As more and more people finished eating, satisfied shouts rose one after another.
The Warrior's Blood, made by ordinary chefs, might not offer the ability to break through, but its taste was far superior to their usual fare.
This was one of Zhang Wei's gifts to the two hundred chefs. How much of its essence they could learn depended on their individual comprehension.
"I broke through too!"
"Me too! It feels amazing!"
A quick count revealed over a hundred people.
These were individuals who were already on the verge of breaking through, and the Warrior's Blood provided the final push.
Such an effect was also inseparable from Zhang Wei's selfless contribution.
In addition to the original supplies from the Northern Lands, precious items from the Treasury Hall were also mixed in. However, Zhang Wei had no intention of taking credit, merely secretly blending the treasures together.
The onlookers, however, only knew that a single dish casually taught by Zhang Wei could cause soldiers to advance in formation!
And these were apprentices making it for the very first time!
What did this signify?
It meant that Zhang Wei was not only a masterful chef but also an excellent culinary mentor, capable of teaching ordinary cooks such a potent dish in mere hours!
If one could learn from him long-term…
It was unimaginable!
The King of Northern Chefs, terrifying indeed!
Wu Yong's excitement after breaking through lingered.
Initially, he merely jumped around, but later, he began practicing punches on the sparring stage.
Most bizarrely, the same symptom appeared in other soldiers!
Wu Yong, while punching, shouted, "Great Chef, I feel completely energized, like I have endless strength!"
"No, it's more like I can't stop!"
"What on earth is happening!"
This symptom was clearly that of an stimulant.
Had an illicit ingredient been added?
However, the doubts of the crowd were soon dispelled. The legend of the King of Northern Chefs was widespread in the army, and any miracle Zhang Wei created was considered reasonable.
To become the King of Northern Chefs, Zhang Wei himself was a miracle!
Everyone looked at Zhang Wei expectantly, awaiting his explanation.
Under the spotlight…
But Zhang Wei, having lived two lives, was long accustomed to such scenes.
With a calm demeanor, he explained, "This dish, how does it taste to you?"
"It's undeniably superb! Wonderful!"
"Be more specific."
Wu Yong thought for a moment and recalled, "It smells spicy, and when I eat it… it's fragrant! Both fragrant and numbing! It feels incredibly warm in my stomach! As comforting as a large cup of warm tea on a winter's day."
Zhang Wei said, "Strictly speaking, the basic tastes are sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and umami. Spicy is a stimulating pain sensation, not a taste, and the numbing of Sichuan peppercorns is similar."
"However, through my research, these sensations can also be perceived by Gourmet Cells… This is the basis for the development of Warrior's Blood."
"Spiciness is merely a surface phenomenon, accelerating your blood flow. The true experience lies in the combination of fragrance and numbness."
He walked to the stove.
Zhang Wei took out the ingredients.
Besides Sichuan peppercorns, black pepper, and gum, there was also a large amount of sesame oil and animal fat.
Sesame oil was a simplified version of fragrant oil, with the superior grade even carrying its aroma for a hundred meters.
Animal oil was refined from animal lard. Those with kitchen experience knew how intoxicating the flavor of such fat was, and it was a necessary addition to many luxurious dishes.
Wu Yong asked doubtfully, "But… with so much oil, I don't feel greasy at all!"
Zhang Wei then revealed the remaining ingredients.
And a barrel of vibrant red sauce.
"Looking at this color, and the dried chili segments floating on top, you'd surely think it's chili sauce, right?"
"Actually, it's vegetable juice!"
The crowd gasped!
No wonder it smelled spicy but tasted so aromatic.
There was none of the discomfort from excessive chili!
If tomato juice was the base, supplemented by other vegetable ingredients, it would indeed resemble chili soup.
After all, many chilies were not purely red.
"Actually, I did use quite a bit of spice."
"It wouldn't be that palatable otherwise."
Zhang Wei then took out the final secret ingredient.
In the corner, there were several empty barrels.
These barrels were made of paper and rubber, quite rare.
"This is a new packaging developed by the City of Progress. When dairy products are placed inside and pasteurized, they can be preserved for up to 30 days."
Zhang Wei had revealed the mystery.
These barrels were used to hold milk!
The last mysterious seasoning was this milk!
"Milk in spicy dishes?"
"I detest the taste of milk, but I didn't detect it!"
Zhang Wei smiled, "Let me share a little knowledge with everyone. The best element to effectively alleviate the sensation of spiciness is the casein in milk!"
"And unskimmed milk itself has a unique, mellow aroma characteristic of dairy. When mixed with vegetable juice, it pairs perfectly with chili!"
This trick was not Zhang Wei's own invention.
In his previous life on Blue Star, there was a popular, inexpensive delicacy that swept across the north and south – Mala Tang (Spicy Hot Pot)!
Among its many variations was a secret recipe that used hot pot base and milk to create a simple Mala Tang broth, a flavor that rivaled those of famous establishments!
Wu Yong continued to ask, "But what does this have to do with strength? I feel like I've taken a stimulant!"
"It's the food effect."
"The vitamins from the vegetables, the energy from the fats, and the stimulation from the spice cause your blood flow to surge."
"With increased blood flow providing more energy, your body naturally feels a sense of excitement! Reaction speed, strength, pain resistance, and so on will all increase."
"In other words, after eating this dish, your combat power will significantly increase for a short period!"
Everyone suddenly understood!
So…
They had all misinterpreted Zhang Wei's intentions.
Warrior's Blood didn't refer to its color, or a superficial challenge like spiciness.
Instead, it was meant to imbue warriors with blood, to provide them with support!
This was undoubtedly a combat-enhancing item!
If one could eat a portion before battle, then…
"No wonder the first meal was prioritized for the frontline team to return, it was specifically to aid combat personnel!"
"As their combat power increases, we will be safer, and the rest of us can recuperate with peace of mind."
"It's just uncertain how long this food's boost will last. If it's too short, it might not be worth the effort."
Food and medicine were different.
Firstly, preparing dishes required a long time and a quiet, safe, undisturbed location.
Furthermore, their shelf life was very short, with the optimal consumption time usually not exceeding one hour.
Also, eating and taking medicine were different; one needed to enjoy the process of savoring the flavor, which also took time.
These factors were luxuries on a fiercely contested battlefield.
All present turned their concerned gazes back to Zhang Wei.
Including the assistant chefs.
The duration of the boost determined the value of this dish.
One could only assume that the recipe from the King of Northern Chefs would not be too bad, right?