Chapter 11: Whale Gelatin
After the spirit battle ended, Niu Jinfeng took Yang Potian back home.
Lying in bed that night, Potian reflected on everything he had seen and heard. The battle between the two Soul Kings in the Great Spirit Arena had left a strong impression on him, and words like "family," "sect," "commoner," and "empire" circled in his mind. Now, as a core disciple of his family and a sect member, Potian realized he had access to resources he once took for granted. His starting point was indeed high.
However, he also recognized the dangers. Although the Po Clan was as strong as half a lesser sect, it still paled compared to Haotian Sect and Spirit Hall. They had no Titled Douluo, no deep reserves, which were clear disadvantages.
Thinking of his grandfather Yang Wudi, he silently hoped he'd manage to stay safe in the coming conflicts.
Lost in thought, Potian was startled when his father, Yang Zhentian, returned with the rest of the group who'd gone out that day. He heard his parents talking quietly in another room.
"Darling," his mother said, "when I took our son to the auction today, he insisted I buy this large block of whale gelatin. He's only five—how would he even know about this stuff?"
"Whale gelatin? That's strange. He mostly stays home reading and training and hardly ever interacts with women. How could he know what it's for?"
"What are you implying? He's five! He said he wanted to buy it for you. Did you mention anything to him?"
"For me? I'd never need that kind of thing!"
"Let's just ask him directly," suggested Niu Jinfeng. "This whole thing is too odd."
"Good idea. But don't you corrupt him!" she added, looking at Yang Zhentian sternly.
Just as Potian was waking up, his parents entered his room. His mother was holding the block of whale gelatin.
"Son," she asked, "why did you insist on buying this whale gelatin today at the auction?"
His father, Yang Zhentian, followed with, "How did you even learn about whale gelatin? My health's fine; I don't need anything like that!"
Hearing this, Potian couldn't help but think, What are you both assuming? Whale gelatin is precious stuff!
"Dad, let me explain. I've been reading a lot of ancient texts, and I learned that while consuming small amounts of whale gelatin may have certain effects, if a soul master melts a whole block and consumes it directly, it can bring unexpected benefits."
Both of his parents looked at him with expressions of disbelief.
"Dad, from what I've read, a small dose has the usual effect. But melting and consuming an entire piece at once is beneficial to a soul master. Why not try it? Even if there's no effect, it's harmless."
"Son, where did you read this? If it were that effective, wouldn't the price be far higher?"
"Dad, I'm sure it works. You can test it for yourself. But for now, please keep this secret. Don't tell anyone, not even our own clan members. Right now, whale gelatin is practically a cheat item. If it weren't for you and the fact that it showed up at the auction, I wouldn't have wanted it to be known so soon."
Potian understood that families could have internal vulnerabilities. In the original story, his second grand-uncle Yang Wushuang was captured by Spirit Hall and ultimately exposed the Po Clan's secret medicine, Rainbow Elixir, putting Heaven Dou Empire at a disadvantage.
Yang Zhentian remained skeptical. "Son, are you sure consuming a whole block will be effective?"
"Yes, Dad. You'll see—just give it a try."
Eyeing the fist-sized block of whale gelatin, Yang Zhentian gulped. "But… it's pretty big. Can I eat it all at once?"
Niu Jinfeng interjected, "Our son believes in it. Why hesitate?"
Still uncertain, Yang Zhentian looked at the gelatin, speechless.
For the next two days, Potian went about his usual training routine, though his parents disappeared for the entire period, leaving him slightly unsettled by their absence.
When they finally returned on the third day, their complexions looked remarkably refreshed. Both seemed more vibrant, with even their skin appearing smoother and fairer. Yang Zhentian, in particular, wore a wide, barely concealed grin.
They took Potian aside into a room. "Son, you were right!" his father exclaimed. "The whale gelatin worked wonders. I've gained a level and am now at rank 72, a Soul Sage! After taking the gelatin, I even expelled a lot of impurities. My future cultivation should progress more quickly."
"Congratulations, Dad! But why bring me in here secretly?"
Niu Jinfeng immediately chimed in, "Son, does whale gelatin work for women too?"
"Mom, for soul masters, whale gelatin should work for both men and women. It may even have extra benefits for women, like enhancing skin."
"Ah, good boy! You really know your stuff. This could have been a huge missed opportunity."
Potian turned serious. "Mom, Dad, please don't tell anyone about the effects of whale gelatin—not even within our clan."
Yang Zhentian raised an eyebrow. "Son, why so secretive?"
"Dad, the benefits of whale gelatin are significant, and our Po Clan is still only an affiliated sect to Haotian. We should hold onto a secret advantage like this."
"But what about your grandfather?"
"Please don't tell him either. It's best if only the three of us know for now."
Yang Zhentian hesitated. "Since whale gelatin is so effective, should we try to buy more? But wouldn't people get suspicious if we bought a large quantity?"
"Dad, that's up to you to handle," Potian said, with a glance at his mother.
His father looked confused. "Me? How's it up to me?"
Niu Jinfeng shared a knowing look with Potian before breaking into a grin.
She replied, "Well, husband, since whale gelatin is so well-known for its usual effects, to cover our real purpose, you might have to endure a little… personal sacrifice."
"What? Why?" he asked, sensing trouble.
"Oh, nothing too serious. I'll just let it slip that you're having… difficulties and need the gelatin to help, which will give us a cover to buy more."
Yang Zhentian's face fell. "Honey, that's not fair! I'm still a man!"
Niu Jinfeng responded with righteous determination, "This is for our family. Surely you're willing to sacrifice a little pride? You wouldn't let a minor embarrassment stop you, would you?"
Seeing no way out, Yang Zhentian looked at his wife, then his son, and finally surrendered with a defeated sigh.
(End of Chapter)
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