Capítulo 451: Chapter 569: The Final Result of the Challenge
Chapter 569: The Final Result of the Challenge
Days passed, one after another, each seeming longer than the last to those awaiting the brewing duel.
At first, neither Fang Chu nor Li Lao rushed into action. Both sat in ditation, eyes closed, quietly contemplating their approach. This challenge was unlike any ordinary brewing contest—it concerned the prestigious position of Chief Brewer. A hastily brewed spirit wine, no matter how skillfully made, would stand no chance against a master like Li Lao. To claim victory, one had to craft the finest wine possible given the limited materials and ti.
The first step was careful consideration: which brewing thods would yield the best results, and which ingredients would bring out the most unique and potent qualities? This process of planning and deliberation consud the first four or five days. The pressure was imnse. Choosing incorrectly, or making even a minor miscalculation, could an failure.
Finally, Fang Chu acted first, selecting from the carefully laid out, limited materials on the stage before him. Once he made his choices, Li Lao began his selection—but the ti difference between their starts was negligible, almost imperceptible.
From that mont, both n worked with extraordinary precision. Every movent flowed with fluidity, each motion deliberate, yet seemingly effortless. It was as if the wine itself guided their hands. Observers could not help but stare in awe, their eyes wide with admiration. Every gesture, from stirring to pouring, from controlling the temperature to adjusting the infusion ti, displayed the countless hours of experience and dedication these masters had invested over decades, even centuries.
“This dark horse really lives up to his third-place ranking,” one senior brewer whispered. “Truly exceptional. I admit, I am outclassed.”
Another nodded, muttering, “He’s talented, yes, but brewing is more than just skillful hands. It’s understanding the essence of each ingredient, the spirit it carries.”
A third added, “Exactly. At this level, a spirit wine must not only be rich in aura and unique in taste—it must evoke sothing beyond the senses, a profound impression that resonates with the soul.”
Indeed, like the fad “Yi Pingsheng” wine, the hallmark of a master-level spirit wine was its ability to inspire reflection, and occasionally enlightennt. Those who drank it could perceive the subtleties of life and the universe, entering a rare state of insight. This was not simply about flavor—it was an artistic and spiritual experience. Even the highest-grade teas could achieve similar effects, but a true spirit wine was unmatched in its capacity to move the soul.
A month passed, and both Fang Chu and Li Lao completed their first attempt at brewing a new spirit wine. Observers assud the challenge would conclude quickly, but after tasting, both n shook their heads subtly. Clearly, neither wine had t their expectations. Yet this was entirely anticipated. Their expressions remained calm, revealing nothing of disappointnt. True masters did not panic at imperfection—they sought to refine, to perfect.
Master brewers were not only skilled in creation but also in discerning subtleties. They could identify even the slightest imbalance in a wine—the aroma that was too faint, the flavor that lingered too long, the energy that failed to harmonize. After careful tasting, both Fang Chu and Li Lao began making adjustnts and refinents, drafting a detailed plan for the second brewing.
Ti was tight. If their second attempt took too long and still fell short, there might not be enough ti for a third. Therefore, both worked with heightened focus and efficiency. The second brewing was completed in approximately half a month—a display of speed, skill, and absolute control over every detail.
Yet when the second batch was tasted, there were still imperfections. Without pause, they imdiately comnced the third brewing, applying all insights gained from the previous attempts. By this point, every brewer present looked upon Fang Chu with deep respect.
“One cannot deny it,” one senior whispered. “This young man’s skill is extraordinary. Among these hundred brewers, if anyone can challenge Li Lao, it is him alone.”
“Indeed,” another admitted. “Though I ranked first in the recent assessnt, seeing him now, I cannot claim superiority.”
“With his talent and current level, even if he does not surpass Li Lao this ti, mark my words—one day, he will exceed him and claim the title of Chief Brewer.”
Reluctantly, yet realistically, most brewers agreed. It was clear that Fang Chu was no ordinary newcor.
anwhile, Qian Lao, the Wangyuelou Master, and the other judges had initially intended only to sample Li Lao’s new spirit wine. But witnessing Fang Chu’s mastery rivaling that of Li Lao, they now looked forward to the result with genuine anticipation.
Finally, the three-month period drew to an end. The protective arrays around the brewing stations disengaged, and Fang Chu and Li Lao erged as if from another world, their expressions composed but their minds fully engaged.
Qian Lao stepped forward, her voice calm but authoritative. “Have both of you completed your brewing?”
Both n nodded.
Qian Lao personally retrieved the wine jars and instructed stewards to pour samples into cups for each judge. Every judge received two cups, without knowing which belonged to whom. This ensured impartiality—a thod consistent with all past assessnts.
“Please, enjoy,” Qian Lao said.
She first lifted a cup, inhaling the aroma deeply before tasting a sip. Eyes closed, she savored the subtle layers of flavor, the lingering energy, and the balance of essence. After a pause, she spoke deliberately:
“Delicate and fragrant, smooth and harmonious, lingering in the mouth, perfectly attuned to the natural way… excellent. I give this a score of ninety-two.”
She rinsed her mouth, absorbed the remaining spiritual energy, and then sampled the second cup.
“Mild at first, but with a powerful aftertaste, concluding with a strangely wistful sensation… remarkable. This one deserves ninety-four.”
“Using only these limited materials over three months to produce wines of this level—your mastery is truly at the pinnacle. Wangyuelou is fortunate indeed to have such talent among its brewers.”
Li Lao, who had been suprely confident for centuries, barely registered the praise. His eyes widened slightly at the scores.
“This is impossible!” he thought, his calm facade cracking. “By her description, the first cup must be mine, yet it scored two points lower than the young man’s!”
For six hundred years, Li Lao had occupied the position of Chief Brewer with unshakable certainty. Losing was not sothing he had ever considered. Yet now, the first judge, Qian Lao, had awarded Fang Chu a higher score, and the shock unsettled him.
Rationalizing, he mused, “Taste is subjective. Perhaps she simply preferred the young man’s wine. Other judges may score differently.”
Indeed, the Wangyuelou Master gave Li Lao a slightly higher score, providing so relief. The remaining judges tasted the wines and submitted their scores without comntary.
Thus, neither Fang Chu nor Li Lao knew the final total scores. A steward carefully tallied all points and delivered the results to Qian Lao and the Wangyuelou Master, who would reveal the outco shortly.
Reviews
All reviews (0)