Chapter 63: Really Fragrant
Chapter 63: Really Fragrant
Both of them blushed slightly, and Jiang Tian was the first to break the silence.
"Are you okay?"
"Ahem, it's just a small problem. It's nothing serious." Xue Ruyan stepped back, coughing twice to ease the embarrassment. "Let's practice."
Jiang Tian nodded, quickly regaining his composure as he took items out of his space ring.
In just a short while, tables, chairs, pots, pans, and utensils were neatly arranged.
"I came here in a hurry this morning, so let's eat something first to fill our stomachs," Jiang Tian said while setting up the meal.
Xue Ruyan looked at the scene before her with an expression of subtle amusement.
Eating comfortably in the Blood Source Room?
That was something no one else would have ever thought of.
But with Jiang Tian around, this dreamlike idea had become a reality.
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Food While Training
However, during the meal, Xue Ruyan noticed something interesting.
Even while eating, she still had to resist the high-pressure spiritual energy.
This meant she was still training—just by having a meal.
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A New Dish: Braised Pork
On the table was Jiang Tian's newest dish—braised pork.
This time, crushed flame fruit was clearly visible inside.
Pouring the braised meat and sauce over rice, the steaming aroma alone was enough to make anyone salivate.
One bite.
And Xue Ruyan's eyes sparkled.
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"The Taste Is Incredible!"
The soft and glutinous texture of the rice, soaked with rich meaty sauce, was an unbeatable combination.
The flame fruit's spiciness slowly crept in, like a fire warming her from the inside.
Despite the rich flavors, Xue Ruyan ate slowly and carefully, savoring every bite.
She knew her role wasn't just to enjoy the food—she was helping Jiang Tian improve his craft.
Helping him meant helping herself.
After all, when his cooking reached perfection, the nutritional benefits would also reach their peak.
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Constructive Feedback
As she ate, she shared her thoughts.
"The flame fruit shouldn't be submerged in the sauce," she noted, "but rather crushed and fried in oil.
"Right now, it blends too much with the fat, which makes it a bit overwhelming..."
Jiang Tian listened carefully, nodding while eating and taking mental notes.
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Back to Training
After the meal, the two resumed their practice.
This time, Xue Ruyan adapted much faster, and her progress was even more evident.
Meanwhile, Jiang Tian held his phone, watching chef tutorials and occasionally practicing techniques in the air.
Even though he absorbed high-pressure spiritual energy, causing pain throughout his body, he remained completely focused on cooking.
His love for the craft made him forget the pain.
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Breaking Records
The two remained in the Blood Source Room for 1 hour and 47 minutes before reaching their limits.
For comparison:
Most students in Xiang City could barely last an hour.
Even top students only reached two hours.
This record-breaking session was a testament to their growing endurance and training efficiency.
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Kitchen Practice at Home
After leaving the training hall, they took Aunt Juan's hovercar back to Jiang Tian's home.
Now, it was time for Jiang Tian to practice cooking.
With Xue Ruyan assisting as his food critic, they honed his skills together, improving both technique and flavor.
Their teamwork became more seamless, and their understanding of each other deepened.
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Parental Gossip
Meanwhile, Jiang Tian's parents secretly observed them.
During dinner, they were unusually enthusiastic toward Xue Ruyan.
After she left, Liu Fang immediately started interrogating her son.
"So? How did it go?"
"Mom, we're just comrades and classmates," Jiang Tian sighed.
"Comrades?" Liu Fang scoffed. "You saved her life! That's 'life-and-death partners' at least!"
Jiang Yuan, sitting next to her, chuckled but didn't disagree.
Jiang Tian rubbed his forehead, realizing there was no escape.
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A Gesture of Gratitude
Before Xue Ruyan left, Jiang Tian packed some food for her to take home to her grandparents.
Since the two elders had promised to protect him, this was his way of showing gratitude.
Besides, he was eager for their feedback on his cooking.
For a chef, there was nothing better than hearing praise from respected elders.
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A New Routine
Days passed, and their schedule remained the same.
Blood Source Room training every other day.
Cooking practice at home.
Special training with her grandparents.
Their progress was steady and visible.
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The Big Announcement
Then, a major announcement shook the nation.
The martial arts college entrance exam had been restructured.
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The Biggest Change
Two options were available:
1. Battlefield Exam – Fight real alien races on an actual battlefield.
2. Drill Exam – A controlled, simulated test.
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The Consequences
If you took the Drill Exam, your ranking would be automatically placed BELOW the lowest-scoring student from the Battlefield Exam.
Even if you got first place in the Drill Exam, you would rank below the weakest student in the Battlefield Exam.
This clear preference for real combat experience sent shockwaves throughout the Tang Kingdom.
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The Nation Reacts
Some students protested.
Others embraced the challenge.
Parents were divided.
But most people supported it—especially families with military backgrounds.
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"The Era of Safe Exams Is Over."
The human race was still at war.
If students didn't learn to fight now, they'd suffer even more later.
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How Schools Reacted
Some schools organized simulated drills to help students prepare.
Wealthier students hired private trainers for real combat practice.
But Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan stuck to their routine.
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One Day Left
Before they knew it, there was only one day left until the martial arts college entrance examination.
When Xue Ruyan returned home, she barely had time to greet her grandparents before—
"Where's the pig's trotter?"
Her grandfather rushed toward her with an impatient look.
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She Couldn't Help but Smile.
It looked like someone had fallen in love with Jiang Tian's cooking.