C8 Teachings
Watching the inspection leader leave with satisfaction, even bestowing a high evaluation upon the school, Yang Chao finally allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Why can't you all just settle down for a bit? What's with the daily hot pot obsession, eating all sorts of chaotic foods? Sure, it might nourish and harm your bodies at the same time, but what exactly are you trying to accomplish?"
Yang Chao looked back at the bewildered group of elderly men behind him and couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. These folks were no spring chickens, but ever since they began their cultivation journey and their health improved, they'd been indulging in every food they'd previously feared to touch.
One of them was particularly hooked on hot pot, craving several servings a day, constantly talking about it as if it were an addiction.
And it wasn't just him; others were joining in the frenzy, feasting on hot pot daily without a second thought. The variety of side dishes and condiments never seemed to repeat.
"It was my idea to have hot pot today, so we all dove into the spice together. But who could have predicted the leader would drop by for an inspection? Had we known, we'd have opted for something lighter, like noodles," Wang Cuilian admitted, a touch of sheepishness in her gaze. They were all wary of upsetting the principal, a young but significantly accomplished individual, who rarely showed their full capabilities, though the disparity was clear to all.
"Fine, fine. Eat whatever you please; I won't object. But next time an inspection leader visits, give me a heads up. We can't afford another day of chaos like today."
After offering a few more casual reminders, Yang Chao glanced over at Lee Jianbin, who was engrossed in his phone.
The phone was the latest model, and there was Lee Jianbin, engrossed in a game with headphones on, oblivious to the leader's curious glances.
Yang Chao shook his head, sighing at the thought. Thankfully, the leaders saw the elders' enthusiasm as a positive and didn't take issue with it. Otherwise, Yang Chao mused, if he let them get hooked on gaming, the school might not have a future.
"Lee Jianbin, what's gotten into you? You've been glued to your phone all day. Is something the matter?"
He and Wang Cuilian were a married couple. He was typically reserved, while she had a penchant for stirring up excitement. When the old men got together, they couldn't resist jumping around, more boisterous than children.
Lee Jianbin placed his phone in front of Yang Chao with a smug grin. "My son and daughter-in-law are coming to visit soon, and I bet my grandson's got talent too. Maybe we should have him stay at our school for a bit. You'll see, he's just as adorable!"
At their age, they all had families, and were either wealthy or influential, with enough strength to outmatch powerful cultivators with ease.
Rich or not, they were never outmatched in strength. Yang Chao made sure they ate well and took care of their health. They were never at a disadvantage in that regard.
Yang Chao couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. Despite their age, they were as lively as ever. If the grandson joined them at the school, would it not turn everything upside down?
Besides, the school was meant for the older crowd. What would happen if a child joined the mix? They'd just have to watch the chaos unfold.
As Yang Chao was about to respond, Wu Laosan interjected with excitement, "My son and daughter-in-law are back! Come on, let's go to the entrance and see!"
With that, Wu Laosan dashed off, and a somewhat disinterested Yang Chao followed. He seldom visited the school; the residents were mostly self-sufficient, and with regular deliveries, there wasn't much need for his concern.
To his surprise, a foreign luxury car was parked at the entrance. Yang Chao didn't usually concern himself with his students' backgrounds, but he was aware of their affluence. This car, however, was a globally renowned luxury vehicle, one of only a few in existence.
Yang Chao gave it a cursory glance and moved on. Wealth and luxury held little interest for him.
He fretted daily about how to spend his money, aware that with each dollar spent, his experience grew.
Wang Cuilian approached her son and daughter-in-law, exchanging warm pleasantries before leading them into the school. There, etched into the ground, was the image of a young man whose aura seemed amiss.
Yang Chao observed him closely, his eyes narrowing.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. You're a teacher at my mother's school, aren't you? I can't thank you enough. My mom's not one for hobbies; she loves nothing more than a good chat and cooking with friends. Being able to spend time with you all must bring her so much joy."
The man approached and firmly shook Yang Chao's hand before engaging in earnest and polite conversation with the elders nearby.
Despite the pleasantries, the situation was complex. Yang Chao and the old men scrutinized the man repeatedly.
He possessed an extraordinary power, but it was not his own. It seemed as though he carried an object, perhaps a jade pendant, that exerted a significant influence on him.
"I'm Lee Xiao. I run a company abroad and rarely get the chance to come back home due to the sparse clientele. Would you keep me company? I'm deeply appreciative. Seeing my mother so delighted, I can't help but feel joy myself."
Lee Xiao sighed as he watched his mother, his own flesh and blood, who now radiated happiness. Clearly, her days were filled with joy and kind treatment.
In the past, she had been downcast and seldom cheerful, her days shrouded in gloom, her interactions with others minimal.
"Hello, I'm Yang Chao, the dean here. Your mother has been invaluable to our school. Perhaps you could treat us to some of your culinary expertise?" Yang Chao greeted him, a hint of curiosity flickering in his gaze.
The object he carried was imbued with a formidable energy, yet it seemed somewhat lesser compared to Yang Chao's own. Most notably, the spiritual power it possessed was scant.
It drew the eye irresistibly, defying the notion of insufficient ability. To the average person, the spiritual power it contained would be overwhelmingly potent.
Yet, what truly intrigued Yang Chao was the peculiar aura it emitted.