The trajectory of Zhan Kong Xing Hen's attacks was incredibly fine.
However, Zhang Wei's techniques were crude, and it took him seven or eight tries to hit the corn stalks.
[Collection Complete: BB Corn]
[Replication Time: 165 days] Da Feng Novel Network
Zhang Wei was surprised.
Such a low-level ingredient, only level 35, required such a long replication time!
He glanced at the meter-tall corn in his hand, not immediately thinking of processing it. Instead, his gaze turned to the largest corn plant.
Fifty meters tall!
Its thickness… approximately 13 meters in diameter.
Looking up from the base, it truly resembled a towering pagoda.
If, as stated in the original work, a single kernel of corn could produce 5,000 to 10,000 servings of popcorn, then this pagoda-like corn could feed countless people.
If he could collect it, it would be another immense fortune!
“From now on, BB Corn will be a specialty of the Gourmet Bank!”
Zhan Kong Xing Hen!
He threw a punch!
A tiny hole appeared on the giant corn stalk.
The largest corn was 13 meters in diameter, and even the stalks were 5.5 meters thick. Zhan Kong Xing Hen's attack could only create a small dent.
Spiral punches were too weak in this situation. The soft yet resilient plant surface was not ideal for drill-like attacks.
After all, BB Corn was not stone or iron. Its fibers would wrap around the drill like stone, and the affected ingredients would turn into flocculent matter, affecting their appearance.
“Sharp tools then…”
“Speaking of which, I haven't used a knife in a long time!”
He took a deep breath.
Golden light erupted from Zhang Wei’s body!
Gourmet Demon – National Chef!
“Seven Blades – Slicing Blade!”
Instantly!
Zhang Wei's aura reached its peak, and a terrifying pressure made the entire forest wail!
Hostility!
Malice!
Fear!
Panic!
The entire rainforest seemed to come alive, emitting emotions akin to humans.
They sensed Zhang Wei's power and malice but dared not act rashly. They knew they were no match for Zhang Wei, no matter what.
All their emotions finally converged into one!
Despair!
“Such a complex collective consciousness, like that formed by bees and ants.”
“This feeling is similar to Rivendell Forest, where all biological communities are integrated.”
“However, compared to Rivendell Forest, the carnivorous plant rainforest is much weaker!”
The territoriality of biological levels was evident.
The further away from human core areas, the stronger they became.
Ingredients on the initial continent were only level 1-20. In Chuan Di, level 15 was already considered a very precious ingredient.
Further out, in the four continental outer regions where humans were concentrated, level 30 was quite rare. For instance, in Mo Cheng back then, most of the participating ingredients were around level 30. Jun Qing’s target, Overlord Ham, had reached the highest level in the history of the competition.
In the four continents, there were also some rare wild ingredient reserves, such as Wolf Valley, Ice Hell Plains, and Fiber Land’s Plant Hell.
The capture levels here reached around level 50, and their corresponding strength also increased.
Further beyond lay extremely rare and perilous places, possibly interconnected with the Gourmet World.
For example, the Yin-Yang Soup Base from Gray Furnace Fortress was of an extremely rare type.
The Road of Hunger was a perilous place.
And the mountain peaks of the Hengduan Mountain Range…
“BB Corn is truly an excellent delicacy. Unfortunately, you cannot keep it.”
“But do not worry, after I take the BB Corn, I will compensate you with plenty of meat, minimizing your nutritional loss.”
Even Legendary Mammoths were raised.
What was the harm in raising a carnivorous plant forest?
For such high-quality ingredients with extremely fast regeneration rates, Zhang Wei was not stingy.
“Slicing Blade!”
“Break it for me!”
Zhang Wei poured all his strength into a fierce swing of the Slicing Blade!
A powerful blade energy, permeating heaven and earth, swept out!
The moment the pagoda-like BB Corn contacted the blade energy, the forest's wail was almost palpable!
They knew that with such terrifying energy, they could not possibly stop it!
White sap sprayed…
It continuously gushed from the cut of the BB Corn. The characteristic腥味 of plants wafted for dozens of miles.
The pagoda-like BB Corn fell, splashing countless leaves onto the dense branches. Even though the trees in Plant Hell were strong enough, the weight of the BB Corn snapped numerous branches.
[Collection Complete: BB Corn]
[Replication Time: 198 days]
“Hmm?”
“What the hell!”
“The previous replication time was 165 days, and after collecting it again, the time increased to 198 days? A bug?”
He submerged his consciousness into the Treasure Hall.
On a massive display stand, the pagoda-like BB Corn was exhibited, with the replication time ticking below it.
“Replacing with advantages…”
“For a BB Corn the size of one meter, a size of fifty meters is also an advantage. Is it the significant difference in size that led to the extension of replication time…”
“Although they are the same species, the individual differences are still quite large.”
Leaving the Treasure Hall,
Zhang Wei turned his gaze to the BB Corns at the level of 30 meters and 20 meters. While these corns were half the size, their volume was still ten times smaller than the King of Corn!
However, with the fall of the King of Corn, the area it controlled would become vacant, and its nutrients would flow to other BB Corns without waste.
“As expected, I still need to raise them.”
Zhang Wei calculated the ingredients in the Treasure Hall.
He would distribute the carnivorous ingredients as much as possible to Plant Hell. Legendary Mammoths were omnivores, so they would have to make do.
Go vegetarian!
With a wave of his hand.
Various-sized ferocious beasts descended from the sky. Panicked, they scattered and fled through the jungle.
Their levels were all below 25. With their strength, escaping Plant Hell was an impossibility.
“The breeding plan begins.”
“With the Legendary Mammoth and Plant Hell, the terrifying output of the Treasure Hall finally has a place to be consumed.”
“Piling them up in the Treasure Hall is not wealth. Converting them into other precious ingredients is the most profitable.”
At this moment.
Zhang Wei felt a bizarre sense of financial investment, where money generated more money.
After the loss of BB Corn, the carnivorous forest welcomed a grand feast!
Amidst slaughter and bloodshed, the forest continued to grow…
…
North, Great Glacier.
It was night, and Zhang Wei returned through the snow.
“Xi Feng, why is it so lively?”
Inside the largest warm harbor.
It was bustling with activity.
It was filled with high-level laborers, security teams, and management. Even members of the Black List were present, looking around with anticipation.
“Hei Cheng Ze? Gang Ze Xiao Quan?”
These two were acquaintances. They were originally disciples of Lou Ming of the Black List. His third disciple, Qian Xue, had died by Zhang Wei’s hand.
Gang Ze Xiao Quan, in particular, was extremely flamboyant and craved the spotlight.
Hei Cheng Ze was more steady and was considered the most normal among Lou Ming's disciples.
Xi Feng said, “As the new generation of the Black List moved here, these two top chefs from the Black List also came. Faced with our abundant ingredient reserves, they were itching to showcase their skills.”
“In consideration of our cooperative friendship and the ‘Shokugeki’ system you proposed, Zhang Wei, I have organized this friendly culinary competition. The resulting delicacies can benefit both sides.”
Culinary skills.
Needed exchange!
It was an improvement for both parties.
Zhang Wei looked at the competition arena and sighed, “Hei Cheng Ze and Xiao Quan's skills have grown so quickly. After Lou Ming’s death… they have carried the banner of the Black List!”
“The Soul of Soup… is no match.”
As the most skilled chef in the Great Glacier, Soul of Soup had learned much from Zhang Wei.
But Soul of Soup's talent was limited…
He was far behind Xiao Quan and the others.
In this competition, tasting each other's dishes did not have a strict winner or loser. Or rather, there was a winner, but it was not publicly announced.
Those who tasted knew in their hearts.
This was a friendly match…
The Great Glacier's first encounter was an insult!
“Wait!”
“Who is that person?”
Among the chefs without a win, Zhang Wei sharply noticed a chef representing the Great Glacier.
Even though he was in the crowd, his refined technique made him stand out.
Xi Feng glanced over and then explained, “That person is Shao An. He is said to be Master Abe's eldest disciple, but the chefs at Chrysanthemum Tower don't seem to have much faith in him.”
Shao An…
A prodigy!
Soul of Soup tasted the dishes of the Black List chefs.
The flavor was only average…
But Xiao Quan and Hei Cheng's dishes were like the sun and moon in the sky, making Soul of Soup feel a sense of bitterness.
Xiao Quan won the first round, smiling broadly, but quickly concealed it.
He put on a humble and respectful demeanor and exchanged pleasantries.
Zhang Wei nodded, “This fellow… has matured considerably.”
“It seems he has been through a lot during this time.”
After tasting Soul of Soup's dishes, Xiao Quan continued to interact in the arena.
Soon.
He walked over to the Chrysanthemum Tower booth.
The first person in charge was Shao An!
“You made many dishes…”
Shao An said, “They are all home-style Sichuan dishes, which don't take much time.”
Konjac Duck Intestine!
Tomato Squirrel Fish!
Saltwater Prawns!
Spicy Shredded Beef!
Blanched Squid!
Five classic Sichuan dishes!
Xiao Quan frowned. The processing time was not ample, yet this person had prepared five dishes.
Did he not understand the principle of variety without specialization?
However, the color looked good, very appetizing.
Xiao Quan took a deep breath. “The aroma is very rich. The flavor of Konjac Duck Intestine and Blanched Squid is light, yet perfectly balanced with sesame oil and garlic fragrance.”
“The Saltwater Prawns look very tender. The Tomato Squirrel Fish and Spicy Shredded Beef, needless to say, their color is perfect.”
He picked up his chopsticks.
He began tasting with the Squirrel Fish!
“Mmm!”
“This sauce!”
“It pairs perfectly with the chosen fish. The sauce has completely permeated the fish, filling it with flavor with every chew!”
“And the fried starch makes its texture astonishingly good, crispy and delicious… it's simply the pinnacle of Tomato Squirrel Fish!”
“I…”
Xiao Quan was greatly surprised.
This dish was so delicious!
The enjoyment he felt made him mistake it for facing Zhang Wei!
It was as if Zhang Wei's eldest disciple was not Soul of Soup, but this unknown youngster!
Xiao Quan continued tasting!
Saltwater Prawns!
Simple yet not simple. The simpler the ingredients look, the stricter the technique required!
“Delicious!”
“There are only the simplest salt and scallions… yet how can the texture of the prawns be enhanced so much!”
Konjac Duck Intestine!
Spicy Shredded Beef!
Blanched Squid!
The other three dishes were also incredibly delicious, any one of them comparable to Xiao Quan's carefully crafted creations!
Why was such a person in the crowd…
Xiao Quan was stunned into silence. It seemed he had not won this exchange match today.
Just then, a surprised exclamation came from afar.
“Mr. Zhang Wei is back!”
“Chef Zhang, you’re back!”
Zhang Wei…
His eyes on Zhang Wei were complex. Xiao Quan didn't know what to say, but he felt a vague sense of awkwardness.
“Xiao Quan, Hei Cheng, long time no see.”
Xiao Quan gave a wry smile and bowed deeply. “Great Chef Zhang, I was overconfident back then and had many disagreements with you. Please, for the sake of the Black List, do not hold it against me.”
“I only have admiration for Lou Ming. You are his disciples, so how could I hold grudges against you?”
With Zhang Wei’s current status, why would he bother with Xiao Quan?
It would only lower his own standing.
Looking around, Zhang Wei smiled, “It seems everyone is having a great time.”
No one dared to speak.
After all, this exchange meeting was not approved by Zhang Wei.
It felt like being caught playing hooky from the boss.
Zhang Wei continued, “Since everyone is so happy, I cannot dampen the mood. I will add a few delicious dishes for everyone!”
Saying that, he summoned the fifty-meter-class super giant corn from the Treasure Hall!
Xiao Quan exclaimed, “BB Corn?”
“Oh? You recognize it?”
Xiao Quan said, “How could I not recognize it? This is the most famous ingredient in history! And it is located on the Far East Continent. My master always wanted to obtain some, but never had the chance!”
“However, BB Corn requires extremely strong heat to be fried open. Chef Zhang, it is freezing cold here, and it is difficult to maintain the temperature.”
“I have my methods.”
Heart Fire!
The Fire of Passion!
If there was any heat comparable to it, what could possibly match Heart Fire?
In the original work, the protagonist team processed BB Corn by traveling 1500 kilometers to a fiber volcano and using the heat of the volcanic rock to fry the BB Corn.
During the processing, they burned it several times.
“Everyone, enjoy this gift from the tropical rainforest!”
National Chef!
Seven Blades Dance!
The husks of the corn cob, like the stalks, were made of extremely tough material, sufficient to be used as anti-stab clothing!
Rip…
Rip…
Yellowish long hair… no, corn silk!
The corn silk was extremely dense, like super long hair, or a horse’s tail.
After parting the thick corn silk, the corn kernels, the size of footballs, actually shimmered with a golden light!
“So beautiful!”
“A golden light keeps flashing!”
“Each kernel is arranged very tightly and is very plump!”
Exclamations continued.
BB Corn was famous, and many chefs had seen it in their illustrated books, but they had never seen the actual product.
Zhang Wei gently touched a kernel, “It’s very smooth, with no edges at all. It can’t be picked off.”
“While I can cut it with a knife, it will result in the loss of many kernels, which is not worth the trouble…”
“It seems I can only use Toriko’s move.”
“Strongly strike one side, using penetrating fist energy to shake out the kernels on the other side!”
“However, my fist energy is so powerful, it might damage the kernels on the front…”
“No, there's another way!”
“So this is how it’s used…”