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(408) The Necessity of Showing Off
update icon Updated at 2026/1/30 5:00:03

408,

The Great Dragon Festival is different from other cooking competitions as it focuses on preparing food for the Great Dragon.

Great Dragon refers to the most powerful dragon of the present era, known from records as "Ira Ilerek," a sea-dominating giant dragon.

The last time this dragon appeared was during the ancient wars.

Some may wonder, isn't the Tianlong Festival held every ten years, where the most delicious food in the world is offered to the newly born Tianlong?

This tradition dates back to ancient times, and the authenticity of its origins is still subject to research.

For example, dragons have long reproductive cycles.

Even the most numerous and active forest dragons of the present time only have breeding seasons once every twenty years.

Now, consider the lifespan of dragons.

Dragons are long-lived creatures, and the stronger they are, the longer their lifespan, with some even living for thousands of years, not to mention the exceptionally powerful ones.

Another point worth mentioning is that the so-called Tianlong is born from the previous generation of Tianlong.

Can a newly born dragon truly be considered the most powerful dragon?

At least the parents of this dragon were the strongest beings at the time, so would they willingly pass on the title of the strongest to their own offspring?

This matter remains to be discussed, as the dragon race itself is shrouded in various mysteries. Initially, the preparation might have been genuinely for the newly born Tianlong, but the actual situation afterward can only be studied from limited documents.

In the records of the Temple of Water Teaching, the last time food was offered to the Tianlong was precisely five hundred years ago.

In other words, regardless of how the Tianlong is born, Ira Ilerek, as a documented dragon, has lived for at least five hundred years.

However, the biennial Tianlong Festival probably has more practical reasons behind it.

Some say it's because this celebration is hugely popular and, as a tradition that attracts tourists, holding it every ten years brings significant economic benefits to the country—why not take advantage of it?

Another theory, closest to the origin, is to ensure that the best chefs are always around.

When will the Tianlong appear? In what manner will it show itself? No one knows.

But whenever it does, the dragon will require nourishment.

Being ready to prepare the most delicious food in the world for the Tianlong at any time is the essence of the Tianlong Festival.

As for why showing off is included in the scoring criteria, the reason is straightforward.

Following the concept of the Tianlong Festival, showing off has its necessity.

Since the Tianlong is defined as a newly born dragon, what does delicious mean to a newborn dragon?

Moreover, dragons have unique taste buds and are very picky eaters.

According to tradition, this Tianlong is not to be offended at all costs.

If mishandled, angering this most powerful dragon will bring absolute despair to the world.

Hence, the Tianlong Festival is special; chefs must not only cook the most delicious food.

Before cooking and after the Tianlong tastes the food, chefs must act as if this dish is the most exquisite in the world.

This is the reason for showing off. Even if it's the most delicious, and even if the Tianlong may not comprehend the concept of deliciousness, the chef must present this dish in their hands as the most delicious in the world.

The final scoring criterion, showing off, is indeed the art of showing off.

During the judges' deliberation, Cyclone said softly,

"Not yet, Little Dragon~"

Although time was running out, this time the judges took longer to discuss the two's showing off skills.

This point will determine victory or defeat, and the judges became extremely cautious.

But Little Dragon wouldn't give up, because she had now taken on the surname Theodore.

"Pay attention, Little Dragon, to make your showing off work best, you have to seize the crucial moment," said the instructor.

Little Dragon looked carefully until the moment when two judges nodded, and then she suddenly laughed.

"Haha~"

"Show them all~ When it comes to showing off, who's the best~"

"Haha, what's so funny?! Don't think you're superior just because of a slight advantage in taste?!!"

Little Dragon turned her face to the other side, completely ignoring Mr. Billy's shouts.

"Hey!! How dare you ignore me, woman?!!"

At this moment, the timing was finally right, and Little Dragon slightly shifted her gaze back to Mr. Billy.

"Just you?"

"Uh..."

In that instant performance, the winner was determined.

All three judges nodded in agreement and gave a signal to the emcee.

"Oh oh~ Here we go!! The one who can score in the art of showing off is...”