Bamboo Dragonfly International's presentation was grand, utilizing ingredients from a Level 40 deep-sea oyster.
Aside from Jun Qing's Overlord Tree Ham, this was the most premium item.
This oyster weighed approximately five hundred tons. Its internal flesh, similar to that of a regular oyster, was exceptionally tender and fresh.
Furthermore, upon prying open the shell, dozens of fist-sized pearls were discovered, which could also be used as ingredients.
The host announced loudly, "Now entering the stage is Chef Hei Chengze from Bamboo Dragonfly International! According to the information, he is only 25 years old, a truly young and outstanding talent!"
Despite lacking a fan base, the audience still offered generous applause.
Lou Ming stood at a distance and murmured, "Second brother, among my three disciples, you are the most steady. Perhaps you are the most suitable to inherit my mantle."
This Hei Chengze from Bamboo Dragonfly International was precisely Lou Ming's second disciple.
His strength was comparable to Xiao Quan's!
To give Hei Chengze a significant advantage, the chosen ingredient was shellfish, which he specialized in, and its high capture level of 40 made it a rare delicacy.
On the other side, the higher-ups of the Black List were in discussion.
"According to intelligence from Master Lou Ming, the Black List's information may have been compromised."
"How is that possible!"
"Our intelligence work has been impeccable!"
"My informants within various organizations have sent no such reports..."
The Vice Chairman's expression was grave. "It is rumored that the point of exposure might be Qian Xue, who perished a few days ago. She may have revealed the organization's information before her death."
"What? Damn it!"
"We should have consolidated these unstable elements for management!"
"It's difficult for us to interfere with Master Lou Ming's disciples..."
"Then how much was revealed? Have the organizers of the Northern Chef's Feast noticed anything?"
The Vice Chairman replied, "Everything is uncertain, but we must prepare for the worst."
"What does the Vice Chairman mean?"
"If necessary, we will mobilize the full force of the Black List to seize power by force!"
Everyone was shocked. This would destroy decades of the Black List's covert operations.
Transitioning from the shadows to the open would have immense repercussions!
Moreover, much of their work was not yet prepared.
"Isn't this a bit hasty..."
"We can't afford to worry about that anymore. If we can seize power in the North, it will all be worth it!"
The Vice Chairman said sternly, "My decision is made, no further discussion! Immediately mobilize all our forces within the Northern territory. Contact the allied powers we cooperate with; every bit of strength is crucial at this time!"
...
"Announce the scores!"
"Let's see Chef Hei Chengze's final result!"
Red: 5!
Orange: 15!
Yellow: 65!
Green: 15!
"His score has surpassed Wolfgang, the veteran renowned chef, making him today's highest-scoring contestant!"
"Good heavens, a small, unknown company might actually win the championship today!"
"Deep-sea oyster, terrifyingly powerful!"
Lou Ming, watching from afar, nodded. He could already guess the dish based on its aroma.
Perhaps due to his personality, the deep-sea oyster was prepared in a rather conventional manner. However, this cooking method was best suited to Hei Chengze's strengths.
Having defeated one of the established powerhouses, his ranking was now assured, possibly even a top-three finish.
The bright moon hung high, the starlit river like a flowing ribbon...
There were still eight hours left until the end of the competition.
A gong sounded, and Shuiyun Tian announced completion.
A person resembling an assistant, carrying a tray, approached Zhang Wei and respectfully said, "Chef Zhang Wei, please."
"What is this?"
"This is the work of True Monarch Yunshang this time. A portion has been specifically set aside for you to taste! True Monarch also expressed his regret that he could not deliver it personally."
"Place it here."
The assistant complied, respectfully placed the tray down, and turned to leave.
The judges' area was bustling, clearly impressed by True Monarch Yunshang's creation.
"Oki sand worm... Come to think of it, I rarely eat insect-based dishes."
In his past life, silkworm pupae were a classic Northeastern barbecue delicacy, a must-have whenever dining out.
Mexico had its traditional honey-roasted termites, a practice said to have been passed down from Native Americans.
In Lishui, Zhejiang, there was the region's unique Lishui cicada, also known as "chan hou." From June to August every year, whether in high-end restaurants, roadside stalls, or ordinary homes, Lishui cicadas were prepared stir-fried with scallions, deep-fried, or boiled.
Besides these, there were also bee pupae, scorpions, grasshoppers, bean worms, stick insects, crickets, water shield... and so on, all edible insects.
Relatively speaking, insects are extremely high in protein and low in fat, making them ideal for consumption by humans in the 21st century and effectively reducing the risk of obesity.
However, insect cuisine was still too novel, and the cost was not low, preventing it from being widely popularized on dining tables.
But sand worms were creatures that only existed in fantasy works, and Zhang Wei had no opportunity to encounter them.
"This is a top-tier sand worm. Let me have a taste."
Opening the tray, a thick, whole slice of meat was placed within, shaped like beef sirloin and a generous portion.
The presentation was rather simple, accompanied by lettuce, cherries, mint leaves, and four types of dipping sauces in a corner.
The texture of the worm meat was excellent, its pale white color resembling fish, with flecks of pink peeking through like light petals.
The cutlery provided was a knife and fork, which Zhang Wei was accustomed to using.
He cut a small piece and put it into his mouth without any sauce.
"Mmm~~ This tastes wonderful!"
"The texture of this meat is exceptionally refined!"
"It possesses the refreshing lightness of sea bream, the chewiness of beef, and the melt-in-your-mouth softness of its fat... Excellent, excellent!"
"My horizons were indeed narrow; this era of great gastronomy holds so many surprises!"
"And the sand worm meat has a natural saltiness... No, it's more like a mineral flavor, distinct from any taste I've experienced before, yet so similar to salt."
The four sauces prepared by True Monarch Yunshang were also quite unique.
The first was a blend of salad dressing and fruit jam, with moderate sweetness.
The second was somewhat like Japanese miso, lighter than Northeastern bean paste.
The third was green, with the flavor of chive blossoms and minced scallions, possessing a spicy kick.
The fourth was mustard, likely with some lemon powder and salt crystals, an excellent pairing for raw delicacies.
Regardless of which sauce was used, the sand worm meat presented a unique flavor profile, highly representative.
This approximately one-kilogram piece of sand worm meat was entirely consumed along with the sauces.
Zhang Wei wiped his lips; the judges had already given their scores.
Red: 3
Orange: 11
Yellow: 80
Green: 6
Zhang Wei shook his head. "Compared to those from the Black List, it's still slightly inferior."
If he wasn't mistaken, that Lou Ming should hold a very high position within the Black List. If ordinary chefs could achieve this level, then Lou Ming...
Thinking of this, Zhang Wei almost looked forward to it.