Whispers of Fortune

CHAPTER – 6 Whispers of Fortune

Sanjeev, back in the familiar comfort of his room, tried to suppress the triumphant grin threatening to split his face. He had won the Spiritual Food Contest, earned five million gold coins from selling his Dosa recipe, and become the youngest One-Star Spiritual Food Master in history. He desperately wanted to keep his achievement a secret, at least for a while, to enjoy the quiet satisfaction of his victory. However, keeping secrets from Xiner was like trying to hold back a flood with a sieve.

Later that evening, as they strolled through the moonlit gardens, Xiner's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You've been awfully quiet since the contest," she said, her voice laced with playful suspicion. "Did something exciting happen?"

Sanjeev sighed, feigning reluctance. "Well, I suppose I could tell you… but you have to promise not to tell anyone."

Xiner's eyes widened. "Of course! What is it?"

"I… I won," Sanjeev confessed, his voice a low murmur.

Xiner's jaw dropped. "You won? The whole contest? Sanjeev, that's incredible!" She threw her arms around him, her excitement palpable. "And you sold your recipe? Five million gold coins? That's… that's more money than I've ever seen!"

Sanjeev chuckled, relieved that the secret was out. "It's quite a bit," he admitted. "And I became a One-Star Spiritual Food Master."

Xiner was utterly impressed. "You're amazing, Sanjeev! You truly are!"

As they continued their walk, a servant approached, his face flushed. "Young Master Sanjeev, your grandfather requests your presence in his study."

Sanjeev's heart skipped a beat. He had been avoiding his grandfather, the renowned alchemist Xue Rong, fearing questions about his cultivation. Now, it seemed, he could delay no longer.

He found his grandfather in his study, a room filled with the intoxicating aroma of rare herbs and exotic elixirs. Xue Rong, a man of formidable presence, sat behind a massive oak desk, his eyes sharp and penetrating.

"Sanjeev," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I've heard rumors of your… recent activities."

Sanjeev swallowed nervously. "Grandfather, I—"

"Don't bother with excuses," Xue Rong interrupted, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I know you entered the Spiritual Food Contest. And I know you won."

Sanjeev's eyes widened. "You do?"

"Of course," Xue Rong chuckled. "News travels fast in this city. Especially news of a sixteen-year-old making history."

He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. "Now, tell me, what possessed you to consume an entire apothecary's worth of medicinal herbs in one go? I've never seen such a reckless display in my life."

Sanjeev scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well, Grandfather, I was trying to unblock my meridians. And I figured, if a little is good, a lot must be better."

Xue Rong burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the study. "You figured? You figured? Sanjeev, you could have killed yourself!"

He sobered, his eyes filled with concern. "But tell me, how did you manage to unblock your meridians? I've examined your spiritual pathways, and they were completely sealed."

Sanjeev hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I… I found a method," he said, his voice carefully neutral.

He then demonstrated his current cultivation level. Xue Rong's eyes widened in shock, then gleamed with pride. "Incredible! You've actually done it! You've found a way to overcome what everyone thought was impossible."

He clasped Sanjeev's shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong. "This changes everything, Sanjeev. You have a chance to shine in this world, a chance to achieve greatness."

A moment of silence passed, then Xue Rong's eyes lit up. "Tell me, Sanjeev, have you ever considered alchemy?"

Sanjeev, his mind filled with the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda, couldn't contain his excitement. "Yes, Grandfather! I've always been fascinated by it!"

Xue Rong smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Then come with me. I have something to show you."