[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin":3,"chapter-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-309":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The First Iron Rice Bowl of Great Jin",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},151995,261,"Chapter 309: Self-Recommendation","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-309",309,"\u003Cp>After Hua Changxi let Yu Fu publish the \"Qi Huang Body Tempering Art,\" she didn't ask about anything else and returned to the bamboo house, preparing to deal with the corpses of the three Infant-Transforming demon beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking out the three demon beast corpses from the Sumeru Ring, Hua Changxi hesitated over where to start, then suddenly remembered No. 4 Qi Huang Hall and No. 5 Qi Huang Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. 4 Qi Huang Hall taught the meridian pathways and composition of humans, animals, and plants, covering dissection, acupuncture, anesthesia, massage, and similar content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. 5 Qi Huang Hall taught the decomposition, extraction, and fusion of plants, animals, minerals, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely the best place to handle the three demon beast corpses, and she could also bring some apprentices along to see how to dissect demon beast corpses and how to extract demon beast blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The master of No. 4 Qi Huang Hall is Zhang Tianshi, from Taisu Palace; the master of No. 5 Qi Huang Hall is the third young master of Dong'an Prince's Mansion...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no conflict with either of them; if she paid a certain price, they should let her borrow the Qi Huang Halls, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Hua Changxi directly sent a message to Yu Fu, summoning him to the bamboo house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the flying message talisman, Hua Changxi's expression shifted as she recalled the voice transmission technique she had heard earlier from the Star Observation Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she knew voice transmission, on Danyuan Peak, she could contact anyone with just a single message—convenient and fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her knowledge of cultivation was still too limited; she didn't even know a relatively low-grade technique like voice transmission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowledge was also a part of strength, and her lack of knowledge sometimes brought unexpected trouble and crises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Tong Yao and the other two had lower cultivation levels, they understood far more than she did and had more channels for gathering intelligence. At certain times, because they held the information advantage, they could directly compensate for their lack of cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the end, it's because the circle of cultivators I interact with is too narrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She needed to find a way to broaden her circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In less than fifteen minutes, Yu Fu arrived at the bamboo house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked surprised: \"Why were you so fast this time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Fu: \"Master, I happen to have something to report.\" As he said this, he took out a stack of pre-order slips for body-tempering medicinal bath herbal packs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi took them and looked, also somewhat surprised: \"Why are so many people pre-ordering?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Fu: \"That's right.\" He paused. \"Master, the Heaven Division also came to pre-order. The person who came was your eldest brother, accompanied by Hall Master Huo. They're now in the Personnel Department, being hosted by Manager Xu. Do you want to see them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi was silent for a moment: \"Since it's the eldest brother's first time at Danyuan Peak, I should meet him.\" With that, she stopped discussing the matter and turned to talk about borrowing the Qi Huang Halls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Later, go to No. 4 Qi Huang Hall and No. 5 Qi Huang Hall. I want to borrow these two halls tonight. Ask them if they're willing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though surprised, Yu Fu didn't ask why. After agreeing, seeing that Hua Changxi had no other orders, he left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he left, Hua Changxi sent a message summoning Zhou Shou from the Task Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, you called for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi handed him the pre-order slips Yu Fu had given her: \"Select a group of apprentices who are familiar with spiritual herbs and meticulous, specially responsible for preparing the body-tempering medicinal bath herbal packs.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused, \"How are Ye Lingxuan and Jiang Henian doing with their work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shou thought carefully: \"They are fairly diligent. The tasks they accepted have all been completed well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: \"That Zhang He person, since she's a third-rank spiritual plant master, should be very familiar with spiritual herbs. Assign her to prepare the body-tempering medicinal packs and have her monitor quality.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shou agreed: \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Hua Changxi knew that Ye Lingxuan and her group were disciples of the Elixir Saint Hall, although she was displeased with their intention to \"reap the benefits without effort,\" she knew they wouldn't harm Danyuan Peak and were skilled, so she planned to make good use of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Assign Wang Yangang to planting spiritual herbs, and Xiao Xuan to processing spiritual herbs. In the meantime, let them guide other apprentices.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for Ye Lingxuan and the other alchemists, assign them all to the alchemy room to refine Yuanling Pills and Abstinence Pills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shou: \"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi continued: \"The development of the first layer of the secret realm is about to end. Next, we need to prepare for developing the second layer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even apprentices without any foundation in medical arts or alchemy can participate in the first layer, but not the second layer. Apprentices participating in the second layer's development must have cultivation above the Qi Sea realm and have thoroughly studied the 'Complete Guide to First-Rank Spiritual Herbs' and 'Complete Guide to First-Rank Spiritual Herb Processing.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, draw up an assessment plan. In two months, it will be the end of the year. Danyuan Peak will hold an assessment before the New Year. Any apprentice who wants to participate in the second layer's development must take and pass the assessment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Shou seriously noted down Hua Changxi's instructions: \"Master, rest assured. I'll start preparing as soon as I return.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi: \"Good. That's all for today. Go ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhou Shou left, Hua Changxi also left the bamboo house. Instead of directly descending on a cloud to the Personnel Department to meet Hua Dalang, she entered the secret realm and called out Hua Sanlang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third Brother, Big Brother is here. Do you want to see him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hua Sanlang heard that Hua Dalang had arrived, he was still quite pleased: \"Of course I want to see him. Big Brother is in the Demon-Suppressing Army, so he's well-informed. I've been stuck on Danyuan Peak knowing nothing—once he's here, he can tell me about the outside world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Hua Changxi led Hua Sanlang down the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, the siblings barely spoke, the atmosphere somewhat cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Peak Master!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the siblings were almost at the Logistics Department, Chu Junhao suddenly appeared and called out to Hua Changxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi looked at the Seventh Imperial Prince before her and asked with a smile, \"Is there something you need?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Junhao adopted a very humble posture: \"Peak Master, this disciple has come to request an opportunity to study alchemy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi raised an eyebrow but said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing no reaction from her, Chu Junhao had to continue: \"This disciple has heard that in November a group of apprentices will follow the Peak Master to Qihuang Hall to study alchemy. My name is not on the list, so I took the liberty of waiting here to ask the Peak Master to grant me this opportunity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi, seeing that he was fairly straightforward, asked curiously, \"Chu Junhao, you're a prince. To be honest, I can't figure out why you would come to Danyuan Peak to be an apprentice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to learn medicine or alchemy, you could easily find plenty of people willing to teach you. Why put yourself through hardship?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Junhao had more or less figured out Hua Changxi's temperament by now, knowing she disliked beating around the bush. So he set aside the usual games of negotiation he played with others and chose to speak his mind directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I am a prince. If I wanted to learn medicine and alchemy, it's true I wouldn't have to come to Danyuan Peak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, Danyuan Peak is not just a place to study medicine and the Dao of Alchemy. Joining Danyuan Peak also means gaining an identity—the identity of a Dan Saint Hall disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not afraid the Peak Master will laugh at me. The imperial family does control vast resources, but there are also many imperial scions. I could follow arrangements, but those arrangements may not be what I want. If I want to walk the path I choose, I have to fight for it myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Joining Danyuan Peak is my own effort to fight for myself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were quite moving. After hearing them, Hua Sanlang's view of Chu Junhao, a child of the imperial family, changed somewhat, and there was even a hint of sympathy in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Hua Changxi, she just smiled faintly: \"If you want to obtain the identity of a Dan Saint Hall disciple, you could join Shenhe Peak, Qingyao Peak, or Xuanhuang Peak, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially Qingyao Peak and Xuanhuang Peak. With your status, if you entered those peaks, you certainly wouldn't be just an apprentice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Junhao smiled and said, \"But among the four peaks, only Danyuan Peak is recognized by the Divine Tree. Also, Danyuan Peak is the most pure—you can really learn a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granted, Chu Junhao's answer was fairly sincere, but it wasn't enough to sway Hua Changxi: \"The list of apprentices for studying alchemy in November is based on selection criteria. Since you're not on it, it means you fall short in some areas.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are more and more apprentices on Danyuan Peak. If everyone tried to fight for their own opportunities, things would get chaotic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you really want to learn alchemy, then wait. I can't guarantee anything else, but I will definitely give opportunities to those who truly want to learn alchemy and medicine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After saying this, she was about to head down the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Sanlang felt that Chu Junhao had already set aside the pride of being a prince and yet had been rejected by his sister. He couldn't help but feel a stir of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ninth Sister was too cold—not just to family, but to everyone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Junhao, however, showed no change in expression. Knowing that emotional appeals wouldn't move Hua Changxi, he switched tactics: \"Peak Master, compared to other apprentices, I do have some unique advantages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the Peak Master is willing to give me a chance, I will 'repay a gift of a peach with a jade pendant.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words made Hua Changxi stop in her tracks. She turned to look at Chu Junhao: \"Oh, really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hua Changxi's interest, Chu Junhao smiled: \"Of course. The Chu Imperial Dynasty has ruled Great Jin for nearly a thousand years—there must still be something worth offering. Though I am only one among many princes, I am still a prince.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi thought about her own weakness of being poorly informed...\u003C\u002Fp>",1783,"2026-05-29T04:10:48.594Z","2026-06-01T04:29:08.487Z",1,"deepseek-v4-flash","841a2ef0e88264ef12748dfef099ecf60b9f09b51b4807728bb9952025ab8968","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-310","the-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-chapter-308",547,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-first-iron-rice-bowl-of-great-jin-cover.jpg"]