The two set off.
The rest returned from Jiu Luan Island, each attending to their own affairs.
Summoning the clouds, Ao Xing soared through the sky.
"Do you dragons naturally know how to fly?"
Ao Xing explained, "Of course not. Among the Sea Dragons, those who can summon wind and rain are few; it's a highly advanced skill. However, I've heard that the Sky Dragons possess an innate ability to fly without requiring post-training."
"There are Sky Dragons too?"
"Naturally. The Gourmet World is vast, far beyond the imagination of you country folk. Besides the Sea Dragons and Sky Dragons, there are also Earth Dragons, who can traverse through solid rock and possess powerful combat prowess that the other two races lack."
Zhang Wei nodded.
The original work described the Gourmet World with very little detail, mentioning only the peak combatants like the Eight Kings and limited encounters with alien species, such as those in the Food Kingdom.
However, later, within the belly of the Black Hole Whale Mu En and in Monkey Mountain, he found societies of its inhabitants.
[Discoverable ingredient: Hydra]
[Capture Level: 145]
"It seems to be right below here!"
Indeed, they spotted a fleet of sailing ships not far away.
And peculiar equipment on the ships, likely used to drive away and hypnotize the Hydras.
Matter Absorption Technique!
Over a dozen large ships were drawn in, then a surge of electricity stunned them all.
Finally, they were stored in the right annex of the Treasure Hall.
Ao Xing exclaimed in surprise, then said, "You actually possess a storage equipment with such a large capacity!"
"What… is it rare? Don't you have one?"
"Uh… even though I'm from the countryside, there are indeed things that surprise me. Even in the Gourmet World, high-capacity spatial equipment is very rare! You, sir… are truly remarkable."
Ao Xing said sheepishly.
"So, do you have one or not?"
Ao Xing became irritated, "Can you stop asking such awkward questions!"
Zhang Wei took out a gourd from his pocket.
A large white gourd!
A bounty from the Country of Clouds, it had recently bloomed and borne fruit again due to the time acceleration in the left annex.
"This is for you."
"For me?"
"Yes, storage equipment. While it can't compare to mine, this gourd contains a small world within it, which is quite decent."
Ao Xing stared for a long while.
He wanted to speak but didn't know what to say.
He could only utter in a very faint voice, "Then… I'll accept it. It's passable…"
Zhang Wei merely smiled, saying nothing.
However, Ao Xing's actions became decidedly more energetic. With two roars, he startled over a dozen Hydras to leap out of the water, them scrambling and jumping in panic.
Zhang Wei decisively struck, knocking them out one by one and storing them.
The two cooperated like this, and within a few days, they had captured all 75 Hydras and 150 pirate ships.
After delivering them to the headquarters of the Gourmet Union Police, the count revealed that thirty thousand pirates had been apprehended.
This also refreshed Ao Xing's perception of storage equipment.
However, out of pride, Ao Xing felt it awkward to ask Zhang Wei for more details.
Since Zhang Wei had broken through to level 100, he no longer cared about the secrecy of what the Treasure Hall could accommodate. Superpowers in this world were incredibly diverse, and a mere storage equipment wouldn't attract too much attention from many.
...
...
Half a month later.
The Vitamin C Salt from the Ore Meat Caves had finally been sun-dried. Zhang Wei replicated 220,000 tons of it at once.
After handing over a portion to the Gourmet Bank, the second round of the Gourmet Festival competitions finally began!
The location for this competition was one that Zhang Wei was very familiar with: Pot Pond, known as the "Mountain Hot Pot"!
Pot Pond, also called a World Gourmet Heritage Site, was a natural tourist attraction and a key environmental protection center.
Tourists flocked here every year, but due to environmental concerns, only two hundred thousand were accommodated.
And the number of influential figures who made reservations to visit each year numbered at least several million.
"Miracle-type terrain. Unlike the microorganisms in the Wine Sea, at the bottom of Pot Pond dwell Capture Level 1 Kelp Snakes and Kombu Snakes, present in very large numbers."
"They habitually reside underwater in hot springs and release their own flavors, turning the entire hot spring water into a delicious broth, imbuing it with a high-grade hot pot taste."
"The ultimate delicacy here is the Madam Fish, also known as the Lord of Pot Pond. It is an extremely difficult fish to catch. Its exquisite flavor and magnificent appearance have earned it the title of the 'Lady of Freshwater Fish,' hence its name, Madam Fish."
"This competition's objective is to capture Madam Fish."
"Madam Fish are very timid and often do not leave their nests for decades, making them incredibly difficult to capture. The overall capture difficulty is as high as level 83!"
The crowd reacted strongly.
These chefs, having gone through the preliminary rounds, exclaimed in surprise, "What does this have to do with us chefs? Isn't this a test for Gourmet Hunters?"
The host shook his head and said, "No, no, no. Even the most skilled cook cannot make a meal without ingredients. Obtaining ingredients is an important criterion for a chef's future. Furthermore, this competition allows for teamwork."
Teamwork!
That's right, this was a test of a chef's partner; a qualified chef requires an equally excellent partner.
This was also the worldview of Toriko!
The host continued, "Everyone, rest assured, this is not a brutal competition. Based on observations, there are at least 24 Madam Fish in Pot Pond, a population that has reproduced in the last fifty years."
"Just a few days ago, this batch of Madam Fish collectively spawned. Harvesting them will not cause ecological problems."
"According to discussions with the organizers, we are permitted to harvest ten of them."
A contestant inquired, "So, that means there will be ten winners?"
The host shook his head and chuckled, "No, we said those who complete the harvest will immediately withdraw from the competition."
Everyone was taken aback.
What kind of condition was this?
Wouldn't that mean the first ones to succeed could completely cut off the advancement path for those who followed!
Surely…
There wouldn't be such a heartless person, right?
The host glanced at the sky and slowly said, "Time is almost up. It should only be you people. Therefore, I announce that this competition's..."
*Boom!*
In the center of the venue, a mountain-like cloud of mist erupted out of nowhere, and the guards responsible for order immediately became alert!
From within the mist, a colossal golden-skinned toad slowly emerged.
Its size was immense, estimated to be at least twenty stories high. Moreover, judging by the metallic sheen of its skin, it must be a creature with exceptionally robust defenses.
The golden-skinned toad slowly opened its massive mouth, its tongue extending like a spring and resting on the ground, transforming into a ramp.
Zhang Wei stepped down meticulously and greeted, "Hi, have I not arrived late?"
"Holy crap!"
"Who is this guy?"
"His entrance is too arrogant!"
"He looks very strong. Is he a contestant or an organizer?"
"His timing is too perfect. Did this guy eavesdrop from the side, waiting for such a golden entry point?"
The host's expression remained impassive. "A Bufo-form Camping Beast… Zhang Wei, the King of Northern Chefs? I've heard of you from Kurama. Alright, prepare to begin the competition."