After arriving at the Tim Hortans grocery store, Ryan didn't return home immediately. Instead, he decided to detour into the world of Dr. Zombie Bruce.
On one hand, he sincerely respected Ian Bell as his mentor. After several months apart, Ryan guessed that Bell had probably returned from Maoshan, and it was necessary to visit. On the other hand, Ryan had encountered some difficulties with his study of Taoist magic, and his strength had increased drastically since the last time. He needed Bell's guidance.
With this in mind, Ryan packed what he needed and opened the portal to Dr. Zombie Bruce's world.
Upon arrival, he found himself on the same path he had left last time—a fortunate turn, sparing him a long journey like before. Turning a familiar corner, Ryan saw the Oval up ahead and stepped forward to knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Ian Bell's voice came from the courtyard, suggesting he had returned from Maoshan.
"Master, it's me. I'm back," Ryan replied loudly from outside the yard.
"You rascal. I thought you weren't coming back to Britain after reconnecting with your family," Ian Bell said, opening the door.
"No chance of that. I'm still attending Catholic school in Sam. Now that it's summer vacation, I came straight to see you."
"Speaking of school," Bell said with a serious tone, "that cursed book you showed me last time—did it cause any trouble?"
"Not at all. I handed it to our headmaster. He destroyed it using his own spellwork. I even hunted down the beast behind it—a thousand-year-old basilisk. I collected its slough, but I don't know how to use it. Could you take a look?"
Ryan retrieved the massive snake slough from his space. Ian Bell looked stunned. "You defeated that? Must have been a close brush with death."
"Not really. I set many traps and used the magic circles you taught me. I had it half-dead before I delivered the final blow."
"A noble man excels through diligence," Bell said approvingly. "You've grown. Some elders from the Maoshan division still suffer from demonic poison picked up during their youth while fighting evil. As they age, it causes intense pain. Would you be willing to donate some of the slough to make medicine for them?"
"It'd be wasted sitting with me. I'll leave it to you, Master," Ryan said, offering the whole slough generously.
"This is too valuable," Bell said, visibly moved. "You've already given me so much."
"You took me as your apprentice despite my different background. That kindness outweighs any material gift," Ryan said respectfully.
Bell sighed, patting Ryan on the shoulder. "Your cultivation has advanced rapidly. What happened? Tell me, if you're comfortable."
"Of course." Ryan recounted his battle with the eight-eyed giant spider in the Forbidden Forest and the natural baptism he received afterward.
Bell listened attentively, nodding. "The heavens have clearly recognized your deeds. You needn't worry about growing too strong too quickly. How long can you stay this time?"
"A week or two. I have unfinished business in the Western Ocean."
"Understandable. We haven't been apart long, yet your merit light has grown. You must be very busy. If you have questions during cultivation, ask me."
"Thank you, Master." Ryan then handed Bell a wooden box from his bag. "This was a gift—a rare Western herb called mandrake. It can cure petrification, but I suspect it has greater potential. I thought you might find use for it."
Bell opened the box and examined the sleeping mandrake. "A strong aura. It may rival a ginseng doll. I'll ask a senior good at alchemy to examine it."
Ryan also gifted both brothers a nutrient potion from the Radiation World, which they welcomed for its qi and blood restoration effects. Additionally, he delivered several shotguns, revolvers, and matching ammo to the Oval. The era was chaotic. Between demons and bandits, it was wise to have firearms for protection.
That night, a Taoist arrived at the Oval on a spirit crane and took away the mandrake and the snake slough. Ian Bell explained that since Ryan last brought spiritual plants to Maoshan, the sect had unlocked numerous spirit beasts and magical items sealed by cosmic shifts. His senior brother's spirit crane and space instrument were among them. These treasures were sent back to Maoshan for deeper study, and the senior brother would also petition the master to credit Ryan for his deeds.
"You contributed significantly last time, but the elders couldn't agree on a reward. Now that you've helped again, I'll press them to act quickly," Bell said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
In the days that followed, Ryan trained under Bell's guidance. He practiced Taoist techniques alongside Plunket and McGrath, initially losing a few matches due to inexperience. But as he grew more proficient, his superior strength prevailed.
"Look at you two," Ian Bell chided after another sparring session. "Years of training and you're still no match for your junior who's been learning less than a year."
"He had an adventure," McGrath protested.
Bell slapped a bamboo board against his palm. "Adventures don't fall from the sky. Your junior fought for everything he has."
As the playful argument continued, a crane descended into the courtyard.
"Looks like the elders have finally decided on your reward," Bell told Ryan. "Come, let's head up and see what they've got for you."
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