C17 Fighting with Culinary Skills

"This..."

Despite Lin Yu's eventual agreement, his words seemed to suggest that even with his formidable culinary skills, he couldn't assure a complete recovery for Nalan Ziyan. Nalan Zhan's heart was heavy with this realization, yet he remained silent.

Turning to Qin Caiyun, who understood her husband's disposition well, she pondered briefly before speaking. "If Master Lin is willing to help, then we should be content."

Her smile was tinged with sorrow. "Master Lin's cooking is the finest we've encountered over the years. If even he can't heal Ziyan, then perhaps it's simply her destiny to live a life sustained by medicine."

Imagining Nalan Ziyan's grimace as she took her medicine, both Qin Caiyun and Nalan Zhan couldn't suppress a deep, collective sigh.

Situ Deng stood by, his expression somber. He hadn't tasted the fried chicken, but the couple's conversation made it clear he was utterly defeated—and with that, all of Qin Caiyun's hopes for him had vanished.

His anger was palpable, directed at Lin Yu's sudden emergence, yet he felt powerless to change anything. Everyone knew he had forsaken the chance to become a Magic Arts Master for Ziyan's sake, to help her eat normally, but years had passed without success. Lin Yu, however, had managed to feed her almost instantly.

"Perhaps it's just fate," he mused, though his gaze lingered on the plate of fried chicken. "Could it truly be so delectable? The Marquis, who has savored the imperial chef's delicacies, is won over..."

Noticing Situ Deng's interest, Lin Yu's smile grew more relaxed, understanding the Marquis's acceptance. He addressed Situ Deng, "Any objections left? Why not taste the fried chicken for yourself?"

After a brief hesitation and a flicker of defiance in his eyes, Situ Deng knew his harsh words couldn't alter the outcome. Shakily, he reached out with his chopsticks, picked up a piece of chicken, and brought it to his lips.

The fried chicken had lost some of its initial allure as it cooled, yet when Situ Deng took a bite, his taste buds detonated with flavor! The impact was even more profound for him than for Nalan Zhan and his wife, given that he was a renowned chef himself.

Situ Deng's mastery over flavors was exceptional, and he recognized the culinary wisdom Lin Yu had infused into this seemingly simple dish. He had expected the fried chicken to be unbearably greasy, a sentiment Lin Yu had subtly acknowledged. Thus, Situ Deng chose to forgo any sauce.

Yet, the chicken remained delectable to the last bite. Yes, there was a hint of greasiness, but it was forgivable. With a complex look, Situ Deng let out a sigh, conceding, "I'm bested! In the culinary arts, I must admit you surpass me."

"Your single dish has eclipsed all my years of dedication..." Situ Deng looked up at Lin Yu with a fierce gaze, his voice tinged with frustration, "But I refuse to accept this! I demand a formal challenge!"

Upon hearing this, Nalan Zhan couldn't help but reprimand him, "Situ Deng, what are you thinking? Master Lin is beyond your league! If you don't want to abandon cooking, I can have everyone pretend they never heard your claim... But don't let stubbornness get the best of you!"

Nalan Zhan's words struck Situ Deng like a sledgehammer. He stood there, a wry smile flickering across his face. Had his last-ditch effort really been reduced to mere caprice?

But it was Nalan Zhan who had spoken, the most esteemed individual in all of Heavenly Cloud City. Situ Deng yearned to argue but found himself speechless, his gaze fixed on Lin Yu as he projected all his frustration onto him.

Lin Yu, however, was unfazed. If it were anything but cooking, he might have cause for concern. But in a culinary contest? He could only chuckle to himself. With his innate talent, he could outcook most in this world without breaking a sweat. And now, with a search engine at his disposal in his mind's computer, finding a recipe was a piece of cake.

As Lin Yu pondered, he addressed Nalan Zhan, "Lord Marquis, there's no need for concern. It's only natural for Young Master Situ to feel this way. Young people often bristle at seeing their peers excel beyond them. If he wishes to truly test his skills against mine... then I accept the challenge!"

Situ Deng's eyes narrowed, but he eventually declared with a hint of pride, "Good that you've accepted! But don't fool yourself into thinking that your fried red jade chicken seals your victory. I am a culinary king, capable of preparing Spirit Cuisine!"

The mention of "Spirit Cuisine" caused Lin Linger's face to subtly shift. She reached to tug at Lin Yu's sleeve, urging him to keep his cool, yet Lin Yu had already stepped forward, stating coolly, "I'm not concerned with whatever tricks you have up your sleeve. You're simply not my equal."

Perhaps it was Lin Yu's aura of confidence that pushed Situ Deng back several paces, his complexion draining to a pallor. After a long, hard look at Lin Yu, he departed without bidding farewell to Nalan Zhan and his wife, leaving only his parting words, "Very well, I shall await you at the Marquis' Mansion tomorrow morning!"

With a faint smile, Lin Yu dismissed him, "Overconfident, aren't we?"

Nalan Zhan, sensing an opportunity, turned to Lin Yu, "Since Master Lin has graciously agreed to cook for my daughter, it's only right that you're compensated. Given that Master Lin's daytime rate is 500 Spirit Stones per dish..."

"Then for every dish you create that my daughter enjoys, I'll consider it worth 500 Spirit Stones, including today's chicken drumstick. I'll pay you 500 Spirit Stones for it." With a grand gesture, Nalan Zhan signaled, and Huofeng approached with a wooden chest in her arms.

"Here are 1000 Spirit Stones, your fee..." Nalan Zhan quickly added, perhaps fearing Lin Yu might have second thoughts, then followed Qin Caiyun out of the courtyard. They boarded the waiting sedan chair and departed.

Shortly thereafter, a figure materialized before Lin Yu, her form elegant, her expression frosty—Huofeng. Observing Lin Yu's cheerful demeanor, she inquired evenly, "Master Lin, the Lord Marquis requests your culinary services for the young miss starting tomorrow. Will you be available?"

Lin Yu certainly wouldn't turn down the offer. A smile graced his face as he replied with effortless confidence, "I've definitely got the time. Once I've given Master Situ a thrashing, I'll head straight over to whip up some dishes for the miss. At 500 Spirit Stones a plate, I can't afford to dilly-dally."

Once Huofeng had departed, Lin Linger hurriedly tugged at Lin Yu's sleeve, her voice tinged with urgency, "Brother, do you even grasp the concept of Spirit Cuisine?"