"What's this kid up to?"
"He suddenly took out a knife and swung it a few times in the direction of the yellow ox, yet not a single wound appeared on the ox's body, not even its hide was broken. Is this guy here to make a fool of himself?!"
Looking at the unharmed yellow ox and Qingfeng sheathing his knife, the crowd of spectators and chefs gathered around all showed expressions of confusion.
"Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash, one of the ultimate techniques of the Dark Culinary World."
"Characterized by 'not a single drop of blood shed, not a single drop of juice lost,' it can perfectly dismember an entire giant bull in an instant. I can't believe this guy knows this move!"
Okabe watched Qingfeng execute the ultimate technique, inwardly shocked. He clearly hadn't expected the other man to know this move, an ultimate technique that only Lei En could perform in the anime.
"No, wait…"
"This isn't the Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash. Or rather, it's not the true Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash."
Just as everyone on site was feeling bewildered, several golden glints appeared on the fallen yellow ox's body. Cracks appeared on its previously pristine hide, slowly spreading out in all directions.
However, unlike the description in the original work, the ox wasn't truly without a single drop of blood or juice spilling out, all locked within the meat. In reality, blood gushed out like a waterfall.
The originally dry, yellow earth was instantly soaked. The ox's hide spread across the floor, and countless chunks of meat fell onto it, while bones and viscera lay scattered in a chaotic pile.
"But realistically speaking, letting the bull bleed out is probably more logical."
"After all, leaving the blood inside the bull's body would create an unimaginable gamey smell, which is not a good thing for cooking—in fact, it's a terrible thing."
Okabe thought to himself as the surrounding people gathered closer out of shock, their eyes fixed on the enormous ox hide before them, and the flesh and bone upon it.
"This…"
Lan Kexin stood at the forefront of the crowd, her gaze fixed on the dismembered ox, unable to stop herself from swallowing hard.
This sudden display by Qingfeng dealt a considerable shock to her spirit. For the first time, she began to doubt herself.
Could she really defeat an opponent of this caliber?
"Relax. There's nothing special about this move except its speed. Besides, a Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash of this level has barely scratched the surface."
"Using such an unmastered technique to butcher an ox is nothing more than wasting the animal."
Noticing the lack of confidence in Lan Kexin's eyes, Lan Tianqiu's voice sounded from nearby. Moments later, he appeared at her side with a girl.
"Okabe, Aunt Leonora Nakiri, what are you two doing here?"
Erina Nakiri, who had followed him, showed a puzzled expression upon seeing Okabe and Leonora Nakiri, and she quickly went over to greet them.
"We were just wandering around and ended up here, and then the guys from the Dark Culinary World showed up. It looks like there's some bad blood between the two sides; they demanded a competition right off the bat."
As he spoke, Okabe looked at Qingfeng, who was facing off against Lan Kexin, and at Lan Tianqiu standing behind her.
This man had a gentle face and exuded a calm and steady aura, a stark contrast to the clearly unreliable Lan Kexin.
"They're here for the Garuda Knife."
Hearing Okabe's words, Erina Nakiri recalled the information Lan Tianqiu had just told her.
"To seize the Legendary Cooking Utensil, the Garuda Knife, the Dark Culinary World has wagered the Demonic Bronze Sacred Vessel and challenged Senior Lan Tianqiu and his side to a best-of-three Shokugeki."
"The first team to win two matches will be victorious and claim the other Legendary Cooking Utensil. Right now, Uncle Lan is looking for a participant for the doubles match."
"I see. Wagering one Legendary Cooking Utensil to seize another... the Dark Culinary World certainly has guts. Are they that confident they can win two matches?"
With Erina Nakiri's explanation finished, Okabe finally understood the whole situation.
"Actually, it was Senior Lan Tianqiu who proposed the wager…"
Hearing Okabe's sarcastic comment, Erina Nakiri quickly added the new information she had just learned.
"Ah, this…"
Okabe looked at Lan Tianqiu behind Lan Kexin.
A man with such a steady demeanor actually has such an unreliable side. Challenging the Dark Culinary World without even having all his team members assembled...
How much confidence must he have in his own abilities!
"Indeed, I'm not very skilled with this technique. In terms of precision, it's not even as good as a skilled butcher's. But it's quite intimidating, isn't it?"
Hearing Lan Tianqiu's words, Qingfeng nodded in agreement. He had spent several years learning this move but had always felt it was too theatrical.
A hastily butchered ox is definitely inferior to one methodically prepared by an experienced butcher.
Only a chef with truly exquisite knife skills can separate the internal muscles from the bones while slaughtering the ox, handling every part just right.
And this Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash—or rather, his level of proficiency with it—produces beef in a state not much different from that of a novice butcher.
Using it here, apart from being grandiose, serves no purpose. The resulting meat even needs secondary processing, otherwise cuts from different parts will get mixed up.
"You almost scared me. Looking closely, the butchering is indeed very crude."
Lan Kexin composed herself and re-examined the butchered beef.
Just as her father said, the cuts on the beef were uneven, some joints even had clear knife marks, and the viscera were handled sloppily.
Clearly, with Qingfeng's skill, it was impossible for him to properly butcher the ox in just a few swings. There were numerous flaws. And to think she was actually intimidated.
Understanding the situation, Lan Kexin took a deep breath, her gaze becoming sharp once more.
"To use such an unrefined technique to handle ingredients is nothing short of blasphemy against them!"
As she spoke, Lan Kexin took a step forward, grabbed a kitchen knife from a nearby cooking station, and strode towards the beef lying on the ox hide.
The next moment, she stomped her foot lightly on the ground.
Sinking her qi into her dantian, she raised her hand and swung the knife, skillfully chopping at the chaotically piled beef on the hide.
In just an instant, the sloppily handled beef became orderly. Some of the vaguely processed parts became distinct, leaving only a small amount of scraps.
"Such a waste."
Looking at the scraps, Lan Kexin raised an eyebrow slightly, then gathered them all into a metal box and approached the cooking station with an imposing air.
All the scraps were cut into small pieces. In a wok over high heat, she rendered the fat from the beef flank, then added the tendon and the shredded beef taken from various parts.
Sliced and smashed scallions, ginger, and garlic were added, followed by star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaves, galangal, amomum, angelica root, Sichuan peppercorns, and tsaoko.
In another pot, she began to caramelize sugar.
After stir-frying the beef scraps and various spices over medium heat until cooked and fragrant, she seasoned them with soybean sauce, caramelized sugar, salt, sugar, and vinegar, then poured in a large amount of water and put everything into a pressure cooker.
"Whew, at least it's not a waste. Kid, I'm leaving this pot of braised beef in your care. Take it to that station over there and let it simmer under pressure. Later, pick out the dregs. It'll make a perfect side dish to go with rice after the competition is over!"
Her gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Okabe. Since he was with Leonora Nakiri, he should know a thing or two about cooking. She felt at ease entrusting it to him.
"To me? Alright then."
Okabe hadn't expected to be assigned a task while he was just watching the drama unfold.
But the thought of the rich and fragrant braised beef in the pressure cooker made his mouth water just from the smell. He decisively stepped forward, moved the pressure cooker to another cooking station, and cleared the stove in front of Lan Kexin.
"Clap."
"That was quite impressive. The beef was handled perfectly, and even the scraps found a purpose. I hope your performance later is as sharp as this."
Watching Lan Kexin decisively complete the preparation of a dish, Qingfeng led the applause, but his words were filled with provocation.
"Of course. I'll beat you so badly you'll piss your pants. You'll be trembling at the very sight of me."
Hearing the underlying meaning in Qingfeng's words, Lan Kexin clenched her fists.
"Then let's get started already. I'm getting a little impatient with all this tough talk."
Looking at Himeshima Kou and Kannoyama Hikorintarou standing behind him, Qingfeng wore a gentle smile, then turned to Erina Nakiri behind Lan Tianqiu and said, "But I should remind you, one person can't participate in a doubles match."
"Looks like we'll have to pick someone on the spot. Although I always knew the Dark Culinary World was despicable, this sudden challenge has caught us off guard."
Lan Tianqiu muttered to himself. However, the real reason for this situation wasn't Qingfeng's surprise attack, but the fact that the Nakiri family had no one available.
If there were a few strong individuals, he wouldn't need to be so picky here, even resorting to having a nine-year-old girl compete. This was his miscalculation.
"Uncle Lan, let Okabe compete. In terms of skill, he's much stronger than me, and we have a certain rapport. He's the most suitable person to compete with me."
Hearing Qingfeng's words and seeing Lan Tianqiu's conflicted expression, Erina Nakiri suddenly spoke up, then looked towards where Okabe was.
"Okabe? Who's that? Have I seen him here..."
Erina Nakiri's words made Lan Tianqiu freeze for a moment. He then turned his head, bent down to look at her, and asked in a gentle voice.
"You mean that little guy over there?"
At the same time, Lan Kexin's incredulous voice rang out. She looked at Okabe in the distance, who was helping her watch the pressure cooker, her face filled with astonishment.
"That's right. He's very strong. There's no one here more suitable to be my partner than him!"
Erina Nakiri's words were firm. With the Legendary Cooking Utensil, the Garuda Knife, at stake, she had to do something. She couldn't let the Dark Culinary World take it away.
To do that, she needed a powerful ally.
Okabe was clearly the best choice at this moment, and she was willing to entrust her back to him.
"You mean him? At first glance, he seems ordinary, but his eyes betray a sharpness that looks down on everything. He's like a small leopard poised to strike. Not bad at all."
Hearing Erina Nakiri and Lan Kexin, Lan Tianqiu shifted his attention to Okabe. Looking at him, an expression of understanding appeared on his face.
"Kid, are you willing to help us? We'll give you a large sum of money afterward. If you don't need money, you can name other conditions, and I'll do my best to satisfy them."
Given the current situation, Okabe really was Lan Tianqiu's most reliable option, so he decisively extended an olive branch and invited him.
"Are you crazy, or has the Light Culinary World really run out of people? Bringing two wet-behind-the-ears kids to compete... are you planning to just hand over victory in the second match?!"
Okabe looked idle, but upon closer inspection, one could sense something unusual about him. Qingfeng's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately started taunting.
"Since it's my choice, I naturally won't regret it. Besides, I have high hopes for this kid."
"If you can't even beat two kids, doesn't that just prove that the Dark Culinary World has no worthy successors? Let the Shokugeki begin, and we'll see who comes out on top!"
Seeing Qingfeng's malicious words, Lan Tianqiu became even more resolute in his decision. He gave him a cold glance, then looked back at Okabe.
At that moment, Okabe was thinking.
Making an enemy of the Dark Culinary World so rashly wasn't a good thing, but he was, after all, a member of the Light Culinary World. Refusing at a time like this would make things awkward for everyone.
Besides, he had already offended the Dark Culinary World when he rescued Liu Wei before. Offending them one more time didn't matter much, since he was bound to confront them sooner or later.
"Then let's have a match. I haven't cooked in a few days and my hands are getting itchy. But let me say this upfront: regardless of the outcome, I can't guarantee a win."
As he spoke, Okabe looked at Lan Tianqiu.
Although he had some skill, the amount of time he'd spent learning to cook was a fact. Even if he thought he would win, he had to be humble now to avoid messing up due to carelessness.
The fate of a Legendary Cooking Utensil was on the line; he couldn't afford to be careless. So, everything had to be made clear before the match.
"Rest assured, regardless of the final outcome, you both are heroes of this competition."
Lan Tianqiu showed a surprised expression at Okabe's words, clearly not expecting a child to be so thoughtful, and said with a smile.
Today's competition was originally a test for his daughter, a test to see if she could withstand the pressure and defeat the Dark Culinary World. The second match wasn't important.
As for the Garuda Knife,
a Legendary Cooking Utensil is certainly precious, but not more precious than his daughter's education.
Even if the Garuda Knife were taken by the Dark Culinary World, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. That way, his daughter would have the motivation to win it back, igniting her fighting spirit.
Lan Tianqiu thought this actively in his mind, but his face wore a somber expression, as if he valued the Garuda Knife greatly.
"Then I'm relieved. Aunt Leonora, I'll leave this braised beef to you. I want to go over there and watch their match."
Hearing Lan Tianqiu's promise and understanding that he wasn't someone who joked around, Okabe nodded slightly, then called Leonora Nakiri over to take over.
"Mm, Little Okabe is quite the bossy one."
"Alright, leave this to me. It's been a while since I've seen you compete. I hope you and Erina can achieve a swift victory."
Having heard Erina Nakiri's explanation earlier, Leonora Nakiri also understood the situation.
Now, understanding that Okabe and Erina Nakiri were about to participate in a very important match, she came to the cooking station and took over the simmering beef.
After a brief handover, Okabe quickened his pace and ran to Erina Nakiri's side, while looking at Himeshima Kou and Kannoyama Hikorintarou in the distance.
These two were their next opponents.
"I never thought we'd end up fighting kids. It feels strangely... awkward. Are kids these days so well-nourished? I wonder how old he is."
Looking at Okabe's youthful face, Himeshima Kou couldn't help but pinch his chin, pondering Okabe's age. He looked like a thirteen or fourteen-year-old.
"I don't know, but I get the feeling he'll be a tough opponent," Kannoyama Hikorintarou said meaningfully, gazing in Okabe's direction.
As someone who came from an orphanage, he had endured many hardships to reach his current position, so he naturally wouldn't show arrogance just because his opponent was young.
Arrogance and conceit are the most obvious traits of a loser.
"Regardless, we just need to give it our all. This operation is crucial to the Dark Culinary World's grand ambitions. If we do well, we might even get promoted to executive."
Hearing Kannoyama Hikorintarou's words, Himeshima Kou said with a hint of excitement.
As long as they could become executives in the Dark Culinary World, they would gain more authority, and the orphanage they supported would receive more operational funds.
"You're right. As long as we beat these two, there's a good chance we can advance further. Now we just wait for the match to start."
At this thought, Kannoyama Hikorintarou's breathing quickened slightly, and his gaze shifted to Qingfeng beside him.
"I won't say any more than necessary. Since both teams are ready and there's no shortage of beef, let the competition begin."
Noticing the gazes of the siblings, Kannoyama Hikorintarou and Himeshima Kou, Qingfeng knew the time had come. He strode over to the butchered ox.
"You think I'm scared?! But where's the judge?"
A culinary duel needs a judge. Even for a Shokugeki recognized by heaven and earth, it must first be decided by people before being judged by heaven and earth.
"Let this old man serve as the judge."
As soon as Lan Kexin finished speaking, an elderly man in his twilight years stepped out from the ranks of the Dark Culinary World.
The old man's skin sagged, and his face had a faint aura of death, but his voice was still firm, reaching everyone's ears clearly.
"Blade God Li Wuque!"
Someone in the crowd shouted this, and the scene instantly erupted into an uproar.
"That's right, I saw a portrait of him when I was a child. This person is undoubtedly the Blade God!"
"He's still alive! I can't believe he joined the Dark Culinary World too. What's so great about the Dark Culinary World that it attracts so many powerful figures!"
"Rumor has it he died twenty years ago, and his exquisite Butterfly Knife Technique was lost forever."
"I never expected even Senior Blade God to be here. But you, who died in the mortal world long ago, why would you join the Dark Culinary World?!"
Listening to the clamor around him, Lan Tianqiu cupped his hands in a slight bow towards Li Wuque, an expression of confusion on his face. He clearly hadn't expected to see a senior who had been dead for many years.
The man was a famous neutral figure in the culinary world. Obscure in his youth, he only became famous in middle age. Despite possessing incredibly powerful culinary skills, he never took sides, had no wife or children, and only wanted to be a carefree and happy old man.
A person like that has also joined the Dark Culinary World?!
_____
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