C43 Qualification Confirmed
Lin Diwen's face was ashen with shock, completely engulfed in regret and pain after the crushing defeat.
Meanwhile, Chen Wu had officially secured his spot in the top four!
Lin Diwen still had a chance, though. If he could triumph over all his opponents in the upcoming matches, he could claim the fifth spot.
But his two Demonic Pets were nearly incapacitated after Chen Wu's onslaught. Even if he summoned them, they would be of little use. Weighed down by fatigue, Lin Diwen left the arena to a mix of laughter and head-shaking from the crowd.
Shan Liyuan was deeply pained for his grandson's loss but didn't share the Lin Family's narrow-minded and venomous glare towards Chen Wu. Instead, he regarded Chen Wu with a sense of importance. He had provided his grandson with the finest Cultivation Resources, but the failure was his own. Overconfidence leads to downfall, especially against an opponent like Chen Wu.
This young man, who had risen through the ranks on his own merit, possessed a resilience, cunning, and composure that even the seasoned Shan Liyuan couldn't help but admire. Only someone of such caliber could go the distance and become a true powerhouse.
The young man from the Hu Family, with his Grade 2 Demonic Pet, couldn't avoid his fate either, facing off against Lie Xue, who had effortlessly won his first match.
Lie Xue's Grade 3 Crimson Leopard was formidable, known for its speed and explosive power. The trembling Wang Bo cautiously summoned his Grade 2 Flame-rock Rat.
[Creature]: Flame-rock Rat
[Attribute]: Beast, Fire
[Type]: Un-evolved
[Skill]: Rolling Rock, Flame Wheel, Digging Hole
[Potential]: High-grade Bronze
[Bloodline]: None
[Level]: Bronze Grade 2
[Status]: Healthy
The Flame-rock Rat, a rare Demonic Pet, was deceptively strong. Despite its small size, it was nimble, and its Flame Wheel was a potent fire-based offensive skill.
"Come on, Wang Bo! Keep calm, you've got this!"
Despite the fervent cheers from the Lang Family, Wang Bo's lack of sync with his Demonic Pet was evident. Likely due to a recent bond and lack of experience as a Demonic Pet Master, he hesitantly commanded, "Fire, Flame-rock Rat, unleash the Flame Wheel!"
Just as the Flame-rock Rat unleashed its Flame Wheel, the Crimson Leopard effortlessly dodged the attack. In the brief moment the rat paused, the leopard's sharp claw knocked it to the ground.
Lie Xue, relentless in his strategy, excitedly commanded, "Crimson Leopard, Extreme Shadow Charge!"
The Crimson Leopard sprinted, creating several afterimages, and with a swift strike of its claw, it sent the Flame-rock Rat flying. This left Wang Bo and the gritting members of the Lang Family in a state of shock.
With that, the top four competitors were established: Huang Zhigen, Lin Qingwen, Chen Wu, and Lie Xue.
The fierce half-day elimination battle concluded with Lee Dong, the most valiant contender, being the last to fall. He managed a strained smile, revealing a set of white teeth to Chen Wu.
The five coveted spots for Green-mount Town were now decisively filled.
The Lin Family, who had expected to secure two spots, only saw Lin Qingwen advance. Lin Diwen, the strongest and most favored, was unexpectedly unseated by Chen Wu, the dark horse of the competition.
This year marked the Lin Family's greatest disappointment.
Shan Liyuan, unable to hide his dismay, forced a smile and said, "I congratulate the five young heroes for earning Green-mount Town's nominations. Now, please welcome Aoki Mentor from Flame City's Primary Demonic Pet Academy to share a few words!"
Amidst resounding applause, Aoki Mentor gazed at Chen Wu and the other four with immense satisfaction, his eyes brimming with admiration. "Excellent. I am thoroughly pleased. This year's Great Competition in Green-mount Town has been an eye-opener. These five lads are truly the cream of the crop. The competition was so thrilling that even I couldn't help but cheer. Without a doubt, you five are the incoming class of our Flame City Primary Demonic Pet Academy. On behalf of the academy, I warmly welcome you!"
Chen Wu and his peers all beamed with joy. Being accepted into the Primary Demonic Pet Academy meant securing a foundation in Flame City, a hub for the mighty, and a promising future. For the scions of lesser families, such excitement was inevitable!
Chen Wu himself felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He had earned his spot in Green-mount Town through his own merit and was confident that, given time at the academy, he would swiftly ascend to greatness.
When the time comes, neither the Hu Family nor anyone else will be an obstacle in Chen Wu's path!
All the candidates stood on the stage, receiving their student qualifications for the Primary Demonic Pet Academy from Mayor Shan Liyuan himself.
As Shan Liyuan presented the token to Chen Wu, he couldn't resist pausing to offer a smile and praise, "Truly, a hero emerges from youth. Chen Wu, with your myriad of techniques and agile mind at such a young age, you've earned my utmost admiration!"
Chen Wu quickly responded, "Mayor, your praise is too generous. I was simply fortunate."
Chen Wu had no desire to alienate the Lin Family, as they governed all of Green-mount Town. Offending them would bring no benefit to himself or the Chen Family Village.
"Don't feel guilty for besting Wen Di; you've done well, and for that, I owe you my thanks!" Shan Liyuan sighed. "Wen Di has been coddled and always thinks too highly of himself, looking down on others. He's bound to face a setback sooner or later, and the sooner it happens, the better for him. I only hope you can be forgiving and not hold a grudge. I apologize to you on his behalf!"
Chen Wu was taken aback by Mayor Shan Liyuan's humility. He quickly replied, "Mayor, there's no need for such formality. I'm not one to harbor petty grudges. If Lin Diwen learns from his mistakes, we'll surely be on good terms as fellow townspeople. Rest assured, there's no animosity here."
Pleased with Chen Wu's response, Shan Liyuan departed with a contented air.
"Drop your blood onto the Jade Plate to create your unique admission token. It will be useless to anyone else, even if they take it from you!"
Chen Wu and his peers did as instructed, and indeed, their blood formed distinct patterns and auras on the plates, ensuring no one could impersonate them.
Aoki Mentor concluded with some words of encouragement, "The academy reopens in ten days. I trust you will settle your affairs and make haste to Flame City. I'll be awaiting your arrival!"
"Thank you, Aoki Mentor!"
As Aoki Mentor, the mayor, and the law enforcer departed, the families at the scene dispersed along with the rest of the crowd.
Chen Wu was about to leave when Lee Dong clapped him on the shoulder, "Brother Chen Wu, Flame City is quite a distance from here. Instead of wandering alone, why not join us on the journey? My uncle will pilot the Clear Wind Bird and take us both to Flame City!"
"I'm not sure that's a good idea..."
Chen Wu began to decline.
Lee Dong spoke with an easygoing air, "This is also a message from my father. What's the problem? I, Lee Dong, really respect people like you. You did a great job handling that scoundrel Lin Diwen! You have no idea, his Rock-titan used to give me so much trouble. He'd swagger around with that Rock-titan, bold enough to snatch my prey in the wild. He got what he deserved!"
"Chen Wu, I've got to go. But remember, in ten days, we'll set out together. I'm serious about us being brothers. You're so capable, I'm counting on you to have my back once we're in the academy!"
Chen Wu could only offer a wry smile. Although he realized the Cao Family was cleverly trying to curry favor with him, at least making sure their son befriended him, he couldn't help but feel a touch of warmth in his heart.
The Cao Family, I'll keep you in mind.