C40 Rocktitan
Chen Wu had not secured an immediate victory because, according to the competition's rules, he needed to defeat all of his opponent's demonic pets until they could no longer fight. If the opponent lacked a second demonic pet, then victory would be straightforward. However, Lee Dong had a second demonic pet up his sleeve.
Disappointed, Lee Dong withdrew his Earth Demonic Bear and glanced at the Iron-feather Eagle, realizing he had little hope left. If his major pet couldn't outmatch the vice pet, then the rest was merely a formality.
Lee Dong's second demonic pet was a plant-type called Poison Thistles And Thorns, similar to the Venomous Thorn Vine and adept at control. Upon release, it rapidly sprouted numerous slender, spiky thorns.
Yet, the Grade 2 Poison Thistles And Thorns were no match for the onslaught; they were shredded by the Feather Arrow amidst a Blood Rain. With that, the battle concluded.
Lee Dong, still disappointed, recalled his demonic pet but managed a polite smile towards Chen Wu before leaving the stage.
Instantly, the crowd erupted in cheers for Chen Wu.
"Big brother, Chen Wu is incredibly strong. I doubt I can match him. I hope I don't have to face him!" Lin Qingwen said, visibly shaken after witnessing the formidable presence of Chen Wu's Iron-feather Eagle.
Lin Diwen responded with a cold snort and a scolding tone, "Coward! The Lin Family has never been second to anyone. He's just a nobody. What's there to be intimidated by? Don't inflate his ego at the expense of our own pride. When I face him, I'll make sure his Iron-feather Eagle regrets it!"
Chastened by his brother's rebuke, Lin Qingwen fell silent, acknowledging internally that his brother was indeed the strongest among them.
Despite his outward disdain for Chen Wu, Lin Diwen was on high alert. Lee Dong's capabilities were as formidable as anticipated, and he was a likely contender for the top four, given his Earth Demonic Bear's unmatched strength and defense. Even Lin Diwen had to admit that defeating it would be a significant challenge.
With the second round underway, the eight competitors were set to be narrowed down to four.
The opening match featured Huang Zhiyong squaring off against Xu Yang.
Both contenders were formidable. Chen Wu's Demonic Pet was a Grade 3 Sunset Bird, a Fire-type that was exceedingly rare. The Xu Family, not among the top in Green-mount Town, had nonetheless invested heavily in nurturing Chen Wu.
Huang Zhiyong's Demonic Pet, however, was truly a force to be reckoned with. His Earth-type Centipede Chilopod stretched over four meters and possessed a deadly poison – a mere touch could be lethal. Engaging in battle with such a venomous creature meant that one had to either neutralize its poison and swiftly defeat it or face certain defeat once the battle dragged on.
Despite the Sunset Bird's speed, its Attack Power fell short, making it nearly impossible to inflict damage on the Centipede Chilopod. Ultimately, the bird was struck by the centipede's venom and succumbed to the spreading toxin. The Second Demonic Pet met the same fate.
The second match featured Xu Luo from the Xue Family against Lin Qingwen from the Lin Family, both hailing from The Four Great Families and evenly matched in strength.
Lin Qingwen's Demonic Pet was a Grade 3 Stone-Armored Ape Monkey, a monkey-type with formidable defense and agility. The battle with its adversary's Demonic Pet resulted in mutual injuries, but Lin Qingwen's Demonic Pet emerged victorious thanks to its superior defense.
At last, it was Chen Wu's turn to enter the fray.
"Chen Wu, your opponent is Lin Diwen!"
Upon the announcement of this match-up, the remaining contestants breathed a sigh of relief, their faces betraying schadenfreude at Chen Wu's expense. Their families couldn't help but smile, as if to say, "It's in the bag. As long as we avoid Lin Diwen, the top four are ours!"
Shan Liyuan watched Lin Diwen with a mix of relief and expectation. He had immense confidence in his grandson, believing that even Chen Wu's formidable Iron-feather Eagle was no match for him. After all, both of Lin Diwen's Demonic Pets were exceptional, handpicked by Shan Liyuan himself.
As for Chen Wu, his Iron-feather Eagle was impressive, but if he could be forced to sacrifice it, there would be little to fear. It was even possible that he didn't possess a Second Demonic Pet at all.
Lin Diwen flashed a smile, feigning regret, "Tough luck running into me. Your Iron-feather Eagle is indeed formidable, but this is as far as you go. Securing a spot in the top four is a longstanding tradition of the Lin Family, one that many have tried and failed to break. You'll be no different."
"Chen Wu, you truly are exceptional. I, Lin Diwen, respect that you've come this far on your own. But in this world, power reigns supreme, and unfortunately, you're not in the running for this spot!"
Chen Wu responded with a scornful grin, "Sounds like a dog is barking. Who do you think you are?"
Lin Diwen's complexion turned livid with rage. His open challenge, in front of everyone, was a bold move. After all, he was the Young Master Elder of the Lin Family. Although some pre-battle taunting was expected, Chen Wu's blatant contempt for Lin Diwen was a daring display of audacity.
Contrary to expectations, Shan Liyuan didn't show a trace of irritation at the mockery directed at his grandson.
Being a Silver-ring Level expert, he had a grand perspective. Green-mount Town wasn't the sole property of the Lin Family, and he had a great deal of respect for Chen Wu. His grandson had grown up spoiled; if he could defeat Chen Wu, well and good, but if he lost, it would serve as a valuable lesson. As for the coveted spot...
It wasn't as if the recommendation was the only path available. With his years of influence and networking, Shan Liyuan could find other ways to secure his grandson's future.
Lin Diwen, with a glower, spat out a threat, "Let's see if you're still this cocky after I've plucked your bird's feathers!"
Chen Wu remained silent, coolly awaiting the judge's signal.
"Begin!"
Both competitors swiftly called forth their Demonic Pets.
Chen Wu, of course, summoned Blood Rain, confident that he didn't need The Second Demonic Pet to claim his place.
Lin Diwen's Demonic Pet, however, was quite peculiar.
"Arise, Rock-titan!"
Massive rocks emerged onto the field, swirling and merging rapidly until they formed a towering humanoid giant, standing four meters tall with hefty rock arms and a single, large eye embedded in the stone. Its bizarre appearance left many onlookers from various families in disbelief, "Is that really the rare Rock-type Demonic Beast?"
Demonic Beasts are the evolved forms of ordinary wild beasts, yet this world is home to many other peculiar Demonic Beasts. Some transform from rocks, while others take shape from flowing water. Their existence is a marvel, and incredibly, they can reproduce, giving rise to unique species.
These Demonic Beasts, born of the Heaven-earth Power, are categorized into a distinct system known as the Nature-type.
Wielding the Heaven-earth Power, the Nature-type stands as the most formidable. They possess the most unadulterated form of Heaven-earth Energy.
[Creature]: Rock-titan
[Attributes]: Nature-type — Rock-type
[Type]: Evolvable
[Skills]: Rock Fist, Rock Cannon, Earthquake Wave
[Potential]: Silver
[Bloodline]: None
[Level]: Bronze Grade 4
[Status]: Healthy
Upon reviewing the Rock-titan's details, Chen Wu couldn't help but express his amazement. It's no surprise that a rare Nature-type Demonic Pet would have such a well-rounded set of abilities.