Chapter 8: The Dry‑Eater, Dry‑Eater Soul

Looking at the dozen or so bottles of medicine and powder before him, Ye Zhangqing stared blankly; at that moment, the other disciples also came to their senses, speaking one after another.

Yeah, Junior Brother Zhangqing, if you lack medicine, just tell us; Shī xiōng here still has ten Refining Body Pills—use them first, Junior Brother.

I've been short on funds lately; I only have three bottles of Body‑Tempering Liquid powder left. Junior Brother Zhangqing, please take it—I'll have my family send money in a couple days.

Cultivation resources are such a small matter, Junior Brother Zhangqing—don't worry, we've got it; Junior Brother, just focus on cultivation and cooking.

Yeah, yeah, it's just a trifle—why should Junior Brother worry?

Goodness, Ye Zhangqing never expected that a simple remark would instantly net him hundreds of Refining Body Pills and Body‑Tempering Liquid.

This is absurd, and judging by their tone, it seems that if he ever lacks anything, he can just ask them.

When did cultivation resources become so cheap?

Ye Zhangqing hadn't even reacted yet; the reason everyone acted this way was simply to slurp that bowl of noodles.

If Ye Zhangqing still had to do tasks for cultivation resources, wouldn't their noodle‑eating time be reduced?

That's absolutely out of the question—so a mere bit of cultivation resources is nothing to worry about; they've taken to supporting Ye Zhangqing.

At worst, we'll just take on a few more tasks—how could so many people fail to support one Ye Zhangqing?

Is… this not okay?

What are you saying, Junior Brother Zhangqing? You can't refuse such a trifling amount of cultivation resources.

Exactly—if Junior Brother doesn't accept it, we'll feel embarrassed to come eat noodles.

Unable to refuse, Ye Zhangqing finally accepted; having received their gifts, he naturally ought to show gratitude, so he immediately changed the cafeteria's schedule from two meals a day to three.

Hearing this, everyone cheered aloud, calculating in their hearts.

Before, they could eat noodles twice a day; now it's three times, which means thirty extra bowls a month and three hundred sixty‑five extra bowls a year.

keke............

Figuring it out, many let out strange laughs—this cultivation resource provision isn't a loss; from now on it must continue, so we won't let those ridiculous meddlings interfere with Junior Brother Zhangqing's cooking.

After eating, everyone voluntarily washed the dishes; Lu Youyou did the same.

Night fell, and the crowd drifted away one by one, but Lu Youyou lingered until last; when the courtyard was empty save for her, Ye Zhangqing came forward with a tea jar and asked.

Senior Sister, anything the matter?

Junior Brother Zhangqing, if I wanted you to become my personal attendant, would you be willing?

Lu Youyou said eagerly.

In the Dao Yi Sect, inner disciples, peak masters, chief elders, and those of higher rank may have personal attendants.

So‑called personal attendant means being bound to an individual.

For example, if Ye Zhangqing became Lu Youyou's personal attendant, they'd share honor and disgrace alike; of course there are many benefits—for instance, cultivation resources could be drawn in double shares, one from the sect and one from Lu Youyou.

It also amounts to gaining an extra backer.

Perhaps fearing Ye Zhangqing's refusal, Lu Youyou paused, then added.

Don't worry, Junior Brother—I'll never short‑change you; from now on I'll cover all your cultivation resources.

Hearing this, Ye Zhangqing looked at Lu Youyou in surprise—he hadn't expected this girl to be an inner disciple.

Only inner disciples are eligible to have personal attendants; I had thought she was at most an inner‑door disciple, but she turns out to be a big shot.

You should know that on Divine Sword Peak, there are presently only seven inner disciples.

To become the personal attendant of an inner disciple is something countless people strive for—not just menial disciples, but even outer‑sect and inner‑door disciples alike.

After all, an inner disciple is like a prince in a mortal dynasty; following them means being a close aide, with many benefits.

What's more, Lu Youyou is a pretty little loli—a definite plus.

But Ye Zhangqing hardly hesitated before shaking his head and refusing.

Thank you for your favor, Senior Sister, but Junior Brother doesn't have that idea for now.

Ye Zhangqing naturally guessed Lu Youyou's motive—it's merely that his cooking is good, but if he followed her he'd end up cooking only for her.

That would do him no good for his advancement, and Ye Zhangqing also refuses to play second fiddle.

Although he's merely a menial disciple now, in this little kitchen plot he's quite content.

As for cultivation resources, frankly speaking, does Ye Zhangqing lack any?

Lu Youyou felt a bit disappointed, but she didn't press the matter.

Well… then I'll come every day to eat with you.

No problem—this is the Divine Sword Peak cafeteria; Senior Sister Lu Youyou, feel free to come anytime.

Mm.

She smiled, nodded, revealing two little dimples, and then Lu Youyou left.

When the harvest season came again, the system prompt arrived on schedule.

That evening's meal had a few more people than at noon—over fifty, I'd say.

【Host: Ye Zhangqing.】

【Identity: Menial Disciple of the Dao Yi Sect.】

【Cultivation: Minor Completion of the Body‑Tempering Realm (76/200).】

【Reputation: Obscure.】

【Talent: Lower‑Upper Tier (3/100).】

【Physique: Lower‑Upper Tier (61/100).】

【Comprehension: Upper‑Middle Tier (30/100000).】

His cultivation didn't break through, but his talent did reach the Lower‑Upper Tier.

【Stewed Noodles Approval Rating reached 100/100, reward dish: Stir‑fried Meat. 0/100】

Moreover, the Stewed Noodles Approval Rating met the standard, granting a new dish.

Besides those medicinal pills from before, the harvest was quite good.

After doing Xiūliàn for one Shíchén and taking a medicinal bath, Ye Zhangqing happily fell into dreamland.

However, he slept comfortably, but the myriad disciples tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Damn, why isn't it dawn yet?

Braised noodles, slurp.........

Who the hell stole my noodles?

We're brothers; I can let you have anything else, but when it comes to braised noodles, you can't take mine.

Numerous Menial Disciples: some simply couldn't sleep, some were asleep, mumbling indistinct dream talk.

After finally making it to dawn, as Ye Zhangqing said yesterday, starting today the mess hall provides breakfast.

So, early in the morning, dozens of Menial Disciples had risen in the Menial Disciples' area.

Yo, getting up this early? You usually sleep until noon, don't you?

Some disciples found this scene strange, wondering when these guys became so diligent.

After a quick wash, the vast throng of people off to eat headed straight for the mess hall; on the way they met someone who invited himself to eat, but they completely ignored him.

Chen, come to my place for breakfast.

No.

Wang, where are you going this early?

To eat.

Seeing these people's strange actions, the other Menial Disciples felt suspicious; at this early hour, how could everyone's eyes be glowing red, like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, as if they wanted to eat people.