Chapter 381: Departure! The Journey to the Imperial Capital!

Chapter 381: Departure! The Journey to the Imperial Capital!

"You are the future Beastmasters of Jianghai, representing our province in the National Youth Beastmaster Examination. We hope you will achieve excellent results..."

Facing the camera, Qin Erlong, as the final representative at the departure ceremony, smiled and summarized his thoughts to the ten people present.

However, no one in the audience showed any signs of excitement or enthusiasm.

This time's provincial examination did not turn out as they had expected. Instead of being their arena or a stage to showcase their skills, they had become mere background players.

There was nothing they could do with that freak on the field.

As he listened to the two leaders of the Beastmaster Association making their farewell speeches, he glanced at the figure in the distance with his peripheral vision—a calm-eyed, smiling silhouette.

This provincial examination had made them fully aware of this young man, who was even younger than them.

"Alright, Chairman Qin, the live broadcast is over."

After the formal words, the so-called departure ceremony concluded, and the camera was turned off. The television station's director respectfully spoke to Old Qin, and everyone's tense bodies finally relaxed.

The remaining nine people looked at each other, then at Su Ping, who was chatting with Qin Erlong nearby. After a few words, he sat in the backseat, wearing headphones and fiddling with his phone as if waiting for something. Yan Fan approached him:

"Breeder Su?"

As Yan Fan came over, Su Ping finally looked up, glancing at Yan Fan and the other eight people behind him. He hesitated for a moment before removing his headphones:

"What's up?"

"It's like this. Didn't Vice President Xu just say that this time, our trip to the Imperial Capital, including round-trip airfare and accommodations, is sponsored by the Association?

"So, I was wondering if we could set a time to leave. When do you plan to depart for the Imperial Capital? We can discuss the timing a bit. Yan Fan, Li Yaoyao, and Nie Yu all want to leave earlier.

"It would be great to have some time to explore and have fun in the Imperial Capital. What do you think?"

Yan Fan looked at Su Ping expectantly.

Obviously, he was being very careful with his words.

Normally, even if Su Ping had come first, they wouldn't have minded. After all, they were all young people.

However, after yesterday's incident, everything had changed.

The Su Ping before them, even though he had never interacted with them, still required their consideration.

Moreover, they had witnessed the arrogance and haughtiness of that person before the competition. Such a proud and domineering prodigy, if not necessary, would be challenging to approach.

However, what the other nine people, who had become familiar with each other over the past two days, did not expect was Su Ping's smile and his response:

"You don't need to be so formal. We're all young people. What happened before the competition was to create hype and publicity for the Origami Beast's promotion and gimmick.

"It's not that I look down on you all. Please don't misunderstand. If I offended you earlier, I apologize."

Upon hearing this, the nine people present were slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Su Ping to say such words.

In fact, they weren't fools, and they had already figured out what was going on.

But when Su Ping personally spoke these words, the meaning became different.

Yan Fan quickly reacted and waved his hand:

"It's fine, it's fine. If you can always achieve such results with just a little effort, we'll consider ourselves lucky."

"Hehe, yes, Su Ping, you're so amazing..." Li Yaoyao also laughed from the side.

"..."

Everyone present was young, and they realized that Su Ping wasn't as hard to approach as they had imagined. Amidst the chatter, the atmosphere became more relaxed than before.

After a pause, Su Ping spoke:

"However, you can decide when to leave for the Imperial Capital. Just let me know."

"Huh? Why?"

Nie Yu, who seemed to lack subtlety, asked.

She still wanted to get to know Su Ping better and subtly ask about what had happened at the press conference the other day.

After all, this was a rare opportunity to get close to the person who handled the world-class gossip.

Naturally, they were disappointed that Su Ping couldn't accompany them.

Su Ping spoke frankly:

"Okay, if you need anything, you can find me. Once we arrive in the Imperial Capital, if there's anything I can help with, feel free to contact me."

Vice President Xu quickly responded:

"Yes, if there's anything we need, we'll definitely notify you first."

"Since that's the case, I'll be taking my leave first."

"Yeah, see you in the Imperial Capital."

Vice President Xu didn't say much more, and Su Ping also stood up.

He didn't have any luggage to carry.

After all, everything he had was stored in his Beastmaster Space.

Watching Su Ping and the cold-faced woman walk out of the backstage room, Yan Fan finally turned his attention to Vice President Xu, who was leading the team:

"Vice President Xu, is Su Ping leaving now? What about the Dragon Pride?"

Vice President Xu gave him a sidelong glance:

"You guys really want to hitch a ride with them to the Magic Capital, huh? Don't blame me later if you end up hated by others for being a nuisance."

It was clear that Vice President Xu had a different attitude towards Su Ping and these outstanding young Beastmasters compared to his usual demeanor as an Emperor-ranked Beastmaster.

"Vice President Xu, what do you mean?"

"To pick someone up, what about it?"

Yan Fan was a bit taken aback.

"Let me tell you, it's a girl he's picking up."

"Huh? Who?"

This statement clearly piqued the interest of many, especially when it involved the gossip of a prominent figure like Su Ping.

Vice President Xu leaned in and looked around, ensuring no one else was present, before whispering:

"Who else could it be? What's our Chairman's surname? This time, among the participants from the Magic Capital Academy taking the final exam, there's a particular person of interest.

Everyone who had been gathering intel on their hypothetical rivals immediately understood, as they were the most promising candidates from the two academies in the Imperial Capital and Magic Capital:

"You got it, don't go blabbering about it! So, if they're going together, why are you tagging along and being a third wheel?"

Su Ping didn't mind, as he wasn't the type to nitpick, but Miss Qin certainly wasn't one to tolerate such behavior.

Vice President Xu didn't elaborate further, instead, he smiled slightly:

"As for what the Dragon Pride is, hehe, I got a glimpse of it thanks to Chairman Qin. You guys are lucky, as the Dragon Pride is currently right here in the Association. You'll see it when it takes off soon."

The people present were taken aback, not understanding the meaning of his words.

However, they soon realized what was happening.

In the backstage area of the broadcasting room, near the window, outside the window was the rooftop of another building belonging to the Association.

After a few minutes, a metallic hatch on the rooftop opened, and a fighter jet with an unusual, almost exaggerated design, coated in a dark golden layer, slowly emerged.

Everyone's eyes widened, and in the next moment, Su Ping's figure stepped out from the side and entered the fighter jet. Then, in less than thirty seconds, the fighter jet emitted a dragon's roar and took off into the sky, disappearing into the horizon.

Watching the jet's exhaust trail and the lingering trail in the sky, everyone swallowed hard:

"That's... the Dragon Pride?"

Vice President Xu, standing nearby, nodded, also feeling envious and sighing:

"Yes, it's the exclusive fighter jet representing the Dragon Nation. It's said that with enough energy, these jets can even traverse energy layers and soar through the starry skies. We're lucky to see it; it's usually hard to catch a glimpse of this thing.

Apart from some designated parking areas, most are stored in specially designed space capsules. However, Su Ping's jet is a special case and can't be stored that way. He doesn't have space at home to keep it either, so it's temporarily stored at the Association."

Not a single young man or woman could resist the allure of this jet.

Everyone present had eyes filled with envy and longing, especially Yan Fan, who eagerly looked at Vice President Xu:

"Vice President Xu, what does it take to own one of these?"

Vice President Xu knew what they were thinking, and as he met their eager gazes, he said:

"You guys are really reaching for the stars. Even our Chairman Qin doesn't have one of these. Aside from achieving the level of mastery in breeding like Su Ping, there's a more straightforward method—breaking through to the Holy Spirit Rank.

However, Su Ping's jet is said to be even more special compared to the typical Saint-ranked Beastmaster's vehicle. Of course, the specifics of its uniqueness are beyond my knowledge.

So, you guys, work hard! Don't just envy Su Ping. As for now, pack up, gather your family members, and we'll be departing soon too!"

Hearing this, Yan Fan and the others couldn't help but roll their eyes, despite their envious hearts.

But at this moment, they didn't have the mind to complain. Watching the jet's trail in the sky, they clenched their fists, lost in their aspirations for the future.

...

Magic Capital Academy.

The helipad.

This place served as the interaction point for the Magic Capital's Advanced Beastmaster Academy.

Apart from mechanical flyers and vehicles coming and going, there were also students waiting around.

Among them, the most eye-catching figures were a few silhouettes.

With a calm expression but a cold demeanor, it was clear that Miss Qin wasn't in a good mood.

Miss Qin should have been in a good mood.

The reason for her current state was the presence of these few figures beside her.

"Oh, Xiaoxue, when will Su Ping arrive? It's tiring waiting like this."

Lu Xiaolu exaggeratedly rubbed her calf and complained.

Miss Qin shot her a glance:

"What does it have to do with you? Who told you to wait here?"

"Xiaoxue, what are you talking about? What if Su Ping, with his newfound fame and success, has other intentions towards you? We're here to keep an eye on things and make sure you don't fall into a trap! Lu Xiaolu and I are your best sisters, and we would never let you get into such a situation!"

Ling Xiaoxiu patted her unremarkable chest, speaking with righteousness.

Qin Xiaoxue sighed, not bothering with these two guys.

She had prepared and been excited for a long time to meet Su Ping alone and go to the Imperial Capital together, but because of these two troublemakers, it was all ruined!

Thinking of this, Qin Xiaoxue narrowed her eyes, shooting a murderous glare at these shameless little brats.

The latter two seemed completely oblivious, and suddenly, Lu Xiaolu raised her head, looking up at the sky, her eyes lighting up at the distant aircraft:

"What a beautiful plane! I've never seen one like this before!"

"It's so cool, damn, does our academy have such a flashy one? But this design is too exaggerated, which airline is this? I want to ride this airline's plane."

Ignoring them, Qin Xiaoxue furrowed her brows, looking at the distant plane. The strong wind blowing down made her black hair dance, and she couldn't help but frown.

"The paint job is a bit too flashy, and this is a fighter jet, not a commercial airliner. It seems like it's probably from the military."

With her extensive knowledge, she instantly noticed the exaggerated design of the fighter jet and the presence of some gun ports.

However, after making this remark, she remained indifferent and didn't bother with them.

Currently, compared to Su Ping, she was obviously not at all interested in some bird plane.

...

The first time driving the Dragon Pride for a 'long-distance' trip, it was impossible not to be excited.

Unfortunately, Su Ping's original plan was to stand on the head of the Dragon Pride, truly dominating the blue skies, and instantly covering tens of thousands of miles.

However, according to the Dragon Pride's calculations, if he drove and maintained the speed, it would take until tomorrow evening to reach the Imperial Capital, then return to the Imperial Capital again.

Su Ping could only reluctantly leave the main pilot's seat.

Long Two and the Dragon Pride started their automated journey, while he could only sit on the soft sofa in the cabin, boredly watching the fast-moving clouds outside the window.

Fortunately, the Dragon Pride's speed was indeed very fast.

In no time, they arrived at the previously visited Magic Capital's Advanced Beastmaster Academy. Compared to the last time, it was now the school break, and there were quite a few people coming and going.

Almost immediately after entering the Dragon Pride, Su Ping spotted Qin Xiaoxue not far away.

The interior of the Dragon Pride could see outside, but the outside couldn't see the interior, and Su Ping had the opportunity to observe Qin Xiaoxue's reaction to his private jet.

Unfortunately, Su Ping didn't get to enjoy the cool and impressive scene he had hoped for.

Qin Xiaoxue merely glanced at them and didn't pay attention, her gaze indifferent, her expression cold, yet with a hint of urgency and anticipation in her eyes.

In her stunning appearance, she seemed to ignore everything.

Seeing this, Su Ping felt that Qin Xiaoxue indeed had a bit of a goddess vibe.

Su Ping found it a bit boring.

Meanwhile, the others in the room, including Lu Xiaolu and Ling Xiaoxiu, kept staring at the Dragon Pride, their eyes shining.

Su Ping felt it was pointless, so he stood up and said, "Dragon Pride, open the door."

The automated door opened, and Su Ping stepped out first, basking in everyone's attention.

"Xiao Xue, Xiao Xue, I'm out, I'm out!"

Qin Xiaoxue sighed, shaking off Lu Xiaolu's arm, she really didn't have the leisure to watch them. But Lu Xiaolu, who was pulling her, looked over, and her eyes lit up at the figure walking out.

Su Ping, who had just stepped down, saw Qin Xiaoxue waving at him.

Under the morning sun, she revealed six snow-white teeth that almost glowed.

The previously cool and distant goddess-like aura instantly vanished without a trace.

However, this was indeed the Qin Xiaoxue that Su Ping knew.

He quickly walked over, ignoring the attention of those around him, and with a smile, he reached Qin Xiaoxue, who was running towards him. There was no awkwardness from their half-year separation, and she pointed at the Dragon Pride behind her, proudly saying,

"How is it? Our exclusive ride, isn't it cool?"

Qin Xiaoxue looked again, and this time, she sincerely nodded with great appreciation.

"It's indeed cool! Much better-looking than the old lady's Soaring Cloud Craft."

The woman who had just turned her head to look at them,

"By the way, didn't you two say you had something to do? Go take care of it now, I'm going to the Imperial Capital with Su Ping."

The two girls exchanged glances and quickly replied, "Can we also go and visit it?"

Su Ping smiled, "You two also made it to the top ten, right? Might as well go to the Imperial Capital together! It's more convenient that way."

"Yes, yes."

The two girls quickly agreed, ignoring Qin Xiaoxue's murderous gaze, and even Ling Xiaoxiu nonchalantly whistled, following them onto the Dragon Pride.

Soon after, the Dragon Pride soared into the sky again, heading towards the Imperial Capital, a place Su Ping had never been to, at high speed.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end