Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Seeing that Kawai Rinka had finally calmed down and returned to normal, Bai Yuan then spoke, explaining why he hadn't let her see the Eternal Spirit Blade.

　The Eternal Spirit Knife was never some juggling tool to be looked at; it was a legendary kitchen utensil with earth-shattering power, not to be underestimated or insulted.

　Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't unsheathe the Eternal Spirit Blade. Because a good blade needs to be nurtured, especially one possessed by someone like him.

　A knife with magical abilities.

　Furthermore, compared to relying on the power of a knife, he prefers to defeat his opponents with his own strength and make high-end dishes with ordinary ingredients. Isn't that more impressive?

　"Okay, I understand. I hope to witness his power someday."

　Sensing the seriousness in Bai Yuan's words, and though somewhat confused, Chuan Linghua remained silent. She knew her opponent was already a little unhappy, and it was best to behave herself until he calmed down.

　As you walk along the street, the population gradually thins out, with vast wheat fields on both sides and the sea below.

　The three of them soon arrived at the town's bus station. Upon seeing the people waiting in front of the station, they stopped in their tracks, especially Tadokoro Megumi, whose eyes were filled with emotion.

　"Everyone..."

　A dozen or so bearded, burly men were chatting and waiting in front of the station. When they saw Tadokoro Megumi, they immediately waved and greeted her.

　“I just called and your mom told us you’re leaving today. Why are you in such a hurry? You didn’t even tell us. And isn’t it a bit early this year?”

　"Because I need to go to the competition venue in advance to prepare, I left a few days earlier."

　Upon hearing the uncle's question, Tadokoro Megumi gave a truthful explanation.

　"I see. Good luck in the competition!"

　The middle-aged man patted Tadokoro Megumi on the shoulder, his eyes filled with encouragement.

　"I'll do my best!"

　"Xiao Hui, have a safe trip."

　"Remember to tell us about the interesting things that happened in Totsuki next time you come back."

　"You must study cooking diligently and not slack off. We will come to watch you compete again next year."

　As Tadokoro Megumi stood before them, the people at the station greeted her warmly, their faces showing a mixture of enthusiasm and reluctance.

　"Here's some for you to eat on your journey. We'll see each other again during the Chinese New Year. Take good care of yourself while you're away from home. We'll set off fireworks together then."

　Yamato and Lily ran up to her and handed her the cookies they had made while staying up all night. They told her to take care of herself, and the reluctance in their eyes was far greater than that of others.

　As her best friend, she was naturally reluctant to let Tadokoro Megumi go, as she had only been back for less than three days. However, there was nothing she could do, since Tadokoro had a competition to attend.

　"Young man, it's an honor for you that Xiaohui chose to date you. She's a very good girl, and I hope you won't let her down."

　"If you dare to let her down, no matter what level of chef you are, we'll beat you up!"

　After exchanging pleasantries with Tadokoro Megumi, the group of uncles turned their gaze to Shiro Awakening, then revealed the muscles honed from years of fishing, speaking with a rather intimidating air.

　"That's right, we're all Xiaohui's family! We're her support! If you dare to bully her, we'll never let you get away with it!"

　Another middle-aged man spoke up. He looked rather refined and was wearing a thin white T-shirt, which gave off an inexplicable sense of pressure.

　"Don't worry, everyone, I will take good care of Xiaohui and will never let her suffer the slightest grievance."

　As he spoke, Bai Yuan put his arm around Tadokoro Megumi's shoulder. His words were firm and resolute. Even under the gaze of such a burly man, he did not take a step back, nor did he feel guilty in the slightest.

　Although what these people said to him was somewhat offensive, Baiyuan knew that they were genuinely concerned for Tadokoro Megumi, so he didn't take it to heart.

　"Well done, that's a real man!"

　Seeing Bai Yuan's performance, the people around him exchanged glances, all seeing approval in each other's eyes. Then, a man around 40 years old stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and gave him a thumbs up.

　"Our car is here. You can go back now. Aren't you about to open for business?"

　A tram roared in from afar. Tadokoro Megumi watched it approach quickly and stop at the station. She then spoke to the uncles who were standing at the station seeing them off.

　"We'll wait until you get on the bus before we leave."

　"That's right, you go ahead and don't worry about us."

　"Bon Voyage!"

　"Goodbye, everyone."

　Although I have experienced many such separations, each time I have new feelings.

　As she boarded the train, Megumi Tadokoro braced herself on the seat with one hand and waved frantically with the other, trying her best to say goodbye to the men who were watching her at the station.

　"I didn't expect you to be so popular with these older men. Ordinary people don't get this kind of treatment."

　As the train gradually moved away, Tadokoro Megumi returned to her seat. Looking at her, Kawahira couldn't help but sigh, "Her personal charm is absolutely undeniable."

　"Uncle Kaito and the others have always taken good care of me, ever since I was little..."

　Hearing Kawahika's words, Tadokoro Megumi also fell into reminiscence. At the same time, she made up her mind that she would definitely become a great chef and not disappoint those who had high expectations of her.

　The train pulled away, heading towards Tokyo.

　Because I was too tired last night, and I got up very early.

　Tadokoro Megumi and Kawahime soon felt sleepy. At first, they could still hold on, but soon they swayed and leaned on Shiroyuki's shoulder.

　"This time, I'm going to China to become Chef Dragon in one fell swoop!"

　Feeling the weight on both sides of his shoulders, Bai Yuan looked ahead and thought to himself.

　The scenery outside the tram was delightful; the water in the rice paddies reflected the blue sky, and occasionally a few egrets skimmed across the surface, leaving a trail of ripples.

　The rooftops of the town gleamed warmly in the sunlight, and wisps of smoke drifted from the chimneys; everything was so peaceful.

　·

　·

　Polaris Lodge at night.

　Inside the room, Yoshino Yuuki was squatting on the ground, with several large boxes in front of her, filled with all kinds of seasonings and some dried ingredients.

　Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as her fingers flew across the list, muttering to herself, "Soy sauce, mirin, salt, sugar... and chili powder, that's right, chili powder!" She suddenly stood up and rushed toward the locker, but almost bumped into Ryoko Sakaki, who had just entered the room, and stumbled back two steps onto the bed.

　"Ouch."

　Yoshino Yuuki clutched her butt and cried out, which made Sakaki Ryoko look helpless: "There's no need to be so nervous, it's not like we're going to a competition."

　"Of course! Xiao Hui came from our Polaris Lodge. We can't support the front lines, but we must at least ensure the logistics are in place and not lack food."

　Chinese seasonings might be different from ours, so bringing some local seasonings over is always a good idea. Come help me pack!

　As Yoshino Yuuki spoke, she jumped out of bed, then took out soy sauce and other spare seasonings from the storage cabinet and stuffed them all into her suitcase.

　"These can't be taken on the plane, right? Besides, the competition uses Chinese seasonings, so even if there's a difference in taste, theirs should be the standard..."

　Ryoko Sakaki weakly complained that ever since she learned that Megumi Tadokoro was going to participate in the Fujian Provincial Young Chef Master Competition, Yuuki Yoshino had been preparing every day. She even asked Shun Ibuzaki to make a lot of smoked ingredients to take to China, so that Megumi could use them if needed.

　As the only representative from Polar Star Dormitory to participate in the competition, and also her good friend, Yoshino Yuuki placed great hopes on Tadokoro Megumi.

　"Oh right, these can't be taken on a plane. I almost forgot about something so important. Luckily you reminded me! Let's send them via long-distance courier then."

　"This is fine."

　Seeing that Yoshino Yuuki had selectively ignored her words, Sakaki Ryoko stopped trying to persuade her and instead helped her finish what she was doing before sitting on the bed and crossing her sexy, long legs.

　"Did you bring a change of clothes or anything?"

　"Don't worry, I brought them all."

　"That passport..."

　·

　·

　"Phew, finally we're about to set off. If we meet on the field, let's not hold back and just give it our all."

　"At Erina Nakiri's house, looking at Hisako Shinto who has moved in with her luggage, she said softly."

　"I understand, Lady Erina."

　Hisako Niito nodded.

　When you meet in a cooking competition, giving your all is a sign of respect for each other.

　"Get some rest early tonight, you have to catch a flight tomorrow."

　Stepping up to Hisako Shinomiya, Erina Nakiri gently stroked her hair and spoke softly.

　"Yes, Lady Erina!"

　·

　·

　Kawasaki City, hotel.

　"Are you ready, Yukihira!"

　"I've been prepared for this for a long time, and I won't lose this time!"

　Under the moonlight, Soma Yukihira sharpened his sword until it gleamed, its cold light reflecting off the moonlit sky.

　Upon hearing Takmi Aldini's question, he looked up at the sky and slowly spoke.

　·

　·

　"If you can win the Fujian Youth Chef Competition, you will become famous and well-known, and receive special training in the world of 'dark cuisine.' Then you will be close to your goal!"

　Liu Yu lay on the bed, her arms wrapped around her head, staring blankly at the dark ceiling. She was only one step away from her goal!

　Chapter 231 Inheritance and Innovation

　Tokyo Airport.

　"Let's go!"

　Yoshino Yuuki raised her hands high, her face full of excitement.

　"Target: Fujian, China!"

　Beside her, Kawanoka was equally excited. She already knew the destination, which was a place she had never traveled to before, so she could have a good time.

　"I want to try their Buddha Jumps Over the Wall! I want to see if it's really true that even Buddha would jump over the wall to eat it because of the aroma!"

　Hisako Shinto, wearing a pair of black-rimmed glasses and a fitted business suit with thigh-high black stockings, couldn't help but steal a second glance from Bai Yuan.

　"Let's board the plane first, no matter what."

　Because of the large number of people traveling this time, Senzaemon Nakiri chartered a private plane so that they could arrive in China as soon as possible.

　Bai Yuan and the others naturally wouldn't refuse such a thoughtful arrangement, and dragging their luggage, they boarded the plane together with Nakiri Erina and the others.

　However, the seating arrangement sparked a dispute.

　"Erina, are you really going to try and take this spot from me?"

　As soon as Alice Nakiri boarded the plane, she saw Erina walk straight to Shirabuchi and sit down next to him without hesitation. She gritted her teeth and strode forward, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

　"First come, first served. Please find another seat."

　Setting down her backpack, Erina Nakiri slightly raised her chin, a smug smile playing on her lips, as if declaring her victory.

　She remained seated firmly, showing no intention of giving up her seat.

　"Brother Bai Yuan, look at her!"

　Alice Nakiri wanted to pull Erina away, but then thought it would be too rude, so she could only stomp her foot and turn to Shirayuki for help. However, Shirayuki just shrugged helplessly and pretended not to see anything.

　After all, these two young ladies were part of his "harem," and offending either of them would bring him no good. Besides, taking sides was something he...

　They couldn't bring themselves to do it. In the end, they could only pretend to be deaf and dumb and silently avoid the conflict.

　"Don't you usually sit next to Teacher Bai Yuan? What's wrong with me sitting next to him today? I can't let you hog him all the time."

　"I speak confidently," Erina Nakiri said, her tone laced with provocation. She had long been dissatisfied with Alice always occupying the position next to Shirabuchi, and today she finally had a chance to "get back at him."

　"Hmph, just this once!"

　Seeing that Erina showed no sign of backing down, Alice Nakiri knew she couldn't win an argument, and since Shirabuchi couldn't help her, she could only turn around angrily and head to the back seat. Before leaving, she couldn't help but glare at Erina again, muttering, "What a greedy girl..."

　"You're right, aren't you, Professor Bai Yuan?"

　Pretending not to hear Alice Nakiri's mutterings, Erina Nakiri turned her head to look at Bai Yuan, her tone carrying a hint of coquettish complaint. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, but her eyes revealed a touch of smugness.