Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Thirty-Five: Lin Xin’s Concern

The two of them hadn’t walked far before Lin Xin stopped in front of a shop, her face bright with delight. “This is the place,” she said happily.

Ye Junze slowed his steps, looked up at the storefront, and saw the sign above the door inscribed with bold, flowing characters: “Essence of Flavor.” The elegant style of the sign lent the place a unique charm. Just gazing at it made one feel this was somewhere worth visiting.

Ye Junze sized up the shop, quietly impressed, and said, “Senior, this place looks great. I wonder how the food tastes.”

“The flavor is beyond compare—you’ll know once you try it. Come on, I’m starving,” Lin Xin urged, leading the way inside.

Ye Junze followed at a leisurely pace. Once inside, they were promptly greeted by a well-trained waiter, who politely looked at Lin Xin and smiled. “Good afternoon, miss. How many in your party?”

Lin Xin pointed to Ye Junze, who had followed behind. “Two.”

“Very well. Please follow me,” the waiter replied, gesturing for them to proceed. The two followed along, and in the blink of an eye were led to a quiet corner. After inviting them to sit, the waiter handed over the menu. “Here is our menu. Please take a look.”

Lin Xin accepted it, flipping through the pages as she spoke. “Alright, you can go about your work. We’ll call you when we’re ready to order.”

“Certainly.” With that, the waiter turned to attend to other guests.

Lin Xin studied the menu, asking as she did, “Junior, is there anything you’d like? Or would you rather look through the menu yourself?”

“No need, no need. You go ahead and choose. I’m fine with anything,” Ye Junze replied, waving his hand.

“Alright then. Do you have any dietary restrictions?” Lin Xin asked with concern.

“None at all. Just pick whatever you like,” Ye Junze answered.

Lin Xin nodded, then turned her attention to choosing dishes. She flipped through the menu, pointing and marking items, her face occasionally lighting up with a satisfied smile as if she’d found something particularly delicious. Only after some time did she stop, content, and asked, “Shall we start with these? Do you want to take a look?”

“No need. I trust you, Senior,” Ye Junze said with a smile.

“Good, then I’ll call the waiter.” Lin Xin waved, catching the attention of their previous waiter who promptly came over. With a smile, he asked, “Is there anything I can assist you with?”

Lin Xin handed him the menu. “I’m ready to order. Please have a look.”

The waiter quickly glanced over the selections. “Very well, I’ll submit your order now. Please wait a moment.” With that, he walked off to relay the dishes to the kitchen.

Once the waiter was gone, Lin Xin seemed to remember something and spoke up. “By the way, Junior, we’ve been out for so long, and I never thought to ask.”

“What is it, Senior?” Ye Junze looked up in confusion.

“How’s your cultivation going? Any difficulties with your techniques?” she asked with genuine concern.

“My cultivation’s been fine, actually—going smoothly. No trouble with the techniques so far,” Ye Junze replied honestly, then asked, “Why do you ask?”

“Smoothly, you say?” Lin Xin looked doubtful. “How many cycles of internal energy have you completed?”

“Huh?” Ye Junze was momentarily puzzled by her question.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Xin thought to herself, “He says it’s going smoothly—this rascal must be lying.” But outwardly, she kept her composure. “Look at you, all confused. It’s not going well, is it? You don’t even know about internal energy cycles.”

“No, it’s just… I’ve lost count of how many cycles I’ve done…” Ye Junze finally understood and answered awkwardly.

Lin Xin’s calm expression shifted to surprise. “You’re not joking, are you? Lost count?”

Ye Junze scratched his head. “I’m not joking. I really can’t keep track anymore.”

“Do you know what level you’re at now?” Lin Xin asked urgently.

“I just broke through last night, so I should be at the beginning stage of Qi Refining,” Ye Junze said, feigning uncertainty.

Lin Xin was even more astonished, raising her voice. “What? Beginning stage? You mean you broke through in less than a day?”

“That’s right,” Ye Junze nodded apologetically, knowing full well he hadn’t only just started cultivating.

“No, let me check. I hope there’s nothing wrong with your cultivation,” Lin Xin said, anxious.

“Alright, thank you, Senior,” Ye Junze replied gratefully. Even though he knew he was fine, it felt good to have someone care.

“No need for politeness now,” Lin Xin said, her face full of worry.

“It’ll be fine, Senior. Don’t worry,” Ye Junze tried to comfort her.

“It’s not up to you. I’ll check first,” Lin Xin said sternly.

Seeing her insistence, Ye Junze grew serious. “How will you check, Senior?”

“Extend your arm,” Lin Xin instructed.

Obediently, Ye Junze stretched out his arm. Lin Xin quickly placed her hand on his wrist. Her fingers moved methodically, and her expression shifted from worry back to calm as she continued. After a moment, she gasped quietly, “How can this be?” Unconvinced, she checked again, then withdrew her hand. “Alright, you can pull back now.”

“How is it, Senior? No problems, I hope?” Ye Junze asked.

Lin Xin, now reassured, replied, “No, everything’s normal. Your spiritual energy is circulating as it should, and you’re indeed at the early stage of Qi Refining.”

“That’s good to hear. You looked so serious just now, I thought something was really wrong,” Ye Junze said, patting his chest in relief.

“Haha, I didn’t expect you to be such a genius, Junior,” Lin Xin laughed, her liveliness returning.

Ye Junze waved off the compliment, embarrassed. “Not at all, Senior. Don’t tease me.”

“It’s true. As far as I know, breaking through on your first day of cultivation is rare,” Lin Xin said.

“Maybe I’m just lucky. After all, I’m the kind of person who always wins an extra bottle when buying things,” Ye Junze joked.

Lin Xin nodded in agreement. “Luck does play an important role in cultivation. You might not feel it now, but with time, you’ll see how crucial it is.”

Ye Junze couldn’t help but say, “I’ve learned something new, Senior. You’re amazing.”

Lin Xin laughed shyly. “Not really. It’s just that after a long time cultivating, you naturally learn these things.”

“That’s impressive all the same. I guess I should learn more from you in the future.”

As the two continued talking, their waiter returned, carrying their dishes. “Thank you for waiting. Here are your meals; the rest will be brought out shortly. Please enjoy.”

Seeing this, the two—long tormented by hunger—couldn’t help but swallow. Lin Xin said joyfully, “Finally, the food’s here! Let’s eat, Junior?”

“After you, Senior,” Ye Junze replied courteously.