The sun was climbing higher, casting its warm glow over the Běihǎi Shòuyì Guān, the North Sea Beastmaster Certification Guild. The imposing structure loomed over the gathered participants, its jade pillars shimmering faintly in the morning light. The roof, with its edges curling skyward like dragon claws, crowned the building like a testament to the guild's storied history. Intricate carvings of beasts—some real, some mythical—adorned the walls, each a silent reminder of the tamers who had come before.
Outside, the air buzzed with anticipation. Hundreds of participants milled about, exchanging nervous glances and hushed whispers.
"Look at him," muttered one, pointing discreetly to an older man with a hunched posture. "That's Jiàng Fēng. They say this is his tenth time trying."
"Ten times?" a younger participant whispered back. "Why doesn't he just give up?"
Another group clustered around a tall woman with a commanding presence. "She failed twice," someone explained. "But they say she tamed a Frostmane Lynx this year. She might make it."
Hǎiyáng stood quietly amidst the crowd, observing the bustling scene. He adjusted the strap of his bag, feeling the reassuring weight of the herbs he had meticulously prepared. BǎoBǎo's invisible presence at his side gave him a small measure of calm.
A sharp gong reverberated through the square, silencing the murmurs. The massive bronze doors of the guild groaned open, revealing three figures in ceremonial robes.
The examiners stepped forward with measured precision. Leading them was Hóng Jiàn Yú, a man whose piercing gaze and confident stride exuded authority. His robes, embroidered with golden waves and leaping fish, denoted his rank as the supervisor.
To his right stood Xuē Féng, a broad-shouldered man with a scar tracing his left cheek. His solemn expression and upright posture were those of a seasoned warrior.
On Hóng Jiàn Yú's left was Lán Qí, a composed woman whose every movement was as precise as a blade. Her calm demeanor hinted at a sharp intellect beneath the surface.
Hóng Jiàn Yú stepped forward, his voice ringing out with practiced clarity.
"Welcome to the annual North Sea Beastmaster Certification Exam. This is the gateway to one of the most prestigious titles in the Water Zone. Today, you will be tested on your knowledge, skill, and determination. Only the best among you will earn the right to call yourselves Beast Masters."
He paused, letting his words settle over the crowd. His sharp eyes scanned the participants, lingering briefly on Hǎiyáng.
"This exam is not for the faint-hearted," he continued.
"There are three phases. Each will challenge a different aspect of what it means to be a Beastmaster. If you fail any phase, you are disqualified."
Xuē Féng stepped forward. "The first phase is a written examination. You will be tested on your theoretical knowledge of beasts, including identification, behaviors, and responses to various situations. It is not enough to memorize facts—you must demonstrate understanding."
Lán Qí added, her tone measured but firm, "Only the twenty highest scores will advance to the second phase.
Consider this your first culling. Those who cannot master knowledge cannot hope to master beasts."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Inside," Hóng Jiàn Yú gestured toward the open doors, "you will find assigned seats. Personal belongings are to be left at the entrance. Any attempt to cheat will result in immediate expulsion. Is that understood?"
A collective nod from the participants followed.
"Then step forward," he concluded, stepping aside to allow the participants to enter the guild.
Inside, the hall was grand and orderly, with rows of wooden desks stretching across its length. Hǎiyáng found his assigned seat in the middle, settling into the smooth wooden chair. His gaze swept the room, noting the varying expressions of those around him—some determined, others visibly anxious.
Across the room, Hóngshí Yú, the second son of the chief of Wàn Dú Shòu Lián, lounged in his seat with a smug expression. His fine robes and self-assured demeanor marked him as someone used to privilege.
Hǎiyáng's eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the subtle nod exchanged between Hóngshí Yú and Hóng Jiàn Yú.
The exam papers were distributed, and silence descended over the hall.
Hǎiyáng's eyes scanned the first question:
"Identify the distinguishing features of a Green-Ridged Lizard and its venomous counterpart, the Azure Spiked Lizard."
He smirked faintly. These were questions he had prepared for with BǎoBǎo's help.
As he wrote his answers with confident strokes, his mind raced through memories of late-night study sessions, pouring over every detail BǎoBǎo had drilled into him.
Meanwhile, across the room, Hóngshí Yú was scribbling away with equal confidence. But his smirk was not one of knowledge—it was the arrogance of someone who already knew the answers, courtesy of his connection to Hóng Jiàn Yú.
When the exam concluded, the papers were collected, and the participants filed out of the hall.
In the examiners' chamber, Hóng Jiàn Yú leaned over the stack of papers with a faint sneer. "Two perfect scores," Xuē Féng announced, his voice calm.
"Let me guess," Hóng Jiàn Yú muttered, already expecting one name.
"Hóngshí Yú," Lán Qí confirmed. "And… Hǎiyáng."
Hóng Jiàn Yú's hand tightened on the edge of the table. His lips curled into a thin smile that barely hid his irritation. Sharing first place was not part of the plan.
"Well," he said coldly, "let's see if this… Hǎiyáng can keep up in the next phase."
In the courtyard outside, Hǎiyáng stood quietly as the announcement echoed.
"The following twenty participants have advanced to the next phase…"
As his name was called, Hǎiyáng felt a quiet sense of pride. But his gaze flicked across the courtyard to find Hóngshí Yú glaring at him with a venomous smile—a look that promised that the worst was yet to come.
Second Phase - Herb Selection
The participants gathered in the courtyard, their names called one by one as they were assigned to separate rooms for the second phase of the exam. The air was heavy with anticipation, the low hum of whispered speculation filling the space.
Hǎiyáng tightened his grip on the strap of his bag, glancing briefly at the competitors around him. Some looked tense, their gazes darting nervously as their names were called. Others appeared more composed, their confidence like a shield.
"Hǎiyáng," a sharp voice called, pulling him from his thoughts.
Stepping forward, he followed a guild servant to his assigned room. The corridor leading there was dimly lit, the faint scent of herbs wafting through the air.
Inside the room, Xuē Féng, the scarred and stoic examiner, stood waiting. His expression was as unreadable as ever, his sharp eyes scanning Hǎiyáng as he entered.
"Sit," Xuē Féng instructed, gesturing to a small table in the center of the room. A wide basket of herbs sat atop it, their colors and textures a kaleidoscope of nature's bounty.
Hǎiyáng sat and adjusted his sleeves, feeling the faint, reassuring presence of BǎoBǎo's gaze.
"Your task is simple," Xuē Féng began. "From this basket, select the following herbs: Jiǔyè Lán, Xuán Qīng Cǎo, and Shēng Huí Jié. These are crucial for recovery and health. You must pick them with precision—mistakes will cost you."
Without hesitation, Hǎiyáng leaned forward, his hands moving deftly.
In another room, Hóng Jiàn Yú lounged in his chair, his posture casual as he addressed Hóngshí Yú.
"Young Master," he said smoothly, "no need to trouble yourself. I have ensured that everything is in order. Simply sit back, and I will handle it for you."
Hóngshí Yú smirked. "You've always been efficient, Uncle Jiàn Yú."
With practiced ease, Hóng Jiàn Yú selected the correct herbs from the basket before him, ensuring that the answers were perfect.
Meanwhile, back in Hǎiyáng's room, Xuē Féng watched silently as the boy worked.
"Jiǔyè Lán," Hǎiyáng murmured, carefully separating the herb with nine distinct, overlapping leaves. Its vibrant green hues shimmered faintly under the light.
Next came Xuán Qīng Cǎo, its deep blue stalks and faintly glowing tips unmistakable.
Finally, Shēng Huí Jié, a cluster of pale white buds with delicate red veins that resembled cracked porcelain.
Xuē Féng raised an eyebrow. "You're certain of your selections?"
"Yes," Hǎiyáng replied, his tone steady.
Xuē Féng nodded, his expression unreadable. "You're finished ?."
"It's only been thirty minutes," Hǎiyáng noted, glancing at the hourglass on the desk.
"You're fast," Xuē Féng admitted. "Most take hours."
Hours later, the participants gathered once more in the main hall, their faces a mix of exhaustion and apprehension. Hóngshí Yú strutted in confidently, casting a smug glance at Hǎiyáng.
Hóng Jiàn Yú stepped forward, a scroll in his hand.
"Before we announce the results, I have a concern," Hóng Jiàn Yú said, his voice smooth but sharp. "Given the unusual speed with which certain participants completed the task, we must ensure there has been no… undue assistance. I propose an additional test to confirm the results."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, confusion and unease spreading.
"An additional test?" Xuē Féng asked, his scarred face tightening.
"Yes," Hóng Jiàn Yú replied, his tone calm but insistent. "A more nuanced challenge. Let us test their ability to differentiate between traditional poisonous herbs and recovery herbs. It will ensure absolute fairness."
Reluctantly, Xuē Féng nodded.
Servants rushed in with trays laden with herbs, each carefully arranged in separate bundles.
"You will each be given ten herbs," Hóng Jiàn Yú announced. "Nine are poisonous and should be avoided at all costs. The tenth, however, is a unique herb—Shuāng Yào Zǐ. Its properties depend on its preparation: mishandled, it is lethal; prepared correctly, it becomes a potent recovery herb. Your task is to identify it correctly."
The participants stepped forward one by one, each given their tray.
Hǎiyáng's sharp eyes scanned the herbs before him:
The herbs included Dì Qiú Yào (Earth Poison Root), Wū Tóu (Monkshood), Láng Dù (Wolf's Poison), and other notorious toxins. Hǎiyáng's hands moved with confidence, quickly separating the poisonous herbs. Finally, he reached for "Shuāng Yào Zǐ". Its frosted surface was unmistakable, but he remembered BǎoBǎo's words clearly:
"Feel its stem. If it's brittle, it's poisoned. If it's firm, it's medicinal."
He pressed it gently, feeling the firm, cool texture beneath his fingers.
"This is it," he said quietly, setting it aside.
Hóngshí Yú, however, struggled despite Hóng Jiàn Yú's whispered hints. When the results were tallied, Hǎiyáng once again claimed the top spot, having perfectly identified all herbs, including the hybrid.
When the results were tallied, Hóngshí Yú was declared second place, but to the crowd's surprise, Hǎiyáng once again claimed the top rank.
Hóng Jiàn Yú's expression darkened as applause filled the hall. Hóngshí Yú's smirk faltered as his gaze locked with Hǎiyáng's calm yet unyielding eyes.
"This isn't over," Hóng Jiàn Yú murmured under his breath, his tone laced with venom.
As the crowd dispersed, murmuring about the results, Hóng Jiàn Yú led Hóngshí Yú to a quieter corner of the hall, away from prying eyes and ears. The young master's face was a storm of irritation, his usual smugness replaced with frustration.
"You're useless!" Hóngshí Yú snapped, his voice low but venomous. "How could you let this happen? First place should've been mine. I told Father you were the best man for the job, and you can't even rig a simple exam!"
Hóng Jiàn Yú bristled, his jaw tightening. "Young Master, everything was in place. I ensured your answers were perfect, and the extra test was designed to discredit that boy. But—"
"But nothing!" Hóngshí Yú interrupted, his face reddening with anger. "You said you'd handle it! How could you underestimate him? He's just some poor orphan with no backing, and yet he outsmarted us!"
Hóng Jiàn Yú clenched his fists, his voice growing sharper. "I wasn't wrong about the plan. That boy...he's not normal. No ordinary participant could have finished the herb identification so quickly or aced the secondary test with such precision."
Hóngshí Yú scoffed, his lip curling. "Excuses. My father doesn't tolerate excuses, and neither do I. You'd better fix this, or I'll make sure he knows about your... shortcomings."
Hóng Jiàn Yú's face darkened, a flicker of unease flashing in his eyes. "I will ensure he doesn't make it past the third phase, Young Master. Trust me, I'll find a way to end his little streak."
"You'd better," Hóngshí Yú hissed, stepping closer, his voice a cold whisper. "Or you'll find yourself demoted to guarding livestock in the countryside."
"You'd better," Hóngshí Yú hissed, stepping closer, his voice a cold whisper. "Or you'll find yourself demoted to guarding livestock in the countryside."
"See that you do," Hóngshí Yú sneered, turning on his heel and stalking away.
Left alone, Hóng Jiàn Yú's eyes narrowed, his thoughts racing.
"That boy is trouble. But I'll make sure his rise ends here. No one crosses my plans—not even you, Hǎiyáng."
The tension in the hall grew palpable as Hóng Jiàn Yú stepped onto the stage once again, his authoritative voice silencing the whispers among the remaining ten participants.
"The final phase of the certification exam will begin shortly," he announced, his tone firm but with an air of anticipation. "This phase consists of two parts. First, you must demonstrate your ability to fight and tame a beast. The second part will test your knowledge on how to evolve it. Today, we begin with the first part: taming a beast."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing.
"This test is not for the faint-hearted. Many of you may have mastered the theoretical knowledge of beasts—their types, behaviors, and weaknesses. Some of you excel in herbology and can heal and protect your beasts with precision. But none of that matters if you cannot tame them."
Hóng Jiàn Yú's sharp gaze scanned the participants.
"Taming a beast requires more than brute strength. It demands resilience, strategy, and an unshakable will. You will each face a simulated beast in an isolated room. Your task is to stay in the room as long as possible without being forcefully pulled out due to a simulated death. The maximum duration is two hours. Your rank will depend on how long you last."
Murmurs broke out among the participants, a mix of excitement and dread rippling through the group.
One participant, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, muttered to the person next to him, "Two hours? Sounds easy enough. How bad can a simulation be?"
His companion, a slender woman with sharp eyes, scoffed. "Don't underestimate it. They're using advanced techniques for these simulations. You won't just be fighting illusions—it will feel real. Pain, fatigue, even death. Trust me, I've been here before."
Nearby, Hóngshí Yú stood apart from the group, his arms crossed and a confident smirk on his face.
"I don't see what the fuss is about," he said loudly, ensuring everyone could hear him. "This is nothing for someone like me. My family has been taming beasts for generations. Let's see if any of you can even last half the time I do."
A few participants glared at him but said nothing. Others looked away, intimidated by his reputation as the young poison master of the Hóng family.
The first participant entered the simulation chamber, a compact room filled with glowing inscriptions and arrays. The walls shimmered as the beast materialized—a massive swamp serpent with glistening scales and fangs dripping with venom.
The man with the scar, now inside the room, drew his weapon—a heavy ax—and lunged at the beast. For a while, he held his ground, landing powerful blows and evading the serpent's strikes. But as time dragged on, the serpent's agility and relentless attacks wore him down. At the 45-minute mark, he was flung across the room, his simulated body going limp. The room reset, and he was pulled out, gasping for breath.
Next was the sharp-eyed woman. Her beast was a shadowy feline with razor-sharp claws and an eerie ability to vanish and reappear unpredictably. She relied on her speed and reflexes, managing to evade the beast's attacks for over an hour. But the constant pressure drained her stamina, and she was ultimately overwhelmed, pulled out at the 1-hour-and-10-minute mark.
One by one, the participants entered the chambers, each facing a different beast tailored to their abilities and weaknesses. Some barely lasted 30 minutes, while others pushed themselves past the hour mark.
Then came Hóngshí Yú's turn.
He stepped into his chamber with the air of a prince entering his court. The room shifted, and a hellish water beast materialized before him—a gigantic flying swordfish with razor-sharp fins and a glowing, blade-like snout. Its sheer size and speed made it a formidable opponent.
Hóngshí Yú smirked, drawing a pair of wickedly curved daggers. "A swordfish? How quaint."
The beast lunged at him, its snout slicing through the air like a blade. Hóngshí Yú dodged, his movements fluid and precise. He retaliated with a burst of poisonous mist from one of his daggers, momentarily disorienting the beast.
For the first hour, he held his ground, using his poison techniques to keep the beast at bay. But as time wore on, the swordfish's relentless speed and aggression began to take a toll. The beast adapted, its attacks becoming more unpredictable.
Sweat dripped down Hóngshí Yú's face as he narrowly avoided a devastating blow. He tried to land a finishing strike but miscalculated, leaving himself vulnerable. The beast seized the opportunity, striking him with its snout and sending him crashing into the wall.
At the 1-hour-and-55-minute mark, Hóngshí Yú was forcefully ejected from the chamber, his simulated body broken.
At the 1-hour-and-55-minute mark, Hóngshí Yú was forcefully ejected from the chamber, his simulated body broken.
"At least I lasted longer than anyone else," he said loudly, though his trembling hands betrayed his struggle.
The remaining participants looked on, some in awe, others silently relieved it wasn't their turn yet.
Hǎiyáng, standing near the back, watched the proceedings with a calm expression, his thoughts already preparing for his own turn.
As the murmurs and whispers died down, Hóng Jiàn Yú glanced at the remaining participants. His gaze landed on Hǎiyáng, who had stood silently throughout the phase, seemingly unfazed by the daunting tasks and fierce competition.
"Next, Hǎiyáng," Hóng Jiàn Yú called, his tone carrying a subtle challenge.
Hǎiyáng stepped forward, his expression neutral but his mind keenly focused. The other participants eyed him skeptically, some whispering among themselves.
"That kid? He's lasted this far? Must be beginner's luck," muttered a tall, wiry man.
"Don't underestimate him," the sharp-eyed woman said softly. "There's something different about that one."
Hóngshí Yú, standing nearby, scoffed loudly. "He won't last five minutes. Let's see how this 'nobody' handles a real challenge."
Ignoring the chatter, Hǎiyáng entered the simulation chamber. The moment the door closed behind him, the air grew thick with an almost tangible energy. The room shimmered, and a beast began to materialize before him.
This time, it was a Frost Fang Tiger—a majestic yet menacing creature with icy-blue fur that glowed faintly under the magical light. Its sharp claws glistened with frost, and its breath came out in visible puffs, chilling the air around it.
Hǎiyáng's eyes narrowed as he assessed the beast. The tiger prowled, its icy eyes locked onto him, exuding a predatory grace.
Outside the chamber, the participants leaned forward, eager to see how long the seemingly inexperienced boy would last.
"I'll give him ten minutes," Hóngshí Yú said with a smirk. "That tiger is no joke."
Hóng Jiàn Yú, arms crossed, remained silent, though a flicker of curiosity crossed his face.
Inside the chamber, Hǎiyáng moved cautiously, his body light on his feet. The tiger lunged, its massive claws slicing through the air. Hǎiyáng sidestepped swiftly, feeling the icy wind of its attack brush past him.
He didn't strike back immediately. Instead, he observed the tiger's movements, noting the rhythm of its attacks, the slight delay before it pounced, and the way its frost-coated fur shimmered when it prepared to unleash a freezing breath.
The tiger roared, unleashing a blast of icy wind. Hǎiyáng rolled to the side, avoiding the brunt of the attack, though a chill ran up his arm where the edge of the frost grazed him.
His mind raced as he recalled Gǒu Bǎohù Zhě's training. Stay calm. Look for the pattern. Every beast has a rhythm. Find it, and you'll find your opportunity.
Gradually, he began to counter the tiger's attacks, dodging with precision and using the environment to his advantage. He lured the tiger into lunging at a pillar, which crumbled under the beast's weight and momentarily disoriented it.
This was his chance.
Summoning his inner strength, Hǎiyáng moved swiftly, placing his hand gently on the tiger's head. He spoke calmly, his voice steady but firm.
"Calm down. I'm not your enemy."
The tiger growled but hesitated, its icy eyes meeting Hǎiyáng's gaze. There was a flicker of recognition, a moment of connection. Slowly, its growls subsided, and it lowered its head.
"Finally ! He can taste the real tense of our certification exam!"
Almost all examiners say it proudly in front of Hǎiyáng's monitor. They think that the first and second exam are very easy for Hǎiyáng. They then switch to other participant's monitor since they think Hǎiyáng will not able to finish this exam and soom pulled out from the simulated room.
The timer ticked down relentlessly as the other participants exited their simulation chambers one by one. Some stumbled out, drenched in sweat, their faces pale from the intense battles. Others were carried out unconscious by the guild's staff.
But Hǎiyáng? He was still inside.
The examiners exchanged uneasy glances as they monitored his chamber.
"Why is he still in there?" asked Lǐ Shàn Qí, one of the assistant examiners. His weathered face betrayed a mix of confusion and suspicion.
"He must be struggling," Hóng Jiàn Yú interjected with a smirk, leaning back in his chair. "The boy probably doesn't know when to quit."
However, the monitor showed something unusual. At first, the Frost Fang Tiger roared and lunged ferociously at Hǎiyáng. But after a few minutes, the aggression vanished. Instead of battle sounds, there was...silence.
The tiger appeared calm, sitting in front of Hǎiyáng.
"What's he doing?" Lǐ Shàn Qí squinted at the screen. "Is he...talking to it?"
The other examiner, Mù Jiǎo Huá, tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Wait. Look. He's applying potions to the beast's wounds. Is this some kind of joke? Why isn't the beast attacking him anymore?"
The room fell silent as the examiners stared at the screen.
Lǐ Shàn Qí then burst into laughter. "Of course! The beast must be a low-rank reject. No wonder that weakling is still in there!"
But murmurs among the other participants quickly refuted his claim.
Gasps filled the room.
As the timer approached the two-hour mark, Hóng Jiàn Yú's irritation boiled over.
"This is impossible," he muttered under his breath after going out from the rest room. Then, louder, he burst into rage, "Hǎiyáng! You must have cheated! That's an SSS-level Frost Fang Tiger !
"What are you implying?" Lǐ Shàn Qí asked, his brows furrowing.
"I'm saying," Hóng Jiàn Yú declared, "that he used prohibited affirmation herbs or potions! There's no way he could have tamed an SSS-level beast without them."
Gasps rippled through the room.
"Affirmation herbs? That's a serious accusation," Mù Jiǎo Huá said, her tone icy.
"If we're questioning methods," Lǐ Shàn Qí retorted sharply, "how do you know the beast was SSS-level? The monitors don't display rank during the simulation."
The room fell into a fierce debate. "How do you know, Jiàn Yú? Answer us !"
Before the tension could escalate further, the heavy wooden doors at the back of the hall creaked open, revealing a tall, elderly man with a commanding presence. His flowing robe bore the insignia of the Snow Water Certification Guild, and beside him prowled a massive Witch Fox with golden eyes that seemed to pierce the soul.
"Enough!" the man's voice rang out.
The room froze.
"It seems this commotion requires my attention," the Chief declared, his voice calm but firm. He approached the gathered examiners, his Witch Fox at his side. "Who will explain this mess to me?"
Hóng Jiàn Yú faltered under the Chief's stern gaze but quickly recovered. "Chief Huáng Láng, I suspect this boy of cheating. He must have used affirmation herbs—"
Chief Huáng Láng raised a hand, silencing Hóng Jiàn Yú with an authoritative gesture. "And how do you know the beast's rank without a monitor, Jiàn Yú?"
The room fell into an eerie hush as Chief Huáng's Witch Fox stepped forward. Its sleek silver-white fur shimmered faintly, and its nine tails, tipped in obsidian black, fanned out behind it like a dark omen. Known as Mò Xié, the Witch Fox of Shadows, its mere presence was enough to make even the boldest quake.
"Do it," Huáng Láng commanded softly, his voice brimming with an almost predatory calm.
Mò Xié's golden eyes began to glow, a hypnotic, otherworldly light that seemed to pierce directly into the soul. The air grew colder, and a ripple of palpable energy swept through the room as the fox activated its magical lie-detection skill, Zhēn Yǎn Zhī Guāng, the Light of Truth.
The magic worked like a siphon, wrapping around its target's mind and stripping away layers of deception. To Hóng Jiàn Yú, it felt like invisible claws raking through his thoughts, peeling back his defenses. Every hidden intent, every buried secret, was laid bare.
The Chief's connection to Mò Xié allowed him to receive fragments of what the fox uncovered. Whispers of conspiracies, flashes of clandestine meetings, and the dark insignia of the Hong family flickered in his mind like a damning slideshow.
All at once, Chief Huáng's face twisted, his expression darkening into something almost monstrous. The calm, collected façade gave way to a ferocious storm of anger. His normally composed voice dropped to a menacing growl. "Jiàn Yú…"
Mò Xié's fur bristled, its posture shifting into battle mode. Its tails lashed menacingly, and its claws clicked against the stone floor. A low, guttural snarl escaped its throat, ready to pounce at its master's word.
Hóng Jiàn Yú stumbled backward, his face ashen. His bravado crumbled under the suffocating weight of the fox's truth-detection aura. "I-I can explain!" he stammered, his voice cracking with panic.
"Explain?" Chief Huáng's voice thundered. "You've been colluding with the Hong family, haven't you? Mò Xié has confirmed it. How dare you abuse your position as an examiner for your family's filthy schemes?"
"N-no! It's not what it looks like! I—"
"Silence!" Chief Huáng barked, his tone sharp enough to cut through steel. His gaze burned with righteous fury. "Guards! Arrest him!"
The guards, who had been standing frozen in fear of Mò Xié, sprang into action. They seized Hóng Jiàn Yú, whose protests devolved into incoherent babbling.
As they dragged him away, Mò Xié stepped back to its master's side, its golden eyes still glowing faintly. The room buzzed with tension, the lingering aura of its magic leaving everyone unsettled.
Chief Huáng Láng exhaled sharply, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "This betrayal will not go unanswered. The Hong family will pay for their corruption. But first, I will ensure this certification process remains untainted."
Mò Xié let out a satisfied growl, its tails curling around its body as it sat by its master's side, a silent sentinel of justice.
"Guards, arrest Hóng Jiàn Yú !"
Hǎiyáng stepped out of the chamber at last, his expression calm and composed.
The Frost Fang Tiger stayed behind, gazing at him with what seemed like a mix of respect and gratitude.
The other participants turned toward Hǎiyáng, confused.
Without further waiting, Chief Huáng directly turned to Hǎiyáng soon after he dealed with Hóng Jiàn Yú.
"You," he said, his expression softening. "Come with me."
The Chief led Hǎiyáng into a secluded chamber, its walls inscribed with powerful runes that shimmered faintly. "This room is impenetrable," the Chief explained. "No one can hear or interfere with our conversation. Even Mò Xié, my fox, cannot enter this room, nor listening to our conversation"
Inside, Chief Huáng gestured for Hǎiyáng to sit. "Now, tell me how you managed to tame that beast."
Hǎiyáng hesitated before reaching into his satchel. He produced several letters, each bearing the seals of high-ranking figures: Xuě Jīnyú, Xuě Shā, Xuě Jīn Mán, and Doctor Bái Yīzhēn.
The Chief's eyes widened as he read them, pausing at Doctor Bái Yīzhēn's personal note.
"A partner? At your age?" the Chief muttered, a flicker of respect crossing his face.
Hǎiyáng nodded. "Doctor Bái trusted me to handle cases alongside him. That experience prepared me for today."
The Chief studied him for a long moment before standing.
The heavy barrier around the room dissolved as the Chief and Hǎiyáng stepped out.
The hall, still buzzing with speculation, fell silent.
"I have reviewed the situation," Chief Huáng announced, his voice cutting through the air. "Hǎiyáng has presented not one but four letters of recommendation from esteemed individuals. He does not need to complete the remaining phases of this exam. His certification is hereby granted."
The room erupted in murmurs.
"What?" Hóngshí Yú protested. "That's not fair—"
"Silence," the Chief commanded, his Witch Fox stepping forward with a low growl. "You, too, will face questioning regarding your collusion with Hóng Jiàn Yú."
Guards approached Hóngshí Yú, and he shrank back in fear.
As the Chief handed Hǎiyáng his certification, he spoke softly, "You've earned this. Prove to everyone that their doubts were unfounded."
Hǎiyáng bowed deeply, clutching the certification tightly. This was only the beginning. He then left the building immediately without waiting for the rest participants to finish the last phase that he did not need to attend.
After the exam ended and ensuring the hall was cleared, Chief Huáng Láng turned to his Witch Fox, which had been silently observing the entire day. Its golden eyes gleamed with mischief, reflecting its master's cunning thoughts.
"You've seen what I've seen, haven't you?" the Chief muttered, his voice low. "Hǎiyáng isn't just talented—he's a prodigy. But what happened with that SSS-level beast isn't normal. I need to know more, and who better to ask than his old mentor, Doctor Bái Yīzhēn?"
The fox let out a soft chuff, swishing its tail as if in agreement.
Without hesitation, Chief Huáng summoned his guards and prepared to visit his favorite noodle stall in downtown Snow Water City. Nestled between bustling market stalls, the quaint eatery was known for its mouthwatering hand-pulled noodles and flavorful broths.
Bái Yīzhēn was already waiting when the Chief arrived, seated at a modest table near the corner. His white coat bore faint smudges from a long day's work, and his sharp eyes carried an air of cautious curiosity.
"Huáng Láng," he greeted, folding his arms. "What is this about? You pull me out of my hospital, disrupt my evening, and drag me here. I assume it's important."
The Chief chuckled, settling into his seat and signaling for two bowls of their finest noodles. "Some truths require the right setting. Besides, we haven't shared a meal in ages."
Moments later, steaming bowls of noodles arrived, the rich aroma of broth mingling with the sharp tang of spring onions. The Chief wasted no time digging in, but his sharp gaze never left Bái Yīzhēn.
"Let me get straight to the point," Huáng Láng said between bites. "Your protégé, Hǎiyáng—can he talk to beasts?"
The doctor froze mid-slurp, his expression carefully neutral. "And why would you think that?"
"Because what I saw today defies explanation," the Chief replied, his tone sharpening. "That boy didn't just tame an SSS-level Frost Fang Tiger—he bonded with it. Don't try to tell me it was luck or skill alone."
Bái Yīzhēn set down his chopsticks, his gaze hardening. "Hǎiyáng is exceptional. But you know better than to meddle where you don't belong, Huáng."
Flashback,
earlier that evening, just as Bái Yīzhēn prepared to leave the hospital, he was stopped by an unlikely source of advice: BǎoBǎo, Hǎiyáng's loyal protector.
The doberman beast had overheard fragments of the Chief's message while lounging in the hospital's lower ground—a space that doubled as his dwelling and storage for medicinal herbs.
BǎoBǎo padded over, his intelligent eyes fixed on the doctor. "Doctor Bái," he began, his deep, rumbling voice carrying a hint of urgency, "if you're heading to meet the Chief, you should take something with you—a safeguard."
The doctor raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, BǎoBǎo?"
"The Chief's Witch Fox can compel honesty," BǎoBǎo explained. "But there's a way to shield yourself from its magic. Bring some Dǎn Zhū Gāo—Coptis chinensis.
It heightens focus and sharpens the mind, making it harder for external forces to manipulate you. If you can maintain calm, the fox won't be able to pierce your defenses."
"The Chief's Witch Fox can compel honesty," BǎoBǎo explained. "But there's a way to shield yourself from its magic. Bring some Dǎn Zhū Gāo—Coptis chinensis. It heightens focus and sharpens the mind, making it harder for external forces to manipulate you. If you can maintain calm, the fox won't be able to pierce your defenses."
BǎoBǎo wagged his tail. "Just be careful. Some secrets are better left buried."
Back at the noodle stall, Huáng Láng's Witch Fox leapt onto the table, its golden eyes locking onto the doctor. The room seemed to tense as the fox's aura filled the space, its magic brushing against Bái Yīzhēn's mind.
But the doctor remained unshaken, his calm demeanor unbroken. The effects of the Dǎn Zhū Gāo coursed through him, sharpening his focus and allowing him to resist the fox's probing gaze.
Huáng Láng's expression darkened. He had expected his fox to extract the truth effortlessly, but the doctor's composure was impenetrable.
"Huáng," Bái Yīzhēn said evenly, his voice steady, while still enjoying his noodle"some secrets are meant to be buried forever. Meddling too much might uncover things you'd rather not know."
The Chief frowned, recognizing the subtle warning in the doctor's words. Yet, he couldn't shake his curiosity.
"You're a difficult man, Bái Yīzhēn," Huáng Láng muttered, leaning back with a resigned chuckle. "But I respect your resolve—for now."
The doctor offered a small smile, picking up his chopsticks again. "Good. Now, let's finish our noodles before they get cold."
The two then separated. One with a delight, one with an anger.
As the Chief exited the noodle stall, his mind raced with unanswered questions. The Witch Fox padded silently at his side, its tail flicking in irritation.
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Huáng Láng murmured, glancing at his companion. "But something tells me this isn't the end of the story."
"Well, that didn't go as planned," Huáng Láng murmured, glancing at his companion. "But something tells me this isn't the end of the story."
--------------------------------------End of Chapter 7------------------------------