NOVEL NEXT Chapter 63: Battle Looms, Xiao Xingyu Leaves the Arena
Chapter 63: Battle Looms, Xiao Xingyu Leaves the Arena
"The second individual match between Qinglong Academy and White Tiger Academy is about to begin!"
After repairing the damaged platform, the host shouted with enthusiasm once more.
"Taking the stage now is Qinglong Academy's prodigious talent, Murong Xinxin!"
Murong Xinxin's appearance sparked a frenzy in the audience.
"Isn't this white-haired beauty the youngest daughter of General Murong?"
"Yes, look at her presence, and those sharp eyes. She's inherited General Murong's commanding aura perfectly!"
"With her bloodline, her future is undoubtedly bright!"
The Murong family is one of the four major beastmaster families in the Dragon Kingdom. The head of the Murong family, Murong Jin, is a nine-star beastmaster and serves as an admiral in the Dragon Kingdom's navy. In the Dragon Kingdom, the royal military is divided into three branches: land, air, and sea. The army and air force each have their own leaders, General Bai Yu for the army, and General Lu Mingxiao for the air force. Together with Murong Jin, these three are known as the "Three Generals of the Dragon Kingdom," revered heroes entrusted by Empress Shangguan Lan.
In the stands, Empress Shangguan Lan sipped her tea, casually glancing at Murong Xinxin on the platform.
"This girl is Murong Jin's daughter?"
The attendant beside her nodded, "Yes, she is General Murong's only daughter, and she possesses exceptional talent."
Shangguan Lan instructed, "Keep an eye on this girl. In consideration of Murong Jin, prepare an invitation for her to the Imperial Soul Training Camp."
The attendant was momentarily taken aback.
"Your Majesty, did you say... also?"
The word "also" implied that the invitation for Murong Xinxin was the second one. But to whom was the first invitation sent? The attendant was puzzled.
"The first invitation is for that boy," Shangguan Lan pointed to Xiao Xingyu in the prep area.
At that moment, Xiao Xingyu was playfully jesting with Murong Yangshuo, behaving quite casually.
The attendant was surprised, as Xiao Xingyu was the first grassroots youth to receive an invitation to the Imperial Soul Training Camp. This rigorous training camp was personally overseen by Empress Shangguan Lan, and only the elite youth were selected to attend.
Unaware, Xiao Xingyu had already caught the attention of the highest authority in the Dragon Kingdom.
"Brother Yangshuo, the match is about to start, let's cut the horseplay, alright?"
"You punk, I warn you, don't get any funny ideas about my sister, or else I..."
Before Murong Yangshuo could finish his threat, the host's booming voice drowned him out.
"White Tiger Academy has sent their strongest talent this year, Zhou Ye!"
A slender young man stepped onto the platform. His appearance was strikingly handsome, with a beauty mark accentuating his eyes, making him even more attractive than some women.
Despite the cheers from tens of thousands of spectators, Zhou Ye remained composed, showing no emotion. His aura alone marked him as a formidable opponent.
"Brother Yangshuo, do you know anything about Xinxin's opponent?"
"Zhou Ye? Of course, I do. His father is the lord of Huangyan City, and he's said to have strong talents, specializing in psychic-type beasts."
Xiao Xingyu nodded, gaining some insight into the handsome young man on stage.
In terms of geography, the Dragon Kingdom has four guardian cities located at the northern, eastern, southern, and western borders. Huangyan City, located at the westernmost point of the Dragon Kingdom, stands in the desert. The poetic lines "The lone smoke rises straight in the desert, the long river sets the sun round" aptly describe Huangyan City.
Zhou Ye's father, as the lord of Huangyan City, is a general guarding the frontier, dedicating decades of his youth to the nation. As a hero's descendant, Zhou Ye's demeanor lacks malicious intent but possesses an intimidating presence.
Xiao Xingyu muttered softly, "Zhou Ye's aura is strong, fitting for the son of Huangyan City's lord."
The next moment, Xiao Xingyu found himself in a headlock again.
"Brother Yangshuo, why are you choking me again!"
"You shouldn't be boosting others' morale while undermining our own! My sister will definitely win!"
Xiao Xingyu quickly corrected himself, "Xinxin will win, Xinxin will win, is that better?"
Murong Yangshuo released him, turning his gaze to the stage, with a hint of unease.
Xiao Xingyu sighed internally, "Ah, this brother says he trusts his sister, but deep down he's still unsure~"
This duel was evenly matched. Zhou Ye, White Tiger Academy's strongest candidate this year, was Dean Zhu Qingyu's trump card. Murong Xinxin, on the other hand, was Qinglong Academy's most talented student, having just won the freshman ranking competition (Xiao Xingyu was sidelined due to injury). Both had strong family backgrounds, with little disparity in talent, suggesting a fierce and prolonged battle.
"Contestants, please summon your beasts!"
The referee announced loudly.
A breeze swept across the arena.
Just then, Xiao Xingyu heard the voice of the Nine-Tailed Fox.
"I think I smell Phoenix Tail Grass."
"Lulu, are you sure?"
Xiao Xingyu grew excited instantly. Phoenix Tail Grass dew is one of the essential nutrients for cultivating the Heavenly Soul Vine Beast seed. It's not available on the market, and the areas where it grows, like the Western Glacier, are extremely dangerous. With his current strength, Xiao Xingyu wouldn't dare venture into such perilous regions.
"I'm sure. The scent comes from the southeast, only two streets away."
The Nine-Tailed Fox clan has a sense of smell far superior to other monsters. Xiao Xingyu didn't doubt Dailu's sense of smell and turned to Chen Qinian, putting on an act with his hands on his stomach and a pained expression.
"Director Chen, I need to use the restroom."
"Make it quick!"
Xiao Xingyu left the crowd and exited the venue.
"Lulu, are you certain it's this way?"
"Yes, the scent is getting stronger!"
On stage, Zhou Ye activated his beast crest. From the summoning array emerged a snow-white giant wolf with a sharp horn on its head. Its eyes glowed with a crimson light.
The host introduced loudly, "Zhou Ye has summoned the Evil Eye Grey Wolf, a psychic-type beast, mature form (Stage 2)..."
Murong Xinxin glanced at the prep area, seeing only Murong Yangshuo and Coach Chen Qinian cheering her on. Xiao Xingyu was nowhere to be seen.
Murong Xinxin frowned.
"Where did that guy go?"
The host reminded her, "Murong, the match is about to start. Please summon your beast!"
Xiao Xingyu's sudden departure caused a slight ripple in Murong Xinxin's mindset. With the match imminent, she cast aside distractions and activated her beast crest.
A large eagle soared into the air, each feather an icy crystal. As this beast appeared, the temperature dropped, and a layer of frost covered the ground.
"Murong Xinxin has summoned the Snowfeather Hunter, her primary beast!"
Previously, Murong Xinxin had used her second beast, the Bonewing Bat, in the Yin Nanshan trial. This Snowfeather Hunter was her primary and strongest beast.
The battle was about to erupt, tensions high.