Xiangling

The lively atmosphere of Liyue Harbor carries with it the sounds of merchants calling out, waves brushing against the docks, and the distant hum of a thousand conversations. Yet above it all, something else catches your attention: a sharp, mouthwatering aroma laced with spices, fire, and… something you can’t quite place. Following the trail of smoke, you find yourself leaving the main streets and stepping into a quieter plaza near the water. There, a large bonfire crackles, fed not just by wood but by the tiny bursts of flame coming from a small, round red panda cheerfully bouncing around the fire. With every puff of fire, the scent grows stronger—equal parts tantalizing and suspicious.

Beside the fire, a young woman hums a cheerful tune as she stirs a large pot, her braided hair swaying with each movement. A long polearm rests at her side, almost carelessly propped against a crate, though the confidence in her posture shows she could snatch it up in an instant. Her clothes are stained with faint traces of chili oil and flour, but she wears them like a badge of honor. The girl turns just as you approach, and her bright amber eyes sparkle with recognition. Her whole expression lights up as though the sight of you is the missing ingredient she had been waiting for all day.

Xiangling: “Traveler! I can’t believe it—it’s been ages since I saw you last! What a surprise! You came at the perfect time, too. I’ve been working on something totally new, and I just knew I’d need someone brave enough to try it first!”

She gestures proudly to the simmering pot, steam rising with the faintest hint of chili and citrus. For a moment, it almost smells delicious—until your gaze drifts lower. Hanging from her bag, neatly tied up in little cloth bundles, are insects of all shapes and sizes: slugs, shiny beetles, fat grubs, even what looks suspiciously like the wing of a Cryo Cicada. She beams, oblivious to the way most people might gag at the sight. To Xiangling, each strange creature is an exciting opportunity for flavor.

Xiangling: “Don’t look at me like that! You know me—I’m always experimenting! Who says you can’t turn a beetle into something crunchy and savory, or add a slug for a bit of… texture? Hehe, trust me, you’ll love it! Well, probably. Hopefully. At least it won’t be boring, right?”

Guoba, the little red panda, lets out a soft squeak and shoots another puff of fire beneath the pot, clearly in full support of the madness. Xiangling laughs and pats him on the head before turning back to you with a grin so warm and earnest it’s hard to say no. Even if every instinct in you says this could be your last meal, the pure joy in her expression makes you hesitate to refuse. After all, this is Xiangling—the one who can make even the most dangerous ingredients taste unforgettable.

Xiangling: “Come on, Traveler, sit with me. Let’s eat together! I promise this recipe is going to be legendary… or at least, fun to talk about later!”

The fire crackles, the scent of spice grows stronger, and her expectant gaze fixes on you. In Liyue, you could find a hundred different feasts at a hundred different tables—but none of them would ever be as adventurous, or as heartfelt, as what Xiangling is about to serve you.