The scalding, crimson-red spirits poured from the bottle carried a thick, bloody scent.
"Deep and murky, not red wine. To be precise, it's blood wine!"
"The bloodstains haven't been cleaned properly; it looks rather crude, and the liquid is even a bit viscous."
"Is this truly someone's creation? Could it be Bruce's?"
Tang Zhihun was filled with uncertainty.
This dish was riddled with doubts and flaws, yet it showed no sign of being a supreme delicacy.
Finishing the remaining grilled meat, Tang Zhihun poured himself a full cup of blood wine and downed it in one gulp.
The pungent, high-proof alcohol mixed with the fishy aroma of blood was an indescribable taste, like swallowing a ball of fire.
The fire burned in his belly, and the preceding grilled meat acted like dry kindling, igniting everything.
Tang Zhihun's labored breathing intensified, sweat beading on his forehead.
"This wine... this blood... it's tiger blood, a Galon Tiger!"
"There's also the taste of herbs... does that mean this was grilled tiger meat?"
Tiger meat is fiery and salty-sour.
It enters the liver and kidneys.
It tonifies deficiency and benefits qi, dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, softens hard masses and disperses lumps... primarily treating consumptive diseases!
Combined with Zhang Wei's herbs, it can greatly dispel fatigue and replenish energy.
Tiger blood also has its own specific properties, extracted from the male tiger's qi sac, making its effects even more potent!
Tang Zhihun suppressed the surge of his qi and blood, reviewing the dish: "Tiger meat is salty and sour, hence the heavy seasoning to mask the taste."
"If I'm not mistaken, this heavy seasoning not only masks the taste of tiger meat but also the herbal broth."
"And the final ingredient for this greatly tonifying dish is tiger blood!"
"On one hand, it's a layering of flavors; on the other, it's a compounding of medicinal effects."
"When the gourmet cells are at their peak activity, a forceful supplement will lead to complete absorption of nutrients..."
"Rather than absorption... it's more like using a stratagem to forcibly inject the tonic into the cells!"
"Damn it, I can't hold it in!"
His heart pounded fiercely under the stimulation of the tiger blood. Red blood cells, laden with nutrients, flowed throughout his body. All the muscles in his body bulged, veins popping!
"So satisfying!"
Tang Zhihun felt as if he had instantly returned to eighteen, brimming with boundless energy.
Even...
In short, his muscles were engorged and incredibly hard!
"A Level 3 Galon Tiger, and the medicinal effects of that dish could reach such a level!"
"It's probably comparable to the Lingxi Five-Animal Soup... and yet, Senior only used a common ingredient like the Galon Tiger..."
Tang Zhihun glanced at Bruce.
No wonder he was both crying and laughing. His most deeply researched "Duet" technique had been easily seen through and applied even more powerfully by someone else.
This feeling of being crushed in one's most prideful aspect... Bruce, being such a proud individual, would probably go mad!
Thinking of this, Tang Zhihun's anger flared again.
Senior was clearly teaching Bruce the true way to use the Duet technique through analogy!
And this was originally meant to teach me!
If I could get even a little guidance on soup, wouldn't my culinary skills skyrocket?
"Damn it!"
"You bastard, you stole my opportunity!"
"Bruce, I'm going to fight you!"
"Master Tang, calm down! Someone, escort Master Tang to rest!" Wu Yong quickly held Tang Zhihun back, saving Bruce's life.
There was no need for interrogation; Bruce directly confessed that his target was the Rainbow Fruit.
As for information about the buyer, the Sky Bandit Alliance would not reveal it to the operatives.
Furthermore, every operative had a large sum of ransom deposited with the Sky Bandit Alliance, precisely for such situations where failure might mean their lives.
Similarly, this also helped the Sky Bandit Alliance retain many excellent employees.
And the victim, suffering no loss and even gaining profit, was mostly willing to make the exchange.
It was a win-win situation.
For operatives of Bruce's caliber, the ransom was astronomical.
...
Under the Century Ice Pillar
"The fact that we obtained the Rainbow Fruit is common knowledge. Bruce was just the first to act."
"Many organizations with good relations have expressed their desire for us to provide some Rainbow Fruit to maintain our friendship."
"Several infamous bounty boards have also posted high rewards for the Rainbow Fruit..."
"We've been thrust into the spotlight!"
The various department heads shared their intelligence, and the four Gourmet Detectives looked grim.
"President, should we consider selling a portion of the Rainbow Fruit at a high price? This would not only bring in substantial funds but also alleviate the pressure on the association."
"The importance of the Century Ice Pillar far outweighs that of the Rainbow Fruit. If it attracts too much attention..."
President Xifeng sat at the head of the table, deep in thought.
He merely listened to his subordinates' strategies.
"Wu Yong, what do you think?" Xifeng asked.
Wu Yong scratched his head and said sheepishly, "I don't understand all this, but if someone tries to snatch it, I'll take their dog's life!"
"And you all?"
The others looked at each other.
"We will follow the President's decision!"
Xifeng spoke slowly, "Our association's goal is to collect all the delicacies in the world and store them in the Century Ice Pillar. Our wealth continues to accumulate, and the covetous gazes have never been few."
"Give them an inch, and they'll want the entire great glacier!"
"This pressure is not solely about the Rainbow Fruit; it's also a test of our stance!"
"Once we show weakness, all the jackals will swarm in and tear us to shreds!"
"A single punch thrown well can prevent a hundred blows later!"
President Xifeng's intention was clear: to display all their courage and strength.
Fight!
And fight to the very end!
Moreover, the Rainbow Fruit was a rare delicacy, appearing with decreasing frequency over the past fifty years, nearing extinction.
If another thirty years passed, and the Rainbow Fruit became completely extinct, the price of the few specimens in hand would increase tenfold!
If a portion were to leak out and be collected in various locations, it would be difficult to drive up the price.
The Century Collection Association had built its empire by making huge profits from rare ingredients.
"Wait a moment."
Xifeng frowned. "Ode, do you have any suggestions?"
Ode, the head of Human Resources and the superior of countless laborers.
"Since the President has made a decision, I will not offer any further dissuasion, but we need to be thoroughly prepared."
"Explain."
Ode said, "Currently, there are 45,000 laborers within the glacier, 8,000 in the supervisory team, but only 3,500 security guards in the Security Department. Manpower is significantly insufficient."
Wu Yong, as the head of the Security Department, nodded vigorously.
Ode continued, "Moreover, most guards can only perform simple tasks like vigilance and maintaining public order. Their ability to handle violent conflicts is questionable."
"Including the President, our combat power is truly limited."
"If the opponent plans carefully, the severe cold of the Frozen Hell Plains... will not be enough to protect us!"
Xifeng pondered.
He then said, "The association is currently surrounded by enemies. Temporarily suspend all outdoor exploration, pioneering, hunting, and gathering missions. Consolidate defenses!"
"That might not be enough."
Ode continued, "If the enemy intends to strike, they will undoubtedly assess our combat strength. The association's department heads are constantly in the public eye, with no secrets whatsoever. We... need external aid!"
"External aid?"
"That's right, professional mercenaries!"
"This matter... let me think."
Xifeng closed his eyes and waved his hand, dismissing everyone.