Beast Taming: the More the Better Chapter 850 - 365: One Man, One City! What on Earth Is This Thing? (Part 3)

While not blinded by arrogance like Su Ping, the progression of Su Ping’s scores on the leaderboard suggested the dangers within weren’t overwhelmingly severe.

Thus, carrying the expectations of all, Cheng Cheng ventured across the river. To demonstrate his might, he summoned three pet beasts on a whim.

In addition to his initial wraith, the two other beasts accompanying him were also of the necromancy lineage.

One of these was the Monarch Level Evolution of a unique pet beast from Xi Jing Province, the 'Terracotta Warrior', now elevated to Commander Tenth Rank: Gui Jiang Yong.

The other, drawing a multitude of astonished gazes, was an even rarer and more distinctive undead pet beast: the Earthbound Spirit.

These three could be considered progressively more valuable, all having attained Commander Tenth Rank.

Though they might not possess extraordinarily potent skills, this combination was sufficient for Cheng Cheng to feel superior to the majority of students.

This was precisely why Cheng Cheng felt emboldened to flaunt his power upon noticing Su Ping’s guardian beast belonged to his most familiar category: the undead series!

"Go Cheng!"

Amidst the chorus of cheers and expectant stares, Cheng Cheng led his three pet beasts, finally confronting Qian Yi.

Qian Yi, in turn, adjusted his bamboo hat, lifting his head slightly from his previous posture of leaning against the mountain wall.

There was no need for pretense before his own master; swordsmen were expected to maintain an aloof demeanor when facing outsiders.

Yet, Qian Yi cast a curious glance towards the Earthbound Spirit.

The wraith was insignificant, merely a Commander Level Evolution of a Wandering Soul.

This Gui Jiang Yong was also an evolution originating from the Terracotta Warrior.

This Earthbound Spirit, however, was indeed an exceptionally rare and unique pet beast.

It took the form of a long, slender jar, or perhaps, a bottle.

A peculiar human face was etched onto its surface.

Beyond that, no further details could be discerned.

However, for Qian Yi, under his master’s command, everyone standing before him was an adversary.

Although his master had instructed against delivering fatal blows, Qian Yi, who had consistently activated the 'Second Turn' of the Five Elements Paper Body, had been anticipating these encounters.

"Earthbound Spirit! A legendary, immensely rare Necromancy Monarch Level Limit undead pet beast, wielding dominion domain skills – it's truly a prized possession of the necromancy series!"

"Incredibly, Cheng Cheng possesses such a valuable pet beast; with the Earthbound Spirit's aid, shouldn't the power of the wraith and Gui Jiang Yong increase exponentially?"

"Now, let's witness how Su Ping, the origami swordsman, continues his arrogant display!"

"What a shame Su Ping isn't here; otherwise, we could observe his undead origami swordsman facing genuinely rare and formidable undead pet beasts, revealing its true frailty."

Clearly, the surrounding murmurs caused Cheng Cheng’s lips to curve upwards.

Nevertheless, compared to the envious resentment directed at Su Ping by these individuals, he still preferred not to antagonize this promising prodigy breeder. Even if it was obvious, he stepped before the origami swordsman and declared loudly:

"Youngster, you may inform your master that Cheng Cheng is entering Dream Island!"

Cheng Cheng perceived this as a sign of considerable respect extended to Su Ping.

Yet, the origami swordsman before him seemed indifferent, making no move to respond. Instead, it drew the Thunder Sword from its scabbard once more.

The little fellow's intentions were unmistakably clear.

Cheng Cheng felt a touch of helplessness: "Since that is the case, I shall have to subdue you. I hope young brother Su Ping won't be displeased! Drifting, Domain Deployment!"

Whoosh!

Instantly, a chilling wind swept across the approach to Dream Island.

A somber, dark terrain unfurled around the Earthbound Spirit’s jar.

The hovering wraith and the Gui Jiang, brandishing a broadsword, unleashed formidable might with an eruption of undead energy!

"Roar!"

An echoing roar resounded.

However, before the sound of the roar even subsided.

Cheng Cheng maintained his expression of helpless amusement.

The silhouette positioned at the entrance moved with swiftness once more.

Then...

The Gui Jiang Yong, sword raised, plummeted with a resounding crash, a distinct fracture piercing its clay-like armor.

The wraith suspended in the air had its furious aura completely dissipated, its form becoming exceedingly translucent.

As for the Earthbound Spirit's jar, delicate icy fissures spread across its surface, and the sinisterly smiling countenace depicted on it froze solid.

The prior grin vanished, replaced by a look of terrified anguish, as if witnessing a specter, its gaze fixed upon the peculiarly positioned origami swordsman who was now re-sheathing its blade.

As if nothing had transpired.

This time, the sword strike... was even more rapid.

[Ding~ Student number 1435, Cheng Cheng, your contracted beasts have sustained severe injuries. For your own safety and the preservation of your pet beasts' lives, kindly initiate the safety button to exit the provincial exam assessment without delay!

Should it not be activated voluntarily, automatic activation will occur after a ten-second countdown, and refusal to comply implies full acceptance of responsibility for any resulting consequences.

Countdown commencing: 10, 9...]

The clear chime emanating from the student’s wristband left Cheng Cheng utterly perplexed.

He gazed around, bewildered, at his surroundings, including a similarly confused Li Han and everyone observing from the shore.

Nevertheless, as the countdown on the wristband drew nearer,

A brilliant illumination enveloped Cheng Cheng at that precise instant. Only then did the aspiring top-ten seed from Xi Jing Province grasp the situation. His eyes widened in sheer terror as he stared intently at the origami swordsman:

"What in the world is this...?"

Yet, before his query could be fully articulated, Cheng Cheng, alongside his three necromancy-affiliated pet beasts—all having attained Peak Command stage—transformed into a brilliant beam of light, vanishing from the sight of Dream Island.

Aside from the origami swordsman pulling its hat down further, the scene appeared unchanged from moments prior.

And at this juncture, Cheng Cheng’s question echoed within and beyond the examination grounds, shared by all present:

'What is this thing, truly?'