Chapter 21 Passion Fruit
"Wow, it's so cool!"
Xiao Wu's eyes curved into crescent moons, and with fruit still in her mouth, she exclaimed excitedly, her words muffled and unclear, "So sweet!"
"It tastes even better than Snow Jade Crimson Vine!"
"And it's ice-cold—it would be especially refreshing to eat in the summer!"
Xiao Wu quickly devoured the Snow Cherry fruits, then licked her lips with lingering satisfaction. "Tang Chuan, you're so kind!"
"I can never find such delicious fruit!"
"Is there anything else?"
"I want to eat more!"
Tang Chuan smiled at her expectant look and said, "That's all. These are the only ones I found. I ate one to try, and the rest are yours."
Tang Chuan did not use Blue Silver Grass to replicate some more, knowing that too much of a good thing is bad.
"Let's go. When we get to the Soul Hunter Forest, we might find even more delicious fruits."
"Really?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu's eyes lit up immediately. She grabbed Tang Chuan's sleeve and headed towards the administration office. "Then let's hurry and find Teacher Su to sign it!"
"With the warrant, we can head to the Soul Hunter Forest!"
Tang Chuan was pulled along by her, and he glanced back at the direction of the principal's flower garden, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"Headmaster, the five Gold Soul Coins and that detailed list of effects should be enough to compensate for my losses from gathering materials today, right?"
"Maybe they should thank me!"
"Oh, right!"
After taking a few steps, Xiao Wu suddenly remembered something, took out a few yellowish fruits from her pocket, and stuffed them into Tang Chuan's hand. "Tang Chuan, these are for you!"
"I found this on the fence along the path next to the cafeteria when I went to look for you."
"I don't know what it's called, but it smells quite nice. See if it'll be helpful to you?"
"Thanks."
Tang Chuan held the yellowish fruit that Xiao Wu handed him, brought it to his nose, and smelled it; it did indeed have an indescribable fragrance.
With a slight thought, he guided the Blue Silver Grass to devour it, and a new page lit up in the encyclopedia:
[Ingredient: Passion Fruit]
[Origin: Behind the dining hall fence of Notting Academy]
[Characteristics: Sour taste, many seeds]
[Effects: Rich in unique aroma, adding it to food can significantly enhance the complex aroma of the food and stimulate the appetite]
This was truly a delightful surprise!
A look of satisfaction flashed in Tang Chuan's eyes. Although passion fruit was relatively common, the familiar name reminded him of Mixue Ice Cream, a once-popular beverage in his previous life. Perhaps he could replicate it.
"It's really good! I'll make you a drink later."
Tang Chuan smiled and patted Xiao Wu's head, approving of her actions.
"Hehe, I'm glad I could help."
Seeing that she could help Tang Chuan and had gained his approval and promise, Xiao Wu's steps became even lighter.
The two jogged all the way to the administration office.
Ms. Su was sitting at her desk organizing student files when she saw them come in. She put down what she was doing and asked, "Tang Chuan, Xiao Wu, is there something you need?"
"Director Su, hello."
After exchanging greetings, Tang Chuan stepped forward and explained the reason. "Xiao Wu's soul power has reached Level 10, and she needs to acquire a soul ring."
"We would like to apply for a permit to travel to the Soul Hunter Forest and hope to receive a guarantee from the Academy."
"Level 10?"
Director Su pushed up her glasses and glanced at the two of them.
She glanced at Xiao Wu, then at Tang Chuan.
She was deeply impressed by Tang Chuan, a student with innate full soul power and a food-type Spirit, Blue Silver Grass, and said kindly, "Yes, it's time to acquire a soul ring."
"It is standard practice for the Academy to provide sponsorships for eligible students."
"However, the Soul Hunter Forest is dangerous after all. How do you plan to get there? Do you need your teacher to accompany you?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu was stunned again.
With a teacher accompanying them on the soul hunt, the risk of exposing herself was even greater!
However, Tang Chuan was prepared and calmly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Director Su. We have already hired a Soul Hunting Team."
"Moreover, we only search for suitable soul beasts in the outer areas and never venture into dangerous zones."
"The Soul Hunter Squad?"
Director Su pondered for a moment before saying, "Since you've already made your choices, I won't worry about it anymore. Please be sure to take care of your safety while you're out and about."
"Xiao Wu, what is your Spirit?"
"Soft-Boned Rabbit."
Xiao Wu answered immediately.
"The Soft-Boned Rabbit... an Agility-type beast Spirit, so choosing a spirit beast that increases speed or flexibility as the first soul ring would be more suitable..."
As Director Su filled out the forms, she habitually offered her suggestions.
"Alright."
"Just take this to the Spirit Hall branch in Notting City to complete the necessary procedures."
Director Su stamped the Academy seal on the guarantee letter, then called two young teachers next to her to stamp it in turn, and then handed it to Tang Chuan.
"Thank you, Director! Thank you, teacher!"
Tang Chuan took the form, thanked her repeatedly, and pulled Xiao Wu away from the Academic Affairs Office, heading towards the Spirit Hall branch in Notting City.
The warrant was issued in less than half an hour.
With Notting Academy's guarantee, the procedures went exceptionally smoothly, and a metal token engraved with three different patterns landed safely in Tang Chuan's hands.
"Go back to Dormitory 7 first. I need to arrange some things, then I'll go to the Soul Hunter Forest early tomorrow morning."
After leaving the Spirit Hall, Tang Chuan said to Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu naturally had no objections and followed him back to Dormitory Seven.
As soon as they entered, they saw Wang Sheng packing his cloth bag, preparing to deliver lunch to Tang San after Tang Chuan returned.
"Wang Sheng, wait a moment."
Tang Chuan sat on the edge of the bed, took out paper and pen, wrote a letter, folded it, and handed it to Wang Sheng.
Then, a flash of soul rings appeared beneath his feet, and Blue Silver Grass quickly wove several nets, each containing seven or eight skewers of smoked meat and dried meat, a generous amount enough for one person to eat for more than half a month.
"These are for you."
"Also, send this letter to the master."
"Tell him I'm going to the Soul Hunter Forest to find ingredients, which will take a few days. Don't worry, this meat will be enough for him for a while."
Wang Sheng took the fragrant jerky, swallowed hard, and patted his chest to assure him, "Brother Tang, don't worry!"
"I'll take it to my third brother right away!"
As he spoke, he stuffed the things into the cloth bag and ran out, full of energy, even more so than when he went to deliver food in the morning.
"Remember to take two pieces for yourself to eat."
"Understood, Brother Tang."
Wang Sheng's voice came from outside the door. Xiao Wu, who was lying beside him watching, asked curiously, "Tang Chuan, why did you give Tang San so much meat?"
"Can he finish it all by himself?"
"His iron-forging skills are physically demanding, so he needs to replenish his energy."
Tang Chuan explained with a smile, then turned around to prepare the things he would need for the Soul Hunter Forest.
There wasn't much to prepare.
He just filled the water bottle he bought in Notting City with water and packed two sets of clean clothes.
Actually, Blue Silver Grass's first soul skill could copy water, but Tang Chuan always felt that it tasted strange, so it was better to prepare clean water instead.
After getting ready, the two left Notting Academy without delay, found the carriage they had rented in Notting City, and headed northeast towards the Soul Hunter Forest.
Four hundred miles.
Without a carriage, it would probably take five or six days to get there on foot.
[end of the chapter]