Black Dragon Continent, Imperial City of the Dragon Fang Empire
The Imperial City of the Black Dragon Empire stood as the beating heart of the Black Dragon Continent, ruled by the Imperial Family, its influence stretching across land and sea. At its core, the Imperial Palace loomed atop a mountain of black stone, its towers carved from obsidian and gold, twisting skyward like the fangs of the great dragons the empire was named after. Red banners emblazoned with the Imperial Crest—a golden dragon devouring the sun—fluttered in the wind, declaring the power of the ruling dynasty to all who dared look upon them.
The streets pulsed with life, and the endless movement of people from the slums to the Heavenly District created a constant roar of noise that never truly faded. One could pass rows of vendors and restaurants, their voices rising in a rhythmic chorus as they called out their specialties—glowing broth bubbling in clay pots, seared spirit beast meat dripping with fragrant oils, steamed buns stuffed with exotic fillings from the farthest reaches of the continent. The scent of these dishes, thick with spices and fire, wrapped around the city like an invisible fog, clinging to clothes and filling the lungs of every passerby.
Or, one could just as easily step past a butcher's alley, where the walls and cobblestone roads were stained dark with blood, a testament to the endless arrival of hunters and cultivators returning from the wilderness with their kills. Massive slabs of freshly carved monster meat hung from iron hooks, some still faintly twitching with lingering Qi. Their unnatural size and colors made them far more dangerous prey than the cattle and poultry of lesser lands.
Near the northern city gates, on the lower end of Crush Fang Quarter—the empire's largest and roughest district, home to commoners, low-level cultivators, street chefs, and wandering warriors—stood a part of the city where law was dictated not by Imperial decree, but by strength, wit, and the ability to survive. The deeper one ventured into its slum-ridden alleys, the more the streets grew narrow, the buildings haphazardly constructed, stacked atop one another like an afterthought, the smell of sweat, oil, and burning wood hanging in the air.
Wedged between crumbling homes and makeshift markets stood a house-restaurant that barely passed as an establishment. The foundation was sturdy but warped with age, wooden beams reinforced with mismatched planks, as if pieced together from the remains of better, wealthier buildings. The entrance, a simple bamboo curtain swaying gently in the breeze, revealed the faint glow of an old iron stove, its fire forever burning, and the heavy scent of oil, seared meat, and something uniquely intoxicating—a mix of blood, spice, and Qi-infused energy. It wasn't the biggest or the cleanest restaurant in the city, but those who knew its name whispered about it with an almost reverent hunger.
Next to the house-restaurant, two beasts of unusual lineage lay sprawled in the warmth of the early afternoon sun. One, a canine creature with sleek black fur, red markings beneath its eyes, and white tiger-like stripes, rested lazily, its long tail curled around itself, magenta claws lazily flexing against the stone beneath it. Upon its massive head lay a feline beast, smaller in size but no less striking, its fur an intricate mix of leopard spots and tiger stripes, its twin fox-like tails flicking idly as it slumbered.
And our story begins inside that worn-down, barely standing restaurant, amidst the scent of fire and steel, the scrape of knives against cutting boards, and the bubbling broth too rich to be simple mortal fare.
A man walked out of the house towards the two magic beasts, stretching his arms with a lazy groan as the morning sun cast a golden hue over the slum-ridden alley. His muscular frame was wrapped in a loose, sleeveless tunic, exposing dark skin marked with intricate black tribal tattoos that ran down both of his arms. His cornrowed long hair swayed slightly as he rolled his shoulders, the scent of oil, smoke, and charred spices still clinging to him from a long night spent over the stove.
His golden earrings glinted as he stepped forward, bare feet padding against the cracked stone road. Slung over his shoulder was a massive butcher's cleaver/bastard sword, its broad steel surface gleaming faintly with traces of lingering Qi energy, a testament to both its craftsmanship and its frequent use.
The canine beast stirred first, opening one blood-red eye before letting out a huff, clearly uninterested in his presence. The feline resting atop its head yawned, stretching out its striped and spotted limbs before lazily flicking its twin fox-like tails.
"Y'all act like I ain't the one feeding you," Gazei muttered, rubbing the back of his neck before glancing at the two creatures. "Lazy bastards."
The canine flicked an ear. The feline blinked at him slowly, then promptly rolled over, completely ignoring him
Gazei clicked his tongue.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Y'all want breakfast or not?"
That got their attention.
The wolf-like beast's tail thumped once against the ground, while the feline's ears perked up, its eyes flashing with the faintest spark of anticipation.
"Thought so," Gazei smirked.
With a casual snap of his fingers, a massive rhino-like beast materialized onto a white cutting board, its body frozen in stasis, suspended in the moment it had been butchered and preserved through spatial storage. The beast's thick, slate-gray hide gleamed under the morning light, its muscular frame layered with a dense, marbled fat known as Crimson Beast Tallow—a highly sought-after ingredient that rivaled the finest cuts of spirit-infused Wagyu. This particular beast, a Mountain Ironhorn, was famed for its resilience in battle and the nutrient-rich energy stored within its flesh.
Gazei ran a hand along the side of the carcass, feeling the thick balance of meat and fat beneath his fingers. It was perfect for slow-roasting, bone broths, or seared cuts meant to fortify a warrior's endurance. The intestines were filled with homemade and totally not stolen dog chow, marrowbone rice, rich pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and celery.
"Now," he muttered, shifting his focus, "for the picky one."
With a flick of his wrist, another smaller slab of exotic meat appeared on a secondary cutting board, this one specifically for the feline beast perched atop its canine companion. Unlike the rich, fatty rhino meat, this cut came from a Sky Serpent Stag, an elusive, deer-like creature known for its light, airy muscle structure and naturally infused lightning Qi. Highly digestible, ridiculously high in cultivation-enhancing properties, and most importantly—tailored for swift, agile beasts that relied on explosive bursts of speed rather than brute force.
The feline stretched lazily, licking its lips as it eyed the meat with clear approval, twin fox-like tails flicking in anticipation.
"Enjoy," Gazei muttered, setting the freshly sliced cuts onto a smooth slate plate before tossing them over to the feline, who caught a piece in mid-air with an effortless chomp. "We got some huntin' to do later."
The cat let out a pleased rumble, tearing into the Sky Serpent Stag meat with sharp, efficient bites, while the canine beast, still sprawled lazily, tilted its head, watching with quiet amusement before snapping up its own share of the Mountain Ironhorn cuts.
Gazei Ban Bantu Chan, formerly Gazei Wolfe of Earth, walked back to his home, hoping—praying—that his wife wasn't in one of her thirsty whore moods this early in the morning. At the age of twenty-four, he already felt like Red Forman, perpetually one bad decision away from kicking someone's ass.
Long story, very short: Both he and his friend-with-benefits-turned-wife had suddenly woken up in another world, in bodies that shared the same names but definitely weren't the ones they were born with.
Well, except now he had a Chinese name, and the world looked like something straight out of Ranma ½ or Fog Hill of Five Elements.
Oh, and there was also the Gourmet System. The house/tarven/shop and the two magical beasts resulted from the system starter gifts.
Thank fuck for that because this world was like all those edgy cultvition Chinese stories he used to read. So much edgy acting like giant pussies. Its been three months and not a single customers in the world.
Gazei really needed customers. Sex would always be amazing, especially when the partner was a real woman and not someone that can be mistaken as a girl. Needing multiple condoms gets old fast. But even a man had his limits. There was only so much fucking he can stand.
"GAZZZEIIIII~~~~ I got your breakfast~~~!"
Oh shit.
Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Why is she up?! Why is she awake and perky?!
He had put in the work last night. His sore-ass hips, the broken furniture, the burned-out Qi reserves—all of it was supposed to guarantee at least twelve hours of unconsciousness.
And yet.
Here she was.
Gazei froze, his instincts screaming at him like he was staring down the maw of a Heaven-Tier Apex Beast—except this beast was taller, curvier, and way more dangerous.
Chan Lonfan.
His wife. His former friend-with-benefits turned unholy menace. The reason he couldn't walk properly most mornings.
"GAH! Babe! Sweetie, I told you not to say shit like that out loud!" Gazei whipped around, his golden eyes wide, his voice just short of a cracked, desperate plea.
Lonfan stepped into view, her bare feet barely making a sound against the wooden floor, her robe barely clinging to her form, hanging off her shoulders in a way that was definitely not fair. Her red-and-gold eyes gleamed like a hunter who had already cornered her prey, her smirk carrying that distinct, wicked curve that had spelled the end of him many times before.
In her hands, she held a silver tray, its surface steaming with something freshly cooked.
Lonfan tilted her head, placing the tray down in front of him with deliberate slowness, her fingers dragging over the lid before finally pulling it away.
Inside, the most perfectly roasted, Qi-infused beast ribs sat glazed in a thick, glistening sauce, the aroma hitting him like a direct attack to his self-control.
His favorite meal.
No.
Stay strong.
You are Gazei. You are not weak.
Resist.
You are strong.
Resist temptation.
STRONG.
RESIST.
STRONG!
RESIST!!
"Oh, and I even added my special sauce." Lonfan purred, resting her chin on her palm, watching him with pure, amused satisfaction.
…Yeah, he was weak.
"Aw, thanks, babe," Gazei hummed, leaning up to kiss his wife.
Lonfan smiled against his lips before pulling away, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him with mild amusement. Gazei grabbed the plate, inhaling the rich, smoky aroma of the glazed ribs, the scent alone making his stomach tighten in anticipation.
"You really outdid yourself," he said, taking a seat at the small wooden table near the counter. The meat practically melted from the bone at the first bite, the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and deep umami flavor hitting his tongue.
Lonfan chuckled, pouring herself a drink before leaning back in her chair. "Well, someone has to keep you from surviving on just monster jerky and rice."
Gazei snorted mid-bite but didn't argue. She wasn't wrong. He wished people would actually come to eat their food. It is pretty fucking good. Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, Italian, and Caribbean food. There also American, French, and British but they ass.
Sure, they have only three dish. A House Chicken Caesar Salad, a Pesto Flatbread with Inked Tofu. The latter was Lonfan's unholy creation.
Tasted fucking great because his wife was awesome, but still—unholy veggie shit. The irony wasn't lost on him. Haitians could become vegans quite easily, yet here he was, side-eyeing tofu like it had personally offended him.
The two were set at 100 silvers, while the star dish, a warrior-tier meal, Molten Hellfire Pig's Short back Ribs with Diri Kole ak Pwa (Rice and Beans), was priced at five big gold coins.
The currency of the empire followed a standard tier system.
One copper coin was the lowest, used for cheap street food, basic ingredients, and everyday goods. Ten coppers made a single silver coin, which was the standard for mid-tier meals, travel expenses, and general necessities. A hundred silver equals to a small gold coin, enough to buy rare ingredients, a night in a high-end inn, or a round of quality drinks. A big gold coin, worth ten small golds, was the currency of cultivators, merchants, and nobles. It could buy a high-grade spirit beast carcass, fund a small business, or secure a powerful ingredient that could boost Qi development.
Then there were platinum coins, worth a hundred big golds, reserved for sect leaders, royalty, and the most elite figures in the empire. Transactions at this level made you buy lands the size of Texas with just one platinum coin.
If it were up to Gazei and Lonfan, they would have set the prices at something reasonable, enough to attract customers and keep business flowing. But the damn system made the rules.
The Gourmet System had a strict set of regulations for restaurant management, dictating everything from opening hours to food presentation and even how many dishes could be on the menu at any given time.
As a one-star restaurant, they were limited to only three dishes—no exceptions. To add more, they had to level up, which meant gaining recognition, cooking strong diches, and upgrade the shop like a Diner Dash video. Until then, they were stuck with their House Chicken Caesar Salad, Pesto Flatbread with Inked Tofu, and Molten Hellfire Pig's Short back Ribs with Diri Kole ak Pwa.
The system also enforced mandatory quality checks—each dish had to meet cultivation standards or be rejected outright. Presentation was just as important. If a dish wasn't plated properly or lacked a certain "aesthetic appeal," the system would downgrade its value, reducing the Qi absorption rate for the customer.
On top of that, the system, forced them to hunt for ingredients. It was quite easy since the Battle Wolf and Leo Tiger Fox are busted as hell when it comes to hunting.
he lounged at the counter, swirling the dark liquid in her cup with lazy satisfaction, her long red hair still a bit tousled from sleep.
"So, dear, you finish with butcherin'?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
The restaurant house may not have looked like much from the outside—a run-down shack barely holding itself together—but on the inside, it was completely different.
The place came with various items and features found in many high-end restaurants and ancient culinary traditions, all courtesy of the system. Despite its rough exterior, Iron Fang Tavern was equipped with tools and enhancements that made cooking, butchering, and ingredient storage far more advanced than any ordinary eatery.
One of its most useful features was the underground butcher room, a fully stocked, spirit-infused meat processing chamber hidden beneath the tavern. Accessible through a trapdoor in the back, it was lined with enchanted hooks, massive bone saws, and Qi-reinforced butchering tables designed to handle even Saint-Tier beast carcasses. The air was always chilled, thanks to Frost Jade Cooling Stones, keeping the meats fresh for extended periods without rot.
Beneath the tavern, branching off from the butcher room, was a natural underground cave, the ground was uneven, with patches of soft, nutrient-rich soil scattered across the floor, perfect for growing fungi once the right spores were introduced. Small cracks in the ceiling allowed mist to drift down, creating the ideal humidity for spirit mushrooms.
Outside, behind the tavern, the system had allocated space for gardens, but they were nothing more than barren plots of land for now. The soil was rich, ready for planting, but they needed seeds, irrigation, and a Qi-enhancing formation to truly bring the land to life. If completed, these gardens could grow a variety of ingredients—herbs infused with elemental energies, spirit vegetables that boosted cultivation, and medicinal plants used in both cooking and alchemy.
A pond had also been marked by the system, a shallow depression in the land where water would eventually flow. It had the potential to become a breeding ground for Qi-infused fish, freshwater crustaceans, and edible lotus plants, but right now, it was just a dry pit waiting to be filled. Once completed, it could act as a self-sustaining ecosystem, providing fresh seafood and aquatic plants for their menu.
Lonfan took a slow sip of her coco whiskey, swirling the dark liquid in her cup thoughtfully. "The Thunderhoof meat is perfect for beef ramen. I was thinking about adding slow-roasted marrow broth infused with a little lightning Qi for a mild shock effect. Maybe some charred peppers, a bit of smoked garlic oil, and fresh spirit scallions for garnish."
She tapped her chin, leaning back slightly as her eyes lit up with excitement. "We could pair it with that pickled crimson cabbage you've been experimenting with. Give it that tang and crunch to balance out the richness."
"What are you using for the fish sauce? What egg? And maybe add some ginger?"
Lonfan grinned, already expecting his questions. "For the fish sauce, I was thinking Deep Sea Leviathan Essence. It's got that rich umami hit but with a natural brininess that enhances the broth without overpowering it." She set her cup down and tapped the table. "As for the egg, Golden Phoenix Egg—lightly cured in a mix of spirit soy, aged rice wine, and a touch of demon salt for that depth. The yolk should stay creamy, almost molten."
She twirled a lock of red hair between her fingers, eyes gleaming. "And yeah, ginger for sure. But not just any ginger. Black Thunder Root. It's got that deep heat, but more importantly, it carries residual static Qi, so it'll layer with the Thunderhoof Ox's natural charge. Every bite should tingle, but not enough to fry someone's taste buds."
Gazei exhaled, shaking his head. "You really don't do simple, huh?"
Lonfan smirked. "Where's the fun in that?"
[Host and Hostess, this is a reminder of your path to becoming the Gods of Cooking. The two of you must reach the top of this food-rich world. Serve your first customer, and you will unlock the full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. Good luck to you both.]
"Every day at 7 AM, the system says it," Gazei muttered, rubbing his temples as the glowing notification hovered in front of them. "Like I don't already know we need customers."
As if the universe had finally heard his bitching after three long months, the unmistakable creak of the tavern door echoed through the empty space.
Gazei and Lonfan both froze, eyes snapping toward the entrance.
A shadow stretched across the worn wooden floor as someone stepped inside.
For the first time since they had been thrown into this world, a customer had finally arrived.
"What is this place? For such a shabby-looking tavern its much bigger inside."
The young man? woman? This story is based on Asian stories and some rule 34, so let go with the former.
He was, to put it simply, annoyingly good-looking. Dark brown hair parted neatly to frame his face, with two long locks cascading down his chest, while the rest of his hair flowed down his back, stopping just above his waist. His skin was smooth, lips tinted a natural red, and a decorative choker made of black silk and silver charms adorned his throat, giving him an air of both refinement and mystery.
He wore an elegant, layered robe of deep crimson and obsidian, the fabric shimmering faintly with embroidered patterns of gold-threaded cranes and swirling clouds, a subtle mark of someone from nobility or a high-ranking sect. Over it, a long black overcoat lined with dark fur at the collar and cuffs draped over his shoulders, its wide sleeves concealing most of his arms. A wide sash wrapped around his waist, holding a set of jade-tipped ornamental daggers, their presence suggesting he wasn't just some pampered scholar. The way he moved—graceful but deliberate—hinted at training beyond mere court etiquette.
Gazei gave an annoyed look. This was Bangkok all over again.
His eyes, deep brown with flecks of gold, flicked between Gazei and Lonfan before narrowing slightly. "Do you actually serve food here, or is this just some abandoned roadside stall?"
"Yo," Gazei greeted, deliberately casual. He wasn't expecting the fair—pretty boy to flinch and blush. Not that Gazei cared. A customer was a customer.
"Welcome to Iron Fang. Please look at the menu and order when ready. My wife and I will get started as soon as you decide."
He motioned toward one of the worn wooden tables, as if inviting the young man to sit, though there was no warmth in his tone. His golden eyes studied the stranger lazily, noting the small details—expensive clothes, soft hands that had seen training but not labor, the slight twitch in his jaw that suggested he was already unimpressed.
Lonfan, still nursing her drink, leaned back in her chair, red lips quirking up in amusement. "Tsk. He looks like the picky type," she murmured, low enough that only Gazei would hear.
The young man crossed his arms, still standing. "Menu? There are only three items."
Gazei shrugged. "Three damn good items. Pick one."
The young man's expression twisted in disbelief as he read the menu, his voice rising in sheer indignation. "What madness is this!? A House Chicken Caesar Salad for 100 silver? A Pesto Flatbread with Inked Tofu for 100 silver!? And—" he practically choked, "—Molten Hellfire Pig's Shortback Ribs with Diri Kole ak Pwa for five big gold coins!?"
He slammed the menu down, eyes sharp with accusation. "Have you gone insane from your greed!?"
Gazei didn't even flinch, scratching the side of his head with a lazy expression. "Nah that just the rules of the shop."
[xXx]
The Cookbook:
[House Chicken Caesar Salad – Mortal-Tier]
Crisp Heavenly Ice Lettuce, each leaf pulsing with a faint frosty glow, its natural chill preserving its crunch even under the warmest climates. The Golden Flame Chicken, a rare spirit beast known for absorbing fire Qi in its muscle fibers, is grilled over volcanic stones to create a skin so crispy it practically shatters on contact. The dressing? Fermented Thunderclaw Crab Caesar Essence, a creamy, tangy mixture infused with mild electric currents, shocking the tongue with tiny bursts of energy and enhancing Qi circulation.
Effects:
Boosts reaction speed and reflexes for two hours.Increases endurance and body temperature control.
Minor Pure Qi Essence.
[Pesto Flatbread with Inked Tofu – Mortal-Tier]
A thin, stone-fired flatbread made from Cloud Wheat, harvested from floating mountain fields where the air is rich in spirit energy. The dough is hand-stretched and infused with Zephyr Olive Oil, a rare ingredient that grants a refreshing breeze-like aftertaste with every bite. The pesto sauce? Phantom Basil, a translucent herb that shimmers like mist and leaves behind a cooling menthol sensation on the tongue. Topped with Sky Wyvern Mozzarella, a cheese aged within the bones of a deceased Storm Wyvern, carrying a sharp tang that tingles against the teeth like distant thunder. The Inked Tofu, made from Deepwater Kelp Essence, carries a faintly salty, umami flavor, balancing out the richness of the pesto.
Effects:
Enhances mental clarity and perception for three hours.
Improves Qi circulation, allowing faster energy recovery.
Creates a light, airy sensation in the body, temporarily reducing fatigue.
[Molten Hellfire Beast Ribs – Mortal-Tier]
A rack of Molten Hell Boar Ribs, a beast that lives deep within the Lava Tunnels of the Crimson Abyss. Its flesh naturally absorbs magma energy, creating a meat so tender that it melts upon contact with heat, yet retains an explosive, smoky depth. The ribs are slow-roasted over a Dragon Ember Pit, the flames licking the meat and sealing in the rich, fatty juices, while a glaze made from Nine-Tailed Fox Honey and Abyssal Black Garlic adds layers of sweetness, spice, and umami depth. Served alongside Diri Kole ak Pwa, a classic rice and beans dish made from Spirit Jasmine Rice and Black Ember Beans, each grain lightly soaked in bone broth for a richer taste.
Effects:
Slightly boosts stamina.
Mild fire Qi circulation.