The Demise of the Phoenix!
This dish marked the end of a culinary creation and the last memory for Lou Ming and his partner.
Ultimately, a dish carried the will of the person.
"The pink phoenix... was assembled from processed bean sprouts."
"Judging by its color and aroma, the juice extracted from flower petals must have been used for dyeing."
The crowd raised their chopsticks.
The bean sprouts on the phoenix were easily peeled away. The main body of the phoenix did not collapse, clearly indicating an internal support.
Everyone put the bean sprouts into their mouths...
An extremely unfamiliar taste exploded on their taste buds!
"This!"
"It's meat!"
"These crystalline, stem-like objects, could it be that they're not bean sprouts!"
"Could this truly be the meat of a Fire Feather Phoenix? I've never tasted ingredients of that caliber, so I can't be sure!"
But the numerous judges couldn't think of much else. The jubilant culinary cells in their bodies frantically cried out, urging their hosts to quickly take another bite.
These judges, accustomed to various delicacies daily, hadn't experienced such an impulse in years!
At first, they were somewhat reserved, but seeing the speed at which others were eating, they couldn't help but quicken their pace.
It evolved into a scramble!
Zhang Wei disdained competing with these unsophisticated individuals. He casually took a couple of bites and set his chopsticks aside.
He turned back to Lou Ming and said, "You've done very well."
"Just 'very well'?"
"This is an evaluation I haven't given in many years."
Just as Lou Ming was about to say something, his stomach suddenly convulsed!
A腥味 (xīngwèi - fishy/bloody smell) assaulted his throat, and he violently spat out a mouthful of fresh blood!
Zhang Wei frowned, "Your body seems to have quite a few issues."
"It's nothing, I have no regrets."
Gazing at his own dish and the judges scrambling for it, Lou Ming continued, "In truth, my life ended seventy years ago. What remains now is but a walking corpse."
"The Black List is the culmination of the Supreme and my hard work. Without it, I wouldn't have lingered for so long. You see, my dish is beautiful, isn't it?"
Zhang Wei nodded.
The judges cast their scores!
Red: 25!
Exquisite taste, and incredibly impactful!
Orange: 75!
A rare delicacy that one might only taste a few times in a lifetime.
Yellow: 0!
A classic work, a chef's exemplary piece!
The fact that it caused all the judges to scramble like this meant this score was somewhat conservative.
Gazing at the human purgatory outside the dome, the host fulfilled his duty!
"Lou Ming, a contestant on the Black List, has achieved a record never before seen in the Northern Culinary Feast!"
"Twenty-five for Red, seventy-five for Orange!"
"Contestant Lou Ming has conquered all the judges. He is undoubtedly the strongest participant in this feast!"
"Let us give him the warmest applause!"
The host's voice thundered!
Lou Ming was akin to the father of the Black List. Though his journey in the north had failed, this applause was well-deserved!
All the Black List members engaged in combat retreated, sheathing their blades!
Thunderous applause was given to Lou Ming!
However, such an action was extremely unwise on the battlefield!
Many black-clad figures met their end beneath the blades of the Wolf Soldiers, yet even as they sustained multiple wounds, the applause did not cease!
"Northern Wolf Soldiers, heed my command!"
"Withdraw and await reinforcements. Pursuits are forbidden!"
The leading Wolf Soldier general roared, thrusting his spear into the ground.
White armor, black clothes...
In the venue, the lines were drawn clearly.
Sparse applause echoed from the Wolf Soldier ranks...
Growing stronger...
Becoming like thunder...
"Wine and Beauty Inn, the tasting begins!"
"Chef, could you please tell me your name?"
"Zhang Wei."
The host said, "Chef Zhang Wei, please present your creation."
At this moment, the host's voice remained resonant, introducing Wine and Beauty, but everyone's attention was still on Lou Ming.
With Lou Ming's preceding brilliance, a mere Wine and Beauty found it difficult to capture anyone's interest.
Even the judges were still immersed in the aftertaste of 'Peak Ascension', their expressions filled with enjoyment.
Amidst the applause belonging to Lou Ming, Zhang Wei lifted a semi-circular ceramic cover.
An unremarkable pottery jar, unremarkable fried meatballs...
Compared to Lou Ming's artistic creation, Zhang Wei's dish felt more like everyday color.
The host asked, "Chef Zhang Wei, does this dish have a name?"
"I did put a lot of thought into this dish, but as for a name... let me think..."
"Let's call it 'Soul of Flavor'."
"The Soul of Flavor, I believe it deserves that title."
Zhang Wei's casual attitude caused many judges to frown.
Compared to Lou Ming, this Zhang Wei was far, far inferior!
At this moment, Lou Ming's body was extremely weak. Sitting to the side, he said, "Could I have a taste of this dish as well?"
"Of course, that's what I intended."
"This is the last meal I'll have in my life. I truly hope you can give me some surprise."
Zhang Wei chuckled, "What if I accidentally snatch your first place? Would your departure be tinged with a bit of regret?"
Lou Ming was taken aback, then burst into laughter.
"You don't need to worry. I haven't experienced the taste of defeat in many years!"
"I'll grant you that wish!"
Their conversation was clearly heard by everyone.
Lou Ming was so outstanding, yet this Zhang Wei was so arrogant!
Or perhaps... overconfident!
This flavor, this artistic conception, this breadth of skill...
There was no one in the entire North who could surpass Lou Ming!
And it was something even past sages couldn't achieve!
Red: 25
Orange: 75
In the hundred-year history of the Northern Culinary Feast, such a legendary score had never been seen!
Zhang Wei had simmered hundreds of clay pots, but only one was presented on the table.
When the lid was lifted, a scent, like braising liquid and spices, slowly wafted out...
The aroma was undeniably rich, and there was indeed fragrance, but it always gave off a strange sense of being both unfamiliar and familiar.
Pouring the soup from the pot into exquisite small porcelain bowls, the judges each took one.
At this point, Lou Ming found it difficult to stand. Seeing this, Zhang Wei personally poured a bowl and handed it to Lou Ming.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Lou Ming looked at the soup in the bowl, slightly puzzled.
"The soup is dark red and cloudy, with granular unknown substances floating within... the presentation is rather poor."
"And the smell... how to put it? It has the characteristic aroma of medicinal cuisine, but lacks the taste of any ingredients, and I don't even feel any energy."
The same situation occurred among the judges.
The discerning judges exchanged glances, completely bewildered by this fantastical dish.
"The taste of this soup... is somewhat foreign!"
"With my many years of experience, I can't even identify a single ingredient used, not even one!"
"Hahaha, you too!"
"I didn't smell it either, I was too embarrassed to say..."
This mysterious soup immediately piqued the curiosity of all the judges.
They all picked up small spoons to taste!
Soon, curiosity turned to astonishment.
Pfft~
Several renowned judges spat out the soup directly.
"Hey..."
"Listen here, kid."
"How dare you serve such an unpalatable dish?"