This chapter opens with a conversation between nian-bing, the son of the demon chef, and his master, the water-sorcerer, the master of the mages guild of Bingyue Empire. . The two men discuss the food at a restaurant in the city of qingfeng, and . , the woodcutter, tells his master that he is afraid that he will not be able to leave the city because of the high cost of living. He asks his master to let him go first, but his master refuses, saying that it is not good for the city if things keep going the way they are going. He says that if things do not change, he will have no heart to leave, and he will come to see his master after a few days. The water-sercher, who is called li-de, enters and introduces himself as the guildmaster. He explains that if a new member reaches the intermediate level of the guild, the grand-mage will host the welcome ceremony for them. However, since the master is away on business, the ceremony should be held by the master himself. He tells .