The moment Zhang Ye released the high-tier beasts into the training ground, the recruits felt the pressure skyrocket. These weren't ordinary monsters—they were battle-hardened creatures with sharp instincts and insatiable hunger.
A Thunderclaw Wolf let out a snarl, its fur crackling with electricity as it eyed the recruits hungrily. A Blazing Horned Bull stomped its hooves, steam rising from its nostrils. In the air, a Wind Serpent coiled, its piercing gaze fixed on the trembling disciples.
Zhang Ye's voice rang out, calm yet commanding. "Your task remains the same: Cook a dish using your discipline. But if your food isn't good enough… well, let's just say these beasts won't wait politely for a second serving."
The recruits snapped into action, forcing their fear down. This was their first true test—to cook not in comfort, but under extreme life-and-death conditions.
Battle Cuisine Disciples:
Kai took charge. "Everyone, stay close! We cook while we fight!"
He grabbed a Demon Boar's leg, skewering it on a metal rod before spinning at high speed, dodging an incoming claw strike from the Thunderclaw Wolf. He used the wolf's own electricity to sear the meat, sending sparks flying.
Another recruit worked on a side dish, slicing vegetables with lightning-fast precision while dodging the Wind Serpent's swooping attacks.
Kai grinned as he kicked a boiling cauldron into the air, flipping the broth at just the right angle to pour onto the skewered meat. "Done! Thunder-Seared Boar Skewers!"
He tossed the dish toward the wolf, and the beast froze mid-pounce. Its nose twitched, then, without hesitation, it chomped down. A deep, satisfied growl rumbled in its throat.
Weaponized Cooking Disciples:
Linna's group worked differently. Their food wasn't meant to just feed—it was meant to dominate.
One recruit tossed a Flame Chili Bun at the Blazing Horned Bull. The moment it exploded in a burst of fiery spices, the bull reeled back, snorting in confusion. Another disciple threw a Frozen Tofu Bomb, which hardened on impact and stuck to the beast's legs, slowing it down.
Linna herself worked quickly, using Compressed Salt Crystals to craft Blinding Smoke Buns, tossing them at the Wind Serpent's eyes. The moment it bit down, a burst of salty smoke clouded its vision.
Zhang Ye watched with approval. They weren't just feeding the beasts—they were using food as a strategy.
Alchemy Cooking Disciples:
Elira's group was handling the Wind Serpent. One disciple ground a Moonlight Herb into a fine powder, while another extracted Essence of Flowing Water from a rare fruit.
Elira mixed them into a broth, enhancing it with Beast-Taming Nectar. She turned to the recruit closest to her. "If we get the Wind Serpent to taste this, it will recognize us as non-threatening."
A recruit leaped forward, daringly tossing the broth into the air. The Wind Serpent, still blinded from Linna's smoke bun, instinctively snapped at the liquid.
The moment the broth touched its tongue, its aggressive aura vanished, replaced by a sense of calm. It coiled mid-air, letting out a soft, satisfied hiss.
Gastronomic Healing Disciples:
This group had the hardest challenge. They weren't fighting back; they were curing the beasts' hidden injuries.
A recruit examined the Blazing Horned Bull closely, noticing a deep, old wound hidden beneath its thick fur. "It's not just hungry. It's in pain!"
Quickly, the healing chefs worked on a dish using Golden Lotus Root and Phoenix Tears Beans, known for their healing properties. The moment they presented it, the Blazing Horned Bull sniffed hesitantly before lapping it up.
Its body shuddered, and the fire in its eyes dimmed—not out of weakness, but out of relief.
Zhang Ye crossed his arms, watching the scene unfold. They were learning.
The trial ended with the beasts fully satisfied, some even curling up in contentment. Not a single recruit was harmed.
Zhang Ye smirked. "Not bad. But this was just the appetizer."
The recruits, still catching their breath, felt a chill run down their spines.
If this was the appetizer… what kind of hellish main course was waiting for them?