NOVEL FROG Chapter 60: An Unfavorable Start, Comeback Victory
Chapter 60: An Unfavorable Start, Comeback Victory
For years, Qinglong Academy and White Tiger Academy have maintained a fiercely competitive relationship, with their deans being long-standing rivals. By a twist of fate in the draw, the first round of this year's Supernova Competition pits Qinglong Academy against White Tiger Academy, heightening anticipation and discussion.
Before Xiao Xingyu stepped onto the stage, Chen Qinian gave him a few words of advice.
"The White Tiger Academy folks aren't easy to deal with. Once you're on the platform, don't underestimate them."
"Also, stay calm during the match and quickly identify your opponent's weaknesses."
"And remember, the Empress is watching. Make sure to showcase your talent and leave a good impression!"
Chen Qinian's last reminder was crucial. The Supernova Competition wasn't just a contest among the four academies; it was also an opportunity for contestants to impress Empress Shangguan Lan. Catching her eye could lead to more resources and a promising future.
Xiao Xingyu glanced at Empress Shangguan Lan in the stands, thinking to himself, "The notorious Nine-Tailed Fox, Dailu, is now my beast. If this secret were to be discovered by Shangguan Lan..."
He shivered, exhaling deeply. "Until I have enough power to protect myself, I should avoid getting entangled with this dangerous woman."
In the stands, Shangguan Lan's peripheral vision caught Xiao Xingyu's figure, her brow furrowing slightly. She patted the Seven-Color Sacred Qilin's head.
"Smell the aura of that boy."
The qilin's nostrils flared as it sniffed Xiao Xingyu's scent from a distance.
"What do you sense?"
The qilin looked up at Shangguan Lan and shook its head. The ripples in her eyes settled into calmness. "I must have been mistaken..."
No one knew what was on the mind of the Empress of the Dragon Kingdom.
The bell rang, signaling the first match's imminent start.
Xiao Xingyu stepped onto the highly anticipated stage, wearing a two-star beast robe adorned with a pattern of an azure dragon's tail.
The announcer introduced him loudly. "The first contestant from Qinglong Academy is hailed as the biggest dark horse among the younger generation this year."
"He has no family background; he's just a young man from an unremarkable small town."
"But he has set multiple records and is a grassroots genius beloved by the public."
"He is, Xiao Xingyu!"
The audience of 100,000 applauded, mingling with discussions and exclamations. In terms of attention and popularity, Xiao Xingyu was the true king of the spotlight.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the stage, a crew-cut young man stepped forward, exuding a fierce and domineering demeanor while chewing gum.
"The first contestant from White Tiger Academy is the son of Lin Xiang, president of the Sword Tiger Guild."
"Lin Tianci!"
The Sword Tiger Guild ranks among the nation's top 20 beastmaster guilds. President Lin Xiang is a renowned eight-star beastmaster with numerous accolades. In contrast, Xiao Xingyu's humble beginnings made him the quintessential grassroots competitor.
The referee stepped up. "Contestants, please summon your beasts."
The Supernova Competition has unique rules. Matches are divided into individual and team battles. Xiao Xingyu and Lin Tianci's match was an individual battle, allowing each contestant to use only one beast. Multiple beasts could only be used in team battles.
Xiao Xingyu activated his beast crest, and a black fireball appeared on the stage. The Hell Nether Wolf emerged from the fireball, standing like a small mountain beside Xiao Xingyu.
Lin Tianci smirked. "Just as the dean predicted, this kid summoned the Hell Nether Wolf."
He also activated his beast crest, and a summoning array flashed brilliantly. Suddenly, a giant python rose from the stage, its body covered in crimson scales. Its gaping maw revealed two knife-sharp fangs, with a tongue slick with venom.
"Not good, the attributes are countered!"
In the prep area, Murong Yangshuo's expression shifted dramatically.
Though usually silent, Murong Xinxin spoke up concerning Xiao Xingyu. "Director Chen, can I switch with Xiao Xingyu? I'll handle Lin Tianci."
Chen Qinian shook his head helplessly. "According to the rules, once a contestant steps onto the stage, they can't be replaced."
Murong Yangshuo punched the railing in frustration. "Damn it! They've got us figured out!"
The announcer remarked, "Lin Tianci's summoned Sandsnake Python completely counters Xiao Xingyu's Hell Nether Wolf in terms of attributes."
"The battle hasn't started, but Xiao Xingyu is already at a disadvantage."
In the audience, discussions erupted, with most doubting Xiao Xingyu's chances.
"A sand attribute beast naturally counters a fire attribute beast."
"This round might be tough for Xiao Xingyu."
"Indeed, in matches of equal level, attribute advantage is more important than bloodline pressure."
With both contestants on stage, there was no room for adjustment. The referee immediately announced the start of the match.
As the whistle blew, the battle commenced.
Lin Tianci struck first, commanding the Sandsnake Python to launch an assault. It spat a gust of yellow sand. The sand particles, enveloped in wind blades, formed a sand tornado spiraling towards Xiao Xingyu.
"Black Wind, Hell Howl!"
The Hell Nether Wolf raised its head, flames gathering in its throat before spewing a thick black fire pillar. The fire and sand clashed fiercely, with the surrounding air currents distorting from the collision.
Boom~
After an explosion, scorching sand rained down on the Hell Nether Wolf. Its fur fell away at the wounds, forming several blisters. The wolf bared its teeth, growling menacingly, yet hesitated to act rashly.
In the prep area, the closest vantage point to the stage, Murong siblings and Chen Qinian watched every detail of the first round.
Murong Yangshuo sighed deeply. "This is attribute suppression, unrelated to the beastmaster's awareness, control, or courage."
Murong Xinxin glanced at Chen Qinian.
As Qinglong Academy's coach, Chen Qinian was responsible for strategizing with the three contestants.
"Director Chen, does Xiao Xingyu stand a chance?"
Chen Qinian frowned thoughtfully. "The melting point of sand is 1713°C."
"To turn sand into glass requires at least 2000°C."
"Clearly, the Hell Nether Wolf's current hellfire falls short of this."
"So in the face of attribute suppression, a beastmaster is powerless."
On stage, the battle continued. The Hell Nether Wolf unleashed hellfire repeatedly, fiery columns soaring like volcanic magma. Yet the flames lacked sufficient heat, unable to melt the sand or harm the Sandsnake Python.
From the outset, Xiao Xingyu was at a severe disadvantage.
Murong Xinxin raised an eyebrow, her voice tinged with melancholy. "Director Chen, are you implying Xiao Xingyu is destined to lose?"
Chen Qinian suddenly shook his head. "I was stating facts. Indeed, in terms of attribute suppression, Xiao Xingyu should lose."
"But don't forget, he's Xiao Xingyu. He has a knack for achieving impossible miracles, doesn't he?"
Chen Qinian's words drew the Murong siblings' thoughts back to past events. The Lava Lion Tiger Beast at Yin Nanshan, the rainy cliff fall, the two-star assessment against the Cave Demon-Eyed Spider...
Xiao Xingyu had faced seemingly inevitable defeat before, each time defying the odds and challenging norms, achieving miraculous comebacks.
On stage, Lin Tianci wore a smug smile. "Xiao, your beast is entirely suppressed by mine. If you surrender now, I'll show mercy."
Xiao Xingyu replied with a smile, "The battle has just begun. That was just a warm-up. Now I'll get serious."
When this man got serious, his opponent's identity ceased to matter.