Who gave this heretical practitioner permission to cook?

Chapter 203 On the shores of tourism, the welcoming wine, and the test for the Filipinos (4K First Update)
"Fiji, main island, resort hotel"

Xia Ming ate Indian food, which was far removed from "Borneo," and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"This 'mud crab with cashew coconut milk curry', paired with a piece of perfectly roasted 'lamb,' has a very unique flavor."

Qiao Ruoning, who was eating "black bean paste" next to her, also nodded.

"Yes, of the more than 80 people in Fiji, 30 to 40% are of Borneo descent. The Indian food here is very authentic, and the hygiene conditions are much better than in Borneo itself."

Xia Ming nodded, then glanced at the azure sea not far from the pavilion, and the hotel staff singing and dancing on the beach.

"The tourism industry here seems to be very developed!"

Qiao Ruoning took a napkin and wiped her mouth.

"Yes, Fei is not far from New Zealand and has a similar landscape. It is a country composed of more than 300 small islands. Going to each place is like opening a blind box."

“The main island we are on has completely shed its original appearance and become a full-fledged tourist area. There are not only ships going to New Zealand and Australia, but also planes connecting to China.”

"The cost of living here is not expensive compared to many coastal cities, and many Chinese tourists come here because they are all coming to spend money, so the locals are very welcoming."

Xia Ming nodded, then turned his gaze to the hotel room, where the judges and other contestants were enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Since the next round is essentially the official start of the wilderness adventure, the production team thoughtfully gave everyone a one-day buffer period in between.

If you choose to stay at the resort hotel, you will need to pay 50% of the cost, and the production team will reimburse the other half.

If you stay in a more remote, ordinary hotel, the production team will reimburse you in full.

Faced with this situation, almost everyone chose the former, because even in dire straits, having received an initial appearance fee from the production team, it was enough to stay there for a day.

Of course, the reason for leaving a buffer period is not only to allow the athletes to enjoy themselves, but also to clarify many rules for the athletes and their agents before this trip.

First, everyone will be scattered across different islands during this wilderness adventure, so the agent will stay at the resort hotel to wait.

Therefore, the agent needs to discuss anything related to local customs in advance.

Furthermore, unlike New Zealand, "Feiji" is home to large land creatures.

For example, the saltwater crocodile, an amphibian that inhabits mangroves or estuaries.

The crested iguana is a large lizard that exists in a few forests.

The rare "monkey-faced bat" can be found at altitudes above 1000 meters.

There are even more on the seabed.

Adult humpback whale, manta ray, bull shark.
Xia Ming looked at the forms provided by the program while listening to Qiao Ruoning's explanation.

“In the local area, all the animals on this list are protected. Even if the production team communicated with the local authorities in advance, there are still some animals we cannot touch.”

Xia Ming's eyes flickered as he looked at the word "saltwater crocodile" on the watch.

"I understand the bunch below, but what about this crocodile?"

Qiao Ruoning shook her head.

"No, this crocodile may not be as precious as the other animals behind it, but it is still under protection."

"Furthermore, even a juvenile saltwater crocodile from Feiji is as long as a person and weighs at least 100 kg. It is an absolute killer on land, and even more ferocious in the water."

"Let alone hunting in the wild, even with 'Truth' in hand, precise hunting would be difficult."

Qiao Ruoning glanced at Xia Ming as she spoke.

"If you encounter a saltwater crocodile, you must go around it. Their bite force is extremely strong, and once you are bitten, even a god cannot save you."

Upon hearing this, Xia Ming remained silent for a moment, then smiled.

"Of course, why would I argue with animal protectionists?"

"But what if, just what if... I were attacked by a saltwater crocodile? I couldn't just surrender without a fight, could I?"

Qiao Ruoning raised an eyebrow and gave Xia Ming a meaningful look.

She sensed that Xia Ming seemed quite interested in large wild creatures like "wild boar" and "saltwater crocodile," but upon reflection, it made sense.

After all, Xia Ming's culinary skills have reached a high level, so it's reasonable to try to expand the range of ingredients.

Although they are protected animals, different countries have different standards. If wild animals cannot be used, farmed animals can be used as a substitute.

"We won't let you surrender easily. According to the emergency laws here, if you are in danger, you are allowed to fight back, but you may face a fine afterward."

"Furthermore, the production team has been protecting the area the whole time, making it very difficult for the situation you described to occur."

Qiao Ruoning looked at Xia Ming in front of her and took a deep breath.

"But Xia Ming, I still have to remind you, the saltwater crocodile of Feiji feeds on wild boars. Even if you are strong enough to fight two wild boars, never mess with the saltwater crocodile, it is too dangerous."

"Of course, if something really goes wrong, don't hold back!"

"The fine is a minor matter; it's good that no one was hurt."

Hearing Qiao Ruoning's words, Xia Ming smiled and nodded.

Sensing that the atmosphere was a bit strange, Qiao Ruoning coughed.

"Don't do anything reckless. I accepted your '20/80 revenue split' and even secretly added a considerable amount of money to my account."

"I'm already working at my own expense, you can't possibly make me lose even more money while you're losing yourself too, can you?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Ming raised an eyebrow and then waved his hand.

"Of course not. I'm just asking. If it doesn't 'provoke' me, I naturally won't break the rules I set at the beginning."

Although Xia Ming spoke sincerely, Qiao Ruoning still felt a vague sense of unease.
"Is Xia Ming really going to risk his life?"

"Feiji, a small island in the vicinity."

Xia Ming, who had been brought here in a group, raised an eyebrow as he looked at the nine people around him.

According to the program's arrangements, in order to ensure a sufficient supply of ingredients in the area, the contestants were divided into 5 groups.

Xia Ming was in Group 4, and they arrived at a larger island to the east of the main island.

He knew three of the nine people.

They are "Maca", "Miao Zeyang", and "Mori Shangmei".

As before, Maka maintained her standard female hunter image.

Miao Zeyang was wearing protective camouflage, and his already somewhat long hair was tied up.

Unlike her previous revealing outfit, Mori Kami changed into a very light and thin long dress.

Xia Ming knew that this was because the "Kava Toasting Ceremony" that the Fei people were about to hold stipulated that guests could not wear short sleeves, shorts, or slippers.

Of course, looking at the skin peeking out from under the long robe, Xia Ming figured that Mori would take off the robe after the ceremony.

As for the other six people, Xia Ming was not very familiar with them. He only knew that one of them was a girl named "Yamaguchi Cai" who was a level 7 chef from Hawaii Island.

Of course, Xia Ming remembered it so well for two reasons: first, she was one of the few female contestants, and second, she had been tricked quite badly in the previous round.

Leaving aside these competitors.

The indigenous tribal model of Fiji is similar to what we saw in New Zealand before.

They are all composed of chiefs, warriors, priests, and ordinary people, but unlike the chestnut people we saw before, the Feiji primitive tribe was originally a "cannibal tribe".

Of course, that's old news. Now they eat goats, crabs, and sea fish. Walking through their tribe, Xia Ming could clearly see totems marked with crocodiles.

"Therefore, crocodiles should hold a significant place in the traditions here."

Thinking of this, Xia Ming frowned slightly.
Just as he was pondering this, the group arrived at the straw mats that the locals had laid out beforehand.

As arranged by the host, they took their assigned seats.

Opposite them sat five men dressed in straw skirts, with a priestess beside them.

As the priestess recited a prayer that Xia Ming couldn't understand, the man opposite her rose from the earthen pot in front of him.
He scooped a grayish-brown, wine-like liquid into bowls and handed them to the ten people opposite him.

Only after everyone received the item with both hands did the host speak to the camera.

"What you are seeing is a ritual that the Feiji people's tribe must perform to welcome guests."

"The locals call it the 'Kava toasting ceremony,' which uses 'Kava' liquor."

"This is not a traditional alcoholic beverage, but rather made from the root of a unique local plant called 'Kava Pepper' (not the same as the kava from New Zealand, just a similar transliteration)."

"Please drink the wine in your bowls in one gulp!"

After listening to the host's bilingual introduction, Xia Ming picked up the bowl in front of him and then sniffed it.

The so-called "kava" is less of an alcoholic beverage and more of a juiced drink with a Sichuan pepper flavor.

It smells like a mixture of Sichuan pepper leaves, mint, and grass, and there's also a slight earthy aroma, probably due to the processing method.

By analogy to China, it smells a bit like "Sichuan pepper water with mints added".

But when you drink it, it doesn't just taste like Sichuan pepper water; it tastes more like ginger tea mixed with chili water.

Its taste is spicy and pungent, instantly igniting the taste buds.

After Xia Ming drank it all in one gulp, his mouth was instantly numb.

But soon he discovered that this "paralysis" gave him a very unique experience.

"My nerves felt slightly calmer, my heartbeat slowed down, and I felt a little dazed."

"It's a bit like the feeling of gradually calming down when you take a deep drag of a cigarette and slowly exhale."

"According to Qiao Ruoning, this stuff is harmless to the nerves and sense of taste; its calming effect comes from substances in the root itself."

"And the production process is not complicated, because it does not require brewing and can even be completed in a few hours."

Xia Ming nodded.

You need to travel more to experience more things.

In his view, the so-called "Kava wine" is very similar to something called "Ningxianglu" from the Kyushu continent.

However, the latter is made from the root and stem of the plant "Ningxiang" through a more complex pressing process.

The most amazing thing about Ningxiang is that it is not a spiritual plant, but it can be grown in certain environments.

Although the "Ningxiang Dew" made from it does not contain any spiritual energy, it has a calming effect, so some cultivators use it as a substitute for wine, and others use it to develop spiritual incense.

Of course, Cava has a much stronger flavor than Ningxianglu.
Looking at the empty wine bowl, Xia Ming pondered for a moment.

"If this stuff could have a milder flavor, it would be perfect for cooking, given its unique calming effect."

Although the specific formula and application range still need to be tested, Xia Ming remembered "Kava Pepper".

After drinking, the ten contestants, who had become "family," received a warm welcome from the locals.

Seven or eight dishes with different flavors were placed in front of everyone. While the contestants were eating, the host kept introducing the local delicacies in both languages.

"Kokoda"

"A raw fish dish full of tropical flavor, it is known as the Fiji 'national dish'."

"Use raw fish marinated in fresh lemon or lime juice. The fruit acids gradually marinate the fish until it becomes translucent."

"While removing the fishy smell, it retains the fish's ultimate freshness and tenderness, and is refreshing and appetizing."

"Then add an appropriate amount of coconut milk, salt, onion, and tomato to adjust the flavor and make the taste more balanced."

Xia Ming tasted it and then nodded.

This so-called "Koko" tastes very similar to "Chaoshan raw fish" that has been shredded and mixed with plum sauce, with a little bit of coconut milk.

The flavors of fish are combined with the flavors of fruit, and then neutralized with coconut milk. Although it is not complicated to make, the taste is exceptionally distinct.

The flavors are sour, sweet, and savory, with a touch of chili at the end, giving it a very coastline-like feel.

When spread on potato slices roasted in their local pit, the flavor is very balanced, and in Xia Ming's opinion, it is a flavor that is generally acceptable to Chinese people.

When Mori Kami tasted the "Kokoda," her eyes lit up instantly. Clearly, this dish hit her sweet spot.

Next up was a dish of "Luowo goat meat".

It is a main dish made by roasting goat meat in a pit and then eating it with other foods.

In terms of preparation method, this dish is basically a copy of the new broccoli "Hummy".

That's normal, since the two sides are very close, and it's reasonable for them to do similar things.

But unlike "Hum Yi", it seems that Fei Ji likes to add coconut milk to all kinds of dishes.

Even when braised, Xia Ming can still clearly taste the coconut flavor.

This reminded him of the "local curry" he had at the resort hotel, according to Qiao Ruoning's description.

The local curry is smoother after being modified with coconut milk.
"So, the locals are really into coconut milk!"

Xia Ming smiled and then continued to enjoy the other dishes.

The next dish is called "Quarriva Caso".

It also has another name, "Fajik Crab Shell Paste" (there is also a curry version).

Essentially, it involves hollowing out the crab shell and then stir-frying a filling made of onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, and crab meat.

Finally, put the dish back into the crab shell, wrap it in leaves, and stew it again.

The dish tasted strongly of the seaside, but Xia Ming raised an eyebrow at its presentation.

"This tastes a lot like 'Crab Shell with Egg White' with different toppings~"

Touching his chin, Xia Ming suddenly thought that being a crab might not be so bad.

Afterwards, they also enjoyed "Udivaka," a dessert made by soaking bananas in coconut milk, as well as "breadfruit," a natural staple food, and "coconut taro leaf fish rolls," a very local specialty.

There's also natural sea urchin sashimi.
These dishes also confirmed Xia Ming's earlier guess: the locals do indeed really like to use coconut juice and coconut milk.

After noting down this characteristic, Xia Ming and his group rested for a while before being taken to the beach by the host.

Xia Ming saw that there were many local "sweet bamboo" trees placed on the coastline. Next to the bamboo were many bundles of natural "coconut fiber rope", as well as some coconut shells and banana leaves.

Seeing the thoughtful expressions on the faces of all the contestants, the host smiled.

"As you've probably guessed by now, it's the same as the Chestnut People's 'Battle Dance' from before."

"The test that the Fei people have presented to everyone is 'The Breath of Turmoil'."

(End of this chapter)