Master's Concern

Stepping out of the Pope Palace and into the relatively open square outside, Yue Guan finally truly relaxed, letting out a long sigh of relief.

His face instantly filled with undisguised pride and joy as he affectionately draped an arm over Lin Ze'an's shoulder. "My good apprentice~"

"Your master will take you to your living quarters first. Get a good rest today and have a comfortable sleep."

He patted his chest and said, "Tomorrow, Master will take you to hunt for a spirit ring. I guarantee I'll find the one most suitable for you."

As he spoke, he seemed to suddenly remember something and turned his head to look at Gui Mei, who stood silently like a ghost to the side.

"Did you see that, Old Ghost? Look! I, Yue Guan, have an apprentice now! And a once-in-a-ten-thousand-year treasure at that."

Upon hearing this, Gui Mei let out a cold snort. "Hmph, boring."

Once he finished speaking, he seemed too annoyed to even spare a glance at the gloating Yue Guan. With a flicker of his figure, he merged into the shadows and vanished.

He was likely too lazy to deal with this suddenly dim-witted fellow.

"Tsk tsk tsk, this Old Ghost must be jealous!" Yue Guan curled his lip toward the direction where Gui Mei had disappeared.

He then turned back with great enthusiasm and smiled at Lin Ze'an, "Don't mind him, that's just how he is. Come, apprentice, Master will take you to see your new home."

Lin Ze'an looked at his enthusiastic master, hesitated for a moment, then gently tugged on the corner of Yue Guan's sleeve and whispered, "Master, could we not go to the living quarters first? I'm a bit hungry."

He touched his stomach, looking a little embarrassed. "I only had some dry rations these past few days, and I'm struggling to hold out."

Yue Guan, who had been immersed in his joy, was stunned for a moment before a look of sudden realization and slight awkwardness appeared on his face.

Only then did he suddenly remember that as a Title Douluo with abundant spirit power, he felt nothing even if he didn't eat for days.

But Lin Ze'an was only six years old, had just awakened his martial soul, and was still a child who couldn't go without his daily meals.

After such a long journey to Spirit City, the boy was likely already famished.

"Oh my!" Yue Guan slapped his forehead, his face full of apology and heartache. "My good apprentice, it was Master's oversight. I was so happy that I completely forgot about this."

He hurriedly bent down. "Let's go, let's go eat right now. Spirit City has plenty of delicious food; Master will take you to the best restaurant."

With that, he didn't even care about the new living quarters anymore. He picked up Lin Ze'an and turned to walk toward the most prosperous and bustling street in Spirit City.

Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan carried Lin Ze'an, bustling through the wide and tidy streets of Spirit City. He ignored the spirit masters and residents who bowed to him along the way and headed straight for an exceptionally grand building.

Hanging above the main entrance of the restaurant was a plaque with the words "Hundred Treasures Pavilion" inscribed in bold, flowing, gilded calligraphy.

The waiter standing at the entrance recognized Yue Guan instantly. Startled, he gave a jolt and hurriedly bowed as he trotted forward. "Welcome, Elder! Please, right this way!"

Yue Guan didn't say much; he carried Lin Ze'an straight to an elegant and quiet private room on the third floor overlooking the street.

He didn't even look at the menu, instead ordering the manager who was bowing and waiting nearby, "Take your signature dishes and make one of each using the best ingredients. Have the food-type spirit masters prepare them."

"Yes, yes! Right away, Elder, please wait a moment!" The manager replied repeatedly and ran downstairs to instruct the kitchen.

Soon, dish after dish of colorful, fragrant, and delicious food, radiating rich fluctuations of spirit power, was brought up.

Steamed Crystal Sturgeon, Braised Red Flame Barbarian Ox Tendon, Lingzhi Stewed Snow-Feather Chicken... there was even a small bowl of sweet soup made from mild beast milk and rare spiritual fruits, clearly prepared specifically for Lin Ze'an.

Yue Guan enthusiastically served food to Lin Ze'an, his face full of smiles. "My good apprentice, hurry and taste this! These are all good things. Eat more; you're at the age where you need to grow."

Lin Ze'an looked at Yue Guan's concerned expression and felt a stir in his heart.

Although he had read all sorts of things about this character in the novel, now that he was facing him in person, he chose to trust his own feelings.

He was indeed hungry, and looking at the table full of exquisite dishes he had never seen before, Lin Ze'an thanked him and picked up his chopsticks to eat.

As the food entered his mouth, it was not only exceptionally delicious but also contained wisps of gentle spirit power that merged into his body, making him feel warm and very comfortable all over.

Yue Guan didn't touch his own chopsticks much, only watching his apprentice eat with a smile, occasionally adding food or pouring water for him.

If anyone familiar with him saw this attentive and thoughtful behavior, their eyes would likely pop out of their sockets.

Watching Lin Ze'an eat with such relish, a look of satisfaction on his small face, the smile on Yue Guan's face grew even brighter.

"My good apprentice, once you obtain your first spirit ring tomorrow and officially become a spirit master, your cultivation will truly be on the right track."

"I've already thought it through. Besides the spirit ring, your foundation must be solid."

He flipped through the meditation manual Lin Ze'an had handed him and said, "First, this meditation manual must be changed. While the one your mother left you is decent, it isn't suitable for you."

"The top-tier meditation manual I practice, All Things Grow, can better communicate with the spiritual energy of plants and trees to nourish your origin. It is perfect for your martial soul."

"Also, your physical training cannot be neglected. If your body isn't tough, how can it withstand powerful spirit power?"

"Spirit Hall has specialized mimetic cultivation grounds that can simulate various environments. When the time comes, 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 the Internal Affairs Hall."

"Pills to consolidate your foundation, medicinal baths to temper your body, and even spirit bones that match your martial soul in the future—Master will keep an eye out for all of it for you."

Without waiting for Lin Ze'an to answer, he continued, "We will take it one step at a time and build a solid foundation first."

As Lin Ze'an ate the delicious food while listening to his master's endless planning, he felt a warmth in his heart, though he also felt the weight of the expectations placed upon him.

He nodded obediently. "Yes, I will follow Master's arrangements."

The atmosphere inside the private room was warm; Yue Guan spoke with growing enthusiasm, and Lin Ze'an listened with equal attentiveness.

Suddenly, a flurry of somewhat noisy footsteps sounded from outside, accompanied by a young, arrogant voice.

"Manager! I've booked the best private room on the third floor for today, so why is it still occupied? Make them move, now!"

"Today is Nana's birthday! Can you afford the consequences if you delay us?"

The manager's anxious, servile voice drifted in faintly: "Oh, please, you mustn't! Inside is..."

Before he could finish, the curtain to the private room was swept aside quite rudely.

A youth dressed in the elite uniform of Spirit Hall Academy, his hair as red as fire and his expression haughty, poked his head inside.

His gaze swept over the plainly dressed Lin Ze'an and Yue Guan, who was currently picking food for Lin Ze'an with his back turned. He frowned, his tone growing even more impatient: "Hey! You two! I want this room. If you know what's good for you, get out—"

But before he could finish, his words came to an abrupt halt.