Chapter 39: How to Perform This Ceremony
As an eyewitness at the scene, Xue Ruyan must have seen everything Jiang Tian had done firsthand. She must have understood his talent and potential.
Huang Hui believed that Xue Ruyan knew exactly what Jiang Tian's potential meant.
The moment she appeared, she had immediately taken responsibility for all the kills—not to take credit, but to protect Jiang Tian.
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A True Ally
A newly awakened student had single-handedly achieved an earth-shattering feat.
If this information got out, no one knew what kind of consequences it would bring to Jiang Tian.
Her quick decision spoke volumes about her character.
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Even Jiang Tian Was Surprised
He hadn't even considered keeping things a secret.
Yet Xue Ruyan instinctively acted to shield him.
However, Huang Hui's sarcastic words, though directed at Jiang Tian, were actually aimed at Xue Ruyan.
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"One of our own, huh?"
Obviously, Xue Ruyan understood.
Jiang Tian knew Huang Hui beforehand?
Wait…
If she remembered correctly, Huang Hui's teacher was Zhou Shang, the president of Hongwu University in Xingcheng—her dream university for the martial arts college entrance exam!
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"I didn't expect that Lord Huang and Student Jiang knew each other."
Xue Ruyan felt a little embarrassed.
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"I was just being too sentimental."
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Huang Hui shook his head and looked at her.
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"How can you say that?"
"You're just a little girl, yet your character is admirable."
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Being able to stand up without hesitation was not something ordinary people could do.
What was even more commendable was that she hadn't hesitated at all.
Huang Hui walked towards the bodies of the Starry Sky Gate examiners and carefully examined the dead Flame Birds.
He then took out a token, infused it with blood energy, and transmitted a message.
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Back to Business
Meanwhile, Jiang Tian calmly walked over to the dead Flame Bird leader, carrying his Black Dragon Knife.
Everything was settled now.
Huang Hui was here.
He could finally cook in peace.
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Replenishing Strength
Jiang Tian had consumed a lot of energy in the battle, and half of his stored blood energy was depleted.
He had to replenish it in time.
So, after saying a few words to Huang Hui and Xue Ruyan, he carried the Flame Bird leader and walked toward the river.
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Cooking Begins
After washing himself off, Jiang Tian began preparing the ingredients.
This time, he believed the taste would be even better.
The ingredients were higher quality.
**He had picked flame fruit—**a special spice from the Flame Bird's world.
Jiang Tian busied himself with cooking.
Before long, the special dish was ready.
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A Feast for the Eyes
The plate he used was carved from felled redwood, as large as a millstone.
When Jiang Tian brought the dish over, the rich, fiery red broth wrapped around the chopped chicken, releasing an irresistible aroma.
Even Huang Hui, who had eaten countless delicacies, couldn't help but swallow his saliva.
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"Master Huang, don't you need to handle the aftermath?"
Jiang Tian was a little surprised to see Huang Hui still there.
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"Handling those formalities isn't as important as eating!"
Huang Hui stared at the dish while rubbing his hands together.
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"Besides, I have to personally escort you back."
"I can't let anything happen to you."
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"The Starry Sky Gate is troublesome because they hide in the shadows."
"But once exposed, they're just a bunch of clowns."
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Mission Accomplished
Huang Hui received a message just then.
"The remaining Starry Sky Gate members are either dead or captured."
"The joint awakening assessment will continue as planned."
"All missing personnel will be replaced immediately."
He curled his lips in disdain, clearly not taking Starry Sky Gate seriously.
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"Was their plan exposed in advance?"
Jiang Tian handed Huang Hui a wooden bowl.
"How did you get here so quickly?"
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"It was thanks to you."
"The ones you killed in the suburbs had valuable intel."
"Their phone data helped us track down the big fish."
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Huang Hui sighed.
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"Their years of preparation were ruined by you."
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Xue Ruyan's Surprise
She looked at Jiang Tian in shock.
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"The destruction of the Starry Sky Gate in the suburbs… was caused by Jiang Tian?"
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She had heard about the incident.
The details weren't disclosed, but the official report stated that Starry Sky Gate's operation was thwarted and all members were eliminated.
But according to the timeline, Jiang Tian hadn't even awakened back then.
Had he really been capable of that at the time?
Her eyes were full of disbelief.
Jiang Tian was truly amazing.
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A Taste of Heaven
At that moment, Huang Hui took a bite and his eyes widened in shock.
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"Hmm!!!"
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The flavors exploded in his mouth.
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"This is incredible!"
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Even Xue Ruyan, who was already full, couldn't resist trying another bite.
She picked up a piece of meat, placed it in her mouth, and her eyes widened in astonishment.
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"Huh?!"
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"This is even better than before!"
The tender, juicy meat burst with sweetness as soon as she bit down.
The natural spiciness of the Flame Bird meat blended perfectly with the savory, fragrant broth.
And then—
The flame fruit's heat kicked in, making her skin flush red as sweat dripped down her face.
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"Hoo hoo!"
She wiped the sweat from her brow and gave Jiang Tian a thumbs-up.
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"It's incredible!"
Jiang Tian grinned happily.
Hearing praise for his cooking made him happier than killing dozens of enemies.
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A Sudden Noise
Boom!
A loud noise came from nearby, making both Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan turn their heads.
When the sound echoed, Huang Hui's entire body trembled.
He was squatting, but his legs suddenly buckled, and he fell to his knees with a loud thud.
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"Master Huang?!"
Jiang Tian hurriedly reached out to support him.
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"You're my elder—why are you kneeling to me?!"