Chapter 12: Source Food

In the inner hall, the atmosphere was oppressive. Zhou Qing's face was grim, and his eyes glinted with murderous intent. Clearly, King Qi's actions had filled him with a desire to kill.

However, Zhou Qing ultimately gritted his teeth and reined in his murderous intent. King Qi was now immensely powerful and secretly supported by the Great Wu Dynasty. If they were to engage in open warfare, even if they won, the years of recovery and recuperation for Great Zhou would be wasted. With internal strife and external threats, their kingdom could be utterly destroyed.

King Qi had to be eliminated, but it had to be a gradual process. Great Zhou could not withstand significant turmoil at this time.

Zhou Qing took a deep breath and slowly asked, "The Prefectural Examination is still half a year away. This time, who has the best chance of becoming the top scorer?"

Chu Tianyang paused for a moment before replying, "This year, Great Zhou Prefecture has produced some promising talents. However, the most outstanding among them is likely Qi Yue from Academy B. He has already opened his sixth meridian."

"Qi Yue..." Zhou Qing's expression was unreadable as he said in a low voice, "King Qi's two sons are indeed talented."

King Qi had two sons, and Qi Yue was the second.

"In that case, it seems the top spot in this Prefectural Examination will likely go to Qi Yue?"

Chu Tianyang pondered for a moment upon hearing this. "That's not necessarily true," he said. "Our Great Zhou Prefecture has another genius even more outstanding than Qi Yue. If she can enter Academy A, she might be able to contend with Qi Yue in six months."

"Oh?" Zhou Qing was surprised. Was there a student in Great Zhou Prefecture more talented than Qi Yue?

Chu Tianyang smiled, then looked at Zhou Yuan beside him and chuckled, "Does Your Majesty perhaps forget His Highness's little friend, Su Youwei?"

Hearing Chu Tianyang's teasing laughter, Zhou Yuan felt a bit awkward and said with a slight blush, "Youwei is my friend, not my 'little girlfriend.'"

Zhou Qing understood now, realizing, "You mean that young girl Yuan'er recommended to enter Great Zhou Prefecture, right? I heard she opened her first meridian within just a month of joining."

Chu Tianyang nodded. "Yes, her name is Su Youwei. She has already opened her third meridian. Although she joined the prefecture a bit late, she is sure to rank among the top in the upcoming grand examination."

"She's already opened three meridians?" Zhou Qing exclaimed in admiration. That speed was indeed remarkable. If she continued at this pace, she might open all eight meridians and enter the Qi Nourishing stage in another year.

This young girl, Su Youwei, was truly gifted and had a boundless future.

"It seems Yuan'er has unearthed a genius for our Great Zhou," Zhou Qing said with a smile to Zhou Yuan.

Chu Tianyang also smiled, then added with a hint of worry, "But according to what I've heard, Qi Yue is also trying to approach Su Youwei, seemingly attempting to win her over. If he succeeds, Su Youwei might join Academy B after passing the grand examination."

He looked at Zhou Yuan and said with a smile, "That's why I came here, to ask for Your Highness's help in at least keeping Su Youwei in Academy A."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's gaze sharpened. Qi Yue dared to set his sights on Youwei. He had great faith in Su Youwei and knew Qi Yue couldn't win her over, but he worried Qi Yue might try to cause trouble for her.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I have already arranged for people to secretly protect Su Youwei and ensure she comes to no harm," Chu Tianyang said with a smile, as if knowing Zhou Yuan's thoughts.

Zhou Yuan then slightly relaxed, nodding gently. "Prefect, you don't need to worry. After the grand examination, both Youwei and I will enter Academy A."

Chu Tianyang nodded and smiled. "As long as Your Highness can bring Su Youwei into Academy A, I can bend the rules and allow Your Highness to enter as well."

According to the rules, only those who ranked in the top ten of the grand examination were eligible to enter Academy A. Zhou Yuan, having never opened a meridian previously, despite some accomplishments in Genesis Runes, was likely still not enough to secure a top-ten spot. Thus, in Chu Tianyang's view, Zhou Yuan would need to go through special procedures to enter Academy A.

"For someone who views rules as sacred to make such a concession, it seems you truly have high hopes for Su Youwei," Zhou Qing couldn't help but chuckle.

Zhou Yuan smiled at Chu Tianyang. "It is Youwei's fortune to be so highly regarded by the Prefect. As for me, there's no need for the Prefect to awkwardly break rules or open backdoors. I will do my best to strive for a top-ten position in the grand examination."

Previously, if he couldn't open his meridians, he might have had no other significant means besides relying on Genesis Runes. But now that his eight meridians had appeared and he could officially begin cultivating, he naturally no longer worried about catching up to others.

Upon hearing this, Chu Tianyang initially thought Zhou Yuan was simply being a proud young man wanting to save face, and intended to persuade him further.

"Haha, let him try," Zhou Qing said, waving his hand at Chu Tianyang, then smiled and added, "Yuan'er's eight meridians have appeared; he can officially begin cultivating now."

Chu Tianyang was instantly surprised upon hearing this, and then an uncontrollable joy bloomed on his face. He cupped his fists and said, "So that's it! Congratulations, Your Majesty! And congratulations, Your Highness!"

Only then did he understand why Zhou Qing was so happy today – the cultivation problem that had plagued Zhou Yuan for years had finally been resolved.

"Then my Academy A will always be ready for Your Highness's arrival. Haha, who knows, perhaps in the Prefectural Examination half a year from now, Your Highness might even bring some glory to my Academy A," Chu Tianyang laughed.

Of course, his words were mostly complimentary. After all, in his view, although Zhou Yuan could now open meridians and cultivate, he was still a bit behind others. Therefore, it was unlikely he would compete with the top students of Great Zhou Prefecture within just half a year.

After confirming the matter with Su Youwei, Chu Tianyang was clearly much more relieved. After discussing a few more matters with Zhou Qing, he took his leave.

"Now that your eight meridians have appeared, prepare to begin cultivating tomorrow," Zhou Qing said, looking at Zhou Yuan as Chu Tianyang departed.

"Alright!"

Zhou Yuan nodded gently. Although his slightly thin, youthful face was calm, his eyes burned with an eager fire, full of anticipation.

The next day.

At the large table, Zhou Yuan sat on the right with Yaoyao, who was holding Tun Tun. On the left were Zhou Qing and Qin Yu.

On the table, a porcelain bowl, about the size of a washbasin, was placed in front of Zhou Yuan. It was filled with a brown broth, from which faint specks of light shimmered. A rich aroma emanated from it, causing one's face to flush red just from inhaling a breath.

"This is Nine-Beast Soup," Zhou Qing explained to Zhou Yuan with a smile. "It's made by simmering nine types of Rank 1 Genesis Beasts, with their properties neutralizing each other. For a beginner like you, it's a powerful tonic. In the past, you couldn't open your meridians, so you couldn't eat Genesis Beast meat lest your body couldn't handle it. But now, you can."

Zhou Yuan nodded. He knew that this Nine-Beast Soup was a secret recipe of their royal family. Such a bowl was incredibly valuable; it probably cost more than half a year's expenses for an ordinary family.

And this was precisely what cultivation resources entailed.

"Also, from now on, you shouldn't eat ordinary rice," Zhou Qing said, waving his hand. A maidservant immediately brought over a silver bowl containing a serving of rice.

However, this bowl of rice was crystal clear, with each grain equally plump. Faint, mysterious patterns could be seen on the tiny grains, emitting extremely gentle Genesis Qi fluctuations.

"This is Profound Crystal Rice," he explained. "It's a Rank 2 Genesis Food, containing extremely mild and pure Genesis Qi that's easy to absorb. Regular consumption can accelerate the speed of meridian opening."

"So this is Profound Crystal Rice..." Zhou Yuan looked curiously at the crystal-like rice. He had long heard about this so-called Profound Crystal Rice, as it was essentially a strategic resource for their Great Zhou Dynasty.

While Profound Crystal Rice might not be as potent in its medicinal effects as the Nine-Beast Soup, its advantage lay in its mildness. Long-term consumption could improve one's physique and accelerate the speed of meridian opening.

Therefore, the cultivation of Profound Crystal Rice had always been controlled by the imperial family, used to reward meritorious individuals and win over people's hearts.

So, even though Profound Crystal Rice was only a Rank 2 Genesis Food, its special effects made its value inestimable.

Zhou Qing couldn't help but smile, watching Zhou Yuan's eyes light up. He knew Zhou Yuan had coveted this Profound Crystal Rice before, but at that time, his eight meridians hadn't appeared, making it impossible for him to consume it.

"Originally, our Great Zhou royal family possessed a Rank 4 Genesis Food called 'Blood Jiao Barley'," Zhou Qing lamented. "Its effects were even more formidable. Long-term consumption could even strengthen the physical body, grow Blood Jiao scales, and provide powerful defense."

"Rank 4 Genesis Food, Blood Jiao Barley?" Zhou Yuan licked his lips. This Rank 2 Profound Crystal Rice was already impressive; he wondered how powerful the Rank 4 Blood Jiao Barley would be.

Zhou Qing nodded, then his expression dimmed again. "Unfortunately, during the Great Wu rebellion, all these strategic treasures of our Great Zhou royal family were plundered by King Wu."

Zhou Yuan was startled, then couldn't help but grit his teeth. That damned King Wu had truly stolen all the treasures that originally belonged to Great Zhou.

"Go ahead and eat first. After you finish, prepare to cultivate," Zhou Qing said to Zhou Yuan, having composed himself.

Zhou Yuan nodded vigorously. Although King Wu was detestable, what he needed to do now was eat diligently and then cultivate earnestly. Only when he became strong enough could he reclaim what Great Zhou had lost.

In front of Yaoyao, there was also a bowl of Nine-Beast Soup and Profound Crystal Rice.

"Yaoyao, you can try it to see if you like it. If you do, I'll often make it for you in the future," Qin Yu said, looking at Yaoyao with a gentle smile.

Yaoyao could feel Qin Yu's kindness. She nodded slightly and took a sip of the Nine-Beast Soup, but she didn't seem very interested in the tonic broth. Instead, she picked up the Profound Crystal Rice and ate it in small bites.

"Woof."

Meanwhile, Tun Tun, nestled in her arms, looked at her with longing eyes, wagging its tail and emitting pitiful whimpers.

Yaoyao glanced at it, thought for a moment, and then brought the Nine-Beast Soup over.

"Uh, Yaoyao, the Nine-Beast Soup is too potent. Ordinary pets can't handle it..." Zhou Qing said with a laugh upon seeing this.

However, before his voice had even faded, Tun Tun abruptly opened its mouth and, in one gulp, swallowed the Nine-Beast Soup, bowl and all, into its massive maw.

After devouring the Nine-Beast Soup in one gulp, Tun Tun let out a burp, patted its stomach with a paw, and squinted its eyes, seemingly wanting more.

Zhou Qing stared at the seemingly unaffected Tun Tun, his face filled with astonishment.

"Father, Tun Tun is an exotic beast; it's not ordinary," Zhou Yuan couldn't help but say with amusement as he watched the scene.

Tun Tun could swallow even large boulders in two or three bites, let alone a bowl of Nine-Beast Soup.

Zhou Qing could only nod wryly, then picked up a jade bottle nearby and poured himself a bowl of emerald-like liquor. A rich aroma of alcohol diffused from it.

As the scent of the liquor spread, Yaoyao, who had been quietly eating her Profound Crystal Rice, suddenly raised her delicate brows. Her clear, bright eyes then turned to Zhou Qing.

"Can I have some of that?" Zhou Yuan and Qin Yu stared at Yaoyao in astonishment. For the first time, her usually calm and exquisite face showed intense interest.

Zhou Qing was also taken aback, especially when he saw Qin Yu cast a reproachful glance at him for drinking heavily in front of the younger generation. He awkwardly said, "This is Jadeite Brew, a strong liquor. It's not suitable for young girls."

However, Yaoyao continued to stare persistently with her bright, clear eyes, causing Zhou Qing to give a wry smile. He then had a maidservant place a bottle of Jadeite Brew in front of Yaoyao.

Yaoyao, with her delicate hand, grasped the bottle, tilted her head back slightly, revealing her fair, slender neck like a swan's, and took a large gulp of the Jadeite Brew. Instantly, a flush of crimson spread across her smooth, jade-like face.

"Delicious," Yaoyao chuckled, her laughter as melodious as silver bells.

Qin Yu shot Zhou Qing a glare. Zhou Qing rubbed his nose and continued to drink silently. He hadn't expected this mysterious girl, who always seemed indifferent to everything, to enjoy alcohol.

Zhou Yuan, on the other hand, was quite interested. Yaoyao, when drinking, undoubtedly appeared even more stunning and vibrant.

After finishing the bottle of Jadeite Brew, Yaoyao's clear eyes became even more lustrous. She chuckled, then lightly touched her sleeve. A faint glow shot out, landing in front of Qin Yu.

"Aunt Qin, I see your aura is weak, likely due to a significant depletion of your body. This small item can be considered my payment for the wine," Yaoyao said with a faint smile.

The glow gradually dispersed, finally revealing a verdant lotus flower no bigger than a palm. Within the lotus, eight lotus seeds shimmered with a green light, as if carved from jade.

"This is?" Qin Yu stared blankly at the green lotus flower.

Zhou Qing's expression, upon seeing it, changed uncontrollably to one of surprise. "This is an Azure Jade Lotus Seed," he exclaimed. "It's a rare Genesis material that can regulate vital energy and nourish the physical body."

Zhou Qing's expression was complex as he added, "This item will be of great use to you. Your body is too weak, and these Azure Jade Lotus Seeds can help you retain the lost vital energy."

Azure Jade Lotus Seeds were quite rare; even in the Great Zhou imperial treasury, they were uncommon.

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu quickly shook her head. "Yaoyao, a bottle of Jadeite Brew is not worth this much."

Yaoyao simply pursed her lips and smiled, then picked up Tun Tun and leisurely walked out, leaving the three people at the table staring at each other in bewildered silence.

Zhou Yuan scratched his head and said, "Mother, just accept it for now. We can find a way to repay Sister Yaoyao later."

He felt quite grateful for Yaoyao's gesture, knowing that Qin Yu's weakness was entirely due to him.

Qin Yu and Zhou Qing exchanged glances and could only nod, feeling an even greater fondness for Yaoyao in their hearts.

Zhou Yuan smiled, then picked up the Nine-Beast Soup, brought it directly to his mouth, and with a series of gulps, swallowed every last drop of the broth.

After finishing the Nine-Beast Soup, he picked up the Profound Crystal Rice, chewed it quickly in two or three bites, and swallowed it.

"Delicious!" Zhou Yuan praised. The Profound Crystal Rice was plump and soft, each grain fragrant.

A few minutes later, Zhou Yuan put down the bowl and let out a long breath. The breath appeared as a white mist, hovering before him. His face had turned red, and his body felt like a furnace, with a hot aura circulating within it.

Feeling the surges of hot energy within his body, Zhou Yuan licked his lips, his eyes burning with eagerness. Next, he would finally officially begin his cultivation!