At the same time. Inside a luxury villa in Sky City, a young man dressed in black, known as Dog King with the ID Zhou Mo from Limitless City #3, also saw the details of his first-round opponent.
His first instinct was to figure out who this opponent was. Had the matchup list displayed Limitless City IDs, he would have immediately recognized Lu Ran as the Heavenly Familiar Ranking leader.
However, aside from a coincidental similarity in their names, Zhou Mo couldn’t establish a concrete link between Lu Ran and Pedestrian A without definitive evidence.
“Big bro, do you know who this Lu Ran is?”
He turned to the man beside him, clad in a black leather jacket, seated on a sofa, and working on a laptop. This was Circus Guild Leader, Circus Leader.
“I’ve already looked into it. This Lu Ran participated in the preliminary assessments in Golden Hill. His primary familiar is a Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink. Its energy reserves are exceptionally large—large enough to manifest monstrous energy projections,” explained Circus Leader.
“The Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink possesses two traits which were Red Lightning and, as inferred from its performance, an Energy Reserve Trait, which likely doubles its lightning energy reserves.
“Furthermore, the skink has never appeared on the Heavenly Familiar Ranking, suggesting its base species rank might already be Low-Champion Rank.
“After fusing two traits, at worst, it should be Intermediate-Champion Rank and, judging by its performance in the preliminary assessments, is most likely Superior-Champion Rank.
“He’s undoubtedly a level 1 beastmaster, and his familiar should already be level 20. Otherwise, Wu Le’s secondary familiar wouldn’t have been so utterly suppressed.
“Also, Lu Ran’s familiar likely possesses explosive power-based skills and excels in high-damage bursts. He’s not an easy opponent to deal with. Be cautious. Moreover, there’s no information on his second familiar or even confirmation of one’s existence.”
Based on his trait choices, Lu Ran didn’t seem particularly troublesome. However, his fundamentals must be solid. Red Lightning to enhance physique, lightning-based strength, and an Energy Reserve Trait to bolster energy capacity. Zhou Mo remained confident he wouldn’t lose.
If Lu Ran were here, he’d likely applaud this analysis.
Well done, quite thorough. Though next time, maybe don’t bother. Half of it was completely off.
As soon as the matchup list was released, competitors who had arrived in Sky City began fervently investigating their opponents. Compared to Lu Ran, Fang Lan was much luckier. Her opponent wasn’t a seeded player like Zhou Mo.
They had already appeared multiple times during the qualifiers, leaving clear information about their familiars and beastmaster abilities. Fang Lan could prepare targeted poison concoctions to integrate with her permitted weapons.
With the preliminary and advancement rounds concluded, the most intense and thrilling ranking matches were about to begin. First, second, and third-generation beastmasters had started arriving in Sky City to spectate.
From official strategy teams to senior members of the Beastmaster Alliance and even top talents from various civilian guilds, everyone had gathered here.
The next day arrived in a flash. Unlike the qualifiers and advancement rounds, the freshman competition’s ranking matches were nationally broadcast. Inside the arena, media outlets were ready, and prominent figures from various industries filled the guest and spectator seats.
This competition wasn’t just about selecting a cohort of promising fourth-generation beastmasters for cultivation. It also served as a promotional opportunity. By showcasing the battles of these exceptional fourth-generation talents, the event aimed to inspire more interest in beastmastery.
Simultaneously, the international beastmaster community would undoubtedly monitor the competition. For Xia, this was a chance to demonstrate its robust talent pool, increase international influence, and attract more beastmaster talent from abroad.
“Ladies and gentlemen!! Welcome to the final stage of Beastmaster University’s Freshman Competition! I am Xu Pingze, a second-generation beastmaster. Today, I’ll serve as both host and referee for the ranking matches!”
The expansive Sky Arena was packed with spectators from across the world. Beastmaster University faculty, eliminated contestants, and other freshmen had also gathered to watch.
In the air, Xu Pingze stood atop a massive falcon-like familiar, dressed in black and white. Holding a microphone, he enthusiastically introduced himself to the crowd.
“For this final stage, three esteemed university leaders are present as special guests. They’ll provide professional commentary on the battles of our standout fourth-generation beastmasters!”
“Allow me to introduce them. First, we have Dean Qin Ming, the head of the Combat Academy from the Combat Department, a second-generation beastmaster, and the chief of the official strategy team’s first division. He has led numerous successful raids on Hell-Rank Ascension Realms!
“Second, we have Dean Chu Yan, the head of the Cultivation Academy from the Cultivation Department, a first-generation beastmaster, and a renowned cultivation master. He provided critical support during the nation’s pioneering days, assisting numerous first-generation beastmasters in their toughest battles.
“Last but not least, Dean Kong Xi, the head of the History Academy from the History Department and a first-generation beastmaster, known as a Living History Book of Beastmastery.
“She has authored historical records during her explorations of ascension realms and possesses unparalleled knowledge of the Beastmaster Empire’s evolution.
“These three deans will offer commentary from their areas of expertise as we witness the clashes of our top talents!”
When Xu Pingze concluded his introductions, countless eyes turned toward the guest platform. The three individuals, appearing youthful in their late twenties or early thirties, smiled graciously at the audience.
“Such powerhouses...” whispered some second and third-generation beastmasters in awe.
Among the three, Dean Qin Ming was hailed as the strongest second-generation beastmaster in Xia, being the closest in strength to the first-generation elites.
Dean Chu Yan, with expertise spanning nutrition, cooking, cultivation, and breeding, wasn’t necessarily the top expert in any single field. However, his mastery in every area placed him among the top three in Xia, earning him the title of an all-rounder Cultivation Master.
As for Dean Kong Xi, the sole female among the trio, she was a unique figure. Uninterested in combat, she was passionate about researching the history of the Beastmaster Empire.
Having entered ascension realms a staggering 21 times, more than any other beastmaster in Xia, she was an unparalleled expert on historical beastmaster systems and techniques from various eras.
Without giving long speeches, the three deans simply greeted the crowd, leaving Xu Pingze to announce the official start of the freshman competition.
“Now, for the first match of the day. Combat Department freshman Zhou Mo vs. Forging Department freshman Lu Ran!”
As Xu Pingze finished, two young men in black emerged from opposite ends of the arena, walking confidently toward the stage. Their appearance instantly ignited heated discussions among the spectators.
“I didn’t expect the first match to feature Zhou Mo, aka Dog King! He’s been making waves all week and is practically the poster boy for fourth-generation beastmasters.”
Ever since Zhou Mo climbed the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking, he’d been an online sensation. The Circus Guild, which he represented, had risen to prominence, threatening to overshadow the other three major guilds.
On the other hand, Lu Ran wasn’t an unknown figure either. News of a freshman defeating the examiners had spread far and wide, and Lu Ran’s reputation as a previously unassuming but immensely powerful fourth-generation beastmaster preceded him.
“Hehe, Zhou Mo probably doesn’t realize his opponent is Pedestrian A yet,” said Pluto, smirking among the other freshmen. But even if he did, it wouldn’t matter.
After all, familiars on the Heavenly Familiar Rankings were no longer considered overwhelmingly strong and were seen as second-tier at best. As powerful as the Sword-Bearing Dog might have been, it was still just a Superior-Transcendent Species.
How could it compare to a Superior-Champion Species like the Two-Headed Hellhound, or even Sudden Death King, which had overwhelmed an examiner’s familiar in a single strike? Compared to Pedestrian A’s identity, Lu Ran’s feat of instantly defeating the examiner’s familiar was much more compelling.
“This guy’s second familiar is so strong... I wonder if he can beat Dog King...” muttered Bai Ling, a fellow seeded participant, her eyes fixed intently on Lu Ran standing in the arena.
Those who knew Lu Ran couldn’t help but feel nervous for him. After all, Zhou Mo was no pushover. Of course, it wasn’t just the fourth-generation participants who were familiar with Lu Ran. Even some earlier-generation beastmasters had heard of him.
For instance, several beastmasters from Golden Hill recognized Lu Ran as the legendary King of Green Sea, a prodigious fourth-generation beastmaster who had been granted special privileges by Dr. Gu herself.
On the guest platform, Dean Chu Yan smiled faintly. After his call with Master Lin yesterday, he had already reached out to Lu Ran. They had agreed to discuss Lu Ran’s appointment as a professor after the competition.
Now, Chu Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. Regardless of how the battle between Lu Ran and Zhou Mo played out, there was something inherently amusing about a Culinary Department professor from the Forging Academy facing off against a Combat Academy freshman.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhou Mo and Lu Ran stood face to face, striking up a conversation.
“Forging Department?”
Zhou Mo’s first words upon stepping onto the battlefield expressed his obvious surprise at Lu Ran’s chosen major.
He wasn’t the only one as many in the audience were equally puzzled. After all, given Lu Ran’s monstrous performance during the preliminary assessments, he seemed like a natural-born combat genius.
Forging? Even choosing the Cultivation Department would have made more sense, as it could provide more direct benefits for nurturing his familiars. More importantly, in a situation , wouldn’t it make sense to focus solely on combat instead of dividing attention elsewhere?
“Yes, forging,” Lu Ran replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.
Referee Xu Pingze looked at the two black-clad youths on the field and raised his hand. The next moment, he announced the start of the battle!
“Both sides, ready to battle!”
On the stage, both participants stood in silence. Lu Ran remained composed, and Zhou Mo was equally calm. Neither spoke further as they summoned their familiars.
“Two-Headed Hellhound!”
Both competitors summoned a single familiar, each exuding an imposing presence. On Lu Ran’s side, Sudden Death King’s red eyes locked onto its opponent. Its aura radiated strength, with flashes of lightning flickering within its gaze. It met the Eye of Terror from the hellhound without flinching.
The faint Dragon Intent emanating from Sudden Death King rendered it completely immune to the intimidating aura of its opponent.
Sudden Death King let out a deafening roar.
The Two-Headed Hellhound responded by setting its four limbs ablaze with black flames. Its jet-black fur, two crimson heads, and razor-sharp teeth sent chills down the spines of many fourth-generation beastmasters in the audience.
“Their familiars are exceptionally well-trained!”
Even the clash of auras drew admiration from earlier-generation beastmasters. The quality of these fourth-generation talents far surpassed that of their own time.
“Zhou Mo’s Two-Headed Hellhound has fused with the Eye of Terror Trait, which instinctively instills fear in opponents, causing them to lose their will to fight or even fall into hallucinations...
“But Lu Ran’s Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink is completely unaffected, standing firm. Judging by its aura, the familiar has already begun evolving into a Dragon Skink, and the faint presence of Dragon Aura is likely the key to its resistance. This is clearly a Sub-Dragon Species!”
Dean Chu Yan’s explanation brought clarity to the spectators. No wonder the skink appeared so formidable. It had already advanced to a Sub-Dragon form. Pure-blooded dragon species were Rare, but Sub-Dragon species were well within reach for beastmasters.
“Do you really think having Sub-Dragon bloodlines is enough to resist its Eye of Terror?”
In the arena, Zhou Mo smirked. From his vantage point high above, Circus Leader remained expressionless. The Two-Headed Hellhound’s Eye of Terror was only in its most basic state. When paired with its true species talent, the effect was far more terrifying.
The Hellhound’s Eye, awakened after fusing with this trait, could amplify the Eye of Terror’s power severalfold, creating tangible illusions of hell to devastate an opponent’s mind.
“Hellhound’s Eye!” Zhou Mo’s calm command echoed across the stage.
“This kind of attack can’t be defended against with physical strength or energy alone!”
The Two-Headed Hellhound’s four eyes, initially pitch-black, suddenly glowed with blood-red, skeletal patterns. At the same time, the arena underwent a dramatic transformation.
The ground turned dark red and the air filled with an oppressive atmosphere as streams of crimson energy coursed through the sky. The battlefield resembled a hellish domain. Many spectators, even seasoned beastmasters, instinctively shuddered at the sight.
“This tangible illusion... The hellhound’s innate talent is remarkable. It might even develop its own Domain Technique in the future,” Dean Qin Ming remarked from the guest platform.
His comment sent waves of surprise through the audience. A Domain Technique was the ultimate move a familiar could create by fusing all its strength into a single manifestation.
Currently, only 14 Beastmasters in Xia, including Qin Ming, had achieved this feat.
This Zhou Mo had such potential??? So does this mean Lu Ran’s in danger?
“Zhou Mo used this technique to make an examiner’s familiar lose its sanity in the past! The familiar went berserk as if it had fallen into a great fear! This ability is terrifying.”
The Hellhound’s Eye, with its physical manifestation, caused even seasoned third-generation beastmasters to feel uneasy. People like Li Teng and Yang Xishuai from Green Sea City began to worry about Lu Ran’s chances.
That skink, did it even have any way to defend against this kind of mental assault? A strong body didn’t necessarily mean a strong defense against mental attacks!
Fang Lan, Pig Farmer, and the others were all watching intently, feeling that Lu Ran’s situation might not be as dangerous as it seemed. After all, he hadn’t even summoned Captain Doofus yet.