THE RISE OF DIVINE CHEF

Zhang Ye's growing fame as a Spiritual Cook continued to ripple through Blueveil City, drawing both admiration and envy. The adventurers and guild members who had experienced his miraculous dishes spoke of him in awe, while merchants and nobles plotted ways to gain his favor. Yet, not all attention was welcome.

In a dimly lit tavern on the outskirts of the city, a group of rough-looking individuals gathered around a table. Their leader, a scarred man with a calculating gaze, unrolled a parchment bearing a sketch of Zhang Ye's face.

"This is the target," the man growled. "Garun Vallis wants him brought in alive. But if he resists…" He trailed off, letting his men fill in the rest with knowing smirks.

The mercenaries nodded, their minds already calculating the reward they would claim for completing this task.

Meanwhile, Zhang Ye was oblivious to the danger closing in on him. He was fully immersed in his work, experimenting with new ingredients and refining his techniques. The Spiritual Cooking System had recently unlocked a new skill:

[Skill Unlocked: Culinary Craft – Elemental Fusion]

Effect: Allows the host to imbue dishes with elemental properties, enhancing their effects.

Zhang Ye was eager to test the skill. He began working on a dish that combined the fiery properties of Flameclaw Essence with the cooling effects of Frostmoss Leaves, creating a balance between heat and chill. The process was delicate, requiring precise timing and control.

As he cooked, the ingredients reacted to his touch, sparks of flame and frost dancing across the surface of the dish. The result was a vibrant, steaming plate of Inferno Frost Stew, a dish that radiated both warmth and a refreshing chill.

[Inferno Frost Stew Created]

Effect: Temporarily increases fire resistance by 50% and ice resistance by 50%. Enhances agility for 1 hour.

Zhang Ye tasted the stew, feeling the contrasting sensations of heat and cold in perfect harmony. A smile spread across his face—he was getting closer to mastering the art of Spiritual Cooking.

The system chimed with another notification.

[System Update: Host's reputation has reached Level 3. New quests unlocked.]

Before Zhang Ye could delve into the new quests, a knock at his door interrupted him. Standing outside was an envoy from Duke Ren, dressed in fine attire and bearing a letter sealed with the duke's crest.

"Zhang Ye," the envoy said with a bow, "the Duke requests your presence at his estate. He wishes to discuss a potential partnership."

Zhang Ye accepted the letter with a neutral expression. While he was flattered by the offer, he knew the risks of aligning himself with powerful figures. The world of nobility was fraught with politics and schemes, and he wasn't ready to entangle himself in such matters.

"I'll consider it," Zhang Ye said politely, sending the envoy away.

As the day turned to night, Zhang Ye couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. His Predator's Awareness skill suddenly triggered, alerting him to hostile presences nearby. Peering out of his window, he spotted shadowy figures lurking in the distance.

The mercenaries had arrived.

Zhang Ye's mind raced. He wasn't a fighter, but he wasn't defenseless either. Gathering his cooking tools and a handful of prepared vials, he braced himself for the confrontation.

The first mercenary to approach was caught off guard when a vial of Flashpowder exploded in his face, blinding him temporarily. Zhang Ye used the opportunity to slip out through the back door, navigating the narrow alleys of Blueveil City with practiced ease.

The mercenaries pursued him relentlessly, their heavy footsteps echoing in the night. Zhang Ye led them into a deserted market square, where he had laid a series of traps using his culinary skills.

As the mercenaries closed in, they triggered a cloud of Stunspice, a potent blend that caused disorientation and nausea. Several of them stumbled, clutching their heads as the overpowering aroma took effect.

The leader of the group, however, was more resilient. He cornered Zhang Ye near a row of market stalls, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

"You've caused us enough trouble, boy," he sneered. "Time to come with us."

Zhang Ye didn't respond. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out his last vial of Flameclaw Essence. With a swift motion, he hurled it at the ground between them, creating a burst of fire that forced the man to retreat.

Seizing the moment, Zhang Ye escaped into the shadows, his heart pounding. He knew this wouldn't be the last time someone came after him