Beasts: Only I Can See the Hidden Evolution Path

Chapter 62: Securing the First Victory, Gaining the Empress's Attention! 

A torrential rainstorm began to ravage the city center. The rain tumbled down like thousands of sharp arrows, rapidly striking the already unstable platform.

"Damn it!"

Lin Tianci's face was drenched, panic taking root deep within him as the unexpected rainstorm nullified the Sandsnake Python's earlier advantage. The once-dominant position was now rendered moot.

"Pull yourself together!" Lin Tianci shouted to his beast.

However, despite its efforts, the Sandsnake Python could not gather any sand, which had turned to mud in the downpour, posing no threat to the Hell Nether Wolf.

Xiao Xingyu smiled faintly, "Lin, this battle is over."

"Black Wind, Hellfire Lotus!"

With a sharp gaze, Xiao Xingyu decisively issued the command.

Howl!

The Hell Nether Wolf roared, releasing a lotus of fire from its mouth. The lotus spun in mid-air, expanding wildly until it covered the entire platform.

In the stands, everyone stared wide-eyed, shocked and amazed, having never seen such a massive fire lotus.

The black fire lotus, like a falling meteor, crashed brutally onto the Sandsnake Python's body.

The host shouted hoarsely, "This is the Hell Nether Wolf's ultimate skill, Hellfire Lotus!"

"In my twenty years of commentating on beastmaster competitions, I've never seen such a spectacular fire lotus!"

The explosion's fiery waves rapidly spread, shaking the entire stadium and causing power failures across ten nearby blocks.

After what felt like ages, the smoke on the stage cleared, and the broadcast screen finally returned to clarity.

At the center of the stage, the Sandsnake Python lay curled up, eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth, its massive body scorched by the intense flames.

Lin Tianci fell to his knees, disoriented, his trembling hands against the ground, unable to accept his defeat.

The Hell Nether Wolf returned to Xiao Xingyu's side, standing proud and majestic, embodying the demeanor of a wolf king.

The entire venue fell into brief silence. Spectators remained entranced by the recent spectacle, unable to pull themselves away.

The referee blew the whistle to conclude the match.

"The match is over, and the winner is..."

"Qinglong Academy's Xiao Xingyu!"

The audience's applause and cheers shattered the previous silence. Xiao Xingyu's victory crowned him a hero, making him the focal point of attention.

"This kid is incredible, managing to turn the tables."

"If it were me, I wouldn't have been able to break the attribute suppression."

"Who would have thought of using 'artificial rainfall' to counter attribute suppression? He's a genius!"

Xiao Xingyu's victory wasn't just a testament to his strength, but also his tactical intelligence. In battle, beastmasters often face various disadvantages. In this match, Xiao Xingyu started poorly, facing attribute suppression. Another in his place might have panicked and succumbed to defeat within a few rounds. Yet Xiao Xingyu remained calm, analyzing and creating an opportunity for a comeback.

In the prep area, Chen Qinian smiled with satisfaction.

Murong Yangshuo sighed in relief, remarking, "Director Chen, your student Xiao Xingyu is something else~"

"Indeed, this boy is Dean Su's cherished genius. His combat intelligence is so impressive that it feels..."

"Feels what?"

"Feels terrifying."

Chen Qinian's words sent a shiver down Murong Yangshuo's spine.

"No kidding, it's a bit scary."

High up in the stands, Empress Shangguan Lan witnessed the entire match, noting every detail. Beside her was a seemingly inconspicuous female attendant, a nine-star beastmaster!

"Investigate the background of this boy."

The attendant handed over a report.

"Your Majesty, it's already been done."

The report detailed Xiao Xingyu's entire life history, even recording the scandalous incident of him peeking at the widow next door bathing at age six.

"His background is relatively clean, worth nurturing."

A gleam appeared in Shangguan Lan's eyes as she focused on Xiao Xingyu on the platform. For a moment, her pupils shifted to a vertical shape—a feature of purebred dragons. Among all beasts and monsters, only purebred dragons have vertical pupils.

With the first match concluded, Xiao Xingyu secured a point for Qinglong Academy. After Lin Tianci left the stage, he returned to Zhu Qingyu, head down, unable to meet her gaze.

"Dean, I'm sorry to disappoint you."

Zhu Qingyu, as the dean of White Tiger Academy, maintained her composure despite her reputation, speaking in a calm tone.

"It's okay. Your loss wasn't in vain. That Xiao Xingyu is formidable."

Zhu Qingyu glanced sideways at Xiao Xingyu, suspicion rising within her.

"Who would've thought that Su Ruyan would be lucky enough to find such a genius."

"If possible..."

Zhu Qingyu's eyes flickered, her smile revealing a mischievous thought of poaching talent. Given Xiao Xingyu's extraordinary potential, any beastmaster academy's dean would be tempted to claim him.

"Dean~"

Su Ruyan approached Xiao Xingyu, her usual icy demeanor replaced by a gentle smile.

"Xiao Xingyu, your performance was excellent, especially the artificial rainfall demonstrating your combat intelligence."

"Once all matches conclude, I'll reward you well!"

Su Ruyan raised her delicate hand, patting Xiao Xingyu's shoulder.

Chen Qinian brought the focus back. "Next, which of you siblings will go first?"

With Xiao Xingyu securing the first win, the pressure fell on the second match. White Tiger Academy would undoubtedly send their best to regain the advantage.

"Director Chen, I'll go," Murong Xinxin volunteered.

Chen Qinian nodded. "Good, I trust you with the second match."

The second match was crucial. Qinglong and White Tiger Academy each had three contestants, typically facing off in three individual matches. But with Xiao Xingyu's victory, a win by Murong Xinxin would end the individual matches. Even if Murong Yangshuo lost the third match, the score would be 2:1, giving Qinglong Academy the win.

Given the match's importance, Chen Qinian chose Murong Xinxin.

Talent-wise, Murong Xinxin was the top freshman at Qinglong Academy.

"Xinxin, you'll win. I'll be quietly supporting you!"

Murong Xinxin was momentarily taken aback by Xiao Xingyu's encouragement, feeling a bit off.

"Xiao Xingyu, you rascal, is that an inappropriate comment toward my sister?"

"Brother Yangshuo, don't choke me, cough, cough..."

The phrase "I'll be quietly supporting you" could indeed be misinterpreted.