Lu Ding took it with a smile and crouched before Elder Deng: "Let me take a look then."
He flipped through the menu.
He flipped through the supplies list.
The premium items immediately caught his attention.
[Ten Thousand Year White]
An old acquaintance. Too many radishes cause internal heat - better pass.
[Golden Thread Ginseng]
[One region nurtures one ginseng, one ginseng nourishes a region. Ten miles of earth reclaimed from sea, a hundred miles of water boundless as Fahai's domain. Most effective for Earth Observation and Heavenly Perception practitioners]
Interesting. Even the description sounds prestigious.
[Supplemental, extremely potent. So nourishing it overwhelms the body. Open your mouth to exhale rainbows, close it to emit smoke from six orifices. The ultimate choice for cultivation advancement]
Wait... is this for real?!
The description instantly painted a vivid image in Lu Ding's mind.
Someone eats this Cistanche Meat, exhaling mist when speaking, surrounded by smoke when silent.
Because covering the mouth forces smoke out through all seven facial orifices.
That's some bold claim!
Lu Ding couldn't tolerate such arrogance!!!
Today's meal was decided!!
He had to see just how "nourishing" this thing really was.
Just 9,000 contribution points?
Money's no object - bought! Let's taste this mystery meat!
Returning the list to Elder Deng: "Could you get me this Cistanche Meat, old timer?"
Elder Deng feigned surprise: "So flush with cash now?"
Those words sounded sweeter than honey.
Nothing compares to elder recognition of your success.
Lu Ding puffed up with pride: "Yeah! Made it big now - don't even check prices anymore!"
With a dramatic sweep of his hand:
The old man chuckled at his enthusiasm.
Lu Ding instinctively offered support.
Though Heavenly Perception experts never stumble, the gesture came naturally.
Elder Deng kept muttering: "Success is good... but you're only nineteen, always rushing about..."
For a fleeting moment.
The formidable Heavenly Perception elder vanished.
Instead stood a lonely old man gazing down empty country roads.
Waiting for familiar figures to appear.
Lu Ding's smile faltered, then returned brighter: "Don't worry about me. After the war, we'll return to Yunhai together."
"Last time I saw a chessboard in your courtyard. We'll play then."
Elder Deng smiled warmly: "You play chess?"
"Of course! I can even multitask - chess while scrolling my phone."
"Hahaha! This old man surfs the net too! Don't try fooling me with AI!"
Amid laughter, Lu Ding supported Elder Deng into the logistics depot.
After collecting and registering the goods.
The elder didn't detain him: "Go attend your duties. I'll be here. Don't be reckless - safety first. You're not alone."
"Understood, Elder Deng. Don't worry - I'm sharp as a tack. Wait for my next visit!"
Lu Ding should stay and accompany Elder Deng while cultivating.
But halftime relaxation invites disaster.
Countless stories teach this lesson.
Protagonists cultivating elsewhere miss enemy attacks until too late.
Arriving only to witness final breaths.
Lu Ding chose immediate cultivation on Tai Island.
Eyes closed - training. Eyes open - fighting!
If enemies attack, if tides turn - no need for heavy casualties.
Lu Ding rises, blade drawn - SLASH!!!
Who dares show off? Death awaits!
His long-prepared Way of the Jinche - let's see them withstand that!
Not even Heavenly Perception could intervene.
Eliminating all contingencies.
After seeing Lu Ding off.
Elder Deng addressed the shadows:
"Won't you meet him?"
"He always cultivates immediately after exchanging treasures."
"Let him focus today."
"Then you're heading to Tai Island?"
As Elder Deng inquired.
A figure emerged - snow-white hair cascading, black robe embroidered with cranes.
An iceberg's presence, a transcendent's grace.
Moonlight crowned him; bloodlust loomed behind.
Serene as paradise, deadly as slaughter.
Bai Hemen nodded firmly: "Yes!"
Though terse, his mind raced.
Yet Lu Ding kept making waves - reclaiming territories, waging wars.
Missed every highlight.
Bai Hemen's lips curled into an awkward yet genuine smile.
Elder Deng cautioned: "Don't overestimate yourself. I trust Lu Ding to flee, but you..."
Bai Hemen pondered, then shook his head: "He won't flee - that's desertion. His pride forbids it. But he'll call reinforcements."
Showing his phone: "I've learned well."
Elder Deng smiled approvingly: "My phrasing was poor."
The rigid mind finally gained flexibility.
Good kids learn from good company.
As Bai Hemen formed hand-seals to depart, he paused.
Turning back with a wave: "Bye."
Though slower than Lu Ding's speed.
Returning to Tai Island.
After announcing his seclusion and availability for emergencies.
Lu Ding found a quiet spot.
True masters adapt to any environment.
His Heavenly Unity state remained perpetually active.
Grabbing the red plastic bag like grocery shopping.
Who'd guess its contents cost 9,000 points?
Looks like pork indeed.
Clear marbling, perfect fat-lean ratio.
Only the aroma stirring his Sin Dragon's gluttony confirmed this wasn't mislabeled.
Who named this "Cistanche Meat" anyway?
Resembles no cistanche - just meat.
Lu Ding chuckled: "This is like 'Sea Cucumber Fried Noodles' where the chef's name is Sea Cucumber!"
"The Great Han sure has its quirks."
Ten Thousand Year White is radish. Cistanche Meat is pork.
But the Sin Dragon's reaction proved its worth.
Never this excited over radishes.
Overcome by richness, Lu Ding closed his eyes and dug in!!
First bite - ambrosial flavors, ethereal mists caressing his skin.
Marvelous! Absolutely divine!!