C9 The Assessment Began.

The crowd instantly erupted into a buzz of excitement.

Every gaze was glued to the screen, anticipation palpable in the air.

The leap in difficulty from one assessment level to the next was staggering.

Yet, the rewards for those who succeeded were equally breathtaking.

Students who conquered the superior grade challenge saw their Soul Strength quintuple compared to those who managed the lower grades.

And that wasn't even counting the additional perks like enhanced physical strength, boosted Growth Points for a chosen pet, and unlocking a second pet slot.

But securing such prizes was akin to reaching for the stars.

"Look at all those rewards for the superior grade!"

"It's incredibly tempting!"

"I wish I could pass the superior grade assessment."

"Get real. You'd be lucky to clear the lower grade."

The crowd buzzed with chatter.

Moo Shuqin and Zou Xinrui gazed longingly at the superior grade's lavish rewards.

Yet, they both knew such achievements were beyond their reach.

"It's such a shame. I can't even dream of the superior grade, but I'd settle for passing the higher level."

"Exactly. If I could just get through the higher level assessment, I'd unlock the second pet slot."

They sighed in unison, the weight of their aspirations heavy in the air.

Undoubtedly, the number of pets was a crucial factor in a Beastmaster's prowess.

Securing a second pet could elevate someone above ninety percent of their peers.

But for them, even the intermediate level was a lofty dream, let alone the higher level.

Only Xie Yang and Bai Tian stood a chance at that tier.

Qin Ai then offered his counsel, "Before you decide on the level of challenge, I urge you to consider my advice."

"This assessment will shape your future. Choose a level that aligns with your abilities, and approach it with the utmost caution."

"Don't overreach and squander this valuable chance."

Murmurs swept through the crowd, a mix of resolve and doubt.

Despite prior contemplation, many still wavered at the moment of truth.

Xie Yang remained the picture of serenity.

As Qin Ai's words faded, he decisively slammed his finger down on the 'superior grade' inscription on the bronze plate, his resolve unshaken.

Bai Tian had been closely watching Xie Yang's every move. She caught this moment and her eyes widened in shock.

"Brother!" she blurted out in surprise.

Moo Shuqin and Zou Xinrui were drawn by Bai Tian's outburst. They too were taken aback when they saw the bronze plate in Xie Yang's hand, indicating his choice.

The 'superior grade' indicator was glowing.

"Xie, you chose the 'superior grade' difficulty?" They were speechless.

They had seen Xie Yang's formidable power in his battle with Yin Tian.

Yet, they never imagined he could tackle the 'superior grade' challenge.

It was notoriously tough, and no one from Lakeshell had conquered it in years.

There had been second-rank pet owners in previous years who attempted this level, but without exception, they all failed.

So, they hadn't even considered that Xie might opt for the 'superior grade' difficulty.

They assumed his aim was the same as Bai Tian's—to tackle the higher level.

"Brother, what are you thinking? Why go for the 'superior grade'?" Bai Tian asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"If you don't pass, you can't apply to the Beastmaster Academy this year!"

"I'm aware," Xie Yang replied with a serene smile, exuding confidence. "Don't worry, I've got this under control."

But Bai Tian wasn't easily reassured. She chewed on her lip, her mind racing with thoughts.

Could Xie Yang convince the examiners it was a mistake and get another shot at choosing?

Before she could act, Qin Ai and Shui Zhongzhen, standing by the Stone Tablet of Origin, turned their gaze to Xie Yang.

As the examiners for the test, they could sense the chosen difficulty of each participant.

They had detected Xie Yang's selection of the 'superior grade' almost immediately and pinpointed his location.

Qin Ai scrutinized Xie Yang and said sternly, "Young man, did you not understand my earlier instructions? You must think this through!"

Xie Yang responded with calm assurance, "Mr. Examiner, I assure you, my decision was made after careful deliberation."

"Are you a senior this year? Have you considered the repercussions of your actions? If you fail the assessment, you won't be able to apply to the Beastmaster Academy."

"I'll stand by my choice."

"So, you believe you can pass the Super Level Difficulty Assessment?"

Qin Ai's words sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Many were puzzled by his sudden address to the young man.

Now, it clicked.

The young man had opted for the superior grade challenge!

Instantly, all eyes turned to Xie Yang.

Their gazes were a mix of curiosity, skepticism, mockery, and sympathy.

"He's actually brave enough to take on the superior grade challenge. He must be living in a fantasy!"

"Judging by his age, he's probably still a student. This must be his first qualification assessment, so he has no idea how daunting the superior grade is!"

"Poor kid, there's no way he's getting into Beastmaster Academy this year."

The murmurs continued unabated.

No one was optimistic about Xie Yang's decision.

It wasn't surprising.

Lakeshell hadn't seen anyone pass the superior grade challenge in years.

Xie Yang's determination put Qin Ai in an awkward position.

As a potential senior student, he didn't want Xie Yang to miss this year's application window due to a rash decision, which is why he had offered advice.

But he hadn't expected Xie Yang to be so headstrong, set on taking the superior grade challenge.

"He's just too young," Qin Ai sighed, shaking his head and dismissing Xie Yang.

Shui Zhongzhen frowned and shot Xie Yang a glance, muttering, "A foolhardy individual!"

Bai Tian tugged at Xie Yang's sleeve, concern etched on his face. "Bro, are you really not going to think it over?"

Xie Yang just smiled, his response unspoken yet clear—he wouldn't back down.

Seeing this, Bai Tian's face was a tapestry of complex emotions.

Moo Shuqin and Zou Xinrui exchanged a look and sighed in unison.

Neither believed Xie Yang could conquer the super level difficulty.

They were baffled by his rashness.

Five minutes later, everyone in the room had selected their challenge level.

Qin Ai and Shui Zhongzhen exchanged no further words before declaring the assessment underway.

The participants promptly seated themselves cross-legged on the ground, clutching their copper badges and closing their eyes.

A peculiar fluctuation soon began to ripple through the air.

The bodies of those seated on the ground abruptly eased, slipping into a state akin to slumber.

Simultaneously, Qin Ai gently touched the Stone Tablet of Origin.

With his gesture, a vast screen of light materialized above the tablet.

Thirty distinct scenes flickered into view on the screen.

They were the live assessments of each individual present.