Chapter 813: The Third Stage
Chapter 813: The Third Stage (Combined)
"What are your plans for the next while?" Birit asked as she sat down.
Qiao Sang thought for a moment and replied, "Classes during the day, training when I can, and treating patients at night. My defensive strength seems to be breaking through. I plan to visit the club to see if I can advance to the third stage."
Your schedule is really packed... Birit mused internally and said, "You only have about two months left in Supernest. You already have a good understanding of C-Class Beastmasters' combat abilities, and you haven't had much exposure to B-Class Beastmasters yet. When you return to Blue Star, I suggest you quickly join the Regional Tournament to hone your skills."
The Regional Tournament... It felt so far away just a year ago... Qiao Sang listened quietly, her eyes somewhat distant. Then she thought of something and said hesitantly, "I still have classes to attend. I'm afraid I won't have the time."
Birit picked up a piece of meat and smiled, "You're an Imperial Class student. The curriculum for Imperial Class isn't limited to the classroom; it's mostly about practical experience outside."
Qiao Sang's eyes lit up, and she couldn't wait to return to Blue Star to complete her enrollment procedures. She preferred the Imperial Class teaching method over classroom instruction.
"Actually, students from the Beast Mastery Department mostly train outside as well", Birit continued. "The same goes for the Beastmaster Alliance, but since you're only in your first year, your coursework is still more classroom-based."
Liu Yao added some Energy Food to Adinix's plate and chimed in, "You skipped a grade to enter university, so it's good to catch up on some classroom knowledge."
That's true... Qiao Sang agreed with this.
She had noticed her significant improvement recently. She could identify many familiars without the Familiar Identifier, knowing their basic information and weaknesses at a glance.
If she were still a sophomore, she would definitely be a top student.
"You can't afford to fall behind in knowledge. When you're in the Imperial Class, teachers will provide one-on-one tutoring, just like I do now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask", Birit said, chewing on her meat.
Qiao Sang pondered for a moment and asked, "Are there any artifacts or materials that can help Adinix reduce the prediction time more quickly?"
She added, "I'm not necessarily looking to get them; I just want to know what they are."
Birit: "..."
Liu Yao also looked over, waiting for an answer.
Adinix quietly ate its energy meal.
After a few seconds of silence, Birit said tactfully, "Adinix is a Phantom Beast from Supernest, and I can only make educated guesses. I can't give you definitive answers."
Indeed, if she wasn't sure, it would be better not to say anything to avoid giving the wrong information. Birit truly lived up to her reputation as a teacher at the Imperial Beastmaster Academy, being so meticulous... Liu Yao looked away and continued to add Energy Food to Adinix's plate.
Qiao Sang felt a bit disappointed.
She had hoped to use her Unlimited Credit Card before it expired to get some of those artifacts and materials...
Birit took a bite of her meal and returned to the main topic, "I've researched, and the only C-Class Beastmaster event in the First District is the Familiar Arena. However, you've already defeated the four-time Familiar Arena champion, so there's no need to participate in that level of competition. In the coming period, I'll select some missions for you to undertake."
"Alright", Qiao Sang agreed without objection.
...
After finishing their meal, Qiao Sang tidied up briefly and then took Fangy and the others to the street specializing in familiar-related items, looking for a high-end familiar luxury store.
If she could use her credit card, she would buy everything; otherwise, she would leave.
The Unlimited Credit Card was about to expire, and these items could still fetch a good price on the second-hand market.
Before long, both of the Treasure Seeker's rings were completely full.
It seemed the two rings of the Treasure Seeker couldn't hold much. She would have to find a room to store them when she returned and come back another time... Qiao Sang thought as she opened her navigation and searched for the address of the High-End Beastmaster Club.
Fangy slowly grew larger, its eyes glowing blue, and it controlled its Beastmaster to sit on its back.
"Let's go straight", Qiao Sang said, looking at the navigation.
"Yah!" Fangy called out and took off into the sky.
...
Twenty minutes later.
High-End Beastmaster Club.
Qiao Sang arrived at the rest area.
As soon as she sat down, Elma walked over with a warm smile, "It's been a while."
Qiao Sang stood up and said, "I want to test how my second-stage defensive strength is coming along."
"Let me take you to the training room first", Elma said, leading the way.
Before coming, Qiao Sang had already sent a message specifically explaining the purpose of the visit, so she was clear about it.
The two of them took the elevator to the room where they used to train.
Qiao Sang walked over to the sofa and sat down.
Spiky Punch brought over some drinks.
Elma sat down on a single-person sofa nearby and smiled, "Actually, I'm not surprised that you didn't feel any pain during the second phase of your treatment, even before it was officially over."
"Why not?" Qiao Sang picked up the drink, took a sip, and asked.
"Back when you first came to me, your Steel Slash Falcon was still a Steel Guardian", Elma explained. "The replenishment effect a Steel Familiar provides to a Beastmaster is usually defensive strength. Plus, you have other familiars that have evolved, which have likely brought about some changes in your physical condition. That's why you finished the second phase of the treatment early."
Elma had been following Qiao Sang's progress in the Beastmaster Celebrity Tournament from the very beginning, so she was well aware of her familiars.
The club is highly secretive, but most of its members know that the champion of the Beastmaster Celebrity Tournament trains here.
With the title of Coach to the Beastmaster Celebrity Tournament champion, her hourly rate has increased significantly.
"Is it really over?" Qiao Sang asked, still a bit uncertain. "Do we need to run any tests?"
"No need", Elma shook her head. "As long as you don't feel any pain when the Body-Forge Worm moves around inside you, the second phase is over."
Qiao Sang put down her cup and asked, "Can we start the third phase of training then?"
Elma smiled and said, "I've already prepared the materials for the third phase."
She then nodded at Spiky Punch, who went over to a small table, picked up a box, and brought it over.
Elma explained:
"For the third phase, we need to change you from the inside out, purify your body, and enhance your physical condition. This box contains thirty packets of Purifying Powder. You should pour one packet into your bathwater each day and soak for about an hour. Do this for thirty consecutive days, and the third phase will be complete."
She paused and added:
"It also has a whitening effect."
Qiao Sang, hearing this, was delighted:
"Is it that simple?"
"Exactly that simple", Elma nodded.
Qiao Sang took the box, feeling incredibly happy.
The first phase involved standing and getting beaten by a Combat-type Companion.
The second phase involved the Insect Familiar drilling into her body several times a day.
She had expected the third phase to be some unbearable torture.
But this?
Just a bath?
"I'll go back and start soaking right away!" Qiao Sang said, getting ready to leave.
"Wait a moment", Elma called out.
Qiao Sang turned to look at her.
Elma stood up, organized her thoughts, and said, "The process of purifying your body might cause some pain, but with Ice Ai, you should be fine."
Qiao Sang, not taking it seriously, smiled and said, "I understand."
With that, she turned and left the room.
Elma watched the door close and let out a sigh of relief.
Actually, she felt some psychological pressure from hosting Qiao Sang. She had seen the recent trends about her—16 years old, Yulinton University, three General-Class Beast Companions, an Epic Skill. All these trends combined were quite intimidating.
Originally, the third phase involved customers coming to the club to soak, and when the pain became unbearable, they would be offered pain-relieving familiars or painkillers, leading to hidden charges.
However, her increased hourly rate was thanks to Qiao Sang, so she couldn't take advantage of her like that.
Wait!
Money?!
Elma suddenly snapped to attention and rushed out of the room, trying to catch up with Qiao Sang.
She hadn't calculated the charges yet!
...
10:01 PM.
Villa.
Qiao Sang filled the bathtub with water, poured in the Purifying Powder, tested the temperature with her hand, and then undressed and got in.
At first, she didn't feel anything, but after five minutes, a word almost slipped out of her mouth: "Damn."
The pain was excruciating! It felt like needles were piercing every pore.
Qiao Sang's face turned pale, and even her breathing felt painful.
She tried to summon Lulu, but the pain was too intense, and she couldn't complete the seal gesture.
[Steel Slash?]
Just as Qiao Sang was about to try again, Steel Treasure's voice rang in her mind.
Are you okay?
Qiao Sang, on the verge of tears, quickly replied: [Quick, call Lulu to help me...]
There was no response from Steel Treasure.
After about ten seconds, a drop of water slipped through the door crack and transformed into Lulu.
"Ice Ai!"
Lulu, seeing her Beastmaster's condition, looked serious and tense. She channeled her energy, and the gem on her forehead glowed.
Under the Blue Light, Qiao Sang's pain quickly subsided.
She let out a long, relieved sigh, but just as she was about to catch her breath, the pain from her Familiar returned.
However, this time the pain wasn't as intense as before.
Qiao Sang looked at Lulu, who hadn't even spoken yet, when another Healing Light shone down.
The cycle of pain and healing continued for about half an hour, until the bathtub was filled with Gray impurities.
Qiao Sang got up, turned on the shower, and rinsed off before getting dressed.
She had thought it would be a relaxing soak, but the third stage felt more like a trial by tribulation. Qiao Sang sighed inwardly and looked at Lulu, who was still watching her closely. Her voice softened as she said:
"I'm fine now."
"Ice Ai."
Lulu observed for a moment, then, seeing that her Beastmaster was truly alright, she breathed a sigh of relief and left the bathroom to continue training the Treasure Seeker in the outdoor Training Field.
Qiao Sang went to the living room and approached Steel Treasure, who was feeding the Crystal Producers chili peppers. She asked:
"Did you feel my pain just now?"
"Steel Slash." Steel Treasure paused, looked over, and nodded.
Qiao Sang's gaze was intense: "Do you think our bond has grown stronger?"
"Steel Slash..." Steel Treasure was taken aback by the question.
Qiao Sang continued: "Both of your previous Evolutions were Bond Evolutions. Do you think the next one will be the same?"
"Steel Slash."
Steel Treasure shook his head honestly.
I don't know.
Qiao Sang mused aloud: "I think the chances are high that the next one will be a Bond Evolution. How about you don't enter the Beastmaster Codex for a while and stay outside to see if it can strengthen our bond?"
"Steel Slash."
Steel Treasure didn't hesitate and nodded.
He didn't know if the next Evolution would be a Bond Evolution, but staying outside would give him more time to train. Maybe he could eventually achieve long-distance controlling like Fangy.
...
Three days later.
8:00 AM.
The doorbell rang.
Qiao Sang opened the door, already fully equipped.
She looked at Maral and said helplessly, "Do we really have to go so early?"
"The matches start at 9:30 AM, and we need to get there early to avoid long lines", Maral explained with a smile.
Qiao Sang put on her shoes while grumbling, "We don't need to go that early, though."
"This is the Coordination Contest, and tickets are hard to come by. Many people have traveled from other districts days in advance, and some even camp outside the Coordination Match arena overnight", Maral said enthusiastically. "All the Coordinators participating have won at least five coordination matches, and they have a lot of fans."
Qiao Sang finished putting on her shoes and stood up, her expression odd. "You actually gave me a ticket to such a hard-to-get event and insisted I go as part of my mission reward?"
Maral's face stiffened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure and laughed awkwardly. "I just thought you had the potential to be a Coordinator. If you see the Coordination Contest, you might be inspired to develop as both a Beastmaster and a Coordinator."
"I couldn't bear to see such a promising talent in the coordination world go to waste."
You're not a mentor at the Coordination Academy... Qiao Sang was skeptical.
But since she had promised, she would keep her word.
Fangy's body slowly grew larger, and his eyes glowed with Blue Light as he controlled Qiao Sang, bringing her to his back.
Maral summoned a Flying-type Companion about three meters tall.
The two took to the sky, chatting intermittently along the way.
"Do people in Blue Star usually keep their familiars summoned and with them all the time?" Maral asked, looking at Flame Kiru's Ghost Ring King, Steel Slash Falcon, and Ice Ai, who was peeking out of Qiao Sang's backpack.
"It varies. Some people like it, and some don't", Qiao Sang replied.
"Why aren't you interested in coordination?" Maral changed the subject. "Your bonded familiars are very suitable for the Coordination Competition."
"Do you think just because a familiar looks good, it's suitable for the Coordination Competition?" Qiao Sang asked in return.
"Of course not", Maral said seriously. "The most important thing is being able to showcase the familiar's charm."
She paused and added, "Of course, familiars that are naturally appealing do have an advantage in the preliminary rounds."
"Xunxun~"
The Treasure Seeker, overhearing the conversation, flicked its golden hair.
Isn't that exactly what she was talking about?
(End of Chapter)
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