The successive generations of the Qin Emperor would naturally eschew such absurd practices; however, the rice produced from this method wafts its fragrance for miles, earning it the revered title of "Dragon's Saliva Rice."
With an impeccable memory, Zhao Shen has diligently studied every ancient recipe within his family's collection, and he has naturally committed this rice-making method to memory.
"Breast milk is out of the question, but I can substitute it with other ingredients; as for the necessary items, they should be readily available for purchase!" Zhao Shen murmured to himself.
...
After much effort, he gathered all the required materials: milk, red dates, black rice, goji berries, and dozens of other ingredients.
Eight-treasure porridge? That would be a grave mistake! This is merely the "water" needed for cooking rice.
"Bang, bang, bang…"
It remains uncertain whether this Culinary Master iron wok is reliable; although it is set to simmer for 80 minutes, it emits a resounding bang after only one minute, indicating it is ready!
"Regardless, I shall give it a try!"
As a novice, he possesses 100 binding gold coins to aid his progress; having spent 48 gold on these ingredients, even a failure would allow him to start afresh.
"Next is the black rice..."
After a flurry of activity, a pot of reddish-brown liquid emerged within the Culinary Master iron wok, devoid of any off-putting aroma, instead wafting a delicate milky fragrance. Zhao Shen nodded in satisfaction. This was merely the beginning; the most crucial aspect lay in controlling the heat.
This means that even if someone possesses the same recipe as him, without his heat control ability, they would be unable to create an identical dish!
...
While Zhao Shen diligently pursued his rice-cooking task, his unwavering focus on the pot caught the attention of those around him.
"Look, another newcomer has appeared, choosing the secondary profession of chef. Who knows how many fanciful dreamers have perished in this game as subpar cooks."
"Indeed, the food produced in the game is far superior to what players can concoct themselves. Aside from restoring hunger, chefs are of little utility; it is far more practical to select a warrior or a mage. Such individuals labor in vain, their youth squandered only to face regret in old age!"
"Enough chatter; he'll likely abandon this endeavor in a few days. Let us focus on leveling up by battling monsters; that should be our priority!"
Zhao Shen remained utterly absorbed in cooking, having reached the critical stage of heat management; even the slightest temperature fluctuation could jeopardize his efforts, leaving him no room to concern himself with the idle gossip of others.
For someone like Zhao Shen, who has long been accustomed to disparagement due to his lack of taste, such commentary had become inconsequential!
Finally, after several minutes, a pot of rice was completed, glistening with a golden hue, each grain plump and exuding an alluring fragrance.
...
Zhao Shen picked up a grain and placed it in his mouth, where it melted instantly, the delightful flavor lingering on his palate.
"Indeed, I can sense flavor! In this simulation of life, my taste buds are functioning perfectly!" Zhao Shen had tasted his own creations countless times in reality, but only today did he truly discern their essence!
"However, it still lacks a certain perfection! As a Culinary Master, my creations must strive for flawlessness! I had not trusted the wok's heat; to my astonishment, it turned out perfect—let me try again!"
He casually set aside the pot of rice he had just made on a small plate and commenced his second attempt at cooking!
...
With the same ingredients, he muted all senses to the external world within the game; he sought to avoid any distractions and immersed himself entirely in his culinary artistry.
"What is this? My friend? Did you cook this rice? It looks rather delectable; may I have a taste?"
Mu Yichun, returning to the novice village to welcome newcomers, stumbled upon the statue-like Zhao Shen, or rather, he was captivated by the plate of rice.
A robust figure, Mu Yichun is the only son of the Mu family, overseeing the Mu Shi enterprise. As an avid gamer, he has early on laid his family's foundations in the simulation of life.
Simultaneously, he holds another identity, that of a genuine foodie!
The rice, still steaming, gleamed a noble golden-red, each grain plump and loosely piled together, resembling a nest yet dazzling and vibrant.
This was the most exquisite rice Mu Yichun had ever encountered.
...
Wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, he blew away the rice's enticing aroma, fearful of being discovered in his admiration of this treasure.
He cautiously cradled the dish in his hands, completely disregarding Zhao Shen; Mu Yichun's singular desire was to savor this divine creation.
"My friend, if you remain silent, I shall take your silence as consent—I'm about to dig in!" Mu Yichun whispered into Zhao Shen's ear, but Zhao Shen remained oblivious to the external world.
"Ding! This rice is priced at 88 gold coins; please make your payment before consumption."
Automated vending has long since become the mainstream in reality, with unmanned supermarkets and shopping malls, not to mention in the simulation of life.
Mu Yichun furrowed his brows; a price of 88 gold coins? This was the highest he had ever seen for rice, but to him, it was merely a trifling sum.
"Ding! Payment successful."
...
As he took a bite, Mu Yichun found himself at a loss for words, as if he were standing atop a mountain of vibrant clouds, his spirit transported to another realm, ushering in a second spring of his life, complemented by a subtle milky fragrance and a haunting grain aroma—words failed to capture the experience!
What had Mu Yichun not tasted in reality? Even Michelin-starred chefs had been summoned to cook in his home, yet none of those culinary experiences could compare to this modest plate of rice!
This was rebirth!
Such exquisitely delightful rice—he would gladly pay not just 88 gold coins, but even 88 dollars without hesitation, for at his level, money was merely an inconsequential figure. What could surpass the joy of savoring life?
In less than two minutes, the entire plate of rice was devoured. Mu Yichun, still eager for more, suddenly froze as if struck by lightning.
"Ding! Congratulations on consuming the Culinary Master's Dragon's Saliva Rice; for the next 24 hours, your attack power will increase by 5."
...
In the simulation of life, no potion exists to enhance attributes!
Remember, there is no such potion! Even the most skilled alchemist can only concoct potions to restore health but cannot augment attributes.
Mu Yichun stared at the empty plate, incredulous, questioning whether his ears had deceived him.
Opening his status, the display confirmed:
[Culinary Master's Dragon's Saliva Rice]: Enhancement effect, attack power increased by 5 for 24 hours. (Unique effect)
"Oh my God!"
Mu Yichun could not contain his emotions; he had discovered a new frontier! More shocking than the Goblin King, all for a mere increase of 5 points in attack power.
...
Future generations would call it the day Mu Yichun welcomed an epic transformation.
Meanwhile, the protagonist who had created this exquisite rice, Zhao Shen, remained engrossed in his own world, meticulously controlling every nuance of the heat; that plate of rice was, to him, unworthy of perfection!
As a Culinary Master's creation, it must be flawless! Even the slightest imperfection would be intolerable; this is the essence of a Culinary Master.