In the original work.
The Great Gourmet Era had a total of 300,000 different ingredients, of which 2% were discovered by the gourmet Toriko, meaning a staggering six thousand types!
Therefore, Toriko was also known as one of the leading figures of the Great Gourmet Era.
As for the so-called Four Heavenly Kings, they referred to their contributions to the Gourmet Era.
However, compared to that time, the current number of existing ingredients was much smaller, with only about 30,000 types in the Human World!
And the Gourmet Bank had already collected nearly seven thousand types, which could be considered a good achievement.
But Zhang Wei knew that even in the Human World, in unknown corners, countless ingredients were still waiting for humanity to discover them.
After all, the Toriko era was about discovery; those ingredients had always existed.
"Perhaps... it was Acacia's research on Gourmet Jellyfish that caused the explosion in ingredient diversity..."
Putting aside that distant topic.
Zhang Wei carefully finalized the ingredient catalog with Old Ma, covering 4,700 types of specialty ingredients from level 1-35 on the South Continent!
According to the agreement, unless an ingredient was definitively declared extinct, even if it was endangered, at least one specimen had to be obtained. With their trading volume, a 50% breach of contract would be fifty billion!
That was a sum even a top merchant like Old Ma would find difficult to bear!
Next.
Zhang Wei turned his gaze to the other people.
Zhang Wei put on a harmless expression and said in a slightly tempting tone, "Actually, I've already found a relatively safe way to travel to the Gourmet World, and I can bring a few assistants with me..."
Thunderclap!
This news was even more shocking than Crimson Candy!
No matter how good the candy was, it belonged to someone else!
But if one could enter the Gourmet World, life would undoubtedly take a different turn!
The excited crowd immediately swarmed Old Ma, forming a circle and asking, "Mr. Zhang Wei, how many spots are there?"
"Do you think I'm suitable?"
"Mr. Zhang Wei, I'm the most seasoned Gourmet Hunter here!"
"I'm a chef, I can assist you!"
"My survival skills are strong, I'll definitely be less of a burden than others! And I'm good at support!"
Zhang Wei waved his hand.
Signaling for everyone to calm down.
He began to pitch his Gourmet Bank.
"I won't hide it from you all, the Gourmet Bank is currently short-handed and urgently needs your participation and support."
"In return, I will set up a point system, and the few with the highest points will have the chance to enter the Gourmet World, with me providing full protection. As long as you follow orders, there's a 90% chance of bringing you back alive!"
To Zhang Wei's surprise.
Not a single person out of the hundreds responded to him!
Ninety percent!
That was already a significant number.
However, most of the people who came here disliked joining organizations.
Given their qualifications and talents, they had likely been contacted by people like Old Mo, but they still insisted on coming here, choosing to enter at the opportune moment...
"What a fairytale world, to view the risks to life so lightly, as if adventure and exploration were commonplace."
Zhang Wei had no choice but to say, "In that case, let's change the mode of interaction!"
As he spoke, Zhang Wei took out a large amount of ingredients from the Gourmet World.
"Let's set new game rules!"
"You don't need to join my organization; just do what you do best and explore the unknown regions of the Human World for me!"
"Discoverers of new ingredients, regardless of their level, will receive my reward!"
"And the one who discovers the most new ingredients will be eligible for an award and can become my assistant in exploring the Gourmet World!"
Zhang Wei's new move!
Using ingredient rewards to stimulate a wave of exploration into the unknown, broadening their horizons beyond just the Gourmet World!
This was similar to the Nobel Prize.
However, the Nobel Prize was more of an academic recognition, while Zhang Wei offered tangible rewards.
Zhang Wei said very seriously, "Taking a leap from here is easy, and indeed exciting!"
"But a new Gourmet Era cannot be without you!"
"I hope to use this method to make the world more prosperous and bring more delicious food to humanity's tables!"
"And you... can also obtain ingredients from the Gourmet World in advance. The nutrients from those foods will nourish your bodies, making you stronger, rather than becoming food for the beasts of the underground forest as you are now."
Having said that!
Zhang Wei bowed and entered the Warm Harbor with Old Ma, then quickly moved to his merchant guild's stronghold.
Old Ma, holding the first batch of Crimson Candy, said excitedly, "Mr. Zhang Wei, please rest assured, even if it means cheating, deceiving, or stealing, I will gather what you need."
Zhang Wei immediately distanced himself, "I didn't ask you to break the law or commit crimes. In any case, we are just in a business relationship. I don't want to know what you do!"
Old Ma: ...
Afterward, Zhang Wei immediately went to the Gourmet Bank branch on the South Continent.
There had been no ice transported there for a long time, and it already had a damp smell.
Upon seeing Zhang Wei, the person in charge burst into tears, "Boss, you're finally here!"
"Calm down, unload the cargo!"
Innumerable Frost from the North stored in the Treasury, along with a large quantity of frozen ingredients.
In addition, Zhang Wei left behind several specialty products from the Gourmet World.
---
Smiley Hormone Apple
Capture Level: 100
Appetite Level: 40
Description: Contains pleasant hallucinogenic factors. After consumption, one will involuntarily smile for a month, becoming more cheerful and optimistic.
Description: Slightly addictive, but similar to tobacco in its addictive nature. It is not considered a poisonous ingredient.
---
Lightning Mint Leaf
Capture Level: 100
Appetite Level: 45
Description: Has nothing to do with lightning, entirely due to its astonishing refreshing effect. Just smelling its unique mint aroma can instantly eliminate fatigue and make one feel invigorated.
Description: Can be used to make sachets, providing a refreshing effect for at least two months. When mixed with grandpa's wine or fruit juice, it has a very cool taste and is a powerful tool for relieving heat and dispelling summer.
---
Grotesque Song Mushroom
Capture Level: 100
Appetite Level: 44
Description: A fungus that grows in the humus layer. When encountering danger, it releases unpleasant and terrifying noises, causing one to lose their appetite. This noise ability can be removed after processing.
Description: Grotesque Song Mushrooms have an excellent texture. The special mushroom flesh that produces sound can even wriggle after being cooked. Additionally, consuming Grotesque Song Mushrooms will significantly increase the eater's vocal volume, so one needs to be careful not to disturb others.
---
Shark Fin Mushroom
Capture Level: 100
Appetite Level: 50
Description: A fungus that grows in the humus layer, with the texture and taste of shark fins, making it excellent for making soup.
---
Iron Shell Snail
Capture Level: 100
Appetite Level: 52
Description: Approximately ten kilograms in weight. When it encounters danger, it retracts into its shell. Its shell is a high-quality material even sturdier than that of a striking turtle. Furthermore, Iron Shell Snails are docile creatures, feeding on the tender leaves of treetops.
---
Zhang Wei said, "These are my hauls from the Gourmet World. You can treat them as shop treasures and sell them at a higher price. Also..."
"Seeing your hard work, I'll permit you to take one item to cook as a staff welfare for your efforts during this period."
Who wouldn't like such a generous boss?
A cheer erupted immediately.
However, Zhang Wei didn't have much time. After a brief greeting, he immediately moved on.
To Penglai Immortal City on the East Continent...
To Stalingrad and Chengdu on the Initial Continent...
To the West Continent...
The Plant Hell!
"Three months have passed, and the BB Corn is growing quite slowly."
Indeed, without Zhang Wei's feeding, it was impossible to accumulate much energy and nutrition just by hunting on its own.
He casually fed it some.
Zhang Wei then went to the Legal Plateau.
After three months, the Legal Mammoth had returned to its tough hunting life. During this period, there wasn't a day it didn't miss Zhang Wei.
"Hey, little guy, long time no see!"
"This time, besides plants, I've brought you a lot of good stuff!"
Moist Wolf Fang Grass!
It was a delicacy for herbivores, rich in nutrients.
Ozone Grass Leaves.
An ozone grass, tens of meters tall, with fruits weighing only a dozen kilograms, its leaves accounting for 99.99% of its body weight.
The leaves of the Ozone Grass could be used as tea leaves and were also excellent food for herbivores.
In addition, there was BB Corn, and... Crimson Candy!
Crimson Candy could significantly replenish blood and compensate for bodily deficiencies. Zhang Wei could produce forty kilograms of perfect grade daily, and feeding it all to the mammoth was not an issue.
Furthermore, the shells and remains of Red Sugar Ghouls also contained a lot of energy, which he let the Legal Mammoth gnaw on like bones.
After finishing everything.
He gathered the trading goods for several branches, estimated to be worth one hundred billion.
Upon storage, the Treasury's daily output would increase by ten billion.
However, Zhang Wei, having emerged from the Gourmet World, no longer cared about such trivial amounts.
...
Northland, Great Glacier
The harsh environment made this place deserted, but today it was exceptionally lively.
All sorts of shockwaves and strange skills were flying everywhere.
At this moment.
Both sides had fought to their final stages, one side representing the Northland's Black List, and the other, Ajin and the traitors.
In the Northland, figures like the Woodcutter and Blacksmith had already fallen unconscious. The Terror Clown was nowhere to be found, and even the powerful Vampire and Scorpion had been defeated.
Only Qing Shilang, known as the Northland's number one swordsman, and Tian Zui, who had come to support from Rivendell Forest, were still able to fight.
However, Ajin's side was a mystery; besides these five individuals, there were a large number of mysterious experts, all at least level 70.
The person currently fighting Tian Zui was estimated to be over level 115!
Haru struggled to get up from the ground, retrieving a delicacy from his waist, "Damn it, how did Zhang Wei provoke such a formidable opponent? It looks like we're in grave danger today."
"I thought I could come here to get some food and drink, but now I might have to risk my life. Zhang Wei, you owe me for this in the next life!"
Xi Feng had been rescued from the prison. Looking at the scene before him, he closed his eyes in despair.
He had ultimately failed to protect Zhang Wei's foundation; he had placed his trust in the wrong person!
Ultimately, it was his own weakness!
"It seems that today, both the Black List and the Northland will be defeated here!"
The mysterious person fighting Tian Zui roared, their powerful muscles tearing through their upper garment!
With a punch, Tian Zui was heavily injured and collapsed, spitting out large mouthfuls of blood.
The mysterious person grinned, "I sense the aura of the Olympus domain from you, very similar to those followers of the God of War."
"You've done quite well, but you're still lacking compared to me."
Tian Zui smiled helplessly.
Qian Po Po's words echoed in his mind, and strength surged through his body again!
If he couldn't defeat such an opponent, how could he seek revenge?
Just as he was about to go all out, a thick fog suddenly appeared out of nowhere!
The prelude to Warm Harbor's arrival!
Everyone was stunned by the sight and widened their eyes involuntarily.
Only Zhang Wei could command Warm Harbor. Was it Warm Harbor returning alone, or was it that man...
Ajin was horrified, recalling Zhang Wei's terror, and his hands and feet turned cold.
Even the fierce winds of the Northland hadn't given him such a chill.
Ajin hurried towards the mysterious person, calling out with a hint of fear, "This... This is Zhang Wei returning! What do we do!"
The mysterious person remained silent for a moment, then let out an eerie laugh, "Since we've encountered the main target, let's kill him and eliminate any future trouble!"
At this moment, Tian Zui's fist struck.
The mysterious person casually swatted Tian Zui away with a single palm, sending him crashing to the ground.
Ajin exclaimed in shock, "So casual?"
They had just been evenly matched, with only a slight advantage. Now, with Tian Zui's furious punch, he was sent flying with a mere casual swipe?
The mysterious person said proudly, "Since things have come to this, I won't hide anymore. Tian Zui, I was just playing with you earlier. Did you really think you could defeat me?"
Saying that.
The mysterious person removed their hood.
Revealing an aged, bald head, with a clear scar on the scalp. Judging by his face, he was an extremely bloodthirsty individual!
"You... You are Tai Sui Shen!"
The mysterious person chuckled, "Kid, you've got some knowledge. You actually recognize me!"
In the distance.
Haru asked Xi Feng doubtfully, "What is Tai Sui Shen? Even Ajin looks terrified!"
Xi Feng was trembling all over, saying in disbelief, "It's... it's him?"
"Who exactly is he!"
Xi Feng said tremblingly, "In the Northland, there is a book called the Diary of Calamities, which records periods of massive population decline over several hundred years. One of the disasters was named Tai Sui!"
Legend has it that seventy years ago, an evil cult believed that humans were divided into strata and ranks, and that they were also part of the food chain.
As higher-class humans, it was only natural for them to consume lower-class humans.
This cult was called Tai Sui, and their leader, the old priest, was known as Tai Sui Shen.
Of course, such evil ideology was naturally rejected by everyone, and at that time, gourmet hunters, warriors, governments, and religious organizations from across the continent united to hunt them down!
After hundreds of days of fierce fighting, this evil force was finally eradicated.
It is said that during the reign of the Tai Sui cult, hundreds of thousands of people in the Northland were preyed upon in a single day, causing considerable panic!
However, due to the passage of too much time, no one has heard of their name anymore.
Xi Feng swallowed hard, "This Tai Sui Shen is exactly the same as in the historical records. Seventy years have passed, and he hasn't changed at all..."
"And this guy should have been killed already. How could he appear here and collude with Ajin and the others?"
Seventy years ago, Tai Sui Shen's strength already surpassed Ajin's. How terrifying was he now?
Ajin's legs were trembling, unable to imagine that the mysterious person who had approached him a few days ago was actually Tai Sui Shen!
Tai Sui Shen chuckled and patted Ajin's shoulder, "Since you know my name, you must have some understanding of my eating habits, right? After I help you clean up this mess, let's randomly select five thousand people for a grand barbecue feast?"
Ajin dared not say anything, only nodding mechanically.
Tai Sui Shen smiled, "Yes, you're a good person."
But Tian Zui was not afraid of Tai Sui Shen and attacked again with renewed strength!
Tai Sui Shen licked his lips, bit off Tian Zui's fist, and then chewed it with relish, his eyes showing a look of intoxication.
"As expected of the flesh of an Olympian, it's truly delicious. Even after eating so many little darlings, none were as sweet as you."
"After the recent exertion, your blood and qi have been fully opened. The irresistible fragrance is rising."
Tian Zui cried out in pain.
Clutching his broken arm, he retreated, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead.
In his long career, he had never encountered such a helpless situation.
Just as Tai Sui Shen was about to make his next move, a cold and slightly angry voice sounded from within the thick fog.
"Can someone tell me!"
"Here!"
"What exactly happened!"