224: Special cooking

Deep within the Alchemy Department, the majestic aura of a Dou Huang expert had completely receded, transforming into an unfathomable solemnity that enveloped the small courtyard where Elder Mo Xuan cultivated.

Jiang Donghua stepped into the courtyard and immediately saw his teacher, who stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the garden, smiling as he looked at him.

Just as he had perceived, Elder Mo Xuan's appearance had undergone significant changes after his breakthrough.

The previously frosted temples had turned black, the fine lines around his eyes had faded considerably, and his complexion was ruddy, his skin radiating a subtle glow. He looked as if he had shed twenty years, resembling a refined and handsome middle-aged scholar.

"Teacher."

Jiang Donghua took a step forward, bowing respectfully, his voice filled with genuine joy.

"Congratulations, Teacher, on advancing to the Dou Huang realm!"

Greatly increased lifespan and a return to youth—these were among the direct benefits brought by a Dou Huang expert.

"Hahahahaha!"

Elder Mo Xuan was in excellent spirits, laughing heartily, his voice full of vigor, completely devoid of the weariness he once possessed.

He scrutinized his most proud disciple before him, teasingly saying,

"How is it, lad? Were you scared? This commotion of mine is much more spectacular than your little skirmish on the arena yesterday."

His words carried a hint of teasing, along with the exhilaration and self-satisfaction of his breakthrough.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Donghua's lips also curved into a barely perceptible smile, and he responded cooperatively,

"Teacher's powers are vast; your disciple is awestruck."

"Cut that out. Who knows what you're muttering in your heart, you rascal."

Elder Mo Xuan chuckled, then as if remembering something, a faint light flashed on his storage ring, and a white jade slip, warm to the touch and exuding an ancient aura, appeared in his hand.

He casually tossed the jade slip to Jiang Donghua.

"Here, take it."

Jiang Donghua instinctively caught the jade slip, which felt cool in his hand.

He looked down at the seemingly ordinary jade slip, then up at his teacher, a rare trace of bewildered confusion appearing on his usually stern face.

What was this for?

Seeing his usually steady and mature disciple display such a puzzled expression, Elder Mo Xuan's smile deepened, carrying a touch of childlike mischief, before he slowly explained,

"Tomorrow, aren't you going to the Scripture Pavilion to choose a Cultivation Method? The Cultivation Methods and Dou Techniques within the Scripture Pavilion are protected by restrictions, making it difficult to discern their specific rank and depth with just the naked eye or spiritual perception. It all relies on personal fortune and perception."

He pointed to the jade slip.

"Take it with you. Tomorrow, after entering the Pavilion, if you approach an Earth-Rank Cultivation Method, it will naturally react, its temperature rising and its luster flowing. The closer you get, the stronger the reaction."

Jiang Donghua looked down at the jade slip in his hand, then up at his teacher, who had an expression that seemed to say, 'Isn't your teacher thoughtful?' For a moment, he was speechless.

It could do that?

This was no longer just guidance; this was practically slapping the standard answer right in front of him!

Earth-Rank Cultivation Methods were incredibly rare. The Scripture Pavilion would undoubtedly be vast and complex. Without clear guidance, finding and confirming an Earth-Rank Cultivation Method within a limited time would be extremely difficult, relying mostly on luck.

His teacher had directly given him an Earth-Rank Cultivation Method radar?

Seeing his disciple's expression, which was silent yet tinged with surprise, Elder Mo Xuan stroked his beard and let out a smug hum.

"What? Do you think your teacher, the chief elder of the Alchemy Department, a Dou Huang expert, got this position for nothing? I still have this much privilege. It'll save you from running around like a headless fly in there tomorrow, wasting such a great opportunity."

He paused, his tone becoming a little more serious.

"Remember, the opportunity is given to you, but the final choice of which one to pick still requires your own decision."

"The jade slip will only tell you it's Earth-Rank, but whether the Cultivation Method's attributes suit you and how powerful it is still requires your own perception and judgment. Do not squander this opportunity, and do not let down your teacher's intentions."

Jiang Donghua tightened his grip on the jade slip, the initial surprise in his heart having transformed into a warm current and a helpless, wry amusement.

His teacher, after breaking through, seemed to have become more lively.

This special treatment was truly simple and crude, yet remarkably effective.

He carefully placed the jade slip into his storage ring and bowed respectfully once more.

"Disciple understands. Thank you, Teacher!"

With this item, his trip to the Scripture Pavilion tomorrow would be entirely different.

Elder Mo Xuan's smugness and exhilaration receded slightly. His gaze drifted into the distant sky, as if he could pierce through the layers of the Academy's buildings and glimpse that even vaster, more legendary region.

He let out a soft sigh, a sigh that carried the ambition of his breakthrough, but also an unavoidable hint of farewell.

"Now that my cultivation has broken through, this world feels a little too small for me."

His voice softened, losing its earlier teasing tone, and gaining a deeper, more earnest quality of instruction.

"The grand stage of the Central Plains, with its surging currents, is where Dou Huang experts truly contend. The affairs within the Academy have also been arranged. I'm afraid I will be departing in a few days."

He withdrew his gaze, letting it fall back on Jiang Donghua, his eyes gentle yet holding an undeniable resolve.

"From now on, more of the path will be yours to walk alone."

Jiang Donghua's heart clenched sharply.

The joy and sense of security that had just arisen from his teacher's breakthrough and the gift of the jade slip were largely scattered by a sudden gust of wind. A heavy emotion, named separation, quickly spread, diluting all previous happiness.

On his handsome face, the usual coolness gradually melted away, tinged with a clear sense of melancholy and wistfulness. His lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but didn't know where to begin.

"Heh,"

Elder Mo Xuan couldn't help but chuckle at his appearance. He took a step forward and clapped him firmly on the shoulder, the force steady and robust, the powerful vitality of a Dou Huang expert transmitting through his palm.

"Don't make such a face as if we're parting forever! You are now at Peak Dou Ling, and you're about to obtain an Earth-Rank Cultivation Method—your future is boundless! The Inner Academy of Jia Nan Academy, and even the entire Black-Corner Region, will be your proving ground, not your end point!"

His tone became bold once more, filled with encouragement and provocation.

"Your teacher is just going to the Central Plains to scout ahead for you! Are you saying that without your teacher, you, Jiang Donghua, wouldn't be the genius who swept through the Outer Academy?"

"What's more,"

Elder Mo Xuan's tone shifted, a hint of cunning flashing in his eyes, dispelling the sadness of parting and bringing the conversation back to the present.

"Farewell is for later; the current opportunity is right before your eyes! The opening of the Scripture Pavilion tomorrow is the top priority!"

His gaze became fervent and expectant, fixed on Jiang Donghua.

"Cheer up! Let your teacher see what kind of earth-shattering Earth-Rank Cultivation Method you can grasp from the depths of that Scripture Pavilion! This concerns your future foundation and path; do not let sentimental feelings affect your state of mind!"

Spurred by his teacher's words, Jiang Donghua took a deep breath. The melancholy in his eyes quickly subsided, replaced by a sharp and resolute glint.

He nodded heavily, suppressing all emotions, leaving only boundless fighting spirit and anticipation for tomorrow's journey.

"Yes, Teacher! Your disciple will not disappoint you!"