The applause still echoed through the hall as Master Wei studied Kai carefully. This young chef had just achieved something unheard of—a dish capable of breaking cultivation barriers.
The other disciples were still in shock.
"That wasn't just a high-level dish…"
"It had the power to help someone advance! How is that even possible?"
Kai remained calm, his expression unreadable. He had already expected this kind of reaction. After all, this was only the first step.
Master Wei finally spoke, his voice steady yet filled with newfound respect.
"Kai," he said, addressing him by name for the first time, "your Ember Awakening Soup has surpassed all expectations. This dish alone could reshape the future of Spiritual Cooking."
The room fell silent again. To reshape the future of Spiritual Cooking…?
It was an outrageous claim, but no one dared to refute it. They had all witnessed the power of the dish firsthand.
Master Wei continued, "You have walked through fire, braved danger, and mastered balance in your cooking. You are no ordinary chef."
Kai met his gaze, unshaken. "I never intended to be ordinary."
Master Wei's lips curled into a rare smile. "Then, I shall not treat you as such."
With that, he turned toward the other instructors and academy elders who had gathered in the hall, all of them wearing expressions of deep contemplation.
"I propose that Kai be given access to the Advanced Recipe Pavilion, a privilege only granted to top-tier chefs."
A ripple of shock spread through the room.
The Advanced Recipe Pavilion was reserved for elite chefs who had spent years mastering their craft. Even senior disciples had to prove themselves before stepping foot inside.
A middle-aged elder frowned. "Master Wei, isn't this too soon? He has only just begun…"
"Then tell me," Master Wei interrupted, "how many of you have created a dish capable of advancing one's cultivation?"
The elder opened his mouth to argue but found himself at a loss for words.
Master Wei's voice carried through the hall. "If we hold back true talent out of fear of tradition, we will only limit the future of our craft. I believe Kai has the potential to reach the pinnacle of Spiritual Cooking."
His words left no room for argument.
The head elder finally nodded. "Very well. Kai will be granted access to the Advanced Recipe Pavilion."
A wave of murmurs filled the room, but no one objected further.
Kai remained calm, though his heart burned with determination.
The Advanced Recipe Pavilion…
It was the gateway to forbidden knowledge, lost techniques, and ingredients beyond imagination.
If he wanted to reach the level of a true Divine Chef, then this was only the beginning of his journey.