Chapter 41: The Battle for the Spirit Devourer

“What a bore…” The girl’s sigh echoed in the air.

The sky was pure white, the ground equally so, and in the vast expanse of heaven and earth, only one person existed.

A variety of snacks lay at her side, countless bookshelves stood behind her, and a virtual screen before her ceaselessly calculated something unknown.

“What is it, really?” The girl rose, her wings unfurled behind her, and she closed her eyes, soaring freely into the sky.

It was a place no one could touch—a cage of confinement.

…

“What a strange dream.” Yun Xuan sat up, gazing at the sunlight streaming through the window.

Last night, sleep had indeed claimed him. He’d glanced at the Golden Cookbook, memorized a seafood recipe, and then drifted off.

Just now, in his dream, it seemed someone was calling his name, but he couldn’t recall it at all. All he felt was a deep ache within, so painful it weighed on his breath.

“Knock, knock.” There was a knock at the door.

Yun Xuan shook his head, dismissing the thought, dressed, and opened the door.

“Brother, shall we go together?” Yun Xue stood outside.

She wore sky-blue jeans and a cute white T-shirt, head lowered and cheeks flushed.

“Xue’er, you look beautiful today.” Yun Xuan gently stroked Yun Xue’s long hair.

“Brother, you always say such things…” Yun Xue mumbled, but did not evade, letting Yun Xuan caress her hair.

“Xue’er, I truly want to be with you all forever, from the bottom of my heart.” Yun Xuan whispered, embracing Yun Xue.

“Brother? Xue’er feels the same.” Yun Xue softly hugged him back.

“Oh my, Xue’er and Xiao Xuan are flaunting their affection so early in the morning?” Yun Xun’er teased from the side.

“We’re… we’re not flaunting anything.” Yun Xue pushed Yun Xuan away, retreating two steps as if caught in the act.

“Xue’er is so easy to read.” Yun Xun’er laughed heartily.

“Sister Xun’er…” Yun Xue blushed anew as she realized.

“Xue’er is shy again. I only gave you a hug, you know.” Yun Xuan joined in the banter.

“Brother, you’re bullying me too. Hmph, Xue’er won’t talk to you anymore.” Yun Xue pouted and turned away.

“This is what makes us a family.” Yun Xun’er said softly, giving Xue’er a hug.

“Sister, you’re quoting manga again—not sincere at all.” Yun Xue was amused.

“So obvious? Looks like I’ll have to tease you properly next time.” Yun Xun’er smiled, stepping aside.

“Good morning, Xuan-kun, Xue-chan, Sister Xun’er.” Lin Qingyu emerged from his room, yawning.

“Qingyu looks adorable like this, don’t you think, Xiao Xuan?” Yun Xun’er said to Yun Xuan.

“Yes, very cute—for a boy, that is.” Yun Xuan nodded.

“Don’t say that! I’m a boy, how can you call me cute? Xuan-kun, that’s too much.” Lin Qingyu puffed out his cheeks.

“Hahaha, you really are adorable.” Yun Xun’er laughed without a care for her image.

“Good morning.” Nangong Xiaomeng and Qin Yue arrived.

“Good morning. Let’s head out.” Yun Xuan checked the time. He wouldn’t be at ease without giving it a try.

This seafood dish was no ordinary fare—every step required utmost precision, with no room for error.

…

At nine o’clock sharp, the six arrived at the Culinary Academy.

A small shop once again bustled with activity. Yun Xuan had discussed with Ye Shan Yuanting: if they won first place, Ye Shan Yuanting would gain rights to three mid-tier shops in the central market, as promised by Shangchuan.

The small shop was an ordinary outlet in the gourmet garden; the mid-tier shops were located more centrally, with the highest foot traffic.

Ye Shan Yuanting could not refuse such an offer—he needed money to prove himself.

In return, Ye Shan Yuanting was responsible for assisting Yun Xuan, helping him prepare his dishes.

For example, the preparations this time.

“Is this traditional medicine?” Ye Shan Yuanting looked at Yun Xuan’s shopping list, puzzled.

“Yes, just these. Buy them for me, I’ll get started on the preparations.” Yun Xuan eyed the crabs before him.

“Give me half an hour.” Ye Shan Yuanting thought for a moment, then left.

Yun Xuan glanced at the virtual screen displaying the recipe, and with a flick of his knife, expertly chopped up the crabs.

He then fried them in spiced oil, and afterwards, used a machine to pulverize the fried crabs into fine crumbs.

Such machines were common in the Culinary Academy, but the recipe’s final instruction said to shatter them using internal energy. Yun Xuan could only scoff: Ridiculous!

Once dried, the golden powder—infused with spices—became the heart of the dish.

Golden powder, combined with medicinal herbs—what kind of dish was Yun Xuan preparing?

…

At two fifty in the afternoon.

The audience began to file in. Yun Xuan and his four companions waited in the lounge, their preparations complete. The finals consisted of a single match, with ingredients chosen freely.

“It’s time.” Banjo Ginzi, watching the television, spotted Chishima Mingyin and hurried everyone along.

“Let’s go—the last round, the battle for the title of Food Spirit!” Yun Xuan’s smile brimmed with confidence, as if victory were assured.

The other four wore solemn expressions. On such a grand stage, every dish would be recorded by the Culinary Management Committee; the evaluation could become their springboard to the rank of three-star chef.

“Since the founding of the Food Spirit Arena thirty years ago, twenty chefs have earned the Food Spirit title. Each year’s battle for the Food Spirit is a spectacular contest—some win repeatedly, some rise to fame in a single stroke. Today, a new Food Spirit will be crowned, the twenty-first! Contestants, please take the stage!” Chishima Mingyin announced with a smile.

Yun Xuan and his companions walked up from the side passage, each standing behind their cooking station, ingredients already laid out before them.

“The theme is seafood. You have two hours. Begin cooking!” Chishima Mingyin wasted no words, seeing the five standing ready.

All five began simultaneously.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, Yun Xuan brought out medicinal herbs.

“Could it be… another original creation?!” Dongfang Aoxue stared at Yun Xuan in shock.

“Ahem, allow me to introduce my dish. As students of the Culinary Academy, you must be familiar with a unique style of cuisine from Huaxia—it incorporates medicinal herbs in its preparation.” Yun Xuan turned to address the students.

“Medicinal cuisine?” Shangchuan’s expression grew expectant.

“Exactly. Today, I’m making a medicinal seafood dish. This recipe not only has restorative qualities, but can alleviate anemia, and even offers immediate relief for colds.” Yun Xuan smiled.

“What?”

“Is this medicinal cuisine? Incredible!”

“Restorative effects—a seafood dish that rivals medicine with herbs?”

The students were incredulous. Was medicinal cuisine really so miraculous?

“Well then… watch closely.” Yun Xuan revealed the golden powder, smiling.

(P.S.: Weakly asking for recommendations. Here’s today’s chapter.)