Once a chef reaches nine or ten stars, they gain the ability to explore the Gourmet World!
Countless hundred-level Gourmet World hunters will extend invitations to partner up and explore the Gourmet World together. Whether it's Liu Bangling, the Sichuan cuisine fairy, or her child, Liu Angsing, their goal has always been the Gourmet World.
Liu Bangling had already completed her exploration of the outer reaches of the Gourmet World tens of thousands of years ago, and only then returned to the Ju Xia building to inherit her family's business.
Zhang Wei let out a wry smile and said, "Actually, I have already made contact with the Human Supreme Gourmet Association, but it was due to excessive combat power, not culinary skills."
"That old man I contacted warned me not to misuse my power in the human realm. Lightly, I'd be expelled from the human world; heavily, I'd be imprisoned in a super-prison, or sentenced to death."
However, death penalty and imprisonment are hard to convict. Only by triggering multiple prohibitions is it possible.
For example, causing the extinction of ingredients multiple times, or destructive fishing.
Causing casualties of over ten thousand civilians and refusing to repent.
Powerful figures interfering in the political struggles of the human realm and altering the political landscape.
Launching devastating wars, such as issuing orders for massacres.
Maliciously attacking Qingying, who is in the developmental stage of humanity, and causing a large number of casualties.
Basically, these are all major events that affect human development or are of a particularly malicious nature. Otherwise, the Human Supreme Gourmet Association would not intervene.
Liu Bangling also gave a wry smile, "As expected of a warmonger…"
Zhang Wei spread his hands and said, "To be fair, I am just a mess hall cook who followed the army."
Liu Bangling did not continue this topic.
She pointed to the manuscripts in the room and said, "This is what I saw and heard during my exploration of the Gourmet World. I believe it will be of help to you."
Saying that.
Liu Bangling began to sort them out.
"Illustrated Compendium"
Composed of some hardcover papers, disorganized and messy. This is a compendium of ingredients hand-drawn by Liu Bangling, including information on their origin, specific locations, taste characteristics, and so on.
A total of 88 volumes of illustrations!
These are circulated among high-level chefs and all pertain to the Gourmet World. Even if an ordinary person obtained them, they would be meaningless.
"Sichuan Cuisine Practical Compendium"
This is the thickest volume, containing 128 of the most famous Sichuan dishes. It is a compilation of Ju Xia building's experience in preparing Sichuan cuisine over many years!
Even Zhang Wei would need to study the profound details within.
"Manuscript Sketchbook"
This is a collection of Liu Bangling's culinary essence, as well as her experiences interacting with peers in the Gourmet World. It initially ran to hundreds of thousands of characters. After being organized and supplemented with her own insights, it has now reached a massive one million characters.
"Miscellaneous Drafts"
These are Liu Bangling's wild fantasies and her outlooks on future culinary arts, appearing somewhat impractical.
She was quite embarrassed when handing them over to Zhang Wei.
Finally, she asked Zhang Wei not to laugh after reading them.
"Letters"
After returning to Chengdu in Sichuan, Liu Bangling maintained contact with friends in the Gourmet World, as well as her child, Liu Angsing.
The letters mentioned some interesting anecdotes and geographical changes in the Gourmet World, all of which have been compiled. The content is even more extensive than what she had witnessed firsthand.
"Chef Zhang, your guidance is incredibly valuable to Ju Xia building, as is our collaborative project…"
"I have nothing I can offer you, nor was I able to prepare a superior dish that matches your status. Perhaps these items can bring you some value."
Zhang Wei quickly said, "Please don't say that, the content of these materials is priceless!"
Saying that.
Zhang Wei took out the middle and lower volumes of the textbook.
The content covered everything from 1-star to 8-star.
He also explained the concepts of the Gourmet Bank and its affiliated Culinary Academy to Liu Bangling in detail.
"The chefs at Ju Xia building possess exquisite culinary skills, but what they lack is experience in handling high-grade ingredients."
"I hope to have some chefs from Ju Xia building come to my academy for advanced studies. I will impart all my theoretical knowledge, and high-grade ingredients can be used freely."
Learning techniques while having ingredients to practice with is a dream come true for all chefs.
Without Zhang Wei even needing to mention it, Master Abe had this impulse.
He immediately asked, "Then… how much is the tuition fee?"
"The first volume is very affordable, but it won't satisfy their needs. If you learn the entire set, the discounted price is around 350 million Bery. Per person, per year."
Zhang Wei added, "350 million per person per year."
Holy moly!
Liu Bangling had anticipated it, but the price still exceeded her imagination.
However, this was already at cost price. Let alone the expense of high-level chefs practicing, this technical knowledge itself is priceless.
No matter how much money they asked for, it would not be excessive.
Take Master Abe, for example. If someone genuinely wanted to learn her techniques, even ten billion Bery would not suffice.
Furthermore, the culinary profession is quite lucrative. Even the Soul of Soup back then earned over 600,000, not to mention various welfare subsidies…
"I can't afford to learn…"
Liu Bangling had twelve Gold Label chefs and over fifty Silver Label chefs under her, and this didn't even include those who were out on assignments and hadn't returned…
With tuition fees at this level, Ju Xia building simply could not afford it.
Zhang Wei revealed a triumphant smile, "It's fine. My Gourmet City is also under construction. All students can earn money while they study."
"The remaining tuition fees can be paid by staying and teaching at the academy after graduation."
"The salaries for teachers at our academy are quite high."
"And I can make you a promise: all chefs from Ju Xia building can apply for interest-free student loans for the full amount. You can study at our academy without spending a single penny."
After a long while.
Liu Bangling finally realized, "Um… this model of yours is blatantly poaching people from Ju Xia building!"
"Heh heh, don't expose it if you see through it."
With this whole process.
Four years of study, followed by six years of repayment, Ju Xia building would directly lose contact with that chef for ten years!
During these ten years, they would be working for Zhang Wei.
And according to Zhang Wei's plan, they could participate in culinary work from the start of their studies, working and studying.
However, for ten years of greatly improved culinary skills and participation in the preparation of countless high-grade ingredients, chefs would still be clamoring for it!
But…
With such high teacher benefits from Zhang Wei, would these Gold Label chefs return to Ju Xia building after completing their studies?
After much consideration.
Liu Bangling sighed, "The growth that Ju Xia building can provide has essentially reached its limit. Many people haven't improved for years. Changing environments and learning new approaches and models is what truly honors their future."
Ultimately.
Liu Bangling was not a selfish person.
She never thought of locking these chefs down to fight for her, but rather hoped they would improve and reach greater heights.
Zhang Wei had actually seen this.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have proposed it so presumptuously.
Finally, Zhang Wei said, "I have one more request."
"Speak."
"If my academy produces interns, could you consider Ju Xia building…"
Liu Bangling was taken aback, then smiled, "Of course!"
Blood exchange.
This is the training method for many classic chefs.
When their original establishment no longer offers growth, they go to another place to work temporarily, attempting to learn from each other and improve themselves.
In this way, both Ju Xia building and Glacier Academy would have sufficient fresh blood.
As for culinary arts…
Only through collision can sparks be generated and more delicious dishes created.
…
Inside the back kitchen.
Zhang Wei discussed the concepts of the Gourmet Bank, affiliated academy, and Gourmet City with a group of chefs, exchanging opinions.
These Gold Label chefs also offered many suggestions.
For example, the catering planning for Gourmet City, the target audience for different types of restaurants, and menu classification choices.
Gourmet City could be divided into multiple internal and external layers, with each stratum corresponding to a different level of ingredients. The various directions of the rings could represent different cuisines, including Sichuan, Shandong, Cantonese, Japanese, French, and more, over twenty types of cuisines.
Just as children yearn for the castles in fairy tales.
Zhang Wei stated frankly, "Leave any problems that can be solved with money to me!"
These chefs were wildly narrating their dream Gourmet City. If there were a heaven for chefs, what would it be like…
And Zhang Wei could fully satisfy everyone's fantasies.
"I think Gourmet City should have a large number of castle-like structures. Entering the main gate should evoke a sense of unparalleled grandeur, as if arriving in a kingdom of gastronomy!"
"No, no, why can't we build an edible city out of candy? It's a bit impractical… but we could suggest a zone like that, where everything you see is edible!"
"Legend has it that in ancient times, the emperor of the initial continent built the first Gourmet City in history!"
"Oh? What was that?"
"Choose a royal garden, hang roasted meat on the trees, covering the entire forest. You could pick different kinds of roasted meats at will. Dig a pool, fill the bottom with lees, and pour wine on top. People could swim and drink at the same time."
"Isn't that the legendary story of the wine pool and meat forest? It's said there were countless 'beauty foxes' serving in the woods, allowing for unrestrained enjoyment and play, a scene of utter extravagance."
"If you put it that way, there's also the story of the Ice Palace…"
"A vast natural forest encountered a rare thousand-year sweet snow wind disaster, and all the fruits were coated with a layer of sugar shell. Picking a bunch at random would yield candied hawthorns made of various fruits…"
Every idea was excellent.
Some might be eliminated considering practicalities, but the creative spark could still be used.
There was a possibility of building them.
Later, they also discussed product sales and the Gourmet Bank. To increase persuasiveness, Zhang Wei even showcased the Warm Harbor.
Fortunately, the thick fog provided cover, and the Warm Harbor's skill to reduce the sense of threat prevented any commotion.
"Chef Zhang, rest assured, I have already written to all my colleagues in Sichuan. A dish exhibition will be held in three days."
"With Ju Xia building's reputation, no one will refuse to come."
"And if this event goes well, developing in Shandong and Guangdong in the future will be effortless."
It could be said that.
Everything was going smoothly!
Just as everyone was happily chatting, the sound of deafening gongs and drums echoed from outside.
A staff member rushed in, "Many people have arrived outside! They've surrounded Ju Xia building so tightly that not a drop of water can get through!"
Liu Bangling angrily exclaimed, "Who is so disrespectful!"
"So many people!"
"They say they've come to request the Formless Soup!"
Formless!
Who leaked the news?
The staff member then said with a bitter expression, "You've been in meetings the whole time, you don't know what the situation is like in Chengdu right now, do you?"
From the moment Zhang Wei entered the building until he finished tasting the Formless Soup, a full six days had passed!
During these six days, everyone maintained a high level of concentration.
Initially listening to Zhang Wei's critique of Ju Xia building, and later watching Zhang Wei prepare the Formless Soup, they were truly unable to spare any attention.
The staff member said with admiration, "The taste of that divine soup was unparalleled. It spread throughout Chengdu in an instant. People are now discussing this marvelous taste on every street corner! Many are coming to inquire about the dish."
Zhang Wei preparing the Formless Soup was not a secret matter.
Culinary exchanges are nothing to be ashamed of.
At this point, Zhang Wei's name became famous throughout Chengdu, and countless people came to visit!
A voice shouted from outside the main entrance, "Chengdu Prefect, Wang Shoucheng requests an audience!"
Everyone was shocked!
Chengdu Prefect?
The City Lord himself was alerted?
This person wields great power over the city and is backed by His Majesty the Qing Emperor. Legend has it that every Qing Emperor is a strong cultivator who has returned from the Gourmet World!
They have an intricate and complex relationship with the Human Supreme Gourmet Association.
Wang Shoucheng's resonant voice boomed from outside, "Wang Shoucheng is here today solely to request an audience with the great chef Zhang. I implore Chef Zhang to grant me this honor!"
Such imposing presence!
His level is likely not below 60!
This initial continent is indeed unfathomable, not as simple as it appears on the surface!
At this moment, another voice announced, "Abbot Yuantong of the Five Religions Temple requests an audience!"
Another heavyweight!
"Hahaha, so many familiar faces, the old nun from Mount Emei is here!"
Abbess Miejue of Mount Emei!
Legend has it that this person has an enormous appetite. She once ate all ninety-nine cauldrons of vegetarian dishes in a competitive eating contest!
Mount Emei is rich in arboreal fruits, but not a single one is sold, as it is all said to be eaten by this abbess. Since then, she has been known as "Miejue" in the outside world.
Meaning, wherever she goes, nothing edible is left behind!
…
On Jiuding Mountain in Sichuan.
The sacred land of Taoism.
A gaunt old monk rushed out of a meditation room, surrounded by numerous Taoist priests in silk robes.
Lan Yun Dao Sheng!
"Sage!"
"Didn't you say you would be in seclusion for ninety-nine days? Why are you emerging early?"
Lan Yun Dao Sheng, with disheveled hair, exclaimed, "I smelled it, I smelled it! An extremely delicious dish has appeared at Ju Xia building! No, I must go."
"Sage, you must not!"
"You are currently in a period of fasting. You are not allowed to eat anything other than dew and tea broth!"
Lan Yun Dao Sheng threw off his Celestial Master robe and said, "If I cannot taste that, what is the meaning of fasting for so long?"
"As long as I can taste that… what does it matter if I am no longer a Dao Sheng!"
The surrounding Taoist priests looked troubled.
Chengdu is eight hundred li away from Jiuding Mountain, so how did Lan Yun Dao Sheng know?
The same situation was occurring in various prefectures of Sichuan.
Countless individuals who were diligently cultivating or guarding their territories emerged from seclusion and converged in Chengdu.
…
In front of Ju Xia building.
Abbess Miejue cried mournfully, "Chef Zhang, this old nun hasn't felt her intestines churn for ten years. No matter how much I eat, I feel nothing!"
"But today, that stirring has returned!"
"Even a single bite would suffice!"
Wang Shoucheng and Abbot Yuantong were not to be outdone.
Abbot Yuantong said, "Benefactor, your cuisine is heavenly. The Five Religions Temple is willing to burn incense and pray for you, erect a statue, and enshrine your memorial tablet in the temple!"