Tell me, little thief—how does it feel to dine on your own past?"
Luo Feng stared at his empty plate. "You serve terrible portions."
A chuckle rattled the stars.
"The bill comes later."
Then—
The banquet unmade itself, leaving only:
The Death Queen's newly sharpened grudge
Li Qing's frost-preserved rage
The Fox Spirit's smug memory-induced hiccups
And one very exposed Luo Feng.
[Final Notification: SOCIAL SURVIVAL ACHIEVED]
[Penalty: Now Owing the Void Emperor "One Favor (To Be Named Later)"]
The plush demons began serving "I Ate My Feelings" consolation cakes.
END OF CHAPTER 57