Chapter 166: Warm Heart
Mulan saw Zhou Shang beginning to explain, and curiosity sparkled in her eyes.
What else was special about Jiang Tian?
To Mulan, Jiang Tian's ability to cook aliens was already an incredible feat.
Not to mention the vitality his dishes had given her—it might even cure her fire poison.
Could there really be something more extraordinary?
As she listened, Zhou Shang recounted the first time he met Jiang Tian.
When Mulan heard the words "Starry Sky Gate," disgust flickered across her face.
But as the story unfolded, her expression shifted, and she couldn't help but glance at Jiang Tian.
A high school student at level 0 had killed a level 2 disciple of the Starry Sky Sect?
If she didn't know her husband so well, she would have thought he was joking.
Later, when she heard that Jiang Tian, still at the 0th level, had a blood energy value of 999 points, her calm demeanor shattered completely.
She rushed over to Jiang Tian, reached out, and rubbed his face.
"How are you this amazing?"
"You're too incredible, simply divine! What kind of talent is this? You're much better than your useless master!"
Jiang Tian, whose face was being pinched, was powerless to resist.
Zhou Shang coughed twice to regain his wife's attention, rescuing his disciple from her overly enthusiastic admiration.
Then, he continued explaining—about Jiang Tian's awakening assessment, the martial arts college entrance exam, and the recent entrance examination.
He told her how Jiang Tian had single-handedly taken down an entire class of freshmen and about Zhang Mou's experimental class idea.
By the time Zhou Shang finished, Mulan was completely speechless.
Each one of these feats sounded impossible.
Whether it was slaying a level 4 alien elder or crafting luminous dishes that enhanced attributes, any single event would have been a legendary tale.
And yet, all of them belonged to Jiang Tian.
This child—who was now her husband's apprentice—was something else entirely.
After a long silence, Mulan finally turned to Zhou Shang with a serious expression.
"How... are you even worthy?"
Zhou Shang: "..."
Zhou Shang was speechless.
To be honest, even he sometimes wondered the same thing.
Jiang Tian, however, immediately responded, "Teacher has taught me so much and helped me greatly. He is, without a doubt, a qualified master."
Though Jiang Tian had created his own version of the Blood Abyss Furnace Technique, its foundations came from Zhou Shang.
Throughout his journey, his teacher had always guided him, refining his techniques and answering his questions.
Zhou Shang worried about him, cared for him, and ensured his safety at every turn.
He was a true master.
Hearing Jiang Tian's words, Zhou Shang was deeply moved. He reached out and playfully pinched his disciple's shoulder.
"You little brat..."
Mulan, too, smiled warmly at Jiang Tian.
"Master's wife," Jiang Tian suddenly said, "since the food helped, let me make you a perfect dish."
Mulan waved a hand dismissively. "My body is in a delicate balance right now. If I eat more, the fire poison will only strengthen further."
"For now, it's best to maintain the status quo. I can only eat more once your master finds the right alien ingredients."
Hearing this, Jiang Tian nodded in agreement. It made sense.
The three of them continued chatting late into the night.
When it was time for Jiang Tian to leave, Zhou Shang walked him to the door.
After seeing his disciple off, he returned inside, only to find Mulan watching a projection screen.
She was catching up on years of missed news.
"A lot has changed… The world is moving so fast." Mulan sighed, watching reports of human progress.
"But the human race's situation is far worse than before."
Zhou Shang came up beside her and nodded solemnly. "Yes. That's why this new campus exists."
"The space-time gate to the New World is about to open."
Mulan froze, turning to him in shock. "A space-time gate… to the New World?"
"From the frequency band readings, it's highly likely," Zhou Shang confirmed.
Mulan furrowed her brows, deep in thought. Then she slowly exhaled and relaxed.
"Don't be too pessimistic. The human race still has time."
She smiled. "Besides, isn't Jiang Tian our hope?"
"If that child's cooking can heal my fire poison, maybe it can also help you recover from your injuries."
Zhou Shang looked at her in surprise. "Lan'er, do you really think I can be healed too?"
Mulan nodded. "I was skeptical at first, but now I believe it. Jiang Tian's ability defies reason."
"If he can keep improving, one day, even your old injuries may be cured."
Mulan turned to face Zhou Shang seriously. "A Shang, now that my condition has improved, our next task is clear—we must protect this child at all costs."
"Of course," Zhou Shang agreed without hesitation. "We already have a plan. The teachers are keeping a close eye on him."
Mulan nodded, leaning against her husband.
For the first time in decades, she truly felt like she had a future again.
As she watched the city lights outside, she murmured, "It feels like a dream…"
Zhou Shang nodded in agreement, recalling the night he had first seen Jiang Tian in Yue City.
If he hadn't looked through that window back then…
At that moment, Zhou Shang and Mulan silently made the same decision.
For the rest of their lives, they would protect Jiang Tian.
They weren't afraid of death—only of dying without purpose.
Now, they had a reason to live.
At the same time, Jiang Tian returned to Dormitory No. 1.
As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a rich, fragrant aroma.
Following the scent, he walked into the kitchen—only to find a graceful figure wearing an apron, busy at the stove.
The table was already set with steaming dishes.
Though the ingredients were ordinary, the enticing smell filled the entire room.
"You're back?"
Xue Ruyan turned around and smiled at him. "Just wait a little longer, it'll be ready soon."
Jiang Tian blinked, momentarily stunned.
"You... how…"
"You always eat and drink here," Xue Ruyan said playfully. "As your gourmet partner, I figured I should finally show you my cooking skills."
Jiang Tian didn't respond. He just stood there, watching her under the soft kitchen lights.
For some reason, warmth spread through his chest.