The disciples stood in stunned silence. The trial had ended, but the lingering energy of the Soul-Infused Cooking Stations still crackled in the air. Kai's Thunder-Infused Starroot Steak had left an undeniable mark—proving that he had taken a step beyond ordinary chefs.
Zhang Ye placed the empty plate down, his gaze sweeping over the disciples. "Cooking is not just about ingredients or technique. It is the fusion of essence, will, and fire. Today, only a few of you have grasped that concept."
The weight of his words sank in. Some disciples clenched their fists in frustration, while others lowered their heads in silent reflection.
Kai, however, remained still. He could still feel the remnants of his dish's power coursing through his veins. The knowledge he had received from the Divine Flame Monument had guided him, but he knew—this was only the beginning.
Zhang Ye turned away from the stations and gestured toward the main hall. "Follow me. The next phase of your training begins now."
The disciples exchanged uncertain glances before stepping forward.
Inside the hall, an ancient banquet table had been set. Unlike the extravagant feasts common in noble households, this table was simple—yet the dishes placed upon it radiated overwhelming power and refinement.
Zhang Ye motioned for them to sit. "Before one becomes a Divine Chef, they must first understand the true purpose of food. It is not merely sustenance. Food is power, food is medicine, food is transformation."
He pointed to the first dish—Phoenix Marrow Soup, its golden broth shimmering with faint embers of flame.
"This dish was created by a chef who mastered the art of fire infusion. Drinking it can cleanse impurities and strengthen one's spiritual foundation."
The second dish—Frost Lotus Congee, a bowl of delicate, icy grains, mist swirling above its surface.
"A dish crafted using the essence of ice. It stabilizes the mind and enhances mental clarity."
Finally, the third—Earthroot Stew, a deep brown mixture that pulsed with a steady, grounding energy.
"This dish fortifies one's resilience, allowing warriors to withstand greater physical burdens."
Zhang Ye stepped back. "Each of these dishes was created through the harmony of flame, essence, and understanding. Now tell me—what do they all have in common?"
The disciples hesitated. Some glanced at each other, searching for an answer. Kai, however, narrowed his eyes.
"They are not just meals," he said slowly. "They are creations infused with purpose."
Zhang Ye smirked. "Correct."
He walked to the head of the table. "Any fool can cook. But only those who understand the meaning behind food can create dishes that transcend the ordinary."
He then motioned for them to eat. "You have earned this meal. Savor it—and feel the power that true cuisine can bring."
One by one, the disciples took their first bites.
The moment the Phoenix Marrow Soup touched Kai's tongue, a wave of searing heat spread through his body, purging the lingering exhaustion from his trial. It was as if his very soul had been cleansed by fire.
The Frost Lotus Congee brought a cooling clarity, sharpening his mind like never before.
And the Earthroot Stew—with just one spoonful, Kai felt his muscles tighten, his endurance growing stronger with each passing moment.
The other disciples gasped as similar sensations washed over them.
This was true cooking.
Zhang Ye watched them with satisfaction. "Remember this feeling. This is the power of a true chef's cuisine. The day will come when you must create food not just for taste, but for survival, for battle, and for the future itself."
Kai clenched his fists, the lingering energy of the meal burning within him. He understood now—this was more than just cooking. It was a path to mastery, a path to divinity.
And he would walk it, no matter what lay ahead.