Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　After all, knowing something and being proficient in it are two completely different concepts!

　Human energy is limited. How can one learn to cook while also mastering the art of butchering an ox? That seems impossible, or rather, outrageous!

　"With that small frame, it doesn't even look half the size of a cow. I hope it doesn't get killed by one..."

　As he was talking, the man suddenly fell silent, pursed his lips and didn't say another word, clearly thinking of what had happened to the last person who had spoken ill of Bai Yuan.

　Although he wasn't afraid, the assessment was about to begin, and he didn't need to provoke an enemy for no reason.

　Bai Yuan was still stroking the water buffalo's head, letting it enjoy the last moments of its life. The water buffalo seemed to sense this and mooed, but unusually, it did not resist.

　Seeing someone approach, the portly old man quickened his pace and walked over from behind, his eyes filled with curiosity as he looked at Bai Yuan.

　"Would you like to try butchering an ox?"

　The fat old man looked at Bai Yuan, his voice questioning yet carrying a hint of seriousness. Anyone with a weak mind would usually retreat at this moment.

　However, when he noticed Bai Yuan's eyes, he was immediately startled, because he saw an indomitable spirit in the other's eyes!

　That's a gaze filled with absolute confidence!

　"Try? (Exchange)"

　"Just give it to me."

　Bai Yuan chuckled and shook his head, while reaching behind him to take out the largest 'Broken Army Blade' he was carrying on his back.

　The Po Jun knife is known for its powerful cutting ability and is suitable for processing tough ingredients that require vigorous cutting.

　Meat with bones or hard-shelled seafood are the best choices for it to exert its power!

　"Fierce Bull and Azure Dragon Slash!"

　Bai Yuan suddenly took a deep breath and channeled his inner energy into his hands. To execute this move, in addition to superb swordsmanship, inner energy was also very important.

　The next moment, the Blade of Destruction drew a dazzling silver trajectory in the air, accompanied by a whistling sound as it tore through the air, heading straight for the giant bull's neck, instantly relieving it of all pain.

　With a flash of light, Bai Yuan's movements were as swift as lightning. The Breaking Army Blade precisely sliced ​​into the giant bull's skin, then, with incredible angle and force, traced the muscle fibers of the bull's body. Each cut was perfectly timed, avoiding the hard bones while flawlessly severing the muscle and fat.

　In less than a second, Bai Yuan sheathed the blood-stainless sword, took two steps back, and stared at it coldly.

　"What's this guy doing? Why did he pull the knife out and then put it back? Is he finding it too difficult to dismember a giant bull with his bare hands and wants to give up?"

　"Ha, you were so arrogant just now, acting like I was the strongest and you were all trash, but it turns out it was all a sham, all show and no substance!"

　"I thought I'd get to see some truly exquisite..."

　Seeing that Bai Yuan had returned without doing anything, the crowd immediately cheered.

　Because he acted so pretentiously and ended up doing nothing, he incurred public wrath, and boos and jeers echoed continuously.

　"Wait, look at that giant bull! Something seems off!"

　"What's going on? Why is golden light emanating from the cow's body?!"

　However, these boos lasted for less than ten seconds. Under the sunlight, every cut line on the giant bull's body burst forth with intense, dazzling golden light, drawing everyone's attention!

　Next, the cowhide was slowly peeled off the cow in six pieces, and all kinds of meat, internal organs and bones were dismembered and neatly arranged inside the cowhide.

　"How is that possible? It didn't damage a single fiber, and the speed was so fast. This is simply not something a human could do!"

　Some people raised their hands and kept rubbing their eyes, as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing. But no matter how much they rubbed, the water buffalo in front of them was dismembered and there wasn't a drop of blood!

　"Blood? Yes! It's blood! This must be beef that has been processed beforehand, otherwise how could such a big cow not bleed at all!"

　Someone seemed to have discovered the key point, pointing at the dismembered cow and shouting, but the fear in their eyes did not diminish at all.

　"Don't forget, it was standing there alive just now, even eating grass! How could it possibly be pre-processed beef..."

　Some people accepted this fact, their expressions indescribably grim. It seems that another formidable opponent has emerged in this competition!

　"Young man, what kind of technique is this? To dismember a giant bull without shedding a single drop of blood or spitting out a drop of juice?! It's truly amazing!"

　The plump old man swallowed hard, strode over to Bai Yuan, and marveled at the beef in front of him. It was truly astonishing.

　Because all the blood remains inside the meat, the beef looks incredibly vibrant in color, with the muscle tissue still pulsating and reflecting a kaleidoscope of colors in the sunlight – this is the freshest state!

　Without a doubt, Bai Yuan perfectly fulfilled their requirements and successfully dismembered the giant bull. However, this move was so outrageous that it was hard to believe what they were seeing—was it real or a dream?

　Kakuzaki Taki and Kikuchi Sonoka were no exception; their mouths were agape, their faces filled with shock. The person who had struck up a conversation with them was actually such a master?!

　"This move is called Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash. It can quickly process a giant bull without losing a drop of blood or spilling a drop of juice."

　Bai Yuan responded calmly, enjoying the extremely admiring gaze of Kikuchi Sonoka behind him, and suddenly felt that it felt really good to show off!

　All that hard work practicing this amazing skill was for this moment!

　Of course, you have to be aloof in this situation, otherwise the effect of showing off will be at least halved.

　"What an amazing skill! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that someone could dismember a cow in a second!"

　As promised initially, you can take the part you want first, and the rest will be taken in the order of arrival.

　The portly old man made no attempt to hide his praise, but after his initial shock subsided, he regained his composure and did not linger in the shock like the other contestants.

　Bai Yuan looked at his expression, a thoughtful look flashing across his face.

　"Then I'll take these scraps left over from processing. I'll leave the good beef for them. I hope you won't waste this beef."

　Looking at the excellent-looking beef in front of him, Bai Yuan did not take the best part as everyone expected, but instead took all the scraps.

　These are all the scraps and useless parts left over from processing beef. Logically speaking, they are the worst parts of the cow. Why did Bai Yuan choose them?

　After the Fierce Bull Azure Dragon Slash just now...

　The people present no longer felt that Bai Yuan was weak. On the contrary, his image had become unfathomable to them, and every move he made seemed to have a different meaning.

　"With so many good cuts of meat available, why choose these scraps? Not only are they troublesome to cook, but the taste and texture are also inferior to the premium pieces in the middle!"

　Kakuzaki Taki asked, somewhat puzzled. In her opinion, Shiro had many choices, and the scrap was precisely the worst one!

　"That's right, why don't you reconsider? You finally got the right to choose the ingredients first, and the numbers you use can give you a significant advantage."

　Kikuchi Yoko also stepped forward to persuade him, her eyes revealing a hint of worry, afraid that Bai Yuan might be confused and actually choose these useless scraps.

　"I have to correct you on this point. There are no useless ingredients in the world, only useless chefs. Even if it's scraps, as a chef, I must make them shine!"

　Hearing their concerned words, Bai Yuan turned around and said seriously.

　He never believed that ingredients were of high or low value; every ingredient had its purpose, and as long as it was placed in the right place, it could play its greatest role.

　"Well said! You're very good!"

　Suddenly, a slightly languid female voice came from not far away. Everyone looked over and found that it was another person who had been standing on the city wall.

　"Master Chef Ma Mei, a two-star chef, grew up by the sea and is skilled at tasting all kinds of seafood dishes. I never expected that she would be the chief examiner this time!"

　Someone recognized the person's identity and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "A top-level two-star chef! He's already among the most outstanding people in Guangzhou's restaurants!"

　"So, may I enter the food competition now?"

　Bai Yuan looked at the voluptuous woman in front of him without any change in expression.

　Because this dish takes a long time to cook, he has to go in and cook it first, otherwise if others cook too fast, he'll really look like a clown.

　Of course, if you can make a dish that shines, even if the five spots are already filled, they will force you to add a sixth spot.

　Otherwise, if someone like him can't pass, then what's the point of the Guangzhou Special Grade Chef assessment? Nobody in the industry would be convinced.

　"Please come in."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Ma Mei turned to the side and smiled as she gestured for him to enter. Her polite manner surprised everyone present.

　But thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. A chef who can display such culinary skills must be at least at the top-tier level.

　I just don't know why this kind of monster would participate in this top-level chef assessment!

　I am speechless!

　Seeing Ma Mei reach out her hand, Bai Yuan didn't say anything, but simply nodded to her.

　Then, two heavy iron doors were pushed open by staff, and he entered the food competition area carrying a basket full of beef scraps.

　His dish today does indeed require the use of scraps; in fact, only scraps can bring out the true flavor of this dish!

　After passing through two incredibly heavy iron doors, Bai Yuan saw one stone cooking station after another inside the house, with the most primitive charcoal fire burning underneath.

　"This feeling is so familiar!"

　As Bai Yuan lightly touched the stone countertop, a nostalgic expression appeared on his face. He had used such a countertop for several years in the world of dark cuisine!

　At this moment, he was the only one in the kitchen.

　No, there are two strong security guards stationed at the entrance to prevent anyone from causing trouble inside because they can't cook and thus breaking the competition rules.

　"The time will be up until that incense stick burns out. I believe you will serve up a dish that will satisfy us, little brother."

　The portly old man stayed outside to greet the other contestants, while Ma Mei followed Bai Yuan into the arena, pointing to the giant incense burning at the front of the room and explaining the competition rules.

　"Okay, I see."

　Bai Yuan glanced at the giant incense stick, estimating that it could burn for about eight hours, and then placed all the ingredients he had bought on the cooking counter.

　The fire under the cooking counter is burning fiercely, and the intensity of the fire can be controlled by the bellows.

　In other words, this not only tests the culinary skills of the cook, but also their control over the heat.

　After all, a bellows is not like an induction cooker, which can control the temperature in the pot relatively precisely, so the chef's experience is especially important.

　It's so familiar, so incredibly familiar!

　Feeling everything before him, Bai Yuan couldn't help but smile, feeling excited. He then took out the scraps from the basket.

　Beef tendon, beef shank tendon, and fascia and connective tissue removed from the limbs and joints are all considered scraps of beef due to their irregular shape. They are generally considered to be extras at beef stalls and are rarely bought specifically.

　With a flick of the 'Wuqu knife' in my hand, the scraps were instantly cut into small, evenly sized pieces, making them chewy yet easy to cook thoroughly. This time, it was truly a race against time.

　"What should this man do?"

　Watching Bai Yuan deal with the scraps, Ma Mei didn't leave immediately, but stood not far away with a thoughtful expression.

　The ingredients he chose actually tasted quite good and had a good texture, but they were easy to get tired of if you ate too much of them. They were acceptable when paired with good meat, but if a dish only had this kind of meat, it wouldn't be very good.

　If it were her, she definitely would.

　We will control the ratio of the two ingredients so that the judges can enjoy the wonderful taste without feeling overwhelmed by it.

　Instead of choosing only scraps in pursuit of better taste, the top-level assessment won't relax the requirements just because you use inferior ingredients!

　They're still young and inexperienced!

　Chapter Sixty-Three: Bai Yuan's Occupational Hazards - What is a Top-Grade Chef?

　Bai Yuan was unaware of Ma Mei's thoughts.

　As the contestants continued to enter, he stepped on the blower and turned the flame to its maximum.

　The next moment, the fattier part of the scraps flew into the oil and splattered together with the ladle.

　This method uses high heat to stir-fry the ingredients, removing most of the oil from the scraps.

　There was another reason why he chose this part of the ingredients: it fit the theme.

　The next dish he's going to make will be tough if cooked with just beef, no matter how high-end it is! The texture will always be lacking.

　In other words, only this scrap of beef can perfectly meet his requirements!

　"Is this stir-frying beef to make stew? But what kind of delicious stew can you make with these scraps?!"

　At that moment, Kikuchi Sonoka and Kakuzaki Taki also finished selecting their ingredients and entered through the entrance of the food competition arena, watching Shirai's actions and secretly speculating in their hearts.

　Bai Yuan was unaware of all this, and even if he had, he wouldn't have bothered to explain.

　At this moment, he was highly focused, rhythmically stepping on the bellows to control the heat and keep the pot at the optimal temperature.

　Sauté the beef to remove moisture and excess oil, then add ginger slices, scallion segments, and garlic cloves and stir-fry evenly. This is to remove any remaining slight fishy smell from the beef.

　Meanwhile, during the stir-frying process, the unpleasant odor in the beef is reduced as the moisture is released.

　When cooking beef, the most important thing is to remove the gamey smell. If beef dishes have a strong gamey smell, then the dish is a complete failure!

　Star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaves, galangal, cardamom, white cardamom, Sichuan peppercorns, and black cardamom—Bai Yuan skillfully adds a variety of spices to the pot to enhance the aroma of the meat and make its flavor less monotonous.

　Add a spoonful of soy sauce to enhance the aroma and color. Then, in a separate small pot, quickly simmer a little caramelized sugar and add it to the frying pan to further color and enhance the aroma.

　After completing this step, Bai Yuan looked at the state of the beef in the pot, smelled the aroma in the air, and a precise value appeared in his mind.

　Add plenty of sugar to enhance the flavor, plenty of salt to season, and finally add vinegar from the edge of the pot. Then add boiling water to cover the beef!