As time passed, more and more people began to submit their works.
There were bonus points for cooking speed, which would provide an extra bonus during the final settlement period.
Horse-drawn carts ran back and forth, and a large amount of ingredients were transported to the cooking area of wine and beauties.
Yun Shang Zhen Jun truly believed Zhang Wei's words this time. After all, so much time had passed since the cooking began, and the ingredients were still being delivered. Normal contestants would have started preparing months ago.
Mo Du directed his subordinates in carrying, and more clay pot stoves were assembled.
"Brother, everything you wanted is here."
"Mm, you did well."
Mo Du hesitated for a moment, then said, "The grade of these ingredients isn't high, and there are many of very low quality. Can we really win with these?"
"I'm not entirely sure about that."
"Ah?"
Mo Du was somewhat surprised.
Having known Zhang Wei for so long, he had always given the impression of being in control, always planning before acting.
For him to say something so lacking in confidence today was quite unexpected.
"Why, is it because of the experimental dishes?"
"That's part of it. The dishes being prepared today are far more difficult than any before, and I truly have no confidence! Also, with this turning into a free-for-all instead of a one-on-one, my sure-win method can't be used."
"Sure-win method? What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it says. In a one-on-one fight, I am sure to win!"
The world is vast, and exceptionally skilled chefs are as numerous as carp crossing a river.
If anyone else had said this, Mo Du would have scoffed. But coming from Zhang Wei, it carried an unshakeable conviction!
This is... how is such a thing possible!
Seeing Mo Du's confusion, Zhang Wei explained, "Actually, this trick isn't that brilliant. Do you know about banquets?"
"Banquets?"
"I mean the real, large-scale kind, as opposed to Western-style multi-course meals."
"I know, but what does that have to do with a cooking duel?"
Zhang Wei replied, "In large banquets, the order and timing of serving dishes are crucial. The types and flavors of the dishes are also strictly controlled. The dishes in a banquet must not solely pursue sensory stimulation."
"To give a few simple examples, in a large banquet, the appetizers and drinks must appear first. For instance, hawthorn, papaya, apple juice, and so on. The fruits served later in the banquet are primarily for sweetness and to cleanse the palate.
"The flavors should be arranged from light to heavy. The dishes served earlier must be fragrant and elegant, serving as a bridge. Those served later should have richer flavors, creating a definitive impact.
"All of this is for one word... synergy!"
"Synergy..." Mo Du repeated blankly.
"Precisely, synergy. For example, in high-end banquets, clear soups are always more popular than rich ones. This is because soups are served in the middle course, and overly rich flavors can diminish the impact of the climax and conflict with the preceding flavors."
"But..."
"I still don't understand. What does this have to do with winning a one-on-one duel?"
Zhang Wei rubbed his forehead, quite exasperated.
He had explained it so meticulously, yet Mo Du still hadn't guessed.
"Therefore, there is a great connection between dishes! They can either conflict with each other or complement each other..."
"What if we utilize this connection?"
"For example, if we are tasted first, we can use flavor to suppress and weaken the impact of our opponent's dishes out of thin air."
"If we are tasted last, we can use flavor to complement and make the opponent's dishes serve as a backdrop, enhancing our own impact out of thin air!"
Mo Du suddenly understood!
So that's how it is!
So, there's this kind of strategy in the competition between chefs!
If it were truly as Zhang Wei described, both parties would enter an unfair duel from the very beginning.
They would be suppressed on a strategic level.
Utilizing the relationship between flavors...
Brilliant!
"Can... can such a thing really be done?"
"Of course. Based on my past experiences in many culinary... chef duels, I often pondered such things. However, theory is one thing; applying it in actual combat is quite difficult."
Shokugeki no Soma!
In that world, chef duels were extremely fervent and were called - Shokugeki!
To become the top chef in the world of Shokugeki, Zhang Wei had participated in countless duels, and this sure-win method was acquired through extensive practical experience in Shokugeki no Soma.
It allowed Zhang Wei to complete his theory.
However, this combat style also had significant drawbacks and many limitations in its application.
Firstly, it required the chef to be extremely proficient in banquet cuisine, to have a deep understanding of all flavor suppressions, and to possess the practical ability to apply them.
Secondly, it demanded extremely broad culinary skills. The ability to easily handle all types of cuisine and skillfully prepare various delicacies, possessing enough trump cards.
Thirdly, the ability to deduce the opponent's intentions from observation. Ingredient preparation, cooking techniques, and so on, all provided information. One must be able to discover information and be adept at utilizing it.
Fourthly, this combat style requires a large amount of intelligence, adaptability, and a substantial reserve of ingredients.
Finally, this method is only applicable in one-on-one duels; too many variables would turn the suppression into a joke.
As Zhang Wei spoke, Mo Du's admiration grew even stronger!
With such prerequisites met, wouldn't winning already be easy?
"Brother... even though I'm not a chef, I can feel the greatness of this theory."
"These are nothing. It's just developing everything one can utilize and making them valuable."
"No."
Mo Du placed a hand on his chest, his emotions unable to settle for a long time.
"Brother, your theory has turned chef duels into a joke."
"In front of you, these competitions are as childish as children's games, and victory or defeat holds no meaning for you."
"I dare not say that."
Zhang Wei explained, "This trick is just a side-path, worthless once revealed."
"A very simple example, before tasting the second dish, rinsing the mouth with clear tea or using white bread to absorb flavors would directly nullify most of its effectiveness."
Mo Du glanced at the judges' table.
How long would it take these muddle-headed elders to realize this without anyone pointing it out?
"Then what do you plan to do in this free-for-all?"
"Eat cold noodles."
Zhang Wei spread his hands. "Then I'm helpless. I'll leave it to fate."
Mo Du didn't believe a single word of Zhang Wei being helpless.
From what Mo Du understood, Zhang Wei was definitely not someone who relied solely on techniques.
His combat intelligence was terrifying!
Everything had been planned and re-planned countless times in his mind...
"A wise person does not win by brute force."
Even when possessing overwhelming strength.