C3 A Great Life!

"You and I are of similar age, so there's no need for such formality. My last name is Ji; you can simply call me Young Master Jee."

Upon hearing Jee Faang's words, Duan Rou had an epiphany.

She had nearly convinced herself that he was a hidden expert living among the common folk. By addressing him as a senior, wouldn't she inadvertently reveal his true status?

That was a grave mistake!

She had been presumptuous...

Even though he had presented her with an incredible opportunity, she should remain composed. To trouble such an esteemed figure would be a display of her lack of understanding.

Duan Rou quickly composed herself, looking at Jee Faang with profound respect, her heart eager to forge a connection with him.

Just then, the tiny furball nestled in Jee Faang's arms leaped onto the table, pawing at the teapot with curiosity.

It looked like the little one was in the mood for tea again.

Jee Faang slid the teacup towards the kitten and affectionately stroked its head, watching its pink tongue lap at the tea.

Duan Rou's eyes widened in astonishment.

"This..."

The benefits of this tea far surpassed those of the Spiritual Fruit used by some sects to boost their Spiritual Energy. It could not only aid cultivators in solidifying their immortal bones but also enhance their understanding of deeper concepts.

This was precisely why she had yet to advance to the Foundation Establishment phase.

How many were on the cusp of a breakthrough, yet spent their entire lives unable to make that final leap?

By any measure, this tea was exceedingly valuable.

Yet, he was using it to... feed a cat...

Duan Rou's family was affluent, and they kept some immortal beasts as well. But who would feed their spiritual beasts with spiritual herbs or Spiritual Fruits?

Moreover, this kitten appeared to be an ordinary pet, the kind kept by mortals for companionship.

Such extravagance was unheard of. If other cultivators were to witness this, they might very well perish from sheer envy.

She realized that she, who had lived a life of privilege, was now envious of a pet.

"The teacup it's using is designated for its use alone and won't be shared with others," Jee Faang clarified, noticing Duan Rou's gaze.

Jee Faang assumed that the young lady was concerned about sharing a cup with the kitten after having her own tea.

Hearing the remark, Duan Rou perceived it as a subtle reminder of her place.

She wasn't entitled to share a teacup with his pet cat.

Yet, she quickly came to terms with it.

After all, she didn't take the matter of the tea to heart.

An ordinary cultivator simply didn't operate on the same level as an Expert. How could she view an Expert through the lens of an ordinary cultivator?

At that moment, Jee Faang inquired, "Miss, what brings you to my shop? What service do you require?"

Duan Rou had been contemplating how to make a favorable impression on the Expert and possibly forge a connection. Jee Faang's question snapped her back to reality, reminding her that she was in a shop for a reason, whether to make a purchase or seek assistance.

"I'd like a piece of calligraphy!"

A spark of inspiration hit Duan Rou. She didn't need a letter written, but acquiring a piece of calligraphy from an Expert would be something to boast about.

"What would you like me to write?" Jee Faang asked.

"The Tao Te Ching, if you would. Could you write down the first passage for me?"

Duan Rou asked tentatively, unsure if the Expert would fulfill her request.

Jee Faang nodded, approached the desk, and laid out the rice paper. Rolling up his sleeves, he took up the brush and began to write.

Duan Rou watched intently. Jee Faang's movements were fluid and graceful, a pleasure to behold. She could distinctly hear the brush's whisper against the paper, a sound as refreshing and natural as the chirping of insects on a summer's day, bringing a sense of ease to her heart.

After a short while, Jee Faang ceased writing and examined the paper, his brow furrowing slightly before he returned the brush to its stand. Duan Rou's gaze followed, settling on the finished calligraphy.

It was exquisite!

The strokes were rich and full, flowing effortlessly across the page.

Duan Rou was worldly and had seen many things.

Few, be they ancestral masters of sects or esteemed scholars, could match Jee Faang's skill with the brush.

This confirmed Duan Rou's belief in Jee Faang's status as an Expert.

The character of a person could be discerned through their writing.

The freedom and ease with which Jee Faang's brush danced across the paper were not something just anyone could achieve.

While Duan Rou marveled at Jee Faang's brushwork, a flash of insight sparkled within her consciousness.

That was...

That was the Spirit of The Tao!

The calligraphy actually concealed the Spirit of The Tao within it!