He perceived that food is Brahman, for from food these beings are produced; by food, when born, they live; and into food they enter at their death. Having perceived this, he went again to his father Varuna, saying: 'Sir, teach me Brahman.' He said to him: 'Try to know Brahman by penance, for penance is (the means of knowing) Brahman.' He performed penance. Having performed penance—

In plain words: After his effort, Bhrigu decides food is Brahman, since beings come from food, live by it and return to it. He goes back to his father, who does not say yes or no. Varuna only tells him to keep seeking through discipline, and Bhrigu does.