Chapter 30: Chapter 30: The Heavenly Silkworm Potato
"Thank you for explaining stationary soul tools to me, Big Brother He," Xiao Yan said, walking alongside He Caitou as they discussed the intricacies of stationary soul tools.
Stationary soul tools, as He Caitou explained, were a type of weapon developed from the wisdom of earlier generations. These tools required only minimal soul power; their purpose was to separate the functions of firing and delivering an attack. The stationary soul tool consumed little energy and didn't require advanced cultivation levels, but its drawback was the lack of accuracy and difficulty in locking onto a target.
After learning about this kind of soul tool, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the 21st century, and strange ideas filled his mind—ideas about bringing memories from his past world into this one. Missiles, perhaps? Little Boy? Tsar Bomba?
He Caitou chuckled. "Xiao Yan, when Teacher offered to take you as a disciple, why did you decline?"
Xiao Yan rubbed his nose and replied, "I already have a teacher, so I can't take on another. But I can still study soul tools as a student in the Soul Engineering Department."
He Caitou nodded approvingly. "Teacher said the same thing. He mentioned that your soul skill is well-suited for stationary soul tools. If you need anything, feel free to visit him in the testing area."
After they left the Soul Engineering Department, Wang Yan placed a hand on Xiao Yan's shoulder, expressing a hint of regret. "Xiao Yan, Teacher Fan Yu is one of the academy's top experts in soul tool creation. If you had accepted his offer, your future would've been limitless. But I understand you already have a teacher."
"It's alright, Teacher Wang," Xiao Yan replied earnestly. "Even without becoming his direct disciple, I can still learn a great deal about soul tools from the academy. I believe that with enough effort, I can also achieve something meaningful in the field of soul tools."
Wang Yan nodded, though with a sigh. "Well, if you face any difficulties in your studies, feel free to come to me for help." With that, he took his leave.
As Wang Yan departed, Xiao Yan was about to return to his dormitory when a familiar, somewhat irritated voice called out, "Xiao Yan! Weren't we supposed to sell grilled rabbit after class? I've been waiting forever!"
Seeing Tang Ya rushing over, Xiao Yan quickly explained, "Sorry, Sister Tang, something came up. Let's head over now."
"Today, let's start with twenty rabbits. I've already prepared everything, so it won't take long." Tang Ya playfully tapped his head, smiling. "Come on, let's go!"
The two soon reached a busy street near the academy's east gate. The area was packed with vendors selling various goods, especially food, with hawkers calling out to passersby.
Tang Ya quickly claimed a larger space, pulling out the setup she'd prepared—a custom-made metal grill, various seasonings, and freshly cleaned Soft Bone Rabbits.
Together, they set up the grill. Tang Ya placed charcoal in the pit while Xiao Yan checked the seasonings. Soon, the aroma of grilled rabbit began wafting through the air.
Xiao Yan's skills in cooking rabbit were impressive. Growing up in Sichuan, a place famed for its culinary prowess, he had a knack for creating mouthwatering dishes. Xiao Yan was already considering adding another treat—Heavenly Silkworm Potatoes: deep-fried potato chunks mixed with special seasonings.
"Tomorrow, bring me a fryer and a few kilos of potatoes. I'll make a hometown dish to sell along with the grilled rabbit," Xiao Yan said as he seasoned the rabbits.
"Deal! But I get the first taste!" Tang Ya agreed eagerly, practically drooling in anticipation.
In less than thirty minutes, their first batch of grilled rabbits was ready.
Soon, a young man in a yellow school uniform approached and asked, "How much for a rabbit?"
"Ten copper soul coins," Xiao Yan replied.
The student sniffed the air, tempted by the aroma, and immediately took out ten copper soul coins. "It smells fantastic. I'll try one, and if it's good, I'll spread the word."
With the first sale made, more students soon followed. Within a short time, half of the grilled rabbits were sold, and some students even placed reservations for the next day.
At that moment, a group of girls in purple school uniforms walked out of Shrek Academy. Leading them was a girl around fourteen or fifteen, with a slender figure and long, wavy black hair cascading down her back. Her skin was as fair as snow, and her eyes shone like clear spring water, giving her a gentle, captivating presence.
"Sister Nan, that smells amazing. What's that?" one of her companions asked curiously.
Hearing this, the beautiful girl paused, her expression shifting as she noticed Xiao Yan's stall. Her face contorted with disdain as she scolded, "Ugh! They're selling grilled rabbits."
"But rabbits are so cute! Why eat them?" She stomped her foot in frustration before storming off, leaving Xiao Yan's stall behind with an annoyed expression. Not far behind her, a tall young man in black followed closely, looking perplexed.
"What's with the rush, Nan Nan?" he asked, puzzled. "What would you like for dinner? It's on me."
"Lost my appetite!"
---
Just then, the clatter of hooves echoed down the street, creating a commotion as two horse riders appeared, galloping from the end of the road and knocking over anyone in their path.
The horses were headed straight toward the group of girls. Surprisingly, the girls seemed unfazed, continuing to walk as if the road were entirely clear.
The crowd around them watched in anger, especially as the lead rider came into view. He was a young man with a handsome yet icy face, golden hair cascading down each side of his head. His striking
deep blue eyes held twin pupils, giving him a unique intensity.