dmims Chapter 360 A Rare Moment of Leisure
Chapter 360 A Rare Moment of Leisure
After assigning out this huge workload for the next ten years or so, Lin Yan was finally able to relax a little.
In the days that followed, he figured he could finally calm down and properly cultivate in the space for a while. In the past few years, because he needed to make his own decisions, he could only cultivate in his spare time, and his cultivation level barely reached the seventh level of the Golden Core stage. Although it was enough, it was still not a good thing.
Moreover, I also want to take advantage of the free time to wander around and relax.
But despite the relief, something remained stuck in his heart like a thorn—the tribulation of his Golden Core cultivators.
It was originally planned that, starting in 1970, Golden Core cultivators and Nascent Soul cultivators would be rotated in batches. However, plans could not keep up with changes. First came gold, then oil, one after another, all of which were urgent matters that could not be delayed.
The rotation has been delayed again and again until now. With all fronts just beginning to unfold, it's precisely the time when personnel are needed. A sudden, large-scale reshuffling of generals would clearly be inappropriate and could easily lead to chaos.
However, Lin Yan hadn't neglected any preparations. He had already instructed the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Myriad Transformations Sect to prepare a protective array specifically for the Nascent Soul Heavenly Tribulation, tribulation-resistant pills, and stacks of powerful tribulation-crossing talismans. Everything was ready, just waiting for them to return and use it.
Thinking of this, Lin Yan looked at the core members before him; their cultivation had already reached the peak of the Golden Core stage, just one step away. He cleared his throat, his tone becoming solemn:
"Alright, that's about all for official business. Finally, there's one more important matter concerning your own spiritual path."
Upon hearing this, the group immediately became focused.
"You, and your brothers in the Golden Core stage, will inevitably face the Nascent Soul Tribulation once you reach this stage of cultivation."
Lin Yan said slowly, "I was busy in the past few years and delayed everyone. But now, we can't delay any longer. I have asked the Nascent Soul seniors of the sect to prepare the things for you to overcome the tribulation - the Nascent Soul level 'Nine Revolutions Rock Mountain Formation' array plate, the 'Purple Mansion Rejuvenation Pill' that can quickly replenish vital energy and repair injuries, as well as various high-level talismans that are specially used to attract, transform, and withstand lightning."
He paused, noticing the sudden gleam in their eyes, and continued, "The items are all stored in my spatial warehouse, categorized and matched according to the number of people. Count the number of people based on your own situation and go retrieve them directly. Remember, this is not child's play. Under the Heavenly Tribulation, life is a matter of nine out of ten chance of survival. The rules cannot be broken: for each person undergoing tribulation, at least three cultivators of the same level must be present to protect them and deal with any unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you are fully prepared; it's better to be slow than chaotic."
Upon hearing this, Alexander, Albert, Marcus, and James all showed barely suppressed excitement on their faces.
They had been stuck at the peak of the Golden Core stage for a long time, their path ahead shrouded in mist. Now, the young master not only remembered them but also prepared such precious resources, personally paving the way for them. This recognition and care moved them far more than any wealth or power. However, due to the occasion, all their unspoken words were transformed into burning gazes and slightly trembling fists.
Only Lin Yi and Lin Er, after their initial excitement, showed a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of sadness in their eyes. They were puppets, their cultivation levels fixed since their creation, their paths to enlightenment severed. There were no heavenly tribulations, no possibility of further advancement. This opportunity for transformation, belonging to living beings, was not for them.
But this hint of sadness was fleeting; the two of them almost simultaneously adjusted their expressions, regaining their usual composure and calm. They were the young master's earliest assistants, the invisible framework of the Lin family; protecting the Lin family and carrying out orders was the entire meaning and "path" of their existence.
Lin Yan took in everyone's reactions and understood. He specifically looked at Lin Yi and Lin Er, his tone calm but meaningful: "There are three thousand paths to enlightenment, not just the path of cultivation advancement. A solid foundation and overall planning are equally indispensable. The burdens on your shoulders have never been light."
Lin Yi and Lin Er trembled slightly, then bowed their heads respectfully and replied, "Yes, young master. We understand."
Lin Yan truly "laid down" at home for two days, not thinking about anything or doing anything. He just slept, drank tea, sunbathed in the garden, and dealt with Xiao Qi's various attempts to get snacks and playtime.
On the afternoon of the third day, looking at the bright sunshine outside the window, he suddenly felt a little bland in his mouth, and the craving for food that had been suppressed by his busy schedule resurfaced.
"Xiao Qi, come on, I'll take you to eat something delicious." He rubbed the white fur ball that was curled up on the sofa and dozing off.
Xiao Qi's ears perked up instantly, and her amber eyes widened in a flash, all traces of sleepiness gone: "Want some meatballs, brother?"
"Okay, meatballs, all you can eat." Lin Yan smiled and casually put a little vest on it.
The two of them, a man and a dog, strolled over to Pat Chun Fong in Tsim Sha Tsui without calling a taxi. It was past the busiest time of lunch, and only a few tables of customers were leisurely drinking tea and chatting in the hall, making the atmosphere much quieter.
Xu Damao is now the nominal manager of Bazhenfang. After years of experience, the shrewdness in his eyes has become more restrained, and he has gained a more composed demeanor as a manager.
He was checking accounts behind the counter when he caught a glimpse of someone entering through the door. He immediately put down what he was holding, put on a genuine smile, and went to greet them.
"Xiao Yan! What brings you here for dinner today? Please come in, we've reserved the best private room for you."
"Brother Da Mao, we don't need a private room. Let's just use the booth by the window over there, it'll be more spacious." Lin Yan waved his hand and led Xiao Qi to the window. "I haven't had any taste in my mouth these past few days, and I'm suddenly craving Brother Zhu's cooking. Have him make me a hot pot, the broth has to be really flavorful. And fry two plates... no, three plates of meatballs for Xiao Qi, the kind that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
As Xu Damao led the way to a seat, he chuckled, "Alright! Zhu Zi's in the kitchen, I'll go tell him right now. If he knew you came here specifically to order his hot pot, he'd be so happy he'd be tossing the wok with gusto." He glanced affectionately at Xiao Qi, who was following Lin Yan closely and looking around with her little head.
Soon, the hot pot in the booth was set up, bubbling away. The rich and spicy broth was boiling, and the aroma of chili and butter filled the air, making one's appetite whetted. Three delicate little bowls were also placed in front of Xiaoqi, filled with golden and shiny fried meatballs, and thoughtfully accompanied by a small bowl of cooled bone broth.
Wearing a snow-white apron, Sha Zhu personally brought over a plate of thinly sliced Wagyu beef, his face beaming with a wide grin: "Xiao Yan! Try this! It's Wagyu beef that just arrived this morning; it's absolutely amazing in hot pot!" Seeing Xiao Qi, he quickly added, "I specially drained the oil from the meatballs for Xiao Qi three times; they're not greasy at all, so eat with confidence!"
"Brother Zhu, I haven't seen A-Lian today. Is she at home taking care of the kids?"
Sha Zhu married Ah Lian in 1970, and their son He Xiao was born in the same year. They also bought a large apartment in Tsim Sha Tsui. Perhaps due to the power of plot correction in this world, his son was still named He Xiao. Because Ah Lian was of mixed Chinese and Portuguese descent, He Xiao was also a chubby little mixed-race child.
"That little rascal He Xiao can't be left alone these days. He disappears in the blink of an eye, and we have to search the whole house for him! Yu Shui has to go to work again, so A Lian simply quit her job to stay home and take care of him. Today, A Lian and Lou Xiao'e made an appointment to take the child out shopping."
"Brother Zhu, you go ahead and get busy. Come over to my place sometime!"
Lin Yan picked up a piece of fatty beef with his chopsticks, dipped it in the boiling red broth, then put it in his mouth with the special sesame oil and minced garlic sauce. The fresh, fragrant, spicy and numbing flavors exploded on his taste buds, bringing a comforting warmth straight to his stomach.
He squinted his eyes contentedly, glancing at Xiao Qi beside him, who was munching away without even looking up.
"Brother Zhu, your skills have improved again!" he shouted towards the kitchen.
"Absolutely!" Sha Zhu's cheerful voice came through the curtain.
Xu Damao brought over a pot of fine chrysanthemum Pu'er tea, poured it for him, and sat down opposite him. They chatted quietly about the recent business of Bazhenfang and some interesting anecdotes. Lin Yan drank his tea, ate his hotpot, and occasionally chimed in with a few words, completely relaxing.