"May I see the map? Also, what are the payment options for the remaining balance?" The elderly gentleman lifted his gaze, scrutinizing Zhao Shen for a moment, as this was the first time in days that someone had answered so promptly.
"Certainly. It's right on the wall behind you; feel free to take a look." Zhao Shen turned around, and to his astonishment, the jade wall began to glow. Within moments, a vivid image materialized before him—far more impressive than any blue crystal display. The outline of a town emerged, resembling a three-dimensional map, complete with red dots scattered around the perimeter, likely indicating Zhao Shen's intended destinations.
Zhao Shen examined the map closely, realizing it was remarkably precise; indeed, the five rings were evident, merely one more than the four rings he had known before. "I choose the eastern route!"
"Very well, young man. There are numerous options for the payment of the remaining balance. Please have a look."
…
After some deliberation, Zhao Shen selected one of the options, completed a simple registration, and finalized the transaction worth several million gold coins, depleting his savings entirely. He could only console himself with the thought that money was merely a fleeting concept.
Stepping out, Zhao Shen mounted the convenient flying device once more. He had yet to fully savor the breathtaking vistas of the metropolis before arriving at his destination. He marveled at how money facilitated such ease; in the past, he had faced numerous obstacles without it, yet now, with wealth, he soared through the skies on a flying sword, which cost 50 gold coins per minute to rent.
Upon entering the shop, he found the space laden with dust. Though just sixty square meters, Zhao Shen felt elated, as it was considerably larger than his previous abode. However, he couldn't help but lament the game's realism; now, even the cleaning of the room fell to him. It appeared to have been neglected for quite some time.
Hours later, the future Chef God emerged from a cloud of dust, his face resembling that of a calico cat and adorned with cobwebs. Nonetheless, he had managed to tidy up the once cluttered space.
Surveying the nascent establishment and the debris piled at the entrance, Zhao Shen stretched languidly.
…
Half an hour later, Zhao Shen emerged from the bathhouse, his hair still dripping with water. Contemplating his plans for the following day, he leaned his head to the side and promptly fell asleep in the shop. He was utterly exhausted from the day's activities. Fortunately, the stifling heat of Lingyun City posed no threat of illness, and sleeping on the floor seemed inconsequential.
Upon waking the next day, he scrawled a crooked sign on the wall: **Zhao Shen's Little Shop.**
"Ding! Congratulations on completing the task 'Chef God's Little Shop.' Reward: C-grade ingredient [Deep Sea Chi Lobster] special supply! Reward: All attributes x2!"
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for advancing in the Chef God system. The Chef God domain has automatically upgraded to Zhao Shen's Little Shop."
"Ding! The Culinary Battle system has been activated. Player status: Entry prohibited."
The cascade of system notifications left Zhao Shen momentarily bewildered. He opened the long-neglected character list to review his attributes.
**Physical Condition:** C (SSS.SSS.S.A.B.C.D)
**Culinary Talent:** Chef God (highest level)
**Culinary Battle:** Entry prohibited (lowest level)
A new culinary battle system had emerged, yet it was at the lowest tier. However, as his culinary talent remained at the Chef God level, Zhao Shen felt reassured.
…
**[Deep Sea Chi Lobster]:** In the unfathomable depths of the ocean, there exists a shrimp that has ingested Chi Dragon blood, causing its bloodline to undergo a transformation. Its flesh is exceptionally tender and delicious, making it a rare ingredient. (Quest items are non-tradeable, non-destructible, and cannot be dropped.)
Although Zhao Shen had never heard of Chi Lobster, he was familiar with the Chi Dragon. Legend had it that those with scales were called Jiao Dragons, those with wings were referred to as Ying Dragons, those with horns were known as Qiu Dragons, while those without horns were called Chi. The Chi Dragon was considered auspicious and represented harmonious relationships.
As a water spirit, the Chi Dragon could traverse thousands of miles, its blood coalescing upon contact with water, and consuming it could induce astonishing bloodline transformations; leaping into the dragon gate was not merely a fantasy. Yet, to be consumed by a shrimp was a first for Zhao Shen, an encounter with rated ingredients.
"System, if C-grade corresponds to cultivation levels, what level would that be?"
"A C-grade ingredient, in the context of a xianxia setting, would be classified as a 'transformation.'"
"Transformation?" Zhao Shen stammered, realizing the implications. Currently, the pinnacle of player power was merely at the transformation level, and this ingredient was categorized as such!
…
Zhao Shen was startled further by the scene unfolding before him. The shop appeared as though it had been enchanted by magic. Exquisite brushwork and crystalline floral carvings adorned the entrance, radiating a dazzling multicolored glow, akin to a constellation of stars, speaking of extraordinary quality.
The tables were made of arc-shaped glass, intricately carved with azure dragon motifs, devoid of eyes, for the dragon was so lifelike that it seemed ready to take flight should eyes be added. Surrounding the table were several modern high stools, perfectly matched in size, crafted from the same crystalline material. Curious, Zhao Shen touched the stool's surface, finding it surprisingly soft, like a waterbed.
Inside was an open kitchen, partitioned by a half-open screen, which depicted a grand garden, with its windows directly facing the kitchen. Passing through the screen felt as though he had entered an entirely different realm.
A Western pastry machine, a counter electric dual-head stove, a fermentation cabinet, a work table, a star basin countertop, a high-temperature platform refrigerator, a marble surface refrigerator, a crockery cabinet, and a large water vat containing remarkably clear water with gentle ripples—certainly not stagnant.
The dual-head stove was embedded, eliminating cumbersome bulk and providing a more aesthetic appeal. Pots and pans were neatly arranged nearby, all fashioned from crystal materials.
There was also a cabinet akin to those used in traditional Chinese medicine, but labeled with salt, sugar, MSG, and other tags, confirming these were indeed spice containers. There were a staggering sixty square cabinets in total.
…
As Zhao Shen reached out to touch and examine these coveted items, he was met with a cold reminder: "Chef God level too low, currently inaccessible."
Disheartened, he realized that only a few basic items, like a simple dishwashing cabinet, were within his reach.
"System, this kitchen area must exceed just a few dozen square meters?" Zhao Shen inquired. Although the kitchen was impeccably organized, it could not conceal its expansive size.
The system responded: "Following the Chef God domain upgrade, the kitchen can extend infinitely with the host's level progression."
Calming his racing heart, Zhao Shen stifled his excitement; this was the dream kitchen he had always yearned for! And now, it was entirely his!
…
He then clicked on the final system notification.
**[Gourmet Life]:** Due to the increasing demand for gourmet food in the simulation realm, a new world scale has been established. The culinary industry within the simulation will be reduced by ninety-nine percent, ushering in an era of nationwide culinary appreciation!
This news elicited little reaction from Zhao Shen, but the other chefs in the game erupted in fervor. The springtime of gourmet food was finally upon them! Thus began an era of flourishing culinary competition.