The simmering of the nine broths was also a form of tempering for Zhang Wei, growing through constant trial and error.
After acquiring extraordinary power, Zhang Wei's greatest improvement was not destructive force, but his transcendent taste and smell.
Just as a singer cannot do without their ears and voice, a chef is extremely reliant on these two senses.
In Shokugeki no Soma, Zhang Wei had encountered many freaks with extremely strong taste and smell. When honing his skills alongside them, Zhang Wei was at an absolute disadvantage.
Now, Zhang Wei could confidently say that in terms of smell, even a police dog would be ashamed.
Taste?
After taking a bite of roast meat, he could even infer the animal's dietary habits.
For example, **feed-lot meat would have a slightly rich and fragrant taste, a difference caused by the fat content in the muscles.**
**Free-range meat would have a hint of earthiness.**
**Wild meat would be relatively dry.**
The meat of the same species actually tasted very similar, and most people could only distinguish between different cuts.
To achieve this, one needed to discern the one percent difference in ingredients!
Under the dual scrutiny of his exaggerated taste and the Essence of Cuisine technique, Zhang Wei hoped the new version of clear broth could withstand it.
Zhang Wei took a deep sniff.
"The aroma is tranquil and far-reaching, like sweet dew, like fragrant tea..."
"Indeed, using sweet soup as the base was the right choice."
"With the addition of ingredients that possess their own saltiness, the sweet and salty combination can create the 'umami' flavor."
Sour, sweet, bitter, spicy.
From a physiological perspective, spiciness is not a taste. The true fourth taste should be umami!
The taste of umami is difficult to describe, but it truly exists.
It's just that it's extremely difficult to taste umami in nature.
It's like a mermaid hidden in the ocean of taste, playing hide-and-seek with humans through natural evolution.
Since Zhang Wei awakened his extraordinary power, he could taste this flavor very clearly.
Without even tasting it, judging solely by its aroma, this clear broth was already an extreme success.
The milky white broth was similar to a rich soup, but much lighter.
"Let's directly use the Essence of Cuisine!"
The Essence of Cuisine, like the Eight Styles of Thunder Control, is a learnable, transferable skill. Zhang Wei had wasted a lot of ingredients practicing this skill.
Now, Zhang Wei's Essence of Cuisine was also very proficient, allowing him to consciously eliminate impurities.
The volume of the broth rapidly decreased, yet its color did not change in the slightest.
Zhang Wei was overjoyed.
The increase in magazines would first affect the color; the probability of success this time was extremely high!
Maintaining his composure, the broth in the giant cauldron grew less and less, and the main ingredients began to wither, appearing depleted.
Only when the broth was reduced to one-tenth of its original volume, and the ingredients had completely turned to powder, was the Essence of Cuisine completed.
The powder settled at the bottom, untouched by the broth, a sign of mastery in the Essence of Cuisine!
"It's done! It's definitely done this time!"
He poured out the broth. It was viscous like clear oil, yet surprisingly heavy, like flowing mercury.
Coupled with its pale white color, its appearance was top-notch!
The aroma was also more restrained. The original clear broth was already light, and this time it was even more subtle.
But Zhang Wei's top-tier olfactory sense came into play...
"The aroma... is even lighter, devoid of the ingredient's original scent, but the subtle, ethereal feeling is undiminished!"
"All attributes are excellent... it all comes down to the most crucial taste."
Zhang Wei took a deep breath, calming his nervous heart.
He scooped up a spoonful of broth and brought it to his lips.
...
Delicious!
This taste!!
It was like the tender tea of early summer, the growing leaves of vegetables, the young shoots of green bamboo!
After a sip, a faint aftertaste lingered on his lips, refusing to dissipate!
Although the taste was light and fresh, it was no less shocking than intensely flavored dishes like golden soup or rich bone broth.
"This bowl of soup feels like it's flowing into every corner of my body, invigorating even my hair and fingernails!"
"It's so magical, it's hot soup, yet it gives me the refreshing sensation of cold beer..."
"This is the top-tier taste I was looking for!"
The broth dissipated in his abdomen...
His Gourmet Cells rejoiced...
Having satisfied his internal Gourmet Cells, Zhang Wei clearly felt his power grow.
The solid barrier was instantly shattered, and Zhang Wei leveled up again!
The most noticeable improvement was in his sense of touch.
The heat and cold, dryness and humidity in the air, the textures and forms of objects, all became vivid in his mind...
"The food effects are so clear!"
"It feels like I've been granted a new supernatural ability."
Ingredients naturally possessed various special effects, but when combined, they would manifest in entirely different ways.
It was akin to traditional Chinese medicine.
If a dish was prepared successfully, its food effects would become very pronounced.
For example, an effect that would take at least two months to take hold by drinking raw tiger blood, and three months to feel more persistent.
But consuming the complete Garron Tiger feast, with its yang-replenishing effects, was instantaneous.
If not for Zhang Wei's astonishing willpower, he would have almost lost control.
He clenched his fist, feeling the fatigue from his training completely vanish, and his whole body filled with energy.
"My strength has increased a few more notches."
"With each level increase, my overall combat power improves by more than thirty percent."
"The gap is very significant. In League of Legends terms, it's like being two levels ahead plus half a major item?"
In his past life, Zhang Wei was dedicated to his career and only played games during his student days. The only game he knew how to play was LoL.
Using this as a comparison was quite appropriate.
"So, what exactly is my level?"
"Sigh, I didn't have the concept of breaking through barriers initially, and I didn't keep detailed track."
"Being able to defeat the Icehowl Dragon, I should be at least level 60? If we factor in the power of a 'National Chef,' it would be higher."
In terms of measuring specific strength, the Salty Swamp Wall was still the most direct indicator.
...
Half a month passed quickly.
The participating team from the Great Glacier also reached the day of departure.
President Xifeng personally led the team, accompanied by Wu Yong and Rhode. The remaining ministers stayed behind.
The four Gourmet Inspectors were on missions and unavailable.
In terms of chefs, besides Zhang Wei, there were three other assistant chefs.
The opportunity to enter the venue was rare, with each chef allowed to bring four helpers, and the Soul of Soup would not be wasted.
The venue was one of the largest cities in the north, Mo City!
Zhang Wei shed his worn-out laborer's deerskin outfit and changed into an expensive ceremonial robe. After all, he was representing the Century Treasure Association in the competition, and surface work had to be handled.
A twin-headed pterosaur pulled a swift-moving transport pod, its shape designed to reduce air resistance.
Inside the pod, the assistant chefs' expressions were filled with excitement.
"Look, the cows and horses below are so small, like ants."
"It's so high up, are we going to fall?"
"Get lost, you jinx!"
"I never thought I'd have a chance to fly in the sky. Why don't humans have wings?"
Zhang Wei couldn't participate in such conversations, so he continued his research in the Hall of Treasures, feigning sleep.