Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Pointing to the flagpole not far away, the skillful old woman's voice suddenly became stern as she announced the end time of the competition before leaving the city wall.

　"Noodles that aren't noodles, beef that isn't beef—Guangzhou's culinary scene really loves these abstract concepts. But it's alright, just as I guessed, so the dish I was thinking of can finally be put to use."

　Looking at the theme in front of him, Bai Yuan's expression was somewhat complicated, a little surprised, yet also felt it was only natural, after all, Little Master was also this type back then.

　However, this kind of theme only sounds impressive; it's not actually that difficult to do. The most important thing is to open your mind.

　The so-called "noodles that are not noodles" refers to making noodles with ingredients that are not flour, and the same principle applies to "beef that is not beef".

　By using soybeans, mushrooms, and other ingredients with textures and flavors very similar to beef, a beef dish can be made without adding any beef at all!

　Bai Yuan decided to make a vegetarian dish.

　However, there are some things that are particularly important to consider when making purely vegetarian dishes.

　The ingredients are also divided into the "five major pungent vegetables" and the "five minor pungent vegetables." Scallions and garlic are not allowed, which makes it especially challenging for the chef's skills.

　There were no specific requirements for this assessment, so Bai Yuan did not intend to make a purely vegetarian dish. Instead, he wanted to make a vegetarian beef dish that would be palatable to the general public, using white lingzhi mushrooms as the main cooking ingredient.

　This mushroom has white, thick flesh that tastes similar to meat. When chewed, it has a unique elasticity and chewiness, and it can absorb the flavors of seasonings very well, thus changing its own characteristics.

　To make vegetarian beef that rivals real beef, the most important thing is to imitate its texture and taste, and white oyster mushrooms happen to meet these two characteristics.

　Stepping into the mountain of ingredients before him, Bai Yuan quickly analyzed the effects of the ingredients he saw. If he felt they would help his cooking, he put them into the basket on his back.

　If you don't feel it's helpful, don't linger.

　The same applies to others. In today's open-minded world, this level of themed cuisine is naturally not difficult. The only challenge is how to make it so delicious that people can't tell whether it's real or fake beef.

　After all, not everyone is good at cooking vegetarian dishes, and there are many intricacies involved in cooking purely vegetarian dishes. Even if it's not purely vegetarian, there are still quite a few things to consider.

　In conclusion, while the subject matter is easy to conceive of, creating something truly good is extremely difficult. Achieving a perfect fit for the theme is even more challenging.

　·

　·

　"Potatoes, soybeans..."

　Jin Lanyu pinched her chin, staring at the ingredients in front of her for a long time without moving, as if she were having a brainstorming session.

　She also thought of vegetarian beef, but the ingredients were slightly different from those used by Bai Yuan, and the cooking methods and techniques were also quite different.

　·

　·

　"I never expected to find snails here, and they're plump and of excellent quality. It seems like this competition is definitely mine!"

　Leah looked at the agate snails moving freely in the food storage room, her little face showing excitement. For her, this was a piece of cake!

　If we're talking about the most famous French dish that has truly gone international, then without a doubt it's the French-style baked snails!

　Without hesitation, Leah quickly searched for the ingredients for French-style baked snails on site.

　She thought it would be difficult to find French ingredients in China, but to her surprise, the food competition venue had all kinds of ingredients from around the world, both those she could name and those she couldn't!

　It's simply a huge treasure trove of ingredients!

　·

　·

　"It's up to you!"

　Looking at the nuts in his hand, a strange light flickered in Kakuzaki Taki's eyes.

　Although she didn't think she could pass the top-level assessment, it was impossible for her to say that she didn't have any ambition deep down.

　What if? What if she passed?!

　Once this idea took hold, her ambition grew wildly like weeds, and coupled with the atmosphere at the scene, she was in top form.

　Carefully comparing the ingredients in his hands, Kakuzaki Taki quickly constructed the dish he wanted to make, nodding to himself, already having a general idea in mind.

　Creativity is something young chefs have no shortage of!

　·

　·

　"Go for it, Kakuzaki-senpai, Shirabuchi-sensei..."

　Near Baiyuan's cooking station, Kikuchi Sonoka, who had accompanied him in, stood there as an observer, looking in the direction of the two with a complicated expression.

　It's a pity her culinary skills aren't up to par; otherwise, she could be standing here as a contestant in this culinary arena!

　However, even if she just stood there doing nothing, just looking at the knife marks on the counter and the dents on the floor, feeling the extremely heavy atmosphere, she couldn't help but catch her breath and instinctively use her own aura to confront it.

　However, the immense pressure still made her feel short of breath and her chest tighten. She leaned on the counter, her face looking slightly pale.

　"Sit here and rest for a while. Watch me cook. How much you learn depends on your skills."

　Bai Yuan's voice rang out, seemingly possessing a magical power that instantly dispelled the pressure surrounding Kikuchi Yoko, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, she was surprised to find that her back was soaked with sweat.

　"Okay, Professor Bai Yuan!"

　Nowadays, Kikuchi Sonoka has changed how she addresses Hakubuchi.

　There was no way around it; Bai Yuan's strength was far beyond hers, and he was willing to guide her. Calling him "teacher" was not an exaggeration at all!

　"Tsk, how close we are."

　Having just stepped down from the mountain of ingredients in the warehouse, Kakuzaki Taki looked at the two people who were behaving intimately, and pouted, her voice carrying a hint of sourness that she herself didn't realize.

　Although she hadn't had much contact with Bai Yuan, powerful men always attract women's attention, and someone as powerful as Bai Yuan naturally caught her eye.

　This feeling isn't exactly liking, it's just a simple attraction, so I can't help but pay attention to him, and I feel uncomfortable seeing him being close to other girls.

　"Let's get this done first, give it our all, and leave no regrets!"

　Looking at the kitchen counter, she saw a variety of nuts that she had spent a lot of time searching for, as well as vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, and potatoes.

　Kakuzaki Taki clenched his fists, refocusing his attention. Now that he was already this far, he would definitely regret it if he didn't give it his all!

　The others also got ready one after another and got busy at their respective cooking stations, and the scene was once again bustling with activity, with no one having time to talk.

　The oil in the deep fryer was heated to a medium temperature. The decorated king oyster mushrooms were then added. Watching the mushrooms bubbling in the oil, Bai Yuan gently stirred them with chopsticks.

　.

　What is the purpose of this step?

　Noticing that Kikuchien was staring intently at him, Shiro suddenly asked a question that startled the girl. After hesitating for a moment, she replied, "To improve the texture and flavor."

　"You're half right. The cooking technique of 'frying' enhances the texture and flavor."

　However, this time the theme is "beef that isn't beef." Besides the similar texture and flavor, the dish's appearance must also be so realistic that it's hard to tell the difference. We're currently working on that.

　Bai Yuan nodded. Although Mujichi Yuanguo's skills were average, her foundation was quite solid. In that case, she could be properly trained.

　The key is...

　Keeping this guy around has its perks—she really does get to see him! Plus, he's old enough that he doesn't feel any pressure looking at him!

　"There are several types of vegetarian cooking: vegan, pure vegan, lacto-ovo vegetarian, and the most popular healthy vegetarian in today's society."

　What I'm going to do now is a healthy vegetarian diet. A healthy vegetarian diet, in this context, means a diet that meets the body's basic needs while being extremely low in calories, making it suitable for some people to achieve weight loss.

　Although the topic was non-beef, since the conversation had already come up, Bai Yuan felt it was necessary to explain to Kikuchi Sonoka.

　Otherwise, it would be unfair to the other person who calls them a teacher.

　Kikuchi Sonoka listened attentively and nodded enthusiastically in response.

　"Stir-fry scallions, ginger, and garlic in a pot until fragrant, then add cinnamon, bay leaves, star anise, cardamom, and lemongrass and stir-fry to enhance the flavor, giving the mushrooms a beef-like taste."

　As Bai Yuan spoke, he put the ingredients he had prepared in advance on the stove into the pot, then added soy sauce for flavor, rock sugar and dark soy sauce for color, and water to bring it to a boil.

　Then add hoisin sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce.

　Question: What is vegetarian oyster sauce made from?

　"Huh? No... I'm not quite sure."

　The sudden question made Kikuchi Sonoka break out in a cold sweat. She racked her brains for a long time but couldn't find an answer. In the end, she could only say guiltily.

　"Mushrooms! You idiot! There are only a few vegetarian ingredients that can enhance flavor. Even if you really don't know them, can't you guess one or two? Have the courage to try!"

　Bai Yuan raised his voice, speaking with a slightly stern tone.

　"I understand, I'm really sorry."

　Upon hearing this, Kikuchi Yoko hurriedly bowed, which is a traditional Japanese custom. However, this time, Shirobuchi didn't even glance at her.

　The most important thing now is cooking; everything else can be put aside.

　Add carrots, celery, and cilantro to the pot for flavor, then add the fried mushrooms, season with salt and sugar, cover and simmer over low heat for half an hour.

　Sensing the rich fragrance wafting in the air, Bai Yuan's face showed a satisfied expression. He then raised his head and looked at the others.

　At this moment, everyone was focused on their cooking, and the only sounds on the scene were the chopping of vegetables, the sizzling of woks, and the bubbling of ingredients in the pots.

　"What a lively scene."

　Beside her, Kikuchi Sonoka couldn't help but sigh, a longing in her eyes.

　At this moment, she also wants to stand on this competition stage and show all her culinary skills to the judges and to this ancient arena of culinary competition!

　"Throughout history, countless master chefs have emerged here, and countless people have poured their hearts and souls into this place. If you come here without the fighting spirit, then you don't deserve to be called a chef at all!"

　The skillful old woman appeared at the arena at some point, heading towards Bai Yuan. Although her hair was already gray, she looked incredibly energetic, like a woman around forty years old.

　"A skillful old lady."

　Looking at the old woman in front of him, Bai Yuan pronounced her name and nodded slightly to her, and she looked over as well.

　"You're the boy who made the glowing dish in your first attempt, right? I never expected you to be so young. Are you not even twenty yet?!"

　Looking at Bai Yuan's appearance, even the skillful old woman, who had lived for so long, couldn't help but marvel in her heart, truly a hero emerging from among the young!

　"I just turned nineteen this year."

　Bai Yuan answered truthfully, looking at her with equal fervor, but in his heart he was thinking about what reason he could use to have a showdown with her over morning tea!

　Seeing such a powerful figure standing before me.

　He was really itching to get back to work!

　Chapter Sixty-Seven: Fragrant Vegetarian Steak with Wine, Golden Light Obscures the Moon

　"I'd like to ask if you're interested in joining the Guangzhou Chefs Association? With your talent, in another ten years or so, when we old guys are no longer around, you'll be the new Four Heavenly Kings of the Guangzhou Chefs Association!"

　Surprisingly, the skillful old lady directly invited Bai Yuan to join the Guangzhou Chefs Association, and offered him generous terms that any Guangzhou chef would never refuse!

　"What! Is this really the skillful old lady? The information says she's very strict! Why does she look so kind now... Could it be that someone is deliberately smearing her?"

　Kakuzaki Taki looked at everything that was happening in front of her with a slightly surprised expression. Before she came, she had specifically conducted a background check on the four kings of the Cantonese Culinary Association, but no matter where the information came from, it said that this one was very strict!

　But now... the skillful old lady is clearly acting like a kind old woman!

　"He was actually invited to join the Guangzhou Culinary Association! What an honor! But thinking about it, it makes sense, after all, he created dishes that are absolutely luminous!"

　Even if it was done by chance, one would still need to possess top-tier strength, otherwise such a coincidence would be absolutely impossible to trigger!

　just

　"Aren't these conditions a bit too generous? Is it worth the Guangzhou Chefs Association spending so much money to recruit a master chef?"

　Jin Lanyu looked at Bai Yuan with envy, wishing she were the one standing in front of the skillful old woman. She would nod frantically to show her determination, instead of remaining indifferent like Bai Yuan!

　"No, I'm used to a life of leisure and have no interest in joining an official organization."

　Bai Yuan shook his head and refused the skillful old woman without hesitation.

　You're kidding, they offered him the presidency of the European Culinary Research Association, but he refused. How could he possibly care about a mere one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Cantonese Culinary Federation a decade or so later?

　Working for someone else is ultimately working for someone else. Even if he eventually joins a certain organization, he will be his own boss.

　"What? You rejected me!?"

　Jin Lanyu stared at Bai Yuan in astonishment, then cleared her ears in disbelief, seemingly not expecting him to refuse.

　"This is a direct ticket to becoming one of the Four Heavenly Kings!"

　Given his current status—not even having passed the top-level assessment yet—it's equivalent to being directly admitted to the academician program from elementary school! And he still refused?!

　Amu muttered to himself, a strange expression on his face that was hard to decipher—it was neither a smile nor a cry. What he himself craved but couldn't have, Bai Yuan discarded like trash, even seeming to look at him with disdain...