36: I want to be a salted fish
Song
Yu was genuinely in a hurry.
She
was afraid that she couldn't convince Qiuqiu, who always wanted to be the top
scorer.
The
pursuit of strength and desire for power were almost innate in the genes of
every beast.
Even
the lowest-ranking 0-tier beast would still want to become stronger every day.
Even
for normally mild-mannered exotic types, in critical moments like territory
disputes, unless the strength difference was too great, they would step forward
for a fight.
These
days, with Qiuqiu's level increasing, if it weren't for its large size
preventing her from releasing it, Song Yu estimated that Qiuqiu had already
started fighting with Old Song's contract beast.
After
passing through several red and white porcelain-walled teaching buildings, Song
Yu deliberately found a relatively secluded flower bed in the school to release
Qiuqiu.
When
the three-meter-tall Qiuqiu was released, it happily shook its fur. Crossing
into the 3rd tier in a short time, even though Qiuqiu, who had been determined
to become a strong one since childhood, had every hair on its body showing joy.
Even
at this moment, Qiuqiu was eager to find other beasts of the same level for a
fight.
"Cough,
cough..." Song Yu, seeing this, quickly coughed to bring back Qiuqiu's
excitement.
"Meow?"
Qiuqiu tilted its head.
"Qiuqiu,
can we have a discussion?" Song Yu asked.
"Meow?"
Qiuqiu twitched its ears, looking puzzled.
"Here's
the thing. Later, the senior class will have a Beast Taming practical combat
class competition..."
With
a serious face, Song Yu deliberately adopted a stern attitude. "Normally,
the higher the ranking you get in the competition, the better. But you just
evolved to the 3rd tier in the teacher's office, attracting a lot of
attention..."
"Qiuqiu,
I'm worried that if you continue to get first place in the competition, others
and their beasts might become jealous," Song Yu gazed affectionately at
the big cat. "Jealousy is the most dangerous emotion in this world. It
might make these people go crazy..."
Qiuqiu's
body trembled, "!!!"
"As
they say, the bird that sticks out gets shot. Until you have absolute strength
to defeat everyone, keeping a low profile is the best choice."
Song
Yu: "Originally, this test was to select students for next week's
wilderness forest practical training... We just need to secure a spot. Getting
the same result with the minimum cost is the smartest choice."
Qiuqiu:
?!!
Song
Yu reached out to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder, as she used to, but unfortunately, the
3rd tier Qiuqiu had a size that made it difficult. She extended her hand and
only reached Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended as if nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "..."
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like
copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song
Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it
challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song
Yu: "...
Song
Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The
three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round, bell-like eyes,
staring unblinkingly at Song Yu.
The
Snow Civet Cat, only a few years old since birth, experienced this kind of
situation for the first time.
Seeing
Qiuqiu in a daze, Song Yu blinked and decided to increase her efforts to
persuade.
Suppressing
a hint of redness in her eyes, she choked up, "Qiuqiu, in the 1v1 battles
at school, maybe you don't have to fear them. But there are many students in
the school whose contract beasts are quite powerful. In case they become
jealous and attack you in the wilderness area, what will you do? There are no
rules for battles in the wilderness area. Even though you've evolved to the 3rd
tier now, I'm really worried about you..."
She
not only worried that Qiuqiu would show off its strength in the upcoming test
and lead her into the top 55 of the entire class but also feared that Qiuqiu
might lose control of its power and accidentally kill someone else's contract
beast.
You
see, unlike the previous Beast Taming practical combat classes, this time's
class adopts a 1v1 battle mode.
In
the past two days of practical combat classes, she carefully observed the
situations in several classes.
Nowadays,
at least 60% or more of the contract beasts are still in their infancy.
Many
of them are fluffy little things, and some haven't even reached Qiuqiu's shin
height!
What
if, during a 1v1 battle, the opponent gets accidentally stepped on by Qiuqiu?
"Meow,
meow?" Wilderness area, surrounded, attacked?
Qiuqiu
widened its big, round cat eyes, swallowed some saliva, thinking about the last
Beast Taming practical combat class, with a massive scene of four to five
hundred beasts on the playground.
Thinking
about the novels written by the Ring Grandpa these days...
Qiuqiu
suddenly realized!
Indeed!
Almost
every protagonist taught by Ring Grandpa in his novels likes to develop
quietly!
Clearly
having the strength to defeat others of the same kind.
Yet,
they prefer to pretend to be weak until it's crucial before using their full
strength.
It
turns out it's because they are afraid of being surrounded and attacked by
other contract beasts.
"Meow,
meow!" Qiuqiu assured, "I'll definitely keep a low profile in the
upcoming competition!"
With
a serious expression, it patted its chest vigorously, making a loud sound. Qiuqiu's
expression was serious and earnest.
It
seems that in the future, it not only has to work hard to become a 9th tier
peak Snow Civet Cat like Ring Grandpa but also needs to develop quietly like
the protagonist in novels, pretending to be weak before showing its true
strength!
Truly
worthy of its contract holder; understanding is key!
Immediately,
Qiuqiu looked at Song Yu with worshipful eyes.
Song
Yu: "..."
For
a brief moment, Song Yu felt a twinge of guilt in her conscience, but upon
second thought, was she the kind of person who cared about her conscience?
Definitely not!
"As
long as I have no conscience, I will never be held hostage by conscience."
Song
Yu patted Qiuqiu's cat leg, happily waved her big hand, and loudly exclaimed,
"Excellent! Let's go to the playground now for the exam! Let's go, go,
go!"
"Meow,
meow meow meow~"
Qiuqiu
nodded, immediately shook its cat fur, lifted its head high, and followed Song
Yu towards the playground!
*****
Not
far away, Han Zhou and Bai Yuhan, who had just bought breakfast from the
cafeteria and were taking a shortcut with steamed buns in hand, silently
watched the figures of one person and one cat leaving, expressionless.
"Oh
my goodness, during the Beast Taming practical combat class a few days ago,
Song Yu's contract beast had only two tails. Now, in the blink of an eye, it
has evolved to the 3rd tier and grown a third tail? That's amazing!" Han
Zhou took a bite of his steamed bun, turned to Bai Yuhan, and sighed, "I
remember your Ironclad Rampage Dragon Lizard just entered the growth stage this
month..."
"Yeah..."
Bai Yuhan nodded, his gaze slowly retracting from Qiuqiu, and he said calmly,
"She is indeed quite formidable."
People
who awakened the SSSSS-grade Beast Taming space, how could they not be
formidable?
Thinking
his friend was a bit down, Han Zhou pondered for a moment, patted Bai Yuhan on
the shoulder, and said, "Brother, don't be sad. Although your little black
just entered the growth stage, it's already a 1st-tier beast. This indicates
that the subsequent advancements should be quick. I heard that Song Yu's Snow
Civet Cat, when it just entered the growth stage, was still at the 0th
tier."
Compared
to low-tier beast cultivation, high-bloodline beasts were indeed more powerful.
"Thanks,
I'm not sad." Bai Yuhan brushed off the paw that sneakily tried to steal a
bun from his breakfast bag, calmly saying, "I just feel that the other
party's views align with mine."
Before
having absolute strength, keeping a low profile is indeed the safest approach.
Because
he didn't manage to steal any buns and instead got a paw slap from his brother,
Han Zhou wasn't interested in hearing more from Bai Yuhan. He patted his half-full
stomach and walked boldly toward the playground, "Alright, alright, I
don't care about your views. Let's hurry to the playground. Fatty just texted
me, saying they've already started the 1v1 battles."
*****
On
the playground.
Students
from various classes had already arrived at the playground from their
classrooms.
The
teachers of the Beast Taming practical combat class had already set up circular
arenas using earth-type contract beasts.
These
arenas were similar to the combat arenas used in the previous physical fitness
battles, but they were much larger, able to accommodate contract beasts that
had grown two or three meters in height for battle.
Song
Yu carefully observed the arenas and scratched her head, "Why do I feel
like these arenas are not very fair for flying-type contract beasts?" Even
though these makeshift arenas were sufficient for two or three-meter contract
beasts to battle on, they seemed inadequate compared to the agile flying
birds.
"Why
not fair? Although leaving the arena means losing for the contract beast,
flying-type contract beasts can dive down from high altitude, while ground-type
contract beasts cannot attack them... If you talk about unfairness, I think
it's more unfair to ground-type contract beasts."
Looking
at the intense battles on the platform, Zhou Ting's heart also began to beat
faster. She continued, somewhat regretfully, "Speaking of which, a while
ago, I was planning to take my contract beast to the street wild racecourse for
a match, but before I could start, the school unexpectedly started the exams. I
don't know if I can make it into the top 55 of the class this time."
In
this world filled with contract beasts, various racecourses, gymnasiums, and
arenas had sprung up. Generally, the worst contract beasts that would
participate in these competitions were those that had entered the growth stage.
If a cub was put on the stage for battle, besides the trouble of nursing a cub
if it got injured, it would be uninteresting to watch the battle, especially if
the opponent could not control their skills well and could only use pure
physical attacks.
Zhou
Ting's contract beast was still a bit away from entering the growth stage, so
she felt quite nervous about today's competition.
"You
will definitely make it!"
Song
Yu patted Zhou Ting, comforting her, "Basically, the initial contract
beasts of most seniors have to go through the wilderness area experience before
entering the growth stage. Your initial contract beast is already stronger than
many others."
Receiving
consolation from her desk mate, Zhou Ting's emotions stabilized a bit, and she
was about to speak.
However,
a tall figure suddenly stood beside them.
Zhang
Guoping tapped Song Yu's shoulder with a file board, looking serious.
Song
Yu turned her head, cautiously, "...? Did Teacher Zhang come to watch my
match?"
But
she remembered there seemed to be quite a few people in front of her student
number.
But
after taking a deep breath, Song Yu was ready to start summoning Qiuqiu...
"Not
really."
Zhang
Guoping shook his head, interrupting Song Yu's summoning.
Towering
over Song Yu like a small mountain, he looked down at her and said, "I
just came to inform you that you don't need to participate in today's exam. You
will directly receive a perfect score of 100 for the Beast Taming practical
combat class."
Song
Yu: ????
Zhang
Guoping: "Congratulations."
Song
Yu: ...
"As
per the original plan... each student in our class has to engage in three
battles. The regular tests are worth 25 points, and each victory in battle adds
25 points, with no points deducted for losses."
"But
your contract beast's level is too high. In Class 5, besides your contract
beast, the highest level is Intermediate 1st tier."
"I'm
worried that their contract beasts might suffer severe injuries in battles
against yours."
"Today,
more than four thousand students across the school who have initial beasts will
participate in Beast Taming battles, and in the afternoon, there will be
physical battles... the school nurse is too busy, and we teachers need to try
to lighten the burden on the school nurse." Zhang Guoping incessantly
explained why Song Yu didn't need to participate in the competition.
However,
these words fell into Song Yu's ears like thunder, almost causing her to stumble
and fall.
Song
Yu's pupils shook with disbelief.
No,
no...
Qiuqiu
and I had agreed that we would intentionally lose at least one of the next
three matches. How did we end up getting a perfect score for no reason?
Did
she discuss this with Qiuqiu for nothing?
"Teacher
Zhang, I think this is unfair to other students. Why not let me participate in
the battles as well?" Song Yu thought she could salvage the situation, so
she raised her trembling hand, spoke boldly, and tried to negotiate for some
benefits.
"No—!!"
"Absolutely
not—!!!"
Suddenly,
four or five loud shouts came from the side, and Song Yu was almost startled
into a shiver.
She
stiffly turned her head...
Only
to see the Class 5 students who had been standing beside her, each with ears
perked up, excitedly rejecting Song Yu's participation in the competition.
In
particular, Zhou Ting on the side had a resolute face, "Teacher Zhang, I
think you're right! Our class shouldn't cause trouble for the school nurse
anymore! More importantly, Song Yu's contract beast is already at the 3rd tier,
and if, by any chance, it accidentally kills two young beasts, what do we
do?... So, for such a dangerous individual... cough, no... what I mean is, for
such a proactive individual, we feel that getting a perfect score is more than
enough! Well-deserved! Truly deserving!"
Song
Yu: ...
Please
return the comfort I gave you earlier!
Comments
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended as if nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "..."
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round and round eyes, like copper bells, staring at Song Yu without blinking.
Song Yu wanted to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder like before, but the 3rd tier size made it challenging. She extended her hand and could only pat Qiuqiu's fluffy chest.
Song Yu: "...
Song Yu pretended nothing happened and silently retracted her hand.
"Meow~~"
The three-meter-tall big cat crouched down, a pair of round, bell-like eyes, staring unblinkingly at Song Yu.