The disciples stood at the edge of the training grounds, their eyes fixed on the towering Divine Flame Monument in the distance. Unlike anything they had seen before, the monument radiated an overwhelming aura—ancient, powerful, and filled with mystery.
Zhang Ye stood before them, his arms crossed. "This is the Divine Flame Monument, a sacred relic that records the essence of every great chef who has left their mark on history. It is said that those who truly comprehend the flames will leave behind their own imprint, forever etching their existence into the path of the Divine Chef."
The disciples listened in silence, feeling a strange pull toward the monument, as if something deep within them was responding.
Zhang Ye continued, "Your next trial is simple—step forward and ignite your Soul Flame before the monument. If your flame is strong enough, it will resonate with the engravings of the past masters. If it is weak… you will receive nothing."
The challenge was clear. Only those with true potential could connect with the flames of history.
Kai clenched his fists. His Soul Flame had grown stronger through training, but was it enough?
Zhang Ye gestured toward the monument. "Begin."
The first disciple stepped forward, summoning his Soul Flame with trembling hands. The golden fire flickered weakly as he approached the monument, but the ancient stone remained silent. No reaction.
The disciple lowered his head, stepping back in defeat.
Another stepped forward, then another. Some flames were stronger than others, but the monument remained indifferent.
Then, Linna took her turn.
She took a deep breath, summoning her Soul Flame. Unlike the others, her flame burned steady and focused. As she stepped closer, the monument trembled slightly, and a faint inscription glowed beneath her feet.
Zhang Ye nodded. "A small reaction, but a reaction nonetheless. You may proceed."
Elira followed, her Soul Flame burning bright and unwavering. As she approached, multiple inscriptions flickered across the monument's surface. A hushed murmur spread through the crowd.
Zhang Ye's eyes gleamed. "Good. You are beginning to understand the true essence of the Divine Flame."
Finally, Kai stepped forward.
He had been watching carefully, analyzing every moment. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, focusing on the connection between his flame and his soul. When he opened them, his Soul Flame ignited with newfound intensity.
The moment he stepped before the monument—
Boom!
The monument shuddered violently, golden inscriptions flaring to life across its entire surface. The sky itself seemed to ripple as a deep, ancient hum resonated through the air.
The disciples gasped. No one had ever witnessed such a powerful reaction.
Zhang Ye's eyes narrowed. "Interesting."
The inscriptions danced wildly, as if struggling to form a complete shape. Then, suddenly, a new engraving burned itself into the stone—Kai's mark.
A rush of heat flooded his body. Knowledge, memories, whispers of the past chefs who had once stood in this exact spot. He could feel their experiences, their techniques, their wisdom seeping into his very being.
When the light finally dimmed, the silence that followed was deafening.
Zhang Ye finally spoke. "It seems… a new legend is beginning to take form."
Kai staggered back, his breathing heavy. He didn't fully understand what had happened, but one thing was clear—he had taken a step beyond ordinary chefs.
Zhang Ye turned to the rest of the disciples. "The trial is over. Those who failed… reflect on your weaknesses. Those who succeeded… prepare yourselves."
His gaze lingered on Kai for a moment before he walked away.
"The true journey begins now."