[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-above-the-mage":3,"chapter-above-the-mage-above-the-mage-chapter-487":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Above the Mage!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2257491,4404,"Chapter 487: Blood Crystal Wheat","above-the-mage-chapter-487",487,"\u003Cp>After doing this for about another hour, the bag in Gao De’s hand contained more than seventy crab-eye pearls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call it a day!” Gao De saw the sky shift from blue to black and decided to stop for the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With gemberry to lure them in, he was confident about the 【Crab Disaster Risk】 task and didn’t need to rush—no need to “overtime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stay here and play, don’t wander too far—I’ll come back for you tomorrow morning.” Gao De glanced at Tuanzi, still brimming with energy, and after a moment’s thought, left it in the sea instead of putting it in the capybara bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tuanzi nodded its small round head excitedly at Gao De’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waving goodbye to Tuanzi, Gao De 【strode off】 and returned to Montetown before night fully fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this small town, the Sea Sentinel’s three-silver-dragon daily accommodation allowance was enough for Gao De to stay at the town’s highest-class, most upscale inn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He checked into his room, put down his things, and prepared to go out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, find somewhere to eat; second, take a stroll around Montetown after dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like in his past life, whether on training or competition trips, he always went out for a walk at night—effectively a free tour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t taken two steps past the main gate when someone called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Gao De! Master Gao De, wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped and turned around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the constable who had received him at the police station that afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Constable Malcom?” Gao De recalled for a moment and finally remembered the man’s name. “What do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Gao De,” Malcom hurried up, caught his breath, and said: “Chief Harper heard you’ve come to Montetown to resolve the crab disaster risk, and has prepared a banquet to welcome you. Please grace us with your presence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s said Sea Sentinel mages are well-treated in Bayro County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But last time he went to Lagos City on assignment, perhaps because Lagos was a big city and local officials looked down on him; or perhaps because his rank was too low to merit attention; or maybe because his mission wasn’t welcomed by local authorities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, Gao De felt no respect at all—the notion of being “well-treated” was pure fiction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, he finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome banquet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment, then nodded. “Then please lead the way, Constable Malcom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was going to eat anyway—why refuse a free meal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gao De nod, Malcom visibly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked through several cobblestone streets and arrived at their destination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the inn where Gao De stayed was already the town’s best, and other upscale restaurants and taverns clustered in the same area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a tasteful stone-and-brick building, adorned with the elaborate decorative style unique to Dorn, its pillars elegant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Gao De, this is our town’s most famous restaurant—Chief Harper is hosting the banquet here,” Malcom said with a smile, stepping ahead and pushing open the reddish-brown wooden door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they entered, a warm wave of air greeted them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome,” said a young waiter in black uniform, bowing slightly with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Malcom whispered a few words to him, and the waiter led them to a private room inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the door of the private room, the waiter opened it and gestured for them to enter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, a long red peachwood table was set, covered with a tablecloth embroidered with intricate patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several high-backed chairs stood around it, their seats padded with soft goose down; in one corner stood a fireplace, its logs blazing warmly, dispelling the chill of the seaside town’s night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A town that hadn’t even built a zeppelin base had a restaurant of this caliber.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, poor places don’t lack places for luxury spending.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper of the police station was already seated in the private room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Gao De enter, he rose instantly, stepped forward with a warm smile: “Master Gao De, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve long heard of your name—you truly are a young prodigy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Long heard of your name?” Gao De wondered if he’d misheard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re clearly a seasoned veteran—why say such fake flattery?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man seemed to sense Gao De’s thoughts and added: “You were one of the standout new recruits in last year’s Sea Sentinel selection. You may not know it, but we’ve heard your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s said seedlings rise fast, but few reach First-Class Apprentice Mage in less than half a year after joining the Sea Sentinel,” Chief Harper said, half-flattering, half-sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hosted this banquet with such formality for two reasons: first, the Sea Sentinel’s status meant even a mere Apprentice Mage deserved respect—he, a small-town constable chief, dared not neglect it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, Chief Harper genuinely saw potential in Gao De and thought it wise to cultivate a connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d heard rumors about Gao De—that he wasn’t a native of Jin Quehua Dynasty, and his future held risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was just a meal and a few kind words—no real cost. He might as well treat him well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Gao De ever rose to great heights, he wouldn’t necessarily remember this meal—but at least he wouldn’t feel he’d been slighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people are just petty—they hold grudges over the smallest slights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he invited Gao De to sit, Constable Malcom took his seat at the lower end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper nodded to the waiter beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waiter understood at once and hurried to the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, dish after dish of carefully prepared food arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a seaside town, the cuisine naturally centered on seafood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A signature seafood chowder, rich with cream and briny flavor, smooth and velvety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sturgeon grilled until its skin turned golden and crisp, served with lemon wedges and a local herb sauce—melting on the tongue, layered and complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, crab meat pies with golden, fluffy crusts and rich, savory interiors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De didn’t hold back, eating heartily as Chief Harper’s compliments flowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He accepted all the praise but spoke little himself—only nodding occasionally or giving brief replies, maintaining the quiet, mysterious outsider-genius persona.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper, a seasoned veteran, never let the silence drag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He occasionally praised Gao De, occasionally shared amusing local tales or customs, even tossed in a few Sea Sentinel gossip tidbits—he was more skilled than any minstrel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he never mentioned Gao De’s mission in town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was his shrewdness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew the 【Crab Disaster Risk】 was a nightmare—Gao De’s frustration was obvious. So Chief Harper avoided anything that might trigger negative emotions, preserving the pleasant atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid Chief Harper’s warm hospitality, the lavish dinner was nearly finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De wiped his mouth with a towel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the gesture, Chief Harper knew Gao De was ready to rise, and gave a slight nod to the attendant standing by.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attendant immediately left and returned moments later with three small bowls of exquisite dessert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He placed the three desserts before each of them, each accompanied by a delicate porcelain spoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De picked up his spoon, scooped a portion, and put it in his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dessert resembled a yogurt cup: atop it were sliced local fruits, beneath them yogurt and honey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he scooped, Gao De was surprised to find a layer of base material beneath the yogurt and honey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red, translucent, slender, like grain kernels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curious, he scooped another spoonful—this time of the red grain—and mixed it with yogurt and honey before eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The red grain had a chewy texture; paired with the sweet-sour yogurt and honey, it tasted surprisingly good—even without modern additives or preservatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what Gao De hadn’t expected was that as the dessert entered his body, a warm, pleasant heat rose from within, flowing gently through his limbs and meridians, filling him with renewed energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De silently stared at the dessert, scooped a few more spoonfuls, and confirmed it wasn’t his imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Harper, what is this?” he asked, looking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was his first active question since arriving—everything else had been passive replies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha, Master Gao De, this is your first time eating Blood Crystal Wheat, isn’t it?” Chief Harper grinned proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood Crystal Wheat?” Gao De repeated, a flash of insight crossing his eyes—he suspected the answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper, meanwhile, launched into his explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blood Crystal Wheat comes from the eastern lands of Nolanda.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eastern lands.” Gao De’s gaze flickered—he guessed the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, the Holy Empire’s specialty,” Chief Harper laughed. “Master Gao De, you know the Holy Empire began as a coalition of barbarian tribes, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew this basic fact: several barbarian tribes emerged from the wilds, entered civilized lands, and seized an ancient city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From that city, they expanded outward, eventually becoming the Holy Empire—its territory spanning three continents, at its zenith.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know barbarians are generally strong,” Chief Harper mimed flexing his muscles, tone lightly teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides their wild, uncivilized lifestyle, there’s another key reason: diet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Blood Crystal Wheat is a type of barley accidentally discovered by those barbarian tribes—not only delicious, but also replenishes Qi and blood. Eating it as a staple strengthens the body. Since it’s entirely crimson like blood, they named it Blood Crystal Wheat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was the discovery of Blood Crystal Wheat that allowed those tribes to grow strong and escape the wilds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, exaggerating slightly, this Blood Crystal Wheat could be called the founding substance of the Holy Empire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper spread his hands. “Of course, they’d never admit it. In their view, their ancestors escaped the wilds through unyielding willpower and extraordinary talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But regardless, Blood Crystal Wheat, with its potent effects and the legends surrounding it, is extremely valuable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And its cultivation conditions are extremely strict—the Holy Empire’s annual yield is tiny. After internal consumption, only a minuscule fraction ever leaves their borders. Getting any is difficult.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I happen to have some channels—I get a small batch every year,” Chief Harper said, speaking truthfully but clearly proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tonight, to welcome Master Gao De, I specifically brought some out. I don’t usually serve this to guests.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d revealed the “blood”—he wanted Gao De to know, so Gao De would feel indebted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m also basking in Master Gao De’s glory,” Ma Erke added, both responding to Chief Harper and flattery Gao De once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone here is sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, Gao De’s thoughts were not on any of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Harper, do you still have any unprocessed blood-crystal wheat grains? Could you give me some? I’m willing to pay double the price.” He looked at Chief Harper with seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unprocessed blood-crystal wheat grains?” Gao De’s request clearly caught Chief Harper off guard. He paused slightly, then exclaimed in surprise: “What does Master Gao De want this for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not thinking of trying to grow blood-crystal wheat, are you?” He quickly realized Gao De’s intention and said it with an exaggerated tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the problem with that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper shook his head. “Master Gao De, don’t even think about it. Blood-crystal wheat is a bestseller—expensive and always in demand. If it were that easy to grow, wouldn’t it have flooded the market long ago?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned serious as he spoke earnestly to Gao De: “You’re not the first person to try growing blood-crystal wheat. Over the years, countless others have attempted it—and all failed without exception.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Its cultivation conditions are extremely strict and top-secret. Only the Holy Empire knows the requirements and methods—and they’ve kept it perfectly hidden. No one has ever leaked the secret of growing blood-crystal wheat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Harper, I still want to try,” Gao De insisted, undeterred. “I’ve always been deeply interested in herbalism and cultivation techniques. I’m not naive—I know growing blood-crystal wheat is nearly impossible. But I simply can’t resist the challenge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? So Master Gao De has an interest in this?” Chief Harper was taken aback by Gao De’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him, Gao De was the quiet, socially awkward genius mage—yet now he discovered an interest utterly incompatible with that image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A genius mage should care only for spells—why dabble in such “trivial arts”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his surprise, Chief Harper readily agreed. “I brought plenty of blood-crystal wheat. After making these three desserts, there’s still some left—I’ll have my attendant pack it up and send it to you, Master Gao De.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Chief Harper,” Gao De said with solemn gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected that Gao De, who had remained unmoved all night, would finally be swayed by a few blood-crystal wheat grains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only twenty or thirty leftover grains—fewer than those used in the desserts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, how valuable could such a tiny amount really be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Gao De’s delight was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By giving away something worthless, he had won the favor of this brilliant mage with a bright future—he’d struck gold!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chief Harper felt utterly satisfied, convinced this dinner had been worth every coin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strict? Top-secret?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the “great” Lady Florala, no plant held any secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If others couldn’t grow blood-crystal wheat, Florala certainly could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had he named the hybrid of cold-resistant wheat and Jin Huang wheat “Northwest Wheat No. 1”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because in Gao De’s vision, the northern lands would one day host many more wheat varieties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Northwest Wheat No. 2, No. 3, No. 4.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the first signs of Northwest Wheat No. 2 had already appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d scored a free meal, a heap of praise, and a powerful new wheat strain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao De was utterly satisfied—he felt this meal had been worth every moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2243,"2026-06-19T14:28:50.414Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","efb4cd777f9a8ffffa85f0e3dfe76f881ad9e2e8a65a923fb51802e8d0029678","above-the-mage-chapter-488","above-the-mage-chapter-486",529,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fabove-the-mage-cover.jpg"]