Chapter 29. Event Concludes
No one knew that, at this very moment, something potentially unsettling was quietly unfolding in Inazuma.
However, within Liyue Harbor, A Bite of Liyue had already drawn the attention of countless people, and the reason was impossible to ignore. With the blessing of the legendary kitchenware, the aroma produced by each dish had become overwhelmingly rich, drifting far beyond the venue and drawing in passersby who followed the scent out of sheer curiosity.
As one dish after another was completed, the fragrance layered upon itself, spreading further across the city. Even prominent figures within Liyue Harbor began to take notice and made their way toward the source of this unusual phenomenon.
"Oh my, oh my… this really is…"
Standing atop a tall building, Tartaglia gazed down at the competition venue below, his expression carrying a mix of interest and faint envy. He smacked his lips lightly, clearly tempted, because even from this distance, he could tell that the food being prepared was far beyond anything he usually encountered.
"Legendary kitchenware—I didn't expect the Raiden Shogun to have such capabilities," he muttered, half to himself, his tone thoughtful.
In his understanding, her expertise lay in forging weapons and crafting puppets, yet this development suggested something far more unusual.
He quickly connected the matter to Dottore. Based on his understanding, someone like Ill Dottore would undoubtedly take interest in such anomalous items.
However, given the current situation, Tartaglia knew that causing trouble in Inazuma was no longer a viable option. The consequences of provoking the Raiden Shogun again would be severe, especially after previous incidents.
Thinking through Dottore's past actions across multiple nations, Tartaglia could only shake his head slightly.
"He really does push things too far," he said quietly, choosing not to dwell on the matter further.
His attention soon returned to the competition below, and the envy in his eyes became more apparent.
"It's really nice. Whether it's Futsu Mitama or Mister Zhongli, they both get to eat such gourmet food," he said with a faint sigh. "I can only stand here and smell it. This is truly too unfair."
He lingered for a moment, clearly reluctant to leave.
Just then, a sharp sound cut through the air.
"Whoosh!"
A figure appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee.
"What is it?" Tartaglia asked immediately, his tone turning serious before the Debt Collector could even speak. He had already given strict instructions that he was not to be disturbed unless something important had occurred.
"The Lady has arrived," the subordinate replied respectfully.
"Lady?" Tartaglia frowned slightly, his expression showing clear displeasure. "What is she doing here at this time?"
The Debt Collector remained silent, as he had not been given further details. Seeing this, Tartaglia did not press the matter.
"Alright, alright. I thought I could relax a bit longer," he said, glancing once more at the competition below.
"It's a pity—it's already at the semi-final stage, and I won't even see the final result."
Despite his reluctance, he turned and left decisively, intending to find out what had brought her to Liyue Harbor so suddenly.
On the other side, the competition had reached its most intense stage.
The semi-finals, which also served as the final round, had begun.
The remaining four chefs—Chef Li from Xinyue Kiosk, Chef Zhang from Liuli Pavilion, Yan Xiao from Wangshu Inn, and Xiangling from Wanmin Restaurant—stood ready.
Their gazes met briefly, each revealing a strong sense of determination.
"The competition begins!"
With the secretary's announcement, the final round officially started.
Yan Xiao stepped forward first, but his condition was noticeably unstable. His movements lacked their usual precision, and it was clear that the pressure of the moment had affected him.
"What's wrong with Yan Xiao?" Futsu Mitama asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. "With his skill level, he shouldn't be like this."
"Too much pressure?" Lumine added, observing his hesitation.
"No," Zhongli replied calmly, shaking his head slightly. "The environment is affecting him. It's his first time participating in such an event, so it's understandable. However, if this continues, it would indeed be a pity."
Ningguang nodded in agreement, recognizing the issue. Even with the legendary kitchenware, a disturbed state of mind would inevitably lead to flaws in the final dish.
At that moment, a small figure suddenly appeared.
"Lululu~"
Guoba trotted forward with quick, determined steps and moved directly to Yan Xiao's side, beginning to assist him.
"Eh?"
The unexpected development caused a stir among the onlookers.
"This…" Ningguang's secretary hesitated and looked toward Ningguang for guidance, unsure how to proceed given the competition rules.
Ningguang turned slightly and looked at Futsu Mitama. "Futsu Mitama, what do you think?"
"Me?" Futsu Mitama seemed momentarily surprised before answering. "As long as the two parties involved don't mind, then it's fine."
"The two parties involved?" Ningguang repeated.
"Yan Xiao and Xiangling," Futsu Mitama explained. "If they have no objections, then others shouldn't interfere."
"Good." Ningguang nodded slightly and looked toward her secretary.
Before any formal announcement could be made, Xiangling spoke up.
"I don't mind!" she said immediately, raising her hand. "Guoba can help if he wants."
Her response was straightforward and without hesitation. As a chef, she valued the quality of the dish above all else, and she had no interest in winning due to another's disadvantage.
Yan Xiao, visibly relieved, gave a grateful smile. "Thank you."
With Guoba's assistance and his own efforts to regain composure, Yan Xiao gradually stabilized. Before long, his three dishes were completed.
The dishes were Almond Tofu, Golden Shrimp Balls, and Adeptus' Temptation.
The first to be presented was the Almond Tofu.
As it was placed before the judges, a gentle yet rich aroma spread outward. Its appearance was refined and delicate, resembling polished jade, with a texture so smooth that it seemed almost too perfect to disturb.
Lumine picked up her chopsticks first and took a bite.
In that instant, her expression changed. Her eyes widened slightly as memories surfaced within her mind—moments with her brother, her travels with Paimon, and her time in Liyue Harbor. These scenes intertwined into something warm and vivid, drawing her into a quiet, dreamlike state.
Unconsciously, tears fell from her eyes.
"…I…"
She covered her mouth, clearly surprised by her own reaction.
Seeing this, Futsu Mitama also tasted the dish. As the flavor spread, he too experienced something unusual—visions that did not belong to reality, yet felt strangely comforting.
Zhongli and Ningguang followed, tasting the dish as well. Both of them showed subtle changes in expression, as if momentarily drawn into their own thoughts.
After a short while, the four of them returned to their senses.
"A beautiful dream," Zhongli said quietly, letting out a soft sigh.
"Yes," Ningguang agreed, her tone carrying a trace of emotion. "To think that such a dish could achieve this—"
When the scores were announced, there was no hesitation.
All four judges gave full marks.
Forty points.
The highest possible score.
As the result settled, attention naturally shifted to the next dish—Golden Shrimp Balls—while Futsu Mitama quietly remembered his earlier promise to Keqing.
Of course, Futsu Mitama could not deliver it alone. He glanced at Zhongli and Lumine, and the three of them silently reached a mutual understanding. Using the Chat Group, they discreetly sent three Golden Shrimp Balls to Keqing, ensuring that she would not miss out on this dish.
After completing that small arrangement, they turned their attention back to the food before them.
"Delicious…"
The moment the Golden Shrimp Ball entered their mouths, a rich and satisfying taste spread instantly. It was not merely a matter of flavor; the sensation seemed to wash away fatigue itself, leaving behind a feeling of lightness and renewal. There was even a faint illusion that, if someone were to eat this after exhaustion or despair, they would regain the will to continue living.
Lumine's eyes lit up as she tasted it, and without hesitation, she gave it a full score. Futsu Mitama also nodded repeatedly, clearly enjoying the dish, and awarded it ten points as well.
Ningguang and Zhongli, however, remained composed.
"It is indeed excellent," Ningguang said slowly, placing her chopsticks down. "However, there is still a slight flaw."
Zhongli nodded in agreement. "During the deep-frying process, there was a moment of instability. A few pieces were slightly overcooked, which affected the final taste."
Yan Xiao's expression tightened slightly upon hearing this, but he did not refute it. He knew very well that in the earlier stage, due to his momentary fluster, he had made a minor mistake.
Although the flaw was subtle, it still existed.
"Nevertheless, it is still a remarkable dish," Ningguang added, her tone softening slightly. "Nine points."
"Nine points," Zhongli echoed calmly.
In the end, the Golden Shrimp Balls received two perfect scores and two nines. While it did not reach the flawless standard of the previous dish, it was still an extremely high evaluation.
Yan Xiao let out a quiet breath. There was no disappointment on his face, only a renewed sense of determination.
Then—the final dish.
Adeptus' Temptation.
The atmosphere around the venue subtly changed. Even before the dish was completed, the anticipation among both the judges and the audience had already reached its peak.
Yan Xiao stood before the pot, his expression serious. Compared to the previous dishes, he had invested far more time and effort into this one. The earlier mistake with the Golden Shrimp Balls had, in part, been due to the complexity of this dish, as it required careful coordination of multiple processes.
Now, everything came down to this final moment.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself.
Then, slowly—he lifted the lid.
In an instant, a radiant golden light burst forth from within the pot, illuminating the surroundings.
"This?!" Futsu Mitama's eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected that such a phenomenon would actually occur, as if the dish itself had transcended ordinary boundaries.
The light did not feel harsh; instead, it carried a warm and inviting presence, accompanied by an aroma so rich that it seemed to envelop the entire venue.
For a brief moment, no one spoke.
Even the surrounding noise seemed to fade.
Yan Xiao stood there, looking at the dish he had created. He knew clearly that this was likely the pinnacle of his current ability. Without the aid of the legendary kitchenware, he would not be able to reproduce something like this again in the near future.
Yet at this moment—none of that mattered.
Because before him was a dish that had reached its peak.
And before him were judges who would decide its value.
"Golden light?! What's going on?! Did Yan Xiao add elemental power to it?!"
Voices of shock rose from every corner of the venue as the dazzling light spread outward. The brilliance was so intense that many people instinctively narrowed their eyes, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing.
Soon, the light gradually faded.
What followed, however, was even more astonishing.
From within the Adeptus' Temptation, figures began to emerge.
They were not vague silhouettes, but clearly defined forms—Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, the Conqueror of Demons, and other Adeptus appeared one after another. Each figure looked lifelike, as if they had truly stepped out from another realm, causing the entire audience to fall into stunned silence.
For the people of Liyue, this sight carried immense meaning.
Some of the eliminated chefs who had remained to watch clenched their fists unconsciously, their eyes reddening. The mixture of envy, admiration, and unwillingness surged within them, because this scene alone was enough to be recorded in the culinary history of Teyvat.
Regardless of the final taste, the phenomenon itself had already surpassed ordinary understanding.
While the crowd was still immersed in shock, Futsu Mitama quietly used the Chat Group to record the scene. In his mind, there was no doubt that this moment would become the pinnacle of Yan Xiao's culinary career.
"Hmm, not bad."
Zhongli's reaction, in contrast, remained composed. He looked at the manifested Adeptus one by one, and for a brief moment, a trace of nostalgia passed through his eyes. Some of the figures before him were no longer present in reality, and yet they appeared vividly here.
This alone was enough to move him.
"Good! Good! Good!"
Ningguang's eyes brightened noticeably as she spoke, clearly impressed. Unlike others, her thoughts extended beyond the spectacle itself. She understood what this meant for the era of humans and Adeptus, and how such a display could influence public perception.
If a mere chef could create something akin to a miracle, then the value of human potential could no longer be questioned so easily.
Compared to her, Lumine and Futsu Mitama had far simpler reactions.
"That's… amazing," Lumine said softly, her gaze fixed on the scene.
"Yeah… seriously amazing," Futsu Mitama added, equally impressed.
Before long, the phenomenon dissipated, and the Adeptus figures vanished along with the lingering golden glow. However, the impact it left behind remained deeply etched in everyone's mind.
"Judges, please."
Yan Xiao's voice carried both excitement and confidence. As the four bowls of Adeptus' Temptation were placed before them, his expression showed no trace of hesitation. For the first two dishes, he had not been entirely certain, but for this one, he held absolute confidence.
"Alright."
Lumine picked up her bowl and took a sip of the soup.
In an instant, her expression changed.
The world around her seemed to shift, and she found herself standing within an unfamiliar yet serene landscape. The surroundings were filled with ethereal beauty, and in the distance, Adeptal Beasts moved freely. Trees bore unknown fruits, and the air carried a sense of tranquility.
She knew, rationally, that this was an illusion.
Even so, she reached out and picked one of the fruits, examining it briefly before placing it into her mouth.
"Crunch."
The sound was crisp and clear.
Lumine's eyes widened.
This was not merely an illusion. The taste was real—sweet, with a hint of tartness, completely distinct from the flavor of the dish itself. The sensation was so vivid that, for a moment, she could not distinguish whether she was still within the illusion or had stepped into another world.
Just as that thought arose, everything disappeared.
The surroundings returned to normal.
Without realizing it, she had already finished the entire bowl of Adeptus' Temptation.
"This…"
Lumine looked at the empty bowl in front of her, her expression filled with disbelief. The lingering taste of the fruit still remained in her mouth, and more surprisingly, she could feel a subtle recovery of her strength.
Though slight, it was undeniable.
She lifted her head and looked at Futsu Mitama, Zhongli, and Ningguang, only to find that they had also finished their portions.
"Hmm—" Futsu Mitama inhaled sharply, clearly shaken. "This…this is beyond imagination."
"Seemingly real, yet unreal. Both illusion and reality intertwined," Zhongli said slowly as he placed his bowl down. "Calling this Adeptus' Temptation is, perhaps, an understatement."
"Mr. Zhongli wishes to rename it?" Ningguang asked with a faint smile. "Perhaps— 'God's Temptation' or 'Archon's Temptation'?"
Zhongli smiled lightly but did not respond directly. His silence itself was an answer, as the dish had clearly exceeded even his expectations.
In his perception, the experience brought by this dish might not be entirely illusory. The world they had glimpsed could very well have a basis in something real, something beyond ordinary comprehension.
More importantly, he could feel that his own power had increased slightly.
It was minimal, but real.
For a being like him, even such a small change was significant.
When the scoring began, the outcome was unanimous.
"Ten points."
"Ten."
"Ten."
"Ten."
Ningguang even added, "This dish has already surpassed the limits of what scores can measure."
The result was clear to everyone present.
Unless another dish of equal or greater impact appeared, the champion of A Bite of Liyue had already been decided.
Xiangling and the other chefs showed no objection. They understood that this was not something that could be surpassed easily, and acknowledging it was part of their respect as chefs.
Afterward, the competition continued.
Futsu Mitama and the others watched with interest, curious whether the remaining chefs could create something comparable.
At the same time, a small interlude occurred.
Since Yan Xiao had prepared a full pot of Adeptus' Temptation, the four bowls served to the judges barely made a dent. With Ningguang's approval, Futsu Mitama took most of the remaining portion, leaving some behind for the Liyue Qixing.
"I'll deliver this," Futsu Mitama said, already planning his next move.
Ningguang nodded, understanding his intent. Given his connections, it was only natural for him to share such a dish with Rex Lapis and the Adeptus.
As the competition progressed, the focus shifted to the remaining chefs.
In the end, although several excellent dishes were presented, none reached the same level of phenomenon as Yan Xiao's creation. Only Xiangling's Spicy Meat Wonton displayed a unique effect, recreating scenes of early Liyue's founding and evoking a deep sense of warmth.
However, both its impact and taste still fell short of Adeptus' Temptation.
Thus, the final result was determined.
The champion of A Bite of Liyue—Yan Xiao.
The runner-up—Xiangling.
Yan Xiao stood there in disbelief, unable to fully process his victory, while Xiangling happily hugged Guoba, clearly delighted with her achievement.
Before entering the competition, she had only expected to place somewhere within the top ten.
Reaching second place had already exceeded her expectations.
Because no matter in terms of seniority or culinary skill, although she already had a certain reputation, Xiangling still believed she was not yet comparable to the true culinary masters of Liyue Harbor. For her to reach second place in such a competition was something she had never expected, and the result naturally filled her with genuine joy.
However, while some celebrated, others fell into doubt.
"That shouldn't be—" one of the chefs muttered under his breath.
"Why? Why can't we create it?" another added, his tone filled with frustration.
The two chefs from Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion stood there, clearly shaken. They had used the same legendary kitchenware, selected the finest ingredients, and applied techniques refined over many years. Their dishes were undoubtedly excellent in taste, yet they failed to produce any unique phenomenon.
This gap left them unable to understand.
Had they grown old? Had their skills stagnated? Or had the era already begun to favor the younger generation?
Yet even that reasoning did not hold completely true. Yan Xiao was not significantly younger than them, and his foundation was not fundamentally different. The question remained—what exactly had they lacked?
As their thoughts spiraled, a sense of self-doubt quietly took root.
Seeing this, Zhongli spoke calmly, offering an explanation.
"You have mastered your craft," he said, his tone steady. "However, mastery alone is not enough. Over time, repetition has dulled your intent to progress further."
The two chefs fell silent, listening intently.
"You know how to make your dishes well," Zhongli continued, "but you no longer seek to surpass them. Your focus has shifted from creation to perfection, and in doing so, you have limited your own potential."
He paused briefly before adding another point.
"Yan Xiao and Xiangling are different. They do not pursue reputation, nor do they concern themselves with status. Their only focus is how to make their dishes better."
Ningguang glanced at him, understanding the deeper implication behind his words.
"And perhaps," Zhongli said, "the legendary kitchenware itself carries a form of resonance. It responds not only to technique, but to the intent of the one who uses it."
"The intent you both lacked—was precisely that."
The two chefs from Xinyue Kiosk and Liuli Pavilion exchanged glances, their expressions gradually shifting. The confusion in their eyes slowly gave way to understanding, as if a barrier in their minds had been broken.
"I see…" one of them murmured.
"So that's the difference…" the other added quietly.
Even so, their disappointment did not linger long. They knew that reaching the top four already proved their ability, and more importantly, the opportunity to participate in the research on Primo Geovishap meat remained open to them.
Xiangling and Yan Xiao, for their part, showed no arrogance. Instead, they actively sought guidance from the other chefs, maintaining the same humility they had always possessed.
With that, the event reached its conclusion.
"Thus, A Bite of Liyue officially comes to an end."
With the announcement from Ningguang's secretary, the competition concluded on a high note.
The spectators were still immersed in the excitement, many expressing their hope that such an event would be held again in the future. For them, this so-called "small gathering" had far exceeded expectations.
The chefs, meanwhile, were filled with admiration for the legendary kitchenware. Some had already begun considering a journey to Inazuma, hoping to learn more about its origins and perhaps further improve their own skills.
Even the visiting travelers found the experience unforgettable, having witnessed something far beyond an ordinary culinary competition.
As for the judges, they were equally satisfied.
Futsu Mitama, Lumine, Zhongli, and Ningguang had all experienced a wide range of extraordinary dishes, each leaving its own impression.
Xiangling, too, was delighted. With the combined efforts of the top chefs, she was confident that a dish worthy of the Primo Geovishap would soon be created.
Everything had ended on a harmonious note.
Except for some small details.
Paimon was still asleep.
While far away, in Tenshukaku of Inazuma, flames were already beginning to rise.