80 - I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets!

"Well, that's true..." The director of Youlan Institute was rendered speechless by Lian Xing's words, and quickly nodded to show agreement. With just one week remaining before the official start of the academy tournament, Lian Xing was still working tirelessly to strengthen the lineup for Youlan Institute. She even forsook her own anticipated glory and cheers, which was truly moving! Not long after, as Lian Xing's fair stockings-clad legs slowly disappeared from view, the director felt a profound sense of satisfaction once more. Those three leader-class crystals were indeed exceedingly well spent...!!! —— —— Two days had passed since the conclusion of the second round of qualifications. Both of Youlan Institute's teams successfully advanced. Unlike the first team which faced Baifeng Institute's second team and Cangsakura Institute's main team, the second team was quite fortunate to draw two lower-tier teams, advancing to the main competition almost effortlessly. Compared to the dismal situation of the previous edition, this year, the students of Youlan Institute were practically celebrating with champagne. Almost the entire academy forum was buzzing with discussions about Lian Xing. Defeating two leader-class bosses in an instant, eliminating Cangsakura Institute’s main team, the strongest Moonlight Bunny Lian Xing gained fame in one fell swoop. Her fair stockings and seductive legs became the talk of the town! Especially Lian Xing’s online account; its followers were surging at an astonishing rate. Within just two matches, it had transformed from a modest following of a thousand to a small influencer with 200k fans. Presumably, with this surge in attention, the price for her services must have skyrocketed, too? However, ignoring the turmoil and excitement online, Lian Xing herself had already boarded a tour airship heading towards Fengshen Institute. Traveling from Youlan Institute to Fengshen Institute took a total of two and a half days, so after assisting the Silver Dragon with its nest quest, she had no time to return and could only head directly to the headquarters of the Pet Beast Association for the official league. At this moment, in a luxurious and opulent compartment aboard the airship. With soft golden hair cascading to her waist, a starry-eyed girl in a transparent bathrobe lay leisurely on a rocking chair, gently swaying her stocking-clad legs while intently studying the evolution progress of the Moonlight Bunny. [Moon Embrace Mallet lvl 54] [Agility 30, Strength 15, Efficiency 5] [Talent Tree: Each agility point enhances the Moonlight Bunny’s limb force x4] After reaching level 50, the second talent tree was unlocked. Lian Xing had invested all training points into limb force. For the newborn Moonlight Bunny, "limb force" naturally didn’t refer to arm strength, but to its frequently used combat throwing body part—the ears!! Lian Xing's sole aim was to have the Moonlight Bunny quickly reach level 60. Upon reaching level 60, the Moonlight Bunny would experience a revolutionary transformation. Not only could it unlock its first advanced throwing exclusive talent [Breaking Waves], but it could also complete the leader-class evolution condition [Comprehend a throwing-exclusive talent in the second talent tree.] [Breaking Waves: Before reaching its target, the thrown object can negate one instance of obstructing force.] Once the talent is unlocked. Lian Xing's next step would be something that beastmasters in this newbie village of White Moon State couldn’t fathom... That is—Bloodline Combat Skills!! Indeed, she intended for the Moonlight Bunny to grasp a bloodline combat skill before reaching the regal rank. Once it successfully mastered this bloodline combat skill, there would be no opponents for the Moonlight Bunny within the leader rank. [Six Ears: When activated, continuous growth of additional illusory limbs—three times the throwing part count] The Breaking Waves talent... is one of the prerequisites for Six Ears!!! Six Ears is one of the bloodline combat skills in the evolutionary route for 13 species of Moonlight Bunnies!! Bloodline combat skills typically grow in strength as the pet beast evolves. Six Ears effectively triples the throwing firepower, universally applicable regardless of the evolution stage, and it won't become obsolete even upon reaching the regal rank. Therefore, to acquire the ultimate core ability in the throwing system, not only must resources from Lian Xing be adequately allocated, but the Moon Embrace Mallet itself must also diligently hone its throwing technique. "Swish!" "Swish Swish!!" Under Lian Xing’s strict supervision, the Moonlight Bunny in its juvenile form continuously swung its soft ears in the spacious compartment’s center, occasionally producing intense air-cutting sounds. Before long, the Moonlight Bunny was exhausted, panting heavily and wearing its classic pained expression. However, under Lian Xing's kind gaze, the Moonlight Bunny still forced itself to stand up, swinging its head back and forth to continue smacking the air. This amusing scene was like... A big-eared bunny!! —— —— "The airship has arrived at its destination—Fengshen Institute. Please disembark in an orderly manner!" "The airship has arrived at its destination—Fengshen Institute. Please disembark in an orderly manner!" Several hours later, as the airship's intense shaking after landing gradually smoothed out, the broadcast rang through the speakers. Half-awake, Lian Xing dazedly glanced through the window and found herself slightly gaping in surprise. Peering down from the airship's hovering platform, she saw a city overflowing with a sense of technological luxury. Everywhere she looked, towering buildings adorned with Fengshen Institute emblems sprawled, exuding a sense of futuristic technology that seemed fifty years ahead of Youlan Institute. In fact, the technological level of each academy depended on the number of mechanical beastmasters... A single leader-class construction mechanical beast, given a few years, could single-handedly propel a city's technological leap. Meanwhile, unlike the serene and expansive Youlan Institute, Fengshen Institute’s city was bustling with throngs of people, appearing 99% tourists, with only 1% donning Fengshen Institute uniforms. These were all die-hard fans drawn by the esteemed Ten Giants’ Silver Dragon. Last year, the Silver Dragon from Fengshen Institute rose to fame, ranking third among the Ten Giants, which exponentially boosted the institute’s income from tourism. Even when facing the undisputed champion Huanghai Institute in the semifinals, the Silver Dragon impressively held its ground for five minutes against three opponents, leaving a mark on the White Moon State League. Now, the Silver Dragon boasts over 17 million followers, making it a star among stars even within the historic Ten Giants. Combat strength, looks, ability to stir the crowd, and memorable moments—all must be present to garner the audience's favor!! Having only combat strength or looks would soon lead to being forgotten by fans, and gradually they wouldn't receive endorsement deals or earn easy money. Ten minutes later, after a quick freshen-up, Lian Xing stepped off the airship, the Moonlight Bunny perched atop her head, and headed to the agreed street location to wait. However, during her patient wait, two familiar figures suddenly brushed past her. "......" "......" "Hmm...?" In a fleeting glance as they passed by, Fengshen Institute’s number 2 figure suddenly turned and incredulously looked at Lian Xing. Following the number 2's suspicious gaze, Fengshen Institute’s number 4 also frowned and looked at Lian Xing. In the next instant, her pupils contracted sharply. That iconic starry-eyed girl with a bun—undeniably the strongest Moonlight Bunny! But why was the captain’s old companion, the strongest Moonlight Bunny, here...? "Strongest Moonlight Bunny, are you here to see number 10? Unfortunately, number 10 just took three days of sick leave today and hasn’t even attended training, so I fear you won’t be able to see her~~" "Indeed, Fengshen Institute’s pre-competition training is rather strict. Since number 10 skipped training, it must mean she’s really not feeling well!!!" Fengshen Institute’s numbers 2 and 4 explained one after the other. Having been in enclosed training these days, they hadn’t paid attention to other academies' qualification broadcasts, so they were unaware of Lian Xing’s current prowess. At first, Lian Xing didn’t recognize the pair, as everyone at Fengshen Institute wore masks, making it impossible to distinguish one person from another. But as soon as they spoke, she recognized them. Aren’t these the owners of Tengyun Chalu and Tosei Huanlong? At that time, against the over-level-50 Tengyun Chalu, her Giant Moonlight Bunny and Golden Wheel had faced some pressure, although the moment evolution kicked in, they obliterated their opponent. Now, however, her Moon Embrace Mallet that regularly challenged leader-class opponents had already surpassed level 50, sprinting past years of regular students' training progress—its strength now dwelling in another dimension entirely. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Tengyun Chalu would likely lose its will to fight at the mere sight of the Moon Embrace Mallet. This was because pet beasts that frequently triumphed over higher ranks emitted an intimidating aura that made same-rank pet beasts perceive them as higher-ranking beings. "Hmm." Faced with their reminder, Lian Xing only nonchalantly nodded. Her reaction left the two from Fengshen Institute somewhat puzzled. Could it be that the strongest Moonlight Bunny wasn’t here to meet with the captain, but simply for sightseeing? Wait, could she actually be here scouting enemy territory? However, just then— Just as suspicion brewed between the two, a girl with long silver hair suddenly appeared behind them. She was dressed in the same Fengshen Institute uniform and wore the same plain white mask as they did, clearly another member of the Fengshen Institute league team. However, the silver-haired girl paid no attention to the two Fengshen Institute members beside her. Upon spotting Lian Xing in person, she immediately approached with great enthusiasm. "You've finally arrived, my friend! Are you hungry?" "Come on, let me treat you to a meal~~" "......" "......" Faced with the enthusiastic Fengshen Institute's number 10, Lian Xing had hardly any chance to resist before she was whisked away.