185: Chapter 185 Preparation Bonus Question: The White-Fleeced Snow Monster

The examinees exiting the Secret Realm formed a long queue, while those preparing to take on the extra credit question were discussing tactics.

The two sides did not interfere with each other, clearly demarcated.

An ordinary-looking old man with slightly graying hair and a kind demeanor walked out of the Central Army Command Headquarters.

The noisy crowd instantly fell silent, casting respectful gazes in unison and pricking up their ears to listen to his teachings.

Chen Qingliu waved his hand and spoke with a calm yet authoritative tone: "Congratulations to all examinees for making it this far. On behalf of Nanyuan Province, I extend my sincerest greetings to you!

From the moment you contracted your Pet Beasts, you and your Pet Beasts have trained together to become stronger. Sweat is the mark of your growth and the most dazzling medal on the path of a Beast Tamer.

You have endured your initial immaturity and overcome obstacles to get here; it is both a farewell to the past and a welcome to the future.

I am honored to witness your growth!"

His aged but clear eyes swept across the crowd, his gaze finally landing on the examinees taking the extra credit question.

"To the examinees who chose to stay, your spirit of never giving up and never surrendering is your most precious asset.

Feeling afraid is perfectly normal.

I was often afraid when I was young too—afraid my Pet Beast wasn't strong enough, afraid I'd mess up at a critical moment—but later I realized one thing—"

"A Beast Tamer never fights alone!"

Chen Qingliu's aura suddenly surged. He raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist, his cracking knuckles brimming with power.

"Your Pet Beasts hear every heartbeat; they see every time you grit your teeth. They can feel your fear, and they will carry out your determination.

So, do not be afraid.

You are going to prove that every drop of sweat shed, every injury sustained, and every late night endured over these three years was not in vain.

You are going to prove that your struggling posture, your fighting spirit, and your unyielding character are worthy of cheers and applause.

Prove that your Pet Beast chose you not because it was blind, but because it believed—you are worth it!"

Chen Qingliu suddenly smiled.

The wrinkles on his kind face bunched together, exuding an indescribable softness and warm strength.

...

After finishing his official speech, Chen Qingliu withdrew.

Most people were indifferent to these clichés; those who were supposed to leave the Secret Realm left, and those who were supposed to prepare for the extra credit question prepared.

However, Yue Yun took it to heart.

A gray-white Pet Beast contract flashed before his eyes, and the fluffy, chubby Miao Sang landed in Yue Yun's arms.

"Hu~ Purr~"

Miao Sang nudged Yue Yun's palm, enjoying the Beast Tamer's superb cat-petting technique and purring comfortably.

Although Miao Sang was just a chubby little cat who understood nothing, it was willing to risk its life to contract with him.

Miao Sang, good!

Yue Yun focused on petting the cat, his lips naturally curling into a smile.

Seeing Yue Yun engrossed in petting the cat, Wen Guyu tapped his shoulder to remind him: "We should choose a commander."

"No problem."

"Then should I cast a vote for you later?"

Yue Yun snapped out of it, his face full of surprise.

Both Wen Guyu and Jiang Hanqiu were much more suitable than him and better equipped for the responsibilities of a commander.

Especially Jiang Hanqiu, who possessed the S-rank Beast Taming Talent [Intellect-Machine Crown], could process information rapidly, making him very suitable for the position of a battlefield commander.

She couldn't have seen that Mudman was an Empire general, could she?

Yue Yun was very puzzled by this.

Wen Guyu explained in a low voice: "The consumption of my Beast Taming Talent is enormous; forcing its use might lead to exhaustion and fainting.

If that guy Jiang Hanqiu uses his Beast Taming Talent, he might adopt efficient but reckless strategies.

If we choose anyone else, those from the Imperial Capital might not be convinced; only you can keep them in check.

If we want to completely suppress the White Fluff Yeti, we can't do without the combat power of these guys from the Imperial Capital."

As Wen Guyu finished, she raised her hand and pointed.

The small group nearby was entirely composed of people from the Imperial Capital; they weren't looking down their noses at anyone, nor were they tilting their chins up and looking down.

They stood naturally before Jiang Hanqiu and Xu Qingfang, exchanging pleasantries in a calm tone as if chatting about the weather.

Seeing Yue Yun look over, they even politely raised their hands in greeting, showing no sign of the so-called arrogance.

It was normal, though.

Every one of them came from a wealthy background with a decent upbringing, far surpassing ordinary people in social etiquette.

The arrogance they usually displayed might not be contempt, but rather a disregard stemming from a different worldview.

At this moment, the strength of everyone present could not be underestimated, so naturally, there would be no looking down or disdain.

Qin Xiyue, who could be considered an acquaintance, left the group and hopped toward Yue Yun, visibly in a good mood.

"Is there some good news?"

Yue Yun asked casually, but Qin Xiyue nodded seriously and even tilted her chin with a hint of competitiveness.

"I'm going to compete with you for the team commander position."

Seeing no reaction from Yue Yun after she spoke, Qin Xiyue took a step closer and began to explain in a very low voice.

"Because this is an extra credit question for all examinees, everyone will be graded individually based on their performance."

Qin Xiyue gave Yue Yun a look.

Yue Yun nodded understandingly.

The importance of a commander in large-scale combat goes without saying; a commander's control over the situation also makes it easier to earn points, so naturally, the team cannot easily let go of this position.

Although forming factions during an extra credit question was somewhat ridiculous, it was very important to these people from the Imperial Capital.

No one dared to boast that they could definitely surpass everyone to become the Top Scholar of this year's Nanyuan Province Beast Taming College Entrance Examination.

From the very beginning, their goal was the prodigy spots.

The key was that the prodigy spots were limited.

Whether it was the Top Scholar or the prodigies, some spots had to be reserved for locals, so the number of spots they could compete for was even smaller.

This year, not only were there two S-rank Beast Taming Talent holders, Wen Guyu and Jiang Hanqiu, but Yue Yun had also emerged out of nowhere.

There weren't many prodigy spots left for those from the Imperial Capital!

Not to mention facing these locals, the transfer students from the Imperial Capital were almost in a frenzy among themselves, wishing they could eliminate the person next to them.

Yue Yun frowned slightly: "Is it really necessary?"

"How is it not!"

Qin Xiyue gave him an annoyed look: "Leaving the Imperial Capital for other provinces not only costs money for connections but also involves many long application processes. In the end, one might even fall behind their peers in the Imperial Capital due to a lack of education."

After saying this, Qin Xiyue seemed to suddenly realize something and covered her mouth, refusing to say another word.

"You've pretty much said it all."

Yue Yun's lips twitched slightly: "I don't really care who becomes the commander, but your side seems a bit unstable.

The commander position cannot be given to you; you'd have to compromise with those people, which could easily lead to trouble.

But I won't do it either. Let's give it to Old Xu!"

Xu Qingfang's grades weren't bad to begin with; if he could use this opportunity to show his skills, getting into a top academy would be a sure thing.

Furthermore, as a local who didn't care about the prodigy spots, Xu Qingfang, who had been recognized by the Thunderwing Griffin, was considered quite impartial.

Qin Xiyue raised an eyebrow, understanding his meaning.

"Can Xu Qingfang keep them in check?"

"Who among them do you think can withstand a Thunderstorm?"

Yue Yun didn't answer but asked back.

Qin Xiyue was speechless and could only purse her lips and walk toward Xu Qingfang, trying to play the emotional card to get closer to him.

Yue Yun turned his head to look behind him, only to see Wen Guyu leaning her ear in, almost pressed against his back while eavesdropping.

Yue Yun's face was covered in black lines: "You should get up now!"

"Cough, cough... you two are quite close, huh!"

Wen Guyu stood up, teasing him with a smile.

Yue Yun replied calmly: "Yeah, my level of familiarity with her is just like my familiarity with you."

"Tsk, boring!"