"Something wrong? What went wrong?"

You Su’s eyes widened. He had been waiting for so long, how could there be an issue just before the ten-day mark? Was this truly destiny playing tricks?

"Mr. You, please don’t worry, it’s not a major issue. Please trust that the Jade Ring Pool will fulfill your needs. Initially, we thought the Lotus Heart would mature tomorrow, but it seems we may have to wait until the day after tomorrow. I came only to give you a heads-up; please be patient."

You Su furrowed his sword-like eyebrows slightly, "Just waiting two more days, it’s no problem at all. I appreciate your trouble, Mr. Yui."

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. You. Jade Ring Pool will not disappoint you."

As he spoke, Yui Zhen gracefully flipped his hands, revealing a lavish brocade box, roughly the size of half a palm.

He bowed and presented it to You Su, "This is Jade Ring Pool’s apology gift to you. It’s lotus root powder meticulously crafted through eighty-one manual steps from the spiritual lotus roots of Jade Ring Pool. Taken internally, it strengthens the meridians and stabilizes one’s spiritual platform; applied externally, it heals wounds without leaving scars. It can even be added to an incense burner, becoming a top-quality fragrance, offering a unique aroma compared to the scent of the thousand Jade Lotuses."

You Su was surprised internally, secretly thinking that Jade Ring Pool was indeed generous. Trading treasures wasn’t necessary for them, yet they were willing to offer such a valuable apology gift for You Su’s extra waiting time.

Perhaps... this lotus root powder might awaken the little white fish again. Yet You Su knew he had to maintain proper etiquette.

"It’s no more than staying at Jade Ring Pool for two extra days. Such a precious gift, I cannot accept."

Yui Zhen stepped forward again, saying, "Please don’t be modest, Mr. You. This gift is from Shenxi, the patriarch himself sent it. You can accept it graciously; not everyone receives such treatment."

Shenxi? Did one of the three patriarchs finally notice this guest from Divine Mountain?

"In that case... I’ll accept it with gratitude. Please thank Venerable Shenxi on my behalf, Mr. Yui."

"I will take my leave now. As soon as I have news, I will promptly inform Mr. You."

You Su raised his hand in thanks, and Yui Zhen returned a smile, then departed into the distance.

"Without my permission, do not enter the hall. I need to meditate."

After instructing Yo Meng and Yu Long outside, You Su returned to his chamber, opened the brocade box filled with lotus root powder, still unsure where the little white fish was hiding, hoping to lure it out this way.

But the little white fish seemed to have vanished completely, showing no response despite the wait. Helpless, You Su could only sit on the lotus platform, breathing and patiently waiting.

Counting the days, it’s been exactly thirteen days since he left the sect. Who knows if his senior sister has grown impatient, and whether his master has discovered he’s gone? Success is near, hopefully, the Third Elder can hold them off.

You Su, eyes closed, found the subtle scent of the lotus root powder almost magical, naturally focusing his mind, immersed in meditation.

Time seemed to speed by, and when You Su opened his eyes again, it was evening. He stood up, his body full of Profound Qi, yet his stomach was empty.

"Now that I think about it, I haven’t had a evening meal from Little Pool Palace in a while..."

You Su murmured lowly, quietly amused. Transitioning from frugality to luxury was easy; from luxury back to frugality, hard. Having indulged in Jade Ring Pool’s exquisite delicacies and wines, could he still be satisfied with Chuyun City’s roasted chicken and chestnuts?

The answer is clear—what matters is not what you eat, but with whom you share the meal.

"Yo Meng, Yo Long, prepare dinner for me, please," You Su called out towards the hall entrance.

"Yes."

Not long after, two beautiful young women brought an already prepared, exquisite meal to the table.

Even after nine days, the dishes remained new and distinct. Despite similar ingredients like fish and shellfish, the culinary techniques were ever refreshing.

The Jade Ring Pool’s attention to food was truly extraordinary, making You Su feel the family of cultivators around the lake were less like immortals seeking celestial paths, but rather eccentric chefs.

On second thought, it wasn’t quite right; the emphasis wasn’t just on food but on achieving ultimate beauty in attire, abodes, everything.

Beauty was the cultivation philosophy of the Jade Ring Pool’s people.

"Please sit, join me in the meal."

You Su sat by the table, inviting the two women. There was far too much food for one person.

Yo Meng and Yo Long looked pleasantly surprised but maintained their decorum, "It’s against the rules; please enjoy your meal, Mr. You."

"That’s an order." You Su already helped himself to a chopstick full of fresh white fish.

With a glance at each other, the two finally decided to sit on either side of You Su without hesitation.

They ate with restraint, tasting with small bites of food they were long used to.

Yo Long’s innocent nature showed her emotions as she started to cry mid-meal, tears running down her cheeks, dripping beside her plate on the table.

Seeing this, Yo Meng urgently whispered a reminder:

"Yo Long! Mind yourself!"

Yo Long wanted to wipe her tears but couldn’t stop them, quietly sobbing.

Yo Meng cautiously watched You Su’s expression. Having finally gotten closer to him, her sister’s antics were helplessly frustrating.

"Mr. You... Yo Long, she didn’t mean it."

You Su, ignoring her, put down his chopsticks, sighed lightly, before softly asking:

"Yo Long, what’s wrong?"

Hearing his query, Yo Long forced herself to hold back her tears, saying, "Mr. You... Does getting the Lotus Heart mean you’ll leave?"