Reborn in Japan as a Chef God
Chapter 391 - 390: The Return of "Shura

Chapter 391: Chapter 390: The Return of "Shura

July 30.

The first day of Far Moon’s summer break was also the night of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival.

Meanwhile, in Far Moon Academy,

At the Tiqie Mansion, the almost once-a-year gathering of Far Moon Board members was taking place.

Tiqie Xianzuowen sat with arms crossed at the head of the table, flanked on either side by two elderly men with similar white hair.

These were the General’s deputies, the Majors.

Having gained top Super Chef status through their accumulated years, they had, however, due to age, lost their edge and ambition, making it impossible for them to reach the Qilin Realm in their lifetime.

Further down the line, the board members were increasingly younger.

With one row on the left and one on the right, each with five seats, plus Tiqie Xianzuowen, Far Moon’s most mysterious board had a total of eleven members.

Dojima Yin was also there, but he could only sit at the very end. In terms of competence, he should have been near Xianzuowen, but ultimately, he was too young. Arbitrarily changing seats might cause turmoil in the board, so after discussing with the Far Moon Commander, he willingly took the last seat.

Once he truly ascended to Lin Chef status, being more forward in seating would happen naturally, and no one would dare to object.

"I heard that the guy known as ’Shura’ is back?"

Beside him, a middle-aged man whose age was similar to Dojima Yin’s asked in a low voice.

This was Tiqie Xianzuowen’s real son, Tiqie Zongwei.

"Yes, he’s back!"

Dojima Yin had just responded when a series of steady footsteps echoed down the hallway.

The tea room fell silent.

A middle-aged man with long red hair, robust build, wearing ordinary casual clothes—a black T-shirt on top and jeans below, with both hands in his pockets—strolled in.

"Cheng Yilang!"

The Far Moon Commander spoke up.

This man was none other than Xingping Chuangzhen’s dad, originally named Saito Chiyokuro, known within Far Moon as such rather than Xingping Cheng Yilang.

"Commander! Long time no see!"

To the Food Demon King of the Neon food world, Saito Chiyokuro expressed his respect.

Hailing from Far Moon, he bore the inevitable mark of Far Moon.

Moreover, several years ago, Saito Chiyokuro had joined the mysterious Far Moon Board, silencing the old guard with his strength, crushing all rumors and gossip.

Although Saito Chiyokuro took a seat, everyone’s eyes remained fixed on him, with expressions of seriousness and astonishment on their faces.

Dojima Yin couldn’t help but ask his schoolmate and close friend,

"Cheng Yilang, is it possible... you’ve already touched the ’Qilin’ level?"

The elite chefs present could sense a certain "force" emanating from Saito Chiyokuro.

Even without a Food Duel, this "force" seemed to suppress their spirit and restrain their culinary hearts.

Imagine that, in a Food Duel, if Saito Chiyokuro imbued this "force" into his dish, whether served first or later, allowing the judges to taste it, wouldn’t that just collapse the realm of their cuisine and their culinary world?

An oppression from on high!

All the Super Chefs present felt immense psychological pressure.

Even Tiqie Xianzuowen kept a close eye on Saito Chiyokuro, awaiting his answer.

"Just with one foot halfway through the door..." Saito Chiyokuro laughed lightly as he scratched his head, revealing a hint of Xingping Chuangzhen’s mannerisms.

In his words, half a step into the Qilin Mastery seemed like nothing worth mentioning.

However,

As soon as he finished speaking, there was an audible intake of breath in the teahouse.

Dojima Yin and Tiqie Zongwei exchanged a glance, both shocked and delighted.

It seemed their Far Moon Lineage would soon shake off past gloom and add a new Lin Chef, truly rivaling Shi Lin Temple!

"And Shigong has already passed the two rounds of the Chiyoda Shrine summer training class assessments. I’m confident he’ll pass the autumn or winter Super Chef exam!" Dojima Yin thought, eyes full of infinite anticipation.

Of past graduates, has a Super Chef finally emerged?

"The gem generation..."

Dojima Yin murmured, recalling the faces of the Ten Elites of this generation and those at the top of the autumn selection’s 60-person list of freshmen.

It could be expected that Super Chefs among Far Moon students of this generation would spring up like mushrooms after the rain.

Far Moon’s two decades of hard work had finally borne fruit.

Digesting the news of Saito Chiyokuro’s strong return, Tiqie Xianzuowen said, "There are three topics for discussion at this gathering."

"First, the ’autumn selection’ list."

"Second, the Chinese Chef Association’s subsidiary, the Hong Kong Chef Alliance, will send an exchange group, led by Guan Xingchen..."

There was a murmur upon hearing that.

Upon hearing the name Guan Xingchen, Saito Chiyokuro frowned and said, "That Hong Kong Cantonese Cuisine King, the Lin Chef?"

"Precisely."

Tiqie Xianzuowen nodded, squinting his eyes, "This exchange group’s sudden arrival was unexpected; I hadn’t received any prior notice until yesterday. I think it might be related to our third topic..."

"Tomorrow’s Food Duel?"

Board members exchanged glances.

The Neon food world, much like Neon’s entertainment scene, was, to put it bluntly, playing by itself—a ground of closure.

Yet, this contest between two strongest geniuses had caught the attention of a neighboring country, who sent a team for observation.

But upon reflection, it made sense.

Sixteen-year-old Super Chefs were rare geniuses even on the profound Chinese Land.

Although not matching Liu Maoxing or Rein from a hundred years ago, they still attracted the attention of the Chinese Chef Association.

"Hmph!"

Upon realization, Dojima Yin crossed his arms, a faint smile appearing on his lips as he said, "I think they’ve come to probe. First, to confirm the truth of the matter, and second, to explore that kid’s identity and background, determining his national affiliation."

"The third step is recruitment... or elimination!"

Elimination, huh?

Many board members nodded, acknowledging the great possibility.

The Chinese Cuisine World operated with a vastly different style from the contemporary government, exceedingly assertive.

Of course, this style was also related to that Heavenly King, who, as the leader ruling a nation’s cuisine realm with global ambition, had his style become the style of the Chinese Cuisine World.

Tiqie Xianzuowen’s eyes revealed a hint of concern.

Did that old friend leak any information?

Otherwise, why would the Chinese Chef Association focus on Neon, arriving so fiercely?

"This Food Duel, which has drawn considerable attention, even international attention, is set to take place in Far Moon’s proudly iconic venue building—Between the Moon and the Sky!"

"The time for the Food Duel has been changed from 3 PM to 6 PM, lasting a total of 3 hours, ending at 9 PM!"

"Tomorrow, all board members must attend!"

While discussing the third Food Duel topic, Tiqie Xianzuowen said gravely, "It is time for Far Moon to flex its muscles!"

Coincidently, with the good news of Saito Chiyokuro touching upon Qilin Mastery,

Everyone agreed surprisingly unanimously.

Yes indeed.

It was high time to issue a warning to those attempting to challenge Far Moon’s throne.

...

In the dead of night,

The fireworks festival had ended, the trains had stopped running, yet many men and women still wandered the streets.

Hotels and inns were undoubtedly packed tonight.

Uesugi Izakaya.

"Thank you!" Uesugi Tetsuya repressed his excitement, bowing deeply to Xia Yu. Just half an hour ago, good news came from the Sumida River Chef Association. After tallying, Uesugi Izakaya stood out from this year’s fireworks cuisine award, leaving countless restaurants behind.

"Actually, I came with a different motive!"

Xia Yu patted the young man’s shoulder, the fox mask remaining on his face all night, "I hope you don’t disgrace the flagship restaurant of Sumida River... Oh, and let’s exchange contact information. If you run into any culinary challenges, feel free to reach out to me."

He took out his phone and waved it.

Facing an idol of sorts, Uesugi Tetsuya, excitedly added Xia Yu’s personal number and his LINE friend.

Thus,

When the youngster saw his friend’s details, his eyes widened, and pointing at Xia Yu, he exclaimed, "You, you are..."

Shh!

Prepared, Xia Yu simply raised a finger with a smile, waving him off.

"Makki, you wait outside. I’ll go say goodbye to another friend."

Uesugi Tetsuya, gripping his phone with trembling hands, held it close with a fanboyish devotion and admiration, watching Xia Yu walk to the darkness next door.

A tree obscured his view.

"Xia Yu! He’s Xia Yu!" Uesugi Tetsuya kept murmuring, "I also want to inherit my family’s restaurant, so that one day, the entire Neon Food World will take notice!"

Leaning against the tree, Xia Yu found the shrine entangled by the tree roots.

He checked the task completion prompt.

A modest task.

Three [Spirit Talismans] acquired. He’d better store these away for now.

"Are you here..."

He had just spoken when he noticed a woman in a kimono emerge from the tree, appearing much more substantial than a few hours ago, quite an odd sight.

"Thank you!"

The gentle-faced woman bowed, "Please also thank your female companion for me. Even if no one worships me in the future, I can still exist for much longer now."

Xia Yu glanced at the stone shrine’s front.

At some point, a second bowl had been placed before the shrine, loaded with takoyaki.

"This is my small token of appreciation, please accept it. I hope it can aid you." The woman, light-footed, came forward, handing Xia Yu a plant.

"Perilla?"

Noticing the plant in the Female Land God’s hands, Xia Yu was astonished.

From the outside, it looked like a common perilla plant, with one or two having bloomed and produced seeds.

Though puzzled, Xia Yu accepted it.

The woman watched him walk away, remaining silent as she gradually faded from view.

Returning to the alley, he called out to Makki, Eriina, and Hizaki, "Let’s go, it’s getting late, time to go home—"

Thankfully, they hadn’t taken the train here, or else they’d be stuck overnight.

Heading to the parking area among the buildings,

Tiqie Eriina pointed at a hotel concealed in the streets between the buildings. Watching many couples who had attended the fireworks festival walking hand in hand, she asked naively, "Is that a hotel?"

Morioka Makki and Niho Fuyuka looked over, immediately blushing upon seeing the hotel sign.

"That’s a love hotel!"

Xia Yu cast a playful glance at Tiqie Eriina.

This gaze was immediately interpreted as having impure intentions, and she instinctively shrank back, scolding in embarrassment, "Pervert—"

Apparently, Eriina wasn’t entirely ignorant.

She knew what love hotels were, the love-making sanctuaries of Neon.

Xia Yu merely chuckled softly twice.

At present, his mind was filled with thoughts of the next day’s Food Duel and the final piece of the "killer" recipe.

"Sauce, huh..."

Looking down at the perilla in the transparent plastic bag, Xia Yu was thoughtful.

Perilla leaves and seeds were medicinal herbs, yet edible.

And Xia Yu had once considered a perilla leaf sauce, planning to communicate with the Chef God Space upon returning and delve into it deeper.