Apocalypse Forecast

Chapter 764 - 623: Pufferfish Feast_1

Just like that, from dozens of meters away.

In front of Shenjin Qing and under the gaze of all the Chef Demons, Huai Shi placed the cocktail shaker on the cooking station. He poured in two hundred milliliters of purified water, turned around, opened the refrigerator, and took out two bubble-less ice cubes.

He dropped them into the shaker and sealed it with the lid.

And that was all.

Nothing else was added.

Accompanied by the dull clinking of ice cubes, the cocktail shaker spun once in Lady SuZi's hand. It then nimbly took flight, drew an arc in the air, and fell back down.

It moved like a tamed animal.

The cocktail shaker leaped, rolled, and shook nimbly between Huai Shi's arms and fingers. The movements were so astonishingly fluid that if one hadn't known better, they might have mistaken it for a Magician's trick, almost believing an invisible rope was tied to the shaker. The display was dizzyingly impressive.

He hadn't handled any ingredients, lit any stoves, or even used any other tools.

He just casually tossed and shook the cocktail shaker in the arena, as if he were making a cappuccino for the aunties watching.

But that wasn't how one made a cappuccino. Besides, everyone could clearly see there was no coffee in the shaker, not even a single soybean.

It was as if he were joking. His actions were incomprehensible.

"What is he doing?"

"Juggling?"

"Isn't he mixing a drink?" Vladimir scratched his chin, confused. "There are Chef Demons who specialize in beverages, right? It doesn't seem like anything extraordinary."

Arumu, dressed like a hippie, couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Mixing a drink? *This* is mixing a drink?

He would bet that if there were even one gram of alcohol in that shaker, he'd eat the shaker today with cephalexin. This is just pure ice water, isn't it?!

"Ho ho, a feast for the eyes is also part of the culinary performance..."

Chef Demon Guo maintained the appearance of someone in the late stages of Alzheimer's, with an air of 'terrific, really terrific,' which was incredibly infuriating.

But in his eyes, clouded with gray spots and white cataracts, the pupils constricted slightly as a subtle flash of lightning passed through them.

It was the Qi Observing Technique.

The Dragon Seeking Technique, a Source Technique used for gauging the earth's energy veins, was employed in his eyes. In that instant, he keenly sensed that something was amiss...

What was that?

In Huai Shi's hands, hidden within the cocktail shaker, was a peculiar fluctuation.

Like an obscure vortex, it spun silently. It showed no sign of spreading heat; rather, it extracted all ambient heat, constantly drawing it inward.

The temperature of the entire underground space dropped slightly, yet only a few people could perceive this subtle change.

At that precise moment, beneath Huai Shi's long gloves, his steel arm silently split open, and in the darkness, the furnace within ignited with tiny sparks.

Forging—no, the cooking had begun!

For a full half-hour, Huai Shi idly shook the cocktail shaker in his hand, taking no other action.

It was as if he had completely given up on the competition. He displayed a resigned, "what-the-hell" attitude.

From other directions, the gazes fixed on him grew increasingly mocking.

Zhenxi, sitting on her chair, anxiously clutched her fists as she stared at his back. Although she didn't know what exactly was happening, the situation seemed overwhelmingly unfavorable for their side.

But as long as she saw Miss Huaizhi remain calm, she felt an inexplicable surge of confidence.

Things aren't so bad. There's still a chance to turn things around.

Soon, she began to smell a scent gradually spreading through the air. By now, no one could ignore the aroma brewing.

Then, a subtle boiling sound began to echo in their ears.

It was the sound of countless bubbles rising in a clay pot, carrying the uniquely savory aroma of a rich broth. They rose from the boiling cauldron, creating ripples and waves in the milky, creamy soup, dancing among the mushrooms and vegetables.

Upon contact with the air, the rich fragrance carried by those bubbles burst forth instantly, blending with the wind and spreading in all directions.

It was like a volcano about to erupt—unstoppable.

The formidable umami concentrated in the pot continued to seep through the cracks in the lid. It transformed into wisps of scalding steam that lingered around everyone's nostrils, carrying an undisguised deliciousness and a terrifying temptation.

The moment one sniffed that fragrance, a certain realization dawned upon them.

Even if Hell awaited, they would want to explore it, to taste such a delicacy—even if that overly exquisite and immense umami threatened to swallow them whole.

The clear sound of the Service Bell rang out.

It came from Shenjin Qing's station.

His cooking was finished!

As the Huangquan phantom dissipated, the gaunt middle-aged man's eyes lit up with an eerie glow. He scrutinized his opponent, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

"Shall we begin, Miss Huaizhi?"

The faint sound of sloshing water abruptly stopped.

The cocktail shaker landed on the table. Like a dice cup, it settled everything.

Huai Shi raised his eyes, gazing at Shenjin Qing's cooking station. A white, steamy fog shrouded everything, concealing whatever ferocious creation lay within.

Yet, the enticing aroma wafted through the air, stirring the hunger and restlessness in his stomach.

He could wait no longer.

Huai Shi turned to the sink and washed his hands. Miss Huaizhi then pulled out a chair, sat down at the table, and finally revealed a smile tinged with anticipation.

She waited quietly.

The deathly feast, bearing the name of the musket, began.

"It's rare to encounter such a delightful guest. It truly inspires one to give their all."

Shenjin Qing approached with a smile and presented the first course. "Today, we have a full musket feast, using the most delicious parts of three pufferfish. The portions are somewhat large, so please don't force yourself if you can't finish... But I believe, given such a grand offering, Miss Huaizhi will not refuse."

It was like blooming peonies.

On a plate decorated with assorted bright greens, translucent sashimi slices were arrayed meticulously. Their pure white hues converged and overlapped like magnificent Blooming Flowers, exuding a refreshing and sweet fragrance.

When picked up with chopsticks, each ultra-thin yet supple slice of fish reflected the light, glimmering faintly.

Only after countless repetitions, pouring heart and soul into the craft over time, could one achieve such a perfectly prepared slice as the one Huai Shi now held.

The flesh was perfectly and flawlessly sectioned. Each piece maintained an identical shape and uniform flavor, making the tiny sashimi slices a true feast for the eyes. Truly impressive.

However... it was only sashimi.

There was no accompanying ponzu sauce, grated daikon, or white scallions.

"Our restaurant's pufferfish requires no such embellishments," Shenjin Qing declared confidently, head held high. "Once you taste it, you will understand that any unnecessary additions would only tarnish this precious flavor."

Huai Shi placed a piece of sashimi into his mouth.

It was like an explosion of umami. As his Teeth chewed through the elastic flesh, exquisite, sweet juices burst forth, teasing his taste buds and unleashing the fish's unique sweetness—an almost terrifyingly pure umami that earthly things could hardly match.

It was extreme and simple, without any adornment or flourish.

Although it hadn't been aged, the flavor was in no way inferior to any other of its kind.

Indeed, just as Shenjin had said, any additions would only dull this exquisite taste. Only by savoring it in its purest form could one deeply appreciate the vibrant life force that permeated every cell.

The more he chewed, the more deeply he savored the sweetness dancing on his tongue. Yet, an even greater emptiness followed.

Before he had even swallowed the current piece, Huai Shi was already picking up the next slice of sashimi.

He eagerly brought it to his mouth.

From the very first bite, Huai Shi had an epiphany: this pure, natural deliciousness was indeed a Domain he could not yet reach.

How many years had the chefs of San Tu studied? How many generations of fish had they bred, and how many processes had they refined to elevate the flavor of pufferfish to such a pinnacle?

How could an outsider like him easily enter such a realm?

One piece, two pieces, three pieces... As the delicate stream of umami transformed into a deep and rich flavor, Huai Shi became intoxicated, unable to stop.

Yes, just like that...

Shenjin Qing grinned, a fiery light dancing in his eyes.

This was the unwavering confidence that a San Tu Chef absolutely possessed.

No matter how picky the diner, once they take the first bite, they are invariably captured by this natural, demonic charm. Then, step by step, they walk towards the Abyss, with no way back!

In the spectators' seats, Chef Demon Guo squinted and chuckled strangely. "To think he'd step into the trap without any precautions! Is it overconfidence, or sheer ignorance?"

Even as a veteran, monster-level Chef Demon, he still harbored some apprehension about San Tu's musket banquet.

That banquet is a sinister seduction, leading people into utter despair step by step. Once they indulge for the first time, things quickly spiral out of control...

When Huai Shi finally paused, he realized the plate of sashimi before him was already empty.

A whole Dragon Pufferfish, its most succulent and sweetest parts... he'd devoured it all?

Yet, he felt no satisfaction, only a growing hunger, a craving for more.

He didn't have to wait long.

The second dish was already being served.

"Fish Bone Tempura. Please enjoy."

Shenjin Qing smiled and set down another small cup. "Please pair it with hirezake for the full experience."

The glowing Tempura was lifted. It was an incredibly thin slice, with no trace of greasiness or excess oil. It looked like a sheet of polished Amber, so translucent that one could clearly see the light and shadows on the other side.

As the chopsticks brought the Tempura to his mouth, a crisp sound ensued.

It was remarkably clear and penetrating in the silence.

CRACK.

The crispy fried morsel shattered between his Teeth. Adorned with a splendid coat after being deep-fried, the delightful fragrance, nurtured in warmth, danced on the tips of his Teeth with a succession of crisp sounds.

This flavor was utterly different from the umami of the fish flesh. After simple processing, the marvelous taste hidden within the bones, accompanied by the crisp texture, flowed from the tip of his tongue into his stomach.

Without needing any prompt, Huai Shi picked up the sake cup beside him and downed the clear liquid in one gulp. Instantly, the sake, tinged with the charred aroma of fish fin, flowed down his throat, mingling with the aftertaste of the fish bone.

He felt as if he'd been set alight!

A wave of heat washed over his face, his long hair fluttering in the air. He felt completely enveloped by this exuberant warmth.

Next came pufferfish liver nigiri. The rich liver melted in his mouth, seeming to seep into his very Soul, transforming into an umami that surpassed even the sashimi—a deliciousness that defied common sense.

He chewed madly, almost unable to stop.

When the pufferfish hot pot finally arrived at the table.

At last, the dagger was revealed at the end of the scroll!