In the square in front of Qingniu Medical Hall, dozens of large cauldrons were neatly arranged. Raging flames licked at the bottom of each pot, sending waves of heat into the air. A busy crowd bustled around the cauldrons—some chopping vegetables, some mixing seasonings, and others stirring the contents. The air was thick with the rich aromas of garlic and medicinal herbs, intertwining and drifting with the breeze across the entire street.
Among the crowd, one figure particularly stood out: Huwa. He wore a tall chef's hat adorned with two vibrant green garlic shoots, making him look like a master chef who had just stepped out of a professional kitchen. In his hand, he held a large, brightly colored banner that read in eye-catching characters: "A Bite of Epidemic Prevention."
Standing on a small elevated platform, Huwa cleared his throat and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Attention, master chefs of the city! Today, we are going to use delicious food to defeat the dysentery bacteria. Whoever can create the most imaginative and flavorful epidemic-prevention dish will be today's champion! The winner will get a lifetime free-meal voucher for Xiaotao Eatery!" His voice echoed across the square, catching the attention of many passersby who gathered around to watch this unprecedented culinary competition.
Chapter 523