Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Thinking about what was about to happen, Yoshino Yuuki's lips curled up slightly, and she strode briskly toward the Polar Star Dormitory.

　"300 yen, this is fine."

　Looking at the discounted duck meat in his hand, Soma Yukihira's face showed a satisfied expression. This was the kind of price he knew.

　"Sour plum..."

　Coincidentally, the area next to the discounted duck meat was where the sour coal was displayed, which made him pick it up subconsciously, revealing a thoughtful expression.

　"In that case, let's make that dish!"

　A brilliant idea flashed through his mind, and he immediately overturned the dish he had been thinking about last night. With a face full of excitement, Soma Yukihira put the pickled plums into his shopping cart.

　"The Polar Star Dormitory has all the seasonings. I saw plenty of scallions, ginger, and garlic yesterday. It's time to go back."

　Looking at the groceries in his shopping cart, Soma Yukihira let out a long sigh of relief, then went to the checkout counter to pay, and returned to Totsuki Culinary Academy with his bags full of purchases.

　·

　·

　"Yuuki is going to have a competition with that new transfer student?"

　Closing the cookbook he was reading, Bai Yuan raised his eyes and looked at Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko, who had come to deliver the news, with a hint of curiosity.

　"Yes, because that guy said some very disrespectful things yesterday, and Yuuki felt that he insulted you, so she wanted to teach him a lesson."

　Tadokoro Megumi shared her guess, as she had similar thoughts, so she spoke very naturally.

　"The reason is not important. With Yuuki's current strength, the outcome of a fight against that transfer student would be about 30% or 70%."

　Because she was his student and he cooked for her every day, Bai Yuan had a precise understanding of Yoshino Yuuki's abilities.

　Although the other party had been by his side for half a year, they were not very strong when they arrived. They were probably only at the upper-middle level of the Far Moon Realm, far from being at the top.

　Although Yoshino Yuuki's skills have undergone tremendous changes after half a year of his training, it is still difficult for her to surpass Yukihira Soma, who has been studying cooking for twelve years.

　Soma Yukihira's strength is roughly the same as Hisako Shinoto's, who received secret training.

　This is actually normal, after all, while he was the one teaching the students at Totsuki Academy, Soma Yukihira was also taught by his father.

　That newly promoted top-tier five-star chef, the pinnacle of the original world's setting, is, to say the least, a pretty good teacher.

　Thinking of this, Bai Yuan couldn't help but feel a little emotional. If Yukihira Soma had arrived at Totsuki Academy a year later, he would probably have been trampled on by anyone.

　"Is that transfer student really that good?"

　Ryoko Sakaki was somewhat surprised. As roommates in the same dormitory, they had often sparred, and she was well aware of Yoshino Yuuki's current strength.

　But she had no doubt about Bai Yuan's judgment. He said that the transfer student was stronger, and that transfer student was definitely stronger. There was no doubt about that.

　"Yuuki..."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, a look of worry appeared on Tadokoro Megumi's face.

　She had initially thought Yoshino Yuuki would definitely win, but now that the outcome was uncertain, she felt a pang of unease, as if a cat had scratched her heart.

　"This is a rare opportunity, let's go take a look."

　Seeing that the two were distracted, Bai Yuan stood up, patted them on the shoulder, and said.

　When your own student is competing against someone else, how can a teacher not go and watch? It would also be a good opportunity for Yoshino Yuuki to realize her shortcomings.

　"Really? No more lectures...?"

　"It's not too late to talk about it when we get back. We have plenty of time, so a little more time won't make a difference."

　Seeing Sakaki Ryoko's slightly surprised expression, Shiro walked towards the door.

　Cooking requires a balance of work and rest; if you only practice diligently, you can easily develop the wrong skills.

　Thinking of this, Shiro had already left the kitchen. Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko exchanged a glance and quickly followed. At this moment, no one else had arrived yet.

　He came to the Polaris Dormitory with the two of them; it was his first time there.

　Looking at the ancient and worn-out structure covered with vines

　Bai Yuan felt not disgust at Man's old villa, but rather a sense of familiarity.

　Because when he was in the world of culinary disasters, he lived in a house with a similar style.

　Although the outside was dilapidated, the inside was very cozy and felt like home. It's a pity I was too young at the time, otherwise, having a wife and kids and a warm bed would have been wonderful.

　It's a pity. After finally making a name for itself in the world of culinary disasters, it all ended up being transported here a second time without any real understanding of what was going on.

　I must go back and visit if I have the chance.

　As for how to get back, Bai Yuan had a vague idea. Both worlds had legendary cooking utensils; this couldn't be a coincidence, could it?

　"They should be in the kitchen now."

　Pushing open the door of the Polar Star Lodge, Tadokoro Megumi said a few words and then ran ahead to lead the way. Soon, the three of them passed through the hall and arrived at the kitchen door.

　Chapter 161 Sour Plum Duck VS Lotus Leaf Duck

　"You're finally back! I've been waiting for you for ages..."

　At this moment, Yoshino Yuuki was standing in the kitchen, idly fiddling with the seasonings.

　Hearing a noise at the door, she thought it was Yukihira Soma and was about to complain when she realized that it was Shirabuchi, Tadokoro Megumi and Sakaki Ryoko.

　They immediately retracted what they were about to say.

　"Has Yukihira not arrived yet?"

　"Hmm, I've been waiting here for half an hour already, this is way too slow."

　Yoshino Yuuki's words carried a rare hint of complaint. She had originally wanted to end the battle quickly and then rush to Professor Shirabuchi's place for a lesson.

　But now, with Soma Yukihira's delayed arrival, she couldn't help but suspect that he had backed down before the battle even began; otherwise, why would he have remained silent until now?

　"Say Cao Cao Cao Cao has arrived."

　Bai Yuan was about to answer when he heard a noise at the door. Through the crack in the door, he saw that fiery red hair.

　"Have you been waiting long?"

　With a light sheen of sweat on his forehead, clearly having jogged there, Soma Yukihira returned to the Polar Star Dormitory, strode into the kitchen, and called out to someone inside.

　"Teacher Bai Yuan, you're here too?"

　Upon entering and seeing Bai Yuan in the kitchen, Soma Yukihira was momentarily stunned.

　Turning to look at Yoshino Yuuki, he noticed that she and the two people beside her were all looking at Shirobuchi with great respect, as if they were looking at their own faith.

　"You wouldn't happen to be their mysterious teacher, would you?"

　It seems like a question, but it's actually a certainty.

　If he still can't see it at this point, he'd be a complete idiot.

　No wonder Yoshino Yuuki was so confident and felt she couldn't possibly lose; it turns out she's apprenticed under Chef Shirabuchi. It seems today will be a tough battle.

　"I'm just an ordinary referee, you don't need to pay too much attention to me."

　Noticing the change in Yukihira Soma's expression and realizing that the other party was serious, Bai Yuan casually waved his hand, making a nonchalant gesture.

　"Someone actually popped up and tried to steal my job. You're really too kind. You must be Bai Yuan. Thank you for taking care of Xiao Hui and the others these past few days."

　Perhaps the commotion in the kitchen was too loud, because Fumio Oomido heard the noise and rushed over. He looked at the group of people facing off in the kitchen with a subtle expression.

　Especially after hearing Bai Yuan's words, he couldn't help but complain.

　"Grandma Wenxu".

　Upon seeing a familiar face appear, several people greeted her. Bai Yuan also saw her and awkwardly called out, "Grandma Wenxu."

　"Well, although you are Totsuki's teacher, you are most suitable to be a judge for this competition. However, I have also tasted many of the students' dishes, so please add me to the judging panel this time."

　“I never intended to replace you.”

　Upon hearing Oomido Fumio's words, Hakugen shook his head with a wry smile.

　He never intended to replace the other side; he simply wanted to be one of the referees.

　"In that case, I'm relieved. You two, stop standing there and get started cooking. I've skipped lunch to wait for you."

　Seeing that the two had not yet taken any action, Oomido Fumio urged them on.

　"The competition will last two hours, and the theme is ducks. Is that alright?"

　Seeing the two nod and bring their prepared ingredients to the empty kitchen counter, Fumio Oomido took a deep breath: "Then I declare the competition open."

　As if receiving instructions, the two on the scene acted quickly, and Tadokoro Megumi, seeing that Shirayu was standing, thoughtfully found him a chair.

　"Sigh, the teacher-student relationship is still closer in the end. This old woman is standing here and her back is aching, but unfortunately no one cares."

　Noticing Tadokoro Megumi's actions, Oomido Fumio casually raised his hand and patted his back, speaking in a sighing tone.

　"Grandma Wenxu, here you go!"

　"Thank you, Xiaohui."

　Upon hearing Oomido Fumio's words, Tadokoro Megumi blushed slightly, realizing that she hadn't treated everyone equally, and immediately moved a chair over.

　Oomido Fumio chuckled as he took the chair and sat down next to Shirabuchi, then turned his gaze to the two people preparing to cook at the counter.

　"He actually used discounted duck meat! He's really showing no respect for Yuuki!"

　Ryoko Sakaki's expression changed slightly as she watched Soma Yukihira take out the discounted duck meat from his shopping bag.

　She clearly saw the label on the box said 300 yen, which was obviously discounted duck meat that the supermarket couldn't sell, and her opinion of it plummeted.

　Yoshino Yuuki took this very seriously.

　The competition was supposed to be a contest, but this kid didn't take it seriously at all and actually used such cheap ingredients.

　Could it be that he really thinks he can beat Yuuki with such simple ingredients? That's incredibly naive!

　“Special offer duck meat is still duck meat, so there’s nothing wrong with the ingredients. If you have the skill to handle it, even special offer duck meat can be delicious.”

　Seeing the ingredients that Soma Yukihira brought out one after another, Bai Yuan shook his head, but still tried to smooth things over for him.

　I knew in my heart that the other party probably couldn't afford a live duck. It was one thing that they didn't have much money for living expenses, but more importantly, things around here were very expensive.

　Thinking about the prices he saw when he went out a while ago, Bai Yuan couldn't help but purse his lips. Of course, they were expensive, but he never looked at the price when he bought things.

　He is the leader of the dark cuisine world, and he controls all the wealth in the dark cuisine world, which has accumulated to more than a billion.

　This is not an exaggeration at all; the earning power of high-end chefs is unimaginable for ordinary people.

　"here we go..."

　Tadokoro Megumi said something in a low voice, and then Yoshino Yuuki hung the wild duck she was holding upside down on a wooden hanger.

　"Zizzi."

　Fearing that its violent struggles would affect the next steps, Yoshino Yuuki used a stun gun to stun the wild duck, rendering it unconscious.

　Next, a knife was cut into the duck's neck, and fresh blood flowed continuously from the wound into a large bowl that had been prepared beforehand.

　After slaughtering and bleeding the animal, the next steps were scalding and removing the hair, a process that took her almost half an hour.

　While Yoshino Yuuki was killing the duck, Yukihira Soma took out all the discounted duck meat and evenly brushed a layer of soy sauce onto the duck skin.

　After finishing, I set it aside and then took out the pickled plums I had just bought from the supermarket, skillfully making them into pickled plum sauce.

　"Sour plum duck? Something doesn't seem right..."

　The process of killing the duck was rather uninteresting, so Bai Yuan focused most of his attention on Yukihira Soma, watching him process the ingredients step by step.

　A duck with its skin brushed with soy sauce sits next to a bowl of plum sauce.

　After preparing the duck and the sauce, Soma Yukihira went to the pot and pan section and quickly chose an enamel pot.

　The advantages of enamel pots are fast heat conduction, even heat distribution, and good heat retention.

　Making this kind of time-consuming and slightly complicated dish, which requires the meat to absorb the broth, is much more effective than cooking in a wok.

　Watching Yukihira Soma's actions, Bai Yuan rubbed his chin with his fingers, looking somewhat puzzled.

　Since this sour plum duck is strictly speaking a Cantonese dish, how did Soma Yukihira know how to make it? And judging from his skillful manner, it shouldn't be the first time he's made it.

　"It must have been Joichiro who taught him."

　Considering that the other party had a powerful father, Bai Yuan thought it made perfect sense and stopped thinking about it.

　Yukihira Soma poured some oil into the pot, then placed the discounted duck meat, which had been brushed with soy sauce, skin-side down into the pot, and immediately heard a wonderful sizzling sound.