Luo Shiyu felt her pores open wide, and a profound, almost mystical sensation washed over her.
It was like a sudden enlightenment—certain obscure insights clicked into place instantly!
Foundation Establishment—complete!
Her eyes still held a trace of confusion as she looked at the watermelon rind in front of her, disbelief written all over her face.
This watermelon... not only contained spiritual energy but also carried a hint of Dao Charm!
How unbelievable!
What is Dao Charm? It's the foundation of the Great Dao. For cultivators, breaking through bottlenecks largely depends on their comprehension of the Dao!
In short, Dao Charm is incredibly rare. Even if there was only a trace of it in the watermelon, it still allowed Luo Shiyu to effortlessly break through to Foundation Establishment!
Luo Shiyu's expression completely changed. She practically became Li Nianfan's little fangirl.
She quickly stood up and bowed respectfully to Li Nianfan. "Thank you, Senior, for gifting me this watermelon and helping me break through to Foundation Establishment!"
Her address had shifted from "Young Master" to "Senior."
However, Li Nianfan's face darkened.
Is this girl out of her mind? Not only did she eat the watermelon without any restraint, but now she's mocking me?
I'm just a mortal. What does your breakthrough have to do with me? Thanking me for gifting you a watermelon? Did eating my watermelon help you break through?
This feels like a billionaire thanking you for giving them a dollar—utterly ridiculous.
"I told you, I'm just a mortal. This is just an ordinary watermelon. Why are you thanking me? Calling me 'Senior'—do I look that old to you?" Li Nianfan couldn't help but feel annoyed, his tone turning sharp.
What's with cultivators? Do they think they can trample on other people's dignity?
Luo Shiyu's heart skipped a beat, and a flicker of doubt crossed her eyes. Did I offend the expert?
She quickly reflected.
Right, this expert is living here as a mortal to experience mortal life and keep a low profile. I just exposed his identity, so of course he's angry.
I really shouldn't have done that!
Luo Shiyu hurriedly apologized, "Senior—I mean, Young Master, I'm sorry. I got too excited and overstepped."
Her attitude was quite good—beautiful and not arrogant, without any of the usual airs of a cultivator.
Li Nianfan waved his hand. "Forget it. I'm not holding it against you."
Luo Shiyu breathed a sigh of relief. She bit her lip and took off the jade pendant from her waist.
"Young Master, this pendant was a gift from my father when I came of age. Please take it as payment for the watermelon today."
The pendant felt warm to the touch, with a phoenix pattern carved into it, glowing faintly. It looked extraordinary.
Luo Shiyu's maid was shocked and quickly tugged at her sleeve, whispering urgently, "Miss, you can't do this!"
Li Nianfan was also startled by her generosity. He shook his head and said, "Miss Luo, you're too kind. It's just a watermelon. It's nothing special. Please take your pendant back."
Using such a precious pendant to exchange for a watermelon? What kind of family is she from? Do they own a mine or something?
"Big Black, come out and eat some watermelon!" Li Nianfan called out to the backyard.
Soon, Big Black came running, drooling at the sight of the watermelon.
Usually, Big Black stayed in the backyard to guard the fields. After all, they were in the mountains, and while Li Nianfan had never been attacked by wild beasts, it was better to be safe.
Li Nianfan casually tossed the remaining watermelon on the ground and said with a smile, "Look at you, such a glutton. Go ahead, eat."
Crunch, crunch!
Big Black didn't hold back, burying its face in the watermelon and even swallowing the rind.
Luo Shiyu's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Young Master, this is such a waste!"
This was a watermelon infused with Dao Charm, more valuable than spiritual fruits, and he just fed it to a dog?
Moreover, she stared at Big Black, confirming again that it was just an ordinary mortal dog!
If other cultivators found out, they'd probably be so envious they'd spit blood. A cultivator's life isn't even as good as a dog's!
Wow, I didn't expect this wealthy girl to be so frugal.
Li Nianfan's opinion of Luo Shiyu improved greatly. He smiled and said, "It's just a watermelon. I have plenty here, and feeding it to Big Black isn't a waste."
Luo Shiyu's mouth twitched, and she sighed. "Young Master, you're absolutely right."
She had been too narrow-minded. To a reclusive expert like him, such watermelons were probably nothing special.
At the same time, she became even more determined to befriend him. No matter what, forming a good relationship with him would be a tremendous blessing for her.
Luo Shiyu handed over the pendant and urged, "Young Master, even though you live in the mountains, you might still encounter trouble. My family has some influence in the area. If anyone bothers you, just show them this pendant, and it should save you a lot of trouble."
"Well... alright."
After some thought, Li Nianfan accepted the pendant and said, "If you ever want to come back for more watermelon, you're always welcome."
He looked at the pendant in his hand and noticed that the carving was rather crude. Although it was shaped like a phoenix, it lacked any divine charm. The craftsmanship was rough, wasting such good material. Perhaps he could refine it himself.
Luo Shiyu's eyes lit up, and she said excitedly, "Thank you, Young Master!"
The maid was stunned. She couldn't understand why the princess was so attentive to a mere mortal. Even noble sons would consider themselves lucky to have tea with the princess.
"I've troubled you enough today, Young Master. I'll take my leave now."
Luo Shiyu knew when to stop. Since she had already formed a connection, she prepared to leave.
Li Nianfan stood up. "Let me see you out."
...
After leaving the courtyard, Luo Shiyu's mind was still in a daze. If it weren't for the fact that she had genuinely broken through to Foundation Establishment, she would have thought it was all a dream.
Her fortune was truly great to have encountered such a reclusive expert.
Behind her, the maid asked in confusion, "Princess, why were you so polite to him? He seems like just a mortal to me."
Luo Shiyu turned around, her expression more serious than ever. "Lulu, you must never speak a word of what happened today. And you must never reveal the Young Master's whereabouts. Do you understand?"
This expert was living in seclusion here, clearly not wanting to be disturbed. She couldn't afford to offend him.
Lulu had never seen the princess so serious before and quickly replied in fear, "Princess, I understand."
"Oh no, I forgot to ask the expert for advice!" Luo Shiyu suddenly exclaimed.
She wanted to escape the marriage arrangement her father had forced upon her. If she had asked the expert, she might have found a solution.
Luo Shiyu was filled with regret, but it wasn't appropriate to turn back now.
"Ah, I'll just have to wait until next time."
Luo Shiyu looked back toward the courtyard and noticed that a layer of mist had formed around the mountains and trees, making the courtyard seem faint and elusive...