Chapter 211: New Year's Day! The Breeding Competition Approaches!

Chapter 211: New Year's Day! The Breeding Competition Approaches!

Time passed slowly, and the entire Dragon Kingdom gradually became enveloped in the chill of winter. Even in the Demon Capital, the coldness was palpable.

After several days, the arrival of New Year's Day was drawing closer and closer.

Although it wasn't the Spring Festival, the streets were still adorned with colorful lights and decorations, aside from the promotional sales by businesses.

The festive atmosphere was undoubtedly more intense.

However, aside from the New Year's Day celebration, this day held an even more special and noteworthy significance.

The Breeding Competition!

Every year, the breeding competition attracted the attention of numerous Beastmasters and breeders.

This represented the highest level of achievement and mastery in pet breeding across the country! Simultaneously, many young and talented breeders gained fame and recognition through this competition. Even the majority of ordinary citizens, who might not understand the intricacies, would still follow the excitement.

This year, for the first time, the host location had shifted from the Imperial Capital to the Demon Capital.

Demon Capital Breeders Association's Hotel Restaurant.

Two figures sat in the restaurant, with Sun Chao Ju observing his calm and collected teacher. He then asked, "Teacher, tomorrow is the New Year's Day main competition day. When will Su Ping arrive? And what kind of results do you think we can achieve?"

"Tsk, what are you worried about?"

Liu Fuhai placed his porridge bowl down and casually wiped his mouth.

He showed not a hint of tension or anxiety.

Because he had already received accurate information.

It was a sure thing!

But Sun Chao Ju wasn't feeling as confident!

In fact, when he had first arrived in the Demon Capital, Sun Chao Ju had also felt very assured!

The ability to popularize pet evolution was widespread, and the Forest Wolf, as an elite-ranked pet, was a common choice among Beastmasters.

Sun Chao Ju had heard from Yang He multiple times about the strength of the Thousand Wood Wolf.

During this period, he had even attempted to breed one himself.

Although there was some discrepancy with what Yang He had said, Sun Chao Ju was still very satisfied.

Therefore, Sun Chao Ju, representing the Thousand Wood Wolf, arrived with a proud and confident demeanor! He believed that while the first place might be challenging, securing a spot in the top three should be manageable.

However, after staying at the hotel for half a month, Sun Chao Ju began to have doubts.

Over the past half-month, breeders from all over the country had gradually arrived.

Each of them represented the highest breeding achievements of their respective provinces over the past year! It was imaginable that those present were no ordinary breeders.

This year, for some reason, the breeders were even more extraordinary compared to previous years, each one surpassing the last in terms of strength.

Not to mention, in previous years, there might be a few new evolved pets, but this year, there were over ten new evolved breeds!

This represented something significant. Starting tomorrow, with the commencement of the breeding competition, over ten new types of evolved pets would be unveiled to the world.

In this situation, what advantage did the Thousand Wood Wolf have? If it were Yang He boasting, it might still be believable, but Sun Chao Ju felt that the Thousand Wood Wolf wasn't as divine as Yang He made it out to be!

Not to mention, among the breeders who had arrived, the breeding team from the Imperial Capital had brought the evolved form of the low-ranked Undead pet, the 'Jumping Zombie'.

Although this creature was even more eerie and unsightly than the Skeleton Soldier, it still had its admirers.

While its popularity might not match the Skeleton Soldier, it wasn't far behind!

It was imaginable what the appearance of such a new evolved breed represented.

Although the specific breeding difficulty and resource costs were unknown, in terms of rank and overall evaluation, the Imperial Capital's breeding team had already gained a significant advantage! Moreover, there were various other research results from across the country that Sun Chao Ju had discovered during this period.

Even the breeding results from Huaiyang Province, which was adjacent to Jianghai Province, were among them.

At this very moment, as Sun Chao Ju felt a mix of hope and anxiety, and Liu Fuhai remained unperturbed, a figure appeared in the restaurant, and the sound of her voice echoed through the room.

At this moment, in the restaurant where Sun Chao Ju and Liu Fuhai were seated, several figures sat down next to them: "Old Liu, do you mind if we join you?"

Liu Fuhai glanced at the speaker: "I do mind."

But it was clear that his objection was futile.

Four people sat down beside the two of them.

"Don't be so distant! It's not like we took away a few of your people. Besides, didn't Jianghai also take several of Huaiyang's talents?"

The speaker was a woman with a matronly appearance, her red hair in big waves, exuding a wild and passionate aura. However, judging by her casual tone with Liu Fuhai, she was clearly not young.

Beside the woman were two other individuals and a familiar face, none other than Ding Yan, who had led the exchange delegation previously.

"Speaking of which, Old Liu, has your senior from Jianghai returned from the Imperial Capital? It seems like he's genuinely going to step down and pass the baton!"

The woman smiled and spoke with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Liu Fuhai ignored her and continued eating, his speed increasing noticeably.

But the woman seemed oblivious to his attitude and continued her incessant chatter: "This time, your Jianghai participant should be the Thousand Wood Wolf, right? Hehe, Ding Yan told me that the evolved form is indeed impressive! So, do you have confidence?"

Liu Fuhai's heart stirred, and he hummed lightly: "Of course, we have confidence! I trust in Master Zhu Hong and the discerning eyes of the various master breeders to give the Thousand Wood Wolf a fair score!"

The woman smiled and said, "If it were any other year, Jianghai would indeed have a chance. But this year, even our Huaiyang's results are not inferior!"

Liu Fuhai's small eyes narrowed:

"Since that's the case, shall we have a little competition?"

The woman with the wavy hair beside them felt a jolt in her heart. This old man was cunning and sly.

He was much more devious than Zuo Guang.

Was there some hidden agenda behind his words?

However, the woman frowned slightly and glanced at Ding Yan beside her.

Ding Yan had already told her about the Thousand Wood Wolf before.

The Thousand Wood Wolf was indeed very strong! Winning first place in the legion competition was enough to show its prowess.

But, being strong in combat doesn't necessarily mean it would be strong in the breeding competition!

On the contrary!

Anyone who knew a little about the breeding competition would understand.

The breeding competition judges the results of breeding, not just how strong the bred creatures are!

It evaluates based on multiple aspects and comprehensive scoring!

If the breeding only focuses on combat strength, but other factors like the cost-effectiveness of breeding resources are low, then it won't be useful!

Therefore, pet beasts that perform well in the legion competition might actually be a disadvantage in the breeding competition.

Powerful breeding evolution forms require high-cost resources and rare materials.

The breeding competition emphasizes practicality and benefit to the people! It should be something that ordinary beastmasters can use.

Otherwise, if they only compared combat strength, everyone would focus on advanced pet beast evolution forms.

So, after getting the information from Ding Yan, the woman felt somewhat confident.

However, the old man's suspicious words now made her doubt.

Could this old man be hiding some other trick?

Noticing the woman's wariness and suspicion, Liu Fuhai clicked his tongue:

"Tsk, Han Laohu, next time, if you don't have the guts, don't come challenging me, got it?"

The woman didn't pay much attention to Liu Fuhai's words:

"Old Liu, do you have some other trick up your sleeve? Don't try to provoke me, I'm not falling for it!"

"Tsk, what other trick could there be? I'll tell you this time, it's the Thousand Wood Wolf. If you're scared, just say so!

But you can stop calling yourself Han Laohu and just call yourself Han Xiaomao! If you don't have the skills, don't come showing your fangs at me!"

Old Liu put down his chopsticks, looking extremely calm and composed.

Seeing this, Sun Chaoju couldn't help but admire him greatly!

This was his teacher!

Remaining calm even when faced with a crisis!

He was clearly nervous when they were privately discussing the Huaiyang Province's breeding results earlier.

But now, in front of President Han, he was so confident!

In fact, Sunchaoju didn't know that Old Liu wasn't pretending; he was genuinely confident!

The woman looked at old Liu, who had put down his bowl of porridge and was slowly getting up, and said:

"Old Liu, what do you want to compete in? What are you interested in from Huaiyang?"

Old Liu, who had just stood up, sat back down:

"I'm very interested in that Ashwolf Lord's breeding method by Breeder Ding Yan..."

Ding Yan raised an eyebrow, but the woman shook her head:

"This is a breeding method exclusive to Huaiyang Province, and it's also Ding Yan's personal achievement. I can't use it as a bet!"

Old Liu clicked his tongue tastelessly:

"Then forget it."

The woman refused without even considering, clearly showing she wasn't open to negotiation.

"Old Liu, it's just for fun, no need to go so far! How about this, recently we've unearthed some new Mystic Realms in Huaiyang, and there are two decent Seaheart Spirit Turtle hatchlings. I'll give you one, how about that?"

"Seaheart Spirit turtle?"

Old Liu's eyes lit up: "A water-element Sovereign potential pet? You're willing?"

The woman raised an eyebrow: "I said, this is a competition, not a gift. What can you put up?"

Seeing the woman's generosity, Old Liu wasn't stingy either, and waved his hand:

"Since you're putting up a pet hatchling, I'll do the same! The Seaheart Spirit Turtle is a common water-element pet, but considering its rarity, how about I put up a Storm Spirit hatchling as a bet?"

"Deal!"

For both of them, Sovereign potential pet hatchlings were relatively precious but within their means!

Such a bet wouldn't ruin their friendship, and both sides seemed quite satisfied!

Liu Fuhai finally stood up, content, and left the canteen.

Then, looking at the somewhat nervous and hesitant Sunchaoju, he said:

"Alright, time to give that brat a call!"

...

"Hello, students, today's lesson is about the evolution history of ancient pet beasts..."

In the Demon Capital Academy.

In a spacious and bright classroom.

Crowds of students filled the seats.

Jiang Zhiyuan, despite not caring much about this, was still surprised by the number of students in his history class, something unprecedented in his years of teaching.

Of course, he knew the reason.

The reason was the figure sitting in the first three rows.

A young face, bright eyes looking at Jiang Zhiyuan and the blackboard.

This was none other than Su Ping.

Now, the main reason for so many students, who were originally uninterested in historical pet beasts, attending this class was this young man!

Indeed, a large portion of the students were here to see Su Ping, the rare temporary student of the Demon Capital Academy.

After all, he was the legendary one who reached the 15th wave of the Elite Training Tower.

Many were still very interested in him.

Over these few days.

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However, after evolution, in fact, there are many cases where the offspring of companion beasts exhibit a reversion to ancestral traits! Of course, this situation does indeed gradually decrease over time.

As for the Crimsonheart Ancient Snake, there has been no sighting of any snake or python companion beasts that have undergone a complete reversion in their new evolutionary form."

Su Ping continued, "So, I have an idea. Is it possible that there are methods to make wild companion beasts regress?

After regressing, they could be re-cultivated to reproduce those evolutionary forms of ancient companion beasts that have disappeared from history?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly taken aback, and quite a few people fell into deep thought.

Even Jiang Zhiyuan showed a satisfied and appreciative expression.

"Su Ping, the fact that you can think this deeply is commendable. It shows that you have a great interest in the history of companion beasts, the science of breeding companion beasts, and those ancient companion beasts that have gradually disappeared! However, achieving this is very difficult. Currently, breeders find it hard to grasp the process of regression. The only ones capable of achieving regression are the rarest and most precious time elemental companion beasts, and even then, it's a rare occurrence."

At this point, Jiang Zhiyuan looked toward a figure not far away.

"On this matter, Ye Zhou has a lot to say!"

Everyone's eyes shifted, including Su Ping, to a figure sitting not far away.

Ye Zhou?

This name sounded familiar.

Wasn't he the famous genius at the Demon Capital Academy?

Su Ping glanced at him. This young man did not look particularly handsome, and there was no sign of the genius beastmaster who had once surpassed Miss Qin in the Demon Capital.

However, things had taken a turn in recent days, and the reason was simple.

After the Crowned Wolf King's evolution, while Miss Qin did not make any breakthroughs in the solo Commander Rank trial tower, she did achieve a comeback in the group combat trial tower, surpassing Ye Zhou and becoming the top performer.

Meeting Su Ping's gaze, Ye Zhou smiled slightly and nodded.

"Professor Jiang is right. Some time elemental companion beasts can indeed cause regression, but this regression is mostly short-term. It cannot be a long-term or permanent change.

Time's flow is irreversible! If it were possible to reverse an individual's time permanently, wouldn't that mean humans and certain companion beasts could achieve immortality?"

Su Ping frowned slightly.

He felt something was off. Ye Zhou's words seemed logical at first, but they didn't hit the nail on the head.

So, he continued, "Biological regression isn't a complete reversal of an individual's overall strength through time, but a decline in strength at a certain level, leading to a 'degenerative' change in form and energy! This 'degenerative' change is the opposite of evolution, but theoretically, it is absolutely possible!"

Su Ping was certain of this.

If there is evolution, there must be regression.

Jiang Zhiyuan also nodded, "In the history of companion beasts on Blue Planet, there have indeed been cases of regression. Extraordinary companion beasts that do not enhance themselves, do not fight and actively use their energy, or whose evolutionary forms are unstable, have indeed regressed after evolving.

However, researching this area is very difficult! But I must say, Su Ping, this is indeed a good research direction!"

Ye Zhou also nodded from the side.

He had come here for a reason similar to other students, to see this Su Ping who had caused a stir after entering the academy.

Because just yesterday, he received a message from a mentor that left him speechless.

Thus, this was the first time he took interest in Su Ping.

Now, seeing Su Ping in person, he was indeed impressed. There was something to him.

Thinking of this, Ye Zhou glanced at Su Ping again.

Noticing his gaze, Su Ping also glanced at him.

A time elemental beastmaster, huh?

Su Ping understood.

Professor Jiang did not elaborate further, clearly believing that while Su Ping's suggestion was interesting, it would require many steps to achieve, and these could not be completed in a short time!

The class ended quickly.

Su Ping stood up and left the classroom.

However, just as he stepped out, a voice called out, "Su Ping!"

It was none other than Ye Zhou, who had been mentioned by Professor Jiang.

Su Ping looked at the top genius of the Demon Capital Academy.

"Your suggestion was very interesting. I believe it has research value in the future!"

Ye Zhou spoke directly, leaving Su Ping a bit puzzled. Was this all he came to say?

Su Ping nodded and replied, "Thank you, but there are many challenges in this field. Regression is a rarely explored area."

"There will be opportunities! It seems the rumors are true. Su Ping, I look forward to meeting you in the arena!"

Ye Zhou responded, then without waiting for Su Ping to say more, he nodded and left.

Watching him leave, Su Ping was equally puzzled.

What an odd person.

Meeting in the arena?

The professional examination next year?

Su Ping shook his head.

But just then, another voice called out from not far away, "Su Ping."

Su Ping turned to see a familiar figure in the distance.

It was a man.

And he was very familiar.

None other than Qin Chuan.

Qin Chuan did not intend to come over or speak to Su Ping, only nodding and smiling from afar.

Facing the father of Miss Qin, Su Ping could not easily evaluate, but he indeed, there was not much to say. He politely nodded in return.

As Su Ping watched Qin Chuan leave, a thoughtful expression flashed across his eyes, but he eventually shook his head in resignation.

If only he could be more like Su Ping, perhaps his mother wouldn't have treated him this way.

Su Ping was unaware of the complex thoughts running through Qin Shu's mind. Even if he knew, he wouldn't have the mood to acknowledge them.

Qin Chuan was the type of person that Su Ping disliked the most.

If it weren't for the fact that he was Qin Jie's father, Su Ping wouldn't even have the interest to give him a second glance.

Returning to the dormitory, Su Ping glanced at Lao Sha and, most importantly, the figure beside him.

Xiao Qing.

Xiao Qing was summoned from Su Ping's Beast Space.

Over the past few days, Su Ping had purchased two special materials.

The Elite Rank toxic material 'Plague Orb' and the 'Fresh Blood Rose' were both high-level resources.

However, the Plague Orb was not meant for direct consumption due to its highly toxic nature.

Over the course of these days, Xiao Qing remained by the Plague Orb, constantly absorbing the Elite Rank resource. The effects were immediate and evident.

Elite Seventh Rank!

Not far from the Elite Eighth Rank mentioned by Rong Qiu.

Watching Xiao Qing continue to absorb the resources, Su Ping nodded in satisfaction.

With the Wood Heart in hand, using these advanced resources posed no pressure for Xiao Qing.

Later, they could even try feeding Xiao Qing the Fresh Blood Rose.

As Su Ping was thinking, the phone finally rang. It was Liu Fuhai calling:

"Su Ping, come to the hotel for reception. We'll participate together in the morning, and we can chat tonight, so we'll be prepared for tomorrow's competition!"

"Tomorrow?"

Su Ping was taken aback.

He finally realized what Liu Fuhai meant.

These past few days, Su Ping had been so immersed in his tasks that he almost forgot the passing of time.

"Okay! I'll head over right away. Send me the address."

The call ended.

Su Ping finally straightened up.

Fortunately, he didn't have much to pack.

After a quick tidying up, he left the temporary dormitory where he had stayed for half a month.

After informing Sang Sheng and Qin Jie, he boarded the bus provided by the Demon Capital Academy.

Heading towards the center of the city, he arrived at the Demon Capital Breeder Association.

At the entrance of the hotel, Su Ping spotted Liu Fuhai and Sun Chao Ju, both looking cautious and nervous.

Before Su Ping could greet them, Liu Fuhai quickly blocked the bus door, glancing at Lao Sha, who was following Su Ping, and asked with utmost caution:

"Did any breeders from other provinces spot you?"

Their behavior resembled that of undercover agents on a covert mission.

Su Ping was perplexed by their actions.

But he soon realized:

"Don't worry, even if they saw, it won't matter!"

Indeed, at that moment, Lao Sha was wearing the mechanical interference device obtained from the massive mechanical Titan Haotian of the Mechanical Breeder Association! It can block Beastmasters' mental probing."

Even with the True Eye, Su Ping couldn't discern anything from Lao Sha.

After hearing Su Ping's explanation, Liu Fuhai finally relaxed, patting Su Ping's shoulder. "Good, good, good. This concerns our Sea Core Turtle! If someone discovers anything suspicious and doesn't take responsibility, we'll be at a loss!"

"Sea Core Turtle?"

Su Ping was puzzled.

Sun Chao Ju, standing beside him, quickly explained what had happened at the hotel restaurant during lunch.

"Alright, let's go in first!"

Leading the way, they entered the separate courtyard of the hotel, designated for the Demon Capital Breeder Association. Sun Chao Ju continued:

"Su Ping, the teacher has high hopes for you! And he's put up the capital, the Storm Sprite is a wind-attributed elemental pet, worth no less than the Sea Core Turtle!"

Elemental sprite-type pets were naturally more precious. However, compared to the Sea Core Turtle, it wasn't much different in value.

Su Ping wasn't bothered by this.

Ever since the incident where he was injured by the white-eyed fish he obtained from the Water Heart, Su Ping had completely lost interest in water-type pets.

Moreover, this was a competition arranged by Liu Fuhai using the association's name and resources against the Huaiyang Province. Even if they won, it wouldn't benefit Su Ping personally.

However, after some thought, Su Ping asked:

"What's Huaiyang Province's entry?"

"It's said to be a brand new pet cultivation body! And it's a relatively common insect-type pet, the 'Starfire Insect' cultivation evolution body!"

Sun Chao Ju had been gathering information about the entries from various provinces.

"Insect-type, Starfire Insect?"

"Yes, most insect-type pets are ordinary or elite-ranked before evolution!"

But due to their nature, they had great potential!

Liu Fuhai explained from the side.

Su Ping's visit to the Demon Capital had indeed broadened his horizons.

In the depths of the trial tower, the most memorable encounter was undoubtedly with the Imperial-grade insect pet, the Netherghost Butterfly.

A ghostly insect-type beast, its true power was yet to be unleashed. But before it could display its might, it was swiftly dispatched by a thousand paper cuts from the Thousand Wood Wolf.

Speaking of which, Sun Chaojue still felt anxious:

"The Starfire Insect's racial limit is only at the Elite Fifth Rank, making it an Elite Mid-tier pet. But the Forest Wolf is an Elite Peak race pet! Plus, the value of insect-type pets is the lowest among all types."

In terms of cost, the Starfire Insect's breeding requirements are far lower than the Forest Wolf's. We don't know its final evolved form or the combat power and resources needed for its breeding, so our chances of winning are still uncertain!"

Sun Chaojue's eyebrows furrowed, and Su Ping and Liu Fu Hai exchanged a glance.

Su Ping, puzzled, turned to Vice President Liu:

"Vice President Liu, did you not tell Brother Sun about this?"

The last time, Vice President Liu didn't witness Old Sha's Super Skill completion.

However, Old Sha had already begun the skill fusion process, and although he hadn't completed it yet, he couldn't keep it to himself any longer. Before this, he had already secretly inquired about it from Su Ping!

Naturally, Su Ping was already aware, and at this moment, Old Sha had completed the most crucial step! Liu Fu Hai nodded:

"He blabbed, and now you want to show off to him? If you're going to show off, can I trick you into getting me the Seaheart Spirit Turtle?"

Su Ping was taken aback, then admiringly raised a thumb towards Vice President Liu:

"You're still so... cunning and calculating!"

Sun Chaojue, feeling perplexed, glanced at Su Ping, and the two of them exchanged a knowing look,

Sun Chaojue blinked his pea-sized eyes:

"Vice President Liu, what do you mean?"

Liu Fu Hai chuckled, and at this moment, Su Ping, who had just arrived, finally stopped concealing the truth about his less-than-stellar student:

"Before coming to Demon Capital, the first Thousand Wood Wolf I used as a reference for the competition had already begun the Super Skill fusion process! Just a few days ago, in Demon Capital Academy, Old Sha's Super Skill fusion was completed!"

"Huh?"

When I typed this question mark, it wasn't that I had a question, but that I felt you, you all had questions.

Sun Chaojue, feeling lost, looked at the Thousand Wood Wolf, which was leisurely lying in the courtyard, absorbing the last rays of the afternoon sun.

Super Skill? Did he hear wrong? No mistake! He must have misheard.

Super Skills, according to the teacher's words, were the pinnacle of breeding masters...

Then, Liu Fu Hai slapped Sun Chaojue, who was in a daze.

"Teacher, I, you, this..."

"Enough, I know you're anxious, but hold on. The competition starts tomorrow, so calm down. I still have to chat with Su Ping, so don't go anywhere. But be warned, if you dare go out and blab, it won't end well for you."

After being shooed away by Liu Fu Hai, Sun Chaojue, feeling indignant, crawled over to Old Sha, who was lying under the eaves, and chuckled:

"Hey, Wolf Brother, no, Sand Brother..."

Old Sha glanced at this human with boredom, and his eyes revealed a hint of helplessness. Then, he took off the psychic interference device.

Sun Chaojue immediately activated his True Eye.

Five seconds later, Old Sha yawned, then put the psychic interference device back on, ignoring the dazed Sun Chaojue. He moved to a spot where the sun wasn't blocked, and leisurely lay down again.

But it took Sun Chaojue a full half-minute to react:

"Oh no!"

Old Sha watched as Sun Chaojue, like a regressive monkey, ran around and screamed, also feeling perplexed: Some breeders say humans evolved from a psychic ape, but I never believed it!"

— How could a genius Beastmaster like our little master become one with us, Monkey!"

But now, seeing Sun Chaojue like this, Old Sha suddenly felt that it might not be impossible after all? This human before him seemed to be evolving in that direction.

Sun Chaojue vented for a full ten minutes, and his restless blood finally calmed down.

Then, he took out his phone and instinctively wanted to join the 'Jianghai Wolves' group chat.

However, he discovered that when he had arrived in Demon Capital, he had already been kicked out of the group chat.

"Old Zhao, Old Zhao, quickly approve my request to join the group!"

[Ding~ You have joined the group chat: Jianghai Wolves!]



[Yang in the Sand: Why did you add this guy back? Isn't the breeding competition starting tomorrow?]



[Old Wang from Next Door: Probably because his emotions cooled down, and he's ready to turn over a new leaf?]



[Li Weiwen: It could also be that tomorrow, he's going on TV, and he's nervous?]



[Old Zhao: Little Sun has been pestering me, so I'm here to give him a chance to speak]



At this moment, Sun Chaojue, oblivious to the group chat situation, quickly sent a message:

[Wolf Den - Sun Chaojue: Brothers, you won't guess what Su Ping's Thousand Wood Wolf for the competition is like!]



Sun Chaojue's fingers flew across the keyboard, and as he typed the words 'Super Skill', a string of exclamation marks flashed continuously, expressing his excitement.

Then, Sun Chaojue saw a sudden message appear:

[You have been removed from the 'Jianghai Wolves' group chat by the administrator.]



"Damn!"

And so, as the night slowly passed, a new day dawned, marking the arrival of a new year's first day.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end