Chapter 58: Gate 6
The strong, nutty scent of sesame oil aired the room.
Dasha expertly chopped vegetables on a wooden cutting board, the rhythmic clinking of the knife against the board providing a soothing soundtrack. The black wok, well-seasoned from countless stir-fries, sat perched on the gas stove. The sizzle and hiss of the ingredients meeting the hot surface added a lively, almost musical quality to the atmosphere.
Music was a true luxury here, unlike in Canada. No phones, only radio, and he refused to use such primitive technology. Not when there was training to be had.
A pot of jasmine rice simmered gently on a back burner. The compact size of the kitchen made every turn and step vital.
Meanwhile, Qi Sense was activated. While cooking, using the other half of his brain, he counted and described the energies going past the shop. Expanding seven metres to ten, he was capable of that much. Not many people came in his bubble but it was enough to facilitate growth and to temper his compulsive body.
Thinking, sensing, always being efficient. That was the way.
’Where are Zhang Mei and Li Wei, I wonder.’ Strangely, Dasha could never get a hold of them during crucial moments. When he wanted food or desired advice, they were gone. Only when he was alone and meditating, when he didn’t need them, they were here, blabbering and repeating to him what he already knew.
He hadn’t decided whether they were a nuisance or useful tools.
An alarm bell suddenly rang through his head and he envisioned a short, pudgy man and a plain man in a royal blue uniform with a sapphire gem. ’It’s those idiots from the Sapphire Order, Bennet and Lyle. They’re early.’
Before they could obnoxiously knock on the counter, Dasha appeared, the transfer at the ready.
[ Transfer details: