https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-211-New-Year-s-Day-The-Arrival-of-the-Breeding-Competition-Part-2-/13009681/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-213-Scoring-The-Amazing-Time-Based-Magical-Potion-/13009687/
Chapter 212: The Gaze of the Masses! The Elixir of Time!
Chapter 212: The Gaze of the Masses! The Elixir of Time!
New Common Era Year 225, January 1st!
As time flows like a river, each passing year adds to the ever-growing annals of history.
In the fleeting passage of time, every day is a mark left by the ages, a mere number for those who come after.
Perhaps there have been many such days in history, but the most profound mark left by time is the event that occurred on this day.
Undoubtedly, for those living in the present, this day holds an even more special significance.
In the hall of the Beast Tamer's Association in Jianghai, the large screen today is devoid of any advertisements or other distractions. Instead, it is tuned to a highly anticipated program from a television station, an event eagerly awaited by many.
The Breeding Competition!
A grand tournament representing the pinnacle of achievement for all Beast Tamers!
A showcase of the finest research results from Beast Tamers across the Dragon Kingdom, accumulated over an entire year.
Each year, the Breeding Conference influences the market and the system of Beast Tamers.
Some previously overlooked pets have risen to prominence in these competitions, becoming the top choice for Beast Tamers seeking to fill their contract vacancies, thanks to their innovative evolution forms.
It can be said that every Dragon Kingdom Breeding Conference impacts the pet market for the following year.
Deciding who will become the new favorite in the upcoming year! At the same time, many who have prepared in advance are waiting for the completion of this event, ready to start hoarding pets at the first opportunity to sell them for a high price.
Of course, such behavior is strictly prohibited by the local Beast Tamer's Association.
Countless Beast Tamers gather in the association's hall to watch, and some have prepared early, like Yang He and other Wolf Pet Tamers from the Jianghai Province Beast Tamer's Association.
Although they disdain and are annoyed by Sun Chaoju's display, it's undeniable that as the vice president, Liu, and Su Ping, they are representing the Jianghai Province in a significant event. No one would forget to watch at such a time.
Especially for Beast Tamers.
However, this grand event naturally attracts attention beyond the Beast Tamer's Association.
Ordinary people may only take a casual interest, but in the office of Dong Muyun, he sits alone, turning on his computer.
At the Metropolis Academy, many students and teachers are on vacation.
And in a rare gathering, Sang Sheng, Qin Chuan, and Qin Xiaoxue sit together.
Even in the Jianghai Province Garrison, the atmosphere is the same.
If we're talking about the most unique among these individuals, it's those from the northernmost region.
The vast legion stationed in the snowy plains of the North Province, connected to the North Province.
On New Year's Day, this garrison at the northernmost reaches of the country experiences no special difference.
Perhaps the only change is the addition of dumplings to their three daily meals.
Stationed in the extreme north, during winter, the extreme cold of the snowy plains brings forth waves of extreme cold beasts and an ever-growing army of undead, causing constant disturbances.
In such conditions, it's impossible to be as carefree as those in the Dragon Kingdom's interior.
And so, on this very day, in the heart of the garrison, at the center of the North Border Defense Line, which stretches like an icy Great Wall, two figures meet early in the morning.
Cold General yawns, looking at the man standing behind the desk, and asks, "How's the preparation of the personnel going?"
"Reporting to the commander! Within the entire North Province Legion, I've selected fifty Beast Tamer warriors of the King-grade from the four armies to enter training!"
Cold General nods:
"Something has happened, and we need to speed up the process! I want to train a batch of elite Beast Tamer warriors who are fearless in the face of harsh conditions, death, and adaptable to various combat environments!
Of course, the most important thing is that next spring, the selection of special forces Beast Tamer trainers will begin! At that time, as an instructor, you will also participate and observe if there are any suitable training subjects for the pets to be bred!"
Su Anyong frowns slightly:
"Commander, what's the situation in the Sky Tomb? If there are restrictions like in ordinary secret realms, preventing entry for those below the Monarch-grade, then the requirements for Beast Tamers shouldn't be so strict, right? Why go through all this trouble?"
Cold General smiles and then shakes his head:
"You don't understand the Sky Tomb! During the exploration of the Sky Tomb in the Eagle Kingdom, although we didn't gather much specific information, we received numerous reports. While it's true that there are boundary restrictions, do you know how many Monarch-grade Beast Tamers from the Eagle Kingdom died?"
Su Anyong is taken aback and shakes his head.
"In total, twenty batches entered, and there were even over a hundred people who secretly pledged allegiance to us, wanting to enter and investigate the situation.
But in the end, after twenty batches of around fifty Beast Masters each, only the last batch emerged from the ancient tomb!"
"Ah?"
Su Anyong, who was clearly not well-informed about such secrets, couldn't help but exclaim upon hearing this news, which was shocking, if not horrifying.
"This ancient tomb is extremely strange. Once fifty Evolvers enter, it closes again, and even with a key, it can't be opened. Either the Beast Masters inside the ancient tomb's secret realm have perished, or they've fulfilled some requirement to pass through.
In any case, it's very odd. Even our people couldn't find out anything, but later, we did discover some things. It's said that the secret realm is mainly related to Necromantic Elementals, and there are numerous Ghost-type Companion Beasts inside!"
"The four ancient tombs, although we don't know what connection they have at the moment, are still similar. In this situation, you can also prepare a little in this aspect."
Cold Grandpa patiently instructed.
Su Anyong nodded and then frowned slightly.
He didn't know before that the real purpose of the Second Grandpa asking him to lead the training of the new Special Beast Master Unit was related to the ancient tomb. He had heard of the ancient tomb, but now he truly understood the danger within.
From the current situation, it seems like a death trap!
Although the situation in Dragon Country and Eagle Country might not be the same, since they're both named after ancient tombs, the level of danger shouldn't differ too much, right?
"Alright, stop looking like you've lost your mother. We're different from them. Even if we go to explore, the safety of the Beast Masters is the top priority. I didn't call you here to rush you on this matter."
Cold Grandpa chuckled, dispelling the heaviness and gloom of the previous topic, and then smiled:
"Do you know what day it is today?"
Su Anyong shook his head, not realizing.
"It's New Year's Day. Your little one is in the Demon City, preparing to participate in today's Breeding Master Competition!"
"Hmm?"
Su Anyong was startled.
He then realized and looked at the Second Grandpa in front of him with curiosity: "You're interested in Xiao Ping?"
Cold Grandpa blinked, then realized what was going on. He coughed lightly and touched his nose, appearing calm and collected:
"Of course. The little guy is amazing! He has more potential in breeding than Old Su did.
Ah, that old thing, when we were young and serving under Wolf Grandpa in the Western Desert, he insisted on breeding a new Wood-type head for Wolf Grandpa's three-headed hellhound.
The most outrageous thing was that Wolf Grandpa actually agreed.
As a result, that three days and three nights, the three-headed hellhound vomited, and the old thing almost got hanged by Wolf Grandpa. It was only because we endured the sandstorm for three days and nights that he survived. Now, so many years have passed.
The old thing's grandson has not only grown up but also become successful. It's a pity that the old thing didn't live to see it."
Cold Grandpa was half-concealing and half-regretful.
Su Anyong paused for a moment and then smiled: "Your talent far surpasses his!"
Cold Grandpa shook his head:
"It's not that great. That old thing is stubborn. There are some things he won't change and doesn't want to change. I don't follow the rules, so I have more opportunities and connections.
Moreover, that old thing is like he's possessed, insisting on developing in the direction of breeding. What a silly basket.
But speaking of it, that old thing can finally rest in peace now. He has a grandson with a bright future!"
Su Anyong also smiled.
Cold Grandpa lightly tapped the remote control next to him, and a virtual screen projection appeared before them.
...
"Dear viewers and all the breeding masters of Dragon Country! Happy New Year!"
"In the new year, we gather here again to witness the achievements of the breeding masters who have been working tirelessly on the front lines of companion beast cultivation!"
"First of all, we would like to thank the Dragon Country Breeding Master Association, Dragon Xiang Group, Ocean Ecology Group..."
This wasn't the first time Su Ping had watched the Breeding Master Competition.
The correct version is available at 69shu.com! 6=9+shu_
However, in the past, he had only watched it on TV or his phone.
This was the first time he saw it directly from the backstage, just a short distance away from the stage where a man and a woman stood, their faces beaming with enthusiasm towards the camera.
Sun Chaoju, standing next to Su Ping, clicked his tongue:
"Speaking of which, has the list been released? Which number are we?"
Sun Chaoju shook his head:
"The teacher is receiving it in the lounge. It's probably been arranged already!"
Su Ping opened his mouth, wanting to say, "Then what are you doing here?" But he realized he was also wandering around the recording hall of the TV station out of curiosity, so he had no reason to criticize Sun Chaoju.
Thinking of this, Su Ping nodded: "Okay, let's go back. It'll take a while for them to finish listing the sponsors, guests, and judges!"
Su Ping wasn't in a hurry. He had arranged for the Jianghai Province delegation to not appear too early.
It wasn't because of some nonsensical idea about the protagonist appearing last.
The organizers of the Breeding Master Competition seemed to prioritize the order of appearance based on the significance of the breeding types. For instance, the newly evolved companion beasts were undoubtedly among the most valuable.
Although there were reportedly many such achievements this year, it was unlikely that they would be the first to take the stage.
Just as Su Ping was leisurely contemplating his departure, he noticed a figure at the edge of the recording hall, strolling casually towards him.
Notably, he recognized one of these figures.
"Ye Zhou?"
It was none other than the legendary senior from the Metropolis Academy, whom he had met the day before.
The same person who had discussed the research direction on companion beast devolution with him during Jiang Zhiyuan's class.
What was he doing here?
Ye Zhou didn't seem surprised by Su Ping's appearance and even smiled, waving his hand as he turned around.
"We meet again, Su Ping."
"Are you also participating in this year's Breeding Competition?"
Ye Zhou nodded.
At that moment, Su Ping finally understood why Ye Zhou had previously expressed his eagerness to meet him in the competition.
Apparently, this guy was also here to compete.
"Aside from the various provinces, within the entire Dragon Country, there are only a few Advanced Academies that are qualified to attend this Breeding Conference. I'm one of the research members representing our Metropolis Academy, and I came with Professor Wang and the others!"
Ye Zhou explained with a smile.
So that was the case.
Naturally, there would be more than just the Metropolis Advanced Academy within Dragon Country.
There were also some Advanced Academies in the Capital City and other regions of Dragon Country.
"Impressive!"
Su Ping praised him without hesitation.
Breeding was a distinct field from the other beast tamer students in the academy.
To have such a renowned reputation in the Metropolis Academy and to be involved in the research for the breeding competition, the person before him, Ye Zhou, was indeed extraordinary.
However, Su Ping had no intention of prying for more information.
The competition was about to start, so there was no need for it.
Evidently, Ye Zhou's words from the previous day indicated that he had already known about Su Ping's arrival.
"Fortunately, I'm just an assistant, and compared to you, Su Ping, I'm far behind!"
Ye Zhou appeared extremely humble, but he didn't seem inclined to say more as several people behind him had already approached.
"Alright, Xiao Ye, we should get ready and prepare to take the stage!"
Hmm?
Su Ping was taken aback. Were Ye Zhou and his team the first to perform?
Ye Zhou smiled apologetically at Su Ping and then followed Professor Wang and the other research members from the Metropolis Academy to the side.
They prepared for their upcoming stage appearance.
Su Ping gave them a strange look before leading Sun Chaoju back to the dressing room and preparation area for Lao Liu and the others from Jianghai.
Evidently, the Metropolis TV station had quite a large territory.
Or perhaps, everyone at the TV station knew that the participants of the breeding conference were no ordinary people. Each province and representative team had their own separate preparation rooms and dressing rooms.
Upon entering the room, Lao Liu was looking at a list in his hand and glanced up at them.
"You're back!"
Su Ping nodded. "What's our order of appearance? When is it approximately?"
Although the Breeding Master Competition was grand in scale, it would conclude within a day. It involved presenting the results, asking questions, and then scoring based on the evaluation criteria.
There might be some variations, but each participant would likely have around ten to fifteen minutes.
Lao Liu took out a list. "We're showcasing a brand-new companion beast breeding evolution, so we're relatively towards the back. The team from the Capital City is the grand finale, followed by the team from Linjiang Province, and then the team from Huaiyang Province. We're the fourth from the last!"
"Hmm?"
Su Ping furrowed his brows.
Lao Liu quickly asked, "What's wrong? Is there something else?"
Su Ping did have a discovery. "We're not the last?"
Lao Liu was taken aback and looked at Su Ping strangely.
"We're indeed the fourth from the last! The order of appearance doesn't matter. The breeding masters and Master Zhu Hong, who are present, will provide fair scores and rankings!"
Sun Chaoju, who was beside them, explained, "Su Ping, the breeding team representing the Capital City is said to have discovered a new evolution path for the common-grade companion beast 'Jumpy Zombie.' As a national-level low-grade necromantic beast, this new evolution is a significant advantage. It's normal for them to be the grand finale."
Su Ping wasn't concerned about this.
Instead, he was caught in a dilemma.
He wasn't the last to perform? Not the grand finale? According to convention, wouldn't the last four have the potential for a major breakthrough? Isn't the protagonist usually the last to appear?
Su Ping didn't pay attention to his thoughts because, at that moment, in every dressing room, there was a television screen broadcasting a live feed.
After the lengthy sponsorship advertisements, the gratitude towards the numerous breeding masters, and the individual introductions of the breeding masters and the judges who had already taken their seats, the Breeding Master Competition finally began!
"Let's welcome the first breeding master, from the Metropolis Advanced Beast Tamer Academy, the breeding delegation! Their project is a new medicinal research, named 'Elixir of Time'!"
Su Ping immediately became alert, his eyes fixed on the screen.
(End of Chapter)
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