A wave of golden fire surged through the training grounds, illuminating the air with a mystical glow. Unlike the previous flames, which burned with raw intensity, this fire pulsed gently, flickering like a living entity. Yet, the moment it brushed against the disciples, their souls trembled.
Zhang Ye stood before them, his arms crossed, watching their reactions carefully. "This is the Soul Flame—a fire that does not merely cook food but refines the very essence of ingredients. To wield it, you must understand its nature."
A shiver ran down the spines of the disciples. They had faced unpredictable flames before, but this was different. This fire felt alive.
Zhang Ye smirked. "Your challenge is simple—ignite your own Soul Flame and prepare a dish using it. If you fail... the consequences will be severe."
He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, the golden flames wrapped around them, seeping into their skin.
Kai gasped as an unfamiliar warmth spread through his body, reaching deep into his bones. It was not painful, but it felt as though something inside him was being pulled. The other recruits clutched their chests, struggling against the strange sensation.
Elira gritted her teeth. "What… what is this?"
Zhang Ye's voice remained calm. "The Soul Flame does not come from external sources. It is drawn from your spirit. If your will is weak, it will consume you instead."
A few disciples collapsed immediately, their faces pale, unable to withstand the pull of the flame. Their Soul Flames flickered out, leaving them exhausted and defeated.
But Kai refused to fall.
He clenched his fists, focusing inward. He could feel something within him—a tiny ember, barely noticeable, yet alive. He reached for it, drawing it forth.
A small golden spark flickered in his palm.
Linna gasped beside him. "You... you did it!"
Kai panted, sweat dripping down his forehead, but he held onto the flame. It wavered, unstable, but it did not go out.
Elira watched carefully, then closed her eyes, searching within herself. Slowly, a dim golden glow emerged from her fingertips, shimmering like a candle in the wind.
Zhang Ye nodded approvingly. "Good. Now… use it."
With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a series of ingredients onto the stone tables.
Shadow Serpent Meat, Frost Lotus, and Phoenix Egg.
Exotic, powerful ingredients—each requiring absolute precision in cooking. One mistake, and the dish would be ruined.
"You must use your Soul Flame to refine these ingredients and create a dish that embodies your very being," Zhang Ye said. "This will determine whether you are worthy of advancing."
Kai took a deep breath and began.
He placed the Shadow Serpent Meat on the pan and let his Soul Flame dance around it. Unlike ordinary fire, this flame did not simply burn—it sank into the meat, purging impurities, enhancing the natural richness of its flesh.
But controlling it was difficult.
The flame moved according to his emotions—when he doubted himself, it weakened. When he focused, it grew steady.
"This fire… it reflects my heart," he realized.
He inhaled deeply, pushing aside his hesitation. Instead of forcing the flame to obey, he let it flow naturally, adjusting his breath to match its rhythm.
The Shadow Serpent Meat sizzled perfectly, its dark color turning into a vibrant, mouthwatering hue.
Beside him, Linna worked on the Frost Lotus, struggling to balance the extreme cold with the warmth of her Soul Flame. The two opposing forces clashed, but she used her willpower to maintain the delicate harmony.
Elira, on the other hand, was refining the Phoenix Egg. The egg pulsed with hidden energy, resisting the flame, but she remained calm and patient, allowing the flame to seep in gradually.
Time passed, and the dishes took shape.
Finally, Zhang Ye stepped forward.
"Let us see what you have created."
Kai presented his dish first—Serpent Essence Steak, the Shadow Serpent Meat infused with his very soul. Zhang Ye took a bite, his eyes flickering with an unknown emotion.
"Not bad," he murmured.
Next was Linna's Frozen Lotus Soup, a perfect blend of warmth and cold. Zhang Ye tasted it, his expression unreadable, before giving a small nod.
Finally, Elira presented her Phoenix Essence Omelet, the golden egg shimmering with a refined glow. Zhang Ye took a bite, and for the first time, a faint smile appeared.
"You've done well," he said. "Your Soul Flames have awakened… but you are still far from mastery."
He turned away, his voice growing firm. "The next trial will push you beyond your limits. Prepare yourselves… for the path of the Divine Chef is only beginning."