Don't Take a Polite Compliment Seriously!

"If it's so funny, you make the tea!"

Ning Rongrong's chest rose and fell with anger. She glared at Ning Wen, cheeks puffed out, wishing she could lunge at him and bite him.

"Uh..."

Ning Wen was speechless.

Ning Rongrong was still the same little devil she had always been.

People really didn't change their nature.

All he had done was watch her make tea and let out a laugh. What was the big deal?

All right!

It was a little rude.

But he had backed himself into a corner now.

Besides, he had just acquired Transcendent Tea Mastery.

He didn't know exactly how good it was, but it should be more than enough to outdo Ning Rongrong.

Looks like I have no choice but to show off!

The instant that thought crossed his mind, Ning Wen wanted to slap himself twice.

Damn it. I've listened to that voice so much I'm starting to want to show off too.

That won't do!

If it really rubs off on me, one day I might step forward and pull a stunt like this.

I'd make a complete fool of myself!

"Fine. I'll make it."

Ning Wen looked up at Ning Rongrong. "Let me say this first: I'm not looking down on your tea-making skills. For someone who's only studied for two months, you've done quite well."

Ning Rongrong was going to be rich someday. Offending her over something like this hardly seemed worth it.

And he meant what he said.

Like calligraphy, the Tea Ceremony took years of practice.

Besides, Ning Rongrong was only seven.

I have never seen anyone so confident!

A polite compliment is one thing, but don't take it seriously!

Those stiff, mechanical motions have no artistry at all. How can you call them good?

Ning Wen's mouth twitched.

Again?

You just have to undermine me, don't you?

How many times have you embarrassed me to my face now?

Forget it. I'll pretend that didn't happen. No one else can hear it anyway.

Ning Rongrong grew even angrier.

Still mocking me, are you?

Let's see how good you really are!

"I'll do my best," Ning Wen said with a smile.

Just watch, stupid girl. It's not as if you could learn it anyway!

Ning Wen was speechless.

You can't resist mocking her even now?

What did Ning Rongrong ever do to you?

Even if you had some terrible grudge against her, you should've worked it out of your system by now.

That blatant contempt was the last straw for Ning Rongrong.

Her delicate little face darkened, and she trembled with rage.

How dare he!

She clenched her small fists, her eyes blazing with anger.

Just wait! You'll see!

If you can't make a good cup of tea today,

I, Ning Rongrong, will mock you right back!

Even if my father is here, he won't stop me!

I have my pride!!!

Ning Wen took the tea set from Ning Rongrong and began.

Making tea looked simple, but it demanded great skill.

Give the same finest leaves, the same fresh spring water, and the same expensive tea set to different people, and the resulting brews could taste worlds apart.

Some people clung to form and rules, never going beyond appearances.

Others worked with the nature of the tea, adjusted to the heat, and brought their own state of mind into the brew.

With Transcendent Tea Mastery, Ning Wen had grasped the essence of the Tea Ceremony. Every movement carried an effortless grace.

He seemed relaxed and natural, without a trace of practiced poise, as though he were simply brewing a pot of tea for his own enjoyment.

At the sight, Ning Rongrong curled her lip. What a show-off.

But surprise flickered through Chen Xin's eyes.

As far as he could sense, Ning Wen's presence had blended seamlessly into his surroundings.

If Chen Xin hadn't been able to see him sitting there, he might not have sensed him at all.

Even Chen Xin had reached such a state only once in all his years, and only by chance.

That single experience had taken his swordsmanship to an entirely new level.

Ning Wen lifted the Purple Clay Teapot and rinsed it with warm water. With a gentle turn of his wrist, the water washed over its inner walls, clearing away any lingering odors.

He waited without hurry for the water to cool to the ideal temperature for these dried leaves. Only then did he pinch up the right amount and gently place them in the pot.

He added the leaves and moistened them, moving faster or slower as he pleased. He followed no rigid timing or fixed angle of the wrist. Every motion came naturally.

See that? He understands the heat and the tea! Unlike a certain someone who's so rigid she can't adapt at all!

If you only copy the surface, another ten years of practice won't make it anything but an empty performance!

The voice's mockery sounded again, and Ning Rongrong heard every word.

Ning Rongrong gritted her teeth, furious.

Ten years of practice?

Practice, my foot!

You think I enjoy this?

I only did it because I had no choice.

Easy for you to say.

You're the bastard who caused all this!

Even Tang Yuehua put aside her displeasure and watched closely.

She could tell the boy hadn't been making empty boasts. He did have some skill.

Then again, he might only be putting on a show.

She had seen plenty of people like that.

A moment later, clear spring water entered the pot. After a brief steep, Ning Wen swiftly poured out the tea.

He filled five plain white porcelain cups in turn, each with exactly the same amount.

Clear, gleaming amber tea rested in the cups.

Its delicate, lingering fragrance slowly spread through the Tea Hall, gentle and mellow, with a finish that seemed to go on forever.

It reached everyone present.

Tang Yuehua's eyes widened in astonishment.

This boy isn't nearly as modest as he acts, but he really does have skill!

What level of tea-making is this?!

The same leaves and the same spring water, yet in his hands they've produced a fragrance beyond anything ordinary!

Just one breath of it eases the body, sweeps away fatigue, and clears the mind!

Her throat moved involuntarily. She swallowed, scarcely able to believe it.

Ning Wen raised a hand slightly. "Please, try the tea."

Ning Fengzhi was the first to lift his cup and take a small sip.

The tea went down smooth and sweet. Its delicate flavor settled gently in his throat, while a lasting sweetness remained on his tongue.

In an instant, a clear, ethereal feeling swept through him. It was as though he stood among mist-wreathed tea mountains, a breeze brushing his face and the scent of plants filling the air. His body and mind relaxed, and every stray thought faded away.

To think such extraordinary tea exists in this world!!!

Eagerly, he raised his cup again and sipped slowly, savoring it.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong picked up their cups in turn. After a taste, their eyes lit up with amazement.

It truly was delicious. Even its fragrance was enough to leave them entranced.

And as the warm tea settled in their stomachs, its mellow essence flowed through their bodies, clearing their minds. Even the Soul Power within them moved more smoothly and freely, almost as though it were beginning to circulate faster.

This cup of hot tea was exceptional!