Magic Chef of Ice and Fire

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Time always flew by when reading. The library had many glass windows which allowed the external light in. Nian Bing leaned casually against the bookshelf, engrossed in reading about things that piqued his interest. Even though the first floor was filled with the basics for mages, he felt as if he discovered treasure. Many situations he encountered before but did not comprehend were now explained in these books. When Cha Ji first taught him about cooking, he emphasized that whatever you're learning, mastery of basics is always the first and foremost step. This principle was imprinted deeply in his mind during his culinary journey.

As the sky outside gradually fell into darkness, magic lamps in the library were automatically lit up, fueled by basic-level magic stones. Nian Bing showed no signs of leaving and, aided by the bright light, began reading his fourth book for the day.

Just then, the library door opened with a creak. Although engrossed in his book, Nian Bing was always alert. He instinctively looked up toward the entrance, where instead of the Guild President as he had anticipated, he saw a familiar face, the Grand Ice Magician - Long Ling, the only daughter of the Guild President.

"It's you?" Nian Bing was somewhat surprised to see Long Ling. He gave her a slight smile and greeted her. Similarly surprised, she responded, "What are you doing here? Given your magic cultivation level, you don't really need these beginner books, eh?" As she spoke, she gently shut the door, her pastel blue Ice Magic Robe matching her gentle gaze at Nian Bing, her eyes twinkling with a hint of a smile. Despite meeting her gaze, Nian Bing still appeared engrossed. His handsomeness, coupled with intense focus, stirred something in Long Ling's heart.

Nian Bing stood up, playfully waving the "Basic Theory of Ice Magic" in his hand and laughingly replied, "Well, I don't have a solid foundation in magic. Reading up on the basics can only help. I don't know enough spells as well."

Long Ling walked over to Nian Bing, her faint fragrance mesmerizing him. Standing tall, just slightly shorter than Xue Jing, she looked up at Nian Bing and said, "You really are studious. Uncle Li De told me you've been here since noon without a break. It's already dinner time. Come, let's have dinner together, you can resume reading these countless books tomorrow. You have plenty of time, aren't you hungry?"

At the mention of hunger, Nian Bing realized he was hungry. He hadn't consumed anything since breakfast. Carefully replacing the book, he agreed, "Let's go then, Miss Long Ling, has the President returned?" he asked.

Long Ling gave him a fleeting glance and corrected him, "Why are you so formal? You're a Guild member now, we're like a family. Just call me Ling'er instead of Miss Long Ling, it sounds so stiff. I hope to learn magic control techniques from you someday. I'm practicing as hard as I can, but my control is nowhere near yours."

Nian Bing found Long Ling likable. Her soft-spoken demeanor was always pleasant to the ears. "Alright then, Ling'er, lead the way. This place is huge," he replied.

After leaving the library, Long Ling led Nian Bing northwards, chatting while they walked. "My father returned a while ago, but he was a bit too drunk during lunch with the Marquis and Uncle Xue. He took a long nap, and on waking up, hearing that you had arrived, he asked me to fetch you. Alcohol really causes quite a mess. Do you drink, Nian Bing?"

Nian Bing was certainly familiar with alcohol. He did drink, and even brewed his own liquor. As a chef, anything related to food and beverages was within his domain. "A bit maybe, but I seldom drink," he responded. During his time in the Peach Blossom Forest, Cha Ji had often accompanied him in drinking, under whose influence he gained a decent tolerance. However, Cha Ji ensured that his sense of taste was not compromised by only allowing him to drink once in a month or two. Therefore, Nian Bing didn't have much craving for alcohol.

Long Ling chuckled, "It's better to drink less. Alcohol isn't really a good thing and can land you in trouble." Nian Bing felt at ease with Long Ling. After a brief conversation, they reached a pointed dome-like structure not far from the library. Leading Nian Bing to the second floor, she informed him, "We usually eat here. Besides me, the only other disciple my father has is Shi Ji, whom you met last time. Most other mages prefer dining in their own rooms. Let's eat now. After dinner, I'll take you to your quarters. That should make it convenient for you to stay here or go out in the future."

The two entered a room on the left of the second floor. As soon as they walked in, Nian Bing saw Shi Jue, who was looking at him with a slight frown. At the head of the room was a man in his forties or fifties, dressed in a green mage robe. The insignia on the chest of his robe indicated that he was the sole Sorcerer of the Bing Yue Empire Mage's Guild, and also served as the Guild President.

Nian Bing looked at Long Zhi, who was also examining him. Seeing Nian Bing's handsome appearance and sensing his reserved aura, Long Zhi couldn't help but nod his approval. He was good at sizing up people, and could tell just from appearances that Nian Bing was much stronger than his own disciple. Despite being younger than his daughter, Nian Bing evidently had a calm and steady demeanor. Furthermore, as the youngest Great Archmage, Long Zhi found himself developing a favourable impression of him.

Nian Bing walked to the front of the table and respectfully greeted, "Nian Bing pays his respects to the Guild President."

Long Zhi gestured to a seat next to him and said, "Please sit. Welcome to the Guild." His tone was flat, but it brought a subtle pressure to Nian Bing. Although he portrayed humility on the outside, Nian Bing was always on guard, trying to remain composed as he took the seat next to Long Zhi.

Long Ling didn't sit down next to Shi Jue, instead choosing to sit next to Nian Bing. She smiled and said, "Dad, I'm hungry. Let's start eating." The round table was already laden with food, its aroma filling the room.

Long Zhi smiled and replied, "Everyone is here. So, Nian Bing, make sure you eat plenty. Feel free to join us for meals when you are free." Speaking, he was the first to pick up his chopsticks.

Shi Jue shot a glance at Nian Bing, a hint of malice in his gaze. It was fleeting, but the ever-watchful Nian Bing managed to catch it. He quickly glanced at Long Ling sitting beside him. With his intelligence, how could he not understand Shi Jue's intentions?

Long Zhi wasn't eating much, his gaze fixed on Nian Bing. He smiled when he saw Nian Bing looking at his daughter and said, "Nian Bing, you and Ling'er are both Ice Mages. You should take the opportunity to learn from each other and make progress together. Where are you from? How long have you been cultivating magic?"

Nian Bing saw the main question coming, so he quickly put down his chopsticks and replied respectfully, "I am from the Huarong Empire, but I've been away since I was a child. I've been practicing magic for about ten years now. However, I've never had a formal tutor and've been self-taught, which might be seen as a joke."

Long Zhi gave a faint smile and responded, "If one can reach your level simply through self-study, then we old fellows should indeed retire. Mage Li De rarely praises anyone, yet he spoke highly of you. Now that you've joined the Guild, you don't need to be so formal. In the future, we're all family. If you have any questions, you can ask any Elder or come directly to me."

Looking at Long Zhi, Nian Bing's mind worked quickly. "True to his position as the President, his power is fully concealed. Compared to him, Shi Jue is just a worm," he thought. "Thank you, Mr. President. I spent this afternoon in the library. It truly is an ocean of magic knowledge. I think there is more than enough there for me to learn for a long time. I will definitely seek your advice if I'm unsure about something."

Long Zhi gestured to the food on the table and said, "Don't just talk, eat more."

Maintaining constant vigilance, Nian Bing couldn't taste the cuisine. Long Zhi asked seemingly unimportant questions quietly, but Nian Bing knew that a tiny mistake would lead him into a big problem. Shi Jue and Long Ling occasionally turned their gazes towards him. While Long Ling's gaze was mostly filled with curiosity, Shi Jue's was a mixture of jealousy and resentment.

"Nian Bing, where have you been in these few days of city closure?" Long Zhi asked the key question.