The Flavors of Another World

CHAPTER 4 The Flavors of Another World

"I had to keep it secret for our benefit, Xiner," Sanjeev explained, his voice laced with genuine regret. "I apologize."

Xiner's face softened, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Alright, alright. Just promise me, next time, you'll tell me everything. After all, I'm going to be your wife."

"Maa kasam," Sanjeev replied, a familiar phrase slipping out.

Xiner tilted her head, a curious expression on her face. "What does that mean?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Sanjeev said, waving his hand dismissively. "Never mind."

He changed the subject. "Shall we explore the market? I've been wanting to see the city."

Xiner's eyes lit up, and they set off, venturing into the bustling marketplace. It was Sanjeev's first real glimpse of this world beyond the Xue family compound. The sights, sounds, and smells were a vibrant tapestry of the unfamiliar.

They stopped at a local eatery, and Sanjeev ordered a variety of vegetarian dishes. Xiner raised an eyebrow. "When did you become a vegetarian?"

"After realizing the truth of life," Sanjeev replied, his gaze drifting off into the distance.

"The truth of life?" Xiner asked, intrigued.

Sanjeev smiled enigmatically. "It's a long story, one you might not understand just yet. I'll tell you someday."

Xiner, deciding not to press the matter, asked, "What do you want to eat now?"

"Chapati and Shahi Paneer," Sanjeev said, his mouth watering at the thought.

Xiner's brow furrowed. "I've never heard of those dishes."

"Then let's go home, and I'll make them for you," Sanjeev suggested.

They purchased an array of spices from the market, and upon returning to the Xue residence, Sanjeev began preparing his meal. "I'll need cow's milk," he said.

Xiner looked surprised. "Cow's milk? No one drinks that here."

"I need it to make paneer," Sanjeev explained. "It's a type of cheese."

"Alright," Xiner said. "I'll get some."

Sanjeev headed to the spiritual animal enclosure, where the Xue family's spiritual cow resided. The beast, sensing a stranger, snorted and pawed the ground, preparing to attack.

Remembering his newfound strength, Sanjeev met the cow's charge head-on. His fist connected with the creature's flank, sending a shockwave through its body. The cow retaliated, its massive form slamming into Sanjeev. He braced himself, stopping the beast with his bare hands. Gathering his spiritual energy, he formed a shimmering hand and subdued the cow. He then quickly milked the creature.

Back in the kitchen, Sanjeev boiled the milk and added lemon juice, causing it to curdle. He then pressed the curds into paneer, chopped it into cubes, and fried them until golden brown. He ground the spices he had purchased, creating a fragrant paste. Then, he added water and more spices, frying the paste again before adding the paneer cubes. While the gravy simmered, he prepared chapatis, cooking them on a hot griddle.

He presented the finished dishes to Xiner. The aroma alone was intoxicating.

"This smells amazing," Xiner said, her eyes wide with anticipation. "When did you learn to cook like this?"

"Back when I didn't have cultivation power," Sanjeev replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Xiner took a bite, her eyes fluttering closed. The explosion of flavors was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was as if she were floating on a cloud, a gentle rain of spices washing over her. She was lost in a realm of pure culinary bliss.

"What's wrong?" Sanjeev asked, noticing her trance-like state.

"This… this is incredible!" Xiner exclaimed. "I've never tasted anything like it. You have to enter the Spiritual Food Contest!"

"Spiritual Food Contest?" Sanjeev asked, intrigued.

"It's a competition where chefs use spiritual energy to enhance their dishes," Xiner explained. "Judges score the food, and if you win, you become a One-Star Spiritual Food Master. In our continent, their reputation is comparable to that of an Alchemist Master."

"How many stages are there?" Sanjeev asked.

Eight stages, with a legendary ninth rank," Xiner explained, her gaze fixed on Sanjeev. "A rank that has only been attained once, and then…silence. Some say the one who reached it ascended, others claim it's a fable. Regardless, it's a peak few even dare to dream of. But looking at you, Sanjeev, I see a fire that burns brighter than any I've witnessed. You're not just thinking of winning, are you? You're thinking of reaching the unreachable."

Sanjeev's eyes gleamed with determination. "Then I'll participate and become a One-Star Spiritual Food Master."