The pot pond was quite large, covering an area equivalent to three or four West Lakes. Even from a distance, the aroma of simmering broth, carrying a hint of steam, could be smelled.
The crowd was abuzz with discussion.
"The pot pond is boiling year-round, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 95 degrees Celsius. If someone were to fall in, they'd become ingredients for the fish in the pond!"
"Such high temperatures! How do the fish there survive?"
"It's the wonder of species. The fish here are naturally cooked and constantly release flavor. Once caught, they can be served as boiled fish immediately!"
"Within the pot pond, only the Madame Fish can maintain a lower body temperature!"
Zhang Wei arrived at the edge of the pot pond and surveyed the scene.
As a second-tier preliminary, the skill levels were still uneven, with chefs ranging from 6-star to 9-star appearing everywhere.
Waves churned on the surface of the pot pond, and schools of fish played. Around the pond, a group of chefs pondered their strategies.
In the original story, catching the Madame Fish was extremely difficult, even requiring the cooperation of the Four Heavenly Kings of Gourmet Food. To facilitate the capture, Master Jienai's disciples froze the entire pot pond.
Only when the pot pond was frozen would the Madame Fish feel safe and emerge from its lair.
Zhang Wei, despite his immense physical strength, had not mastered any ice-elemental skills.
"This means the Madame Fish must be hiding in its nest. Whether I cast a net or try to fish, I won't encounter it... it's all a waste of effort."
He glanced towards a corner where Ao Xing, Kuro Mo, Golden Fang Brian, Gourmet Santa, and Mr. Luo were gathered.
Zhang Wei approached and greeted them, "You all arrived quickly!"
"Of course, unlike you, who always arrives just in time. What are you so busy with?"
Zhang Wei was indeed busy!
He had mountains of tasks to handle every day.
"Everyone okay? Fishing is such a simple matter."
Ao Xing chuckled, "Fishing? Who can be better at catching fish than me?"
Kuro Mo scratched his head, "In Mount Luojia, self-cultivation is a dining etiquette. I'm quite proficient in fishing."
Golden Fang Brian, still with his usual entourage, uncharacteristically left the group to strategize on his own. Perhaps he had a unique method.
Gourmet Santa Wang Fugui also bowed and left the crowd to devise his plan.
Only Hong Wan wore a troubled expression, sparks flickering around him as he spun in circles. "I detest this kind of thing! Fishing... waiting... can't we just finish it swiftly!"
Mr. Luo's team consisted of Tian Zui, Atlas, and the other two.
For this trio of outdoor survival experts, obtaining ingredients from various sources was a fundamental skill. They immediately pulled out all sorts of peculiar items and began assembling them.
Zhang Wei leaned closer and saw a wooden box filled with a large quantity of soil, within which earthworms wriggled ceaselessly.
[Discovered storable ingredient: Salty Earthworm]
[Rarity Level: 25]
[Capture Level: 5]
[Description: A rare species that grows in the underground kingdom of Worriwor. It can only survive in the special soil of its homeland, making it an exceptionally uncommon variety.]
[Description: These salty earthworms can be used to make ramen, dried insect jerky, and other dishes, with a flavor that can only be described as superior. For fish and fowl, however, they are an unparalleled delicacy, a taste so irresistible it compels them to try it even at the cost of their lives!]
[Description: Salty earthworms are difficult to breed but are beneficial for moisturizing soil and increasing crop yields. However, due to their strong fragrance, they easily attract various predators to farmland!]
Zhang Wei was astonished. "These are super rare salty earthworms!"
He pulled out his compendium!
This book contained all known ingredients in the human world. Two-thirds of them had been cataloged in his treasure hall, while the rest were legendary species, perhaps even extinct.
Every time he discovered a new ingredient documented here, Zhang Wei couldn't help but be overjoyed!
"Can I have some of these?"
Mr. Luo smiled, "Of course!"
Kuro Mo sniffed the air and also moved closer, chuckling, "Um... Mount Luojia doesn't have such good bait. Could you possibly..."
Mr. Luo generously replied, "No problem. There's plenty left in this box. Once we use it up, we'll go catch more in the Worriwor underground kingdom. We know the capture techniques anyway."
Zhang Wei nodded.
This trio indeed had something special about them!
Kuro Mo waved his hand, and the crane that had been obscuring the sky descended again, carrying Kuro Mo's luggage.
Kuro Mo took out several bamboo stalks, saying, "This bamboo is very tough. It can be used as a fishing rod. And this..."
He then produced a handful of lotus root fibers and spun them into a slender fishing line.
Kuro Mo explained, "This fishing rod can withstand a hundred thousand tons of force and has built-in elasticity to prevent fish from escaping once they're hooked. And these lotus root fibers are naturally very fine. Even nine strands woven together are as light as nothing, making them difficult for fish to detect."
Seeing everyone contributing their skills and efforts,
Zhang Wei felt he couldn't hold back. He immediately took out a tiny piece of sacred bronze, melted it using his heart fire, and fashioned it into the shape of a fishhook.
Kuro Mo's eyes widened. "Isn't that the sacred bronze from Olympus? A super metal with magical properties!"
"You're quite knowledgeable?"
Kuro Mo quickly looked around and whispered, "This item is prohibited by Olympus. It only circulates in the market through smuggled black market goods. Each piece of sacred bronze represents the shattered armor fragments of a defeated Bronze Saint."
It's circulating?
That's good.
As long as the treasure hall wasn't exposed, it was fine. Besides, Olympus... Zhang Wei was no longer as afraid as he used to be.
Times had changed!
Just as the three were preparing a small boat to go fishing, the announcer's voice declared, "Gourmet Santa Wang Fugui has caught the first Madame Fish! Remaining catchable quota: 9!"
What!
So soon!
It had only been five minutes!
How did he manage it? Catching a Madame Fish was as easy as catching ordinary fish!
Ding~ Ding~ Ding~
The notification sounds for storage kept ringing. Zhang Wei stored the salty earthworms gifted by Mr. Luo. Twenty salty earthworms compressed the replication time to 45 hours.
Cast!
Cast!
Cast!
The three cast their lines simultaneously. Within twenty seconds, the floats bobbed!
Zhang Wei gently reeled in...
Hmm~
A bit heavy!
Madame Fish were large. Had he succeeded?
He pulled harder!
A massive shape broke the surface of the water!
[Discovered storable ingredient: Shrimp Elephant]
[Capture Level: 35]
[Description: An aquatic elephant with a lobster shell. Adult specimens weigh over 15 tons!]
"Damn, what a bizarre ingredient!"
At this moment, the Shrimp Elephant was still tugging at the bait, with the fishing line inside its mouth.
Stunned!
Zhang Wei removed the hook and tried again!
[Discovered storable ingredient: Butterfly Octopus]
?
Again!
[Discovered storable ingredient: Chubby Octopus]
Again!
[Discovered storable ingredient: Soy Sauce Octopus]
[Discovered storable ingredient: Water Jet Octopus]
[Discovered storable ingredient: Custard Octopus]
...
"Damn it!"
Zhang Wei scratched his head. "Is this an octopus expo? Who puts so many octopuses in hot pot? Won't they get tired of eating so many octopus rings!"