295: discuss

Back at his residence, Lu Chuan hadn't yet had time to fully appreciate the wondrous sensory changes brought by his Lingxi Tongue talent when his encrypted communicator vibrated again.

He picked it up and saw that Lin Wei had sent a video call invitation.

Lu Chuan's brow twitched, and he pressed the answer button.

Lin Wei's figure suddenly appeared on the screen; she nodded at Lu Chuan and said:

"Mr. Lu, good afternoon. Dean Ye hopes you can come to the Research Institute as soon as possible."

Lu Chuan was surprised and asked:

"Is something wrong? So urgent?"

Lin Wei replied:

"The specific situation is not convenient to discuss over the phone. I can only tell you that it's about the Otherworld Exploration operation."

She paused, then continued:

"Also, we need to further discuss the plan for rapid energy replenishment in the field and the immediate preparation of high-energy meals using Otherworld ingredients. Are you available to come over now?"

Lu Chuan's heart stirred.

Otherworld Exploration?

It seemed the project was progressing quickly, already moving from the laboratory stage to practical application.

This undoubtedly meant more unknown ingredients and challenges, and it highly aligned with his goal of improving his culinary skills and acquiring rare ingredients.

"Convenient, I can come over anytime."

Lu Chuan immediately replied.

"Alright, a vehicle will pick you up in ten minutes."

An hour later, Lu Chuan arrived at the underground Research Institute again.

This time, he was led directly to Ye Chen's office.

The office was spacious and simple, full of technology. Ye Chen was standing in front of a giant holographic projection displaying complex topographical maps and energy flow data.

Seeing Lu Chuan again, he turned around and nodded slightly.

"Mr. Lu, please sit."

Ye Chen's voice remained calm.

"The success of the Gourmet Cells activation experiment proves that your diet plays an irreplaceable role in stabilizing and enhancing cell activity. Next, we will conduct a small-scale Otherworld rift exploration operation, aiming to initially establish an outpost and collect more diverse samples of Otherworld creatures and ingredients."

He tapped his finger, and the holographic projection switched, displaying several dynamic images: twisted, strange plants, glowing fungi, and some peculiarly shaped creatures seemingly made of rock or crystal.

"The exploration team will be led by Ban Yangming's Special Operations Squad."

"The Otherworld environment is complex, and the energy field is chaotic. Regular high-energy rations are difficult to quickly replenish consumed energy and may contain unknown toxins or energy conflicts. We need a field ration that can be quickly prepared, is easy to carry, has extremely high energy density, and can neutralize potential risks and maximize the activation of Gourmet Cellss."

After speaking, Ye Chen's gaze fell on Lu Chuan.

"This task is tailor-made for you."

Lu Chuan looked at the bizarre images of Otherworld creatures, and a strong sense of excitement and desire for exploration gradually surged within him.

These were unprecedented ingredients, much more precious than those discovered after the Yinhua City rift.

How to combine them, how to process them, how to unleash their potential... This was undoubtedly a highly attractive challenge for him.

"I understand."

Lu Chuan nodded solemnly.

"I need to know the approximate timing of the exploration team's operation and the list of currently analyzed Otherworld ingredients available for use. I will come up with a plan and start trial production as soon as possible."

"Lin Wei will provide you with the information."

Ye Chen said:

"Additionally, Ban Yangming and his team are in the training ground next door. You can see firsthand what level they have reached after their Gourmet Cellss were activated. This will help you more accurately grasp the energy supply requirements of the diet."

Under the guidance of a researcher, Lu Chuan arrived at a large-scale comprehensive training ground.

Inside the training ground, Ban Yangming and more than ten other Special Operations Squad members were undergoing adaptive training.

Compared to before the experiment, their demeanor had undergone a tremendous change.

Ban Yangming let out a low roar, and without wearing any exoskeleton equipment, he slammed his fist into a special steel plate over fifty centimeters thick with pure physical strength.

"Boom!"

With a muffled, thunderous sound, a clear fist print appeared in the center of the steel plate, with spiderweb-like cracks spreading around it.

Ban Yangming's fist was only slightly red, not even breaking the skin.

On the other side, a team member moved like lightning, weaving through a complex field filled with obstacles and laser sensors. His speed was so fast that he almost left afterimages, narrowly avoiding all laser beams, his reaction speed far exceeding human limits.

Other team members were testing their strength, effortlessly lifting barbells weighing several tons, their muscles bulging, yet they appeared to be at ease.

Even more surprising was that they had also mastered some special abilities.

One team member held his hands in front of him, and a faint reddish energy flowed between his palms. He then forcefully pushed forward, and a scorching wave of air blasted the target, instantly charring the point of impact.

"Is this... energy projection brought about by Gourmet Cellss?"

Lu Chuan watched intently, his heart filled with shock.

This had already surpassed the scope of mere "great strength," truly touching upon the realm of the extraordinary.

Recalling what He Jingrui had described about his final few attacks in front of the Otherworld Mother Nest, Lu Chuan vaguely gained some insight.

It seemed his own development of Gourmet Cellss was still incredibly shallow.

He Jingrui, on the other hand, had accumulated a lot and unintentionally mastered the technique of "energy projection."

As for why these Special Operations Squad members could master this technique so soon after awakening their Gourmet Cellss, it was likely that the research team had "customized" it for them, using He Jingrui as a reference.

Ban Yangming saw Lu Chuan, stopped his training, and walked over, a hearty yet powerful smile on his face.

"You must be Mr. Lu."

He vigorously patted his chest, making a thumping sound.

"I've never felt better! My whole body is full of inexhaustible strength, and my perception and control of energy are much clearer! This is all thanks to your bowl of porridge!"

Saying that, he secretly winked at Lu Chuan.

Lu Chuan smiled.

They had met before at the Midnight Diner in Magic City, but at that time, it was a relationship between a restaurant owner and a customer.

Now, Ban Yangming didn't bring up the past, instead acting as if it were their first meeting, clearly not wanting to cause any extra trouble.

At this time, the other team members also gathered around, expressing their gratitude and excitement to Lu Chuan in a flurry of words, their faces beaming with a newfound confidence and vitality.

Lu Chuan could clearly feel the surging life energy and powerful Gourmet Cells activity within them.

This gave him a clearer direction for the field rations he was about to design—not only must they be high-energy, but they must also be able to stabilize this activity, and even guide its eruption under certain conditions.

Lu Chuan smiled:

"You're too kind. Next, I will prepare 'field rations' for everyone for the Otherworld exploration, guaranteed to be even more potent than the previous porridge."

"Haha! Then we'll be looking forward to a feast!"

Ban Yangming laughed loudly.

"With your delicious food, Mr. Lu, escorting us, we are full of confidence in this exploration operation!"

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone and making brief introductions, Lu Chuan finally took his leave.

By the time he left the training ground, Lu Chuan already had a preliminary idea.

He needed to combine the precise control of energy conduction from Heart Fire Tempering with the extreme insight into ingredient properties from Lingxi Tongue, using existing and soon-to-be-acquired Otherworld ingredients to create an unprecedented, truly "supernatural cuisine."

This was not only to complete the mission but also a new ascent in his culinary path.

Back in Ye Chen's office, Lu Chuan articulated his initial thoughts and the areas where he needed support.

After listening, Ye Chen immediately called Lin Wei and instructed her:

"Fully cooperate with Mr. Lu's needs. All P5-grade ingredients already analyzed by the Research Institute are to be made available to him first. Additionally, notify the logistics department to prepare portable field cooking utensils and specialized packaging equipment according to Mr. Lu's requirements."

"Yes!"

Lin Wei responded, her gaze towards Lu Chuan becoming even more different.

She knew very well that Dean Ye's action meant that Lu Chuan's position in this national-level project had risen to an extremely crucial core level.