THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

The sun rose over Blueveil City the next day, its golden rays illuminating the bustling streets. But something was different—something in the air had shifted. The scent of Zhang Ye's Flameclaw Spirit Stew still lingered faintly in the area near his home, as if the world itself refused to let the memory fade.

The news of the mysterious cook spread like wildfire. From adventurers in the taverns to merchants at the bazaar, everyone was talking about the dish that could invigorate the body and enhance strength.

"Did you hear about the stew?" a merchant whispered to his partner. "They say it makes you feel like you've been reborn!"

"I heard it came from that abandoned house near the outskirts," another replied. "The boy who lives there cooked it. What's his name again? Zhang… something."

Even the more elite circles of the city were abuzz. In a grand hall filled with finely dressed individuals, a man clad in a crimson robe slammed his goblet down on the table.

"An SSS-Rank Spiritual Cook awakened in Blueveil City? Is this information confirmed?"

A subordinate bowed deeply. "Yes, Lord Feng. Reports say he awakened two days ago, and his first dish has already caused a stir among the commoners."

Lord Feng's eyes narrowed. "A Spiritual Cook of that caliber is not someone to be ignored. If his talent is real, he could become a powerful asset—or a dangerous rival. Send someone to investigate."

---

Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was busy preparing for his next step. The success of his Flameclaw Spirit Stew had proven his skills, but he knew that resting on a single achievement would be foolish.

The system interface glowed before him, displaying new quests and opportunities.

[New Quest: Expand Your Reputation]

Objective: Create a dish for a high-ranking adventurer or noble.

Reward: Mid-Grade Spiritual Recipe and increased reputation.

Zhang Ye pondered the quest for a moment. High-ranking adventurers or nobles weren't the easiest people to approach, but their influence would spread his name far and wide.

"System, are there any recommendations for who I should target?" he asked.

The system responded promptly. "Based on local data, the most influential individuals in Blueveil City include: Duke Ren, Lord Feng, and the Guildmaster of the Adventurer's Guild, Yara Draven."

"Interesting," Zhang Ye muttered. "Each of them has power in different areas. The Adventurer's Guild might be the best place to start. Adventurers respect strength, and a good meal is something they'll never refuse."

His decision made, Zhang Ye set out for the guild.

---

The Adventurer's Guild was a grand building, its towering structure a symbol of strength and unity. The entrance was flanked by statues of legendary adventurers, their weapons raised high in eternal victory. Inside, the atmosphere was lively and chaotic. Adventurers of all ranks filled the hall, some recounting tales of their battles while others pored over maps and bounty boards.

Zhang Ye's presence drew little attention at first. To most, he appeared to be an ordinary civilian, someone far removed from the world of combat and exploration. But as he walked deeper into the guild, a few sharp-eyed adventurers began to take notice.

"Hey, isn't that the guy who made the stew everyone's talking about?"

"Yeah, I recognize him. He bought that Flameclaw Lizard at the bazaar."

"What's he doing here?"

Ignoring the whispers, Zhang Ye approached the counter where a young receptionist greeted him with a polite smile.

"Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. How can I assist you today?"

"I'd like to speak with the Guildmaster," Zhang Ye said calmly.

The receptionist blinked in surprise. "The Guildmaster? She's… quite busy. Do you have an appointment?"

"I don't, but I have something that might interest her," he replied, his tone steady and confident.

The receptionist hesitated, clearly unsure of how to proceed. Just as she was about to decline, a voice interrupted.

"Let him through."

The crowd parted as a tall woman with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes approached. Her armor gleamed in the light, and the aura she exuded was one of unquestionable authority.

"Guildmaster Yara," the receptionist stammered, bowing deeply.

Yara Draven studied Zhang Ye with a curious gaze. "So, you're the one causing all the commotion in the city. The boy with the SSS-Rank Spiritual Cook job."

Zhang Ye met her gaze without flinching. "That's correct. I assume you've heard about my stew?"

"I have," she said, crossing her arms. "It's rare for a dish to cause such an uproar, especially among adventurers. What brings you here?"

"I want to offer my services to the guild," Zhang Ye said. "Adventurers put their lives on the line every day. My cooking can help them recover faster, fight longer, and survive battles they might otherwise lose."

Yara raised an eyebrow. "Bold claims. But I've seen enough in this world to know that boldness often hides weakness. Prove your worth."

Zhang Ye nodded. "Give me an hour. I'll prepare a dish that speaks for itself."

Yara gestured toward the guild's kitchen. "You'll find what you need there. Impress me, and we'll talk."

---

The guild's kitchen was well-equipped, stocked with fresh ingredients and high-quality tools. Zhang Ye immediately felt at home. Activating his Ingredient Appraisal skill, he surveyed the shelves and selected what he needed.

The system chimed in.

[Recipe Suggestion: Frostfang Serpent Broth]

Ingredients:

Frostfang Serpent meat (Tier 3)

Glacial Lotus Root

Starfire Chili

Lunar Dew

The Frostfang Serpent was a Tier 3 monster known for its icy properties. Its meat was notoriously difficult to cook, as it required precise control of temperature to unlock its full potential.

Zhang Ye worked quickly but methodically, his hands moving with practiced ease. The broth began to take shape, its crystalline blue hue shimmering with an otherworldly beauty. The aroma was cool and refreshing, with a hint of spice from the Starfire Chili.

As the dish neared completion, the system chimed again.

[Cooking Enhancement Activated]

[Frostfang Serpent Broth Completed]

Effect: Enhances stamina and grants cold resistance for 12 hours.

Zhang Ye carried the steaming bowl back to the main hall, where Yara and several curious adventurers waited. Setting it down in front of the Guildmaster, he said, "Taste it and see for yourself."

Yara lifted the spoon, her expression neutral as she took the first sip. Her eyes widened slightly, and a faint smile tugged at her lips.

"This… is extraordinary," she said, her voice carrying a rare note of admiration. "The balance of flavors, the energy it provides—it's unlike anything I've ever tasted."

The adventurers erupted into murmurs of excitement, and Zhang Ye knew he had succeeded.

Yara stood, her commanding presence silencing the crowd. "From this day forward, Zhang Ye will be recognized as an official ally of the Adventurer's Guild. His dishes will fuel our battles and strengthen our forces. Let it be known—this is the beginning of a new legend."

Zhang Ye's reputation soared that day, and he took another step toward his destiny as the Divine Chef.