C19 A Gift from the Deities

Could it truly be a bowl of porridge that had whetted the Immortal Cultivator's appetite?

Duan Tongxuan and his companions were brimming with curiosity as they eyed the bowl of plain porridge.

By now, Duan Rou had polished off an entire bowl and nibbled on some pickled vegetables. It wasn't much, but she felt satisfyingly full.

"Sigh."

She let out a deep breath, about to express her gratitude to Young Master Jee, when a subtle shift occurred within her. A blazing warmth surged from her dantian, and her internal energy burst forth with intensity. The once-blocked meridians could no longer contain it.

The sounds of the Tao lingered in her ears. She quickly sat down cross-legged and closed her eyes to immerse herself in the sensation.

To the uninitiated, it appeared as though she had simply dozed off.

"What is this…?"

Duan Tongxuan and his companions watched Duan Rou, utterly astonished.

She had leveled up!

She had actually leveled up!

Their breaths quickened with excitement. How had she managed such a sudden breakthrough?

It was only when they turned their attention back to the porridge and pickled vegetables that they realized this was no ordinary meal. The porridge was infused with the Spirit of The Tao.

Bai Ningjun clutched at her clothes, her face a kaleidoscope of emotions, as regret washed over her.

Everything made sense now. How had she failed to see her junior sister's intentions? The food that their leader typically consumed couldn't be anything less than extraordinary. To have missed such an opportunity was sheer folly.

If only she could have another chance, she would gladly trade her most prized possessions for it.

Duan Tongxuan and Zhou Ruo were also kicking themselves, realizing they had overlooked their daughter's hints and had foolishly declined the elder's generous offer of porridge.

As the trio was about to boldly request a bowl for themselves, Jee Faang stood up, pot in hand.

"Xiao Xue, it's time to eat."

A snow-white kitten sauntered out, making its way to the food bowl and began to eat leisurely.

Watching the kitten sip the porridge bit by bit, Duan Tongxuan and the others were frozen in place, their eyes brimming with tears.

Was it possible that the porridge, laden with the Spirit of The Tao, was just going to be consumed by a cat?

Xiao Xue, who was in the midst of her meal, glanced over her shoulder at the trio before swiftly turning her back to them, as if guarding her food from potential thieves.

"I..." Duan Tongxuan began, his voice tinged with nervousness, but he quickly faltered, unable to continue.

Jee Faang, observing their pallid complexions, inquired with concern, "Are you feeling alright? You all look quite unwell."

"We're fine, really, no issues here," Duan Tongxuan and his companions managed to respond with forced smiles.

Their astonishment was palpable upon noticing the black and red sword on the chopping board. After a thorough inspection, Duan Tongxuan confirmed it was indeed the Blood Devil Sword! He was certain he couldn't be mistaken; the Blood Devil Sword was renowned in both the Immortal and Demon realms, and here it was being used as a mere vegetable knife.

Even Bai Ningjun recognized the formidable weapon.

"The sword on your chopping board..." Bai Ningjun began, addressing Young Master Jee.

"Oh, that sword? I found it by the front door a few days ago. It seemed sharp enough, so I figured I'd use it as a kitchen knife," Jee Faang explained nonchalantly.

Picked up by the door? And now repurposed for chopping vegetables? Duan Tongxuan could only respond with a wry smile, reflecting on how he had nearly faced annihilation over this very sword. Young Master Jee's casual use of it was a stark contrast to his own experience. Yet, in a way, it was an honor for the Blood Devil Sword to be wielded by such a master.

For Bai Ningjun, the day's revelations far surpassed anything she had witnessed in her lifetime, leaving her at a loss for words to express her emotions. Was this truly the realm of the exalted?

With a sigh, Duan Rou's eyes snapped open, brimming with curiosity. She had achieved a breakthrough.

Foundation Establishment Stage, Level Four.

A mere bowl of porridge had propelled her three levels forward. It dawned on her that the pickles and rice she had consumed were far from ordinary, as valuable as Young Master Jee himself.

Aware of the significant advantage she had gained, Duan Rou rose to her feet, her voice vibrant with gratitude, "Thank you so much, Young Master Jee."

"It's just a bowl of plain white rice porridge, no thanks necessary."

Jee Faang found Duan Rou utterly charming for being so grateful over a simple bowl of porridge.

Duan Tongxuan pulled a wooden box from his embrace and spoke, "Young Master Jee, the calligraphy my daughter requested from you was truly exquisite, and it has greatly benefited me. To express my gratitude for your gift of the calligraphy, I insist you accept this."

"There's no need for such formality."

Jee Faang had an eye-opening experience today, realizing that Immortal Cultivators were indeed very courteous, which was quite unlike the novels he had read in his past life.

It appeared that Duan Rou's parents had a deep appreciation for calligraphy.

Seeing the genuine sincerity of Duan Tongxuan and his wife, Jee Faang stopped declining their offer. Upon opening the wooden box, he found an egg-sized Night Pearl.

The Night Pearl emitted a white glow that, despite its brightness, was not harsh to the eyes.

Bai Ningjun was dazzled, finding it incredible.

Jee Faang was unfamiliar with the Duan family's treasured heirloom, but Bai Ningjun recognized it. This Night-Luminescent Pearl was a supreme treasure, well-known among the Immortal Cultivating Clan. Could it be that Duan Tongxuan was giving it away so casually?

That was extraordinarily unusual.

Jee Faang admired the Night-Luminescent Pearl in his hand, appreciating its pleasing texture.

Turning to Duan Rou and her family, he remarked, "This pearl is quite nice. I can use it to read at night."

Truly the mark of a connoisseur.

But then, considering that the Blood Devil Sword was being used to chop vegetables, using the Night Pearl for illumination hardly seemed extraordinary.