THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

The news of Zhang Ye's alliance with the Adventurer's Guild spread rapidly, cementing his reputation in Blueveil City. His name became synonymous with unparalleled culinary talent, and the Frostfang Serpent Broth was the talk of the town. Even those who hadn't tasted his cooking knew of its miraculous effects, and the demand for his skills soared.

But with fame came new challenges. Zhang Ye's small, run-down home quickly became the center of attention. Adventurers, merchants, and even nobles began sending requests, offering money, rare ingredients, and favors in exchange for a taste of his creations.

Zhang Ye, however, was cautious. His instincts told him that not all attention was good, and the system's notifications confirmed his suspicions.

[System Warning: Reputation Growth Detected]

Host's growing fame has attracted both allies and potential threats. Proceed with caution.

As he reviewed the requests piling up, Zhang Ye realized he couldn't accept them all. He needed to focus on his goals and carefully choose his patrons. The next step in his journey would require more than just skill—it would require strategy.

---

At the same time, whispers of Zhang Ye's success reached the ears of powerful figures across the city.

In a grand, opulent mansion, Duke Ren, one of the most influential nobles in Blueveil City, sat in his study. His eyes scanned a report detailing Zhang Ye's awakening and his rapid rise to fame.

"An SSS-Rank Spiritual Cook," he mused, tapping his fingers against the polished wood of his desk. "Such talent is rare, even among the elites. If I can secure him under my banner, my position in the royal court will be unshakable."

He turned to his steward, a shrewd man with decades of experience. "Send him an invitation. Make it clear that my resources will be at his disposal should he choose to align himself with the Ren family."

The steward bowed. "As you wish, my lord."

Elsewhere, in a dimly lit room filled with the scent of incense, Lord Feng was deep in thought. Unlike Duke Ren, his interest in Zhang Ye wasn't purely political.

"The boy's awakening was no coincidence," he muttered, his sharp eyes gleaming in the flickering candlelight. "There's more to his talent than meets the eye. I'll need to uncover his secrets before anyone else does."

---

Unaware of the schemes brewing around him, Zhang Ye was focused on a new challenge. The system had provided him with another quest, one that promised significant rewards.

[New Quest: Culinary Mastery – Unlock the Art of Elixirs]

Objective: Create your first Spiritual Elixir Dish.

Reward: High-Grade Elixir Recipe and access to the Elixir Crafting Skill.

Elixir Dishes were legendary among Spiritual Cooks. Unlike ordinary meals, they combined the properties of food and alchemy, offering unparalleled effects that could heal wounds, boost strength, or even temporarily enhance abilities.

To create such a dish, Zhang Ye would need rare ingredients and precise techniques. Fortunately, the Adventurer's Guild provided him with access to their resources, and he wasted no time in preparing for the task.

His first step was to acquire the main ingredient for the elixir—a Moonshadow Herb, a Tier 3 spiritual plant known for its rejuvenating properties. The herb was said to grow in the Moonlit Glade, a dangerous forest teeming with Tier 2 and Tier 3 monsters.

Zhang Ye didn't hesitate. Gathering his tools and a small bag of supplies, he set out for the forest.

---

The Moonlit Glade was as beautiful as it was perilous. The silvery glow of the moonlight illuminated the dense foliage, casting ethereal shadows on the ground. But the serene atmosphere was deceiving. Every rustle of leaves and snap of a twig hinted at the presence of lurking predators.

Zhang Ye moved cautiously, his senses heightened. While he wasn't a combatant, the system had granted him a unique skill that gave him an edge in dangerous environments.

[Skill Activated: Culinary Insight – Predator's Awareness]

Effect: Detects nearby hostile creatures within a 50-meter radius.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, the skill alerted him to the presence of several Tier 2 monsters—a pack of Shadow Wolves. The creatures prowled the area near a cluster of glowing plants, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

Zhang Ye's heart raced. The Moonshadow Herb was among the glowing plants, but retrieving it would require careful planning. He studied the wolves from a distance, noting their patterns and movements.

After a few minutes, he formulated a plan. Using the herbs and spices in his bag, he crafted a simple bait—dried meat coated in a mix of pungent powders that would overwhelm the wolves' senses.

He tossed the bait to the edge of the clearing, and the wolves immediately pounced on it, their focus entirely on the tempting morsel. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Ye crept toward the Moonshadow Herb. His movements were deliberate and silent, every step calculated to avoid detection.

Reaching the plant, he carefully harvested the herb, its silvery leaves shimmering in his hands. Just as he turned to leave, a low growl froze him in his tracks.

One of the wolves had noticed him. Its eyes glowed with a predatory light as it crouched, ready to pounce.

Zhang Ye's mind raced. He didn't have the skills to fight the creature, but he wasn't defenseless. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a vial of Flameclaw Essence, a fiery extract he had prepared earlier.

As the wolf lunged, Zhang Ye hurled the vial at its feet. The essence ignited on contact, creating a burst of flames that forced the creature to retreat with a yelp. Taking advantage of the distraction, Zhang Ye sprinted out of the clearing, his heart pounding.

Once he was a safe distance away, he allowed himself a moment to breathe. The herb was secured, and the encounter had proven that his skills extended beyond the kitchen.

"Cooking really can save lives," he muttered with a wry smile.

---

Back at his home, Zhang Ye began the meticulous process of creating his first Elixir Dish. The Moonshadow Herb was the centerpiece, its essence carefully extracted and combined with other ingredients to create a harmonious blend.

The system guided him step by step, its instructions precise and clear. Hours passed as he worked, every movement deliberate and focused. Finally, the dish was complete—a luminous elixir soup that radiated a soft, soothing glow.

[System Notification: Elixir Dish Completed]

Moonshadow Rejuvenation Soup

Effect: Restores 50% health instantly and enhances recovery rate for 24 hours.

Zhang Ye stared at the dish, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. This was only the beginning, but it marked a significant milestone in his journey.

As he gazed at the glowing soup, he couldn't help but feel a surge of ambition. The path to becoming the Divine Chef was long and filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them all. The world had only seen a glimpse of his potential, and Zhang Ye was determined to show them what he was truly capable of.