Chapter 42: Let the Show Begin

Yun Xuan fell silent, and the other four, after a brief moment of surprise, clenched their teeth and continued preparing their own dishes. The dried medicinal herbs were ground into powder and sprinkled into the soup, then mixed with spices and seasonings, each portion crafted with meticulous care.

Next, the golden powder was wrapped in a coating, combined with chicken, and shaped into balls. The balls were deep-fried, and Yun Xuan sprinkled more golden powder on their surface. Instantly, a rich aroma wafted through the air, enveloping the entire venue.

“What is that golden powder?”

“It smells amazing. This original recipe might truly deliver the effects he claims.”

“There’s no doubt who’ll earn the title of Culinary Spirit.”

“Is it crab powder?” Fang Ao Xue caught the central scent, shrouded in various spices yet retaining its distinctive character.

Time ticked by. Yun Xuan gazed at the golden crab balls, picked one up, and took a bite. The flavors of succulent crab and spices burst in his mouth, making him exclaim in delight—crispy and delicious.

The audience all swallowed hard.

Yun Xuan placed the rest of the crab balls onto a plate and walked to the refrigerator.

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

“What’s he doing?”

The students of the Culinary Academy stared in disbelief. What was the point of refrigerating freshly fried food?

“That’s the final step. Just wait,” Yun Xuan glanced at the soup in the pot, which still needed more time. Two hours would be just right.

Luckily, the recipe had two components that could be substituted; otherwise, Yun Xuan would have been unable to finish the dish.

First, using internal energy to crush the crab; second, freezing the balls with ice. These seemingly nonsensical steps were, in fact, the most crucial—and impossible to replicate—parts of the recipe.

Even Fang Ao Xue, with her keen sense of smell, couldn’t discern how many spices were used or the ratio of crab to other ingredients. The golden powder was clearly the key.

“First to finish is Gin Sakagami. His dish is... ramen?” Chishima Mingyin stared at the red broth and noodles, momentarily taken aback.

“This is my dish, seafood-flavored ramen,” Gin Sakagami said softly.

The three judges began to taste, showering Gin Sakagami’s dish with praise. Next came Aoyuki Miyauchi, Alice, and Yukika Kitagawa.

“Time’s up,” Chishima Mingyin announced, watching Yun Xuan approach with the frozen golden crab balls. The soup pot was still covered, but everyone could imagine the heat inside.

“Would you mind watching my performance?” Yun Xuan smiled.

“Begin, please,” Koji Kamijo replied expectantly.

Yun Xuan uncovered the pot and poured all the crab balls in.

“The soup is turning gold…” Chishima Mingyin, closest to the action, gaped at the miraculous sight.

“This is my dish: Golden River Crab Balls.” Yun Xuan, suppressing a smile, announced the name.

Three bowls of Golden River Crab Balls were placed before the judges, steaming and aromatic.

“Whew…” Fang Ao Xue scooped up a crab ball. In just a minute, the ball had softened.

She took a bite, eyes widening.

“So intense…” Fang Ao Xue’s cheeks flushed; the combination of ball and soup was truly medicinal. She felt her body heat rising.

“Wait,” Yun Xuan stopped her as she reached for more, grabbing her wrist.

“What are you doing?” Fang Ao Xue was embarrassed and somewhat angry. She didn’t know why, but her body was growing feverish and restless.

“I underestimated the medicinal power of this soup. It’s not suited to you. For you, it will cause your body to heat up, even to the point of tearing your clothes, entering a state of urgent need in certain respects,” Yun Xuan said, rubbing his nose awkwardly.

“What?!” Fang Ao Xue’s spoon fell to the table, her face bright red. There was only one kind of medicine that could cause such a reaction—the kind that made people lose control.

“Ahem, Headmaster, it’s the same for men, I believe,” Yun Xuan reminded.

Kamijo and Koji simultaneously set down their spoons and cupped their noses.

“My goodness… Could it be that kind of medicine?”

“The headmaster and director seem to have nosebleeds…”

“Is the medicinal effect of this dish too strong?”

The audience whispered among themselves, casting odd glances at Yun Xuan.

Beside the judges’ table.

“Let me go,” Fang Ao Xue said quietly.

Yun Xuan released her, wearing a wry smile. Only now did he realize why the recipe required crushing with internal energy, so many medicinal herbs, and freezing the crab balls—it was meant for martial artists!

Even though he’d used modern methods to reduce the medicinal potency, the dish was still too strong for ordinary people.

The result was an overdose of supplement; if the three judges finished their bowls, they might suffer from excessive nourishment.

“Yun Xuan, I, as an old man, can’t handle this tonic, but the taste is absolutely perfect,” Kamijo said with a bitter smile.

“Yun Xuan, I didn’t expect you could make something like this. Haven’t you tried it yourself?” Koji teased.

“Perhaps because I’m in good health,” Yun Xuan recalled his intermediate physical training. Without enhanced strength, he wouldn’t have been able to perform such agile movements.

His body had probably reached the lowest tier of martial artists, just enough to handle the Golden River Crab Balls.

“Yun Xuan, I’m willing to pay a million for this pot of soup. Is that acceptable? If I finish it, I’ll buy again,” Koji’s eyes gleamed as he gazed at the soup pot.

Yun Xuan paused to think.

This Golden River Crab Ball had already surpassed his understanding. If such a thing caught the attention of the upper echelons, it would undoubtedly be treasured. There was a chance it might attract the notice of legendary martial artists, which could be dangerous for him.

With so many witnesses, he couldn’t tamper with the soup, so handing it over to Koji was his only option. But…

Yun Xuan glanced at the still steaming pot.

“Wait—the steam. I think I missed something.” Without betraying his thoughts, Yun Xuan had Meow-Meow, the cat-eared girl, flip to the end of the Golden Recipe, needing only to think about it.

After reading the final line, a smile appeared at the corner of Yun Xuan’s mouth. Just as he suspected.

“Of course, Koji, a million is fine,” Yun Xuan agreed with a smile.

“Thank you, Yun Xuan,” Koji’s eyes flashed with excitement. If this soup was as he suspected, offering it to that great person would surely earn him a reward.

“No need to thank me,” Yun Xuan replied, his smile unwavering. He already understood Koji’s intentions.

There were martial artists in China; could the island nation be without them? Even if they were somewhat weaker, they were still martial artists.

Those seeking breakthroughs surely pursued culinary and medicinal secrets as well.

Even if they couldn’t leap rooftops or walk on walls, greater strength and improved health were possible.

Martial artists, after all, are simply those who have surpassed the limits of the human body, not world-destroying immortals with extended lifespans.

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