Beasts: Only I Can See the Hidden Evolution Path

Chapter 59: Empress Shangguan Lan, Aura of Dragon Power?

"The draw has concluded."

"The results are announced."

"Suzaku Academy vs. Xuanwu Academy"

"Qinglong Academy vs. White Tiger Academy"

The draw results sparked heated discussions among the crowd. Last year, Qinglong Academy and White Tiger Academy faced off in the second round finals, and their deans have held grudges for a long time. Perhaps it was fate that in this year's Supernova Competition, Qinglong and White Tiger met in the first round.

"Dean Su, it seems we're destined rivals. I'll make sure Qinglong Academy loses disgracefully," Zhu Qingyu said confidently, with a lady's cigarette between her lips.

Su Ruyan cast her a contemptuous glance, replying coldly, "We'll see."

At that moment, a rainbow-colored cloud appeared in the sky. A powerful aura enveloped the open-air stadium. A rift tore open in the clouds, and a multicolored qilin descended from the sky.

"Look, it's the Seven-Color Sacred Qilin!"

"The Empress has arrived!"

"She's the most beautiful woman in our Dragon Kingdom, such beauty, such grace..."

As the Seven-Color Sacred Qilin landed, the cloud beneath its feet vanished. Atop the qilin stood a woman with a phoenix crown and splendid robes. Her beauty was unparalleled, her figure graceful, and it was impossible to discern her age with the naked eye.

This woman was the ruler of the Dragon Kingdom, Empress Shangguan Lan. Her presence dimmed the world around her.

Xiao Xingyu couldn't help but take a few extra glances, whispering to himself, "This is the strongest beastmaster of the Dragon Kingdom, such an intimidating aura..."

Xiao Xingyu had only seen Shangguan Lan in photos and on TV before. Today was his first time seeing her in person. She was even more beautiful in reality, every smile outshining all others. Xiao Xingyu had to admit she was the most beautiful woman in the Dragon Kingdom, bar none. Her beauty seemed almost otherworldly, giving her an ethereal presence.

The audience collectively bowed, offering the highest form of respect to welcome the Empress.

Every year, Empress Shangguan Lan would descend to the viewing platform to watch the competitors, and this year was no exception.

Xiao Xingyu's attention was drawn to the badges on Shangguan Lan's chest, not out of desire but curiosity about the star badges she wore. A total of eleven star badges!

It's well-known that the number of star badges correlates with a beastmaster's rank. Beastmasters are typically ranked from one to nine stars. A ten-star beastmaster is extremely rare and personally authorized by Shangguan Lan, enjoying a special title.

Beyond ten stars, they aren't called eleven-star beastmasters but "Beastmaster Emperor." In the vast Dragon Kingdom, known for its talent, several ten-star beastmasters have emerged over three centuries, but only one Beastmaster Emperor exists—Shangguan Lan, the nation's leader, at the pinnacle of the hierarchy.

Xiao Xingyu activated his Demon Eye, focusing on Shangguan Lan's Seven-Color Sacred Qilin.

[Name]: Seven-Color Sacred Qilin

[Level]: Godslayer Body (Tier 3)

[Bloodline]: Purebred Qilin Bloodline (Genesis Quality)

[Talent]: ???

[Attribute]: ???

[Loyalty]: ???

[Skills]: ???

Xiao Xingyu bit his lip, frowning. The Demon Eye couldn't detect the full attribute panel due to the immense level gap. Xiao Xingyu was only a two-star beastmaster, while Shangguan Lan was the Beastmaster Emperor, above all others.

When the level gap is too vast, the Demon Eye can't reveal comprehensive data on the opponent's beasts. The series of question marks symbolized this disparity.

"Lulu, this woman ordered your capture and execution. You had no chance of surviving her pursuit."

"Consider yourself lucky to have met me."

"Without me, you'd have died a hundred times over!"

Through their blood contract, Xiao Xingyu could communicate with the Nine-Tailed Fox, Dailu, soul to soul. Dailu's voice came to his mind.

"Though your words are harsh, I must admit..."

"Yes, had I not met you, I'd have been caught by this woman."

Xiao Xingyu glanced at Shangguan Lan again. She seemed shrouded in a mysterious veil, hiding her true self from view.

"The Seven-Color Sacred Qilin is likely not Shangguan Lan's only beast."

"She must have even stronger beasts under her command!"

"Wait, something's off!"

Lost in thought, Xiao Xingyu suddenly sensed something unusual. When he extended his spiritual awareness, he detected a familiar aura.

"This is... the aura of Dragon Power!"

Xiao Xingyu's eyes widened. He sensed a pure dragon aura emanating from Shangguan Lan.

"Lulu, does Shangguan Lan have a purebred dragon beast?"

Dailu hesitated before replying, "I don't know."

Since the establishment of beastmaster civilization, only three beasts have Genesis quality bloodlines: purebred dragons, phoenixes, and qilins. In terms of strength, dragons are the strongest, with phoenixes and qilins closely matched.

However, historical records indicate that purebred dragons have been extinct for over a century. Yet Xiao Xingyu was confident in his perception; he truly sensed the aura of Dragon Power from Shangguan Lan.

"This woman possesses Dragon Power, indicating she's contracted with at least one purebred dragon beast."

"When Lulu fled, she carried one of the three great dragon treasures, the Tear of the Dragon..."

"All signs suggest the legendary dragon-slaying event wasn't as straightforward as it seemed!"

Xiao Xingyu's mind raced until Chen Qinian tapped his head.

"Xiao Xingyu, the match is about to start. Why are you daydreaming?"

"Sorry, Director Chen, I was momentarily distracted."

The announcer declared, "First round: Qinglong Academy vs. White Tiger Academy."

"We'll start with the individual match. Each academy, please send one contestant."

Chen Qinian's gaze shifted between Xiao Xingyu, Murong Xinxin, and Murong Yangshuo.

"The first battle is crucial. Who will take the lead?"

Murong Yangshuo was about to raise his hand when Xiao Xingyu nudged him aside.

"Director Chen, I'll take the first match."

"Xiao Xingyu, you seem very confident~"

Chen Qinian smiled approvingly, patting Xiao Xingyu's shoulder. Murong Xinxin nodded in agreement.

"Letting him go first is fine. Even if he loses, my brother and I will cover for him."

"Xinxin, you're underestimating me, aren't you?"

Su Ruyan approached, personally adjusting Xiao Xingyu's attire.

"Dean, your kindness is overwhelming~"

Su Ruyan smiled brightly, "You know I'm rivals with Dean Zhu Qingyu of White Tiger Academy, right?"

"Yes~" Xiao Xingyu nodded naively.

"If you lose the match and embarrass me in front of Zhu Qingyu, I'll..."

Su Ruyan clenched her fist, a murderous aura enveloping Xiao Xingyu.

He shivered, goosebumps rising.

"Rest assured, Dean, I will win!"