Volume One: First Steps on the Path Chapter Thirty-Six: Lin Xin’s Realm

Upon hearing this, Lin Xin unceremoniously picked up her utensils and began eating the food on her plate. After tasting her first bite, a look of sheer satisfaction appeared on her face. She beamed with delight and said, “It’s delicious! You have to try it.”

“In that case, I won’t stand on ceremony,” Ye Junze replied, his hunger already gnawing at him. He wasted no time in sampling a bite himself, and as soon as he tasted it, he couldn’t help but let out a sound of genuine admiration, clearly impressed by how good it was.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Xin laughed. “Well? Didn’t I tell you? Isn’t it amazing?”

Ye Junze nodded in agreement. “Yes, it really is. It seems that following you around guarantees good food.”

“Haha, if you like it, then eat more,” Lin Xin said with a smile.

As they spoke, the server returned, this time accompanied by a young man pushing a cart. The server stopped at their table and said, “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” As she spoke, she began transferring the dishes from the cart to their table. Once all the plates were set down, she added, “Here are all of your dishes. Please enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you very much,” Lin Xin replied politely.

“It’s my pleasure,” the server responded with courtesy. “If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call me.” With that, the server and the young man moved on to tend to other guests.

Now that all the food had arrived, Lin Xin seemed even more delighted. She eagerly turned her attention to one particular dish, took a bite, and her face was immediately alight with satisfaction. Just watching her expression was enough to make anyone believe that the dish was exceptional. After savoring it, Lin Xin said joyfully, “You have to try this one! I’ve been craving this smoked fish for ages, and thanks to you, I finally get to eat it today.”

Ye Junze waved his hand modestly. “Not at all. If anything, I should be grateful to you for letting me join.”

Saying this, he tried the smoked fish that Lin Xin had praised. The instant he tasted it, his face lit up with surprise, and he couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is incredible!”

“It really is delicious,” Ye Junze said, clearly impressed. “No wonder you’ve been thinking about it for so long.”

Lin Xin grinned, clearly pleased with his reaction. “Try the others too. This place has great food all around.”

“Alright.” By now, Ye Junze was thoroughly convinced by the restaurant’s offerings.

The two of them continued eating while resuming their previous conversation.

Just after taking another bite, Ye Junze seemed to remember something and suddenly asked, “By the way, Senior, I just realized I forgot to ask—what stage are you at now in your cultivation?”

Lin Xin smiled, blinked playfully, and said with feigned mystery, “Why don’t you guess?”

“How am I supposed to guess that?” Ye Junze hesitated, then ventured, not entirely confident, “Could it be the Core Formation stage?”

Lin Xin shook her head. “I’m still quite far from Core Formation.”

“Then is it the Foundation Establishment stage?” Ye Junze tried again.

Lin Xin nodded. “Yes, I’m at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment.”

Before Ye Junze could reply, Lin Xin continued, “And I might break through soon. Then I’ll be able to prepare for Core Formation.”

“That’s amazing, Senior!” Ye Junze said, full of admiration—forgetting for a moment that he himself was halfway into Foundation Establishment as well.

“It’s nothing, really. I just started cultivating a bit earlier than you,” Lin Xin replied modestly. “And with your talent, who knows—by this time next year, you might be far ahead of me.”

“Then I’ll borrow your good wishes,” Ye Junze replied with a smile.

“Of course. I have high hopes for you,” Lin Xin said, pausing for a moment. “Since you’re just starting out, you’re bound to run into all sorts of problems. If you ever have difficulties in cultivation, don’t hesitate to ask me. I’ll do everything I can to help.”

“Thank you, Senior,” Ye Junze said gratefully.

Then something else occurred to him. “Speaking of which, class starts the day after tomorrow. I’m curious—what exactly do we study in the Department of Daoist Arts?”

This time, Lin Xin didn’t answer right away. “Let me think,” she said, rubbing her brow as if deep in thought.

Seeing this, Ye Junze fell silent, not wanting to disturb her. He quietly continued eating as he waited for her response.

After a while, Lin Xin seemed to have organized her thoughts. “Alright, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all—it’s me who’s bothering you with so many questions,” Ye Junze replied, waving his hand.

Lin Xin shook her head, unconcerned. “No trouble at all. Let me explain.”

“Thank you, Senior,” Ye Junze said earnestly.

“For freshmen, if I remember correctly, the core courses at the start are Dao Comprehension, Method Tempering, Dream Weaving, Combat Practice, and Detailed Studies of Cultivation Techniques.”

Ye Junze nodded. “That’s right.”

“Good,” Lin Xin continued. “Actually, those courses are fairly straightforward. Once you attend, you’ll see. What really matters is your own aptitude. If you’re perceptive, you’ll find them quite easy. Otherwise, they might be a bit challenging.”

She paused, then added with a mischievous wink, “As for the specifics, I won’t spoil the surprise. You’ll find out once classes begin. It’s better to keep a little mystery.”

Ye Junze, exasperated, raised a hand to his forehead. “Senior, you really know how to keep someone in suspense.”

“Do I? I don’t think so,” Lin Xin replied, laughing cheerfully.

Looking at her, Ye Junze could only shake his head in resignation and continue eating.

Suddenly, Lin Xin spoke up again. “One more thing, Junior.”

Ye Junze looked up, puzzled. “What is it?”

“Our curriculum tends to change frequently. Sometimes it’s once a week, sometimes every two weeks—the schedule isn’t fixed. Just something you should know.”

“Thank you for letting me know,” Ye Junze replied, making a mental note.

“Alright, let’s eat before everything gets cold,” Lin Xin urged.

With that, the two of them returned their attention to the delicious food laid out before them.