Chapter 126: Heading to the Legion! Who is the Breeder of the Timber Wolves?

Chapter 126: Heading to the Legion! Who is the Breeder of the Timber Wolves?

【Blinding Light Technique (Basic): Manipulates the power of the sun, emitting an intense light that greatly affects the enemy's vision! A skill that utilizes the power of the sun at a basic level.】

This was the description of the Blinding Light Technique.

It seemed simple.

The effect was also quite ordinary.

After Su Ping's testing, the Blinding Light Technique caused a burst of light from the Thousand Wood Wolf that was even more dazzling than staring directly at the sun, temporarily blinding the opponent when they looked directly at it.

However, this type of skill had significant drawbacks and limitations.

First, it was useless against plant-type creatures.

It might even make the opponent happier and fight harder.

Second, Su Ping didn't know how effective it was against elemental or other undead creatures, but it didn't have much impact on the Origami Being.

At most, due to attribute suppression, the Origami Being might feel some aversion, but it wouldn't cause any substantial harm.

Lastly, if the enemy was prepared and closed their eyes or turned away, the effect would be greatly reduced.

Of course, if the enemy closed their eyes or turned away, the effect and purpose of the Blinding Light Technique might still be achieved.

However, Su Ping didn't overlook this.

His breeder's intuition told him that this difficult-to-awaken skill of the Thousand Wood Wolf race might have far-reaching connections and significance.

Su Ping looked at the Thousand Wood Wolf's encyclopedia once again, which he had read countless times:

【Thousand Wood Wolf Evolution Form: The Timber Wolf, based on its wood attribute, has further evolved, and has gained preliminary control over the power of the sun as well as more advanced natural plant powers. It also has extremely high growth potential and future development prospects, making it the top choice for the Timber Wolf's evolutionary path.】

In the Encyclopedia of All Spirits, it even specifically noted that it had preliminary control over the power of the sun! Su Ping's intuition told him that compared to skills like Tree Prison and Life Magnetic Field, or even the mutated Wood Body, this Blinding Light Technique might be even more significant.

The other skills enhanced the Thousand Wood Wolf's combat abilities.

However, the significance of the Blinding Light Technique itself might be related to the Thousand Wood Wolf's further evolution!

Could the path to further evolution also be related to sunlight?

Su Ping suppressed his doubts and focused on the task at hand. Now wasn't the time to dwell on these thoughts.

The upcoming days were too busy!

There were less than ten days left before the Legion Tournament began.

And Da Zhuang was still accumulating energy.

It wasn't that Su Ping's calculations were wrong; it was just that the weather during these two months had been uncooperative.

Despite being in autumn, the sunlight was less abundant than before, resulting in insufficient accumulation of solar power and slowing down the Timber Wolf's evolution.

This was a valuable lesson.

Su Ping became even more aware of how much sunlight was required for the Thousand Wood Wolf's evolution.

Fortunately, everything went well! Two days later, after Su Ping fed Da Zhuang the prepared Spirit Tree Leaves and a Golden Oak Fruit, Da Zhuang's evolution finally began smoothly.

From that moment on, fifty days passed.

All ten Timber Wolves in the Legion completed their evolution from Timber Wolves to Thousand Wood Wolves!

Not a single one failed, and at most, their potential varied.

At the same time, in addition to completing their evolution, all the Timber Wolves were equipped with the Heart of Wood skill.

Moreover, Er Zhuang's Heart of Wood level was the same as Lao Sha's, making him the only one among the ten Thousand Wood Wolves to reach the Mastery level.

Er Zhuang's Heart of Wood matched his Sunlight Absorption and Photosynthesis levels.

As Su Ping had expected!

The consistency of the three skill levels made them even more effective than Da Zhuang, whose Sunlight Absorption and Photosynthesis had reached perfection, but his Heart of Wood was only at the Proficient level.

Da Zhuang's level was one higher than Lao Sha's, and after evolving, he directly reached Commander Rank 9, while Er Zhuang was at Commander Rank 7. However, during continuous fierce battles, Er Zhuang even managed to overpower Da Zhuang.

This once again proved that as long as the difference in levels wasn't too great, skill level improvements had a greater impact on combat power.

Er Zhuang's three skills formed a perfect chain, like a fully unblocked water pipe, allowing sunlight to be continuously converted into power, making Er Zhuang's strength seem inexhaustible.

However, to Su Ping's slight disappointment, even with the same Mastery level in all three skills, the effect was only slightly better than before.

He wanted to see a qualitative change, but it still hadn't occurred.

This made Su Ping doubt whether his formulas and guesses were correct.

But it was clear that this wasn't something to worry about right now.

Su Ping wouldn't become idle just because the Thousand Wood Wolves had finished evolving.

He became even busier in the following days.

He was so busy that he couldn't even attend to the previously scheduled and booked customers for Heart of Wood cultivation, and had to apologize and postpone them for a few days.

The Thousand Wood Wolves had one last step, which was to ensure seven days of activity. He had to guarantee that this final stage would be flawless.

Undoubtedly, the Beastmaster Legion Tournament was far more important than the small amount of money he could earn at the moment.

As the time drew closer, Su Ping's focus intensified.

Especially during these two days, with Zhang Lie's constant phone calls! Finally, there were only two days left of the two-month period.

"I will fulfill my mission!"

Looking at Zhang Lie, Su Ping smiled wearily.

Zhang Lie gazed at the ten figures in the forest.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

Commander Rank 9, Commander Rank 7, three at Commander Rank 6, Commander Rank 5, three at Commander Rank 4, Commander Rank 3! These were the ten figures before him.

Just standing behind the young man, these ten figures seemed to be standing amidst an endless wild forest, where lush greenery concealed countless dangers.

Were these the ten Timber Wolves he knew? No! These were the Thousand Wood Wolves!

Because beside these ten Thousand Wood Wolves were their Beastmasters.

During these days, Su Ping hadn't been idle, and neither had they.

But it was all worth it! Zhang Lie didn't say a word or raise any doubts. He simply saluted the young man, who was the same age as his son.

"Breeder Su, you're departing tomorrow. Commander Zhao and Lin Division Commander have invited you to watch the Legion Tournament. Will you accept?"

As expected, Su Ping nodded.

"How many days will the tournament last?"

"It officially starts the day after tomorrow, but you need to return to the base tomorrow for preparations. The tournament will last for about two days!"

"Great! I'll prepare tonight and leave with you guys tomorrow."

Finally, he was going to the Legion Base! Su Ping's heart was filled with excitement.

It wasn't a place just anyone could go to! Influenced by his father, Su Ping had always admired and been curious about the Beastmaster Legion.

And now, with the departure set for tomorrow, how could Su Ping's heart not be stirred?

During dinner, he informed Old Guan, who nodded and told Su Ping to be careful outside, assuring him that he would take care of things at home.

Ever since the incident of falling into the water, Old Guan hadn't brought up the matter of having Su Ping cultivate the Heart of Wood for Guan Lilili.

In fact, Old Guan hadn't even asked for any compensation for the family involved in the incident.

Su Ping understood that Old Guan didn't want to cause any trouble for him.

The humility of that couple was due to Dong Muchun.

However, Su Ping didn't know much about the relationship between Dong Muchun, the former chairman, and himself.

If he accepted their favor, it might lead to complications later.

Old Guan, who had been diligent for so many years, naturally didn't want his own greed to cause any hidden troubles or problems for Su Ping and the Heart of Wood.

Su Ping saw all this, and he understood Old Guan's intentions.

However, Su Ping didn't say much more.

After the Legion Tournament was over, there would be plenty of time to discuss it.

Then, he could also give this diligent Old Guan a reassurance and a big gift.

As night fell, Su Ping returned to his room and lay on the bed. Before he could enter a meditative state, the phone rang again.

Su Ping thought it might be Qin Xiaoxue, as she had been calling frequently these days, but when he looked, he was slightly startled.

It was his father, whom he hadn't heard from since that time he left.

"Hello?"

"Son, have you missed me?"

"Just get to the point."

"Tsk, aren't you thinking about the Jianghai Province Legion Tournament that's about to start? Are you done with your preparations? I've been bragging about you, so do you have the confidence?"

As expected, Su An Yong had indeed discussed this matter with Zhang Lie before, so he remembered it.

Su Ping snorted:

"I'm confident!"

In front of Su An Yong, Su Ping's confidence was evident!

"That's right. I've seen Laosha's capabilities. Unless he's extremely unlucky, or the tournament rules and terrain are messed up, there's no problem with a top five finish!"

This time, Su An Yong didn't argue.

However, Su Ping snorted again:

"Top five? Who are you looking down on? First place! It must be first place!"

"You little rascal, don't be too arrogant. The connections within the Beastmaster Legion are not as simple as you think. You're just cultivating a single type. I estimate that some elite breeding will involve different types of cultivation!

In a five-person combat group, there will be complementary groups of the same species but with different evolutionary forms. Although the Thousand Wood Wolf has versatile abilities, it still has obvious weaknesses!"

Su An Yong was right about this.

The Thousand Wood Wolf, for one, had a significant weakness similar to other Wood-type pet beasts.

Weak against Fire.

Countered by Fire-type pet beasts.

But Su Ping didn't seem to mind. With a cold glint in his eyes, he asked:

"Dad, you mentioned the tournament rules. Generally speaking, what are the rules like in these Legion tournaments? Give me the details."

Su An Yong smacked his lips:

"There are many, but the most classic and widely used rule is a one-on-one battle. It's a knockout tournament, but this format was slightly improved many years ago.

They added the option to choose the terrain and replaced the knockout format with a challenge point system.

However, this format was later criticized for lacking real-world combat applicability and having too much of a performance aspect, not allowing Beastmasters and pet beasts to fully demonstrate their combat abilities in unpredictable wild situations, focusing only on staged fights.

So, in recent years, the tournaments have mostly adopted a large-scale battle royale format on a vast map. It's like a survival game where participants are thrown into a realm, and whoever emerges victorious is the best.

But this format also emphasizes luck and randomness a bit too much. In any case, that's how it is. I estimate that this Legion Tournament will also be a battle royale.

After all, this format is the most realistic simulation of a true wilderness..."

As Su An Yong spoke, he suddenly paused, as if his throat had been grabbed by a mother hen, and he seemed to realize something.

As if it wasn't a surprise, Su Ping's voice finally came through:

"Su An Yong, you're quite knowledgeable."

Su An Yong chuckled:

"Hey, didn't I tell you? When I joined the army, I spent a few years in the Beastmaster Legion."

"Oh, so those few years of hanging around allowed you to learn the current Legion Tournament rules?"

Su Ping didn't believe it.

Su An Yong continued:

"Can't I have comrades-in-arms? You little brat, do you know what deep camaraderie is?"

"Such deep camaraderie, and yet all these years, I haven't seen anyone looking for you, their old comrade, to reminisce."

Su An Yong immediately changed the subject:

"Alright, your stepmother woke up. Let's talk later. Also, if you can really make the Thousand Wood Wolf win first place in this Legion Tournament, I'll bring her with me to give you a gift!"

"Hello? What gift..."

"Dudu..."

Hearing the phone hang up, Su Ping tossed his phone aside and began to meditate.

After completing the cultivation, he needed to focus on his meditation to make up for the progress he had missed during this period.

After all, the professional Beastmaster exam that Qin Xiaoxue had mentioned for next year was still on his mind.

The night slowly passed, and dawn broke over the Beastmaster Legion base, located more than a hundred kilometers away.

At the heart of the base, within the most crucial Linye Army Command Center, a special aircraft arrived, and two figures descended from the sky.

Zhao, the commander, stood there with a beaming smile, accompanied by several other high-ranking officers, all grinning at the newcomers.

"President Qin and President Liu, your visit to guide the Legion is a great honor. We should've greeted you from afar, but we're remiss in our duties." Zhao's face lit up at the sight of the two visitors.

The two figures were none other than Qin Erlong and Liu Fuhai.

Although the Legion and the local authorities had separate jurisdictions, they maintained open communication for significant matters. This tournament was undoubtedly one such event.

More importantly, one of them was the spouse of a prominent figure from the Mowu Academy Faction, while the other was a staunch advocate for the Beastmaster Association's reforms. Both were unwavering allies of Zhao in their shared vision for change.

With the Legion embarking on initial reforms, particularly concerning elite breeding, it was only natural to invite these two to witness the event.

"Hahaha! We're here to join in the excitement. It seems you've got big plans, Zhao. Is that someone making way to start a shake-up?" Qin Erlong spoke without any attempt to lower his voice, even raising it slightly as he glanced at the gathered officers with a smile.

Zhao understood Qin's intent, and his heart echoed the sentiment. He couldn't help but marvel at how having a capable wife meant having no worries. Qin's words were indeed fearless.

Liu Fuhai chimed in, "Haha! After the Beastmaster Association and the Beastmaster Association's reforms are complete, the next step is the Legion and education. You're firing the first shot, Zhao!"

"Alright, enough chit-chat out here. Let's go inside," Zhao said, cutting off further conversation.

While Qin Erlong spoke without restraint and Liu Fuhai showed no fear, they were in the heart of a massive military camp, occupying the most critical military base in the eastern region. Zhao had to be mindful of his words.

Among the other officers present, some were allies from the same faction, and they greeted Qin and Liu warmly. The rest promptly departed.

Neither Qin nor Liu minded this.

These individuals were either backed by influential families or had suffered losses in the recent internal reforms.

In the end, they were all insignificant obstacles in the path of progress.

The smooth conduct of this outsourced elite tournament was proof of that!

Back in the command center's office, Zhao poured tea for the two guests and then said with a bright smile, "The tournament officially begins tomorrow. I apologize for inconveniencing you both by having you stay here overnight."

Qin Erlong laughed, "Cut the small talk. You just want me and Old Liu to give a good scare to those unruly folks in the Legion, right?"

Liu, the vice president, waved his hand, "Well, the external breeders responsible for outsourcing will also be here to observe, won't they?"

Zhao nodded, "Of course. After all, this is a showcase of the breeders' skills, and our Legion has invested significant resources. We must demonstrate our sincerity and their capabilities!"

Liu Fuhai wasn't concerned about sincerity. Instead, he eagerly asked, "I've heard about the breeders for the Snow Wolf, Sand Wolf, Hunter Wolf, and Shadow Wolf. I know that the Sand Wolf breeder is our own Yang He from Jianghai Province, supervised by me. The Snow Wolf breeder is said to be a senior breeder from Beiyuan Province. I've heard a bit about the Hunter Wolf and Shadow Wolf breeders, but what about the Timber Wolf breeder?"

Recently, Liu Fuhai hadn't specifically inquired, but with such a significant event in the Legion, news had spread among the neighboring provinces and cities in the eastern region. Yet, surprisingly, not a word had leaked about the Timber Wolf breeder.

Liu Fuhai was puzzled. Typically, such a breeder would be at least an intermediate breeder, if not a senior one.

In the entire Dragon Kingdom, the most skilled Timber Wolf breeders were likely from Jianghai Province and its surroundings. Yet, there had been no mention of them.

Zhao, slightly taken aback, looked at Liu Fuhai and realized something, "You don't know?"

"Know what?" Liu Fuhai's expression seemed genuine.

Indeed, Liu Fuhai had been busy. He had assisted Yang He in breeding the Sandstorm Wind Wolf, hosted the visiting breeders from Huaiyang Province, and prepared for the upcoming Beastmaster Association's annual breeding competition.

With the official president absent, all responsibilities fell on Liu Fuhai's shoulders, making him incredibly busy.

Zhao scratched his head, recalling why the old man had said those words earlier, "The Timber Wolf Squad breeder is from your Jianghai Province, and I believe they're from your Linzhou City."

"What?" Liu Fuhai raised an eyebrow.

Qin Erlong, standing nearby, seemed to have an idea and nodded slightly.

Zhao didn't want to waste time with Liu Fuhai. After all, he had only glanced at the document earlier, and recalling one name from the list of dozens would be challenging. So, he suggested, "How about this? Later this morning, breeders from various regions will return to the Legion base with their bred beasts. You can go and see for yourself."

Liu Fuhai furrowed his brow but didn't refuse, nodding in agreement.

However, he didn't notice Qin Erlong's amused expression, as if he had guessed something.

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Linzhou City, Su Ping had already boarded the vehicle with Zhang Lie and others, eagerly heading towards the Legion base.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end