Kai closed the Recipe of Creation, his heart still racing. The weight of the knowledge he had just received felt immeasurable. A dish that could shape the essence of life, requiring ingredients that only existed in the realm of legends…
And the final ingredient—one that he had to forge himself.
He took a deep breath, steadying his mind. This wasn't just a test of skill; it was a journey that would determine his fate.
As he turned to leave the Advanced Recipe Pavilion, the book suddenly disintegrated into golden light, flowing directly into his body.
Kai staggered as memories—ancient techniques, forgotten methods, and divine culinary secrets—began to integrate into his mind. He clenched his jaw, enduring the overwhelming flood of knowledge.
When the glow finally faded, he exhaled deeply. The Recipe of Creation had chosen him.
The moment he stepped outside, Master Wei was waiting, his piercing gaze fixed on Kai.
"You've been in there for only an hour," the elder said, his voice calm but firm. "Yet, the pavilion trembled as if touched by the divine. What did you obtain?"
Kai met his gaze without hesitation. "A recipe… one that should not exist."
Master Wei's eyes narrowed. "Describe it."
Kai hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should reveal everything just yet, but he knew one thing—he needed help to gather the legendary ingredients.
"The Recipe of Creation," he said at last. "A dish that can reshape existence itself."
For the first time since Kai had known him, Master Wei's expression changed.
A mix of shock, fear, and something else—reverence.
"…That recipe was lost long ago," he muttered. "It was said that even the gods feared its power." He locked eyes with Kai. "Do you understand what this means?"
Kai nodded. "It means my path is clear. I need to find the ingredients… and complete it."
Master Wei sighed, rubbing his temples. "Foolish, yet expected of someone like you." Then, his voice turned serious. "The Emberroot Essence—I know where it might be. But it's in a place no sane man dares to step foot in."
Kai's heart skipped a beat.
"The Abyssal Flame Ruins," Master Wei continued. "A land of eternal fire, where beasts of pure flame roam. Even the strongest chefs fear its wrath."
Kai clenched his fists. Fear had no place on this journey.
He met Master Wei's gaze, eyes burning with determination. "Then that's where I'll go."
Master Wei sighed. "I expected as much." Then, he turned, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If you truly wish to set foot on the path of the Divine Chef… then prepare yourself. This will be the first trial of many."
Kai took a deep breath.
His journey was no longer just about proving himself.
It was about challenging fate itself.