Marvel: The other side of the double-passing door is Devouring the Stars

Chapter 362 The Culinary Culture of the Silver Blue Empire

Mental strength is used to improve physical coordination and reaction speed, while maintaining an interest in learning Kendo.

Lin Ya considered for a moment and said, "This idea is interesting, but it requires the dean's approval. If you'd like, I can arrange for you to meet and discuss it."

“I’d love to.” Rowan nodded in agreement.

In the afternoon, Lin Ya arranged for Luo Wen and Yin Yue to meet the academy's dean. The dean was an elderly man in his sixties with profound swordsmanship skills and rich teaching experience.

“I’ve heard about your idea; it’s very creative,” the dean said. “However, I’d like to know first how you plan to implement it in practice?”

Rowan explained his ideas in detail. He suggested developing a special training plan for Xiao Shi, including basic physical coordination training, simple mental development exercises, and basic swordsmanship exercises suitable for his level. The focus was not on achieving a high level, but on helping him build confidence and discover his potential.

"This plan requires a lot of time and effort," the dean pointed out, "and the results cannot be guaranteed."

“I know, but I think it’s worth a try,” Rowan said sincerely. “Every child has their own value and shouldn’t be given up on because of a lack of talent.”

Yinyue chimed in support, "Dean, I think this is a great experiment. If successful, it could provide the academy with new teaching ideas."

The dean pondered for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, you can give it a try. But you must ensure it doesn't interfere with Xiao Shi's normal studies, and you must report your progress to the academy regularly."

That evening, Luo Wen and Yin Yue found Xiao Shi practicing quietly by himself. Xiao Shi was a little nervous when he saw them.

“Little Stone, we want to discuss something with you,” Silvermoon said gently. “Would you like to hear it?”

Xiao Shi nodded.

“We want to develop a special training plan for you,” Rowan explained. “This plan may be a little different from the others, but we believe it will help you improve.”

"Really?" Xiao Shi's eyes lit up. "Can I become stronger?"

“Yes, but you’ll need to work harder and be patient,” Silvermoon said. “Progress might be slower, so be prepared.”

"I'm not afraid of going slow, I'm not afraid of getting tired!" Xiao Shi said firmly. "I'm willing to do anything to become stronger!"

Seeing the little boy's determined eyes, Rowan and Yinyue were deeply moved. They decided they must help the child realize his dream.

That evening, Luo Wen devised a detailed training plan in his room. Combining his experience in cultivating mental strength with his observations of Xiao Shi's condition, he designed a progressive training method.

The first phase of the plan involves basic physical coordination training, using simple balance and coordination exercises to improve Xiaoshi's body control. The second phase focuses on simple sensory training to help him improve his awareness of his surroundings. The third phase will then delve into specific swordsmanship techniques.

Watching Luo Wen meticulously formulate his plan, Yin Yue couldn't help but smile slightly. She found herself developing an increasingly deep fondness for this gentle and responsible young man.

"Are you always this caring towards others?" Silver Moon asked softly.

"What?" Rowan looked up, somewhat puzzled.

“Your concern for Xiaoshi, your kindness towards everyone,” Yinyue explained. “I’ve noticed that you always see the good in others and are willing to help them.”

Rowan thought for a moment and said, "I think this is a very natural thing. Everyone has their own value and potential, but sometimes they need the help of others to discover it. I also met many people who helped me when I was young, and now I hope to be able to help others as well."

"That's why the Sword Saint Ancestor values ​​you so much," Silver Moon remarked. "A true strongman not only needs great strength, but also a kind heart."

Early the next morning, Rowan and Silver Moon began Xiao Shi's special training. They set up a training area in a quiet corner of the academy and started training according to plan.

“Today we’ll practice balance first,” Rowan said to Xiao Shi. “It looks simple, but it’s very important for the foundation of your swordsmanship.”

He had Xiao Shi stand on a horizontal beam and try to maintain his balance. At first, Xiao Shi wobbled and quickly fell off. But he didn't get discouraged and tried again and again.

“Good, keep at it,” Rowan encouraged. “Remember, don’t rush, slowly feel the shifts in your body’s center of gravity.”

After an hour of practice, Xiao Shi was finally able to stand on the crossbar for a few minutes without falling. Although the progress was small, he was very happy.

"I can feel myself improving!" Xiao Shi said excitedly.

“Yes, that’s the power of hard work,” Silver Moon smiled. “Little by little, progress accumulates and leads to tremendous changes.”

Over the next few days, Rowan and Silver Moon would set aside time each day to instruct Xiao Shi. Their training gradually became more comprehensive, including various body coordination exercises, simple sensory training, and some basic sword techniques suitable for Xiao Shi's level.

Xiao Shi's progress was slow but steady. More importantly, his self-confidence began to grow, and the melancholy in his eyes was gradually replaced by hope and determination.

Other students and teachers also began to notice the change in Xiao Shi. Although he still didn't perform very well in regular classroom exercises, everyone could feel his positive and energetic spirit.

“Xiao Shi has changed a lot recently,” Teacher Lin Ya said to Luo Wen and Yin Yue. “He has become more confident and more focused. Although his swordsmanship hasn’t improved much, his overall demeanor is completely different.”

“This is the effect we wanted,” Rowan said. “The true meaning of cultivation lies not in reaching a high level, but in the growth and joy gained in the process.”

One afternoon a week later, the college organized a small competition to allow students of the same grade to exchange and learn from each other. Xiao Shi also signed up, and although everyone knew his skill level, no one stopped him.

Although Xiao Shi still lost to his opponent in the sparring match, his performance was much better than before. He was able to observe his opponent's movements and react accordingly. Although his movements were still somewhat stiff, he was already showing the qualities of a swordsman.

More importantly, when he was defeated, he didn't become frustrated as before. Instead, he bowed to his opponent in gratitude and then firmly said, "I'll do better next time!"

Everyone present was deeply moved by this scene. One teacher even secretly wiped away tears from the corner of her eye.

“Little Stone has truly changed,” Silver Moon remarked to Rowan. “He’s found his own way of the sword.” “Yes, that’s exactly what we wanted to see,” Rowan added with satisfaction. “Even if he can never become the strongest swordsman, he has become the best version of himself.”

That evening, the dean specifically sought out Luo Wen and Yin Yue. "I must admit, your method was very successful. Everyone has witnessed Xiao Shi's transformation, which has given us great inspiration."

"Dean, you flatter me," Luo Wen said modestly. "We simply helped Xiao Shi find a path that suited him."

“No, this not only helps Xiao Shi, but also provides the academy with new teaching ideas,” the dean said earnestly. “We have decided to promote this personalized teaching method throughout the academy to provide better support for students with special needs.”

“We are happy to continue to assist if needed,” Silvermoon said.

“That’s wonderful,” the dean said happily. “We formally invite you to become visiting advisors to the academy, if you agree.”

Luo Wen and Yin Yue looked at each other, and both saw agreement in each other's eyes.

“We are honored to contribute to the college,” Rowan said.

As the sun set, Luo Wen and Yin Yue stood on the academy's observation deck, watching the students practicing swordsmanship under the setting sun.

“Thank you,” Silver Moon suddenly said.

"What are you going to thank me for this time?" Rowan asked with a smile.

"Thank you for showing me another meaning of swordsmanship," Silver Moon said earnestly. "Before, I always saw becoming stronger as my only goal, but now I understand that helping others grow is also a form of strength."

“We’re all growing,” Rowan said gently. “That’s the meaning of the journey.”

The following morning, Rowan completed his routine mental cultivation at Silvermoon Lake. After these few days in the Silverblue Empire, he had fully adapted to the pace of life here. His experience guiding Xiao Shi at the academy yesterday had put him in a good mood; the smile on the little boy's face was still deeply imprinted in his mind.

"Good morning, Rowan." Yin Yue walked over with a cup of Yin Yue tea. Today she was wearing a light green casual outfit, which made her look particularly fresh and natural.

"Good morning, Silver Moon." Rowan took the teacup. "What are your plans for today?"

Silvermoon smiled mysteriously: "Today I want to show you the culinary culture of the Silverblue Empire. You've been here for so many days, but apart from home-cooked meals, you haven't really tasted our specialty dishes yet."

“That sounds very appealing,” Rowan said enthusiastically. “I’m really curious about the cuisine of the Silver Blue Empire.”

"And what about you?" Silvermoon asked curiously, "What's the food like on Earth? I'm also very interested in the food cultures of other planets."

Rowan's eyes lit up, and he began to enthusiastically introduce the world: "The culinary culture of the Earth is incredibly diverse. Because there are so many different countries and regions on Earth, each place has developed its own unique food style."

As he spoke, he gestured with his hands: "For example, there's a dish called 'hot pot,' where a special broth is boiled in a large pot, and then various ingredients are put in and cooked. Everyone sits around it, chatting and enjoying the food; the atmosphere is very warm and cozy."

"That sounds interesting!" Silvermoon's eyes sparkled with longing. "The feeling of everyone dining together must be so warm."

“There’s another cooking method called ‘barbecue,’” Rowan continued. “You grill meat and vegetables over charcoal, and the food develops a unique aroma. Barbecue is often the first choice for gatherings with friends around the fire; everyone sits around the charcoal, chatting and laughing—it’s a truly wonderful feeling.”

Silver Moon listened intently: "Earthlings seem to pay a lot of attention to the atmosphere during meals."

“Yes, in Earth’s cultures, food is not just about filling our stomachs, but also an important way to strengthen relationships,” Rowan remarked. “There’s a saying, ‘Food is the first necessity of the people,’ which speaks to the vital role food plays in people’s lives.”

"So what's your favorite food?" Silver Moon asked curiously.

Luo Wen thought for a moment: "My favorite is probably a kind of snack from my hometown called 'xiaolongbao'. The outer skin is so thin it's almost transparent, and inside it's filled with delicious meat filling and soup. When you take a bite, the soup bursts in your mouth, that feeling..." He closed his eyes, a nostalgic expression on his face.

"Hearing you say that, I'd like to try it myself," Silver Moon laughed. "It's a pity it's too far from Earth; I doubt I'll be able to get the authentic version."

“It’s alright. When we have the chance in the future, I’ll definitely take you to Earth to taste all kinds of delicious food,” Rowan said, then realized what he had said and blushed slightly.

Silvermoon's face flushed slightly, but she quickly masked it: "Then let me show you some of the Silverblue Empire's specialties today. I know a few great restaurants, places I've loved going to since I was a child."

“Great! I can’t wait!” Rowan said happily.

After breakfast, the two left Yinyue's house and headed towards the city center of Jianxin Star. Yinyue told Luo Wen that the first restaurant she was going to take him to was called "Lakeside Residence," a time-honored establishment with a 300-year history, famous for its traditional Silver Blue Empire cuisine.

“The owner of Lakeside Residence is a true culinary master,” Yin Yue introduced as they walked. “Their signature dish, ‘Silver Moon Perch,’ is said to be made with perch, a specialty of Silver Moon Lake, and its flavor is incredibly delicious. When I was a child, my father would take me there to celebrate whenever I did well on a test.”

The two walked slowly along the stone path by the lake, encountering many people who recognized Yin Yue. Everyone greeted her warmly, while looking at Luo Wen with curiosity. Yin Yue always introduced Luo Wen naturally as her friend, which made Luo Wen feel very warm.

"Miss Silver Moon!" A young voice came from behind. The two turned around and saw Xiao Shi running towards them with a bright smile on his face.

"Little Stone, what are you doing here?" Silver Moon asked in surprise.

"I just got back from the academy and ran over as soon as I saw you and Professor Luo Wen," Xiao Shi said breathlessly. "I have some good news to tell you!"

"What good news?" Rowan asked curiously.

"I successfully executed the 'consecutive thrusts' move during this morning's basic training session!" Xiao Shi exclaimed excitedly. "Although it's not perfect yet, Teacher Lin said I've made great progress!"

"That's great!" Silver Moon patted Little Stone on the shoulder happily. "This shows your efforts weren't in vain."

(End of this chapter)