Chapter 260 - 161: An Evil Cultivator in a Righteous Sect?

Chapter 260: Chapter 161: An Evil Cultivator in a Righteous Sect?

From a family tradition to teaching classes and widely accepting disciples, generations of Kong Sect chefs have passed down their legacy, each building upon the last. It has long since transcended the culinary arts alone. We plan to do an in-depth feature on the Kong Sect’s heritage to help more people understand the evolution of our Sichuan Cuisine tradition.

In the decades of development that propelled the formation of the Sichuan Cuisine system, ultimately making it one of the Four Great Cuisines, I believe the Kong Sect is a quintessential example."

Upon hearing this, Kong Qingfeng couldn’t help but sit up a little straighter. His expression turned solemn as he said, "Discussing the Kong Sect is a great idea. Come, let’s go to the conference room, brew some tea, and take our time with it."

The other disciples’ faces lit up with anticipation.

’If they’re talking about the Kong Sect, doesn’t that mean our names might get in the magazine too?’

"Sounds good," He Zhiyuan said with a smile and a nod, following Kong Qingfeng toward the conference room.

Li quickened his pace to catch up and whispered, "Editor-in-Chief, Zhou Yan is here too."

"Zhou Yan?" He Zhiyuan stopped in his tracks, turning back in surprise. He saw Zhou Yan trailing behind the group of disciples, and when Zhou Yan noticed him looking, he offered a smile.

He Zhiyuan nodded at him and continued walking with the group, asking Li, "Is he also a disciple of the Kong Sect?"

"Everyone here today is a disciple or grand-disciple of the Kong Sect. He’s probably from the grand-disciple generation. Since he’s in Suji, he’s most likely Xiao Lei’s apprentice," Li replied in a low voice.

This feature was an important special for the Famous Sights section in the first issue of next year’s magazine. The editorial department had already held two meetings and gathered a significant amount of information on the Kong Sect, so they came fully prepared.

They had fairly comprehensive information on the three generations of Kong Sect disciples.

Kong Huafeng had only accepted four official disciples. The eldest, Xu Yunliang, was the head chef at Rongcheng Restaurant and a First-level Chef. The second disciple, Fang Yifei, was a Special Third-level Chef, and Song Bo was also a First-level Chef. However, they hadn’t returned to Sichuan in years, so their culinary skills couldn’t be judged simply by their ranks.

The remaining and youngest disciple, Xiao Lei, had stayed in Suji, working as the head cook at a textile factory’s cafeteria.

That’s why when Li saw Zhou Yan, he immediately thought of Xiao Lei.

"Alright. I’ll talk to him privately after the interview," He Zhiyuan said with a nod.

The training base had more than just a lot of stoves; it also had classrooms for theory lessons and a conference room for when high-level leaders came to inspect.

A large, bright private room with a long rectangular table in the center served as the conference room.

He Zhiyuan waited at the door for a moment. When he saw Zhou Yan approach, he smiled and patted him on the arm. "Zhou Yan, don’t rush off later. I got the photos developed and brought them back for you. And I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately."

"Sounds good," Zhou Yan replied with a smiling nod. ’Mrs. Zhao was just asking about the family portrait the other day. She’ll be thrilled if I can bring the photos back to her today.’

Zheng Qiang entered the conference room right after him and vaguely overheard the part about a private chat. He sat down next to Zhou Yan in a corner and leaned in, asking curiously, "Junior Brother, you know the editor-in-chief of this magazine?"

"We met once before," Zhou Yan nodded.

Zheng Qiang’s eyes instantly lit up. With a gossipy look, he asked, "Did Junior Uncle introduce you? Is it about getting in the magazine? My master mentioned before that he knows this editor-in-chief. They apparently had a meal at the same table as our Master back in the day. He was even wondering if he could get himself featured in *Sichuan Cuisine* after he passes the First-level Chef exam."

"It’s just a magazine. If Senior Uncle wants to be in it, it would be a sure thing," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"Let’s not kid ourselves. I’m well aware of my master’s skill level," Zheng Qiang said, shaking his head and lowering his voice. "The chefs who get into *Sichuan Cuisine* are either incredibly famous—like our Master and Grand Uncle, who built the Kong Sect’s reputation among the many schools of Sichuan Cuisine and are recognized by the entire culinary world as top-tier, earning them the title of ’Maestro’—

or they’re exceptionally outstanding in a specific specialty, like being a god at making cold platters or being famous for their duck dishes.

My master is pretty good with fish, but our Kong Sect has so many experts. Every one of them is a master of fish preparation. Not to mention the two Junior Uncles, with Grand Uncle still around, there’s no way it would be my master’s turn to be in the magazine teaching people how to cook fish.

If he got featured first, it would upset the whole hierarchy. People would call him a rebellious disciple."

Zhou Yan nodded repeatedly. Zheng Qiang’s ’rebellious disciple’ analysis actually made a lot of sense.

’Then what does that make me?’

’An Evil Cultivator from a righteous sect?’

’No, no, I have to keep a low profile.’

’If word gets out that I was featured in *Sichuan Cuisine* before Grand Uncle, I might not make it out of this room today.’

Everyone took their seats.

Kong Qingfeng sat at the head of the table, with He Zhiyuan beside him.

Li sat next to He Zhiyuan, took a notebook out of his bag, and opened it. He placed two fountain pens beside it and sat upright, his posture formal. His camera bag was also on the table, likely ready to capture a few shots of the interview.

The rest were seated according to seniority.

Kong Guodong sat to Kong Qingfeng’s left, and next to him was Xiao Lei.

Xiao Lei was Kong Huafeng’s last disciple. He had started early, joining the sect in 1955, almost thirty years ago.

Next were Kong Qingfeng’s various disciples.

With the addition of all the grand-disciples, the seventeen or eighteen people present filled the conference room completely.

Once the tea was served, Kong Qingfeng began, "Young He, go ahead and ask. Whatever you want to discuss, let’s talk openly today. Many of these disciples and grand-disciples took time off and rushed back from out of town. The next time we have a gathering this complete, I’ll probably be lying in a box. I’d be very happy if I can still leave something useful behind."

Hearing this, the disciples looked at the white-haired Kong Qingfeng, and a touch of sorrow inevitably appeared in their eyes.

"Master, you’re still in great health. From now on, we’ll make time to come back and see you together every year," Zhong Yong said, his voice thick with emotion.