Chapter 347 - 323: Everyone’s Gifts

Chapter 347: Chapter 323: Everyone’s Gifts

The others didn’t know about Xu Xiaotian’s ability, but Guan Tong was well aware.

When he saw the tubs of instant noodles in the box, he guessed they were a product of that ability.

"Xiaotian, can the instant noodles your ability creates be stored now?"

Guan Tong recalled that Xu Xiaotian’s instant noodles used to have to be eaten the moment they were created. Moreover, no one else could eat them; only he could.

"That’s right!" Xu Xiaotian said, rather proudly. "After over a year of constant development, I’ve finally made it so my instant noodles can be stored independently. Anyone can eat them now, no need to be on the same team."

The others were all quite interested in the noodles. After getting Guan Tong’s approval, they each picked up a tub to inspect it.

As soon as they held a tub of noodles, its corresponding effects appeared before them in a panel-like display.

Silver Fox looked at the tub in her hands. "Skin toughness doubles for 30 minutes after consumption... That’s pretty interesting."

"This one’s effect is ’immediately removes one poison status effect upon consumption.’ This seems really useful!" Chen Na said.

The tubs the others held also had various effects. Guan Tong said, "It looks like you spent a lot of time on development, Xiaotian. There are so many different effects."

"Well, I’m just idle when I’m not working anyway. But I’m sure they’re not that impressive to you, Tong..."

After finding out Guan Tong was Shadow, Xu Xiaotian didn’t think the instant noodles he made would be of much use to him.

But Guan Tong shook his head. "No, these noodles could be a lifesaver in a critical moment. Thanks."

"As long as they’re useful, hehe. By the way, if you guys are interested, just let me know. I can make some for you, too."

Guan Tong put the seven or eight tubs of noodles, each with a different effect, into his Storage Ring. Then, Silver Fox took out the gift she had prepared, placing it on the table with a soft clink.

It was a short blade, the length of a forearm.

"This is for you. See what you think."

Guan Tong picked up the short blade. What surprised him was that it wasn’t a Psychic Power item.

It was a weapon forged by human hands.

He picked it up and gave it a few swings. It felt good in his hand, though it was a bit light—a result of his strength being greatly enhanced by Psychic Power.

"It’s a short blade forged from various alloys, so it’s both sturdy and exceptionally sharp," Silver Fox explained. "I figured you aren’t lacking for Psychic Power Weapons, and your Shadow itself can serve as a weapon. So I thought a well-made, conventional blade might be more useful to you."

"Thank you," Guan Tong said gratefully. "I was actually in need of a good conventional blade."

Sometimes, a man-made weapon could produce surprising results in a fight.

For instance, many barrier-type items can only block attacks related to Psychic Power. If you suddenly pull out a conventional blade in that situation, a single strike could be unexpectedly effective.

Guan Tong and Silver Fox weren’t particularly close. They were more like partners than friends. The fact that she would bring such a masterfully crafted weapon as a gift already exceeded his expectations.

So he thanked her once again.

Silver Fox waved her hand dismissively. "We’ll be working together long-term, so a small gift like this is nothing. Besides, considering your contribution to eliminating Sakura Prayer and the Mizusawa Clan, the officials would definitely give you a huge reward if you applied for it."

"That won’t be necessary."

Guan Tong had his own personal reasons for dealing with Mizusawa Chun—revenge. His cooperation with the officials was a matter of mutual benefit; it wouldn’t be appropriate to then apply for a reward.

After stowing the alloy blade from Silver Fox in his Storage Ring, Guan Tong turned to Shi Jingyi.

A slight smile played on Shi Jingyi’s lips. "If I told you I didn’t prepare a gift, would you be disappointed?"

"Not at all. It was very short notice, after all."

He had only told Shi Jingyi about the birthday gathering the day before. She had classes to teach at the academy, so it would have been perfectly normal for her not to have time to prepare a gift.

However, judging from her tone, the word "if" made him think she probably had prepared something after all.

Sure enough, in the next moment, Shi Jingyi pulled a small notebook from her pocket and handed it to him.

"I didn’t prepare anything new, to be honest. I mostly just didn’t know what to get you. However, I’ve recently been researching some new applications of Psychic Power, so you can have this as a gift."

Guan Tong curiously flipped open the notebook. Inside were some of Shi Jingyi’s rough diagrams and jotted-down notes. He quickly spotted a key phrase.

"Mind Martial Technique?"

"Yes."

The others overheard and grew curious as well, wondering what a "Mind Martial Technique" was.

As a member of the academy’s first graduating class, Xu Xiaotian was all too aware of Shi Jingyi’s accomplishments in the field of Psychic Power. He said in amazement, "Lecturer Jingyi, have you developed another new application for Psychic Power?"

Shi Jingyi shook her head slightly. "It’s not so much a new application as a variation on circulation. Guan Tong, do you remember why I borrowed Sublimation Coins from you before?"

"I do. You said you wanted to buy a Qi Gong Secret Manual?"

"Correct," Shi Jingyi said. "That very manual gave me the inspiration. I studied its principles and developed a few new Martial Arts based on them, though they’re still a bit unrefined."

"If you’re the one who developed them, I’m sure they’re amazing."

Guan Tong had always admired Shi Jingyi’s expertise in combining Psychic Power and Martial Arts. He believed that on this path, at least, Shi Jingyi was undoubtedly a trailblazer and a guide, leading the way for everyone else.

"When you have some free time, you can help me test them out. To properly vet a Martial Art, you need a worthy opponent. And of all the people I know, you’re the most suitable," Shi Jingyi said.

Guan Tong nodded and readily agreed. "Alright."