97 - I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets!

"Haha, it's fair to say that Xiao Kui has mastered the art of diverting disaster!" "I originally thought Xiao Kui was selling herself out of sheer madness, but now it seems she had a plan all along~~~" "This time, Youhe Institute truly suffered a disastrous loss because of Baifeng Institute; they've even lost their title among the Top Ten Titans~~~~." "......" "......" Under the belated and schadenfreude-filled sharp critiques in the livestream's barrage of comments, the members of Youhe Institute emerged from the combat room, their faces turning the color of sour lemons. They didn't glance towards Youlan Institute, but instead directed furious glares at Xiao Kui from Baifeng Institute. Seeing this, Xiao Kui promptly tucked herself behind Captain Jiguang with a timid demeanor. Jiguang, looking pleased, patted Xiao Kui gently on the head. Meanwhile, Chi Lin wore a delicate and complex expression as she gazed toward Youlan Institute's combat room. Youhe Institute's defeat and loss of the Top Ten Titans title wasn't too big a deal; they could just start over from the preliminaries. However, if they were supplanted by Youlan Institute, no matter what rank Youhe Institute achieved this year, endorsements and sponsorships would see a significant decline. And as a fellow beastmaster specializing in throwing techniques, a substantial portion of her core fan base might switch allegiance to Lian Xing. This could be described as both losing troops and squandering the dowry... ...... ...... A dozen seconds later, under the gaze of everyone, Youlan Institute's combat room also opened. As the golden-haired girl with a bun leisurely and lazily emerged, her demeanor relaxed, the livestream comments buzzed with lively discussion. Having defeated Chi Lin of the Top Ten Titans and seized her throne, Lian Xing was now amongst the pre-eminent Titans herself. What title should be bestowed upon her...? And... Should Lian Xing personally auction herself now, what would her value be? At the same time, the head of Youlan Institute, located thousands of kilometers away, was bowing profusely in gratitude before the portraits of past principals of the institute. Thankful that these inept predecessors had never produced a brilliant star, thus accumulating enough virtue to welcome the emergence of Lady Lian Xing—making a name overnight and bringing honor to the family! Now, Youlan Institute had ascended to the level of a Top Ten Titans institute grandmaster~~~~ In just an hour, Lian Xing's account gained over 4 million followers, alongside a sixfold increase in Youlan Institute's official account followers. Surely, the recruitment quotas for the next term would be more than full? Amidst the principal's delighted fantasies, Lian Xing and others returned to Youlan Institute's seats. Yet, apart from Lian Xing's expressionless visage, the other members wore subtle, mixed expressions. Winning against Youhe Institute naturally brought happiness, though a hint of awkwardness and unease lingered alongside. It felt... Easier if Lian Xing had led with four dogs. On the stage, the host, Shui Tianliang, congratulated the expressionless golden-haired girl with a professional smile. "Congratulations to Youlan Institute Captain Lian Xing on your successful challenge. If I recall correctly, this is Youlan Institute's best achievement in nearly a century?" "Although we're currently at the Top 30 stage, I'm eagerly anticipating your future performances~~~" "......" "......" "Phew, Mm~~~" Facing Shui Tianliang's congratulations, Lian Xing yawned lazily before nodding slightly in acceptance. To be honest, she still felt a bit disappointed inside. Clearly, Starsand was awakening, but she couldn't test this nuclear option against the mosquitoes. It would have been great if Huanghai Institute accepted the challenge~~~ "Be patient, dear; in a few days, it will be Huanghai Institute's turn~~" Lian Xing gently comforted the deeply disappointed Star Sand within. After all, Star Sand had been waiting for Bing Zhuyu from Tianquan for over half a month since its inception. Moreover, even snagging the critical timing of awakening now didn’t guarantee Star Sand's clarity against Tianquan during the upcoming contest. Thinking about this, Lian Xing glanced toward Huanghai Institute. When Titan Tianquan again met her gaze, a deep solemnity shadowed his eyes. "Even facing a single pet battle has pushed her to touch the very edge of the commander-level limit..." "If it were an unrestricted mode, indeed, it would be perilous. Master, your judgment was correct..." "No matter what, whatever means must ensure I do not taste defeat at this crucial juncture of ascending to the royal stage!!!" "......" "......" Following segments no longer involved Youlan Institute. As a Top Ten Titans high-ranking institute, they simply had to await the emergence of 20 standout teams from the preliminaries. Instead, Youhe Institute's captain, Chi Lin, gloomily and dejectedly proceeded to the preliminaries' group drawing, experiencing the underdog process reserved for weaker teams for the first time in years. In half an hour, the academy league's opening segment concluded... Under the respectful gazes of other teams and Pet Beast Association staff, Youlan Institute's rest area was moved to the Titans' VIP area; they no longer needed to head to the preliminary preparation zone. "Lian Xing, you're truly amazing. Isn't your Moon Embrace Mace still a high-tier weapon? How could you even defeat Chi Lin? What exactly do you eat to grow so strong?" "Chi Yan, it's a major taboo to inquire into another's training methods, but Lian Xing, Sister, could you guide me on my evolution pathway?" En route back, Chi Yan and an unnamed girl wearing a VR headset continually lavished praises upon Lian Xing. Yet, some word must have struck a nerve, for Lian Xing suddenly turned, glaring unhappily at the girl in the VR headset. If she remembered correctly, wasn't this person in their fourth year already? And here she was, only a first-year, being called ‘sister’ by someone three years her senior? Clearly, it should be Lian Xing-little sister or Lian Xing-baby... However, before Lian Xing could voice any protest, a staff member stopped her. Soon after, under many puzzled glances, Lian Xing was whisked away after a brief exchange. —— —— White Moon State, Pet Beast Association Headquarters, President's Office. Led into the president’s exclusive meeting room, Lian Xing initially maintained a facade of nonchalance. But upon opening the door and spotting a tiny golden fox elegantly dressed in exotic attire seated on the table, her face immediately changed. Without hesitation, she prepared to flee. "Bang—" As expected, the moment she turned, she collided with a soft, golden fox tail. The fox tail, more than ten meters long and as thick and stout as an elephant's trunk, completely sealed off the door, firmly blocking Lian Xing’s escape route. No matter how astute she was, she couldn’t have known that the president of the Pet Beast Association was none other than the NPC of the royal-level lair. She was doomed—definitely going to be exploited ruthlessly using an official authority... How could her inexperienced self possibly withstand the torment of a royal-level beast? After a silence spent nursing her sore nose, Lian Xing lowered her head helplessly. "At least... you should pay..." "......" "......" "Pay, pay for what...?" The little fox first tilted her head in puzzlement, then quickly caught on. She chuckled lightly, kindly explaining, "Don’t worry; I mean you no harm." "I simply have a few questions I'd like to discuss." "Firstly, regarding the Top Ten Titans title, while usually designated by our superior state region, they’re currently caught up in complex matters, temporarily ignoring White Moon State's affairs. But I assure you, it will be finalized within a week." The Top Ten Titans title signifies ultimate status and prestige for star competitors. For example, the disparity between the popularity and prestige of the 10th seat Titan, Furnace Institute’s Purgatory, and 11th-ranked Cangying Institute's Captain spans vastly—even down to fan base and endorsement fees. Every student imagines themselves as a Top Ten Titan, living the dream of exclusive titles and fan adoration. Though a mere honorary title, it holds substantial significance for many young girls. "Additionally, I have a few technical inquiries. Since you answered questions in that instance that even eluded my comprehension..." "Despite slim prospects, does recent activity from Huanguan currently ring any bells for you?" "......" "......" "Huanguan?" Hearing this familiar term, Lian Xing slowly emerged from her impending violation panic. Indeed, she’d heard of this faction—not long ago, at Fengshen Institute. According to the aura and script residue from the Death Hand, one of the 72 legends, Calamity Sun, was taken by an Imperial from Huanguan. But... That was over a decade ago. Since it's something recent, it likely has no connection to the incident with the Death Hand, right? Thinking along these lines, Lian Xing shook her head with an innocent and somewhat timid expression.