In the next two matches, Chen Mo's opponents were not very strong, not even as challenging as the Swamp Frog he faced in the first round.
Little Blazing Flame Fox won easily without having to reveal any trump cards.
"Jiu!"
Xiao Jiu's tail was almost wagging in the air.
"Don't underestimate the competition; the real challenge is in the main matches. If we can win some prize money, I'll share half of it with you!"
Chen Mo said with a smile as he gently stroked the soft fur of the Blazing Flame Fox.
"Jiu!" (Xiao Jiu doesn't care about the prize money; Xiao Jiu just wants to eat dried fish every day!)
Under Chen Mo's touch, the Blazing Flame Fox comfortably squinted its eyes.
Its experience of having roamed the streets as a pup made Xiao Jiu very easy to satisfy, and it knew that its current strength was all thanks to the Spirit Master's efforts.
Although money was nice, it would be put to better use in Chen Mo's hands, and that money would bring them one step closer to the funds needed to treat Grandma's illness.
"No problem, I'll take you to eat gourmet dried fish every day!"
"Jiu!" (Master is the best!)
In the afternoon, Chen Mo and the Blazing Flame Fox boarded the train to Food God University.
The preliminary rounds of the competition would last three days, and since Chen Mo had already advanced, he did not need to worry about the subsequent matches.
Unless more than 32 contestants advanced, there would be several additional rounds of competition, but historically, the number of contestants advancing was less, not more.
After changing trains a few times, Chen Mo finally arrived at the entrance of Food God University.
However, what Chen Mo did not expect was the strict management at Food God University; he was stopped by a security uncle at the gate.
In the end, it was Xiao Jiu who sacrificed its charm and captured the heart of a miss from Gourmet University.
With the help of this miss, Chen Mo successfully met 10 different kinds of food spirits.
It was truly an eye-opening experience.
The Little Toast Monster, capable of regenerating and continuously producing delicious toast, Lemon Essence, which could remove the gamey taste and freshen food with just a drop, Little Lotus Monster, which could enhance the texture and aroma of food, and Devil's Pepper that could make food super spicy, among others.
The combat abilities of these food spiritual beasts were generally not very strong, but they mastered many moves that could improve the taste of food.
With the help of these food spiritual beasts, a Spirit Chef could often create delicious foods with explosive flavors and special effects.
Some high-level foods could even promote the evolution of spiritual beasts.
Just by smelling the aroma, Xiao Jiu was practically drooling.
In the end, the miss personally took action and cooked a dish of sweet and sour spare ribs for the little guy.
The contentment of one person and one beast as they went home was palpable.
Indeed, some creatures can live off their looks by sneaking treats and drinks!
On the way home, Chen Mo made another surprising discovery—
After acquiring the [Food Tracker] title, since he also had the [Food Enthusiast] title, these two titles actually merged into one blue title.
[Food Hunter] (Blue)
Title Effect: After tasting delicious food, there's a small chance of gaining a temporary boost in certain abilities. The higher the quality of the food, the more pronounced the improvement. You possess the ability to sense all food spiritual beasts or food ingredients within a 200-meter radius.
"They can actually merge, freeing up a title slot, and then the effect even got stronger!"
Two similar titles could actually merge!
This is fantastic!
——————————————
Two days later, Chen Mo returned to Sailboat Stadium.
Today is the day of the main competition for the Eaglet Cup.
Unlike the preliminary rounds, the main competition starts with dedicated hosts, referees, guest judges, and media coverage, with the content being televised on local stations.
Moreover, opponents will be determined by the contestants drawing lots one hour before the match.
After drawing his lot, Chen Mo saw the information on his opponent for the top 32 match.
[Spirit Master: Chen Xuan]
[Spiritual Beast: Little Lion Dog]
[Spiritual Beast Growth Level: Transcendent 1-Stage]
[Competition Venue: Arena 2]
[Competition Time: Starts at 9:00]
"Transcendent level opponents, we must not underestimate them."
"Chirp!"
Xiao Jiu acknowledged the warning.
Although it had been unbeatable since it first appeared, it understood that there were always bigger fish and stronger beasts out there.
"Let's pop some pills, no, I mean, let's have some candy first."
Chen Mo took out the pre-prepared honey milk candy and dried fish. After consuming them, Xiao Jiu felt a warm sensation throughout its body, filled with strength.
Within the next hour, Xiao Jiu's attack, defense, and speed would all be enhanced.
After the entry evolved into[Food Hunter], the amplification effect was a little better than before.
At this moment, not considering other entry enhancements, Xiao Jiu's physical condition could already match that of an Awakened 9th Rank spiritual beast.
"It seems like taking the Spirit Chef route in the future is feasible, after all, the more delicious the food, the stronger the enhancement effect."
Chen Mo thought silently to himself, then stepped onto the competitive field.
The opposing Spirit Master and their spiritual beast took to the stage almost at the same time.
The Little Lion Dog is a Fire Element Spirit Beast, known for its loyalty and bravery, and it's beloved by many Spirit Masters.
Although its name contains the word 'little', its size is anything but small, already comparable to a large breed of dog.
Once it evolves into a Fire Lion Beast, its size will be comparable to a large, fierce beast.
"Roar!"
Upon seeing the Blazing Flame Fox, the Little Lion Dog let out an angry roar, its dark eyes glaring fiercely at Xiao Jiu.
It attempted to use intimidation to pressure the Blazing Flame Fox, hoping to make the fox lose its nerve before the start of the match, creating advantageous conditions for itself.
The Blazing Flame Fox was just about to glare back, as it wasn't one to get scared easily, but then it heard Chen Mo's voice from within — "Show weakness to the enemy."
Seeing that the Little Lion Dog was trying to intimidate Xiao Jiu, Chen Mo smiled.
Since the other side was playing dirty, he might as well go along with their plan.
After all, Chen Mo wouldn't risk losing the enticing prize of 300,000 at any cost.
After understanding Chen Mo's intentions, Xiao Jiu's body trembled, instinctively stepping back, not daring to meet the gaze of the Little Lion Dog.
Seeing this, Chen Mo internally gave the little guy a frantic thumbs up.
Jiu Bao, you truly deserve acclaim! Such a natural talent for acting!
Chen Xuan saw this scene and couldn't help but smile, starting to trash talk:
"Can you step it up, delicate fox?"
Chen Mo ignored him.
Soon, the referee waved the flag:
"The competition begins!"
The referee had barely spoken when the Little Lion Dog charged forward, its mouth emitting red flames, tracing a fiery path through the air as it rushed forward at high speed, while the Blazing Flame Fox appeared to be frozen in fear, standing still.
"The Little Lion Dog quickly approaches the Blazing Flame Fox, following up with Flame Teeth. The Blazing Flame Fox... it seems to be scared stiff, not moving from its spot! Move, Blazing Flame Fox!"
The commentator excitedly narrated the match.
"The Blazing Flame Fox didn't dodge; the Little Lion Dog's Flame Teeth have hit. It seems the winner of this match has been decided!"
The audience could hardly bear to watch this scene any longer; the battle seemed like a brute bullying a defenseless girl.
However, just as the commentator's words fell, the Blazing Flame Fox, which was bitten on the back, suddenly shot out purple lightning from its claws. Thunderclaw swiftly slashed across the back of the Little Lion Dog!