Brian's henchmen erupted in laughter as Zhang Wei was led into the warehouse.
"Boss, we're making a killing this time!"
Brian shot him a warning glance and whispered, "Be careful! This guy's strength is unfathomable. Don't let him hear you!"
The ingredients, previously stockpiled in the warehouse solely for their collector's value, were now fetching astronomical prices!
The ingredients at the Gourmet Casino were mostly obscure and specialized. Brian's personal collection was even more niche. While the marked prices were high due to rarity and novelty, very few buyers ever materialized.
What people truly sought were the actual gourmet dishes.
Not only were these ingredients selling at their marked prices, but they were even exchanging for Morse Oil, which was valued at over 15 billion!
All things considered, these ingredients had generated at least a five-fold increase in value!
Next were ingredients from level 30 to 60, weighing a total of 205,000 tons. These were the bulk of the inventory, the heaviest and most numerous, with an average price of 110,000 Berries each!
The total sale price…
27.5 trillion!
Equivalent to 325 liters of Morse Oil!
"Don't celebrate too soon. Zhang Wei might not be able to produce that much Morse Oil."
"I've heard of the Gourmet Bank. It's said to be a rapidly rising super-force in the human world, spreading its business across five continents in just two years, even surpassing the former top merchant guilds – the Four Great Salt Merchants!"
"In other words, their strength is formidable, on par with ours!"
"However, it's nearly impossible to withdraw ingredients worth this much all at once!"
Under everyone's gaze.
Zhang Wei produced several measuring cups. With a flick of his finger, clear Morse Oil poured into them…
100 liters!
200 liters!
300 liters!
325 liters!
Not a drop off!
In fact, it was slightly more…
"325 liters. Measure it carefully, everyone!"
To their astonishment…
It was true!
Unexpected, yet within reason!
Brian lowered his voice, trying his best to appear unfazed.
"Take him to the warehouse!"
The ingredient warehouse for levels 30-60 had a higher defense level, essentially a heavily guarded area. Each ingredient was personally protected, with guards wielding large cleavers and wearing gas masks.
The four-eyed chef beside them explained, "This place has the strictest security procedures. The ceiling is connected to the fire sprinklers, and the interior contains a massive amount of potent poison. A single breath is enough to incapacitate a level 50 powerful beast."
"Even with specialized gas masks, our security personnel can only last three minutes. This potent poison can easily penetrate clothing, armor, and skin, reaching directly into the body."
Zhang Wei nodded. Such defensive measures truly had an air of villainy.
He proceeded to collect the ingredients one by one according to the list. Zhang Wei had little interest in those he already possessed.
Next level!
Level 60-90 ingredients!
Weighing a total of 1,700 tons, their quantity was less than a thirtieth of the previous level!
The size variation of ingredients at this level was immense, some resembling small hills, others no bigger than a palm. However, their prices matched their status, with an average price of 3.1 million!
Totaling 52 trillion in value, equivalent to 642 liters of Morse Oil!
Ingredients above level 90 were lighter, with only a little over a hundred varieties. Their average price started at 1 billion, equivalent to approximately 2,000 liters of Morse Oil!
This…
A total of 3,000 liters!
At the deepest level, Zhang Wei also encountered the long-sought-after Comet Curry. It was larger than a house, though its outer shell was merely ordinary meteorite. Infused by the Comet Curry, it had become a considerable spice.
However, the outer meteorite only had a food value of 45.
The actual core part weighed only two to three kilograms, making it an extremely precious ingredient.
Of course, Zhang Wei purchased it by the two to three kilograms; the outer shell was effectively a free bonus.
Besides the precious comet meteorite, there were other incredibly potent treasures.
The Foam Shifting Beast!
A member of the Camping Beasts, it was amphibious, capable of inhabiting the deep sea and moving at high speeds underwater. However, it was somewhat clumsy on land.
Furthermore, it had a docile temperament and was easily tamed. The space within its body could shift along with its outer shell. In its normal state, it resembled a conch shell or a chrysalis, its body inlaid with sapphire gems the size of a bowl, making it a highly valuable jewel.
"The book records that due to its difficulty in capture, the Foam Shifting Beast has only appeared once in the human world!"
"It's a tier higher than the Gourmet Jellyfish, and like the Warm Harbor, it's a legendary marvel!"
Clear Soup Fish Dragon
Food Level 99!
Despite being called a fish dragon, it was only the size of an ordinary lizard. It was the essence of true fish meat.
Water Tiger!
A legendary dream beast that condensed the flavor of seafood, also known as the "Tiger that Crosses the Ocean." It continuously exuded water from its body, containing an immense amount of moisture. Its entire being was almost composed of water.
Its combat power was immense; it could control water to destroy and annihilate. Water jets shot from its claws could split mountains in half, or it could expel massive water droplets from its body, with power comparable to a nuclear strike!
When attacked by enemies, it would liquefy itself, turning its body into water. Any attack would pass directly through its watery form before it solidified again. It was an extremely troublesome ingredient.
Zhang Wei wondered how Brian had managed to capture it.
The Water Tiger appeared to be dozing. Brian stroked it and said, "To capture this guy, we wiped out five teams of Gourmet Hunters. In the end, we only succeeded by finding its weakness."
"Weakness…"
Brian nodded. "One is poison, and the other is sunlight. Under the strongest sunlight, it rapidly loses moisture and cannot maintain its watery state for long."
"Additionally, this is a tiger that loves to drink. However, it has no resistance to alcohol. If we add more alcohol to its diet, we can keep it imprisoned indefinitely."
Zhang Wei said, "Impressive. The hunters at the Gourmet Casino are indeed excellent."
"Hunters? No, no, you've misunderstood. This was part of the gambling stakes. I remember that guy arrogantly boasting before entering the casino that he would gamble for ten new teams… As for this Water Tiger, hehe… he couldn't even afford to pay compensation for his fallen comrades!"
Damn!
You guys are truly a menace.
Not only did the Water Tiger possess such immense power, but its meat was exquisite. Tender yet chewy, with every bite, its juices would continuously flow out. The sheer volume of juice was incredible. Even so, one could still taste the essence of the sea, all the delicacies of the ocean concentrated within its flesh. Its exquisite flavor was unforgettable!
This single Water Tiger was worth five liters of Morse Oil!