As the last rays of the sunset faded away, a gentle evening breeze brought the aroma of grilled meat to the air.
In front of the small wooden cottage, Jiang Xuan handed freshly cooked fish to Qing Qi.
After all, it’s not weird for an expert chef like him to carry various seasonings around, right?
In fact, Jiang Xuan had practically become a walking treasure chest packed with all kinds of items.
He had stored many things in his storage ring, which was conveniently tucked away inside his “System” space in his mind.
This arrangement made sure nothing could go awry.
When a guy travels out, being fully equipped is perfectly reasonable, isn’t it?
On the other side, after taking a light bite of the fish, Qing Qi’s eyes sparkled.
“It’s delicious… Big Brother, your cooking skills are amazing!”
“You liking it is enough; I was worried you wouldn’t enjoy it. Now I can finally relax.”
“Big Brother, this is the first time I’ve tasted something so delicious; can you always cook for me?”
“Of course! Since you’re my designated little sister, henceforth, all your meals are on me.”
…
After they finished eating and drinking their fill, Jiang Xuan said to Qing Qi:
“Lil’ Qi, I need to focus on cultivation now, so why don’t you get some rest if you’re feeling tired.”
“Big Brother, go ahead and cultivate while I check around the cottage. Wild beasts might show up. Mum taught me cultivation, you know, and I’m pretty good at it.”
With her fists gently swinging, Qing Qi declared this with a playful smile.
Jiang Xuan found her actions amusing and chuckled softly:
“Okay, okay, I believe you’ll become a legendary master someday.”
After Qing Qi left, Jiang Xuan sat cross-legged and began circulating the Taixuan Formula.
Under the power boost from three spiritual roots, Jiang Xuan’s cultivation speed soared qualitatively.
One could literally see his aura growing before their very eyes.
As Jiang Xuan neared a breakthrough in his cultivation level, he compressed his spiritual power and started anew.
Completely engrossed in his practice, he wasn’t aware that Qing Qi was secretly watching him.
“Isn’t he developing too quickly?
I assumed Jiang Xian—ahem, Jiang Gongzi just had a bit of innate talent for cultivation. But this is ridiculous!
Whoa, how did he develop so rapidly? In the Empire, this pace would place him top-tier among prodigies.
Strange that someone with such talent has such low cultivation. What happened to him?
So mysterious! No wonder Lil’ Qi likes him. Just showing off his looks and cultivation would drive those princesses insane back in the capital.
But now, he’s mine. The only issue is Lil’ Qi finding her way here eventually. I’ve got to seize him completely before that happens.
By then, she won’t even have a chance to compete with me.
Haha, naive beauties are so easy to fool. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he realizes I played with his heart.”
…
The next morning, stopping his cultivation, Jiang Xuan realized his cultivation level had reached ninth-rank martial artist.
Feeling his physical condition had really upgraded, his confidence soared.
Three spiritual roots indeed accelerated his cultivation speed drastically. He was now confident about becoming a Sky Martial in half a year.
Coming back to reality, Jiang Xuan noticed Qing Qi hadn’t been around all night and hurried to search for her. Within minutes, he found her two kilometers away from the cabin.
Stunned by the scene, Jiang Xuan saw Qing Qi looking rather ragged, covered in bl**d traces, almost collapsing.
She had dozens of fallen beasts by her side.
Clearly, a fierce battle had taken place the previous night, but Qing Qi emerged victorious.
Seeing her state, Jiang Xuan rushed forward to support her.
“Lil’ Qi, were… were you—”
Jiang Xuan couldn’t finish his sentence as Qing Qi interrupted him.
“Big Brother, I hope I didn’t disturb your cultivation last night. Please let me help by dealing with those beasts…”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan’s eyes widened. Last night, he merely asked her to rest but instead, she fought off beasts for his tranquility with her frail body.
How could anyone be this selfless and kind? Qing Qi’s actions deeply touched him.
Immediately holding her up, Jiang Xuan spoke gently:
“Don’t do idiotic things anymore. Those beasts couldn’t hinder my cultivation. Besides, your safety is far more important than cultivation. Come, let’s head back to rest. I’ll prepare tasty food once I tend to these beasts.”
“Really? You’d make me food again? Oh, I’m so happy!”
Moments later, they returned to the cabin. Placing Qing Qi on the wooden bed, Jiang Xuan examined her injuries.
With his highest-level medical skills, he concluded she had exerted herself and lacked rest.
Relieved, Jiang Xuan assured her:
“Lil’ Qi, don’t worry. You just need rest, and your body will recover soon.”
“Why, Big Brother, you’re amazing! With your reassurance, I feel even better.”
“Lil’ Qi, you should rest, and I’ll make something delicious for you. Never face wild animals alone, got it?”
“Yes, I’ll heed what Big Brother says.”
Satisfied, Jiang Xuan turned to leave the cabin.
But Qing Qi’s expression darkened as he did.
Internally, Qing Qi thought:
“Oops, I figured he’d be moved by my efforts. Instead, he showed no sympathy and diagnosed my lack of injury. Ugh, my plan to charm him fell through.
All that effort to look injured… I even smeared some fake bl**d!
Such amazing culinary skills, extraordinary cultivation speed, and exceptional healing skills. It makes sense Lil’ Qi wouldn’t want to share him. I guess he has bigger plans!”
…
Not long after, Jiang Xuan prepared a delightful spread for Qing Qi.
Meat, vegetables, fish, and soup all ready and inviting. Just smelling the dishes, Qing Qi was entirely captivated.
Despite reaching the stage where food was no longer necessary, the aroma proved too tempting.
“Let’s eat some food first. Then you can rest well.”
Eyes gleaming, Qing Qi looked at him and pleaded:
“Big Brother, I’m a little weak now, could you feed me?”
Without hesitation, Jiang Xuan agreed.
Thinking she exerted excessive energy from battling beasts the previous night, he understood how drained she must feel.
“Big Brother, do you think many women would fall for someone as excellent as you?”
“Sure! There are many girls who love me,” Jiang Xuan responded.
“Well… Big Brother, does that mean someone special? Are you protecting someone?”
“Yes, I want to protect you, Qing Qi… The next time, I’ll deal with those beasts.”
For Jiang Xuan, the women he knew were all much stronger. So naturally, protecting the only vulnerable one, Qing Qi, stood out.
But Qing Qi, inwardly, screamed:
“Instead of protecting Lil’ Qi, he’s protecting me? Does this mean he loves me?”
“Indeed! His heart belongs to me now.”
Meanwhile, Jiang Xuan’s System came alive:
“Ding! The system is awake. You can use the scanning function now.”
“Grr, you slept when needed to act as Emperor; now you wake up late!
I won’t need you anymore; I’ll reach the peak on my own. Stay there and cheer me on.”
Scan result: “……”
Upon hearing this, the System froze and retreated to a corner of his “space.”
Back to feeding Qing Qi, Jiang Xuan continued until she was full.
“Thanks, Big Brother. Best meal ever.”
“Don’t worry about it. Take it easy, and don’t do silly things. Rest up, I’ll keep getting stronger. I’ll protect you next time.”
“Mm-hm, I trust you, Big Brother.”
Qing Qi suddenly grasped his hand.
“Your hands are beautiful. They make such delicious food. Can I examine them?”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
Though confused, he indulged her request.
“Want to learn cooking? Sure thing.”
“Wow, Big Brother, you’re too kind! I think I might depend on you even more. Stick with me forever.”
Then, unexpectedly, the System chimed:
“Ding! High Affinity Detected. Want to replicate Spirit Roots?”
Jiang Xuan: “???”
Puzzled by the high Affinity rating, Jiang Xuan activated the System’s scan.
Seeing her data filled with astronomical numbers, he froze.
This could mean trouble.
