THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

The Flameclaw Lizard thrashed violently within its reinforced cage as Zhang Ye carried it through the bustling streets. The creature's fiery red scales shimmered under the sunlight, and its piercing yellow eyes radiated hostility. Whispers followed him, as passersby gawked at the audacity of a frail, shabby young man walking through Blueveil City with such a dangerous beast in tow.

"Is he insane? A Flameclaw Lizard is no joke!"

"He's probably some fool trying to show off. That thing will burn him alive before he even touches it."

"No way someone like him can handle that monster. It's a Tier 2 beast!"

Zhang Ye ignored the murmurs. His mind was focused solely on the task at hand. The Flameclaw Lizard was not just a monster; it was an ingredient—a rare and challenging one. If he wanted to complete his first system quest and make a dish worthy of an SSS-Rank Spiritual Cook, he had to start with something extraordinary.

He returned to the small, run-down home he had inherited from the previous Zhang Ye. The creaky door groaned as he pushed it open, and the scent of damp wood greeted him. It wasn't much, but it would do. Placing the cage on the ground, he took a deep breath and activated the Ingredient Appraisal skill once more.

[Flameclaw Lizard: Tier 2 Beast]

Meat Quality: High

Attributes: Fire-elemental energy, enhances physical strength and fire resistance

Challenge: The meat must be perfectly prepared to retain its properties. Failure will result in loss of quality.

A small grin crept across his face. The system wasn't going to make this easy for him. But he thrived on challenges.

"System, show me the recipe," he commanded.

A glowing interface appeared before him, displaying a detailed recipe tailored to the Flameclaw Lizard.

[Recipe Unlocked: Flameclaw Spirit Stew]

Ingredients:

Flameclaw Lizard meat (Tier 2)

Fiery Thorn Pepper

Silverfang Basil

Emberroot Essence

Instructions:

1. Carefully extract the meat, avoiding contact with the flame glands.

2. Roast the meat lightly to activate its fire-elemental energy.

3. Blend the spices to create a balance of heat and flavor.

4. Stew the ingredients slowly over a controlled flame to infuse their properties.

It was a complex process, but Zhang Ye's experience as the Cooking God gave him the confidence to execute it flawlessly. The first step, however, was the most critical—subduing and butchering the beast.

He approached the cage cautiously. The Flameclaw Lizard growled, its fiery breath steaming through the air. Zhang Ye activated the System Assistance Mode, which highlighted the creature's weak points. With a swift strike to its pressure point, the lizard fell limp, subdued without a fight.

"Sorry, buddy," he muttered, his voice calm. "You'll be the first step in my return to the top."

Zhang Ye worked meticulously, his hands moving with practiced precision as he prepared the meat. He avoided the volatile flame glands, separating the high-quality cuts and discarding any impurities. Despite the simplicity of his tools, every motion was deliberate and efficient, a testament to the skills he carried over from his previous life.

Once the meat was prepared, he turned his attention to the spices. The Fiery Thorn Pepper and Silverfang Basil he had purchased earlier were finely chopped and mixed, their aromas blending into a tantalizing scent.

"Now for the final step," he said, lighting the small cooking station in the corner of the room. The flames flickered weakly at first, but as Zhang Ye adjusted the heat with expert precision, they began to burn steadily.

He placed the ingredients into a sturdy pot, layering them carefully before pouring in water infused with Emberroot Essence. As the stew began to simmer, the room was filled with a rich, fiery aroma that seemed almost alive. The vibrant energy radiating from the pot was unmistakable.

The system's interface lit up.

[Cooking Enhancement Activated]

[Progress: 25%... 50%... 75%...]

Zhang Ye's focus was unwavering as he monitored the stew, adjusting the flame and stirring with precision. He could feel the energy of the dish growing with each passing moment, the fire-elemental properties of the ingredients melding into a harmonious whole.

Finally, the system chimed.

[Flameclaw Spirit Stew Completed]

Effect: Enhances physical strength by 30% and grants fire resistance for 6 hours.

Rating: S

Zhang Ye leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face as he gazed at the steaming pot of stew. This was no ordinary meal—it was a creation that could rival the highest-grade potions and elixirs. He ladled a portion into a bowl, the vibrant red broth shimmering with an otherworldly glow.

The moment he tasted it, a wave of warmth spread through his body. The flavors were bold yet perfectly balanced, each bite infused with the fiery essence of the Flameclaw Lizard. His muscles felt stronger, his senses sharper, and his body energized as the stew's effects took hold.

The system chimed again.

[First Quest Completed]

Reward: Beginner's Cooking Kit and Low-Grade Spiritual Recipe.

A small wooden box appeared out of thin air, landing gently on the table before him. Inside was a set of basic but high-quality cooking tools, along with a glowing scroll containing a new recipe.

Zhang Ye clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. This was just the beginning. The Flameclaw Spirit Stew would be the first of many creations to shake the foundations of this world. The doubters and naysayers would soon realize that he wasn't just an ordinary SSS-Rank Spiritual Cook—he was the Divine Chef, destined to leave an indelible mark on Auroria.