THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

The aroma of the Flameclaw Spirit Stew wafted out of Zhang Ye's small house, carried by the wind to the nearby streets. It was subtle at first, a fleeting scent that tickled the senses of those passing by. Then, as the stew continued to simmer, the fragrance grew more potent, igniting curiosity and hunger in the hearts of everyone who caught a whiff.

At the bustling Adventurer's Bazaar, several merchants paused mid-negotiation, their noses twitching.

"What is that smell?" a blacksmith muttered, wiping his soot-streaked hands on his apron.

"It's like… fire and herbs, but richer," said an herbalist, sniffing the air with wide eyes.

Even a group of adventurers, hardened by years of combat, stopped in their tracks, their mouths watering as they inhaled the intoxicating scent.

"Smells like something I've never had before," one of them remarked.

"It's coming from over there," another said, pointing toward the run-down residential area.

Curiosity spread like wildfire, and soon, a small crowd began to form outside Zhang Ye's home. The once-ignored building now drew attention from all walks of life, from merchants and adventurers to curious bystanders.

Inside, Zhang Ye was unaware of the commotion. He was savoring his success, his thoughts already moving to the next step. The system's notifications had provided him with new insights and opportunities, and he was eager to explore them.

[System Notification]

New Feature Unlocked: Culinary Reputation System

Reputation Level: Novice (0/100)

As your reputation grows, more opportunities and quests will become available.

"Reputation, huh?" Zhang Ye murmured. He hadn't expected the system to include a feature like this, but it made sense. In a world where Spiritual Cooks were revered, fame and recognition would be vital to his journey.

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door.

"Hey! Whoever's inside, what's that smell?" a gruff voice demanded.

Zhang Ye frowned, finally noticing the noise outside. Peeking through the window, he saw the crowd that had gathered, their faces filled with a mixture of curiosity and impatience.

"It seems my work has attracted some attention," he muttered, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Opening the door, he was met with a wave of questions.

"Are you the one cooking that stew?"

"What kind of dish is it? I've never smelled anything like it!"

"Are you selling it? Name your price!"

Zhang Ye's calm demeanor didn't waver under the onslaught of voices. He crossed his arms and said, "Yes, I'm the one cooking. It's a special dish, something that can't be found anywhere else."

His words only fueled their curiosity.

"What's so special about it?" an adventurer asked, skepticism lacing his tone.

"Try it and see for yourself," Zhang Ye replied, gesturing toward the pot behind him.

The crowd hesitated. They had been drawn by the scent, but the shabby appearance of the house and its occupant made them doubt the quality of the food.

Finally, one of the adventurers stepped forward. He was a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, clearly someone accustomed to danger. "I'll try it. But if it's no good, don't expect me to pay."

Zhang Ye nodded, ladling a portion of the stew into a bowl. The rich, fiery red broth gleamed in the light, and the tender chunks of meat seemed to radiate warmth.

The adventurer took the bowl and hesitated for a moment before taking a bite. As the flavors exploded in his mouth, his eyes widened, and he let out a low grunt of surprise. The warmth of the stew spread through his body, easing his fatigue and filling him with energy.

"This… this is amazing!" he exclaimed, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "It's not just delicious—it's like I'm being revitalized from the inside out!"

The crowd murmured in astonishment, and more people stepped forward, eager to try the dish. Zhang Ye quickly found himself serving bowl after bowl, each reaction the same—shock, awe, and gratitude.

Soon, the atmosphere outside his house transformed. People were no longer just curious; they were captivated. Whispers of his talent spread rapidly through the streets, and the once-derided name of Zhang Ye began to gain a new reputation.

As the last customer left, Zhang Ye closed the door and leaned against it, a satisfied smile on his face.

[Reputation Level: Novice (25/100)]

The system notification brought a sense of accomplishment. This was just the beginning, but it was a solid start. He had taken his first step toward becoming the Divine Chef, and the world was starting to take notice.

The next challenge would come soon enough, and Zhang Ye welcomed it with open arms. He was no longer the boy who had been mocked and scorned. He was a force to be reckoned with, and his journey had only just begun.