C35 The Person

Chen Wu had no intention of aligning himself with any particular family, a decision he had made long ago because he was, in a sense, already spoken for.

A friend of his father's, a man of considerable influence in Flame City, had provided for him over the years. Whether his motives were genuine or he simply wished to be rid of Chen Wu, the financial support and attention he had given were undeniably real.

Without the backing of this unseen elder, it's uncertain whether Chen Wu and Chen Fengqing would have survived to this day. They might have even been enslaved during the Hu Family's first assault on Chen Family Village.

Such is the prerogative of nobility; by taking villagers from the Chen Family Village and paying them a nominal wage each month, who would dare to object? Who would defend the rights of the lowly commoners?

Chen Wu, therefore, would only consider joining a family faction if that elder chose to take him in, paying little heed to any small family from Green-mount Town.

It's possible these families sought to connect with the power of Flame City behind him, hoping to leverage his influence for their own gain.

Chen Wu, with the aid of his system, needed no one's flattery. Given time, he was confident in his ability to thrive; it was merely a question of how quickly.

Thus, he politely declined all offers, agreeing only to show leniency to the younger members of these families during the Great Competition.

His stance may have seemed presumptuous, as the scions of these families were no trivial opponents. Could they all truly be bested by Chen Wu?

Yet, his response sent a clear message: a refusal to join any camp while maintaining a courteous neutrality. One must not burn bridges; if unwilling to generate benefits for others, at least do not hinder their interests.

Having lived two lifetimes, Chen Wu's mind was anything but dull.

By maintaining these relationships, he ensured that once he left Green-mount Town, these families would look after Chen Family Village. This was the essence of being diplomatic.

Chen Wu's approach left the families content. As for those who did not extend an invitation, like the Hu Family, they either lacked the audacity or possessed unwavering confidence, such as the family of Mayor Shan Liyuan.

Alcalde Lin, while appreciative of Chen Wu's abilities, decided to reserve judgment until after the Selection Battle. As the sole Silver-ring Level Demonic Pet Master in town, he was naturally confident in his progeny's capabilities.

The Silver-ring Level is a specific classification for Demonic Pet Masters whose Spiritual Energy is at the Spiritual Mist Stage, and who have two Contracted Demonic Pets that do not exceed the Silver Level. Such individuals are considered Grade 1 Demonic Pet Masters.

A Demonic Pet's Strength at or around Grade 3 qualifies one as a Primary Demonic Pet Master, provided at least one Demonic Pet meets this criterion. To be recognized as an Intermediate Demonic Pet Master, a Demonic Pet's Strength must be at or around Grade 6.

The title of High-grade Demonic Pet Master is reserved for those whose Demonic Pet's Strength is approximately at Bronze Grade 9, representing the pinnacle within the Grade 1 Demonic Pet Masters.

Possessing a Silver-level Demonic Pet and advancing one's Spiritual Energy beyond the Spiritual Mist to the Spirit Accumulation stage earns one a silver bracelet from the Empire's Demonic Pet Master Association, signifying the status of a Grade 2 Demonic Pet Master, also known as a Silver-ring Level expert.

The Li family's prominence in Green-mount Town and Shan Liyuan's selection as mayor can be attributed to his possession of a Silver-level Demonic Beast, the Ironback Golden Demonic Ape. Such a beast can overpower more than five Bronze Grade 9 Demonic Beasts, highlighting the vast disparity in strength.

Flame City allocates only five spots to Green-mount Town each year, and these coveted positions are eyed by numerous families. Yet, there is no concern over their quantity, for any individual under seventeen with Spiritual Mist-level energy and a Demonic Pet, meeting the Primary Demonic Pet Master criteria, is eligible to register.

Chen Wu had timed his plans perfectly. He checked on Uncle Chen, who was convalescing at home with a broken leg and visible signs of skin corrosion. Despite his injuries, Uncle Chen's spirits were lifted upon seeing Chen Wu, and he excitedly attempted to rise from bed to embrace him.

"Chen Zi, I'm relieved to see you're alright! I feared the worst, that you had been harmed. It's such a relief... And I owe you my thanks. I thought my days were numbered..."

Chen Wu replied earnestly, "Uncle, what are you talking about? If you hadn't drawn Hu Wang away, I might not be here today!"

Chen Guang responded with a contented smile, "I've heard about your accomplishments, Chen Zi. You are the pride of Chen Village, just like your father, Chen Qiu. A tiger doesn't father a dog. The world beyond is vast, and we simple country folk can only offer you our blessings. I have faith you'll make it to Flame City. Just remember the hunters back in Chen Village who watched you grow up, and that will be enough for me..."

With two days to go before the Selection Battle, Chen Wu registered at the town hall. The competition would take place on the Beast Battling Platform, with the whole town watching and mentors from Flame City's Primary Academy supervising. Chen Wu was brimming with confidence. Even though the Little Flame Firefox was still in its juvenile phase and could only unleash the combat power of a Grade 1 Demonic Beast, Chen Wu was confident he could secure a spot with Blood Rain at his side.

Upon returning home, Chen Wu was greeted by a massive bird Demonic Beast perched at his doorstep, stirring something deep within him.

This broad-backed bird was a variant species, similar to the horned horse Chen Wu had previously brought home. It was a Demonic Beast known for its weak combat abilities but gentle nature, making it an ideal mount for transporting people and goods.

Typically, such birds wouldn't surpass Grade 3, yet their backs were spacious enough to carry about ten people and could be used to strap down cargo, thanks to their considerable strength.

Chen Wu recognized the beaming middle-aged man before him.

"Uncle Yang!"

Wearing a friendly and astonished smile, Uncle Yang, who had arrived on the bird's back, quickly greeted with a bow, "Young Master Chen, you flatter me too much. The lord has already heard of your deeds and holds you in high regard. You've completed the challenge of becoming a Demonic Pet Master within a month with flying colors, even besting a Demonic Pet Master with a Grade 3 Demonic Pet!"

Observing Uncle Chen's expression, a mix of surprise and envy, Chen Wu was about to offer an explanation when Uncle Chen interjected, "Everyone has their secrets. The master is quite pleased with the young master's talents, hence his decision to send me to escort you to our clan. In due time, leveraging your status as an external nephew, he will secure you a coveted spot at the Primary Demonic Pet Academy in Flame City. Such opportunities are fiercely contested among our family's youth, which speaks volumes of the master's regard for you!"

Chen Wu then asked, "So, you're here to take me with you?"

"Indeed," Uncle Chen confirmed. "The master has arranged a residence for you. It may be distant from our family's lands, but it's certainly an improvement over your hardships here. You'll be well attended to."

As an outsider, the idea that everything had been arranged for him, that he could lead a comfortable life, and even become entwined with a prominent family, would excite anyone as if living a dream.

Yet, Chen Wu declined with a shake of his head and a gracious smile, "I'm grateful for his high regard, but I'd rather not be a burden, nor do I wish to cause any resentment within your family over an academy slot. I'll earn my place on my own merits. Once I arrive in Flame City, it will be time enough to reunite with you, Uncle."