After leaving Pope Palace and stepping into the relatively spacious plaza outside, Yue Guan finally relaxed and let out a long breath.
His face instantly filled with undisguised pride and joy. He affectionately draped an arm around Lin Ze'an's shoulders. "My dear disciple~"
"First, I'll take you to your new home. Get a good rest today and sleep comfortably."
He thumped his chest. "Tomorrow, Master will take you to hunt for a Soul Ring. I guarantee I'll find one that's perfect for you."
As he spoke, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned to look at Gui Mei, who stood silently to the side like a ghost.
"See that, Old Ghost? Take a good look! I, Yue Guan, have a disciple now! And what a once-in-a-millennium treasure he is."
At that, Gui Mei let out a cold snort. "Hmph. How boring."
With that, he seemed to find even looking at the smug Yue Guan tiresome. His figure wavered, merged into the shadows, and disappeared.
He probably couldn't be bothered dealing with this suddenly dim-witted fellow.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. That Old Ghost is definitely jealous!" Yue Guan pursed his lips in the direction Gui Mei had vanished.
Then he turned back with renewed enthusiasm and smiled at Lin Ze'an. "Don't mind him. That's just how he is. Come, my disciple. Master will show you your new home."
Lin Ze'an looked at his enthusiastic master and hesitated before gently tugging at Yue Guan's sleeve. In a quiet voice, he said, "Master, could we not go back to the house just yet? I'm a little hungry."
He rubbed his stomach, looking a little embarrassed. "I've only had a little dry rations these past few days. I'm starting to feel like I can't hold out much longer."
Yue Guan, still immersed in his joy, was taken aback. Then realization dawned on his face, along with a hint of embarrassment.
Only then did he suddenly remember that, as a Titled Douluo, his Soul Power was abundant. Going a few days without eating hardly affected him.
But Lin Ze'an was only six. He had just awakened his Martial Soul and was still a child who needed grains and food.
After traveling for so many days to reach Spirit City, he was probably already famished.
"Ah!" Yue Guan slapped his forehead, his face full of remorse and concern. "My dear disciple, I was careless. I was so caught up in my excitement that I forgot all about this."
He hurriedly bent down. "Come, come, let's go eat right now. Spirit City has all kinds of delicious food. Master will take you to the best restaurant."
With that, he didn't bother with the new home. He picked Lin Ze'an up and headed straight for the busiest, most prosperous district in Spirit City.
Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan took Lin Ze'an through Spirit City's broad, clean streets at a brisk pace. He paid no heed to the Soul Masters and residents who bowed respectfully as they passed, heading straight to a magnificent pavilion.
A signboard hung above the restaurant's entrance, bearing the three gilded characters "Hundred Treasures Pavilion" in bold, flowing script.
The attendant standing at the entrance recognized Yue Guan at a glance. He jumped in fright, then hurried forward with a deep bow. "Welcome, Elder! Please, come right in!"
Yue Guan said nothing, carrying Lin Ze'an straight up to a quiet, elegant private room by the window on the third floor.
He didn't even look at the menu. Instead, he instructed the manager, who stood waiting with a bow, "Prepare one serving of every signature dish here, using your finest ingredients. Have a food-type Soul Master cook them."
"Yes, yes, right away! Please wait a moment, Elder!" The manager answered hurriedly and ran downstairs to give instructions to the kitchen.
Before long, dish after dish, each a feast for the eyes and nose and rich with Soul Power, was brought to the table.
Steamed crystal sturgeon, braised Blazing Bull tendons, snow-feathered chicken stewed with lingzhi... There was even a small bowl of sweet soup made with gentle beast milk and rare spirit fruit, clearly prepared especially for Lin Ze'an.
Yue Guan eagerly served Lin Ze'an food, his face beaming. "My dear disciple, hurry and try some! These are all good things. Eat plenty—you're at the age when you're growing."
Seeing Yue Guan's concerned expression, Lin Ze'an felt moved.
When reading novels, he might say this or that about the characters, but now that he was facing Yue Guan in person, he still trusted his own feelings.
But he was indeed hungry. Looking at the exquisite dishes he had never seen before, Lin Ze'an thanked him, picked up his chopsticks, and began to eat.
The food was not only exceptionally delicious; gentle wisps of Soul Power seeped into his body, leaving him warm all over and wonderfully comfortable.
Yue Guan barely touched his own food. He simply watched his disciple eat with a smile, occasionally adding food to his plate or pouring him water.
If anyone who knew him had seen how attentive and considerate he was, their eyes would have fallen right out of their heads.
Watching Lin Ze'an eat with relish, a look of contentment on his little face, Yue Guan's smile grew brighter and brighter.
"My dear disciple, once you obtain your First Soul Ring tomorrow and officially become a Soul Master, your cultivation will truly be on the right track."
"Master has already thought it all through. Besides the Soul Ring, we also have to lay a solid foundation."
He looked over the meditation method Lin Ze'an had given him. "First, we need to replace this meditation method. The one your mother left you is decent, but it isn't right for you."
"My top-tier meditation method, All Things Grow, can help you connect with the spiritual energy of plants and trees and nourish your essence. It's suited to your Martial Soul."
"And you can't neglect physical training, either. If your body isn't strong and resilient, how will it endure powerful Soul Power?"
"Spirit Hall has a dedicated simulated training ground that can recreate all kinds of environments. Master will take you there for special training."
"Oh, right!" He slapped his forehead. "As for resources, His Holiness the Pope has given the word. We can draw whatever we need from Internal Affairs Hall."
"Pills to strengthen your foundation and nourish your vitality, medicinal baths to temper your body, and a Soul Bone suited to your Martial Soul when the time comes—I'll keep an eye out for all of them."
Without waiting for Lin Ze'an to reply, he continued, "We'll take it one step at a time and make sure your foundation is solid first."
As Lin Ze'an ate the delicious food and listened to his master lay out his plans at length, warmth filled his heart, though he also felt the weight of the expectations placed on him.
He nodded obediently. "Mm, I'll do whatever you say, Master."
The private room was warm and cozy. Yue Guan spoke with growing enthusiasm, while Lin Ze'an listened attentively.
Suddenly, a burst of somewhat noisy footsteps sounded outside, followed by a young voice tinged with arrogance.
"Manager! I booked the best private room on the third floor for today. Why is someone still in there? Tell them to clear out!"
"It's Nana's birthday today. Can you afford to take responsibility if you delay us?"
The manager's anxious, servile voice came faintly from outside. "Oh, please, you can't do that! The people inside are..."
Before he could finish, someone rudely swept aside the curtain covering the private room's entrance.
A boy in the elite uniform of Spirit Hall Academy, with fiery red hair and an arrogant expression, poked his head inside.
His gaze swept over the plainly dressed Lin Ze'an and Yue Guan, who had his back to him and was serving Lin Ze'an food. The boy frowned, his tone growing even more impatient. "Hey! You two! I want this room, so be smart and hurry up—"
But before he could finish, his words abruptly cut off.
Before you continue