CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23: FRAGRANT SPIRIT RICE

Splash.

Amidst the sound of running water, Shen Wang placed the goldfish into a wooden basin.

There were a total of seven goldfish, none too large, the smallest about the size of a thumb, the largest no bigger than a palm.

Shen Wang counted them from the smallest: "From now on, you’ll be numbers one to seven."

He pointed with his finger, pausing on the smallest one, revealing a look of amazement.

The smallest looked the most beautiful, with not only a golden color but also streaks of emerald green patterns, distinct from the other goldfish. Delicate and exquisite, its tail was colorful, and its eyes were also bright and pretty.

"Huh, why do you seem so out of place?"

Shen Wang noticed that the other goldfish were afraid of this little goldfish, staying far away at the moment.

The little goldfish glanced at Shen Wang, turned its head away, and pointed its tail at him.

"Oh, a little temper, huh? Since you don’t fit in, I’ll set up a separate basin for you."

Shen Wang brought over another small basin, a little copper basin originally intended for Han Wan’Er’s use.

Seeing the object triggered memories, making Shen Wang pause momentarily, thinking that his Water Attribute Spiritual Power insights were maxed out, he immediately used Wood Attribute Spiritual Power.

The water around the little goldfish wriggled, quickly forming a water ball, automatically flying up and landing in the small basin next to it, looking as if the water listened to him and moved the little goldfish.

"Next time I go to town, I’ll check for a crystal fish tank; that would definitely look great," he said.

Shen Wang carried the copper basin to the bedroom, placed the fish by the window, and then picked up his daughter.

"Xue’Er, look at the little goldfish."

He held Shen Chuxue beside the copper basin; the latter seemed to like it very much, reaching out with her little finger to touch the water.

Shen Wang moved his daughter closer, her finger touching the water, creating ripples.

The previously indifferent little goldfish swam over to lightly touch his daughter’s finger, making her smile brightly.

[You have made a valuable ornamental fish for your daughter, Water Attribute Spell Insights +1]

The reward popped up, surprising Shen Wang a bit.

There are rewards for making playthings for his daughter, but this time the reward was evidently much higher.

Previously, rewards for water-related items were insights into Water Spiritual Power, but now it’s Water Attribute Spell Insights, which involves understanding spells and deploying external spiritual power, a much higher level.

He who had never practiced Water Attribute Magic suddenly gained some insights, like learning for a few days from thin air.

"Just a pleasant surprise, not practically useful for now."

Watching his daughter play with the little goldfish, he was not particularly overjoyed.

He hadn’t cultivated Water Attribute Magic, and the spiritual power attribute was somewhat different, this insight was just a little better than nothing.

Luckily, his daughter was delighted, and Shen Wang couldn’t help but smile too.

After letting his daughter play for a while, Shen Wang placed her back in the crib, and she still seemed unsatisfied, crying when she saw the fish being moved away.

Shen Wang, helpless, could only place the little goldfish nearby, coaxing his daughter to sleep before heading out.

Jia’Er came over and whispered, "Husband, did you buy Spirit Rice?"

"Yes, don’t worry. I’ve learned to make talismans now and can earn some Spirit Stones, so freely use the Spirit Rice for meals. Only by eating well can we have the energy to work," Shen Wang said, looking at Liu Shan and Hongping.

"Prepare a bowl of Spirit Rice for them each day too, to consider it as their recompense for being here," he instructed.

Liu Shan and Hongping, born into wealthy families, didn’t lack money, but this kind of Spirit Rice, which ordinary martial artists couldn’t purchase, held greater significance for them, helping maintain full Essence Qi.

At lunchtime, the rice made from Spirit Rice was aromatic, with fragrance scenting miles away.

Liu Shan, Hongping, and Chunmei were drooling just from the aroma.

The dishes were served—beef, lamb, fish all present, six courses, and a soup, specifically crucian carp soup for Hongping and Chunmei.

"What are you all standing around for? Take your seats," Shen Wang called everyone to start eating. There weren’t many people, and he wasn’t strict about rules; everyone could eat together with plenty to go around.

"Master, Madam, why does today’s meal smell so good?" Liu Shan swallowed his saliva, utterly curious.

Seeing the served rice seemed to glow, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes, "Could this be the legendary Spirit Rice?"

Hongping was amazed, "I once ate this kind of rice at a Grandmaster’s house with my father. I could never forget the taste."

"This is Spirit Rice, to be precise, Treasure Rice, which looks and tastes a bit better than ordinary rice," Jia’Er smiled and explained.

"It truly is Spirit Rice!"

Hongping’s mouth opened wide, "This is the rice only a Grandmaster can afford, and you’re giving it directly to us to eat?"

She could hardly believe such a good thing was happening to her.

"Never imagined I could eat the Immortal’s staple; it’s not a dream, is it?"

Chunmei was even more shocked, feeling dizzy with disbelief.

"No need to make a fuss, eat up. Consider these your payment," Shen Wang gestured, picking up his chopsticks and taking a bite of beef, saying, "This carp was brought back this morning, mostly for you two to eat, to ensure you feed my daughter well."

"Rest assured, Master. Hong Qin wouldn’t begrudge my own child in favor of Miss," Hongping promised.

"No need to exaggerate, you two are here to prevent any shortage of milk," Shen Wang shook his head, signaling everyone to stop talking and enjoy the meal.

Apart from him and Jia’Er, the others were eating Spirit Rice for the first time. Each wolfed it down, enjoying it especially.

Halfway through the meal, Shen Wang suddenly set down his chopsticks, frowning slightly.

This startled Liu Shan and the others, assuming Shen Wang was displeased at their overindulgence and hurriedly stopped eating.

"Someone’s entered; Liu Shan, go and chase them out," Shen Wang instructed.

"Alright!"

Relieved it wasn’t about them eating too much, Liu Shan got up quickly and headed outside, grumbling, "Which little thief dares to intrude upon a dwelling, let alone an Immortal’s residence? How bold."

Soon enough, scolding voices were heard from outside.

"Get lost, you beggar, or don’t blame me if I’m not polite," Liu Shan, wealthy and trained in martial arts, wasn’t gentle by nature and forcefully expelled the trespassers.

Returning shortly after, he dutifully reported, "Master, some refugees came begging, daring to sneak in and even attempted to steal. I’ve driven them out; they shouldn’t dare return now."

Shen Wang nodded, "From now on, you’ll be responsible for guarding the gate. Eat separately from us, ensuring no outsiders enter freely."

"Yes, Master," Liu Shan, pleased to be given duties, originally came with his wife and had little to do until now. Having eaten such precious Spirit Rice, he felt grateful, and by contributing, felt justified eating.

"Better keep watch, those refugees might risk their lives for food; they wouldn’t be easily intimidated," Hongping nudged Liu Shan.

"Right, I’ll go guard right away, you continue eating," Liu Shan realized, putting down the chopsticks he had instinctively picked up, turning to guard the door.