Kai returned to the academy just as the sun began to set, the Fire Lotus Root still glowing faintly in his hands. The other disciples had already gathered in the grand kitchen, each preparing their own unique dish based on their assignments.
As he entered, whispers spread among them.
"He really went into Flame Serpent Valley?"
"And came back alive?"
Ignoring the stares, Kai moved toward his designated cooking station. This was no time for distractions.
He placed the Fire Lotus Root on the table, carefully examining its structure. This ingredient was rare for a reason—its energy was highly unstable. If handled incorrectly, it could ruin the entire dish.
Kai took a deep breath, recalling everything he had learned from the Divine Flame Monument.
To awaken dormant potential, the dish must achieve perfect harmony.
The Fire Lotus Root provided immense energy, but he needed a stabilizer—something to balance its intensity without dulling its effects.
His mind raced through possible ingredients before settling on one.
Moonlight Bamboo Essence.
It was a rare extract that could neutralize excessive heat while enhancing spiritual absorption. The perfect counterbalance.
With his plan in mind, Kai got to work.
He peeled the Fire Lotus Root with precise, controlled movements, careful not to let its volatile energy escape too soon. Then, he sliced it into thin layers, each one glowing softly.
Next, he extracted the Moonlight Bamboo Essence, mixing it with a light broth to enhance its stability.
The kitchen was silent as the disciples watched him work. Unlike others who used heavy seasonings and powerful flames, Kai's approach was graceful and controlled. Every motion was deliberate, every decision calculated.
As the final step, he placed the Fire Lotus Root slices into the broth, letting the two ingredients merge.
A faint golden mist rose from the pot.
The energy was shifting—balancing.
After a few minutes, the dish was complete.
Kai carefully plated it, the golden broth shimmering with a soft glow, the lotus slices radiating warmth like embers.
He took a deep breath.
This was it.
His first true dish as a Divine Chef.
Now, the only question was—would it truly awaken one's hidden potential?