Chapter 28: You’ve Already Lost

  Transtor:Krukist

  The test surged forward.

  Though Situ Deng had prepared Vegetarian Chi yesterday—only for Nan Ziyan to retch at the sight—he dismissed it as a hangover from Lin Yu's greasy fare. His dish was fwless, refined with his own innovations. How could her anorexia-driveioo vomiting?

  A smirk curled his lips. "Yesterday was a fluke. If I don't crush you today, I'm er than trash. My years honing this craft aren't a jest..."

  He basked in visions of his Spirit Feast dazzling the crowd, golden light bursting forth—until a tremor in his nostrils snapped him back. He looked up, stunned. "What's that st?"

  A wave of exquisite meaty aroma wafted from Lin Yu's station, ced with a hint of sweetness, utterly devoid of pork's usual rancid stink. Lin Yu caught his gaze and grinned. "Well? Smells good, doesn't it?"

  Situ Deng opened his mouth to scoff, but his stomach betrayed him with a rumble. Hunger cwed at him—a jolt of shock ran through his core. Just the st alone holds such power?

  Lin Yu's Braised Pork was taking shape, more than half the hone, yet he remained unshaken. His brow twitched subtly, though. The stench was gorue, but he k wasn't perfect—his deodorizing fell short of mastery.

  At this stage, options dwindled... or did they? A spark fred. He leao Lin Ling'er's ear and whispered. Her eyes widened, her delicate frame quivering. "Brother, you're serious?"

  Lin Yu blihen nodded firmly as realization dawned. Cooking with wine—like using pork or splitting a chi—was alien to this era's sensibilities. "Dead serious. Fetch me a bottle of wine. I won't let you down."

  Lin Ling'er nearly blurted that her mentor was arriving to back him up—Bret it together!—but his resolute gaze silenced her. Wordlessly, she went to find the wine.

  "Lin Liepped out," Nan Zhan observed, puzzled. "Is she asking Huofeng for something? Huofeng o her... Are they missing a seasoning?"

  Qin Caiyun giggled behind her hand. "It's pork, after all—might need some odd spices. The manht not have them, but Huofeng's agreement means it's fine."

  Huofeng ferred with Qingluan briefly. Moments ter, Qingluan's expression twisted with plexity. Huofeng then strode from the hall—Lin Yu had requested strong liquor, rare in the manor save for blending spirits.

  In this world, there existed Spirit Brewers, masters of liquor akin to Spirit Chefs. The Southwestern Marquis Manor boasted such talents, their brews mirr Spirit Feasts in mystique. Typically reserved for special days, the Marquis would ission them, using fierce liquors as base.

  Huofeng sought that liquor now.

  Qingluan whispered to Nan Zhan, who shared it with Qin Caiyun. Their faces grew intricate with expressions. Nan Ziyan, blinking her wide eyes, burst into a chuckle. "This is getting fun. I'm starting to like this guy."

  Nan Zhan's face darkened. He'd brought Lin Yu here, yet the kid seemed a loose on. Sighing, he poi Situ g. "Qingluan, inform him—lest he cry foul py."

  Situ g, hearing of Lin Yu's liquor pn, froze—theed in raucous ughter. "A first in my lifetime! Cooking with strong liquor? Unheard of!"

  "Deng'er, rex—this fool's grasping at straws. If you lose to this, I'll suspect collusion..." His words halted as he caught Nan Zhan's steely gre, opting for silence.

  Nan Zhan snorted. "I'll say it again—fairness reigns here."

  "I trust the Marquis's honor," Situ g replied, grinning wide. "Let's watch this unfold. Oh, and Miss Huofeng—hurry, time's tig." Victory seemed assured in his eyes.

  Situ Deng frowned. "Liquor for cooking? He's... using it to mask the pork's stench! He's studied it, I'll give him that—but I've studied it too!"

  He sneered inwardly. "Day o the Spirit Chef Guild, a senior told me: pork's reek is in its blood and bones—ineradicable. Liquor helps a tad, but even drowning it won't erase it."

  Victory felt certain now. Two dishes against his Spirit Feast? Rules allowed it, but her could topple his craft. Spirit Feasts crushed ordinary food from soul to pate.

  Yet a pang lingered. He'd bee a Spirit Chef, but Nan Ziyan's first bite beloo Lin Yu—an unshakable truth dimming his triumph. It was like entering the bridal chamber to find the goods sedhand... Still, he was sure she'd accept his dish now.

  Nan Zhan's voice rang out. "Less than half a quarter-hour remains. Chefs, ready yourselves."

  Situ Deng g Lin Yu, who'd paused, and smirked. "Weren't you all ease before? Realizing your fws now?"

  To his shock, Lin Yu nodded openly. "Yeah, I was missing something. Liquor's ing soon—don't worry." He paused, fshing a radiant grin. "You've already lost."

  Situ Deng's spirit quaked. He'd thought Lin Yu was on his st legs, but now the oner's fidence was unnerving. A bead of sweat traced Situ Deng's temple as he returo his Spirit Feast, hands moving with practiced precision but mind clouded with doubt.

  Behind them, the door swung open as Huofeurned, a cy vessel cradled in her hands. The strong, pu aroma of spirit wafted through the hall even before she reached Lin Yu's station. Several onlasped—the liquor otent enough that even its st made their eyes water.

  Lin Yu's eyes lit up as he received the vessel, bowing slightly in thanks. "Perfect timing."

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