Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　So the two of them found a corner and used the kitchen counter there to discuss their conversation. Ma Mei saw all of this but did not stop them.

　After all, Kikuchi Sonoka had already voluntarily given up the assessment and was only borrowing the cooking station in the examination room. There was no need for her to offend Shirabuchi, a rising star in the culinary world, over such a trivial matter.

　So they turned a blind eye.

　Just then, Kakuzaki Taki finished cooking and brought a small clay pot to Mame and the fat old man.

　"Please enjoy this Spanish-style beef paella!"

　He placed the casserole on the table in front of the judges, looked at them with a determined gaze, and spoke earnestly, word by word.

　As soon as she finished speaking, she opened the clay pot in front of her, and white steam immediately billowed out, accompanied by a rich aroma.

　"Black rice? Is it black rice? No, it's round-grain rice that absorbs water very well. Could the black color be squid ink?"

　Looking at the rice in front of her, Ma Mei thought for a moment before speaking, a hint of surprise on her face, clearly not expecting anyone to pair squid ink with rice.

　This is truly a novel combination!

　"In short, let's try it first."

　Although black rice may look like a culinary disaster, the aroma in the air is incredibly appetizing.

　"After being slow-cooked for a long time, the beef becomes tender and juicy, and you can feel the freshness of the beef fibers and the richness of the soup in every bite."

　Meanwhile, the sweet and sour flavors of the tomatoes, the mild spiciness of the paprika, and the sweet aroma of the onions and garlic slowly blend together in the casserole, creating a multi-layered taste.

　Ma Mei scooped up a spoonful of beef-stuffed risotto and put it in her mouth. She closed her eyes and savored the taste, analyzing the flavor of the dish.

　"The addition of seafood adds a more savory element to this dish, creating a striking contrast with the richness of the beef, and making the overall flavor of the dish more complex."

　The plump old man nodded in agreement. The combination of seafood and beef was not common, but because the proportions were well controlled, the taste was better than expected.

　"The round-grain rice slowly absorbs the broth in the clay pot, becoming soft, sticky, and chewy. It retains the texture of the rice grains while fully absorbing the essence of the broth, truly a model of risotto!"

　"The addition of green peas at the end also adds a refreshing taste and color to this dish, making the overall flavor more diverse."

　Ma Mei and the portly old man exchanged pleasantries, expressing their high approval of the dish. Then, they both turned to Kakuzaki Taki and asked him a question.

　"So, where exactly does your dish embody the vow of eternal love?!"

　"The firm texture and rich nutrition of beef symbolize the steadfastness and enduring nature of love. The addition of squid ink gives the dish a deep black color, as unfathomable as the real ocean."

　To bring the two together, a lot of time is needed for slow simmering.

　Just like lovers, only through enduring trials and tribulations can our bond grow stronger and deeper—this is my vow of eternal love!

　As she said this, Kakuzaki Taki looked at Shirobuchi not far away. Since both of them were making dishes that took a long time to prepare, she simply quoted his words.

　I have to say, using formulas to solve problems is really fast!

　When Bai Yuan heard her answer, he simply smiled faintly, lowered his head, and said nothing, because all he could see was a pure white expanse.

　Because of the height difference, Kikuchi Sonoka was completely exposed to him when she stood in front of him, and he finally understood why Kakuzaki Taki called her "

　She's a "big-breasted monster".

　"Boom."

　"Japanese chef Kakuzaki Taki, you've passed!"

　With the sound of a gong, the fifth qualified candidate appeared.

　"Great!"

　Upon hearing that he had passed, Kakuzaki Taki jumped up excitedly, then jogged over to Shirabuchi and Kikuchi Sonoka, his smile obvious.

　"Not bad, it seems he has potential."

　Bai Yuan nodded. Although Kakuzaki Taki's attitude towards the assessment was not good, he was able to correct his mistakes, which was a great virtue. He finally passed the preliminary test.

　"The remaining contestants can stop cooking now, you are eliminated!"

　The fat old man's powerful voice rang out in the hall, causing the chefs, who were still struggling, to pause in their actions and look at Kakuzaki Taki with resentment on their faces.

　Some even collapsed, clearly unable to withstand the blow.

　"At least try our food first! Maybe we're even better than hers!"

　Someone stepped forward with a resentful look, wanting to argue with the fat old man.

　"Being better than her is not acceptable. It was made very clear at the beginning that the assessment would end after five qualified candidates were selected, and the rest can go back!"

　The fat old man's authoritative voice rang out, and the few remaining chefs sighed, then took their tools and left the assessment site.

　"The preliminary tests for master chefs have now concluded. The formal tests will begin immediately!"

　Stepping to the large iron gate at the far end of the room, the fat old man looked down at the qualified candidates, his imposing aura at its peak.

　"The five qualified candidates have performed the theme of 'a vow of eternal love' very well."

　"Freelance chef Bai Yuan uses the scraps of beef to stew a pot of beef that is as sticky as glue. The texture is chewy but not greasy, and the taste has a powerful impact. Therefore, it is qualified."

　"Tiebi Amu from Chaoweifang, his beef dishes are the famous Chaoshan beef balls from Guangzhou. Only love that has been tempered and refined through countless trials can stand firm until the end! Qualified!"

　"French chef Lia, Diana Steak, a must-order steak for French dates, with unique cultural heritage and symbolic meaning. Qualified!"

　"Hunan cuisine chef Jin Lanyu combines Cantonese cuisine, one of the three major cuisines of Guangzhou, with Hunan cuisine."

　Her innovative approach, like the most steadfast vow between mountains and seas, though different in style, coexists harmoniously. Qualified!

　"Japanese chef Kakuzaki Taki used seafood to highlight the richness of the beef, and used the passage of time to symbolize the eternity of love. Excellent!"

　"The above five individuals, please prepare to participate in the formal test for master chefs. All five of you, please assemble immediately in front of the main gate! Heading to the real arena for culinary competition!"

　After saying this, the large old man slowly opened the door in front of him, and then he and Ma Mei disappeared from the assessment site. Bai Yuan and the others exchanged glances and chose to head towards the main gate together.

　After passing through several passages, they soon arrived at their destination: the main gate.

　At this moment, the sun is setting, and it is already evening.

　The real test for master chefs is about to begin!

　Chapter Sixty-Six: The Final Test, Beef Is Not Beef!

　Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the large gate, crafted from a mixture of wood and black iron, slowly opened, revealing the entire interior.

　"The formal test is about to begin. Come on in, everyone!"

　The fat old man gave Bai Yuan a deep look, then turned to the side in a gesture of respect, as the remaining assessments were beyond the reach of people of their level.

　"Let's go in."

　Looking at Kikuchi Sonoka and Kakuzaki Taki, who were gathered around him and followed his lead, Hakubuchi was the first to take a step, followed closely by the others.

　Soon, the group arrived at the food competition arena.

　"There are so many ingredients here, and they are all top-grade and the freshest!"

　"There are so many!"

　Looking at the dazzling array of top-quality ingredients from all directions, Kakuzaki Taki was filled with shock, and Kikuchi Sonoka chimed in with surprise.

　These ingredients come from all over the world, and each one has been carefully selected and preserved by the organizers. Now they are all presented in this culinary arena!

　Fresh seafood, premium meats, rare mushrooms, and vibrant fruits and vegetables... they adorn every corner of the food arena like colorful jewels, creating a truly spectacular sight!

　"This is the legendary culinary arena, a venue specially built for the assessment of top-level chefs."

　Iron-Armed Amu spoke in a muffled voice, a faint hint of excitement in his eyes; he had finally arrived on this stage.

　"Many of the predecessors of Cantonese cuisine fought in this arena of flavor competition and finally won the glorious title."

　Jin Lanyu took a deep breath, savoring the unique fragrance of fresh ingredients in the air. Her face was filled with fighting spirit, and her will to fight had reached its peak!

　"Can I finally get the dragon armband? I'll definitely reach the top-tier requirements!"

　Looking at the scene before her, Leah's mouth gaped open in shock. This was the first time she had ever seen so many ingredients at once, but she still spoke with great confidence in her broken Chinese.

　"You can do it, Leah!"

　Beside her, Aiden couldn't help but cheer her on.

　"Do your best, Taki!"

　Kakuzaki Taki didn't join their conversation, but instead quietly encouraged himself in Japanese.

　She knew that she was lucky to have passed the preliminary assessment, and now that Bai Yuan was standing in her way, she naturally did not expect to pass the special assessment.

　Others also used the remainder

　Looking at Bai Yuan, it's clear he has the same thought, but it's impossible to ask them to give up after all the trouble they've gone through to get here!

　"As expected of a competition arena, it truly lives up to the name 'competition'!"

　Bai Yuan ignored their conversation and walked straight to the nearest cooking station, where he saw the recessed floor in front of it.

　Bai Yuan knelt down and gently stroked the floor with his hand, then closed his eyes.

　The scenes of chefs struggling here in the past played on a loop in his mind through the sunken floor, turning into experience that he absorbed!

　The others also went to their respective work stations and began to familiarize themselves with the facilities. Looking at the knife marks on the cutting boards and stone tables, everyone's face was filled with shock.

　These are all a comprehensive embodiment of the passion, spirit, and superb skills of our predecessors!

　"Master Chef, the formal test is about to begin."

　On the high city tower, a tall figure appeared, looking down at the examinee in front of him.

　At this moment, she stood with her arms crossed, her gaze as sinister and imposing as a hawk's; just standing there, she exuded immense pressure.

　"What? It's her!?"

　"That's right, it's her! The only woman among the four kings of the Guangzhou Culinary Association."

　A master of all kinds of Cantonese dim sum dishes, she's not only strict with others but also extremely demanding of herself—a dim sum queen, a skillful grandma!

　Jin Lanyu murmured to herself, looking at her mother-in-law with admiration. Although she was around sixty years old, she still stood tall and straight, as if she were in her prime!

　"Her skillful hands make morning tea, and her superb skills are known throughout the world. Whether it's morning tea or pastries, these are all her strengths."

　At the same time, she has an extremely profound understanding of food. I never expected she would be the chief examiner for this top-level assessment!

　Iron-Armed Amu also spoke up, saying that he was not as dull as his name suggested. On the contrary, he was a talkative person, but he didn't like talking to people who were obviously inferior to him. He preferred to communicate with people of the same level.

　"The skillful grandma? The skillful grandma, one of the four kings of the Cantonese Culinary Association, is rated as a six-star chef, but when it comes to her expertise in dim sum, she can even rival a seven-star chef!"

　Kakuzaki Taki recounted the information he had gathered before coming to Guangzhou, his words filled with respect.

　This was the first time she had ever seen a living six-star chef other than the old man!

　"A seven-star chef? Well, a formidable figure has arrived."

　The voices of the group were not quiet, and naturally reached Bai Yuan's ears clearly, which piqued his interest in the woman on the city wall.

　A person of this caliber is capable of creating dishes that continuously emit a shimmering light.

　Although the probability of successfully producing it is not high, it has reached this level and is qualified to face it head-on!

　"This kid is actually looking at me with an aggressive gaze!"

　I've only ever seen that look in the eyes of opponents of similar strength.

　It was a look that seemed to tear the enemy apart and turn them into nourishment for one's own growth!

　"Interesting, really interesting! This must be the boy who created the 'glowing' dish; this year's assessment is sure to be amazing!"

　Noticing the way Bai Yuan was looking at her, Granny Qiao nodded to him and revealed a mysterious smile.

　"Alright, let's begin the formal test immediately. The materials we'll be using are..."

　"The same beef as the first time I tried it!"

　As the banner fell from the city wall, everyone could see the words on it clearly: Beef!

　"What?! Beef again?!"

　"What? Are you making beef dishes again...?"

　Upon hearing this, the qualified participants began to whisper among themselves, all turning their gazes toward the skillful old woman, awaiting her next words.

　"And the new theme is..."

　"Not beef!"

　As soon as he finished speaking, another banner suddenly appeared on the other side, bearing the three large characters "Non-Beef" as the theme of the competition.

　"The time limit is until the moon rises directly above that flagpole. Begin now!"