Chapter 209: The Wolf King's Ability! Wood's Challenge Once More!

Chapter 209: The Wolf King's Ability! Wood's Challenge Once More!

Before them stood a forest wolf evolution, not particularly large in size. In fact, compared to Old Sha's Thousand Wood Wolf, it might even be a whole circle smaller.

However, in contrast to the Thousand Wood Wolf's draped branches and peculiar horns, this forest wolf evolution exuded a graceful and majestic aura. Its most striking feature, without a doubt, was the enormous and peculiar crown atop its head.

This was a crown, but not in the traditional vertical design. Instead, it arched outward, resembling a blossoming tree canopy. Extending fifty centimeters from the wolf's skull, its curve appeared more like a pair of demonic horns from a distance. The once pale yellow hue had transformed into a golden color.

The sight of it evoked a sense of nobility.

This impression was not an illusion. After all, the evolution of the Crowned Wolf King was not something an ordinary person could afford.

This nobility was created through the accumulation of vast resources and wealth.

Aside from the massive crown on its head, the most significant change was the ethereal aura surrounding the wolf's body. Its tail, originally only thirty to forty centimeters long, had now extended tenfold.

So much so that it dragged on the ground, reaching half a meter in length. Rather than resembling a tail, it seemed more akin to the trailing robes of an emperor, symbolizing their majestic status.

This long tail, like ancient attire, was not suited for combat, but its very presence denoted nobility and social standing.

Wood, at this moment, embodied this very essence.

His emerald eyes slowly opened, and an incredibly excited howl reverberated through the air.

The Crowned Wolf King had successfully evolved!

Su Ping's expression flickered slightly, and without much thought, he turned his attention to Wood.

Although the evolution of the Crowned Wolf King was challenging and not cost-effective, Su Ping had no immediate plans for such an evolution within his wolf pack. However, Wood's abilities were crucial for Qing's future evolution and skill selection.

Through Wood's capabilities, Su Ping could craft Qing's skill choices for her subsequent evolution.

The feedback from the True Eye revealed no obstacles, indicating that Wood had no intention of concealing his information.

Amidst the howls, Su Ping witnessed the little one's newfound abilities:

[Crowned Wolf King (Contracted - Other)]



[Attributes: Wood, Life]



[Current Level: Marquis Ninth Rank]



[Race Limit: Emperor Fifth Rank]



[Skills: Thorn Whirl (Proficient), Heart of Wood (Proficient), Wood Clone (Proficient), Seed and Sprout (Beginner), Dominion Aura (Beginner), Forest Concealment (Proficient), Jungle Ecstasy (Beginner)]



Seven skills! Furthermore, it retained the previously nurtured skills, Heart of Wood and Forest Concealment.

The number of skills, while not excessive for an evolution with Imperial Race Potential, was still considered on the lower end.

Su Ping focused his mind and examined each skill in turn.

Thorn Whirl was a straightforward evolution of the vine constriction skill, boasting enhanced power.

The most intriguing skill, undoubtedly, was the clone ability!

[Wood Clone (Proficient): Can summon Wood Clones with formidable combat capabilities, not far inferior to the original body.

Currently, up to four clones can be summoned simultaneously, each at the Marquis Fifth Rank.

Clone Skills: Thorn Whirl, Forest Concealment, Heart of Wood, Wood Armor, and Wood Spikes.

After summoning Wood Clones, the energy they recover and absorb is transferred back to the original body. If a clone is killed, it requires a recovery period before it can be summoned again.]



Su Ping couldn't help but feel satisfied as he read this skill.

The Wood Clone truly lived up to its reputation as the Crowned Wolf King's signature ability.

Adding four Marquis Fifth Rank clones as allies was an incredible advantage. If one could fully control these clones, they would be a formidable force at the same level, with few capable of challenging them. Moreover, two of the skills were not even possessed by the Crowned Wolf King's original body—these were skills that Wood had cultivated previously. Unexpectedly, when they disappeared from the original body, they transferred to the clones!

Of course, it was widely acknowledged that clone-type skills were challenging to control. In the past, the Crowned Wolf King's clones were primarily used as energy storage units.

They could be summoned at any time, returning to the Crowned Wolf King's body, essentially acting as energy separators. If the clones were not engaged in combat, they not only avoided energy consumption but also served as jungle batteries, continuously absorbing energy.

This skill had immense practical value.

Its power was such that, with Su Ping's help in perfecting its control, Wood's combat strength would experience an unimaginable surge.

Su Ping's gaze swiftly shifted to the next skill:

[Seed and Sprout (Beginner): Can sow seeds of thorns and ancient trees.

Thorn Seeds: Can grow into Thorn Demons with decent mobility and formidable combat power.

Ancient Tree Seeds: Can grow into Healing Trees, immobile but capable of continuously releasing energy showers.]



(Note: The growth of seeds and sprouts requires 10 to 100 seconds to reach maturity. Growth speed is related to skill level.)



Another powerful summoning skill.

However, the growth time made it somewhat impractical.

[Dominion Aura (Beginner): Within a certain range, all plant-type and Wood-type companion beasts that meet the requirements can be controlled, allowing the Crowned Wolf King to issue mental commands to them.]



The title of Wolf King indeed justified its ability to command other life forms.

The Dominion Aura, as it were, explained that the Crowned Wolf King was not just a powerful individual skill, but also possessed exceptional group synergy.

However, this skill was a double-edged sword.

In team battles, it might prove even more effective, but as a Beastmaster's Companion Beast, the effect was somewhat of a liability.

The Forest Concealment skill needs no introduction; it's a unique ability that allows one to hide within the jungle, which Su Ping had witnessed when Wood Dragon was bred.

Now, after evolving, the skill level had indeed improved, but nothing else had changed!

Undoubtedly, the last skill that caught Su Ping's attention was one whose name alone suggested its extraordinary nature!

[Jungle Ecstasy (Entry-Level): The Crowned Wolf King unleashes all its Wood-type energy, driving both Wood and Life energy into a frenzied state!

Upon activation, the Crowned Wolf King becomes immobile, but its Wood Clone energy level increases to the Marquis Eighth Rank!

The energy level of all plants within the range increases to varying degrees,

All creatures within the range of the Dominion Aura experience increased Life energy recovery, faster wound healing, and enhanced skill power.

All Thorn Seeds and Ancient Tree Seeds within the range grow in 1-3 seconds and can continue to grow, strengthening their power! The duration of the release is determined by the Crowned Wolf King's base level. After release, it enters a short period of weakness and cannot recover through most means for an undetermined duration.]



"Huff..."

Before this, Su Ping had managed to remain calm after seeing those skills.

Even the bizarre Wood Clone, a first-of-its-kind Doppelganger Skill, didn't faze him.

But upon seeing the final 'Jungle Ecstasy,' Su Ping understood why Qin Xiaoxue's Companion Beast was a Forest Wolf.

With her status, she could obtain all sorts of strange and rare Companion Beasts that others might not even have heard of.

Yet, Qin Xiaoxue chose a mere basic race, an Elite-ranked Forest Wolf.

This clearly indicated that, aside from some special Companion Beasts, those that naturally evolve into powerful species with high potential are, in a sense, inferior to some of the evolved bodies developed by human Beastmasters!

The Crowned Wolf King, formerly the Thousand Wood Wolf, was a testament to this.

Unconsciously, Su Ping licked his dry lips.

The abilities of the Crowned Wolf King were so beneficial to the Jungle attribute that it exceeded his expectations.

At this moment, after seeing this skill, Su Ping silently retracted his previous thoughts.

Damn, the evolution of the Crowned Wolf King did seem to have a low cost-effectiveness ratio; two Imperial-grade resources were used, not to mention over a dozen Sovereign-grade ones!

To many, breeding such an Imperial-grade evolved body would seem unworthy.

But after seeing the 'Jungle Ecstasy' skill, Su Ping didn't think twice.

There's a reason for everything.

While Jungle Ecstasy wasn't a Super Skill, its effects were no less impressive than a typical Super Skill.

The only reason it wasn't classified as a Super Skill was likely due to its critical flaw—immobility.

This was a huge disadvantage, as it could easily lead to a beheading strategy, which would be a real headache.

However, the power of this skill was undeniable!

"Little brother, what do you think of the Crowned Wolf King?"

In the time it took for this conversation, Su Ping had completed the Super Breeding process, and Li Zhi, with his frank and open personality, was quite different from his appearance.

Although it sounded strange, Su Ping had no choice but to go along with Li Zhi's insistence on this form of address.

At this moment, the older brother seemed to be asking for Su Ping's opinion, but in reality, he had already noticed Su Ping's shocked expression after observing the Crowned Wolf King's skills.

Clearly, he wanted this kid to praise him!

Su Ping didn't hold back and gave him a thumbs up: "Amazing! Truly awe-inspiring!"

He meant it sincerely!

The abilities of the Crowned Wolf King also made Su Ping realize that there weren't many renowned Beastmasters in the world.

The combat power of the Crowned Wolf King, when compared to the Thousand Wood Wolf of the same level, was hard to say...

Hmm... No, that's not right!

It's hard to say when compared to Old Sha of the same level.

However, when compared to other Thousand Wood Wolves of the same level, if one could fully control the Wood Clone, it would be no exaggeration to say that it could beat the Thousand Wood Wolf, or at least come very close!

Of course, other Crowned Wolf Kings would have a hard time mastering those Wood Clones.

Only those bred by Su Ping after his improvements could quickly master the Wood Clone.

However, the Thousand Wood Wolf bred by Su Ping could also possess the Wood Heart and the Super Skill Sun Core formed by the Sun Formula.

So, who would win or lose was not certain, and the Thousand Wood Wolf might even have a greater absolute advantage.

Because after obtaining the Sun Core, the Thousand Wood Wolf becomes a pure combat Companion Beast!

So, after thinking this through, Su Ping nodded in understanding.

Sure enough, it wasn't just the evolved body that was powerful; it was mainly due to the skill of the Beastmaster!

Li Zhi, standing beside him, never imagined that this self-absorbed brat would reach such a conclusion in such a short time.

He was still basking in Su Ping's apparent admiration.

And at that moment, as expected, it didn't come as a surprise to Su Ping.

In his soul, the Divine Bestiary appeared once again in his perception.

The Forest Wolf's bestiary, which had appeared countless times in Su Ping's awareness.

At the same time, the long-awaited bestiary prompt appeared:

[Forest Wolf Bestiary: Recorded Evolution Body Form Bestiary Branch - Crowned Wolf King Form, Experience Gained: 2000 points!]



[You can enter the Forest Wolf Bestiary to investigate the analysis of the Crowned Wolf King Form.]



[The Crowned Wolf King Form is a branch of the Forest Wolf Form Bestiary. Therefore, the Crowned Wolf King Form Bestiary has no level experience.

】

2000 points of catalog experience!

Su Ping's heart leaped with joy.

No wonder it was an Imperial-grade Forest Wolf evolution.

This form of experience allowed him to make up for the catalog experience consumption, directly recovering most of his costs.

The next moment, on the catalog of the Forest Wolf, a new and completely different branch appeared.

It was a Forest Wolf standing atop a tree crown, proudly looking down at the Forest Sea and countless other plant-type and wolf companions below.

It was no different from the current Wood Dragon.

However, it was even more noble and arrogant.

A word that made one's scalp tingle, yet it perfectly suited this Crowned Wolf King.

That word was "Arrogant and Wild."

Su Ping subconsciously clicked on the catalog of the Crowned Wolf King.

【Branch Catalog: Crowned Wolf King】

【The pinnacle of Forest Wolves, one of the Forest Wolf evolution bodies, possesses the ability to control all forest-type Wood energy. At the same time, it has its own clone guards, and its own extremely powerful combat strength, making it one of the most perfect evolution bodies!

The racial skills are: Thorned Crown, Wood Clone, Seed and Sprout, Dominion Aura, and Forest Revelry.

Additionally, some of the skills cultivated before the evolution will be transferred to the main body and clone guards based on their characteristics!】

Hmm? Su Ping was just casually glancing at this branch catalog when he received another feedback from the Divine Bestiary, causing him to pause.

There were mainly two points.

First, it was the absence of 'Thorned Garden' on the Wood Dragon at this moment.

Apparently, this was a racial skill that the Wood Dragon had not yet comprehended.

Somewhat similar to Old Sha's Blinding Technique.

It should be understood that subsequent cultivation, enhancement, or growth will lead to comprehension.

However, Su Ping was uncertain if it was because he had not yet cultivated it or if it was due to his incomplete Crowned Wolf King. Perhaps only a perfected Crowned Wolf King could comprehend it, while Li Zhi's incomplete one could not.

Of course, this was just a minor issue.

But the second point, regarding the analysis of the Crowned Wolf King, made Su Ping narrow his eyes slightly.

Before the cultivation evolution was complete, some skills cultivated on the Forest Wolf would be transferred to the main body and clones based on their own situations!

This was evident from the Wood Clone of the Wood Dragon.

On the Wood Clone, Wood Spikes and Wood Armor were present.

These were considered combat-type skills.

And clone-type combat skills...

If this was the case, could he adjust the cultivation of Little Qing accordingly? Su Ping licked his lips, contemplating his new idea, one that he quite liked.

This idea might influence Little Qing's future combat style.

But it was indeed promising!

"Su Ping?"

Just as Su Ping was deep in thought, a voice beside him finally spoke up.

Su Ping looked at Qin Xiaoxue with a blank expression.

Qin Xiaoxue's face turned red:

"What were you thinking about? Why are you smiling like that..."

Qin Xiaoxue didn't elaborate, but Su Ping understood.

The cultivation method he had just thought of was indeed not entirely aboveboard.

Su Ping scratched his nose awkwardly: "Cough, I was just thinking of some new cultivation directions!"

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi pursed his lips.

Then he looked at the Wood Dragon.

Hmm...

A head with two eyes, a tree crown on its head, and a long tail behind it—all these features made it clear that this was the Crowned Wolf King.

Li Zhi nodded in approval.

But when he looked again, it was still the same Crowned Wolf King. What new research direction did this kid see in this creature that he hadn't noticed after observing it for decades? Why hadn't he discovered anything new about his own Forest Wolf after all this time?

Li Zhi was baffled.

Then he smoothed the few strands of hair on his head, thinking that perhaps this was just a difference between individuals. But before Li Zhi could ponder further, Su Ping spoke up:

"How many racial skills does the Crowned Wolf King have?"

Li Zhi didn't find this question strange, as the True Sight talent was common, but for a genius like Su Ping, it was unlikely to be an ordinary talent.

Therefore, it was normal not to be familiar with some unfamiliar companions.

"The racial skills are Thorned Crown, Wood Clone, Seed and Sprout, Dominion Aura, and Forest Revelry. But don't be fooled by the five basic racial skills. The skills cultivated before the evolution can also be integrated into the Crowned Wolf King's main body and clones! So, it also depends on the combat power of the cultivated Forest Wolf.

Of course, if the clone skills are too complex, it might cause some difficulties in clone control..."

Li Zhi trailed off, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Su Ping didn't seem to mind,

As expected!

There's no Thorned Garden? So, this is the experience of using the Divine Bestiary. Su Ping looked at Li Zhi with pity.

Poor Li Zhi.

This Thorned Garden, just by its name, seemed quite good.

Li Zhi felt goosebumps under Su Ping's gaze and explained uneasily: "What's wrong?"

Su Ping quickly shook his head: "No, the evolution form of the Crowned Wolf King and its self-sufficient combat strength with clones are very interesting! Thank you, Teacher Li!"

Only then did Li Zhi breathe a sigh of relief, waving his hand magnanimously: "It's nothing. And I told you, just call me Brother Li..."

"Woof..."

Before Li Zhi could finish his sentence, Wood Dragon, having fully adapted to its new power, walked out of the laboratory, dragging its long tail behind it, eager to swing its tail.

Alas, there was no trace of the previous sycophantic feeling.

Instead, it was like a giant broom sweeping the floor.

This left Wood a little perplexed.

However, this did not dampen Wood's enthusiasm as he eagerly approached his master and Su Ping.

"Amazing, Wood!"

Qin Xiaoxue's praise for the companion beast was as sincere as her praise for a person. If someone else had said it, it might have sounded fake or even bizarre, but coming from Qin Xiaoxue, it seemed natural and convincing.

"Woof!"

Feeling his master's excitement, Wood proudly raised his head.

Hmmph!

Now, who would dare call him a dumb follower of his master?

He was now the noble Crowned Wolf King! A companion beast with Imperial Race Potential!

Would that old tree branch-covered creature still dare to challenge him?

Wood thought so, and he acted accordingly.

He let out a "Woof!" and called out to Su Ping.

Even without the need for psychic communication, Su Ping understood the little guy's challenge.

Su Ping chuckled, "What, still thinking about Old Sand?"

"Woof!"

"Alright! Then, Qin Jie, do you want Wood and Old Sand to have another go at it?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiaoxue hesitated, my! Your words are so tempting! But I'm concerned...

She hadn't even considered that even if they were at the same level, would Wood, after evolving, be a match for Old Sand?

Her worry was that Wood might lose confidence if he failed again.

Additionally, she had a more practical concern.

It was the same issue as before:

Would he be beaten to death by that old wolf? However, Qin Xiaoxue's worry seemed different from what Li Zhi saw.

Old Li smiled and said, "Xiaoxue, if you want your companion beast to improve quickly, cultivation and breeding are one aspect, but cultivation and breeding during battles are also important!"

Qin Xiaoxue nodded, then looked at the spirited Wood once more, and finally, she looked at Su Ping with concern.

"Su Ping..."

"Don't worry, Old Sand knows his limits, and he'll suppress his strength to match Wood's level!"

Wood expressed his anger at Su Ping's words, "Woof?"

Suppress to the same level? What a joke! Is he still the same as before?

He's now the noble Crowned Wolf King! A companion beast with Imperial Race Potential!

Thousand Wood Wolf? At the Sovereign Rank?

Unfamiliar! Only after evolving can he truly experience and feel the immense power within his body.

At this moment, Wood swelled with pride! Su Ping didn't mind the little guy's confidence, even more so when he ruffled the little guy's mane, and the latter closed his eyes in comfort.

"Then let's go. Old Sand is still in the dormitory, but if they were to fight now, having already evolved, they shouldn't battle in the dormitory's combat room, right?"

Qin Xiaoxue nodded, "That's right, it's best to find an open space where they can both display their strengths!"

Su Ping echoed, "Yeah, that's right! One basks in the sunlight, and the other has plenty of jungle. After all, both little guys are evolved Forest Wolves!"

Then, both turned to look at Sage Sang, who had turned his head towards them.

Sage Sang pursed his lips, silent, then considered the hidden meaning in the two young ones' words, and finally, he was enraged.

"No! What's wrong with you two? Is the Forest Sea Mystic Realm a place for your companion beasts to battle? The incident in the Forest Sea Mystic Realm hasn't been properly explained to the students yet! If this time..."

What did the two young ones think the Mystic Realm was?

However, in their eyes, Sage Sang shook his head helplessly, "Forget it, one last time! Just right, yesterday's repairs are almost done, and it hasn't officially restarted yet. Moreover, Xiao Ping, control that old wolf..."

"Senior Sage Sang, rest assured, Old Sand knows his limits!"

The same words as before, Old Sand's Sunlight Bombardment was truly an accident! He absorbed too much solar power, and it was Old Sand's first time using this ability without restraint, resulting in an explosive blast.

In a real beast battle, how could Old Sand's accumulated strength be unleashed?

Instead, Li Zhi, standing beside them, was perplexed.

What happened yesterday? Qin Xiaoxue and Su Ping's companion beast battle, which beast was it?

And what control? From Qin Xiaoxue's words, it seemed like it was a Forest Wolf battling against Wood.

Could it be that at the same level, there's still an evolved form that could rival the Crowned Wolf King?

It seemed a bit unlikely, right? Although Su Ping's breeding ability was indeed admirable, even earning praise from Master Zhu Hong.

But Li Zhi thought, with their approval, he accompanied Su Ping back to the dormitory.

There, he saw the Forest Wolf evolved form he had never seen before, and only then did he truly understand.

At the same time, Old Sand, with a smug and confident Wood, returned to the familiar Forest Sea Mystic Realm!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end