I Just Wanted to Teach Cultivation, But Goddesses Keep Coming!-Chapter 68 Zone

"Cheer up," Lin Feng continued.

"Give it time. Continue to improve yourself... both your cultivation and your heart. Work hard, grow stronger, and become someone even you can be proud of."

He lifted his gaze toward the distant sky and added, "Who knows? Your fated dao companion might not even have been born yet. Or perhaps she’s somewhere in this vast world, still walking her own path. So you must grow in strength and have more longevity. Live long enough, and fate will eventually cross your paths."

Lin Feng smiled faintly and said, "Don’t give up. Even the hardest rock eventually gives way to the constant drops of rain. Persistence is a kind of power."

The fat man stared at him, stunned, as if he had just heard words he desperately needed but had never been given before.

Lin Feng reached out and patted the man’s shoulder once, the gesture firm yet reassuring.

"Take care of yourself," Lin Feng added quietly. "And don’t let today define your entire life."

With that, he turned and walked away. It was easy to be kind.

It was just that kindness rarely brought rewards, so people often chose to ignore the suffering of others.

The fat man watched his receding figure, his hands slowly moving behind his back, his posture unconsciously straightening, as if he were gazing at a hidden master walking silently through the mortal world.

Lin Feng’s words echoed loudly in his ears, replaying again and again like a mantra that refused to fade.

"My fated dao companion might not have been born yet..." the fat man murmured softly to himself. "That’s why it’s been so hard for me to find a girl... That must be it..."

His lips trembled slightly as the realization sank in.

The despair that had weighed down his heart moments ago slowly began to loosen its grip.

"I... I must do my best to cultivate hard," he whispered. "I must grow stronger. I must live longer. I can’t give up now."

A new light ignited in his eyes, replacing sorrow with resolve.

It burned with fierce determination, as though a dying flame had been rekindled into a blazing fire, ready to guide him forward on his long and uncertain path.

***

About ten minutes into their casual walk, Lin Feng found himself standing before a fine restaurant and stepped inside without the slightest hesitation.

Ning Xi, however, slowed to a stop at the entrance, hesitating for a brief moment.

Her gaze lifted to the ancient plaque hanging above the doorway, where the words Hidden Phoenix Banquet were engraved in bold, elegant strokes.

The name alone carried weight throughout the city.

She had been here before but only a few times, and always accompanied by her family.

Each visit had been during special occasions, carefully planned and never casual.

This was not a place one simply wandered into on a whim.

One had to know that Hidden Phoenix Banquet was among the most expensive restaurants in the entire city.

They did not accept gold coins, silver, or any mundane currency.

The only acceptable payment here was spirit stones.

Needless to say, the only people who could afford to dine here were cultivators and not just any cultivators, but wealthy ones with strong backing and deep foundations.

Spirit stones were rare treasures of heaven and earth, naturally formed from dense spiritual energy.

They were invaluable cultivation resources, capable of accelerating breakthroughs, stabilizing realms, and even saving lives at critical moments.

To casually spend such precious resources on food was something only those born into power or possessing great fortune would ever consider.

Ning Xi couldn’t help but feel a twinge of surprise and a trace of unease.

She glanced at Lin Feng’s back as he strode confidently inside, wondering whether he truly understood where he had just entered... or whether he simply didn’t care.

Ning Xi clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and finally followed him inside.

The moment she stepped through the entrance, she froze in place, her eyes widening slightly at what she witnessed next.

"Welcome to our humble establishment, Young Master Lin Feng! It is truly our honor to serve you today. Please, allow me to guide you." A beautiful waitress dressed in elegant, form-fitting white robes stepped forward, her posture respectful yet graceful.

Her voice was soft, smooth, and practiced, clearly trained for guests of high status.

"Thank you," Lin Feng replied with a calm nod.

He was no longer surprised that people recognized him by name.

Ever since his visit to the Golden Cicada Kitchen, this had become routine.

It seemed that those in the culinary world shared information efficiently... almost like an underground network.

Wherever he went, he was treated as a distinguished guest.

Ning Xi hurried to his side, still processing the scene, when the waitress turned her gaze toward her as well.

"Welcome as well, Young Miss Ning Xi," she said warmly. "Are you here on a date with Young Master Lin Feng? That is wonderful. You two look like a match made in heaven. Your presence brings great honor to our establishment. I will do my very best to serve all your needs. Please, follow me."

She bowed slightly, her smile gentle yet confident.

"..." Lin Feng did not deny the statement, nor did he explain.

"It’s not like that. He’s just a coworker from the academy," Ning Xi hurriedly clarified, her voice slightly flustered.

The waitress merely smiled, clearly not convinced, but she did not argue. Instead, she gestured politely and led them deeper into the restaurant.

They passed through a series of quiet, elegant corridors adorned with spirit lanterns and faintly glowing talismans that infused the air with a calming fragrance.

The atmosphere alone made Ning Xi’s heart grow more uneasy... every detail screamed luxury.

The place never failed to amaze her, no matter how many times she came.

Every visit revealed new details she hadn’t noticed before, from the subtle spiritual patterns etched into the walls to the faint, lingering fragrance of rare herbs in the air, reminding her just how extraordinary this place truly was.

They soon arrived at a private room.

The door opened soundlessly, revealing an exquisitely decorated space.