After two calm days at Mr. Yao's Manor, Gu He took the initiative to approach Xiao Yi Xian. He asked her to accompany him into the Demon Beast Mountain Range to gather herbs. This was something Xiao Yi Xian had been anticipating. Without much thought, she agreed wholeheartedly when Gu He approached her. In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed.
With several experiences of herb-gathering on the mountain, the relationship between the current Xiao Yi Xian and Gu He had become quite familiar. During this time, Gu He generously shared his knowledge of alchemy whenever Xiao Yi Xian had questions, earning even more of her respect.
On this day, after returning from herb-gathering on the mountain, Gu He freshened up and was about to begin his cultivation.
At that moment, a knock echoed through his room, followed by the melodious voice of Xiao Yi Xian outside. "Sir, I've made some chicken soup myself. Would you like to have some?"
Hearing the voice, Gu He opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flickering within. Why was Xiao Yi Xian coming to find him so late? Bringing chicken soup? "Come in," Gu He's clear voice resonated shortly after.
Creak!
As Gu He's words faded, the door was pushed open, and the graceful figure of Xiao Yi Xian slowly entered the room. With a food container in her hands, she raised it toward Gu He and playfully said, "Mr. Gu, I've been in Qing Shan Town for a while now, and I haven't had the chance to let you taste my cooking yet."
After spending a few days with Gu He, Xiao Yi Xian had noticed that this esteemed alchemist didn't seem to carry an air of superiority; he was approachable. Thus, she had fully relaxed around him, no longer as reserved as she had been initially. "Sure, I'll taste your cooking," Gu He always had a smile on his face, and he felt somewhat anticipatory.
In the original work, it seemed to mention that Xiao Yi Xian was quite skilled in cooking. If he were to take this girl under his wing, wouldn't he be in for a treat?
The obedient Xiao Yi Xian served a bowl of chicken soup to Gu He. After taking a sip, Gu He's eyes lit up. "I didn't expect your cooking to be this good, young lady." Gu He didn't hold back his praise for Xiao Yi Xian.
"If you like it, I'll make it for you every day from now on." Seeing Gu He enjoying her chicken soup, Xiao Yi Xian beamed with happiness. Every day?
At these words, Gu He blinked slightly, then put on a regretful expression, hesitating before saying, "I did want to have your chicken soup every day... but unfortunately..."
"What's unfortunate?" Xiao Yi Xian was a bit puzzled.
"Unfortunately, I'll be leaving Qing Shan Town in a little while," Gu He said slowly. "Ah... You're leaving, sir?" Upon hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian was taken aback.
During this period, she had learned a lot about alchemy from Gu He and gained significant benefits. She felt that if she continued learning from him, she might become a true alchemist herself.
Now, with Gu He suddenly mentioning his departure, Xiao Yi Xian found it hard to accept. "Well, I've been in Qing Shan Town for quite some time. It's probably time to move on," Gu He said, a touch of sadness in his tone. "It's a pity, though. After leaving Qing Shan Town, I won't be able to taste your cooking anymore."
"When do you plan to leave Qing Shan Town, sir?" Xiao Yi Xian pursed her lips, asking. "Perhaps tomorrow, or the day after. It should be within these two days," Gu He took a sip of the chicken soup, then continued slowly.
During this time, Gu He believed he had left a favorable impression on Xiao Yi Xian. He intended to propose the idea of her becoming his apprentice on the day he left Qing Shan Town. If she agreed, he would stay a bit longer. If she declined, he was prepared to leave for the Tagre Desert directly.
He had inquired with the system, and it confirmed that a disciple must genuinely acknowledge him as their master. Forcibly taking on a disciple wouldn't trigger the system's return mechanism.
Hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian fell silent for a moment. After hesitating for a while, her gaze gradually turned resolute, and she said with a hint of implication, "Actually, sir, if you truly wish to have chicken soup every day, there might be a way."
"Oh?" At these words, a hint of curiosity appeared in Gu He's eyes as he said, "Please, tell me more."
"If you're willing to take me as your apprentice, I'd be happy to cook chicken soup for you every day," Xiao Yi Xian's face bloomed with a playful smile, her gaze fixed on Gu He. Xiao Yi Xian's tone carried a touch of teasing as if she were joking with Gu He.
But in reality, at this moment, Xiao Yi Xian felt incredibly nervous. She wasn't certain if her words would anger Gu He. As Gu He heard Xiao Yi Xian's words, his expression momentarily froze. And once he processed her words, a sense of anticipation rose within him.
Could it be that Xiao Yi Xian... is indicating that she wants to become my disciple? With such thoughts swirling in his mind, Gu He also worried that Xiao Yi Xian might be joking. Thus, he carefully considered his words, his gaze shifting to the petite figure across from him. With a light chuckle, he said, "Haha, if you're willing, I certainly will take you as my disciple."
"Are you serious, sir?" Hearing Gu He's words, Xiao Yi Xian's eyes brightened, excitement gleaming in her gaze. Immediately, she rose from her seat, gracefully bowed to Gu He, and her melodious voice rang out, "Disciple greets the teacher."
???
Watching this sequence of actions from Xiao Yi Xian, Gu He's expression turned somewhat bewildered. Xiao Yi Xian, it turns out, is actually serious...