Chapter 3

Luo Shiru's pores relaxed, and a mysterious feeling arose in her mind.

As if enlightened, certain obscure insights suddenly became clear at this moment!

Foundation Establishment, completed!

Her eyes still carried a hint of confusion as she looked at the watermelon rind in front of her, her expression one of disbelief.

This watermelon... not only contained spiritual energy, but it also had a trace of Dao韵 (Dao韵 can be translated as "Dao rhythm" or "Dao resonance") attached to it!

It was too incredible!

What is Dao韵? It is the foundation of the Great Dao, and cultivators breaking through bottlenecks mainly rely on their understanding of the Great Dao!

In short, Dao韵 is extremely rare. Although there might only be a trace in the watermelon, it still allowed Luo Shiru to easily break through Foundation Establishment!

Luo Shiru's expression completely changed, almost turning into a little fangirl of Li Nianfan.

She hurriedly stood up, bowed to Li Nianfan, and respectfully said, "Thank you, Senior, for the watermelon that helped me break through Foundation Establishment!"

Her address had changed from "young master" to "senior."

However, Li Nianfan's face darkened.

Was this girl crazy? Not only did she eat the watermelon without any restraint, but now she was starting to mock him?

I'm just an ordinary person. What does your breakthrough have to do with me? Thank me for the watermelon? Did eating my watermelon really help you break through?

It's like a billionaire thanking you for giving them a dollar, which is incredibly grating to hear.

"I said, I'm just an ordinary person. This watermelon is just a regular watermelon. Why are you thanking me? Calling me senior, do I look that old?" Li Nianfan couldn't help but feel angry, his tone harsh.

What's so great about being a cultivator? Does being a cultivator give you the right to trample on others' dignity?

Luo Shiru was slightly startled, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. Had she offended a great master?

She quickly reflected.

That's right. This great master is living here as an ordinary person to experience and understand the life of the common people and act low-key. I directly revealed his identity, so he naturally got angry.

I really shouldn't have done that!

Luo Shiru hurriedly tried to make amends, apologizing, "Sir... Young master, I'm sorry. I was too excited just now and offended you."

This girl's attitude was quite good. She was beautiful and not arrogant, showing no airs of a cultivator.

Li Nianfan waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I didn't take it to heart."

Luo Shiru let out a sigh of relief. She bit her lip and took out a jade pendant from her waist.

"Sir, this jade pendant was given to me by my father when I came of age. Consider it payment for the watermelon I ate today."

The jade pendant was warm to the touch, with a phoenix pattern carved on it, shimmering with a faint glow, looking quite extraordinary.

Luo Shiru's maid was shocked, covering her mouth and pulling Luo Shiru, urgently saying, "Miss, you can't do this!"

Li Nianfan was also taken aback by the girl's generosity, shaking his head and saying, "Miss Luo, you're too polite. It's just a watermelon, not a big deal. Keep the jade pendant."

To use such a fine jade pendant to exchange for a watermelon, what kind of family background does she have? Do they have a mine?

"Big Black, come eat the watermelon!" Li Nianfan shouted to the backyard.

Soon, Big Black rushed out, drooling at the sight of the watermelon.

Most of the time, he guarded the fields in the backyard. After all, this was a mountain forest, and although Li Nianfan hadn't encountered any wild animal attacks, precautions were still necessary.

Li Nianfan casually threw the remaining watermelon on the ground, smiling, "Look at you, so greedy. Eat up."

Crunch, crunch!

Big Black didn't hesitate, burying his entire face in the watermelon, swallowing even the rind.

Luo Shiru's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but say, "Sir, this is such a waste!"

This watermelon contained Dao韵, its value surpassing that of spiritual fruits. To give it to a dog like this?

Moreover, she stared at Big Black, confirming multiple times that he was just a very ordinary dog from the mortal world!

If other cultivators knew, they would probably be so upset they'd spit blood. A cultivator is inferior to a dog!

Wow, I didn't expect this girl from a wealthy family to be so frugal.

Li Nianfan's impression of Luo Shiru greatly improved, and he smiled, "It's just a watermelon. There are plenty here, and giving it to Big Black isn't a waste."

Luo Shiru's lips twitched, and she sighed, "Sir, you are absolutely right."

I was too attached. For a great master in seclusion, such a watermelon is nothing.

At the same time, she became even more determined to form a connection. No matter what, if she could form a good relationship, it would be a great blessing for her.

Luo Shiru handed over the jade pendant, saying, "Sir, even though you live in the mountains, you might still encounter some unwise people. My family has some influence in the area. If anyone offends you, you can show them this jade pendant to avoid a lot of trouble."

"Alright, then."

Li Nianfan thought for a moment and accepted it, adding, "If you want to come eat watermelon again, you're always welcome."

He looked at the jade pendant in his hand and noticed that the engraving was too rough. Although it was in the shape of a phoenix, it lacked any spirit, and the carving technique was extremely crude, wasting such good material. He might as well refine it a bit.

Luo Shiru's eyes immediately lit up, and she said excitedly, "Thank you, Sir."

The maid was stunned, unable to understand why the princess was so attentive to just an ordinary person. Even the noble sons would be overjoyed to have a cup of tea with the princess.

"Thank you for your hospitality today, Sir. I'll take my leave now."

Luo Shiru knew her limits. The good connection had been formed, so she was ready to leave.

Li Nianfan stood up and said, "I'll see you out."

...

Leaving the courtyard, Luo Shiru's thoughts were somewhat scattered. If she hadn't actually broken through to Foundation Establishment, she would have thought it was a dream.

Her good fortune was indeed profound, to meet such a great master in seclusion.

Behind her, the maid asked curiously, "Princess, why are you so polite to him? He just looks like an ordinary person to me."

Luo Shiru turned around, her expression unusually serious, and said, "Lüluo, you must not reveal a single word about what happened today, and you must not expose Sir's residence. Do you understand?"

This great master is in seclusion here and doesn't want to be disturbed. I must not offend him.

Lülu had never seen the princess so serious and quickly replied in fear, "Princess, I understand."

"Oh, I forgot to ask the great master for advice!" Luo Shiru suddenly exclaimed.

She wanted to get out of the marriage her father had arranged for her. If she asked the great master, she might find a solution.

Luo Shiru was very annoyed. It wouldn't be appropriate to go back now.

"Ah, I'll have to wait until next time."

Luo Shiru looked up at the direction of the courtyard and noticed that mist had risen from the rocks and trees, making the courtyard appear faint and indistinct...