Shi Pengpeng was momentarily speechless, then sincerely suggested, “Bro, I think you should learn some magic for self-defense.”
It wasn’t a sustainable solution to keep going like this.
Yan Jing instinctively wanted to refuse, but just as the words reached his lips, a sudden inspiration struck, and he abruptly changed his tone, “Alright, but you’ll have to be my one-on-one private tutor.”
Shi Pengpeng hadn’t expected this young master to actually agree to learn magic.
Feeling greatly relieved, she didn’t think much of it and immediately agreed, “Sure, sure, sure.”
She even added with a hint of amusement, “Should I prepare some French cuisine for you as well?”
“French cuisine?” Yan Jing’s heart leapt with joy.
“Is it necessary to be so romantic?”
Shi Pengpeng fell into deep thought, “Is pairing food with learning magic considered romantic?”
Yan Jing’s face fell in an instant, “…Oh, that kind of ‘fa’ (magic)?”
“Of course,” Shi Pengpeng didn’t understand why he seemed disappointed.
“Although learning magic is mainly about cultivating the mind and character, it’s also best to control your diet. Eating light and healthy foods helps cleanse and rejuvenate your internal organs.”
“You should also supplement with high-nutrient products to boost your physical strength and energy. You know, in our line of work, we need both brains and brawn.”
The more Yan Jing listened, the more familiar it sounded, “Why does this sound a bit like a fitness meal?”
Shi Pengpeng chuckled, “Well, isn’t this a form of fitness too?”
Yan Jing:”…..”
That made so much sense, he couldn’t argue.
Yan Jing: “Just so you know, I don’t eat broccoli.”
After work, Yan Jing, as usual, picked up Shi Pengpeng from her company and they headed to his place together.
They had discussed and agreed on the schedule for learning magic based on their respective timetables.
Initially, it was set for two hours after work on weekdays and eight hours on weekends, with one day off.
Adjustments would be made if there were any work conflicts.
Once they arrived at Yan Jing’s home, Shi Pengpeng took out a lunch box from the insulated bag she had brought, “Let’s eat first. Here, I brought you a professional magic meal.”
“Thanks.” Yan Jing casually opened the lid, and a fragrant aroma wafted out.
The box was filled with a generous portion of meat, accompanied by some stir-fried vegetables glistening with oil, making it look incredibly appetizing.
He raised an eyebrow in surprise, “This looks way better than a fitness meal.”
“Of course, that’s the luxurious takeout I ordered for myself,” Shi Pengpeng said as she pulled out another lunch box from the bag, “This one’s yours.”
“…Oh.” Yan Jing opened the box to find it quite simple, containing only two small balls, about half the size of a fist, which looked like they were made from some kind of bean mixture.
Yan Jing paused for a moment, feeling his mouth go a bit dry, and asked seriously, “Can I order a fitness meal to go with this?”
“As long as you can eat it,” Shi Pengpeng glanced at him, trying to suppress a laugh as she explained, “Don’t underestimate these two little things. This is something I learned from the chef at our school canteen-a nourishing fasting pill. One of these can keep you full for half a day.”
Yan Jing, who had just taken a bite of the pill, nearly choked, “Fasting pill?”
“Yep,” Shi Pengpeng said proudly, “Don’t worry, this formula has been scientifically verified. It’s nutritionally complete with no side effects. It’s the top choice for home, travel, and strengthening your body.”
Yan Jing: “…”
In the practice of mystical arts, fasting has always been a concept.
This idea has been borrowed in modern times for some fantasy novels and TV dramas, often misunderstood as not needing to eat at all.
Fasting, or “bigu,” was actually a common health-preserving practice among the ancients, involving temporary abstention from food for a certain period or avoiding grains and relying on medicinal or other substitutes.
In essence, it’s quite similar to modern intermittent fasting.
As for “bigu pills,” they aren’t some magical elixir that eliminates the need for food.
Instead, they are made from concentrated, high-energy ingredients.
To draw an analogy, they’re more like functional “compressed biscuits.”
On one hand, they provide energy and reduce hunger, allowing practitioners to focus more on their cultivation.
On the other hand, they embody the principle from Baopuzi Neipian: “To seek longevity, keep the intestines clear; to seek immortality, keep the intestines free of waste.”
The canteen at Liangyi Academy offers several varieties of self-developed bigu pills.
The one Shi Pengpeng made for Yan Jing today contains ingredients like poria, sesame, and black beans, emphasizing the concept of “replacing food with qi.”
Additionally, there are versions made with sealed jars of yellow beef and wine, or pastes brewed from poria, chestnuts, sesame, and jujubes, among others.
“For the next couple of days, start with this one. Next time, I’ll make you different flavors and formulas so you don’t get bored,” Shi Pengpeng said thoughtfully.
Yan Jing swallowed a bite of the bigu pill and shook his head.
“No need. Just give me the recipe, and I’ll have someone make it. If the recipe can’t be shared, I’ll try making it myself.”
Hearing this, Shi Pengpeng narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling a bit annoyed.
“What, is my cooking that bad?”
“It’s not particularly tasty,” Yan Jing chuckled, “but it’s not unpalatable either.”
The ingredients and preparation method inherently limited its flavor, but it wasn’t hard to swallow.
Besides, since Shi Pengpeng made it, he wouldn’t complain even if he had to eat it every day.
However, Yan Jing glanced at her and added, “You’re already busy with work and teaching me. It’s too much for you to handle these trivial matters. Let me take care of it.”
Shi Pengpeng was taken aback, realizing his concern was for her well-being.
Yan Jing, as if it were the most natural thing, paused and continued, “Also, make a list of what you usually like to eat. I’ll have it prepared and sent to your office, or we can eat together when you come over. That way, you won’t have to rely on takeout every day.”
He spoke casually, but Shi Pengpeng knew it wasn’t just a passing remark.
This young master, who had grown up in luxury and was accustomed to being waited on, rarely considered others’ needs.
Her heart softened, and she felt a warm, swelling sensation as she looked at him with her peach-blossom eyes.
“Brother, you…”
Yan Jing, already conditioned to her tone, swiftly cut her off.
“I’m fine, I know. No need to emphasize it.”
Shi Pengpeng, her “good person card” stuck in her throat, felt momentarily speechless.
After a pause, she decided to say something anyway.
“Brother, when you’re not being annoying, you’re actually quite…”
She trailed off, struggling to find the right words.
Yan Jing’s heart stirred, and he met her gaze intently.
He wasn’t upset by the word “annoying.”
He knew it wasn’t meant as a genuine insult but rather a playful jab at his usual demeanor.
In the past, he used to bother her with childish antics.
But now, their relationship was no longer like that.
Shi Pengpeng said he wasn’t annoying, which, by contrast, meant… he was likable?
Yan Jing coughed lightly and encouraged her to continue in a calm tone, “So, how is he?”
Shi Pengpeng blinked and added dryly, “He’s… not that annoying.”
Yan Jing closed his eyes for a moment.
“Thanks. Listening to you is like… listening to you.”
Although Yan Jing was born with the innate Yin-Yang constitution of the “Unwithering Bones,” he started late and was often busy with work, making it unrealistic for him to fully master the art of magic.
After some thought, Shi Pengpeng decided to focus on teaching him how to use the Lin Talisman.
The Lin Talisman technique was extremely powerful and fierce, and if fully mastered, it would be enough for Yan Jing to deal with most malevolent spirits.
However, before diving into the main techniques, he still needed to learn some basic cultivation principles.
Shi Pengpeng pulled out a few books and said: “These are my first-year textbooks. You can read them in your spare time, especially this one-you must memorize it thoroughly.”
As she spoke, she handed the top book to Yan Jing.
Yan Jing glanced at the cover and was instantly stunned.
“…Criminal Law?”
“Exactly.” Shi Pengpeng nodded with a serious expression.
“To cultivate the Dao, one must first cultivate the heart. Cultivating the heart is difficult, but if you study Criminal Law, it can help suppress some unhealthy desires.”
For the first time, Yan Jing expressed admiration for the teaching methods of the Two Realms Academy.
“Impressive. A very progressive concept.”
“Right?” Shi Pengpeng was also pleased with his understanding and added, “Moreover, in our line of work, it’s easy to be tempted and go astray after completing training. But if you’re well-versed in Criminal Law, you’ll think twice about your actions and the potential prison sentences.”
Yan Jing:”……”
What a way to use the law to govern the law.
Yan Jing couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Your school’s legal studies are quite comprehensive.”
“Of course.” Shi Pengpeng said with pride, “We’re a comprehensive university.”
Although Criminal Law was important, given Yan Jing’s intelligence, he could study it on his own in his spare time.
Today, Shi Pengpeng mainly focused on teaching him some basic cultivation methods, such as meditation and breathing techniques.
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
“Let’s stop here for today.”
Shi Pengpeng guided Yan Jing to regain his focus and praised, “Brother, you truly live up to being a natural Yin-Yang person. You’re picking it up quickly.”
Yan Jing gave her a sidelong glance.
“Yeah, and you’re quite good at being ‘Yin-Yang’ too.”
Shi Pengpeng: “Hehe.”
She stood up to pack her things.
“I’ll head out now. Practice on your own, and if you have any questions, just ask me.”
Yan Jing glanced at the time and casually said, “It’s still early. Why don’t you stay and practice with me a bit longer?”
“Still practicing?” Shi Pengpeng wasn’t entirely on board.
“You have work tomorrow. I think it’s better not to rush things. Balance work and rest.”
Yan Jing waved his hand.
“Not practicing magic.”
Shi Pengpeng was puzzled.
“Then what are we practicing?”
Yan Jing coughed lightly and said with a serious face, “Practicing courage. I downloaded a few horror movies.”
Shi Pengpeng:?
He’s really determined if he’s willing to watch horror movies!
At a time like this, she naturally couldn’t dampen his newfound courage.
“Alright.”
Seeing her agree, Yan Jing immediately brought out two beanbag-style loungers and placed them side by side on the living room carpet.
Shi Pengpeng was momentarily stunned.
“You even prepared a beanbag chair?”
When Yan Jing was abducted by Longevity Island, she had searched his house and there was no sign of these two items.
Yan Jing remained calm.
“I was afraid of being too mentally tense, so I wanted to relax physically a bit.”
As he spoke, he also brought out some fruits and snacks that he had asked the housekeeper to prepare in advance, placing them on the small table next to the sofa.
Shi Pengpeng wondered: Just how much relaxation does his body need?
Yan Jing turned on the projector and sat down with Shi Pengpeng.
The beanbag chair was entirely soft and could adjust its shape according to the person’s movements.
He subtly estimated the distance between them and quietly moved a bit closer to her.
Shi Pengpeng, being sharp, immediately noticed his little maneuver and couldn’t help but say, “Bro, it hasn’t even started yet. You don’t need to be this scared, do you?”
Yan Jing: “……”
He silently took a deep breath, mustered his courage, and pressed the remote to turn off all the lights in the room.
The living room was plunged into darkness, with only the projector still on.
The video cover on the screen displayed Yan Jing’s immense determination a full screen of horror movies, encompassing the essence of supernatural themes from multiple countries.
Shi Pengpeng gasped and instinctively moved closer to him, patting her own shoulder.
“Bro, if you really can’t handle it, you can sit a bit closer to me.”
Yan Jing immediately seized the opportunity, his arm touching hers, and said bravely, “Alright, with you here, I won’t be scared.”
At the same time, he secretly decided to give Wei Chi a raise when he returned to the company tomorrow.
The tactic of watching horror movies was indeed very effective.