Chapter 874: My Destiny! I'm Here!
Chapter 874: My Destiny! I’m Here! (Combined)
The Flight Festival is a grand competition exclusively for those who possess a Flying Beast.
It features various events for Flying Beasts, such as Aerial Combat, Aerial Relay, and Aerial Speed Race.
The prizes for each event are generous and specifically tailored for Flying Beasts, attracting many flying pet tamers, some of whom have traveled from other provinces and cities.
Qiao Sang sat on Fangy’s back, following the Navigation as they flew through the air. Along the way, they saw many Flying Beasts they had never encountered before, all heading in the same direction.
After about ten minutes of flying, a venue that seemed to be constructed from technology, futurism, and dynamism, resembling a starship, appeared on the Cloud Steps.
Compared to the previous Air Traffic Control Office, this building was clearly more distinctive.
Fangy landed on the Cloud Steps outside the venue.
Qiao Sang dismounted.
Many people’s gazes were drawn to them.
Fangy’s appearance stood out among the various Flying Beasts.
Qiao Sang scanned the surroundings. In the past, most people in high altitudes wore oxygen masks, but now, except for a few who were clearly younger, almost no one was wearing them. It was evident that the Flying Beasts’ replenishment, combined with long-term high-altitude training, had helped them adapt.
She then thought of something and turned to Fangy, asking:
“Can you still control the Clones at this distance?”
“Ya Ya.”
Fangy sighed. It was possible, but the number of Clones had decreased significantly.
“It’s fine. Being able to control Clones for training at this distance is already impressive,” Qiao Sang reassured her.
The Flight Festival Arena was ten thousand meters above the ground, and Fangy could still control the Clones in the Beastmaster Center, surpassing the capabilities of ordinary General-Class Beast Companions.
“Let me know when you need an Energy Recovery Potion,” Qiao Sang said.
“Ya!”
Fangy nodded, understanding.
Qiao Sang needed to contact the organizer… She took out her mobile phone and prepared to dial the number provided in the mission evaluation materials.
At that moment, a sweet voice spoke from beside her: “Hello, are you here for the Flight Festival?”
Qiao Sang turned to see a woman in her mid-twenties with black hair, brown eyes, and soft features.
Next to her stood a bird familiar about five meters tall, mostly cream-colored with yellow feathers on its head and a tuft of green feathers in the middle. Its tail and wing tips were blue.
Hawk Helix, a Flying-Type General-Class Beast Companion with exceptional vision, capable of spotting fish in the water from a kilometer above… Qiao Sang recalled the familiar’s information and replied:
“I’m not here for the competition.”
The woman’s eyes showed surprise, then she looked at Fangy, realizing something. She said, “I almost forgot, only Flying-Type familiars can participate in the Flight Festival.”
Then, she changed the subject and asked:
“By the way, what is your familiar’s name?”
As expected, she was interested in Fangy… Qiao Sang thought to herself.
Every time a stranger approached, it was usually to ask about Fangy. She was used to it.
“It’s called Flame Kiru,” Qiao Sang said.
Flame Kiru… The woman silently repeated the name, then smiled and introduced herself, “I’m Fang Lan, and this is Hawk Helix.”
“Yuyu.”
Hawk Helix chirped, greeting them.
“I’m Qiao Sang.”
“Hmm, what is the name of your Flying Beast over there?” Fang Lan’s eyes lit up as she noticed Steel Treasure.
“It’s called Steel Sword Falcon,” Qiao Sang said.
"It's not a low Level, is it?" Fang Lan examined Steel Treasure up and down several times, then noticed the Miniaturization Band on its claws and couldn't help but ask curiously:
"Why didn't you sign up for the Flight Festival? I remember there are no entry requirements for the competition; as long as you have a Flying Beast, you can register. Some events only have requirements for the number of Flying Beasts."
"I came here for other reasons", Qiao Sang replied casually. "Are you here to participate in the competition?"
"Not me", Fang Lan said. "I came here for other reasons."
The scene fell into an awkward silence.
So awkward, they didn't know what to talk about... Qiao Sang picked up her mobile phone. "I'll continue my call then."
"Sure, sure, go ahead", Fang Lan quickly said.
With that, she left with Hawk Helix.
Qiao Sang dialed the responsible person's number.
"Beep beep beep~"
The phone rang for a full half-minute before it was answered, and a stern voice came through the speaker: "Who is it?"
"Hello, I've taken the Evaluation Task to maintain order at the Flight Festival. I was wondering which direction to go once I get inside", Qiao Sang said directly.
"Where are you now?" the responsible person asked.
"Near the 7th Entrance", Qiao Sang replied, glancing at the nearby sign.
"Then enter through the 7th Entrance and show the evaluation task seal to the ticket checkers. They'll let you in", the responsible person said matter-of-factly. "Once inside, keep turning left until you reach the Special Ops Room."
"Got it", Qiao Sang said and hung up.
Following the directions, she smoothly made her way inside and reached the Special Ops Room.
There were quite a few people and familiars inside.
As soon as she entered, Qiao Sang's first sight was Fang Lan, who had changed into a Special Ops Agent uniform.
Fang Lan also saw Qiao Sang, her eyes flashing with surprise.
"Are you...?" a man in a black suit with a buzz cut walked over.
From his stern voice, it was clear he was the person who had answered the phone earlier.
"My name is Qiao Sang. I've taken the Evaluation Task to maintain order", Qiao Sang said. "I spoke with you on the phone just now."
The responsible person glanced at her in surprise, thinking to himself that she looked far too young, almost like a minor...
Before he could speak, Fang Lan rushed over, her face full of astonishment.
"You actually took the Evaluation Task? Are you participating in the Regional Tournament?"
It turned out they were both here for the same reason. But why did they split up earlier, and how did she get here so fast, even changing into her uniform... Qiao Sang glanced at her, inwardly grumbling but calmly nodding.
"Do you know each other?" the responsible person asked.
"We chatted a bit outside the venue", Fang Lan said with a complex expression.
"Since you know each other, you can be responsible for the same area", the responsible person decided, pausing thoughtfully. "Zone B, then."
Anyone who could register for the Regional Tournament was at least a C-Class Beastmaster. Both of these young-looking women might one day become famous in the Regional Tournament.
...
Five minutes later.
Above Zone B.
"I didn't expect you to register for this year's Regional Tournament", Fang Lan, sitting on Hawk Helix, broke the silence and said.
"Me too?" Qiao Sang thought for a moment and asked, "You're here because of the Evaluation Task too?"
Fang Lan nodded. "I took this Evaluation Task a month ago. Thinking the time was approaching, I came over from Tianyi City yesterday."
She looked at Qiao Sang with a complex expression. "You don't seem like someone who would participate in the Regional Tournament."
Qiao Sang replied without hesitation, "Neither do you."
Fang Lan was taken aback, and then a smile spread uncontrollably across her face. "I'm 32."
Qiao Sang gave her a sincere look. "You really don't look it."
With that, Fang Lan's goodwill toward Qiao Sang soared. She coughed and asked, "How many Evaluation Tasks have you completed?"
"Adding this one, that makes four." Qiao Sang didn't hide it.
Only four... Considering their acquaintance, Fang Lan comforted her, "You look younger than me, so it's already quite impressive that you qualify for the Regional Tournament. When I first signed up, I spent a whole year and barely completed nine missions. In the end, I didn't even get formal entry. The second time, I managed to complete all the missions, but I was eliminated in the preliminary round. This is my third time signing up for the Regional Tournament."
It's been nearly seven months, and including the mission in Yongtian City, you've only completed four. At this rate, it's unlikely we'll meet in this Regional Tournament... Fang Lan thought, her gaze softening as she looked at Qiao Sang.
She saw her former self in Qiao Sang.
What a tough experience... Qiao Sang sympathized for a moment, then comforted her, "You'll definitely do better this time."
Fang Lan instinctively replied, "Thank you." After she spoke, she paused, feeling something was off.
Just as Fang Lan was about to say something else, fireworks burst densely in the sky.
Various Flying Beasts darted through the colorful fireworks.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 654th Flight Festival!" The host, standing on a white Flying Beast in the center of the Arena high above, held a microphone and announced with enthusiasm.
Cheers echoed continuously.
Qiao Sang, in Zone B above, felt a unique sensation as she watched the scene.
It really is different being a participant rather than a spectator.
"Steel Blade..."
Steel Treasure stared blankly at the Flying Beasts trailing various lights in the sky.
"Do you want to participate?" Qiao Sang noticed Steel Treasure's interest and asked.
"Steel Blade." Steel Treasure called out, indicating he was just unfamiliar with the scene.
"You'll see this often in the future", Qiao Sang said.
The path of a Professional Beastmaster involves competing in various matches, striving to advance to more prestigious events.
The tournaments you'll encounter in the future will only be more grand.
"Steel Blade."
Steel Treasure's eyes flashed with longing, but he quickly returned to his usual calm.
"Actually, if we hadn't taken this Evaluation Task, we could have participated and taken a look", Fang Lan, overhearing the conversation, suddenly remarked. "I heard the prizes this time are very suitable for Flying Beasts, especially the Aerial Speed Race and Aerial Relay, which have A-Class prizes."
A-Class? Qiao Sang didn't react much.
Her Treasure Seeker Ring was already filled with a pile of A-Class materials.
The match began soon.
The first event was the aerial obstacle course.
This was a 50-kilometer aerial obstacle traversal match.
The organizers would set up over 20 obstacles along a fixed flying route, and the Flying Beasts could use any Skills to pass through.
Starting from the Flying Venue, the entire course would be live-streamed, and the first Flying Beast to complete the route and return would be the winner.
Throughout the event, the Beastmaster would ride their familiar, flying through the obstacles together.
At the sound of the Referee's command, all the familiars at the starting line shot off like streaks of light, vanishing from sight.
Only a few Flying Beasts flapped their wings, struggling to fly, with their Beastmasters even wearing oxygen masks.
Qiao Sang, in the sky above Zone B, watched the live stream on the Giant Virtual Screen with a rather relaxed demeanor.
Then she thought of something and asked, "Fangy, do you want an Energy Recovery Potion?"
"Fangy."
Fangy nodded.
"Xunxun~"
Before Qiao Sang could speak, Treasure Seeker appeared, took off the Ring, and skillfully retrieved an Energy Recovery Potion to hand to Fangy.
The sudden appearance of the Treasure Seeker startled Fang Lan and Hawk Helix.
While Ghost-type Companion Beasts can Invisibility, a familiar's Higher Rank allows them to sense unfamiliar auras, even if the Ghost-type Companion Beasts are Invisible.
However, Hawk Helix didn't sense anything, indicating that the Ghost-type Companion Beast in front of them was at least as powerful as Hawk Helix.
Fortunately, the other party's mission efficiency wasn't high, or this year's Regional Tournament would have another formidable opponent... Fang Lan glanced at Treasure Seeker, then at Fangy and Steel Treasure, feeling a sudden surge of emotion. She then thought of something and asked:
"Aren't you from the Hollow Plains?"
Qiao Sang nodded: "I'm from the Yuhua Region."
"Have you already participated in your region's Regional Tournament?" Fang Lan continued.
Usually, Beastmasters who attend other Regional Tournaments first participate in their own region's event.
"No", Qiao Sang answered promptly. "This is my first time participating in a Regional Tournament."
Fang Lan was silent for a few seconds. "Why did you choose to participate in the Hollow Plains' Regional Tournament for your first time?"
Qiao Sang pondered for a moment. "Because I feel a connection to this region."
Fang Lan: "???"
Suddenly, a voice came through the walkie-talkie:
"A Sawtooth Dragon has appeared on the Aerial Obstacle Course, with no Beastmaster in sight. Who will go and make it leave the track? The leading participant is expected to pass by in about ten minutes."
A Sawtooth Dragon? Qiao Sang remained silent.
Let whoever wants to go handle it.
She needed to stay in Zone B.
Fang Lan frowned. "A Sawtooth Dragon is a King-level dragon pet beast, and there's no Beastmaster around. Who would dare to go and make it move? We can only wait for it to leave on its own."
King-level dragon pet beast... Qiao Sang's heart stirred. She pulled out her mobile phone, opened the browser, and typed "Sawtooth Dragon" into the search bar.
The page quickly loaded, and relevant information appeared, including images.
Huge ears, a neck with a ring of saw-like patterns, a pair of massive purple wings with serrated edges, a spiral horn on its head, and two sharp fangs visible on the lower jaw.
Serrated, horn... The image on her phone screen gradually merged with the Dragon-type Companion Beast from her dreams, whose outline she could never clearly see. At that moment, Qiao Sang felt her heart pounding strongly.
"Is anyone going?" the voice in the walkie-talkie repeated.
All the Special Ops Agents maintaining order in the air heard the message.
Then another voice responded:
"I'll go!"
"You're crazy!" Fang Lan was taken aback when she heard Qiao Sang say "I'll go." She couldn't help but lower her voice. "That's a King-level dragon pet beast. You don't have to go. In such a large event, the organizers will have other ways to handle it."
"I'm not crazy", Qiao Sang said firmly. "My mission is to maintain order."
Fang Lan: "..."
She must be crazy...
"Treasure Seeker, move along the track!" Qiao Sang said, suppressing her excitement.
My destiny! I'm coming!
"Xunxun~"
Treasure Seeker's eyes glowed blue.
In the next second, Qiao Sang vanished from her spot.
(End of Chapter)
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