Chapter 285: Su Instructor? Su Ping's Test Companion Beast!

Chapter 285: Su Instructor? Su Ping's Test Companion Beast!

The casual conversation came to an end.

The three of them were well aware of what truly mattered and what could wait.

Cold Lord nodded and turned to the staff member:

"Have all the breeders from the various provinces arrived?"

"Yes, they're all here! They're currently preparing downstairs."

"Good. Alright, we understand. You can go and attend to your tasks now."

Cold Lord rose from his seat, and after the staff member nodded and left, he turned his attention to Sage Yin:

"Sage Yin, how are the preparations for the selection test instruments coming along?"

Sage Yin nodded:

"Everything is ready. Over the past few days, the third floor has been completely transformed into a fully simulated environment replicating the interior of the Heavenly Tomb. Additionally, a series of companion beasts will appear, and we will present all the known aspects of the Heavenly Tomb's internal conditions.

As long as the companion beasts enter the test environment, they will encounter all the known dangers within the Heavenly Tomb. By passing through this simulated environment, we can gauge the maximum adaptability of the companion beasts to these conditions. Furthermore, considering the boundary restrictions of some evolved bodies..."

The environment simulation also has distinctions between Overlord-tier and Monarch-tier, allowing for a more comprehensive screening of the potential of companion beasts that have not yet reached the Monarch-tier."

Indeed, this was the selection process for the Heavenly Tomb's Special Beastmaster Force.

This Special Beastmaster Force is meant to enter the Heavenly Tomb and face life-threatening situations.

It's not a suicide mission.

Unlike the Breeder Competition, which primarily focuses on observing numerical values, showcasing effects, and considering universality, this situation is entirely different.

Here, the only thing that matters for entering the Heavenly Tomb is practicality.

Aside from that, everything else is irrelevant.

Cold Lord nodded and let out a long breath. "In that case, let's begin! Let those little guys downstairs come up one by one."

...

Su Ping was unaware that he had already caught someone's attention.

However, he didn't mind.

Su Anyong often found himself in peculiar situations.

This wasn't the time for him to be concerned about such social gatherings.

At this very moment, Su Ping was in a grand hall.

The hall featured various seating areas, private rooms, and numerous individual testing instrument rooms.

Additionally, the hall was adorned with countless exquisite and delicious foods for those present.

At first glance, it didn't resemble a typical breeder selection competition but rather a unique and unconventional party or ball.

In fact, it was indeed such an event.

According to the staff members downstairs,

This breeder selection event was indeed a special gathering of breeders under the guise of a competition.

Having fewer people aware of the Special Beastmaster Force breeders would mean fewer potential troubles.

Even the breeders representing various provinces in attendance only knew that this was a selection for the Special Beastmaster Force, but the name 'Heavenly Tomb' was unfamiliar to most.

Compared to the previous breeder competition that garnered nationwide attention and participation,

This time, only a handful of people were in the hall, while the majority of breeders were preparing in their rooms.

Most were unaware of the selection criteria, mode, and other details of this selection process, so there was no need for mutual communication, and waiting was the only option.

Moreover, the most crucial aspect was that for each project in this breeder selection, only one person could be present.

This measure was taken to prevent any leaks of this confidential matter.

One could say that the precautions were taken to the extreme.

However, even with these precautions, Su Ping still had acquaintances.

Well, 'acquaintances' might not be the most accurate term, as they had only met briefly in the past.

Some of these individuals were so fleeting that Su Ping barely remembered their names.

Among them, the most memorable was a breeder he had encountered during the breeder competition.

The representative of the Capital City's Breeder Association, the senior breeder who had bred the Jumping Zombie.

While Su Ping remembered the Jumping Zombie, the breeder's name had slipped his mind.

The number of participants in the breeder competition, with representatives from various provinces and colleges, each with their breeding teams, making it a crowded affair.

Moreover,

Su Ping had been the most eye-catching participant in that competition,

and this time was no different.

Su Ping's arrival drew the attention of many.

They were surprised to see Su Ping, who had participated in the breeder competition, now present for the Special Beastmaster Force selection led by the Legion.

Wasn't Su Breeder known for his expertise in Forest Wolf breeding? And this time, the information received from various provinces indicated a focus on the Necromancy lineage. Was there some connection between the two? If forced to find a connection, it could be that the Solar Heart of the Thousand Trees Wolf possessed solar energy that might be effective against Necromancy lineage companion beasts...

Amidst the curious and astonished gazes,

Su Ping remained unfazed, accustomed to such attention. However, he didn't actively approach others. Instead, as he eagerly eyed the neatly arranged yet untouched food, someone noticed him.

"Su Breeder, it's a pleasure to see you again."

A crisp and pleasant voice rang out from beside Su Ping.

Su Ping turned his head towards the speaker.

It was a short-haired woman.

Wearing large black-framed glasses, she looked to be in her late twenties, with a slightly above-average appearance but an exceptionally graceful and mature demeanor.

"Hello, who are you?"

Su Ping looked at the hand she extended and gently shook it.

The woman smiled, adjusting her hair at her temples, and said, "Breeder Su, I'm Jian Yue from Rujin Province. I'm also a participant in the Beastmaster Special Forces Breeder selection and a contestant in this session. We met once before at the Breeder Competition."

The last Breeder Competition...? Su Ping scratched his head, trying to recall who this woman was.

Not only was he unsure if this woman was a main contestant or an assistant in this session's Breeder Competition, but he had almost forgotten what results the Rujin Province Breeder Representative had announced.

Not to mention this woman.

However, Su Ping nodded slightly:

"Oh, I see..."

"..."

It was evident that this woman had only made a brief introduction.

Those who had come here were all capable and influential individuals within their respective provincial Breeder Associations.

Such people were naturally astute.

Su Ping, despite his young age, had previously achieved the top rank in the Breeder Competition, and his future prospects were undoubtedly promising.

At this moment, having finally encountered an opportunity, it was only sensible to seize it and establish connections. It would be beneficial to at least become familiar with each other, and there was no harm in doing so.

Hence, after a brief chat with Jian Yue, others soon joined the conversation.

For a while, the initially quiet area became slightly more crowded around Su Ping.

Su Ping felt a bit helpless.

He had rushed over from the Tian Shan side early in the morning, afraid of being late, but he hadn't even had a bite to eat.

Moreover, having been holed up in Tian Shan for some time, he hadn't even had a hot meal. Now, with all these delicious dishes prepared by the North Yuan Province Breeder Association, he was genuinely hungry.

However, with everyone swarming around, he didn't have the time to feel embarrassed about asking for food.

Fortunately, this gathering didn't last too long.

Soon, a voice came through the speakers:

"Alright, the selection begins. There aren't many rules. One by one, whoever is ready can go up to the third floor! Don't keep the old man waiting too long."

The voice was casual yet carried an undeniable air of authority.

Even coming through the speakers, it made everyone's spirits jolt.

Many people stepped out of their private rooms, having clearly heard the voice as well.

Including Su Ping.

Su Ping narrowed his eyes slightly.

This voice...

As expected!

The selection for the Heavenly Tomb Beastmaster Special Forces was indeed led by Cold Lord.

However, the specifics of the selection remained a mystery.

Thinking of this, Su Ping looked into his Beast Control Space.

Little Qi was still practicing sword techniques, her body shimmering with the Five Elements Light.

Sensing Su Ping's mental fluctuations, she immediately let out a cry.

The Origami Figure on her body burst open, like a celestial flower scattering petals.

Next, three Five Elements Paper Bodies were connected together.

After the three of them had cultivated the Five Elements Paper Bodies, Su Ping, upon their departure, had also successfully cultivated the remaining two Origami Figures with this Supergrade Skill.

The purpose was to prepare for this selection.

Now, it was evident that the time had come.

As the conversation ended, everyone exchanged glances, and Jian Yue, the first to speak, smiled and asked, "Senior Breeders, who wants to take the lead?"

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other once more.

It was clear that the first one to go would be at a disadvantage.

After all, the Legion had made this selection quite mysterious.

The specific details and requirements of the selection test were unknown to them.

Although they had arrived, and while it might be challenging to prepare without knowing the specifics, the principle of knowing oneself and the enemy to ensure victory was undeniable.

For a moment, after Cold Lord's words, none of the Breeder participants who had come for the selection stepped forward.

In fact, more and more people directed their gazes towards a particular figure.

There were many Breeders who had come, but the most renowned and famous among them was undoubtedly the young man before them.

At this moment, he was the best choice to take the lead.

"Breeder Su, do you have confidence this time?"

A senior Breeder smiled, the implication clear.

Everyone's attention turned to Su Ping.

However, Su Ping didn't seem to mind.

This kind of 'shooting the messenger' situation might make others feel indignant, and a typical hot-blooded youth might even retort angrily.

But he was different.

In the Beastmaster World, whether it was Beastmasters controlling beasts or Breeders cultivating Companion Beasts, there was only one truth from beginning to end!

If you had the strength, you didn't need to worry about anything else.

Take this situation, for example.

In fact, he didn't mind going first. He followed the path of righteousness, so what was there to fear? He wasn't the type to be shy, and with the power of the Five Elements Origami Figure and the Hall Rank Heavenly Cycle Five Elements Body, he had nothing to fear.

Su Ping smiled, unfazed by the inquiry, and nodded:

"If I didn't have the confidence to win, I wouldn't have come. However, do you truly want me to be the first to go?"

The elderly Breeder, who had previously spoken, looked slightly embarrassed in response to Su Ping's question.

Under Su Ping's scrutinizing gaze, some individuals awkwardly averted their eyes.

Only Jian Yue, the Breeder from Rujin Province, who had initially spoken, gazed at Su Ping with an unusual glint in his eye.

What did this guy mean?

The answer became apparent soon enough.

Su Ping chuckled and continued:

"If I were to go, you all might as well return empty-handed today. Having traveled thousands of miles to North Origin, shouldn't you at least experience some participation?"

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Su Ping.

After a brief moment, they exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the young Breeder's astonishing statement.

What kind of confidence was this?

Was this the renowned composure of the youthful champion Breeder?

No, this was sheer audacity!

Too arrogant!

It was as if Su Ping had disregarded the assembled Breeders from various provinces.

However, despite some feeling displeasure, no one dared to openly rebuke him.

Instead, many were genuinely intrigued.

"Even if we've traveled vast distances, witnessing Su Breeder's decisive prowess would make this trip worthwhile."

A high-ranking Breeder from the Imperial Capital smiled, acknowledging Su Ping's statement.

"Pity we can't see the outcome of Su Breeder's efforts. I'd love to witness the Companion Beast that grants him such confidence! We'll eagerly await Su Breeder's triumphant return."

Jian Yue, from Rujin Province, smiled, adding his thoughts.

Su Ping smiled faintly:

"There will be an opportunity."

Indeed, at the year-end Breeding Championship, Su Ping would unveil the evolution of his Origami Man.

Unfortunately, not yet.

As the crowd gazed at him in awe, Su Ping calmly walked out of the gathering.

In the grand, golden hall, the young Breeder's figure was the first to exit, exuding not a hint of unease or awkwardness. It was as if he were meant to lead the way, ahead of everyone.

He even had the leisure to turn back, appearing to wave at the crowd.

Some individuals hastily raised their hands in response, only to freeze, realizing Su Ping wasn't greeting them. Instead, he had simply passed by the front table, picked up two decent-looking pastries, one in each hand.

He strolled along, seemingly browsing a night market, rather than participating in the Breeding selection.

As his figure disappeared into the staircase, heading towards the third-floor elevator, someone finally spoke up:

"Regardless of anything else, his confidence is something we can't match!"

Some nodded in agreement, while others expressed disdain.

Confidence or arrogance? Only the final outcome would tell.

In the world of Specialized Beastmaster Breeding, it's not about the Breeder's confidence.

Su Ping, oblivious to the gazes behind him, examined the pastries in his hands.

He was genuinely hungry.

Not bad, he thought, savoring the flavors.

One was osmanthus-flavored, reminiscent of the osmanthus tree in his family's Lin Heart courtyard.

The other had a complex, sweet-and-sour fruit flavor.

Hmm... he'd have two more when he returned, if possible. He'd ask Cold Lord about the pastry chef, to see if they could be poached for his family's Wan Ling Heart...

As the elevator ascended, Su Ping devoured the pastries in swift, successive motions. The elevator, now only one floor up, opened, revealing a mysterious mechanical hall.

Su Ping's gaze, however, was fixed on the three individuals behind the transparent glass partition.

This single glance was all it took for Su Ping's eyes to widen, his mouth still full of osmanthus pastry, his cheeks puffed out.

Then, with a sudden 'hiccough,' he began coughing violently, clearly choking.

Cold Lord's voice was expected, but...

What was Su An Yong doing there?

Apparently, Su An Yong was equally perplexed, blinking in surprise as he took in the sight of his son, Su Ping, standing before him.

The pastry crumbs at the corner of Su Ping's mouth confirmed his identity.

What was his son doing here?

At first, Su Ping thought that the kid had just received a call and came over to ask about his location. However, upon further consideration, this was impossible. The selection of the Special Beast Tamer Unit was a confidential matter, and ordinary people wouldn't know about it. Moreover, not only the NorthOrigin Beast Tamer Association but also their military unit was involved in the selection process. Without an introduction letter, it was impossible to participate.

So, there was only one possibility left, although Su An Yong and Leng Ye were not prepared for it. Su An Yong glared at the young man, wanting to scold him for being so reckless. If Ghost Saint and Master Yin weren't present, and it wasn't a video recording, he would have already stood up and reprimanded the kid.

Meanwhile, Master Yin, who was sitting next to him, had also noticed Su Ping. Although he had seen Su Ping's picture before, he didn't recognize him at first glance. Su Ping had gotten a bit tanned during his time at Tian Shan, making him almost unrecognizable.

Master Yin's first impression of Su Ping was not good, and his eyebrows furrowed in displeasure. "What kind of Beast Tamer are you? Don't you know how to show respect to Ghost Saint, me, and Su Officer?" he asked.

Su Ping finally came to his senses and looked at Master Yin. He then glanced at his father, Su An Yong, who was sitting behind the glass, wearing a military uniform. Su Officer? So, this old man was a teacher in the Special Beast Tamer Unit of the Heavenly Tomb?

Su Ping had thought that his father's previous achievement as a peak-level Emperor Rank Beast Tamer was impressive, but it seemed there was more to it. He felt a bit angry at his father for not revealing this information earlier.

As Su Ping looked at his father, he couldn't help but notice that he looked quite handsome in his military uniform. Su Ping smacked his lips and finally reacted, bowing to the three people in front of him. "I apologize for my rudeness."

Master Yin's expression softened slightly, and he introduced himself. "This is Ghost Saint, and this is Su Officer. I am Master Yin, a necromancy Beast Tamer from the Beast Tamer Association. Please introduce yourself and summon your Companion Beast for the environmental simulation battle test. Remember, this test involves confidential information from the Dragon Nation, and you must not reveal any details to outsiders."

Su Ping bowed and introduced himself. "I am Su Ping, a Beast Tamer from Jianghai Province, and I am honored to participate in this selection. I will make sure to keep the information confidential."

Master Yin nodded and asked Su Ping to summon his Companion Beast. However, when Su Ping mentioned that his beast involved confidential information from the Dragon Nation, Master Yin's expression changed. "You're from Jianghai Province...?" he said, his voice trailing off.

Su Ping repeated his introduction, and Master Yin's eyes widened in surprise. He looked at Su Ping and then at the other two people in the room, who seemed just as surprised. It was clear that they had just found out about Su Ping's identity.

Master Yin's tone softened, and he asked Su Ping to summon his Companion Beast. Su Ping, however, didn't rush to comply. Instead, he bowed and said, "Before the test begins, I want to remind Ghost Saint, Master Yin, and Su Officer that my Companion Beast involves confidential information from the Dragon Nation. All details must be kept secret, and no video recordings can be kept or shared with outsiders. After the test, I will have you three sign a confidentiality agreement. If any information is leaked, you three will be held responsible."

The three people were taken aback by Su Ping's words, which sounded familiar. They were stunned, unsure of how to react.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end