Intruder

They talked for a while to ease the awkwardness and Magus found out that Lila was disguised because of Yanhe. His admiration of her guts and skills increased. Though Lila shared some information she never told him about her ability and her current cultivation. Magus now understood as to why that time Yanhe was so pissed, he realized that it was because of this girl in front of him that ditch him.

"Haha. He deserves it. He's really a toad lusting for a swan's flesh."

They chatted more and exchanged pointers. Lila shared some cultivation technique to Magus that is appropriate to his physique and magic. All those information were given by Amith, she just told Magus that she got it as a chance encounter when she went to a secluded forest. She cannot tell him about Amith and Lord Layla in higherland.

 "Right! Are you hungry? I will cook!"

"Yes. Yes. I miss eating real food already. I have good meat here, let's help each other to prepare breakfast."

Lila remembered the beast that they had slain more than a week ago. Good thing that spatial rings have a magical effect like a preservation space. Even meat can be preserved inside, 1 day stored at the spatial ring was like 30 days outside. It is so convenient for a longer journey because you can store food, drinks, etc without worrying that it will damage soon but of course not all can have a spatial ring. It was so expensive that it can cost hundreds of gold depending on its space and it's tier.

Lila took out a big chunk of meat that made Magus' eyes pop out on its sockets. It's still so fresh that it was freshly butchered. Lila slices a portion that they will use as an ingredient. She professionally sliced the meat into bite-sized meat and she took out herbs and spices she will use.

Since she lived alone for 8 years from her previous world, she took a culinary course when she had extra income to spend. She's a good cook that's why she wanted to enhance her knowledge and she loves eating delicious food. Sandy, her best friend, always wanted to eat her home-made cooking everytime Lila had a day off. Also Lila always makes her own version of every dish she likes.

Magus' eyes were wide as he watched Lila prepare the ingredients. Good thing he bought some vegetables, sauces, etc., that make up for the things that Lila lacked.

She let Magus start a fire on an old-fashioned stove since this realm was a backward place, they use firewood for cooking. Oh how she missed the old times when she only had an electric stove to cook and easy access to water and neat kitchen. She never thought that she had to use her skills in outdoor cooking.

Lila started to boil the eggs, she got a small portion of rice and cooked it on another stove. After the eggs were boiled, she let Magus peel it and started cooking the main dish. Magus also processed the side dishes.

In a large wok, Lila put the diced One-Horned Demon Bear beast meat and cooked for about 10 mins, until the liquid in the pan had almost evaporated. Good thing for the beast meat though there's a bear name on it, it was not like the bear meat on her previous world that's gummy and smelly.

She added add-ons, rock sugar, spices, herbs and stir fry for 30 secs. Afterwards, she added in the sauces, shallots, garlic and ½ of the rice wine and stir for another minute. She covered it and let it simmer for 5 mins. She waited until the sauce was bubbling and slightly thick. Then, she added in the hot water just enough to cover the meat and place in hard boiled eggs and she let it simmer for another 30 mins. She turned the eggs occasionally so that both sides were evenly stewed. After 30 mins, she added in the remaining rice wine and covered again for another 2 mins to finish it.

Magus was captivated by the smell of the dish while it was still cooking. He can't help but wipe his mouth because it's really mouth-watering. Lila scooped rice and put it in two bowls, she topped up the dish she cooked and sliced the eggs in half. For the final touch, she added garnishes that made the food more appetizing.

Magus can't wait to taste Lila's dish, it was not just unique but also smells good and looks yummy. She also makes side dishes, stir fried vegetables and an egg soup. Lila approached the table to serve the dishes while Magus was bringing the cut fruits he purchased when they transferred here. However, when it was served and they were ready to eat a young man just showed up beside Lila.

"Mmmmmm. Smells good. What is this dish?" the young man asked as he pointed his finger to the bowl that Lila was holding.

Lila and Magus were alerted, they never heard any footsteps or sound at the door opening or someone entered. This place is private and secure, so any random person cannot enter their house easily. Lila was also flabbergasted because she knew that she put chants for protection and for her to be not easily detected by anyone who knew her.

"Who are you?! Who authorizes you to enter?!"

Magus activated his spirit power and was ready to attack the young man.

"Oh. I'm just a passerby who was enchanted by the smell and came here to check what food it is. No worries, I'll leave after I get to taste it."

"You... Shameless. You're seeking death!"

Magus stood up and attacked the intruder with all his might but the intruder just smiled and waved his hand.

Just a casual wave of his hand but it dissipated Magus' momentum, he bounced back and crashed on the floor because of the unknown energy.

'Too strong!'

He spewed blood just on that encounter and he was not able to get to know this intruder's identity. He had a cold sweat as he was worried about Lila. He's not aware that she already surpassed him, he still thinks that she has a lower cultivation level than him. He's so pissed about himself because he cannot even protect her.

'Damn! I'm still too weak.'

"Lel, run as fast as you can! You can leave me here. If this guy is one of Yanhe's men you'll be in danger!"

Magus shouted, he tried to stand up to stop the intruder and let Lila escape.

However, Lila was rooted in her chair as her bamboo chopsticks dropped. She did not hear Magus' words as her face was full of shock since she recognized the intruder.

"You…."

The intruder slowly approached Lila, bending down until his face was just inches away from her. He can smell a fresh minty fragrance on her breath, he smiled sweetly as he looked at her face.

"It has been a while Lel or shall I say….the Ice-cold queen young miss Lila?"