C37 Hu Liang

Chen Wu was assessing the various family factions gathered here, representing the collective strength of Green-mount Town. The four most influential families—the Lin, Cao, Tang, and Xue—were all smiles, their younger members standing proudly behind their elders, confidently surveying their rivals.

Chen Wu recognized quite a few of them; he was notorious in Green-mount Town as a troublemaker and had grown up rubbing shoulders with the wealthy elite. He was acquainted with most of the competitors.

"Is that the Lin Family? Is he Lin Diwen, the grandson of Alcalde Lin? He became a Grade 1 Demonic Pet Master even before I got my Bloodline Spirit Talisman!"

Chen Wu's gaze fixed on a young man whose aloof demeanor and sweeping glances exuded arrogance. As a scion of the Lin Family and the Alcalde's grandson, Lin Diwen had access to unparalleled resources.

A Demonic Pet Master could form a contract using their Soul Force upon turning sixteen. Lin Diwen, being a few months older than Chen Wu, had received a Silver Level Demonic Pet from the mayor as his Contract Demonic Pet three months prior. With the Lin Family's backing, his Demonic Pet's Strength had likely reached at least Grade 3 by now.

It was uncertain whether he had secured a second Demonic Pet. In competitions like this, a Demonic Pet Master with two contracted Demonic Pets held a significant advantage. Although only one Demonic Pet could be used in battle without Double Control, having two allowed for strategic substitutions, conserving energy and keeping opponents guessing.

Lin Qingwen, his brother, stood behind him, equally groomed by the Lin Family's considerable investment. With their family's resources, these two were among the top contenders, almost certainly securing two of the available spots barring any unforeseen events.

The other families, including the Cao, Tang, and Xue, were also strong competitors. Chen Wu glanced at the Hu Family's representative, a timid young man and son of another Demonic Pet Master, Hu Wang. With Hu Wang's passing, the Hu Family's leadership fell to him, and though he had resources for training, his Demonic Pet's Strength was likely capped at Grade 1, rendering him a non-threat in the competition.

At that moment, Chen Wu caught sight of an odd man in the Hu Family's camp. He was clad in white, sitting with an air of ease on a chair, while a middle-aged Demonic Pet Master stood behind him with an air of deference.

Who was this man?

Suddenly, as if sensing he was being watched, the man turned and fixed his gaze on Chen Wu!

His eyes held a trace of confusion, but the Demonic Pet Master at his side glared at Chen Wu with a look of anger and malice, quickly bending down to whisper in the man's ear.

The man's expression shifted rapidly, his eyes locking onto Chen Wu with the intensity of a hawk, his smile devoid of any genuine warmth.

Chen Wu's heart skipped a beat, and he casually averted his eyes, though inside he was deeply alarmed. If he wasn't mistaken, this individual was none other than the Hu Family's prodigy, Hu Liang!

He had actually returned!

Could it be because Hu Wang's death had alerted him?

Chen Wu felt a heavy dread settle in; with Hu Wang dead by his hand, it was certain Hu Liang wouldn't let him off easily. He might already be plotting to eliminate Chen Wu after the selection process.

He probably hadn't visited that cave yet, and even if he had, he wouldn't know it was Chen Wu who had drawn the blueprint. Hu Liang was likely unaware of the details.

Chen Wu sensed an immense danger. Being under the scrutiny of someone who might be a High-grade Demonic Pet Master was not a good sign.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Shan Liyuan, the mayor of Green-mount Town. I'm delighted to see such a gathering of our town's exceptional young generation. To grow swiftly as a Demonic Pet Master, one needs exposure, resources, and a solid network. Green-mount Town may be small, but thanks to the empire's grace, we are allotted five spots each year. These spots allow five outstanding individuals to attend the Primary Demonic Pet Academy in Flame City!"

"However, spots are limited, and only the most exceptional youths will earn them. Today, we will determine the five most outstanding individuals through a one-on-one selection. The process will be overseen by myself and Instructor Wang from the Flame City Primary Demonic Pet Academy. Unless there are any objections, I hereby declare the selection competition officially open. Would all contestants please assemble at the staging area!"

"Hey! It's finally starting!"

A cheerful young man in green from the Cao Family strode forward. Simultaneously, fifteen contestants, including Chen Wu, emerged from the crowd to the curious and admiring gazes of many.

Among these contestants, the Cao, Lin, Tang, and Xue Families each had two representatives, while some smaller clans had only one. There were even individuals from wealthy merchant families. Regardless of their wealth, ordinary merchants paled in comparison to families of Demonic Pet Masters. It was rumored that these Demonic Pet Masters had their Bloodline Spirit Talismans and captured Demonic Pets purchased at great expense by their fathers.

Chen Wu was arguably the most unique among them, as he had no background to speak of. His recent public life-and-death duel with Hu Wang had made him a recognizable figure to many residents of Green-mount Town. A buzz of gasps and murmurs filled the air as the crowd's attention turned to Chen Wu, who stood apart with his cool, detached demeanor.

"Is that Chen Wu?"

Lin Diwen observed Chen Wu with a mix of curiosity and scorn.

To him, Hu Wang was no better than a dog. The Lin Family had plenty of Demonic Pet Masters who could easily handle such insignificant figures. If he ever crossed paths with someone like Hu Wang, he'd show them what real power was!

Others were quick to extend a warm hand of friendship: "So you're Chen Wu? I've heard about you. Impressive! I admire a guy with your kind of grit. If we cross paths, I'll go easy on you!"

Lee Dong, the boisterous Young Master Elder of the Cao Family, greeted him without noticing the sour expressions from the Hu Family members nearby.

Hu Liang, however, remained unfazed, maintaining his serene smile. He turned to the Master of Lee Family and remarked, "Your son is quite the entertaining young man!"

The Cao Family had no fear of an up-and-coming minor family like the Hu Family, but the Hu Family was cautious around Hu Liang. With a forced smile, they responded, "Thank you. My son can be a bit blunt, please don't take offense."

Their true opinions of each other, however, were known only to themselves.

Chen Wu found himself warming up to such enthusiastic individuals. Despite the possibility of them being competitors, the Master of the Lee Family had extended an invitation to him. Lee Dong appeared to be quite genuine. Should he also secure a nomination, Chen Wu thought it would be worthwhile to forge a friendship with him.

The assembly gathered on the elevated stage, anticipation hanging in the air as they awaited the announcement.

"Let's now announce the contenders for the first round of the selection match: Lie Xue from the Xue Family will face off against Xing Ma!"