Chapter 212: Nine Years Spring

"Learn now?" Upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Lu Xun, Tian Long, and the others scoffed. "Are you kidding? Learn right now? Do you think the tea ceremony is just some street artisan's skill, something you can pick up instantly? This is a profession. Even with daily study, you won't improve without years of dedicated practice. And you want to learn now and pass the test? Must you always put on such a show?" Lu Xun snorted. "But that's fine. You reap what you sow. Soon enough, you won't be able to show your face."

While they were excited, Huang Yu, standing nearby, almost burst into tears. She hastily sent a telepathic message to dissuade him: "You can't agree! Lu Xun has formally studied the tea ceremony and is highly skilled... You don't even know what the tea ceremony is, and you want to compete with a master? Isn't that ridiculous? I've seen reckless people, but never anyone this reckless." "It's fine!" Zhang Xuan knew her concern was genuine, and he smiled to reassure her. Seeing his resolve unchangeable, Huang Yu worried helplessly.

"Hmph!" Seeing how frivolous Teacher Zhang was, Elder Tian's expression also darkened. The tea ceremony was an art he had dedicated his entire life to studying. Yet, this fellow, who knew nothing, dared to say he would learn it now... "Learn what? How? Do you think it's child's play? That you'll grasp it with a single glance? What a joke!" Even the three masters nearby exchanged glances, their brows furrowed. They had only heard about Teacher Zhang's deeds, and this was their first time seeing him in person. They hadn't expected him to be so reckless and frivolous. With such a personality, even if his teaching was excellent, they would have to reconsider whether to accept him as an apprentice.

"Then let's begin!" Suppressing his displeasure, Elder Tian waved his hand. "The test is simple: Long'er, brew a pot of tea now. Teacher Lu and Teacher Zhang, whichever of you can identify the technique used and the grade of the tea's aroma will pass!" Like alchemy, the tea ceremony has been passed down for countless years, encompassing many schools and techniques. Different techniques result in variations in the tea's aroma, taste, and color. Because of this, there's no absolute right or wrong way to brew tea, only standards of good, better, and best. An excellent brewing technique can bring out the maximum aroma from the same tea leaves, providing immense nourishment to the drinker's spirit and vitality.

"Yes!" Tian Long's lips curved upward as he glanced at Zhang Xuan, then took the tea tray and tea set offered by the butler, Tian Gang. Hot water slowly flowed, warming the tea set. With a swift movement of his hand, a few tea leaves appeared in the teapot. As the hot water streamed over them, the tea's fragrance burst forth like firecrackers, instantly spreading throughout the entire hall with a rich aroma. "Amazing!" "I never expected Tian Long, so young, to possess such an admirable understanding of the tea ceremony." "It seems he has truly inherited Elder Tian's teachings. Becoming a formidable tea master in the future is certainly within reach!" The three renowned masters nodded subtly in unison as they observed Tian Long's actions. They had all studied the tea ceremony under Elder Tian and, though not yet official tea masters themselves, had dedicated many years to it. Their considerable skill allowed them to discern Tian Long's extraordinary mastery.

"The tea ceremony is also divided into four realms: Perfection in Color and Aroma, Return to Simplicity, Spirit and Intent, and Fragrance Across the Lands! These four realms correspond to the painting stages of Realistic Depiction, Lively Movement, Profound Intent, and Stunning Grace! Although Tian Long's character isn't admirable, his tea ceremony skills are genuine. Judging by his technique, he has already reached the second realm, Return to Simplicity!" Fearing Zhang Xuan wouldn't understand, Huang Yu sent a telepathic message. "The first realm, Perfection in Color and Aroma, means that the brewed tea, in both color and fragrance, reaches a certain standard, providing a pleasing sensation. Don't underestimate this realm; the tea brewer must have a profound understanding of the water, the weight of the tea leaves, and the condition of the tea set. Without several years of painstaking effort, it's difficult to achieve. The second realm, which is Tian Long's current level, is called Return to Simplicity. At this stage, brewing tea is no longer just about showing off technique, but about integrating the skill into one's very being, allowing the most essential flavor of the tea leaves to emerge, offering the purest tea aroma. The third realm, Spirit and Intent, is similar to 'Profound Intent' in painting. The tea brewer has comprehended the true essence of the tea ceremony and can infuse their own spirit into the tea. Drinkers can experience the brewer's emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—through tasting the tea. Reaching this realm qualifies one to take the assessment and become a true tea master. The fourth realm, Fragrance Across the Lands, means the tea brewer can allow the tea aroma to spread for thousands of meters, filling the air, or control it to linger, making the drink feel like an immortal brew. Elder Tian has reached this level; observe how the steam from the tea he pours hovers at the cup's rim without dissipating. This technique not only prevents the aroma from being wasted but also ensures the tea remains hot whenever one drinks it, preventing coldness from affecting the taste over time." Huang Yu, highly knowledgeable about the tea ceremony, spoke eloquently. Understanding that she was helping him gain a more intuitive and direct understanding of the tea ceremony, Zhang Xuan nodded with slight gratitude. Hearing her explanation, it became clear that the tea ceremony was indeed not simple. Just mastering these four realms would likely take countless hours for many people.

As she spoke, Tian Long's tea was ready. He slowly poured it out; the liquid flowed like a mountain spring, tapping the cup walls with cheerful sounds, as if musical instruments were playing. "Please excuse my humble display!" After pouring, the true fragrance of the tea finally diffused, giving a refreshing sensation. Tian Long smiled faintly, filled with pride. At his age, to have comprehended the tea ceremony to the second realm was truly the mark of a genius among geniuses. After his initial excitement, he looked towards Huang Yu, expecting her to be filled with admiration and rush to his side. Instead, he saw her not even looking his way, but whispering intently with Zhang Xuan. His face immediately darkened, and he felt like he was about to explode. He had painstakingly learned a technique and performed it so perfectly, all to impress a beauty... only for it to end like this. "Zhang Xuan..." His anger once again shifted to Zhang Xuan. Seeing his furious gaze, Zhang Xuan blinked... *Had he offended him? Was something wrong with this guy's head too?*

"The tea is ready. Who will go first?" Elder Tian looked around. "I will!" Lu Xun stood up, his eyes filled with confidence, as if he could command the world. "Brother Tian's technique is called 'Returning Leaves to Roots.' It originated from Master Changfeng a hundred years ago, who created this method after three years of observing tea leaf growth and being inspired by it. 'Returning Leaves to Roots' involves arranging each tea leaf in the tea set according to its growth order, and then steeping them in hot water following the same sequence. Just like humans, tea leaves have 'meridians.' Steeping them according to their growth order is like infusing them from the root to the tip of the tree. This progressive technique can bring out the most essential flavor of the tea leaves, allowing the tea ceremony to reach the second realm, Return to Simplicity." With a flick of his sleeve, Lu Xun smiled faintly. "Brother Tian, am I correct?" "Brother Lu is truly talented; there's not a single error," Tian Long responded. "Now that the technique is covered, let's talk about the aroma!" Lu Xun stood still, took a deep sniff, and smiled slightly. "The fragrance is rich, lingering endlessly, making one feel as if they are in a tea garden. If I'm not mistaken, it should have reached the fourth grade." To categorize the tea's quality and taste, some formidable tea masters divided tea aromas into nine grades, from lowest to highest: Grade 1 aroma makes the mouth water; Grade 2 aroma stirs the mind; Grade 4 aroma captivates the soul; Grade 9 aroma attracts a hundred birds. Tian Long's use of the second-realm tea ceremony technique had indeed allowed the tea's aroma to reach the fourth grade, captivating the soul. In other words, this aroma was potent enough to make one long for another taste, leaving a lasting impression impossible to forget. "Hmm!" Hearing Lu Xun's answer, Elder Tian nodded with satisfaction. "As expected of Teacher Lu, he is proficient in the tea ceremony and spoke with complete accuracy."

"I'm finished, Teacher Zhang Xuan, it's your turn..." With a faint smile, Lu Xun looked at him. "Me? You've already said everything. What am I supposed to say?" Zhang Xuan was speechless. This guy was truly shameless. Lu Xun had already covered the opponent's brewing technique and the tea's aroma grade. What was Zhang Xuan supposed to say? If he said the same things, the other party could easily accuse him of merely repeating or imitating. "Brother Lu only mentioned the technique's name and origin. The tea ceremony is vast and profound; there's certainly much more to say if one wishes. Teacher Zhang, you don't mean you don't know this technique at all and have nothing to say, do you?" Tian Long, standing nearby, looked over with a smile. "If that's the case, I advise you to concede directly, to spare everyone the embarrassment!" "Concede? That's not my style. If anyone's going to concede, it'll be someone else!" Zhang Xuan shook his head. As he spoke, his lips curled into a slight, playful smile as he looked at Tian Long. "Are you sure you want me to speak?" "Stop playing games here!" Tian Long flicked his sleeve. "Very well!" Zhang Xuan stood up. "Teacher Lu was correct just now; Tian Long did indeed use the 'Returning Leaves to Roots' technique. This is originally a superb skill capable of brewing tea to the third realm, but unfortunately... in his hands, it's a poor imitation, utter nonsense, a failure!" "You..." Tian Long nearly jumped. "Don't be so quick to deny it!" Zhang Xuan smiled faintly and slowly approached Tian Long. He casually picked up a teacup and ran his finger lightly over it. "I won't say much about the teacups, tea tray, and tea set; even if they aren't the absolute best in Elder Tian's mansion, they're not far off. Let's talk about your brewing technique. The 'Returning Leaves to Roots' technique emphasizes gradual progression, hot water permeating the 'meridians' as if the tea leaves absorb water on their own. Your arrangement of the tea leaves was perfectly fine, but unfortunately, you overlooked the tea leaves' characteristics. The tea leaves you brewed are called 'Nine-Year Spring.' From their growth to harvesting and roasting, a nine-year cycle is optimal, yielding the richest aroma. I haven't made a mistake on that, have I?" Zhang Xuan looked at him. "No... that's right!" Tian Long nodded. Nine-Year Spring was a rare tea, not abundant and rarely seen on the market. Even the Tian Manor had spent a long time collecting just a few ounces of it. How did this fellow, who previously knew nothing about the tea ceremony, know about it?