Chapter 7: A Kitchen Duel
The day after the mayor's visit, the inn was busier than ever. Word of Han Li's culinary talent spread like wildfire, and villagers flocked to taste the dishes of the "miracle chef." Han Li, however, was exhausted. Between Auntie Mei's relentless demands and the gods' unannounced visits, he barely had a moment to catch his breath.
"You're famous now," Auntie Mei said with a smirk, handing him yet another list of orders.
Han Li groaned, rubbing his temples. "Being famous is exhausting."
But just as he was about to get started, the door to the inn slammed open. A tall, arrogant-looking man strode in, his long black hair tied back and his silk robes embroidered with golden cranes. The entire room fell silent.
"Who's that?" Han Li whispered to Auntie Mei.
"That's Chef Zhang," she replied, her voice low. "The best chef in the neighboring city. What's he doing here?"
Chef Zhang surveyed the room before his eyes landed on Han Li. "You're the so-called 'miracle chef,' aren't you?" he said, his tone dripping with disdain.
Han Li blinked. "Uh… maybe?"
Chef Zhang scoffed. "Auntie Mei, I challenge your chef to a duel!"
The room erupted into murmurs, and Han Li's heart sank. "A duel? What kind of duel?"
"A cooking duel, of course," Chef Zhang said, smirking. "Unless you're too scared to compete."
Auntie Mei bristled. "Scared? Han Li could cook circles around you!"
Han Li shot her a panicked look. "What are you saying?!"
But Auntie Mei wasn't backing down. "You've insulted my inn, Zhang. If it's a duel you want, it's a duel you'll get!"
---
The Rules Are Set
The duel was scheduled for the next day, and the entire village buzzed with excitement. A makeshift cooking arena was set up in the square, with two stations and a long table for the judges.
The three gods, of course, had front-row seats.
"You're going to embarrass yourself," the silver-haired god teased as Han Li paced nervously.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Han Li muttered.
"Relax," the robed god said, lounging in his chair. "We'll make sure the odds are in your favor."
Han Li froze. "No divine interference!"
The gods exchanged knowing smiles but said nothing.
When the time came, Chef Zhang stood at one station, his knives gleaming in the sunlight. Han Li took his place at the other, clutching his own modest set of tools.
"The rules are simple," announced the village elder, who had been appointed judge. "You will each create three dishes: an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. You have two hours. Let the duel begin!"
---
The Duel Begins
Han Li took a deep breath and focused on his first dish: a cold spirit cucumber salad with a zesty citrus dressing. His hands moved quickly, slicing and mixing with practiced ease.
Chef Zhang, meanwhile, was preparing a plate of intricate steamed dumplings, each one shaped like a lotus flower. He glanced over at Han Li with a smirk. "That's it? A salad?"
Han Li ignored him, pouring his heart into the dish. When it was done, he placed it on the judges' table with a sense of quiet pride.
The judges tasted both dishes, their expressions unreadable. Finally, the elder spoke. "Chef Zhang's dumplings are delicate and flavorful. Han Li's salad is refreshing and perfectly balanced. This round is a tie."
Han Li let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
---
The Main Course Showdown
For the main course, Han Li decided to recreate the thunder herb soup that had been such a hit with the mayor. He infused the broth with just enough spice to give it a kick without overwhelming the palate.
Chef Zhang, on the other hand, prepared a roasted spirit chicken with a golden glaze. The aroma alone made the crowd's mouths water.
When the judges tasted the dishes, the elder's eyes widened at the soup. "This is… extraordinary," he said.
Chef Zhang's chicken was praised for its tenderness, but it lacked the unique spark of Han Li's soup. The round went to Han Li.
The crowd erupted into cheers, and Han Li couldn't help but smile.
---
The Final Round
For the dessert round, Han Li chose to make a spirit peach tart, a dish he had now perfected thanks to the calm god's earlier guidance. He carefully layered the peaches, adding a hint of mint for freshness.
Chef Zhang opted for a spirit fruit sorbet served in an ornate ice bowl. It was a showstopper, drawing gasps from the crowd.
When the judges tasted the tart, their expressions softened. The elder nodded. "This dessert is simple but deeply satisfying. The flavors are harmonious."
Chef Zhang's sorbet was praised for its presentation, but one of the judges frowned. "The texture is slightly grainy," he said.
The final decision was clear: Han Li had won.
---
The Aftermath
The crowd went wild as Han Li was declared the winner. Chef Zhang, his pride wounded, stormed off without a word.
Auntie Mei clapped Han Li on the back. "You did it, boy! You've made me proud."
Han Li smiled, but his attention was drawn to the gods, who were watching him with knowing looks.
"What now?" he asked, walking over to them.
The silver-haired god smirked. "You've proven yourself today, Han Li. But this is just the beginning."
The robed god leaned closer. "There are bigger challenges ahead, mortal. Are you ready?"
Han Li sighed. "Do I have a choice?"
The calm god placed a hand on his shoulder. "No. But you'll thank us one day."
As the gods vanished once more, Han Li looked around at the cheering villagers and felt a sense of fulfillment. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged in this strange new world.
---
Would you like me to expand any other chapters, or continue from here?