Chapter 117: Go Forward Bravely, Jiang Tian!
Zhou Shang covered his head and looked at his teacher helplessly. "How is this showing off? I'm just stating the facts."
Bang!
Ji Qiudao slapped Zhou Shang on the forehead again.
"Stating the facts? The corners of your mouth are practically curling up to the sky, and you're still trying to convince me you're not showing off?"
Zhou Shang clutched his head, looking utterly defeated.
"Teacher, my apprentice is watching. Can you at least let me save face?"
---
Faced with this request, Ji Qiudao remained unmoved and smacked Zhou Shang's forehead once again.
"Those who achieve great things do not care about trivial matters."
"Only by abandoning the so-called 'face' can you reach a higher level."
---
This wasn't just random advice—
Ji Qiudao knew that Zhou Shang had always struggled with his pride.
Despite everything that had happened in the past, he still had this little flaw buried deep inside.
So every time they met, Ji Qiudao would find a way to knock some sense into him.
And so far, his approach had been correct.
Teaching students according to their aptitude had always been Ji Qiudao's philosophy.
---
After making sure Zhou Shang was thoroughly disciplined, Ji Qiudao changed the subject and looked toward Jiang Tian.
---
"What are the specific details of the plan you all discussed?"
---
Zhou Shang immediately relayed everything they had agreed on—
Jiang Tian would be filed under the Xinhuo Bureau with a prefecture-level archive as a cover.
A retired War Emperor would be assigned as his protector to ensure his safety.
He would still undergo normal trials, but safety assessments would be done beforehand.
While ensuring Jiang Tian's life wouldn't be in serious danger, they would also make sure he could hone himself fully.
---
After listening carefully, Ji Qiudao nodded slightly.
"I agree with this plan."
"And I understand what you all are trying to do."
---
Ji Qiudao continued:
"You don't need to worry about his training resources. I'll handle that."
"But you old students will have to take the blame."
"We'll announce to the public that I'm old and incompetent, and that I intend to 'reinvigorate' my former students."
"We'll pretend to recklessly spend resources on bringing you all back to peak condition—when in reality, those resources will be used to train Jiang Tian."
---
After Ji Qiudao finished speaking, he slowly reached out his hand toward the plate of freshly fried minced meat.
---
Just as his fingers were about to grab some, a sharp 'pop' sound echoed through the room.
Jiang Tian, quick as lightning, smacked Ji Qiudao's hand away with his chopsticks.
---
"Old Senior, you have made great contributions to the human race. Naturally, I must prepare a table full of delicious food to entertain you."
"But you're an elder now. It's improper to be stealing food in the kitchen."
---
Jiang Tian's expression was serious, like a strict elder scolding a mischievous grandchild.
---
Ji Qiudao immediately raised his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright! I won't steal food. I promise!"
---
Meanwhile, Zhou Shang stood to the side, fuming with jealousy.
His teacher had always been strict and hot-tempered, yet he was treating Jiang Tian like a beloved grandson.
The difference in treatment was too unfair!
---
After calming down, Jiang Tian began working at full capacity.
He cooked all his signature dishes, perfecting each one.
And when Ji Qiudao finally sat down to eat…
---
He was completely blown away.
---
Just like when Zhou Shang first saw Jiang Tian's cooking, Ji Qiudao was astonished.
"Food that glows…?"
---
Ji Qiudao examined the dishes from every angle.
He leaned in closer.
He even tried squinting his eyes.
But no matter how he looked at it, he still couldn't understand.
---
In the end, he gave up trying to figure it out and started eating.
And with each bite…
His eyes widened more and more.
---
As the strongest human, Ji Qiudao could easily sense the effects of Jiang Tian's cooking.
He could feel his blood energy being nourished, his body strengthening, and his resistance to fire increasing.
---
Ji Qiudao ate at lightning speed, sweeping through the table like a hurricane.
After finishing every last bite, he leaned back, burped comfortably, and sighed in satisfaction.
Then, he suddenly turned serious.
---
"Jiang Tian," Ji Qiudao said, his voice low.
---
Jiang Tian looked up from his empty plate.
---
"Aliens devour humans not just to fill their stomachs," Ji Qiudao said.
"They do it to absorb our spirituality."
---
"There's a reason why people say, 'Humans are the spirit of all things.'"
"Our race cultivates faster than any other, and our geniuses possess unique talents."
"The stronger a human is, the greater the benefit an alien gains from devouring them."
---
Ji Qiudao's tone darkened.
---
"That's why, in my generation, the strongest warriors of the human race only have cenotaphs."
"Back then, our race was too weak. We couldn't even protect the bodies of our fallen heroes."
---
Ji Qiudao paused, his eyes glazed over with painful memories.
For a moment, he looked older.
More weary.
Like a man who had seen too many friends perish.
---
Then, he exhaled, collecting himself.
He looked directly at Jiang Tian.
---
"Your talent is special. It's not just about combat power."
"You can remove the toxins in alien flesh and extract their beneficial properties."
"Aliens eat humans to gain spirituality. But by cooking them, you can extract their characteristics."
"Your future is limitless. Even I can't see how far you'll go."
---
Ji Qiudao placed his hand on Jiang Tian's shoulder.
---
"Be confident and go forward bravely."
"Pursue your dream. Become the greatest chef."
"If you succeed, you may solve the greatest crisis facing the human race."
"And while you are still young, let us old men shield you from the storms ahead."
---
Jiang Tian felt the weight of those words.
He nodded seriously, determination burning in his eyes.
---
Ji Qiudao clapped his hands suddenly, breaking the tension.
---
"From now on, the highest level of human training will be initiated for Jiang Tian."
"I shall name this initiative—"
---
Before he could finish, Zhou Shang covered his face in embarrassment.
---
"Taste Great Project!"
---
Jiang Tian: "???"
---
End of Chapter 117