THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

The creation of the Moonshadow Rejuvenation Soup marked a turning point for Zhang Ye. Its potent effects quickly caught the attention of the Adventurer's Guild and those beyond Blueveil City. The adventurers who tasted it were astonished by its restorative powers, and its fame spread to neighboring cities.

For Zhang Ye, this success was both a blessing and a burden. The recognition brought new opportunities, but it also painted a target on his back. While some saw him as a prodigy to admire, others viewed him as a resource to exploit—or a threat to eliminate.

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One such individual was the notorious merchant lord, Garun Vallis. Known for his cutthroat tactics and insatiable greed, Garun controlled a significant portion of the trade routes in the region. From his sprawling estate, he orchestrated deals that brought him immense wealth and influence.

When news of Zhang Ye's Moonshadow Rejuvenation Soup reached him, Garun's interest was piqued.

"A dish that can restore health and accelerate recovery?" he mused, stroking his thick beard. "If I controlled such a talent, I could dominate the market for elixirs and potions. Send my men to investigate. I want that boy working for me—or out of the picture."

His eyes gleamed with cold calculation. For Garun, people were assets to be acquired or obstacles to be removed.

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Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was unaware of the storm brewing around him. He was busy experimenting with new recipes, refining his techniques, and exploring the potential of his Spiritual Cooking System.

The system had recently unlocked a new feature: Ingredient Tracker.

[Ingredient Tracker Activated]

Description: Allows the host to locate rare and unique ingredients within a 10-kilometer radius. Range increases with level progression.

Zhang Ye tested the feature eagerly. The interface displayed a map of the area, with glowing markers indicating nearby resources.

"Interesting," he muttered, examining the markers. "There's a Tier 4 ingredient not far from here… 'Bloodvine Grapes.'"

Bloodvine Grapes were highly sought after for their ability to enhance vitality. Zhang Ye knew they could be the key to creating a powerful new dish.

Without hesitation, he prepared for the journey. Armed with his tools, supplies, and a small vial of defensive elixirs he had crafted, he set off toward the indicated location.

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The Bloodvine Grapes were rumored to grow in the Crimson Hollow, a treacherous region infested with Tier 3 and Tier 4 monsters. The forest was dense and shrouded in mist, its eerie silence broken only by the occasional growl of predators.

Zhang Ye moved cautiously, his Predator's Awareness skill alerting him to potential threats. He encountered several monsters along the way, but his strategic use of distractions and terrain allowed him to avoid direct confrontation.

As he approached the area marked by the system, he spotted the Bloodvine Grapes growing on a towering tree, their crimson glow piercing through the mist. But his relief was short-lived.

Guarding the grapes was a Shadowthorn Panther, a Tier 4 monster known for its agility and venomous claws. The creature prowled around the base of the tree, its sleek black fur blending into the shadows.

Zhang Ye's mind raced as he considered his options. Fighting the panther was out of the question—his skills lay in cooking, not combat. But he couldn't afford to leave empty-handed.

Using the system's guidance, Zhang Ye formulated a plan. He mixed a potent blend of herbs and spices, creating a pungent powder designed to irritate the panther's heightened senses.

Positioning himself downwind, he scattered the powder into the air. The panther growled in agitation, its sensitive nose overwhelmed by the sharp scent. Taking advantage of its distraction, Zhang Ye moved swiftly toward the tree.

Climbing with surprising agility, he reached the cluster of Bloodvine Grapes and carefully harvested them. The system confirmed the success of his effort.

[Ingredient Acquired: Bloodvine Grapes (Tier 4)]

Effect: Enhances vitality and strengthens blood circulation. Ideal for recovery and endurance dishes.

Just as he began his descent, the panther recovered from its irritation and turned its gaze toward him. Zhang Ye's heart sank as the creature let out a low snarl, its muscles tensing for a leap.

Thinking quickly, Zhang Ye tossed another vial of Flameclaw Essence at the panther. The explosion of flames startled the creature, buying him just enough time to escape.

Breathing heavily, Zhang Ye made his way out of the Crimson Hollow, the Bloodvine Grapes safely secured in his bag.

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Back in Blueveil City, Zhang Ye wasted no time in creating a new dish. The system guided him through the intricate process of incorporating the Bloodvine Grapes into a recipe.

The result was a vibrant, ruby-colored drink that shimmered with a faint glow.

[System Notification: New Dish Created]

Crimson Vitality Elixir

Effect: Restores 70% health instantly and provides a temporary boost to stamina and endurance for 8 hours.

Satisfied with the outcome, Zhang Ye decided to test the dish on a willing adventurer. At the guild, he approached a burly warrior nursing a series of cuts and bruises from a recent battle.

"Care to try this?" Zhang Ye asked, offering the elixir.

The warrior hesitated, then took a sip. His eyes widened as the wounds on his arms began to heal rapidly, the pain fading away.

"This… this is incredible!" he exclaimed. "I feel stronger, like I could take on a whole pack of monsters right now!"

Word of the Crimson Vitality Elixir spread quickly, further solidifying Zhang Ye's reputation. But as his fame grew, so did the dangers lurking in the shadows.

Unbeknownst to him, Garun Vallis had already dispatched a team of mercenaries to confront him. For Zhang Ye, the path to becoming the Divine Chef was paved with both triumphs and trials—and the next trial was fast approaching.