TYPnovel Chapter 202 - 1: The First
Chapter 202 - 1: The First
"A Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator is no problem. I could even trade a few blows with a Golden Core Cultivator. With me here, I’ll keep you safe."
Fang Qingyuan looked at Situ Jingyu’s confident expression. ’She isn’t just bragging,’ he realized. ’She truly believes it.’ Having snatched a cub from right under a Golden Core Demon Beast’s nose, Situ Jingyu had the grounds to say she could trade a few blows with a Golden Core Cultivator.
After this exchange, Fang Qingyuan led Situ Jingyu into his estate. Situ Jingyu had clearly never seen such a landscaped garden before. Compared to the barren lands of the Earth Cave Fire Domain, where not even a blade of grass grew, this pleasant residence with its hills and water was enough to make her heart leap with joy.
"What a huge estate, Qingyuan. With all these rooms, do you live here all by yourself?"
"And Jinbao."
Fang Qingyuan was making a small joke, but Situ Jingyu just looked around, not catching his meaning. Having lived underground since she was a child, all she had ever known was the dilapidated Fire Domain Sect, and her month-long experience on the Flying Boat hadn’t been particularly pleasant either.
When Situ Jingyu entered the main hall, Jinbao saw her and immediately started eating its meat faster. But Situ Jingyu merely smiled, picked up a piece of Rock Lizard Meat from the table, and began to eat.
Watching Situ Jingyu eat was a satisfying sight. The Rock Lizard Meat was quite tough and chewy; even Fang Qingyuan had to chew for a long time before swallowing. But not Situ Jingyu. A piece of meat would be in her mouth for no more than two breaths before she swallowed it.
In just a short while, dozens of pounds of meat had disappeared into Situ Jingyu’s stomach. Jinbao, meanwhile, stood frozen on the spot, clutching a piece of hind leg meat, looking as if it was about to cry.
’With this woman around, I’m going to go hungry in the future.’ At this thought, the meat in Jinbao’s paws suddenly lost its appeal.
After finishing the meat, Situ Jingyu looked at Fang Qingyuan and said:
"Your cooking has really improved. This meat has a great texture, it’s so juicy and not at all stringy. And it has this unique spicy flavor that’s way better than any spicy meat I’ve had before. Qingyuan, how did you make it?"
In response to her curiosity, Fang Qingyuan simply said:
"Why? Do you want to know the recipe so you can make it for yourself later?"
Hearing this, Situ Jingyu’s expression froze for a moment before she smiled.
"Just curious. Oh, right. You called me here in such a hurry. Is there someone you need to deal with?"
Seeing Situ Jingyu turn to business, Fang Qingyuan’s expression also grew serious.
"I have a group of enemies. For certain reasons, I need to get something from them. Their leader is a Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator. I can’t handle him alone, and I don’t have anyone else suitable for the job, so I had no choice but to call for you."
"So I was the first person you thought of?"
Hearing her say this, Fang Qingyuan felt it was a bit odd. ’This Senior Sister’s priorities are a little strange.’
Fortunately, Situ Jingyu seemed to realize her slip of the tongue. A faint blush crept up her face, but she feigned composure and began to analyze the situation.
"A Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator... I should be able to beat him. My master is at the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment level. It’s just that I’ve only ever fought the demon beasts in the Earth Caves; I haven’t really dealt with cultivators from the outside world. I’m worried I’ll be at a disadvantage if my opponent has some strange Cultivation Technique or ability that counters me."
Situ Jingyu had a point. Besides, her opponents were the kind of people who lived on the edge, employing ruthless and insidious methods. Fang Qingyuan wouldn’t be surprised if they used some forbidden Magical Artifacts or items.
’Even though Situ Jingyu is a bit older than I am,’ he thought, ’she has far less experience. When it comes to a real battle of techniques, a life-or-death struggle, her worldly knowledge might not even match my own.’
"There’s no rush. We should plan this carefully. For now, come with me. I’ll show you the room I’ve prepared for you. The Spirit Vein here isn’t very prominent, so if you’re not comfortable, I can find another place for you to stay."
"Nonsense, this place is wonderful. Besides, as a Body Cultivator, I don’t care much about Spirit Veins anyway. Just having a place to live is enough. Plus, if I stay here, I can enjoy your cooking every day. I’m already more than satisfied."
Making small talk, Fang Qingyuan led Situ Jingyu into one of the rooms. He had carefully furnished it himself, hoping it would suit her tastes.
Sure enough, the moment Situ Jingyu stepped inside, she fell in love with the room. Compared to her quarters at the Fire Domain Sect in the Earth Cave, the exquisite furnishings here were much more to her liking.
Who said Body Cultivators don’t rely on external items? Cultivators who focused on Body Refining were even more dependent on outside resources, and Situ Jingyu was no ascetic who renounced worldly pleasures.
"You should get some rest. I’ll come by tomorrow."
After speaking, Fang Qingyuan turned and left, leaving Situ Jingyu alone in the room. She threw herself onto the obviously oversized bed, a contented smile spreading across her face as she sank into its softness.
....
「The next day.」
Situ Jingyu, who hadn’t slept a wink, was drawn out by an enticing aroma. She followed it to find Fang Qingyuan and a table laden with over a dozen dishes. A look of surprise appeared on her face.
"Qingyuan, you prepared all this? Is this a welcome feast for me?"
Fang Qingyuan, who was setting out a bowl and chopsticks for Jinbao, replied:
"You’ve misunderstood. I had all this delivered from a restaurant. I don’t have the energy to cook this much."
Situ Jingyu’s expression stiffened. She then sat down across from Jinbao, and with a gesture from Fang Qingyuan, the woman and the beast began to fight over the food.