The Sunset Forest wasn't far from Heaven Dou City. In fact, it was the primary hunting ground for spirit masters from the surrounding cities.
Of course, very few knew about the true treasure hidden deep within its core—the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
By now, most of the immortal herbs that had once grown there had already been transplanted away by Spirit Hall. Only a few, too deeply rooted to be moved, still remained near the spring.
Although immortal herbs required extremely demanding conditions to grow, Spirit Hall had both immense wealth and countless capable experts. With a powerhouse like Yue Guan overseeing the task, moving the herbs had not been an issue.
Still, the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well wasn't something ordinary people could make use of. And since a few immortal herbs remained, Spirit Hall had sealed the entire valley, posting two Spirit Douluo as guardians.
Normally, those two never interfered with Sunset Forest matters, and this time, Li Chang'an had no intention of crossing paths with them.
He had been here once before, but that visit was hurried, and he had gone straight to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well. Returning now, the rest of the Sunset Forest still felt unfamiliar.
Compared with Star Dou Forest, Sunset Forest differed not only in size but also in climate and vegetation. Star Dou, located in the heart of the continent, was the largest spirit beast forest, dominated by tropical rainforest vegetation—dense and humid.
By contrast, Sunset Forest lay in the central region of Heaven Dou Empire. While not exactly cold, its climate was noticeably cooler, giving rise to temperate vegetation typical of the north.
Tropical forests felt dense and oppressive, while temperate forests were lighter and fresher, though less lush. As a result, traveling through Sunset Forest was far easier than through Star Dou.
Naturally, powerful spirit beasts preferred Star Dou's dense tropical environment. Sunset Forest still held many beasts, but few exceeded the ten-thousand-year level. Most ranged between a thousand and ten thousand years, and even those were scarcer and weaker thanks to relentless hunting by spirit masters. To obtain a suitable soul ring here required not only strength, but also patience.
After half a day of travel, the group had encountered about as many spirit beasts as they had in Star Dou, but of noticeably poorer quality. They had met a few thousand-year beasts, but most had only just broken that threshold. Clearly not what they were looking for. Sensibly, those beasts also avoided provoking their large party.
"Let's rest for today. We'll resume searching tomorrow," Flender called out after glancing at the darkening sky.
Thanks to soul tools, preparations were easy. In moments, two tents were pitched—one for the male teachers and students, the other for the female teachers and students.
"You all rest. I'll take the night watch," Li Chang'an said, sitting down on the grass.
"Better let me do it," Flender offered. "You're still young, in a stage where rest is important."
"No need, Headmaster. I can handle one night easily, and my strength is more than enough. You all sleep soundly." Li Chang'an waved it off.
"I'll keep Li Teacher company then. I've had trouble sleeping lately," Liu Erlong suddenly said, settling beside him. The others looked on in surprise.
"One person always risks distraction. With two, it's safer," she added matter-of-factly. And it was true.
"Alright then. If you get tired, call us," Flender conceded, before turning to organize dinner.
"Alright, Tang San, Oscar—gather firewood. Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun—catch some wild chickens or fish, clean them and bring them back. Girls, prepare the tablecloth and utensils. Tonight, I'll cook."
Rolling up his sleeves, Li Chang'an began assigning tasks.
"You… know how to cook?" Several people looked at him in shock. Even Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing looked pleasantly surprised.
His cooking was as remarkable as his martial skills. His noodles, in particular, were legendary—simple, yet unforgettable. Getting to taste his food again was a true delight.
"Yes. And I'm rather good at it," Li Chang'an replied with a calm nod. He didn't particularly want to cook for the men, but he couldn't ignore the women.
He knew Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing would assume he was cooking for their sake. Ning Rongrong would probably overthink things—is Teacher making this just for me? And Liu Erlong would no doubt be impressed. One meal to move four hearts—why not?
"Then let's all enjoy Teacher Li's cooking tonight. It's a rare treat," Flender said, finally approving.
The Shrek Seven Devils hurried off to carry out their tasks. After all, who wouldn't look forward to Li Teacher's food?
Half an hour later, the ingredients were ready. Li Chang'an, multitasking effortlessly, prepared roasted fish, stewed chicken, and a simmering soup all at once.
With his extreme fire attribute and semi-divine spiritual power, controlling the flames was child's play. His spiritual perception allowed him to sense even the subtlest changes in the food, timing everything to perfection.
And since he had already revealed his Phantom Clone once before, no one was shocked when he split into three again. But watching each clone cook flawlessly in perfect coordination still left everyone, even Flender, quietly awed.
They knew—even doubling their own spiritual strength, they could never reach that level of precision. It was terrifying.
[Flender. Points +13]
[Tang San. Points +...]
The constant prompts didn't surprise Li Chang'an. At his level, showing off without trying was second nature.
The first dishes finished were four roasted fish. Li Chang'an handed them to Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong, and Liu Erlong—"Ladies first."
Only afterward did Flender and Zhao Wuji receive theirs. As for the others? They could serve themselves.
Then Li Chang'an noticed Yu Xiaogang off by a tree, munching dry biscuits while Tang San approached him with one of the fish.
"Teacher, please eat. Just biscuits aren't nutritious." Tang San said helplessly.
"I won't eat. Even if I starve to death today, even if I jump from here—I won't eat!" Yu Xiaogang declared righteously.
"…Alright then." Tang San sighed, walking away. As he did, he bit into the roasted fish, releasing waves of mouthwatering fragrance into the air.
Yu Xiaogang's nose twitched. Watching Tang San's retreating back, his hand twitched forward.
"Wait—Xiao San, let me just try a bite…"
Half a minute later, he was devouring the fish, speaking around mouthfuls.
"Ah—so fragrant!"
_____
T/N:
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