A heretical cultivator in Bureau 749, I'm the fiercest at pulling out tendons and skinning peop

Where did Ji Zuodao get his discerning eye?

Without him, only familiar with Seoul.

Growing up in the mountains, his three masters' herb gardens were his self-service canteen.

He could smell and touch those treasures that were old and full of spiritual energy, and seize any opportunity to bite them.

The consequence, naturally, was that his backside would suffer.

The craftsmen's shoe soles, feather dusters, and even thorny vines they picked at random were all educational tools.

Although it hurt, the child was hungry; it was the time when he was growing, and his stomach was churning with hunger.

So Ji Zuodao, after much painful reflection, came up with a new idea: steal, but not all of it.

Eat half and leave the other half.

We need to find a way to "fill in" the remaining half.

He started by identifying the least valuable medicinal herbs, studying the subtle differences in texture, veins, and the flow of spiritual energy.

Then try grafting, filling, or even simulating the spiritual energy fluctuations of the missing parts.

Failure is the norm, and being caught and then subjected to a triple attack is also the norm.

But he's stubborn, dedicated, and has plenty of time.

Over time, he developed a skill that was so realistic that it was hard to believe he could repair something.

The masters would occasionally notice that a certain medicinal herb was growing somewhat out of place, and only after careful examination could they discover the clues.

In the end, one is often left speechless with frustration at the ingeniously crafted seams, so angry that one loses all temper.

To paraphrase what his master once said while whipping him: "You wretch! You've mastered these crooked ways without any instruction!"

The second master added insult to injury: "A born bad apple."

The third master concluded: "He just deserves a beating."

Therefore, everyone has their own area of ​​expertise.

Those who study how to cultivate medicinal herbs sometimes can't compete with those who study how to counterfeit them.

Because those who play with fakes understand "truth" better than those who play with real things.

……

"Wu Ding Qing Xin" is indeed a good tea.

It has a slightly bitter taste at first, followed by a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. A cool sensation penetrates directly to the mind, and even the churning blood energy in the spiritual sea seems to calm down a bit.

After a few cups of tea, Ji Zuodao casually offered a few tips on "locking in the spiritual energy of dried medicinal herbs" and "mutual influence of the aura when medicinal herbs of different attributes are placed together."

Grandma Su nodded repeatedly, almost as if she was about to take notes.

As the sun rose higher, Ji Zuodao put down his teacup, smiled, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Grandma Su, we've had our tea and chatted, but I still have to go out and check on my duties in the district. I really can't stay any longer."

"You're leaving already?"

Grandma Su was reluctant to leave, and as she watched this "living encyclopedia of medicinal herbs" about to depart, she felt a pang of regret.

Her mind raced, and she immediately raised her voice towards the door:

"Xiao Shun! Has the 'Eight Treasure Chicken Soup' prepared in the kitchen been started yet? That's our signature dish, it's the best for nourishing blood and qi, calming the mind and replenishing vital energy! Investigator Ji has been on the go all morning, she deserves a bowl!"

A slightly hesitant response came from outside the door:

"Grandma, that soup... was prepared for several regular customers who ordered medicinal meals, and we only had enough ingredients..."

"Foolish!"

Grandma Su interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Investigator Ji is a distinguished guest! I'll explain to the regulars myself. Hurry up! Use that century-old ginseng from my private stash! Pick the fattest pheasant! Stew it immediately! It's not allowed to be taken off the heat for at least an hour!"

"Yes, yes!"

The footsteps outside the door hurried away.

Ji Zuodao's buttocks, which he had just lifted, froze in mid-air, his expression somewhat subtle.

"This... Granny Su, this is too much of a waste, it's not appropriate..."

He was polite in words, but his body language betrayed him as he slowly sat back down.

Lingzhi chicken? Century-old ginseng? Eight-treasure lingzhi chicken soup?

This stuff is very beneficial for those who are cultivating.

It has the remarkable effect of stabilizing the foundation and harmonizing qi and blood.

The key thing is... it sounds delicious!

"Oh, Investigator Ji, you're being too polite!"

Grandma Su smiled broadly and personally poured him another cup of tea.

"This simple medicinal soup is just a token of my appreciation. Besides, I was just about to ask Investigator Ji to taste it and see if there's anything that could be improved."

"By the way, regarding the 'ruler, minister, assistant, and envoy' concept of spiritual energy proportions that you mentioned earlier, I think it might have some wonderful uses in soup..."

have to.

Having said all that, what else could Ji Zuodao say?

He could only nod reluctantly, his face showing he couldn't refuse such a kind offer.

"Since Granny Su is so hospitable, then this junior... will not be so polite as to refuse."

"Perfect timing. I also have some rudimentary ideas about 'activating the medicinal properties' and 'neutralizing the toxicity' of certain uncommon medicinal herbs, which may be able to corroborate the principles of medicinal cuisine..."

Grandma Su's eyes lit up even more: "Please tell me quickly!"

So Ji Zuodao, who originally planned to leave after drinking tea, was forced to stay for two and a half hours by a pot of "Eight Treasures Chicken Soup".

During the meal, the tea was changed three times, and five plates of snacks were served.

The two chatted about everything from identifying medicinal herbs to the principles of elixirs, from the properties of spiritual energy to the roles of principal, assistant, and adjuvant herbs, and even occasionally touched on some obscure and somewhat "evil" methods of processing medicinal herbs.

Grandma Su listened with rapt attention, sometimes frowning in deep thought, sometimes clapping her hands in admiration.

Ji Zuodao reciprocated by occasionally revealing a few truly useful tips, which delighted the old lady, who looked at him as if he were her most promising junior.

As soon as the aroma of chicken soup began to waft from the kitchen, Doggy gave up sunbathing and squatted by the door.

The dog's nose twitched, its tail slapped the ground intermittently, and its eyes were filled with impatience.

Just as the sun was high in the sky, Xiao Shun personally brought in an antique-looking pottery jar.

The rich, fresh aroma, mixed with the mellow fragrance of herbs, instantly filled the quiet room, forcing this "academic exchange" to come to a temporary end.

The soup was, of course, excellent.

Ji Zuodao drank three bowls in a row, and felt a warm sensation in his spiritual sea, and his spiritual energy flowed more smoothly.

Dog was given half a chicken and a large bowl of soup, which he ate without even looking up.

Both the man and the dog were completely content.

Grandma Su was equally satisfied.

Ji Zuodao might have insightful views or offer alternative approaches, which greatly inspired her, making her feel that killing that chicken was well worth it.

"Investigator Ji, it's almost noon, how about..."

"No, no, I really have to go!"

Ji Zuodao stood up decisively this time. If he stayed any longer, he was afraid that Granny Su would even arrange lunch and dinner for him.

"My patrol duties are important, Grandma Su. Thank you for your hospitality today. I will take Lingling to class every day. I hope you won't mind if I bother you."

"Of course not, you're welcome anytime! Xiao Shun, quick, pack up the 'Mind-Clearing Powder' and 'Bone-Strengthening Pills' I prepared for Investigator Ji and her...partner. It's just a small token, something to eat on the way!"

Grandma Su personally escorted them to the stairwell, showing great enthusiasm.

At the top of the stairs, the little girl with the double buns who had screamed at his glance was now standing with her hands at her sides, occasionally stealing glances at him.

At this moment, Ji Zuodao was full and warm all over, his spiritual energy was abundant, and he was in a great mood.

Seeing the little girl peeking at him, he naturally flashed her a bright, handsome smile, making his usual "shyness" seem all the more deceptive.

The little girl's face flushed red, and she hurriedly lowered her head, her heart pounding like a drum.

Putting aside the horrifying sight reflected in the mirror...

This official from Bureau 749 is so handsome; he looks exactly like the dashing young man from the novels she's been secretly reading.

Grandma Su took in the whole scene, shook her head helplessly, took out a stack of still-freshly inked papers from her sleeve, handed them to the little girl, and her tone regained some of the authority of a headmistress:

"Xiao Yun, take this and make enough copies to distribute to all the disciples at the branch headquarters. They must memorize it by tonight; I will test them one by one during tomorrow morning's lesson."

"Huh? Tonight? Another exam?"

The girl called Xiaoyun's face fell instantly. She held the thick stack of notes as if she were holding a mountain.

Good heavens, she hates memorizing and taking exams the most!

"Huh? What?"

Grandma Su glared at her.

"Do you know that the things Investigator Ji casually mentioned today are secrets that sects and aristocratic families would keep hidden and only pass on to their members?"

"You should be grateful you have the chance to learn this! What are you waiting for?"

"Oh……"

Xiaoyun dragged out her words, pouted, and walked away slowly, clutching her notebook.

She secretly turned her head and glanced again at the tall, reclining figure that was about to disappear at the top of the stairs.

Hmm, thinking about it carefully, it doesn't seem... that good-looking anymore.

Blame him!

Otherwise, where would all this stuff to memorize come from!

The little girl, carrying a cat-shaped face, disappeared dejectedly at the end of the corridor.