Beast Taming: Starting From Zero

Read at: https://blogspot-translatedstories.blogspot.com/?m=1

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[Zhidiya Region, Zhou Shanliang vs. Zhongkong Region, Zhu Yalin]

[Beilun Region, Tao Rong vs. Tuwei Region, Li Zhenyu]

[Lianke Region, Zhang Lu vs. Liaoxi Region, Cai Hangcheng]

[Guri Region, Ma Yiwen vs. Dongjia Region, Pan Hao]

…

[Yuhua Region, Qiao Sang vs. Lianbo Region, Song Xinyue]

The second phase of the national competition consisted of 33 matchups, totaling 66 contestants.

She had considered the possibility of facing Song Xinyue, but she never expected it to happen this soon…

"Song Xinyue…"

Sun Boyi noticed the name and turned to Qiao Sang, reminding her with concern, "You know which beast to send out, right?"

Qiao Sang recalled how eager Yabao had been to battle Fire-Subduing Bird and nodded.

"I know."

Sun Boyi exchanged a glance with Liu Yao and finally felt relieved.

Given Qiao Sang’s sharp understanding, she clearly grasped the implication behind his question. Since she answered so confidently, it was unlikely that she would send out Blazing Star Canine again.

---

In the contestants’ area, about ten meters away from Qiao Sang, a middle-aged man with thinning hair spoke in a low voice, "Change the strategy. This time, send out Fire-Subduing Bird first."

"Okay." Song Xinyue instinctively nodded at her coach’s instructions.

After a brief silence, the middle-aged man asked, "Aren't you going to ask why?"

"Why?" Song Xinyue asked.

The middle-aged man: ...

He explained, "I've studied Qiao Sang’s matches. She tends to go for a one-on-two strategy, using a single beast to finish the fight. Initially, I thought she would send out Ice Xilu to counter you. But after what happened at the hotel last time, I now believe she’ll start with Blazing Star Canine instead."

Song Xinyue was taken aback.

"Why?"

Satisfied that she was finally questioning things, the middle-aged man smirked.

"Talented people are proud, especially someone like Qiao Sang. Back then, you rejected her challenge, thinking that battling a Fire-type opponent wasn't worth it. The more you dismiss her, the more she’ll want to prove you wrong."

"Geniuses always believe they’re different. The more others doubt them, the more they insist on proving themselves."

"You two met just a few days ago. She didn’t recognize you at first, but once she saw your name on the list, she must have figured it out."

"Even if she originally planned to send out Ice Xilu, knowing you're her opponent will likely change her mind."

Would she really do that in a national championship? No one would risk a match just to prove a point… But then again, this was Qiao Sang. It wasn’t entirely impossible. After all, even if Blazing Star Canine lost, she still had another high-tier beast.

Song Xinyue nodded.

"Got it."

---

The matches proceeded smoothly, and by midday, a man in a white suit appeared in the air, standing atop a large, mostly white Flying-type beast. He announced in a loud voice:

"Next up, please welcome Qiao Sang from Yuhua Region and Song Xinyue from Lianbo Region!"

"Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang!"

"Song Xinyue! Song Xinyue! Song Xinyue!"

Two distinct cheers erupted across the arena.

Some spectators who remembered Qiao Sang’s first match murmured among themselves.

"I knew it! There’s no way a national competitor wouldn’t have a cheering squad. They finally arrived!"

"Guess the delay last time really was due to travel issues."

"Maybe they didn’t take an air route?"

"Could be. I looked it up. Qiao Sang’s school has never had a student make it to the national competition before. This is probably their first time in Zhongkong Region. They might not have known about the air route option."

"Who do you think will win, Qiao Sang or Song Xinyue?"

"Is that even a question? Obviously, Qiao Sang. She has two high-tier beasts, and Ice Xilu is a direct counter to Fire-Subduing Bird."

"Speaking of Ice Xilu, I did some research… Can you believe that thing is an endangered beast? And it's a god-tier healer! Why is it that some people can contract an endangered beast, while I have to promise my mom I’ll wash dishes for a year just to afford an 80,000-credit Pipi Egg?"

"Uh… maybe put your Pipi Egg back in the Beast Codex before you say that."

The guy speaking stiffened and looked down, locking eyes with the Pipi Egg on his lap.

"Pipi…"

"…My bad."

---

The referee’s whistle signaled the start of the match.

Both Qiao Sang and Song Xinyue formed hand seals simultaneously.

A green summoning array appeared beneath Qiao Sang, while a gray one formed under Song Xinyue.

In the next second, two imposing beasts materialized in the arena.

"Yap!"

"Fire!"

The audience’s eyes were immediately drawn to one particular beast, a creature with exceptionally lustrous fur.

"Whoa! What’s that beast? It looks like it belongs in a national beast coordination contest, not a battle!"

"A beast from Yuhua Region that actually matches my aesthetic taste?! I’ve decided, this is the one I’m contracting next!"

"Forget it. Blazing Star Canine is a brand-new evolution form. So far, there’s only one in existence, and no one has figured out its evolution conditions yet."

"!!!"

"Actually… Qiao Sang might lose this match. I remember Fire-Subduing Bird has the Absorp trait, which makes it completely immune to Fire-type attacks."

"Who cares if she loses? She’s not from our school."

"Fair point."

---

In the contestants’ area, Sun Boyi was momentarily stunned.

"Blazing Star Canine?!"

Despite all their warnings, Qiao Sang still sent out the Blazing Star Canine?!

Liu Yao, however, remained calm. He sighed.

"Qiao Sang must have her reasons. Don’t scold her after the match."

Scold her? Not a chance. If this golden child so much as felt wronged, you and the principal would have my head on a platter… Sun Boyi let out a heavy sigh, looking years older in an instant.

---

In the arena, Song Xinyue stared at the beast before her.

Her coach was right.

"Fire…"

Fire-Subduing Bird took one look at its opponent and appeared completely disinterested.

Another Fire-type? Boring.

"Yap!"

In stark contrast, Yabao looked absolutely thrilled.

The small flame-like wings on his shoulders flickered and grew ever so slightly.

Qiao Sang could sense Yabao’s excitement.

Her expression turned serious.

This match...she couldn't afford to lose!

The referee announced the start of the battle.

"Feather Dance!" Song Xinyue issued the first command.

"Fire!"

Fire-Subduing Bird shot into the air and flapped its wings forcefully, sending a flurry of faintly glowing white feathers toward Yabao.

Feather Dance, mid-tier Flying-type skill. Lowers the opponent’s attack power.

Qiao Sang mentally recalled the skill’s effects but didn’t issue a countercommand.

She and Yabao had studied Fire-Subduing Bird thoroughly over the past few days.

There was no need for her to say anything, Yabao already knew exactly what to do.

"Yap!"

Yabao let out an excited cry.

In the next instant, one, two… a hundred identical Blazing Star Canines appeared simultaneously, both in the air and on the ground!

"Fire…"

Fire-Subduing Bird was dumbfounded.

And so was the entire audience.

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