Chapter 98: The Rise of a Master

Page (1/3) Chapter 98: The Growth of a Master

“Ah, this feels wonderful!” At last, a head emerged from under the covers, followed by four limbs. “Awake?” Nearby, a girl closed the book in her hands and asked. “Oh, Arcana, when did you get here?” “Not long ago,” the girl answered coolly. Ye Tian glanced at the table beside her, piled with a stack of thick books. “Er, would you like something to eat? I’ll make it.” Ye Tian sprang to his feet; judging by the books, the girl must have been here all afternoon. The room felt a bit chilly to him.

“No appetite,” Arcana replied, her gaze steady on Ye Tian’s face. “What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?” he asked in confusion. “Nothing. Never mind. I’m hungry now, and I want lots and lots of delicious food!” she sighed, then declared suddenly.

“Yes, right away!” Ye Tian hurried to get dressed, thankfully not having the habit of sleeping naked, or things would have been awkward. He tidied his hair as he slipped on his clothes. “Let’s have some specialty dishes today!” With that, he got up to leave, but suddenly an arm wrapped around his waist, and a figure pressed against his back. “It’s good to be alive and back.”

“It’s nothing, didn’t I say so?” Ye Tian reached up to pat her head. “Enough talk, I’ll go cook now.” “Wait, just a moment,” the girl took a deep breath, inhaling his scent, then let go. “I’m hungry; hurry up.” “Alright!” Ye Tian grinned, kicked open the door, and jogged toward the kitchen.

“Ah!” Arcana sighed softly, tossing her book onto the table, patting her cheeks, and following after him.

“Grey, Grey, welcome back!” Ye Tian was busy in the kitchen when a pair of powerful arms scooped him up in a bear hug. Twisting his head, he asked, “Who are you?” “It’s me!” the newcomer replied, immediately sounding aggrieved.

Ye Tian scrutinized the slender, handsome older man before him—he did seem familiar, a bit like Charles. “Are you Mentor Charles?” “Yes, yes, it’s me!” The older man broke into a mischievous smile. “Who else but me?” He moved in for another hug.

“Stop, stop!” Ye Tian waved his spoon frantically to fend off the enthusiastic mentor. “Hold it! I’m not interested in that!” “As if I’d want that!” Charles retorted, pouting. “I’m just expressing how much I missed you!”

“Alright, I know. But you look so… dashing now.” Ye Tian examined Charles—gone was the old, chubby, lecherous look; when he wasn’t smiling, he could easily pass for a classic mature heartthrob, a lady-killer. “Losing weight shouldn’t change you this much, though!”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Charles said mysteriously. “By the way, where have you been all this time?” “I had a few things to take care of,” Ye Tian replied. “What would you like to eat? I’ll make it.”

“You know me best!” Charles patted Ye Tian’s shoulder excitedly. “The biggest, most delicious dishes!” “Aren’t you afraid of getting fat again?” Ye Tian teased. “Not at all!” Charles grinned slyly. “With the way I look now, I couldn’t fatten up even if I tried!” He struck a pose to show off his slim figure.

“I’ve decided—double the laxatives,” Ye Tian thought expressionlessly. Charles, oblivious to the scheme brewing beside him, continued to watch Ye Tian work with a silly grin. “Go wait in the other room. Miss Arcana will join you shortly.”

“Oh!” Charles beamed and headed out, winking at Ye Tian. “One more helping!” Ye Tian thought, still stone-faced, and kept busy in the kitchen.

Soon, a table laden with delicacies was ready. Ye Tian called out to the drooling foodie, “Stop staring and eat!” Arcana immediately jabbed a fork toward a piece of Sichuan-style fish. Smack! A hand gently tapped her fair wrist, and she withdrew it in pain.

“You can’t eat spicy food,” Ye Tian said without expression. “But, but I want to!” Arcana pouted, her face adopting a pitiful, tearful look.

“Hehe, dear Miss Arcana, these are all mine!” Charles said cheerfully, forking up a piece of fish, holding it to his nose to savor the aroma. “Smells wonderful!” He took a bite. “Wow, so spicy! But so good!” “Grey!”

“No, try this,” Ye Tian said gently, sliding a plate of spring rolls in front of her. “What’s this, a snack?” “You could say that,” Ye Tian replied. “Try it.” The girl carefully speared a piece with her fork and took a bite.

“It’s delicious! So fragrant, so crisp, so sweet!” she exclaimed happily. “Really?” Charles gulped down his fish and reached for the spring rolls. “Hmph, they’re all mine!” Arcana seized the plate and whisked it away.

“Stingy!” Charles tore a drumstick off a nearby roast chicken. “Delicious! Why can’t the chefs make food like this?” “It’s just a different method,” Ye Tian replied quietly, dabbing at the girl’s lips with a napkin. “Have some porridge.”

“So, how is it? Tasty?” Ye Tian asked as he tidied the table, glancing at the girl sipping porridge with elegant poise. “Mmm, it’s great. By the way, what happened to Mentor Charles?” “Oh, probably ate too much,” Ye Tian replied blandly.

“Grey, come shopping with me this afternoon,” the girl requested. “Of course,” Ye Tian agreed without hesitation. “Hmph, you just want to buy more of those herbs of yours,” she huffed in mock anger. “That’s the plan,” Ye Tian admitted as he cleared the table and headed to the kitchen.

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“Grey, what do you think of this one?” “It looks great!” Ye Tian nodded seriously. “What’s so great about it?” The girl spun gracefully. “Your hair looks nice!” Ye Tian grinned. Annoyed, she stomped on his foot and hurried back to the fitting room.

“Is it worth getting so mad?” Ye Tian muttered, rubbing his foot, when the doorbell chimed and two pretty girls entered the boutique. “Welcome!” the enthusiastic clerk greeted them.

“Oh, aren’t you that manservant?” one of the girls said, spotting Ye Tian still kneading his foot. “Yes, that’s me.” Ye Tian glanced over—she was quite pretty, but he didn’t recognize her.

“Are you alone?” the other girl asked. “I’m here with a friend,” Ye Tian said, pointing to the bags beside him. “A girlfriend?” At once, the first girl perked up. “Who is she, a student or a maid?”

“Neither, and just a regular friend, don’t overthink it.” Ye Tian scratched his head. “Aren’t you here to shop? Take your time.” He quickly tried to change the subject, because...

“Could she be a mentor?” The girl pressed on. “Which one? No way a mentor would like a manservant like you. Or do you have some special talent?” she teased.

“I don’t know about any special talents,” Ye Tian said helplessly, “but I do know you’re about to be unlucky.” He nudged his chin toward the back, where Arcana stood, her face icy.

“Oh, Mentor Arcana!” The two girls jumped in fright.

“What class are you from? Don’t you know you’re not supposed to be out at a critical time? Or do you want your career as magicians to end here?” Arcana said coldly. “Seems you two have a knack for spreading rumors. Should I recommend you for the job?”

“Oh, no need, we’ll go back right away.” The girls’ faces fell. Arcana was infamous for her mercurial moods and her special status; most people avoided her if they could, as no one wanted their magical career abruptly ended.

After the two girls left, Arcana turned to Ye Tian. “Oh, the skirt looks wonderful!” Ye Tian praised. “Who were they?” Arcana wasn’t so easily fooled. “I don’t know them.”

“Really?” “Really.” “Fine, I’ll pick a few more outfits.” She turned back into the dressing room. “No, please,” Ye Tian wailed, “my salary!”

By evening, a relaxed Arcana and a woebegone Ye Tian returned to campus. “Dear lady, I’m poor already; you didn’t have to make me pay for everything!” Ye Tian’s hands were loaded with bags, some even hanging from his neck. If only his ears could carry more, she’d probably have hung some there too.

Despite his complaints, Ye Tian’s mouth was free, and the girl listened to his grumbling with a satisfied smile, her mood soaring. “By the way, Grey, why don’t you visit Leiden?” she asked.

“Why would I?” Ye Tian thought the fellow must be accompanied by two beauties at the moment—no need to play third wheel. “Oh, do you trust that demon?” The girl eyed him sideways. “Just ask what you want to ask,” Ye Tian replied resignedly.

“How did you train him into a master?” “That’s a secret,” Ye Tian replied with a cheeky grin. “Hmph!” She pouted, “Forget it, keep your mysteries.”

“That’s right, it’s my secret technique, never to be shared!” Ye Tian laughed wickedly.

“Hmph!” Her eyes sparkled with an idea. “Grey, I’m hungry.” “No way!” Ye Tian shook the bags in his hands. “Spare me for today.”

“But I want to eat!” She ran over and clung to his arm, pleading.

“Hey, hey, people are watching!” Ye Tian protested. “You don’t want tomorrow’s gossip, do you?” Reluctantly, she let go. “Will you cook or not?” “How about I make some snacks?” Ye Tian suggested after a moment’s thought.

“Yes, do lots!” She nodded eagerly, like a pecking chick. Anything Ye Tian made was bound to be delicious. “Hurry up, then!” “Alright, I’ll have someone bring it over later.”

“No, I’ll come to your place to eat,” she insisted. “That’s not appropriate at this hour,” Ye Tian said, glancing at the sky.

“If I’m not afraid, why are you?” Arcana fumed. “I’m afraid of getting hacked to bits!” Ye Tian sighed.

“Why?” she asked curiously.

“Think about it!” Ye Tian said with mock seriousness. “You’re beautiful and a mentor, I’m a manservant. If someone sees you in my room at night, they’ll think a flower’s been stuck in a cow pat. Wouldn’t people be jealous enough to come after me with knives?”

“Hehe, that’s a vivid image. Fine, I won’t go. But let that squirrel stay with me tonight.” “Er, Layla took it for a bath,” Ye Tian scratched his head.

“Hmph, you two get along quite well!” Arcana said, a bit displeased.

“Just like with you,” Ye Tian replied with a forced smile.

“And what are we?” “Master and servant, of course.” “Thud! Ouch!” Ye Tian’s foot was stomped on again. The girl raised her chin, turned, and walked off, leaving Ye Tian hopping on one foot in pain.

Once again, Leiden astonished everyone. After only a single day’s rest, he appeared at the arena the next day, full of energy, shattering everyone’s crystal spectacles. It was simply impossible!

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“Incredible!” an old man exclaimed. “I thought he’d miss the elimination round, but in just one day, he’s recovered completely. Incredible! Did he enhance his body somehow?”

“That’s possible, but what’s the point of a magician strengthening the body? That time would be better spent meditating,” another old man opined.

“Not necessarily. At the very least, recovery would be faster,” a third responded.

“What do you think, Chief Judge?” All eyes turned to the chief referee.

“Well, ahem, I’m not sure either,” the old chief admitted awkwardly.

“Bah!” The elders scoffed in unison. “Still, I have a feeling—a true master is being born!”

“Leiden, your last match was brilliant!” Across from him, an ice mage declared proudly. “But Brian relied on that wand of his. I’ll defeat you with my own strength!”

“Please, show me your skills,” Leiden replied. “Ice mage Senior Christine, you must be advanced now.” “Yes, so be careful!” With that, Christine swung her staff, sending an ice spike hurtling toward Leiden.

Bang! The ice spike was shattered by a swirling shield of wind before it reached Leiden. “Interesting! Starfall!”

Suddenly, a rain of ice spikes poured down on Leiden. He swept his staff, summoning five spinning wind shields around him that ground every incoming spike to powder.

“Impressive!” Christine smiled, sending a giant ice spike flying at Leiden.

“Go!” The wind shield before Leiden soared to meet it. Crash! The ice spike lost a chunk, but the shield was smashed in the process. Alarmed, Leiden sent all his remaining shields forward.

The arena filled with flying ice shards as the two spells collided. In the end, Christine’s giant spike was shredded, but all of Leiden’s shields were destroyed as well.

“What? That works?” The students at the edge of the arena were amazed—using spinning wind shields to grind up an opponent’s magic?

“Incredible! Incredible! Spiral Lance!” Amid the icy fog, Christine unleashed a powerful technique—a move designed specifically to counter magic shields.

“Wind Blades!” Leiden swung his staff, a ring of pale blue wind blades surrounding him.

“Tornado!” Instantly, a small tornado formed around Leiden, amplifying the power of the wind blades. Bang, bang, bang! The wind blades struck the spiral lance, shattering it completely. “Go!” With a wave, Leiden sent a storm of wind blades slicing toward Christine.

“Ice Wall!” Christine’s staff flashed, summoning a thick wall of ice before her. Bang, bang, bang! Ice chips flew, but the wall stood unscathed.

“Rise!” Christine smiled, then sent the massive ice wall crashing down on Leiden.

“That’s allowed?” The spectators were shocked again, but on second thought, it made sense. Since ice walls were magical, why not use them as physical attacks from above? With such a massive wall, Leiden’s shields couldn’t possibly cut through it.

Indeed, Leiden couldn’t slice through the giant ice wall. He quickly cast Swift Wind, moving aside just in time to evade the not-quite-attack.

Crash! Leiden stopped short, glancing down to find his feet frozen to the spot.

“Finally caught you,” Christine said with a smile, as a huge ice spike appeared above his head. “Give up, Leiden!” He saw a chill creeping toward him from Christine’s feet, magic pouring into the spell. The ice was already up to his knees.

“So all of Senior Christine’s magic was to set up this final blow!” The students murmured among themselves. Though it was a sneak attack, winning was winning, and at this point, Leiden was immobilized.

“Not so fast, Senior Christine. I suggest you stay perfectly still!” Leiden smiled. Christine froze, feeling a sudden breeze and then saw a few strands of her hair float down.

“What’s this? Invisible wind blades?” Christine was shocked. Wind magic had a color—a pale blue—which was always a frustration for wind mages. If wind magic were invisible, who could detect it, let alone defend against it?

“How did you do that?” Christine dared not move, sensing a multitude of wind blades encircling her, a clear sense of danger rising.

“I just did it,” Leiden replied, waving his hand to conjure a ribbon of flame that began melting the ice at his feet.

“Your control is amazing!” Christine conceded defeat. Simultaneously casting two different spells—Christine knew she couldn’t do that. It seemed she had fallen into Leiden’s trap, not the other way around.

“Senior Christine’s strategy was sound. If my wind blades weren’t invisible, I’d have lost,” Leiden admitted, dismissing his wind blades with a sweep of his hand, raising a small whirlwind.

“What happened? What happened?” The crowd outside the arena was baffled, having missed the subtle exchange. Only a few were still pondering what had occurred, trying to unravel the mystery.

“The birth of a true master lies in how he thinks,” the chief judge said with a smile.

“Indeed. Power without understanding is useless; in the end, you’ll only be defeated by someone else,” the elders agreed with a nod.