The hourglass held but a single thread of sand...
*Dong~*
"Ruby Mining, declared complete!"
*Dong~*
"Wine and Beauties Inn, declared complete!"
Catching the final sliver of time, two gongs sounded in succession.
"According to the order of completion, Ruby Mining was first. Please have Ruby Mining's head chef present their dish."
"Both head chefs are very mysterious, having submitted no personal profiles. However, both contestants have shown their skills in previous matches, their abilities are widely recognized!"
"But before we taste, I have one more announcement!"
The host stood at the highest point and addressed all guests, "Today marks the establishment of the Northern United Government! From this day forward, the North will end its state of social fragmentation, and unite as one, a single entity!"
The matter of the Northern United Government had never been openly discussed until now; this was its official announcement.
The northern territories spanned millions of square kilometers and housed over a hundred million people. Once united, they would have a profound impact on the global landscape!
Among the attendees were representatives from various governments, dynasties, and religious orders. A more crucial purpose was to establish diplomatic ties with the Northern United Government.
The current world situation was becoming increasingly tense, with competition for ingredients and chefs intensifying.
It was foreseeable that large-scale wars would inevitably occur in the future!
Once ignited, the flames of war could very well escalate into a global conflict!
A culinary war!
...
The host continued, "The United Government will have 51 seats, each participating in the management of the North. The allocation of these seats will be determined by the results of this grand assembly!"
Ranks 11-30, one seat.
4-10, two seats.
Third place, three seats.
Runner-up, four seats.
Champion, ten seats.
A total of 51 seats!
"However..."
The host's tone shifted, becoming grave. "However, during this grand event, we have discovered a mysterious external force attempting to manipulate the situation in the North!"
Lou Ming's heart tightened!
As if on cue, the host pointed and roared, "The Black List!"
"This wicked organization has utilized a method of control, sending in chefs who do not belong to the North to compete."
"Here, I solemnly declare that all Black List factions are completely disqualified from this competition, and all their results are nullified!"
"Not only that, but you will also bear the wrath of the North!"
The host's voice was impassioned!
The arena erupted instantly; this news was too explosive!
Simultaneously, as the host made the announcement, countless uniformed individuals flooded the arena, numbering over ten thousand!
These wore white armor and red sashes, with the emblem of the Northern Wolf Soldiers embroidered on their backs. They wielded standard-issue spears and carried sabers at their waists, clearly seasoned warriors!
The Black List stronghold had already been surrounded by the suddenly appearing Northern Wolf Soldiers...
None of the spectators could have imagined that such a grand event would devolve into outright combat!
*Boom!*
*Boom!*
*Boom!*
Terrifying explosions echoed, and countless Northern Wolf Soldiers were sent flying. Chaos immediately ensued!
Clever spectators had already left their seats, attempting to distance themselves from the unfolding disaster.
Looking towards the source of the explosions, the host's expression turned ashen!
Clearly, the Black List's martial prowess far exceeded their expectations!
War!
Had begun!
The host plummeted from the sky, creating a large crater upon impact.
"Everyone, the cleansing process may be somewhat chaotic. The Black List's forces are far stronger than we imagined. Quickly follow me to a safe location!"
A hundred judges attempted to leave!
Lou Ming shouted sternly, "The tasting is not yet over, where are you going!"
"Black List remnants, you are already disqualified!"
"I don't care about any Black List or Northern factions! I want a victory! Whether you are a chef or a judge, you must live up to your identity!"
Lou Ming roared, "Let the competition continue! If you still have even a shred of respect for the Chef's Feast!"
His words resonated with force!
A judge returned to their seat.
"Old Wang, what are you doing..."
The seated judge said, "The Northern Feast has been held for over a hundred sessions and has never been interrupted mid-way!"
Another judge sat down, "I will continue to fulfill my duty..."
To the host's astonished gaze, the hundred judges returned to their seats. Not a single one insisted on leaving!
"Your Excellencies are all of noble status. Now is the time to eliminate the Black List remnants..."
"Even if I die, I will die in my judge's seat!"
"Damn it!"
The host let out a vulgarity and gritted his teeth, "The competition continues! The tasting begins!"
In the vast arena, hundreds of thousands fled in disarray... Northern Wolf Soldiers in white armor clashed with Black List assassins in black attire wielding short swords!
Energy fluctuations surged like tides, and the sounds of explosions, roars, and screams intertwined!
And in the very center of the venue, the competition was still underway. How absurd this scene was!
"Dome!"
A judge extended a hand, and a flimsy barrier enveloped the judges' seating area.
Another judge extended their hand...
A total of one hundred judges exerted their power, and the transparent barrier grew thicker, repelling the residual force from the arena.
Zhang Wei looked up. "A technique of manifesting intent..."
"Very impressive..."
In the original manga, there was a similar defensive skill.
During the final battle, the national treasure Jinsei used a defensive skill to envelop the entire human world, preventing it from being destroyed by the battle's aftershocks, thus saving humanity.
However, Jinsei's dome could cover an area of over 100 million square kilometers, protecting all humanity from disaster, truly god-like.
The area above the arena was only 0.05 square kilometers, or 50,000 square meters.
Equivalent to seven football fields.
However, these 50,000 square meters were now a sanctuary.
Lou Ming coughed up more blood and forcefully pushed his creation forward.
"This is... a sculpture?"
"It's enormous, about thirteen meters square..."
On the table sat a mountain.
Compared to the glacier of Dili Shengxian, its volume was even greater.
And the scenery for this mountain used real stones!
"Phosphorus stone, containing a large amount of natural phosphorus. When it encounters water, it can raise its temperature to 120 degrees Celsius and maintain it for a month."
"Using phosphorus stone to heat it..."
On the 'peak', a stone path wound its way to the summit.
At the summit, two stone figures stood. One lay on the stone steps, extending a hand as if asking for help.
The other was half-crouched, reaching out to help.
Lou Ming gazed at the sculpture, his face filled with infinite nostalgia.
"Dengfeng, please partake!"
"Dengfeng..."
A judge murmured, then asked, "Is this your story?"
Lou Ming coughed and wiped the blood from his lips.
"Yes, this is my last adventure with my partner, 70 years ago!"
"Seventy years!"
Everyone present was shocked. How old could this young man possibly be!
Elder Jun suddenly stood up, his face stern, and inquired, "Who... exactly are you?"