Chapter 26: Laying the Foundation

The guild hall buzzed with activity as Zhang Ye's plan took effect. The transformation of the district had begun, and the first step was turning the guild into something far greater—a Culinary Academy of Power.

Zhang Ye stood in the courtyard, watching as guild members worked tirelessly. Wooden training dummies were being set up, supply routes were being secured, and a portion of the hall was being converted into a large-scale kitchen capable of producing meals for hundreds.

Kai wiped sweat from his forehead. "Are we really doing this? An academy in the middle of a warzone?"

Zhang Ye smirked. "If we wait for peace to start building, we'll never build at all."

Linna approached, arms crossed. "We've secured enough resources to begin training recruits, but we still need more skilled instructors. Right now, the only ones qualified to teach cooking with combat applications are… well, you."

Zhang Ye had expected this. The world had long overlooked the power of food, dismissing cooks as mere support roles. But he would change that.

"We start with what we have," he said. "Combat cooks, elixir chefs, and enhancement specialists. I'll personally train the first generation."

Kai grinned. "So, you're officially a headmaster now?"

Zhang Ye chuckled. "More like a chef with a very demanding kitchen."

At that moment, a notification flashed in his vision.

[New Skill Unlocked: Grandmaster's Teaching.]

[Effect: Increases training speed for disciples learning under you. Allows you to see their hidden potential and best paths for growth.]

Zhang Ye's eyes gleamed. This ability would allow him to shape true masters, warriors who wielded cooking as both a craft and a weapon.

Elira approached, a letter in hand. "We just received a message… from the Crimson Sovereign Clan."

The atmosphere turned heavy.

She unfolded the letter and read aloud:

"Zhang Ye, the so-called Divine Chef, you have disrupted the balance of power with your reckless actions. We offer you a choice—submit and serve us, or watch your little 'academy' burn before it even begins. You have three days to decide."

Silence fell over the courtyard.

Kai clenched his fists. "Those bastards… They really think they can scare us?"

Linna shook her head. "This was expected. They don't want a war; they want Zhang Ye's abilities."

Elira met Zhang Ye's gaze. "So, what's the reply?"

Zhang Ye exhaled slowly, then looked around at his people—the guild members who had fought beside him, the new recruits who had come seeking strength, and the countless civilians who now placed their hopes in him.

He smiled.

"We don't reply with words." He turned to the recruits. "We reply by building something they can't destroy."

He walked toward the kitchen, flames igniting beneath the first stove. The scent of ingredients filled the air, marking the beginning of a revolution.

The Crimson Sovereign Clan had given him three days.

In that time, he would forge an academy that would shake the world.