Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　"Can you? Don't..."

　Before Bai Yuan could finish speaking, the old man, who had looked extremely thin, suddenly exerted his strength. His body then changed and swelled up. His clothes were stretched open by his muscles, revealing his incredibly strong muscles underneath.

　Seeing this, Bai Yuan felt a little relieved. He then looked at the several burly men rushing towards him, his face showing no fear.

　He simply raised his hand slightly, and a surge of internal energy flowed within him. Faced with enemy attacks, he always simply raised his hand to retaliate with ease.

　What's surprising is that although Ming Yuan's attack speed wasn't fast, it was impossible for anyone to dodge it. His movements seemed light, yet they were incredibly powerful.

　In less than a minute, all eight people collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain. Bai Yuan, without even breaking a sweat, turned to look at Grandpa Lanxi.

　Lancy Jon had already taken down two opponents, and the remaining one was only passively taking hits. Finally, he was struck to the ground with a chop to the neck, and then the opponent gave him a thumbs up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

　Seeing him look over, Bai Yuan immediately nodded in acknowledgment, then walked up to Jesse, squatted down with a kind smile, and said:

　"So, are you going to kneel down and beg for mercy, or have a nasty mark branded on your head?!"

　Chapter Thirty-One: Frustration and Comfort

　Even if you kneel down and beg for mercy, you'll still be branded with an unpleasant mark on your head.

　These words lingered in Jesse's mind. Looking at the carefree smile of the boy before him, he...

　There is no doubt that the other party would actually do such a thing.

　This can be seen from the fact that he beat him without any restraint and overturned all the thugs he had called.

　"Well, it seems your choice has left a bad taste mark on your head."

　Although it involves pressing the hot iron directly onto the skin, I have a special method to ensure it won't cause you too much pain or disrupt your daily life.

　Of course, with this mark on your head, I can't guarantee whether customers will still go to your restaurant, or whether your staff will obey you.

　Bai Yuan stood with his arms crossed in front of Jessie, adopting the posture of a superior, while his voice revealed an indescribable pressure, which immediately made the special chef's face turn bitter.

　As Bai Yuan finished speaking, and upon learning that the so-called "unpalatable mark" was actually a red-hot iron branded directly onto the head, Jesse's mental defenses finally reached their limit. Finally, as Bai Yuan turned to retrieve the "unpalatable mark"...

　Jancis suddenly raised his hand and slapped himself hard, then whispered to those around him, "My cooking is the worst in the world."

　"Speaking so softly? Haven't you eaten?"

　Bai Yuan's lips curled up, he stopped and returned to Jesse's side, looking at him with a half-smile. He didn't have any 'unpalatable mark', who would carry such a thing around?

　But Jesse was already terrified, and as the slap landed on his face, he was filled with a feeling of humiliation.

　But there's nothing he can do but endure it now.

　Just wait, when he gets back, he'll definitely find a way to get revenge! He'll repay the humiliation he suffered today a hundredfold, a thousandfold!

　"My cooking is the worst in the world!"

　"You've got the voice, but what about the slap before you said that? If you're not sincere, I think it would be better to leave a bad mark on your head to teach you a lesson!"

　Bai Yuan pinched his chin with a somewhat disgusted expression, turning around as he spoke, looking as if he really was going to get that 'unpalatable mark'.

　"Snapped."

　"My cooking is the worst in the world!"

　This slap was quick and loud, and the sound was much louder. At this moment, Jesse had decided to give up entirely.

　Anyway, he had already said it and couldn't take it back. In fact, he even felt a strange sense of satisfaction as the slap landed on his face.

　Those around him were amazed by his behavior, clearly not expecting the bet between the two to be like this.

　It's so cruel that he has to slap himself in the street and say that his cooking is worthless, but in doing so, their feud is now officially sealed!

　·

　·

　Do you think I went too far?

　After finalizing the matter of the sea bream and saying goodbye to Mr. Lancy Jon.

　On the way home, Bai Yuan looked at Alice Nakiri walking beside him with her head down and not saying a word for a long time, and asked her meaningfully.

　“I don’t think you went too far. In fact, I feel very relieved, since the other party started the trouble and targeted us first.”

　Shaking her head, Alice Nakiri was never a saint, so she naturally wouldn't sympathize with someone who tried to cause trouble but ended up getting slapped in the face.

　"Then why are you keeping your head down? You don't look very happy."

　Ask whatever comes to mind; this is one of Bai Yuan's strengths. He understands the saying that a woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea, so he won't make any unfounded assumptions.

　"I just think I'm ridiculous. After watching your match today, Master, I realized your true strength and how arrogant I was before..."

　Alice Nakiri lowered her head again as she spoke, her voice growing softer and softer. She had originally come out to buy sea bream for a knife skills competition, but now...

　"Compared to others of the same age, your strength is already quite good, so don't underestimate yourself."

　Bai Yuan stated truthfully that after six years of training, Nakiri Alice's skill level was not far from that of a top-tier student.

　If you calm down and spend another two years accumulating experience, passing the top-level assessment is not difficult.

　"But... I want to become stronger, I want to help you more, Brother Bai Yuan."

　Alice Nakiri raised her head, her eyes filled with a complex and somewhat ambiguous expression, but Bai Yuan did not notice.

　“You can already help me a lot. At least you can handle the cooking I make, and you can complete 50% of the steps on your own.”

　"really?"

　"Really, you have to believe in your own abilities!"

　Bai Yuan patted Nakiri Alice's head, his voice much gentler than usual.

　Suppress the arrogant when they are arrogant, and encourage them when they are frustrated. Only in this way can they grow up healthily. This is also the most basic quality of a teacher.

　"But the competition will continue when we get back. After all, we've already bought the sea bream. This time, I'll show you what true mastery of knife skills looks like!"

　"What dish is the chef preparing?"

　Alice Nakiri raised her head and asked with some anticipation.

　Knowing that she was bound to lose, she actually felt relieved.

　Strictly speaking, it should be considered sashimi.

　"Sashimi? Surprisingly ordinary. Although this dish showcases knife skills, can't an ordinary chef make it?"

　"There are some differences, you'll see when the time comes."

　Bai Yuan smiled mysteriously. If there was anything that best showcased his swordsmanship, it would undoubtedly be the Fierce Ice Fresh Sea Bream Mountain, the price of which was the chef's...

　My hands are frostbitten.

　When a chef's skills reach a level of perfection, even a piece of cloth can confuse the sense of touch. Unless you hold the knife with your bare hands, you will never be able to fully demonstrate your superb knife skills.

　In this way, the astonishing cold of the Beichen Tianlang Blade would penetrate the chef's hands, and if he was not careful, he would suffer frostbite and necrosis, so it was also known as the two-headed knife.

　This knife even requires the chef to sacrifice his right hand, which he considers his lifeblood, to cut the ingredients...

　However, this was not a problem for him, because he had super-touch, and could exert 99% of his power even when wrapped in cloth.

　As for unleashing its full power, please, it's just an educational competition. How could he risk his future as a chef?

　He's a normal person, not a hot-blooded idiot!

　"Mr. Hakugen, Ms. Nakiri, we meet again."

　Soon, the two walked back to the Nakiri's house. The fish shop owner, Ang, arrived first, wearing a delivery uniform with the shop's name printed on it, and was meeting with Jonah.

　"Has the sea bream been sent in yet?"

　After nodding to the fish shop owner, Ang, Bai Yuan turned his gaze to Jonah and inquired about the sea bream, which was the most important ingredient for lunch.

　"Yes, Mr. Kurokiba is currently looking after them, and they are being housed in the backyard of the villa."

　"It's good that it's been delivered. We'll go home and prepare. After you've finished handing it over, come to the lobby and you'll serve as the referee for this match."

　"clear."

　After a brief explanation, Bai Yuan and Nakiri Alice entered the villa together.

　Alice went upstairs to change her clothes, while he went to the underground ice chamber that Leonora Nakiri had specially prepared for him, where two Hokushin Tenrou blades were stored.

　He honed these skills bit by bit!

　I was originally worried about encountering a tough opponent and wanted to use it at that time, but using a knife to present the best taste is not a loss.

　Thinking about the reactions of Alice Nakiri and the others later, Bai Yuan couldn't help but smile. Then, he carefully placed the Northern Star Wolf Blade into the icy sheath next to him.

　This knife is powerful, but its practical use is extremely limited, and once the blade is drawn, it cannot be retracted; forcibly retracting it will only result in a significant loss of sharpness.

　The second draw of the blade didn't cut as well as a regular kitchen knife!

　"Master, the sea bream are ready, and the competition can begin at any time."

　"I see."

　Bai Yuan slung the Beichen Tianlang Blade over his shoulder and walked steadily toward the top of the basement, where he saw Alice, dressed neatly, waiting for him.

　Chapter Thirty-Two: The Seven Star Blade

　"It seems you've prepared very well."

　The girl, dressed in a chef's uniform, looked smart and capable. She was staring intently at him, her eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit.

　She had just realized that Bai Yuan didn't want to see her looking dejected.

　Therefore, even in a match she was certain to lose, she would give it her all to show her master just how strong she really was!

　"I am ready!"

　"Iris Nakiri said confidently, her whole demeanor brightening. Bai Yuan looked at her and finally nodded with satisfaction.

　That's more like what a disciple should be like!

　"I'm really looking forward to it. What kind of dish does Brother Bai Yuan plan to make?"

　As I followed Alice Nakiri into the living room, a familiar voice reached my ears.

　Leonora Nakiri had been waiting there for a long time. When she saw him arrive, she immediately got up and went forward excitedly, her eyes practically jumping with joy.

　And equally poised to emerge are those hidden beneath extremely loose clothing...

　"See no evil."

　Bai Yuan muttered to himself, raising his gaze slightly upwards. Leonora Nakiri was truly capricious at home, completely disregarding him as a man.

　It was one thing before, since he was young then, but now he's a real adult, and if he continues like this, he might make a mistake!

　"You'll find out soon enough; let me keep you in suspense for now."

　Avoiding Leonora's gaze, Bai Yuan spoke mysteriously, building up anticipation.

　"Hmm, he's actually being mysterious and keeping things from me. Little Brother Bai Yuan is really wicked!"

　Seeing that Bai Yuan was unwilling to tell her, Leonora Nakiri's cheeks visibly puffed up, then she let out a soft hum and returned to her original position.

　Looking at Nakiri Leonora, who behaved like a young girl, Bai Yuan smiled helplessly. Time really hadn't left a trace on her face. She looked exactly the same as when he first met her, so there was nothing out of place about her doing these things.

　No wonder people say that money can nourish a person. It can keep a woman in her thirties looking like a young girl, and with her perfect figure, the contrast is amazing!

　"Have you figured anything out?"

　Bai Yuan stepped into the fish tank, where two plump sea bream were swimming happily, looking quite energetic.

　Kurokiba Ryo watched intently from the side, seemingly contemplating how to cook them, before standing up when Shirayuki arrived.

　"The quality of sea bream is really good this season. I'll ask the shop to stock some up later and see if I can develop a dish that's good enough for a master chef."

　Kurokiba Ryo pinched his chin, as if talking to himself, or as if speaking to Bai Yuan.

　"You should consider the first-tier option first. You can't go far without a solid foundation. Although the top-tier chef exam doesn't restrict applicants by chef level, it requires a hefty registration fee, regardless of the final outcome..."

　No refunds will be given regardless of whether the candidate passes the assessment.

　"Taking the first-class chef exam is too troublesome. It's better to just take the special-grade exam directly. After all, even if you become a first-class chef, you'll eventually have to aim for the special-grade."

　Kurokiba Ryo said in a deep voice, "Now that Nakiri Alice has become a first-class chef, the only way to surpass her is to go even further and become a special-class chef!"

　"You should think it through yourself. Although being a top-level chef is just the minimum requirement to become a senior chef, it's not as simple as you think."

　Seeing Kurokiba Ryo's resolute attitude, Bai Yuan didn't say anything more. In any case, it was the other party's choice, and it was not something he could interfere with.

　The reason I said those few words is simply because we've known each other for several years and have developed some feelings for each other; he's a very sentimental person.