Chapter 4: Food Fight and Spirit Battle

"Spirit Chef Association... found it!"

After several subway changes following the directions on his phone, Qin Lang let out a sigh of relief, looking at the spectacular building with a unique design in the distance.

"Glug, glug~"

Dan Bao's oval-shaped tail swayed in the air, forming circles in its wake. The yolk-like head rotated swiftly within its body, radiating an eager anticipation.

Throughout the journey, this adorable little creature had attracted quite a lot of attention.

According to incomplete statistics, the number of Spirit Chefs in the Food Spirit World made up only one percent of the total population.

Even so, Dan Bao was particularly endearing.

"Got it," Qin Lang prodded Dan Bao's rotund body, "we're going to register now."

"It's said that once you officially register as a Spirit Chef, you can buy ingredients through the Spirit Chef Association's channels at a ten percent discount, with no delivery charges. Plus, there are certain ingredients that you can only get from the Association."

As he said this, a look of anticipation suddenly spread across his face.

For a chef, what could possibly be more exciting than quality ingredients?

Surely it's discounted ingredients with free delivery!

When he arrived at the entrance door of the Spirit Chef Association, the prominent signboard caught his eye with eight shining characters written on it: Dongxia City Spiritual Chef Association.

Dongxia City, Tianhua State, was where Qin Lang was now.

In confident strides, Qin Lang walked into the Spirit Chef Association through its automatically open gate.

The path to becoming a Spirit Chef begins here!

...

"The journey of a Spirit Chef begins here!"

Inside the Dongxia City Spirit Chef Association, a young man with bushy eyebrows held his Food Spirit in one arm and in the other, his newly awarded Spirit Chef Badge. His face held a fervent determination.

After two grueling years of culinary lessons under his father's strict supervision, he had finally mastered his family's heirloom dish and given birth to his own Food Spirit!

"I want to make a declaration to all the Spirit Chefs in the world." The young man's eyes brimmed with what people often call a "chuuni syndrome," - "The greatest Food Spirit trainer, no, master trainer!"

"That person is me!"

"Splash~"

The Food Spirit cradled in the young man's arms also revealed its excitement at this moment.

It was going to be the Food Spirit of the most powerful Food Spirit trainer!

"To make a Food Spirit stronger, you need to keep fighting," the young man gazed at his gleaming Spirit Chef Badge with eyes brighter than the badge itself, "Now that I'm an official Spirit Chef, I can challenge other Spirit Chefs through the Association's channels!"

His gaze rapidly scanned the surroundings, "Let's see who's worthy to become the future food spirit training master's first opponent!"

"Hmm... That three-star Food Spirit over there is too strong, let's find another one!"

"That one's a two-star Food Spirit... let's change again!"

"Huh?" The young man quickly focused on a figure who had just entered the Association.

A one-star Food Spirit was fluttering beside him.

He's the one!

The young man bobbed his head forcefully, then quickly strode towards the newly arrived Qin Lang.

...

"Hello, I'd like to inquire about the Spirit Chef registration..." Qin Lang approached a staff member at the entrance, intending to learn about the registration process when another hand grabbed him.

"My name is Zhao Chen. Please fight a Food Spirit battle with me!"

Qin Lang: "???"

He turned to look at the young man who appeared a few years younger than him, a puzzled expression on his face.

"If you're not familiar with the rules of a Food Spirit battle, I can explain it to you!" Zhao Chen eagerly began.

"I know." Qin Lang waved dismissively.

He had looked up this part in a book before coming here.

There are two types of Spirit Battles.

The first involves the Food Spirit assisting the Spirit Chef in cooking. The final dish determines the outcome of the battle.

The second type is a combat battle, with the Spirit Chef and Food Spirit fighting together and the result of the combat deciding the winner.

The former is referred to as the Food Fight, and the latter is the Spirit Battle.

No matter the result of the Food Spirit Battle, it can always speed up the growth of the Food Spirit, and quickly enhance the Food Spirit Star Level.

Therefore, to promote the growth of their own Food Spirits as quickly as possible, Food Spirit Battles are very common in this world.

But before that...

"If I'm not mistaken, an unregistered Spirit Chef can't engage in Food Spirit battles. And I haven't registered yet," Qin Lang said calmly, "Could you tell me where to register?"

"No problem!" Zhao Chen's eyes lit up even more.

It seems this person, just like him, has just formed a Food Spirit.

This kind of guy, is just right to be his first opponent!

"I'll take you there! It's right over there!"

He enthusiastically led Qin Lang towards the registration counter.

Once the registration is complete, he can battle with this opponent!

Thinking of this, Zhao Chen quickened his pace.

Qin Lang silently followed, nodding in satisfaction.

That's good, no need to bother the staff member anymore.

As for the battle with this little guy...

If it's a Food Fight, he would be interested in giving it a try.

If it's a Spirit Battle....

Definitely next time.

The registration process for a Spirit Chef isn't complicated, you just need to prove that you indeed have a Food Spirit and have formed a contract with it.

After recording his identity information, a brand new Spirit Chef Badge was quickly handed to Qin Lang by the staff member.

"Hello! This is your Spirit Chef Badge. Please keep it safe. If it gets lost, you can report the loss and replace it at any Spirit Chef Association." The staff politely said with a sweet smile. "The back of the badge has your unique Spirit Chef number."

Qin Lang glanced at the number on the back of the badge, nodding slightly, he then asked, "With this badge, I can enjoy a 10% discount on ingredients and have them shipped for free, right?"

"Yes." The staff member nodded, "You can use the Spirit Chef Badge to enter the Association's certified Food Material Market to buy ingredients. All ingredients are sold at 10% off the market price, and you also can enjoy free delivery to your door."

Hearing the staff member confirm these perks, Qin Lang nodded in satisfaction, "Thank you."

Having received his badge, he prepared to leave.

"Okay, fight me quickly!" Zhao Chen can't wait anymore.

Oh right, almost forgot about this matter.

Qin Lang looked at Zhao Chen, "Food Fight or Spirit Battle?"

"Of course, it's a Spirit Battle!" Zhao Chen said without any hesitation, "A true man's fight must be a bare-knuckled one!"

Qin Lang turned around, "Thank you for your help, see you next time!"

Huh?

Zhao Chen just stood there, blankly looking at Qin Lang's retreating figure.

This guy... does not want to fight with me?

At this moment, a flash of insight came into Zhao Chen's not-so-bright mind.

He remembered Qin Lang had specifically asked if he could get a discount on ingredients and free shipping when he received his Spirit Chef Badge.

A moment of illumination hit him, and he suddenly said.

"If you win against me, I'll give you a thousand dollars!"

Qin Lang's steps stopped suddenly.

A thousand dollars, that almost covers the cost of the ingredients for Boiled Cabbage with Water.

"Dan Bao, what do you think?"

"Gululu~"

The only response he received was an excited sound from Dan Bao.

Well then.

Qin Lang silently walked up to Zhao Chen.

"Come."