After two peaceful days at the Myriad Medicine Pavilion estate, Gu He took the initiative to find Xiao Yi Xian and asked her to lead him into the Monster Beast Mountain Range to gather herbs.
This was something Xiao Yi Xian had long been looking forward to. When Gu He approached her, she agreed without nearly any hesitation.
In the blink of an eye, seven days passed.
After several trips up the mountain to gather herbs, Xiao Yi Xian and Gu He had grown fairly familiar with each other.
Whenever Xiao Yi Xian raised questions about alchemy, Gu He taught her almost everything he knew without holding anything back.
This made Xiao Yi Xian respect Gu He even more.
That day, after returning from the mountains with herbs, Gu He washed up and was about to cultivate.
Just then, someone knocked on his door, and Xiao Yi Xian's light, lively voice came from outside.
"Sir, I made some chicken soup myself. Would you like some?"
Hearing her voice, Gu He opened his eyes, surprise flashing through them.
What was Xiao Yi Xian doing here so late?
Bringing him chicken soup?
"Come in." Gu He's clear voice sounded shortly afterward.
Creak!
The moment Gu He finished speaking, the door was pushed open, and Xiao Yi Xian's graceful figure slowly entered the room.
Xiao Yi Xian carried a food box in her hand and held it up for Gu He, saying playfully, "Mr. Gu, you've been in Qingshan Town for so long, but I still haven't let you taste my cooking, have I?"
After spending several days with Gu He, Xiao Yi Xian had discovered that this esteemed alchemist did not seem to put on any airs. He was easygoing and approachable.
Therefore, she had completely relaxed around Gu He and was no longer as reserved as she had been at the beginning.
"Alright, then I'll give your cooking a try." Gu He wore a smile, feeling somewhat expectant.
It seemed that, in the original work, Xiao Yi Xian's cooking had been said to be quite good.
If he took this girl in as his disciple, wouldn't he be in for a treat?
Xiao Yi Xian obediently ladled out a bowl of chicken soup and handed it to Gu He. After taking a sip, his eyes immediately lit up.
"I couldn't tell, but your cooking is really not bad." Gu He praised Xiao Yi Xian without stinting.
"If you like it, sir, I'll make it for you every day."
Seeing how much Gu He liked the chicken soup she had made, Xiao Yi Xian said happily.
Every day?
Gu He was slightly taken aback. Then, he put on a regretful expression and hesitated before saying, "I'd certainly like to have your chicken soup every day... but unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately what?" Xiao Yi Xian asked in confusion.
"Unfortunately, I'll be leaving Qingshan Town before long," Gu He said slowly.
"Ah... Sir, you're leaving?" Xiao Yi Xian's heart jolted at Gu He's words.
During this time, she had learned a great deal of alchemical knowledge from Gu He and benefited immensely.
She felt that if she could study under Gu He for a while longer, she might become a true alchemist.
Now that Gu He had suddenly said he was leaving, Xiao Yi Xian found it hard to accept.
"Yes. I've been in Qingshan Town long enough. It's time to leave."
Gu He said somewhat wistfully, "It's just a pity that once I leave Qingshan Town, I won't be able to taste your cooking anymore."
"About when will you be leaving Qingshan Town, sir?" Xiao Yi Xian pressed her lower lip together and asked.
"Perhaps tomorrow, perhaps the day after. It should be within the next couple of days." Gu He took a sip of chicken soup and spoke slowly.
During this time, Gu He believed that he had already left a good impression on Xiao Yi Xian.
He planned to bring up taking her as his disciple on the day he left Qingshan Town.
If Xiao Yi Xian agreed, he would stay a while longer.
If Xiao Yi Xian refused, Gu He would leave Qingshan Town directly and head for the Tagor Desert.
He had already asked the system. Any disciple he accepted had to sincerely wish to take him as their master.
A disciple taken by force could not trigger the system's return mechanism.
Hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian fell silent for a moment.
After hesitating for a while, Xiao Yi Xian's gaze gradually became firm. With meaningful intent, she said, "Actually, if sir wants to drink chicken soup every day, there is one way."
"Oh?" Gu He's eyes revealed a hint of curiosity. "I'd like to hear it."
"If sir is willing to take me as your disciple, then I would naturally be willing to cook chicken soup for you every day." A smile appeared on Xiao Yi Xian's pretty face as she looked at Gu He with a beaming expression.
Xiao Yi Xian's tone carried a trace of teasing, as though she were joking with Gu He.
But in truth, Xiao Yi Xian was extremely nervous at that moment.
She had no confidence that her words would not anger Gu He.
When Gu He heard Xiao Yi Xian's words, he froze.
Once he came to his senses, anticipation rose in his heart.
Was Xiao Yi Xian... expressing her wish to take him as her master?
Though he suspected as much, Gu He was afraid Xiao Yi Xian might be joking.
So he carefully considered his words, slowly turned his gaze toward Xiao Yi Xian across from him, and said with a light laugh, "Hehe, if you're willing, then of course I'll take you as my disciple."
"Do you truly mean that, sir?"
Hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian's beautiful eyes lit up with excitement.
Then she hurriedly stood, gave Gu He a graceful bow, and said in her light voice, "This disciple greets Master."
???
Watching Xiao Yi Xian's series of actions, Gu He looked somewhat dumbfounded.
Xiao Yi Xian had actually meant it...
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