Chapter 974: Mutual Demise
Chapter 974: Mutual Demise (Combined)
"Who will be paired with whom to bring us an exhilarating Battle!"
"Let's welcome the referee from the Beastmaster Arbitration Board!"
As the host finished speaking, a man in formal attire and Divisio stood up and waved to the audience stands.
Then, Divisio split into two, and its head floated toward the screen.
After a ripple, it entered the screen and disappeared.
Everyone in the Contestant Area stared intently at the holographic screen, but most of their expressions remained calm, maintaining the air of seasoned veterans as if it didn't matter who they were paired with.
Please don't be Zeng Feitian, please don't be Zeng Feitian... Qiao Sang silently prayed.
Compared to the opponent she had just defeated, she preferred to face an unknown challenger.
Meanwhile.
In the front row.
Please don't be Qiao Sang, please don't be Qiao Sang... Zeng Feitian's expression remained unchanged, but his heart was racing, growing increasingly nervous.
Even after reviewing the match, he still had no confidence in beating that Yan Jiaou.
Qiao Sang was also the most popular contestant in this Regional Tournament. Her matches had extremely high viewership and post-match discussions. He didn't want people to remember him for losing to the same opponent twice in a row.
Soon, Divisio's head emerged from the holographic screen, its color unchanged.
[Zeng Feitian vs. Qing Fuqing]
Zeng Feitian looked at his opponent's photo and name, letting out a deep sigh of relief.
[Qiao Sang vs. Chen Tianqin]
Matching such a popular contestant... Qiao Sang's heart skipped a beat, a mix of apprehension and shadowy excitement.
Chen Tianqin, 33 years old, had achieved a top-eight finish in last year's Regional Tournament and was a strong contender for the top three this year.
She still remembered the overwhelming cheers when he first appeared during the opening ceremony.
As she was thinking, Qiao Sang suddenly felt a gaze and turned her head.
She saw her matched opponent, Chen Tianqin, staring at her with an unfriendly expression.
Qiao Sang: "???"
Just an opponent, not an enemy. Why is she looking at me like that?
Chen Tianqin averted her gaze, her expression returning to its usual calm.
...
In a traditional Chinese-style residence.
Tao Yun Kai sat on the sofa, watching the names on the holographic screen, his eyebrows raising as he saw [Qiao Sang vs. Chen Tianqin].
He didn't expect them to meet so soon...
His thoughts drifted back to Chen Tianqin's questioning from the previous day.
"Why! We all worked so hard to make it into the national beastmaster team, waking up at 5:30 every morning to meditate, doing intense training all day, and with such a tight schedule, we hardly have any time to rest!" Chen Tianqin said indignantly:
"Why should she get special treatment! No training, no matches, yet she gets the same benefits as us!"
Tao Yun Kai initially tried to explain patiently:
"She is a student at the Imperial Beastmaster Academy, receiving individual guidance from a teacher. She is still young and needs to absorb knowledge and grow. It's not suitable for her to undergo intense training all day."
Chen Tianqin sneered, "So what if she's a student at the Imperial Beastmaster Academy? The kids in our National Beastmaster Bureau's intensive training team also run between school and the training base."
"Did you join the National Beastmaster Bureau for the benefits rather than to fight for the country in the future?" Tao Yun Kai retorted irritably. "This is a decision made by the entire coaching staff. If you have a problem with it, go talk to the head coach."
Chen Tianqin stormed out.
Tao Yun Kai's thoughts returned to the present, looking at the names on the holographic screen displayed on the TV, sighing inwardly.
He could understand Chen Tianqin's anger. It wasn't just her; others in the national beastmaster team probably felt the same sense of unfairness.
After all, everyone had worked hard to get where they were, putting in a lot of effort to stay in the national beastmaster team and avoid being replaced.
Now, someone could join the National Beastmaster Bureau without doing anything and not have to worry about being kicked out for the next twenty years.
This match will likely be fraught with personal emotions for Chen Tianqin.
If Qiao Sang can win, it might help them understand the Coach Group's decision a bit better.
...
At the match venue.
After glancing at their opponents, many contestants in the Contestant Area got up and left.
Qiao Sang glanced at the match schedule and found that it would be her turn in the afternoon, so she remained seated.
She had been watching this Regional Tournament since the preliminary rounds and had a general idea of each contestant's background.
Chen Tianqin was a popular contestant, having participated in the Regional Tournament last year. All of his familiars had seen action, and many had discussed his performance.
She knew all the public information available. Even if his strength had increased significantly this year, she couldn't investigate his hidden tactics in just one morning... As Qiao Sang thought, she looked in Chen Tianqin's direction and noticed he hadn't left either, causing her to frown slightly.
Could it be that he knows a lot about me and doesn't think further investigation is necessary?
After a moment's consideration, she got up and left.
For safety, it would be better to discuss a strategy with Fangy as soon as possible.
As time passed, the sunlight grew more intense, scorching the arena.
However, cool breezes occasionally blew from all sides of the arena, preventing the audience from feeling too uncomfortable in the heat.
The sunlight gradually became less glaring.
Before long, it was afternoon.
The arena had just concluded an intense match, with a blue bird familiar carrying its contestant back to the underground.
In the Commentator Booth, Tian Yiyi looked at the list in her hand, her voice filled with excitement:
"The next match is highly anticipated. One contestant is Chen Tianqin, who was among the top eight in last year's Regional Tournament!"
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
"Chen Tianqin! Chen Tianqin! Diligence pays off! Invincible!"
"He is only 33 years old and has won all his previous matches with perfect scores. Many predict he will win the championship this year", Tian Yiyi continued.
"Another contestant is Qiao Sang, who has bonded with a legendary hidden sprite and is the youngest dark horse in this year's Regional Tournament!"
The crowd erupted in cheers once again.
"Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! The youngest, but the coolest!"
"This is an interesting pairing", Tang Xueran smiled. "Chen Tianqin is the youngest B-Rank Professional Beastmaster in this tournament, aside from Qiao Sang. This means the two youngest B-Class Beastmasters will be giving us a thrilling battle."
Tian Yiyi added:
"Who will win this round?"
As soon as she finished speaking, two blue bird familiars carrying their shadows ascended from the underground.
The crowd erupted in cheers that echoed throughout the venue.
B-Class Beastmasters are not all the same, and the two on the field were among the most popular B-Class Beastmasters.
The audience could hear their hearts pounding, and everyone was intensely excited, even those whose idols were not Qiao Sang or Chen Tianqin.
This was undoubtedly the most anticipated match of the day.
"Who would have thought we'd see such high-profile contestants in the round of 16?"
"The thought that one of them won't make it to the top 10 is heartbreaking. They both have the potential to advance."
"Who do you think will win?"
"I bet on Qiao Sang; her odds are higher."
"Chen Tianqin, I heard he's already been accepted into the National Beastmaster Bureau. A Beastmaster trained there must be different."
"I think it's Qiao Sang. The Ice Emperor Ram's Frost Haven is unbeatable, and it has a Healing Light. Unless Chen Tianqin has a familiar with even more health than the Iron War Dragon, he's bound to lose."
"It has to be Chen Tianqin. I don't deny Qiao Sang's talent or her powerful familiars, but she only recently became a B-Class Beastmaster. Chen Tianqin was a B-Class Beastmaster last year and placed in the top eight of the Regional Tournament."
Family Section.
"Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! The youngest, but the coolest!" Ye Xiangting chanted along with Qiao Sang's fan group.
"Aren't you worried she might lose this round?" Liu Yao, hearing the chant, recalled how concerned Ye Xiangting had been in the previous rounds and asked with a smile.
Ye Xiangting chuckled, "We've already made it to the top 32, so it's all about giving her best from here on. Besides, even if I worry, it won't change anything. Better to cheer for her and give her support."
Even though she wasn't from Hollow Plains, Ye Xiangting had heard of Chen Tianqin's name. Facing such a heavyweight opponent, she felt that Qiao Sang just needed to do her best.
Liu Yao understood. The other party thought Qiao Sang couldn't win, and reaching this stage was already impressive. So, the focus was on participation.
"Is the opponent very famous?" Migala asked, hearing the cheers around them.
Ye Xiangting nodded, "When he was a C-Class Beastmaster, he participated in the Yuhua Region's Regional Tournament across zones."
Pausing for a moment, she added, "They say he was even selected for the National Beastmaster Bureau's national beastmaster team."
National Beastmaster Bureau... Migala immediately recalled something and said, "Qiao Sang was also selected for the National Beastmaster Bureau."
Ye Xiangting: "???"
Liu Yao: "!!!"
Amidst the enthusiastic cheers and discussions, the number "10" appeared in the arena.
Everyone fell silent in unison.
A mechanical voice counted down with the numbers: "9, 8, 7... 3, 2, 1."
Qiao Sang and Chen Tianqin simultaneously formed hand seals.
Two massive Crimson Star Arrays lit up in the arena.
Soon, two familiars with vastly different sizes appeared within their respective Star Arrays.
Illusionary Hate Fox, a Dark-type Champion-level familiar, which emits resentment energy, intensifying the target's negative emotions and making it difficult to stay calm... Qiao Sang looked at the fox-like familiar about six meters tall, with dark red fur that seemed to move like a living thing, and a black mane covering its back. The information about it flashed through her mind, along with a hint of confusion.
She hadn't expected Chen Tianqin to send out a Champion-level familiar in the first match.
After all, the victory of the first battle is crucial for a Beastmaster's morale and momentum. B-Class Beastmasters generally send out their King-level familiars first to secure the win.
Yan Jiaou... Chen Tianqin looked at the elegant familiar in the distance, a smile uncontrollably forming on his lips.
In the audience stands, people couldn't help but discuss the familiars summoned by both sides:
"Yan Jiaou versus Illusionary Hate Fox, Royal Tier versus General-Class. There's no suspense; Qiao Sang will definitely win."
"Why did Chen Tianqin send out a Champion-level familiar at the start?"
"Maybe he wants to use the Champion-level familiar to wear down the King-level familiar, making it easier for the next familiar to win."
"General-Class versus Royal Tier, how can you wear it down? Especially with a familiar like Yan Jiaou, which has strong offensive power. It could be over in one move."
"Maybe two moves. Don't forget, Qiao Sang's last match was at night, and Yan Jiaou has the Moonlight Power trait, doubling its status. Now it's afternoon, so Yan Jiaou's status isn't as strong."
"Even if it can last two moves, what can it really accomplish?"
"I don't really understand Chen Tianqin's strategy. After each match, the winner can recall their familiar to the Beastmaster Codex, and the energy consumed by Yan Jiaou can be fully replenished before its next appearance."
In the arena.
Could it be that Chen Tianqin is trying to use the Illusionary Hate Fox's resentment energy to make Fangy fall into negative emotions, leading to mistakes in subsequent matches? If so, as long as I avoid close combat, the Illusionary Hate Fox's resentment energy won't spread throughout the entire arena... With this thought, Qiao Sang said:
"Spring."
As soon as she spoke, she sensed something was off.
The opponent didn't issue a command immediately, and the Illusionary Hate Fox didn't move either.
And now, even as Fangy launched an attack, it made no move to defend or counter.
This was far too unusual, as if it were deliberately offering itself up.
In the blink of an eye, Fangy's mouth emitted a beam of red-golden light, shooting directly at the Illusionary Hate Fox.
With a loud explosion, the Illusionary Hate Fox made no attempt to dodge, and the beam detonated on its body.
"Phantom Hate!"
A wave of heat surged, and flames shot skyward.
Amidst the powerful flames and shockwave, the Illusionary Hate Fox let out a blood-curdling scream and was sent flying backward.
Its entire body was severely injured, and it closed its eyes as it hit the ground, seemingly defeated in a single strike.
Chen Tianqin's expression remained unchanged, and there was even a hint of a smile on his face.
He spoke slowly:
"Mutual Demise."
"Ya Ya!"
As the words left his mouth, Fangy's expression twisted in extreme pain, and it let out a blood-curdling scream.
Its body shook violently, and it collapsed with a thunderous crash.
The crowd erupted in shock.
What was happening? The audience, who had just been reflecting on how the Illusionary Hate Fox was indeed defeated, now wore expressions of shock and bewilderment.
Why did Yan Jiaou fall too?!
"Why is this happening?!" In the Family Section, Ye Xiangting was completely baffled.
Liu Yao's expression was serious.
Migala said in a deep voice, "It's the S-Class Co-Return Trait."
...
"Yan Jiaou has fallen!" In the Commentator Booth, Tian Yiyi's eyes widened as Huanran stood up. "It fell without receiving any attack. What is going on?!"
Tang Xueran, a bit calmer, explained:
"It's the Co-Return Trait."
The Co-Return Trait, also known as "I fall, you fall", allows a familiar to transfer the damage it receives to the attacker. When this Trait reaches S-Class, it can even make the attacker experience the same pain and status effects as the familiar, regardless of the attacker's level or defensive power. ... Qiao Sang looked at the fallen Fangy, her face grim.
No wonder the opponent sent out the Illusionary Hate Fox in the first match.
No wonder the Illusionary Hate Fox stood still and took the hits.
Its purpose was to take the hits and activate the Co-Return Trait!
No matter if Qiao Sang knew about it beforehand, she couldn't prevent Fangy from falling along with the Illusionary Hate Fox!
"The Co-Return Trait makes the attacker experience the same pain and status effects as the familiar after the attack", Tang Xueran continued. "Even though Yan Jiaou is one level higher than the Illusionary Hate Fox, it was still affected. This Illusionary Hate Fox's Co-Return Trait must be at a very high level."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the audience stands suddenly understood.
A wave of noise erupted:
"Damn! I knew Chen Tianqin wouldn't just send out a Champion-level familiar for the first match without a reason. He used a Champion-level familiar to take down a King-level familiar! That's so devious!"
"How can you call it devious? It's strategy, don't you get it?!"
"The Co-Return Trait is that powerful? So a familiar with this Trait can fight against an Imperial-level opponent even if it's two or three levels lower?"
"The greater the level difference, the less the effect. But most importantly, this Illusionary Hate Fox's Co-Return Trait must be at S-Class, or it wouldn't have affected a King-level familiar."
"Poor Qiao Sang, losing a trump card right at the start..."
"Chen Tianqin actually had this move up his sleeve! Impressive!"
"Such a powerful Trait, and he used it so quickly. If I were him, I'd save it for later."
"What are you talking about? Trading the Illusionary Hate Fox for Yan Jiaou is a huge win!"
"Ah! Yan Jiaou! I didn't even get to see it battle properly! It was so cool!"
As the crowd continued to discuss, a mechanical-type familiar referee appeared beside Fangy.
"Fangy! You can do it!" Qiao Sang shouted.
Almost instantly, a burst of scorching flames exploded from where Fangy lay, the heat wave spreading outward.
The mechanical familiar referee reacted quickly, disappearing from the spot.
"Ya Ya..."
Burning shadows flickered, and amid the flames, Fangy slowly rose to its feet.
Chen Tianqin's smile froze on his face.
(End of Chapter)
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