Chapter 107 - The Dragon Chef (Part 1)

Although it was shocking, Manager Long ultimately had to accept reality. A dog could actually hold a kitchen knife, cut fruits and vegetables with remarkable skill.

The most astonishing part was that it managed to display the same culinary technique and Culinary Intent as Lu Ran, using only an ordinary kitchen knife without any extraordinary energy.

At that moment, Manager Long felt a bit dizzy. It was hard for her to imagine that a chef had trained a familiar capable of wielding culinary technique and Culinary Intent.

“You two are quite something,” Manager Long said, rubbing her temples as she looked at the human and his dog.

“So, we can practice together?”

“A true chef must have a familiar for support. Of course, you can. I’ll have someone send over a greater supply of fruits each day for your practice.

“Make sure to take plating seriously. The ingredients used for practice will be served to the guests as complimentary dishes. They must go to the table, so don’t make a mess of them.”

Manager Long’s expression was odd. She wasn’t sure if what she was doing was entirely appropriate. What if the guests at Frost Moon House learned that the complimentary fruit platters had been cut by a dog? Would they still accept them?

Oh well, it doesn’t matter.

Having familiars help chefs in cooking wasn’t all that unusual anymore. Over 90% of the time, fire-type familiars handled fire control. And while it’s rare, there are also cases of familiars helping with ingredient prep! Yes, let’s just go with that. A dog wielding culinary skill isn’t unreasonable.

It would be shameful to waste ingredients.

Manager Long convinced herself, then discussed with Lu Ran and Captain Doofus the timing of daily deliveries, the allocated practice hours, and the restaurant’s peak dining times, instructing Lu Ran to manage his schedule accordingly.

“It’s still early today. Go ahead and continue practicing,” Manager Long said as she prepared to leave.

Watching over them wouldn’t do any good until Lu Ran completed this phase of his special training. But Lu Ran wasn’t about to let her leave that easily. He had more questions to ask.

“Wait a moment, Manager Long!” Lu Ran said.

“I have one more thing I’d like to ask.”

“Hmm?” Manager Long looked over at Lu Ran.

“I was just going through the books in the room, and I saw that Emperor Flame Quake once used Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent to cook a special dragon-based dish. If I wanted to learn Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent in the future, is there a suitable way to go about it?”

“Heh, you’ve got quite the ambition, kid.” Manager Long rolled her eyes.

“One Culinary Intent isn’t enough for you?”

Lu Ran smiled slightly.

“Generally speaking, powerful culinary techniques and Culinary Intents come with a lineage. For example, here at Frost Moon House, the most you’ll learn is a standard skill set. To learn the real signature skills, you’d have to formally apprentice.

“Due to the unique nature of Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent, many chefs across the continent pursue it. And I do know of a training ground specifically for grasping Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent,” Manager Long said, touching her chin as she glanced at Lu Ran.

“While Emperor Flame Quake has passed on, not all his familiars have. One of his Fire-attribute dragon familiars still slumbers somewhere as a revered national guardian.

“That place is filled with overwhelming Dragon-attribute aura. Other than that dragon, there are no other living beings. Many chefs seeking mastery travel there, hoping that the Overlord dragon’s spiritual pressure will inspire them to comprehend Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent.

“Over the years, some succeeded, and some failed. Though more failing than succeeding. Those who did succeed became honored as ‘Dragon Chefs’ within the culinary world.”

“Woah!?” Lu Ran exclaimed.

“I see. Thank you, Manager Long.”

“Keep practicing. Focus on mastering Ice Culinary Intent first, and don’t think too far ahead. Not just anyone can access that place. Only the best chefs can go there to advance their skills.

“If you want to qualify, at the very least, you need to pass the gourmet assessment. Besides, Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent really isn’t suitable for a beginner like you.

“If you want to go far on the culinary path, learning a fire-based Culinary Intent would be more beneficial.”

With a wave, Manager Long finally took her leave. Meanwhile, Lu Ran pondered over her words.

So, in the Beastmaster Empire, chefs have gained insight into Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent simply by cooking under intense Dragon-attribute aura?!

If there’s a chance after the gourmet assessment, I might go there and check it out.

This could be a one-of-a-kind training environment on Blue Planet. Back on Blue Planet, forget about purebred dragons of the Overlord species. Even dragons of the King species are scarce, with only Dr. Gu’s familiar being an example.

There was no way he could ask Dr. Gu’s familiar to spar with him. Dr. Gu was a high-ranking official in the Beastmaster Alliance, with a hectic schedule, and no one knew how long it might take to attain Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent.

In secret realms, although dragon-attribute creatures could occasionally be found, they were usually in Advanced realms, and none would willingly release Dragon-attribute aura for practice.

Considering everything, the guardian Flame Dragon of the Beastmaster Empire appeared to be the ideal choice. Lu Ran quickly formed a rough plan to maximize his gains by using this ascension realm.

Firstly, hone his and Captain Doofus’s skills in the daily cooking process, focusing on Blizzard Sword Intent and energy manipulation techniques.

Secondly, perfect his culinary skills to rise to top-grade chef, thereby fulfilling the breakthrough mission.

Thirdly, if possible, explore this world more deeply and study its Dragon Chefs, undergoing rigorous training to grasp Dragon-attribute Culinary Intent. Even if mastery isn’t attainable, some insights would be helpful.

“Captain Doofus, let’s make the most of our time,” Lu Ran said, glancing at Captain Doofus, who was gripping a kitchen knife.

While Blizzard Sword Intent gave him a small advantage in this ascension realm, fate wasn’t entirely on his side. Where there was smooth sailing, there was also misfortune.

For instance, before entering here, he had converted most of his crystal coins into dog food, only to find out that Frost Moon House provided meals.

Of course, the meals would be Common, so Captain Doofus would still need his Rare-grade dog food. If only Lu Ran had known more about the realm’s conditions in advance, he would have set aside half his savings to buy additional Soul Cleansing Fruit in preparation for Divine Dragon-attribute Sword Intent training.

***

Three days had passed since Lu Ran arrived in the ascension realm. For three consecutive days, Lu Ran and Captain Doofus stayed in the kitchen, making the simplest fruit platters. Together, they had cut countless fruits, to the point where Lu Ran felt he was evolving from a beastmaster to a fruit ninja.

“Master Wang, I’m here to pick up the new fruit platters!”

After finishing several plates, both Lu Ran and Captain Doofus were panting, their minds exhausted. Who would have thought that using Sword Intent to slice fruit would be so mentally draining? At that moment, a restaurant runner entered, grinning at Lu Ran and Captain Doofus.

“They’re over there, take them.” Lu Ran pointed to the platters on the table.

“Got it.”

The runner swiftly took the cold fruit platters. Although a simple fruit plate, it had won Frost Moon House great acclaim as a complimentary treat for diners on these hot summer days.

It was lunch peak, and the runner was quick and efficient, immediately bringing the platters to the tables.

“Dear guests, while the main dishes are still being prepared, please enjoy a refreshing, frozen fruit platter to cool off.”

The runner first entered a private room, presenting a platter to a young man and woman, both dressed elegantly.

“How thoughtful.”

The young lady in fine attire said with a soft smile as she looked at the frosty platter.

The restaurant has some creativity.

The platter featured a small dog shape, composed of three types of fruits.

The dog, a symbol of loyalty as the early hunting companion of the Beastmaster Empire, carried many auspicious meanings.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

“Thank you.”

The young man tossed a few coins to the runner as a tip. The runner beamed with gratitude, thanking them repeatedly before retreating from the room. Once he left, the two guests started chatting.

“Miss Yu, Frost Moon House is the best restaurant in Tianlan Province. After your long journey, you must try a little of everything. Here, start with some fruit to open up your appetite.”

“You should have some too,” she replied.

“All right, I will.”

The young man in fine attire picked up a piece of melon and put it in his mouth.

Ah!

The moment it touched his tongue, he felt a refreshing chill surge through his mouth. The sweet, icy juice bursting in his mouth. His eyes widened in surprise as he gripped his chopsticks tightly.

With that one bite, the young man felt as though he had tasted something extraordinary, his whole body tingling as his pores tightened.

“

Ahhh...

”

He gasped, his gaze drifting as he felt himself transported to a snowy landscape, riding an ice wolf across a frozen plain. The oppressive summer heat melted away, as if blown away by a winter gale.

“So refreshing!” he exclaimed.

The young man quickly realized he was alone in this sensation, noting the young woman’s curious gaze fixed on him. Blushing with embarrassment, he stammered.

“It’s not... I mean, there’s something special about this platter. Try it...”

The young lady eyed him suspiciously, wondering if the suitor her family had arranged for her was a bit unhinged.

He’s a prominent figure in Ning Chuan, yet he acts like he’s reached euphoria just from eating melon?

Hesitantly, she picked up a slice of tangerine and placed it in her mouth. The next moment...

“

Mmm...

”

She shivered, as the tangy, refreshing juice exploded in her mouth. Instantly, she felt herself transported to an icy expanse, where a gust of frigid wind lifted her skyward, enveloping her in snow. The icy sensation felt as if it peeled away her outer layers, merging her with the frost, providing sweet relief from the intense summer heat.

The young lady in fine attire tightened her legs as the cooling sensation filled her, a sense of deep satisfaction spreading throughout her.

“So delicious,” she murmured, her gaze distant.

They both snapped back to reality and exchanged an awkward look, then turned their gazes to the small dog-shaped fruit platter, lost in thought.

“What’s going on with this platter...”

The young man picked up another piece and placed it in his mouth, but unfortunately, the sensation from earlier didn’t return, leaving him feeling a bit let down.

“It was as though a blizzard had erupted within me. This Frost Moon House is indeed remarkable. Even a fruit platter is crafted with such skill.”

Miss Yu couldn’t resist trying another piece, but like him, found that the feeling had faded, leaving her somewhat disappointed.

“This must be the work of a top chef. If an ice-type familiar were to taste it, the effects might be incredible.”

The young man nodded in agreement. “Runner, come over here!”

And this wasn’t just happening in that private room.

The batch of fruit platters that the runner delivered seemed to carry an unfamiliar, almost magical allure, sparking exclamations throughout the bustling restaurant.

“What on earth is going on with this fruit platter today? This is amazing!”

“After one bite, I feel like it’s winter. The heat from my drink, even my urge to use the restroom, has disappeared.”

“Runner, are there more platters left? We’ll pay to order another!”