One was Lu You, who drew attention the moment he appeared. His background and his Contract Beast, the Little Spiked Dragon, had become hot topics of discussion in the Hundred New Competition.
The other was Qiao Sang, the only contestant bold enough to contract a Fire-type Beast. Her battle rhythm with the Fire Tooth Dog kept everyone watching closely.
As these two took the stage, the comments on the platform surged.
“Exciting, exciting!”
“This match-up feels predetermined; it knows what we want to see.”
“The Fire Tooth Dog’s sunglasses have changed again; please send me the link!”
“Looking at their state, I think Lu You will win.”
“From my observation, I think the previous comment is spot on.”
Though both were in the spotlight, the cheering for Lu You and the Little Spiked Dragon overshadowed Qiao Sang and the Fire Tooth Dog. The two had already taken their positions.
A few onlookers in the audience were shouting encouragement, mostly calling out Lu You and the Little Spiked Dragon's names.
Qiao Sang disliked making bold statements before a match, while Lu You had an aloof demeanor, so neither of them spoke.
Until the judge signaled the start.
“Dig a hole.”
The first command came from Lu You. The Little Spiked Dragon, a ground and dragon-type beast, naturally had no trouble with such a basic skill.
As soon as Lu You finished speaking, the Little Spiked Dragon used its claws to dig into the earth, diving beneath the surface.
Due to its skill still needing refinement, this process didn't happen instantly. If the Fire Tooth Dog were fast enough, it could have interrupted the digging motion. Yet, Qiao Sang remained silent, not issuing a command.
“It seems Lu You wants to resolve this in close combat. I wonder how Qiao Sang will respond.”
Once the Little Spiked Dragon completed its digging skill, Qiao Sang finally spoke. “Shadow Clone.”
Instantly, the Fire Tooth Dog split into five, lining up in a straight row.
The ground became eerily quiet as everyone held their breath, not wanting to miss the moment of confrontation.
Lu You furrowed his brow.
Five might be a bit excessive…
His plan was to dig a hole and strike the opponent, catching them off guard for a direct finish. But now, the initial rhythm was thrown off.
Yet, that was the charm of competition. If everything went according to his design, what fun would that be?
“Now!”
As Lu You's voice fell, the Fire Tooth Dog at the center quickly stepped back a pace.
Lu You's eyes lit up. “In the center!”
Suddenly, from where the Fire Tooth Dog had retreated, the Little Spiked Dragon burst out, crashing into the Fire Tooth Dog, sending it flying.
“Unexpected! Lu You’s initial command was a feint! He aimed to lure out the real Fire Tooth Dog! Such cunning… and clever tactics!”
Lu You couldn't help but smile subtly.
Though the situation strayed slightly from his expectations, it was still close enough. The result remained consistently perfect.
Raising his right hand, he snapped his fingers, ready to give the final command, “Dragon…”
Just then, the last word stuck in his throat.
He stared in disbelief at the scene before him.
The Fire Tooth Dog, which had been in the center, had vanished after being knocked to the ground!
Was that a clone?!
He was fooled!
As Lu You reacted, just about to shout, it was already too late.
“Flame Whirlpool.”
Seizing the moment of Lu You’s distraction, Qiao Sang commanded the attack.
The remaining four Fire Tooth Dogs opened their mouths in unison.
Four swirling columns of searing flames hit the Little Spiked Dragon all at once.
“Spiked!!!”
The Little Spiked Dragon let out a painful howl.
“What is this! Qiao Sang has shown such intelligence! She misled Lu You entirely! The Flame Whirlpool has struck the Little Spiked Dragon from all sides! Will victory belong to Qiao Sang?!”
The excitement in the announcer’s voice was palpable.
But that wasn’t all.
Qiao Sang observed the Little Spiked Dragon's condition and made a judgment. The reverence for dragon-type beasts was not without reason. They excelled in attack, speed, and defense, truly a well-rounded category.
The Little Spiked Dragon also had its ground-type attribute, perfectly countering the fire type.
The shadow clones of the Fire Tooth Dog, despite their strong attack, lacked the true body’s power.
The three illusions and the real Flame Whirlpool combined wouldn’t be enough to break through the Little Spiked Dragon’s defenses for a one-hit defeat.
“Fire Tooth!” Qiao Sang quickly added.
The Fire Tooth was already at the minor perfection stage and was the Fire Tooth Dog's most powerful skill.
For the current state of the Little Spiked Dragon, that should be sufficient.
“Dig a hole!” Lu You shouted urgently.
Even at full strength, the Fire Tooth Dog could not stop the Little Spiked Dragon from using this skill, let alone now.
With great effort, the Little Spiked Dragon stretched its claws toward the ground, despite the pain.
Meanwhile, the four fiery teeth bit down hard on the Little Spiked Dragon.
One on its left limb, one on the right, one on its left shoulder, and one on its head.
“Spiked!!!”
The Little Spiked Dragon cried in torment.
Accompanied by its cry, a white dragon breath uncontrollably blasted out, spraying in all directions.
Everyone was watching intently.
Could the invincible dragon-type beast at this level really lose like this?
Ten seconds passed.
The Little Spiked Dragon still didn’t fall.
Yet the Fire Tooth Dogs biting its left limb, right limb, and left shoulder disappeared one after another, succumbing to the creature's fierce struggles.
Only one vicious-looking Fire Tooth Dog remained, still clamped onto its head.
So this was the real one!
Lu You felt a surge of joy.
No one had ever pushed his Little Spiked Dragon to this extent. He did not know it could withstand this much damage. He thought it lost the moment it got bitten by the Fire Tooth.
“Use Iron Head to hit the ground!” Lu You yelled.
The Fire Tooth Dog remained clamped tightly to the Little Spiked Dragon's head as the energy from the Fire Tooth slowly diminished.
But the Little Spiked Dragon, while swaying, showed no sign of toppling over.
The Fire Tooth Dog felt frustrated.
Past opponents would have long been incapacitated after being bitten for so long. This creature had such tough skin…
Before it could wallow too long in disappointment, its mouth felt increasingly uncomfortable.
At that moment, it heard its Beast Master’s command.
“Jump down.”
Without hesitation, the Fire Tooth Dog immediately executed the order.
“Bang!”
The audience felt a shock in their hearts.
As the Little Spiked Dragon used Iron Head, the Fire Tooth Dog didn't let go, but the moment the head struck the ground, it jumped away!
What impeccable timing!
The Little Spiked Dragon lifted its head, dizzy and swaying side to side.
How come there were suddenly so many of them...
It slipped on its feet.
The sky was so blue...
I want to sleep...
“The Little Spiked Dragon has lost its fighting ability! The winner is Qiao Sang!” the judge declared excitedly.
Having been a judge for so long, they had become numb to match results.
But winning under such circumstances, with no advantages in attributes or species, was truly impressive!
“It seemed that the initiative in the opening of this match was in Lu You’s hands, but he was really just following Qiao Sang’s rhythm. What a spectacular match! Sha Duo, what do you think?” the announcer exclaimed amidst the astonishment of the crowd.
“Qiao Sang has the potential to become a professional Beast Master. I look forward to encountering her in future regional competitions,” Sha Duo stated.
Upon hearing this, the audience both at the venue and watching the live broadcast erupted in excitement.
(End of Chapter)