Chambers pondered for a moment, then handed the jade pendant back to Ronnie, saying, "Let's go. When we get to Ice City, I'll buy you a red string to wear around your neck. Wear it close to your skin, and its effects will gradually come into play."
The two continued on their way. They hadn't gone far when they heard the rapid, rhythmic sound of hooves behind them. Turning around, they saw the same horse caravan Jade had been with. This time, however, the caravan didn't stop, galloping past them at breakneck speed. Ronnie glanced at the carriage, only to see the curtain slightly lifted, and Chenchen giving him a somewhat defiant glare. Before Ronnie could glare back, the caravan was already a hundred meters away.
Chambers, seeing the displeasure on Ronnie's face, chuckled and said, "What? You've taken a fancy to that little girl? Although there's a difference in status, you might not have the chance in the future. Wait until you're older."
Ronnie snorted, "No way I'd be interested in her. That spoiled brat is just annoying."
Chambers smiled silently, "Meeting on the road is fate. Perhaps you'll really encounter her when you travel to the Oran Empire. It's getting late, let's hurry. It seems we'll have to stay in the city tonight, no matter what."
Ice Snow City, the second largest city in the Ice Moon Empire. From afar, the city walls rise dozens of meters high, wide and sprawling. While not exactly imposing, the entire city stands there, giving off a very dignified feeling. The Azure River flows through the west of Ice Snow City, and the entire city is built along its banks, utilizing its water resources. Although not as famous as Ice Moon City, the capital of the Ice Moon Empire next to the Ice God Tower, it is undoubtedly one of the economic centers of the Ice Moon Empire. Many large merchant guilds have established their base in Ice Snow City, and the city boasts a population of several million. Decades of peace have brought it unprecedented prosperity.
Ronnie and Chambers entered Ice Snow City through the north gate. Dressed as ordinary citizens, they were unremarkable, and the dozens of soldiers at the gate didn't bother to question them, allowing them to easily enter the city.
Upon entering the city, a completely different feeling immediately struck them. The peach blossom forest was like a secluded paradise, while Ice Snow City was a bustling and prosperous scene. The main road was paved with bluestone, and various shops lined both sides, their cries filling the air. Although Ronnie had been here more than a year ago, accustomed to a quiet life, he felt a little out of place upon entering the city.
"Master, what should we buy now?" Ronnie asked. Chambers smiled slightly and said, "We're going to buy quite a lot this time. We need to buy several bags of rice so we don't have to keep coming out, and some good seasonings. Oh, right, I also need to buy you a fine knife. In a few days, you should start formally learning to cook. A chef's knife is just as important as a samurai's knife. Only with a good knife can you fully utilize your culinary skills. Ideally, you should buy a good knife with a magic gem, so you can better use magic to cut ingredients. I don't know about other chefs, but for me..." "Back then, the most important kitchen utensil was a knife."
Upon hearing that Chambers was going to buy him a knife, Ronnie immediately became excited. "Great! Master, I can finally stop using a woodcutter's knife! You absolutely have to buy me a good one, but do you have the money?"
Chambers snorted and said, "Drop the 'do you have the money?' Your master was once a renowned master chef. I could save up enough for several lifetimes. Otherwise, why would I be living a peaceful retirement in the peach blossom forest? I chose that place simply because I like tranquility."
Ronnie chuckled. He chuckled and said, "So, Master must be quite wealthy. What kind of cleaver do you use? The one I usually use doesn't seem particularly special to me!"
Chambers sighed and said, "I've long since shelved my own cleaver. Since I'm no longer the legendary chef I once was, how can I let my precious cleaver gather dust? Perhaps, if your cooking skills meet my standards in the future, I'll pass it on to you."
"Come on, stop thinking about the cleaver. Even if it's a good cleaver, you can't use it effectively right now. Let's go buy some rice first." Chambers then led... Ronnie navigated the ice city with practiced ease. In no time, his wooden cart was piled high with things: essential food, seasonings, and daily necessities. Chambers bought a whole lot, even several sets of simple, coarse cloth clothes for himself and Ronnie to change into. Of course, he hadn't forgotten the red string he'd promised Ronnie; the jade pendant was now worn close to his neck, the warm jade against his chest, its gentle warmth making Ronnie feel incredibly comfortable.
Pushing the increasingly heavy cart, Ronnie complained, "Master, I'm starving! Shouldn't we eat something before we go shopping?"
Chambers looked at her chubby apprentice and chuckled, "With all that fat on you, missing a meal won't hurt. Alright, we've bought almost everything we needed. Let's find an inn to stay in, have a meal, and tonight I'll take you out to see if we can find a suitable knife."
Ronnie sighed and pointed to a small inn ahead, saying, "Master, that's fine. I really can't walk anymore."
Chambers nodded. "Alright. I've stayed there before. The environment isn't great, but it's clean enough."
The inn was named "All Beings," and it housed an old man and a young boy. Pushing the cart to the inn's entrance, a waiter immediately came out, smiling obsequiously, "Gentlemen, would you like to stay here? We have all the necessary facilities, including hot water 24/7, and the prices are fair."