As the last traces of the powerful meal settled in their bodies, the disciples sat in quiet contemplation, their minds still absorbing the experience. The knowledge that food could strengthen, heal, and even transform a person had opened a new world before them.
Zhang Ye let the silence linger before finally speaking. "Now that you've tasted the power of true cuisine, it's time to see if you can create it yourselves."
A murmur spread through the group. Another trial?
Zhang Ye gestured toward the far end of the hall, where several stone tablets stood, each inscribed with glowing runes. "Your next task is simple. These tablets contain the details of your first assignment as apprentices of the Divine Chef Path. Step forward, and one will reveal itself to you."
Kai observed the tablets closely. The runes shimmered and changed constantly, as if waiting to respond to the presence of a worthy chef.
One by one, the disciples approached. As each neared a tablet, the runes would shift and settle, forming words visible only to them.
Linna gasped as her tablet glowed with soft golden light. "My task… is to create a dish that enhances spiritual perception."
Elira frowned as hers flashed a deep crimson. "Mine says to craft a meal that boosts physical endurance for warriors in battle."
Kai stepped forward, feeling a familiar pull from the Divine Flame Monument's energy still lingering within him. The moment he placed his hand on a tablet—
Boom!
A surge of heat erupted from the stone, golden flames spiraling around it before the runes settled into clear words.
Zhang Ye's eyes flickered with interest. "What does it say?"
Kai read the inscription aloud.
"Create a dish that ignites one's dormant potential."
A hush fell over the hall. Unlike the others, which were straightforward enhancements, Kai's assignment was something far more profound.
Zhang Ye stroked his chin. "Interesting. Dormant potential… That is not simply increasing strength or stamina. It means awakening something that was always there but hidden."
The implications were clear. If Kai succeeded, his dish could push a person beyond their limits—allowing them to break through barriers they never could before.
The other disciples looked at him in shock. Was this a blessing or a curse?
Kai remained silent, his mind already turning. He had seen glimpses of forgotten knowledge in the Divine Flame Monument. Could the answer lie there?
Zhang Ye finally spoke. "You have three days to complete your dish. You may gather any ingredients you need, but the final meal will be tested here, in front of everyone."
His gaze sharpened. "Fail, and you prove that you are not yet worthy of the Divine Chef's path."
The weight of the challenge settled on the disciples. They had tasted the power of true cooking—now they had to create it themselves.
Kai took a deep breath, determination burning in his eyes.
Three days.
That was all the time he had to craft something that could awaken the hidden potential within a person's soul.
And he had no intention of failing.