A dragon is a sacred and majestic symbol.
In the culture of the Heavenly Dynasty, it represents power, dignity, and honor.
The Ascending Dragon Dumplings draw inspiration from this mighty creature, crafted with meticulous skill and intricate presentation, making them a truly unique dish.
In many culinary traditions, a dish's appeal is not only about taste but also its visual harmony—the use of colors, composition, and presentation.
Chefs may incorporate herbs, fruits, and vegetables to enhance aesthetics or use metal and wooden utensils to amplify the dish's natural beauty.
Yet, these are merely embellishments.
What truly sets Ascending Dragon Dumplings apart is their dynamic beauty—they actually move.
Yes, these dumplings appear to "come to life" during steaming!
The secret behind this phenomenon lies in using two different-density dumpling skins.
As the dumplings steam, the layers expand at different rates, causing the entire dumpling to ripple and shift as if it were ascending like a dragon into the heavens.
"How fascinating… seems like another special recipe."
Zane examined the system's newly acquired Ascending Dragon Dumplings recipe.
"Many of these come from the world of Chuuka Ichiban!"
Recalling the original storyline, Zane remembered the Guangzhou Dumpling Competition where Liu Maoxing used this very dish to defeat the Dumpling Brothers' Giant Dragon Dumplings and seize victory.
Compared to the previously unlocked Reincarnation Spring Rolls, this dish held an even greater legendary status.
Stretching lazily, Zane finished cleaning up and headed to bed.
Erina's Nightmare
At the same time, in a lavishly furnished room, the soft glow of moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a serene light on Erina Nakiri's delicate features as she slept.
The room was silent, peaceful… but tonight, a nightmare loomed.
Erina's body trembled slightly, her breathing growing ragged as an unseen fear crept into her subconscious.
A deep, sinister voice echoed in the darkness:
"Erina… you are my most outstanding creation… you must obey me… come… come to me…"
She wanted to scream, but no sound came.
A shadowy figure emerged from the abyss—a demon she could never forget.
Its piercing eyes glowed with an eerie light, its lips curled into a cruel, knowing smile.
Sharp claws stretched toward her, reaching to seize her completely.
Frozen in terror, she struggled to move, to escape.
In the depths of despair, she heard a voice—faint yet familiar.
"Zane… quickly… help me…"
Gasping, Erina bolted upright in bed, her body trembling.
Her hands felt cold, her fingertips numb.
The nightmare's images lingered, the demon's presence still vivid, unshakable.
She closed her eyes, willing the memories away, but the fear refused to fade, clawing at her mind.
The room's emptiness made her feel even more vulnerable.
Unable to remain still, she threw off her covers, quickly dressed in a white chef's uniform, and made her way to the expansive kitchen.
Midnight Cooking
In one corner of the pristine kitchen stood a large freezer.
Erina opened it and retrieved a frozen sea bream.
"The texture isn't as fresh, but it should still work for practicing the Reincarnation Spring Rolls."
She followed Zane's method, carefully preparing the dish—except for his extreme heated knife technique.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
Finally, she took a bite of her freshly made Reincarnation Spring Roll.
Her expression twisted instantly.
An unbearable, nauseating sensation surged through her.
The feeling only grew stronger until, unable to endure it, she spat the food out.
Panting slightly, she stared at the plate in frustration.
"Why… why can't I replicate his dish perfectly?"
"Is it because the sea bream isn't as fresh?"
"No… there's more to it than that."
A deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
"So late at night… and you're still awake?"
Startled, Erina turned to see an elderly man standing behind her.
His face was lined with deep wrinkles, his silver-white hair neatly combed.
Despite his age, his sharp eyes still held a commanding presence.
A scar near his right eye gave him an even more imposing aura, yet when he looked at Erina, there was nothing but warmth and concern.
"Grandfather…"
Erina softened at the sight of Senzaemon Nakiri, the Director of Totsuki Culinary Academy.
She sighed.
"I had a nightmare and couldn't sleep… Cooking helps me clear my mind."
Senzaemon watched her with quiet understanding.
"…You've been through a lot," he murmured, sighing deeply.
A Successor's Burden
Erina looked at him curiously.
"But what about you, Grandfather?"
"Why aren't you resting?"
Senzaemon let out a weary chuckle.
"It's graduation season, Erina."
"As the Director, I have endless responsibilities. There's no time for rest."
Erina bit her lip.
She knew what he meant.
The Nakiri family had no suitable successor to take his place.
For years, her grandfather had carried the entire culinary empire alone.
Even now, despite his age, he could not afford to step down.
Senzaemon shifted his gaze to the Reincarnation Spring Rolls on the table.
"Erina… making a dish like this? That's unusual."
He turned his attention back to her.
"Are you developing a new dish?"
Erina nodded.
"Yes, Grandfather, take a look."
She gestured to the spring rolls.
"They're made with real carp. I got the idea from a certain chef… No, rather, I should say he's the original creator of this dish."
"A chef?"
"A pub owner, actually."
Senzaemon's brow furrowed slightly.
"A pub owner?"
"Yes!"
"His name is Zane."
Erina's voice grew animated.
"His cooking is unlike anything I've ever tasted."
"I tried to use my God Tongue to replicate his dish, but I failed."
Senzaemon's expression shifted slightly.
"The God Tongue… bested by a mere pub owner?"
That ability—so rare, so unmatched—had shaped the Nakiri family's destiny for generations.
Ten years ago, it drove Mana Nakiri to abandon her life.
Azami Nakiri, desperate to "correct" it, lost himself completely.
The God Tongue's curse had fractured their family beyond repair.
Even with all his power, Senzaemon had been helpless to stop it.
For years, he searched desperately for a dish that could break the curse.
But such a thing… should not exist.
And yet…
Erina was claiming that this Zane—a mere tavern chef—had conquered her God Tongue?
Senzaemon fell into deep thought.
Erina, noticing his hesitation, pressed forward.
"Grandfather, I believe we should invite him to Totsuki as a professor."
"If someone like him joins the academy, our culinary world will enter a whole new era."
Senzaemon stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"After all this… your goal was to recruit him?"
"If what you say is true… then this Zane's skills are beyond imagination."
A chef who could create divine dishes from mere leftovers.
Who could break through the limits of the God Tongue.
And most importantly…
Who could challenge the very foundations of gourmet cuisine.
Senzaemon's eyes gleamed with intrigue.
"Interesting…"
"Perhaps it's time for me to meet this Zane in person."