Part 1: Routine Days Before the Exam
The weeks following the dungeon incident were uneventful for most of Snow Water City. Yet, the city buzzed with whispers about the mysterious event, the evolving dungeon, and the lone adventurer who had survived it. None knew the truth, but the incident had cast a shadow over the city's tamers, leaving them hesitant to explore dungeons.
Hǎiyáng, however, seemed unbothered. His days were simple: tending to the sick beasts that arrived at his clinic, training with BǎoBǎo and Mǔmǔ, and refining his skills in private.
Xiǎolóng, on the other hand, acted more like a carefree child than a fearsome beast. At dawn, he darted after butterflies in the fields, his tiny claws tapping against the soft earth. By twilight, he chased fireflies, his radiant scales glowing faintly in the dim light. Sometimes, he'd sit by the river, shooting pebbles at fish to scare them. At night, he curled up by Hǎiyáng, snoring softly like a contented kitten.
BǎoBǎo watched him with a mix of amusement and unease. "Master," he said one evening, "don't let his antics fool you. That little one carries immense power. If someone recognizes him..."
"I know," Hǎiyáng replied, his tone light. "But he's still young. Let him enjoy this peace while it lasts."
Despite the routine, an air of anticipation lingered. The city's final tamer exam loomed closer, and everyone knew this year's results could shape the future of Snow Water City's tamers.
Part 2: The Bet
The day of the final city exam dawned with crisp morning air and a bustling energy that filled Snow Water City. Students from all walks of life converged on the examination grounds, the vibrant sounds of beasts mingling with the excited chatter of young tamers.
In the VIP section, Xuě Jīn Mán stood stoically, his hands clasped behind his back, observing the preparations. His calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the undercurrent of tension as he exchanged pleasantries with Liu Shénlóng, the headmaster of Blue River Beast Fighting School.
Liu Shénlóng had always been a man of swagger and arrogance, his sharp features accentuated by his confident smirk. Today, that smirk was directed squarely at Xuě Jīn Mán.
"You know, Xuě," Liu began, his voice dripping with condescension, "I've heard rumors about this exam. Something about an XF tamer in your ranks? Quite the anomaly, isn't it?"
Xuě Jīn Mán met his rival's gaze without flinching. "Anomaly or not, every student here has potential. It's the responsibility of an educator to bring that potential to light."
Xuě Jīn Mán met his rival's gaze without flinching. "Anomaly or not, every student here has potential. It's the responsibility of an educator to bring that potential to light."
Xuě Jīn Mán raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Liu's smirk widened. "A bet. If one of your students tops the provincial exam, I'll join your school as a teacher. But if they don't... you'll call me Grandpa Liu every time we meet."
The challenge hung in the air like a thundercloud. Xuě Jīn Mán knew the stakes were high. Being forced to address Liu Shénlóng with such deference would be a blow to his pride, not to mention the reputation of Snow Water School. But he also recognized an opportunity to prove the worth of his students, particularly Hǎiyáng.
"Deal," Xuě Jīn Mán said, his voice steady.
The exchange caught the attention of the students nearby, including Xuě Fú Fèn. Her sharp ears picked up every word, and her expression darkened.
"That arrogant man dares to insult Uncle Xuě?" she muttered under her breath, clenching her fists. "I'll make sure he regrets underestimating us."
Lu Rè Jīng, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow. "Are you planning to punch him yourself or just outscore his students?" he teased, munching on a steamed bun.
"Both, if I have to," Xuě Fú Fèn shot back, her determination blazing in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Hǎiyáng stood quietly at the edge of the field, Mǔmǔ hovering beside him. He wasn't oblivious to the whispers and sidelong glances directed his way.
"That's the XF tamer," someone sneered. "What's he doing here?"
"He's just a fluke. Probably bribed his way in," another added, laughing.
Hǎiyáng's jaw tightened, but he kept his focus on Mǔmǔ, who bobbed reassuringly by his side.
As the exam began, the air buzzed with anticipation. Students were called up one by one to showcase their skills, their beasts standing proudly beside them.
From the VIP section, Liu Shénlóng observed the proceedings with a critical eye. He leaned toward Xuě Jīn Mán, his tone mocking. "Let's see if your precious students can handle the pressure."
Xuě Jīn Mán didn't respond, his attention fixed on the field.
When Hǎiyáng's name was called, a ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.
"Finally, the fluke gets his turn."
"This will be good," someone said with a smirk.
As Hǎiyáng stepped onto the stage, Liu Shénlóng couldn't resist a jab. "Let's hope your XF tamer doesn't break another pillar," he said loudly, eliciting chuckles from the spectators.
Part 3: The First Phase
Xuě Fú Fèn bristled at the comment, her hands balling into fists. Lu Rè Jīng placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Let him talk," he said quietly. "Hǎiyáng will show them."
Hǎiyáng raised his hand.
"Mǔmǔ,come forth!"
Hǎiyáng stood tall on the stage, his expression calm despite the sneers and mocking laughter coming from the audience. Mǔmǔ floated beside him, her translucent, jelly-like body glinting faintly in the sunlight.
The head examiner, a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze and an air of self-importance, called out the rules. "Each candidate is required to summon their beast and strike the scoring pillar with their combined strength. The score will appear shortly afterward."
Hǎiyáng glanced at Mǔmǔ, who bobbed in response, her tentacles twitching slightly as if ready for action.
"Let's see if this 'XF tamer' can even make the pillar register a score," muttered an examiner with the surname Dú. He leaned over to another examiner surnamed Hóngshí and whispered, "We've sabotaged the first pillar. There's no way he can show anything beyond XF again."
Hóngshí smirked. "Let's enjoy the show."
Mǔmǔ nodded—or as much as a jellyfish could nod—and began to glow faintly.
As soon as the words left his lips, the air around them shifted.
A soft ripple of water appeared beneath their feet, spreading outward and soaking the stage. The audience gasped as the moisture thickened into a flood, covering the platform in a glistening layer of water. Then, without warning, the water evaporated in a surge of heat, steam rising around them and obscuring their forms.
"What's happening?" someone shouted, their voice tinged with awe.
The stage dried rapidly, only for a whirlwind of sand and dust to swirl around Hǎiyáng and Mǔmǔ. The audience shielded their eyes as the sandstorm gave way to flashes of lightning and gusts of wind.
"Is this some kind of phenomenon?" Xuě Jīn Mán murmured from the VIP section, his brow furrowing in intrigue.
Even Liu Shénlóng leaned forward, his earlier smirk replaced by a look of curiosity.
Finally, the storm subsided, leaving a faint scent of fresh grass lingering in the air. When the dust settled, Mǔmǔ floated serenely beside Hǎiyáng, her translucent form unbothered by the spectacle.
"Now, strike the pillar!" Dú barked, his voice laced with impatience.
Hǎiyáng nodded and gestured for Mǔmǔ. She moved forward, her tentacles curling slightly as if in preparation.
With a swift motion, Mǔmǔ extended one of her tentacles and struck the pillar. A loud crack echoed through the field as the stone trembled under the force of her hit.
The crowd held their breath, waiting for the score to appear. But instead of numbers, the pillar began to crack further, lines of light snaking across its surface.
"What's happening to the pillar?" an examiner exclaimed, his voice rising in panic.
"It's... breaking?" another stammered.
With a deafening *BOOM*, the pillar shattered into countless fragments, sending shards flying in all directions. The audience screamed and ducked for cover, while Hǎiyáng calmly shielded Mǔmǔ with his arm.
Dú and Hóngshí exchanged horrified glances. "How is this possible?" Dú whispered, his face pale.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Hóngshí muttered, sweat beading on his forehead.
In the VIP section, Xuě Shā rose from his seat, his eyes narrowing. "What kind of beast is that?" he murmured.
Xuě Fú Fèn, watching from the sidelines, couldn't hide her smirk. "That's my classmate," she said proudly.
The examiners quickly wheeled in a second scoring tool—a towering pillar designed to measure up to 10,000 points. "Try again!" Hóngshí barked, his tone frantic.
The examiners quickly wheeled in a second scoring tool—a towering pillar designed to measure up to 10,000 points. "Try again!" Hóngshí barked, his tone frantic.
Mǔmǔ floated forward, her tentacle extending once more. With a flick, she struck the second pillar.
The pillar vibrated, its surface glowing as numbers began to appear. But before the score could fully materialize, the pillar exploded in a shower of light, leaving nothing but rubble behind.
The audience was in an uproar, their voices blending into a cacophony of disbelief and awe.
"This is insane!" someone shouted.
"Two pillars... destroyed?"
As the examiners scrambled to bring in a third scoring tool, a massive statue capable of absorbing up to one million points, Mǔmǔ floated back to Hǎiyáng, her tentacles twitching as if to say, "Was that too much?"
"It's okay, Mǔmǔ," Hǎiyáng said reassuringly. "We'll try one last time."
But before Mǔmǔ could move forward, Xiǎolóng suddenly appeared, his small form glowing faintly. Without waiting for instructions, he lunged at the statue, his tiny claws striking its base with surprising force.
The statue didn't stand a chance. With a resounding *CRASH*, it disintegrated into dust, leaving the audience in stunned silence.
The result was undeniable: Hǎiyáng had scored one million points, far surpassing any other candidate.
Part 4: Second Phase
The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the second phase of the exam was announced. This part tested each tamer's ability to defeat as many beasts as possible within one hour. Candidates and their tamed beasts would enter an enclosed simulated environment, where beasts generated by the system would emerge in waves, increasing in strength and number over time.
Hǎiyáng stood quietly at the edge of the staging area, his arms crossed as he listened to the examiners explain the rules. Mǔmǔ floated beside him, her translucent body shimmering faintly. Xiǎolóng sat on the ground nearby, idly chewing on a rock, his tail twitching in contentment.
"Remember, the more beasts you defeat, the higher your score," one examiner emphasized.
Xuě Fú Fèn glanced at Hǎiyáng from a few paces away, her Snow-White Manta circling above her gracefully. "What's your plan, Hǎiyáng?" she asked, her tone curious.
Hǎiyáng shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Let's see how things unfold."
The first group entered the simulation, their beasts charging into battle as the audience watched through a large viewing screen. Beasts of various shapes
and sizes materialized from glowing portals, their roars echoing through the enclosed arena.
The crowd cheered as Xuě Kǒngquè, the second-ranked candidate, unleashed her Snow Peacock's devastating feather-arrow attack, taking down a wave of beasts with precision. Nearby, Dú Hǎi Mán's Poison Water Lizard slithered across the field, its venomous tail lashing out at anything that moved.
When it was Hǎiyáng's turn, the examiners leaned forward in their seats, their eyes narrowing in anticipation.
Hǎiyáng stepped into the simulation area, Mǔmǔ floating beside him with her usual calm demeanor. Xiǎolóng followed, his small frame practically bouncing with energy.
The first wave of beasts appeared—small, rabbit-like creatures with glowing eyes and sharp teeth. They surged forward in a frenzy, their numbers overwhelming.
Hǎiyáng didn't even flinch. "Mǔmǔ, let's start simple," he said casually.
Mǔmǔ extended a single tentacle, her translucent body glowing faintly. With a gentle wave, she released a cloud of shimmering mist. The rabbits froze mid-charge, their glowing eyes dulling as they crumpled to the ground, paralyzed by Mǔmǔ's poison.
The crowd gasped. "What kind of jellyfish is that?" someone whispered.
Without missing a beat, Xiǎolóng darted forward, his tiny claws slashing through the incapacitated rabbits with surprising efficiency. He worked methodically, as if tidying up after Mǔmǔ's attack.
By the time the second wave appeared—larger, wolf-like beasts with glowing fangs—the audience was transfixed.
"Xiǎolóng, you take the left," Hǎiyáng instructed, his voice calm. "Mǔmǔ, the right."
Xiǎolóng let out a playful growl and charged at the wolves, his small size belying his ferocity. He leapt onto one wolf's back, his claws digging in as he bit down on its neck. The wolf let out a strangled yelp before collapsing.
"What kind of beast is that?" Is it a dragon or Giraffe? Or Giraffe with dragon head? gasped Someone. Others replied, "It's okay. Its size is too small!"
Xiǎolóng let out a playful growl and charged at the wolves, his small size belying his ferocity. He leapt onto one wolf's back, his claws digging in as he bit down on its neck. The wolf let out a strangled yelp before collapsing.
By the third wave, which consisted of towering bear-like creatures with glowing red eyes, the crowd was on their feet.
"What is this?" Xuě Shā murmured, his eyes narrowing as he watched Hǎiyáng coordinate his beasts with ease.
"This isn't the performance of an XF Tamer," Xuě Jīn Mán said quietly, his expression thoughtful.
Xiǎolóng seemed to grow more excited with each passing wave, his small frame darting from one bear to the next. He moved with incredible speed, his claws and teeth tearing through the beasts as if they were made of paper.
Mǔmǔ, on the other hand, remained composed, her attacks precise and calculated. She released a cloud of poison that immobilized the bears, allowing Xiǎolóng to finish them off effortlessly.
The crowd erupted into cheers as the timer hit zero, signaling the end of the second phase.
When the results were displayed, Hǎiyáng's score was astronomical, far surpassing any other candidate. The audience was stunned into silence, their disbelief palpable.
The director of the exam, Lee Qínshēng, exchanged a glance with his examiners. "We need to review the footage," he said gravely.
In the viewing room, the director and his team replayed Hǎiyáng's performance, their expressions growing more incredulous with each passing moment.
"What kind of beasts are those?" one examiner asked, his voice tinged with awe.
"We did not have any registration of a dragon, giraffe, or whatever it is, including a beast named Xiǎolóng," another pointed out.
The director frowned. "We'll need to address this during the third phase," he said firmly.
In the audience, Liu Shénlóng stood abruptly, his face dark with anger. "This is unacceptable," he growled. "The regulations clearly state that all beasts must be registered prior to the exam."
Xuě Jīn Mán turned to face him, his expression calm but steely. "The director will handle it," he said evenly. "Sit down, Liu."
Liu Shénlóng glared at Xuě Jīn Mán but reluctantly returned to his seat.
Meanwhile, Hǎiyáng exited the simulation area, his expression serene despite the chaos unfolding around him. Mǔmǔ floated beside him, her tentacles twitching slightly, while Xiǎolóng trotted at his heels, his tail wagging like an excited puppy.
Xuě Fú Fèn approached him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Hǎiyáng... what just happened?"
Hǎiyáng smiled faintly. "Too many beasts. We did our best," he said simply.
Part 5: The Third Phase
As the candidates gathered to form their teams, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and tension. The ranking from the earlier phases had already created clear divisions among the students.
Hǎiyáng's team was a source of particular interest. Xuě Fú Fèn and Lu Rè Jīng, his steadfast friends, were obvious choices, but the surprise came when Xuě Kǒngquè, the second-ranked candidate, approached him.
Xuě Kǒngquè's Snow Peacock was famous for its devastating feather-arrow attacks, and her reputation as a perfectionist with a fierce competitive streak was well known. She rarely worked with others, preferring to rely on her own strength. Her decision to join Hǎiyáng's team raised eyebrows.
"I'll join your team," Xuě Kǒngquè announced, her tone confident but her eyes curious as she glanced at Xuě Fú Fèn. "I'm curious why you, of all people, are sticking to him."
Xuě Fú Fèn's cheeks flushed, but she straightened her posture, her expression defiant. "You'll see soon enough."
Lu Rè Jīng, standing nearby, raised an eyebrow at the exchange but said nothing. He simply adjusted his pack and grinned at Hǎiyáng. "Looks like we've got an interesting group, eh?"
Hǎiyáng nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Let's make the most of it."
When their team stepped onto the platform that would transport them to the simulated dungeon, the air was charged with anticipation. The system calculated their combined scores, and a collective gasp rippled through the audience as the results flashed on the screen:
"Calamity-Level Dungeon"
The room fell silent. A calamity-level dungeon was unheard of in city exams. The system had never generated one in decades, and the implications were staggering.
Xuě Kǒngquè's confident facade faltered. "Calamity-level? Are they serious?"
Xuě Fú Fèn frowned, gripping her sword tightly. "We've got this. Just stay focused."
Lu Rè Jīng chuckled nervously. "Great. No pressure, right?"
Hǎiyáng remained calm, his eyes scanning the environment as the simulation began. They were transported to a sprawling island surrounded by turbulent waters. The terrain was dense with vegetation, and the air buzzed with an eerie energy.
The first wave of beasts emerged from the water—hundreds of fish-like creatures with razor-sharp teeth and glowing red eyes. They launched themselves out of the waves in a frenzy, their jaws snapping hungrily.
"Lu, barrier!" Hǎiyáng ordered.
Lu Rè Jīng's Hot Whale surged forward, creating a shimmering water barrier that shielded the team from the initial onslaught. However, the sheer number of beasts was overwhelming, and the barrier began to crack under the pressure.
"We need to thin them out!" Xuě Fú Fèn shouted, unsheathing her sword. With a swift motion, she unleashed a wave of icy energy that froze a section of the attacking fish.
Not to be outdone, Xuě Kǒngquè summoned her Snow Peacock, which launched a barrage of feather-arrows that pierced through the frozen fish, shattering them into shards.
Despite their efforts, more fish continued to swarm. The team's movements became frantic as they struggled to keep up with the relentless waves.
Hǎiyáng observed the chaos with a sharp eye, his mind racing. "Mǔmǔ, your turn," he said quietly.
Mǔmǔ floated forward, her translucent body glowing faintly. With a gentle wave of her tentacles, she released a cloud of shimmering poison that spread across the battlefield. The fish convulsed and fell lifeless into the water, the poison's effects swift and devastating.
The team stared in awe as the once-overwhelming wave of beasts was reduced to nothing.
"You've been holding back, haven't you?" Xuě Kǒngquè said, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and suspicion.
Hǎiyáng shrugged. "We're just getting started."
Before the team could catch their breath, a low rumble shook the island. The ground beneath them trembled as a massive, electric moray eel burst from the water, its body crackling with energy.
"What is that?!" Lu Rè Jīng yelled, his voice panicked.
Hǎiyáng's eyes narrowed. "That's not part of the simulation. Assasins?"
Xuě Fú Fèn launched a series of icy strikes, but the eel's thick hide absorbed the attacks with ease. Xuě Kǒngquè's Snow Peacock attempted to blind the creature with a flurry of feathers, but the eel retaliated with a surge of electricity that sent the peacock reeling.
As the team struggled, a new threat emerged. Hidden among the dense vegetation, Dú Hǎi Mán and his poison water lizard revealed themselves, their presence unmistakable.
"This isn't just a test," Xuě Fú Fèn said, her voice low and furious. "They're sabotaging us."
Dú Hǎi Mán smirked, his lizard forward menacingly. "You've had your fun, but this is where it ends."
Mǔmǔ acted with lightning speed, her tentacles extending to intercept the attackers. Within seconds, the assassins were immobilized, their bodies covered in a shimmering, rainbow-colored film—a sign of Mǔmǔ's potent poison.
Dú Hǎi Mán's smirk faltered as he watched his allies fall effortlessly. "What... what is that jellyfish?" he stammered.
Hǎiyáng stepped forward, his expression calm but cold. "You shouldn't have come here."
With a flick of his wrist, he signaled Xiǎolóng. The small dragon's playful demeanor vanished as he charged at Dú Hǎi Mán's lizard, his claws and teeth tearing through its defenses with ease.
Dú Hǎi Mán fell to his knees, his face pale with fear. "This... this isn't possible..."
Hǎiyáng turned away, his voice steady. "We're done here.
The team barely had time to breathe after defeating Dú Hǎi Mán and his Poison Water Lizard when the air in the dungeon shifted. A strange, ethereal melody filled the space, carrying with it a hypnotic quality that sent shivers down Hǎiyáng's spine.
"What's that sound?" Xuě Fú Fèn murmured, her expression softening unnaturally as her grip on her weapon slackened.
Before anyone could answer, the source of the melody appeared. A massive mermaid-like figure emerged from the depths of the dungeon, her scales shimmering with an otherworldly light. Her voice carried the tune, but her smile was anything but friendly.
The mermaid began to sing, her haunting voice weaving an irresistible spell over the team. Xuě Kǒngquè and her Snow Peacock faltered, their usually sharp movements becoming sluggish. Lu Rè Jīng's Hot Whale lowered its barrier, swaying as though entranced by the melody. Even Xuě Fú Fèn's Snow Manta, usually alert and poised, drifted closer to the mermaid, as if beckoned by an unseen force.
"Stop!" Hǎiyáng shouted, his voice cutting through the enchantment like a whip. But his teammates were beyond hearing him.
"Stop!" Hǎiyáng shouted, his voice cutting through the enchantment like a whip. But his teammates were beyond hearing him. Xuě Fú Fèn, Xuě Kǒngquè, Lu Rè Jīng, and their beasts were caught in the maelstrom, spinning helplessly.
"Damn it!" Hǎiyáng growled, his fists clenching.
Dú Hǎi Mán, still groaning from his earlier defeat, was also caught in the whirlwind alongside his Poison Water Lizard. His face twisted in panic as he realized the implications. The dungeon system would expel anyone incapacitated for too long.
With a final scream of frustration, Dú Hǎi Mán and his lizard were ejected from the dungeon, disappearing in flashes of light.
Hǎiyáng's heart raced as he looked at the tornado threatening to eject his own team. Mǔmǔ floated closer to him, her glowing tentacles twitching nervously. Even Xiǎolóng, who had been playful throughout the dungeon, stood unusually still, his tiny body tense.
"We can't lose them," Hǎiyáng muttered, his mind racing for a solution.
As if hearing his master's desperation, Xiǎolóng let out a low growl. His small frame began to shimmer, his scales glowing faintly before bursting into brilliant light.
"Xiǎolóng?" Hǎiyáng whispered, stunned.
In an instant, Xiǎolóng's body expanded, his form transforming into a majestic adult dragon. His serpentine body gleamed with water-like translucence, and his claws and teeth exuded an aura of raw power.
Hǎiyáng and Mǔmǔ could only watch in awe as Xiǎolóng roared, his voice shaking the dungeon walls. The mermaid faltered, her melody breaking for a split second.
Xiǎolóng seized the opportunity, opening his massive jaws and releasing a torrent of water from his mouth.
The water cannon collided with the tornado, shattering it with overwhelming force. The swirling winds dissipated, and the enchanted team members were flung out in all directions.
Xuě Fú Fèn tumbled to the ground, groaning as she rubbed her head. Xuě Kǒngquè and her Snow Peacock landed in a heap, feathers flying everywhere. Lu Rè Jīng wasn't as lucky—he slammed into the dungeon wall with a resounding thud, sliding down to the ground in a daze.
"You okay?" Hǎiyáng called out as he ran to help his friends.
"I'll live," Lu Rè Jīng grumbled, wincing as he stood. "But I think my pride took more damage than my body."
The others regrouped quickly, their gazes darting between Xiǎolóng and the now-exposed mermaid.
"Is that really Xiǎolóng?" Xuě Fú Fèn whispered, her voice tinged with awe.
Before anyone could respond, the mermaid hissed, her once-hypnotic demeanor replaced by fear. Without her spell, she was vulnerable, and the team wasn't about to let her escape.
"Mǔmǔ," Hǎiyáng said calmly, nodding toward the mermaid.
Mǔmǔ floated forward, her tentacles curling with anticipation. The mermaid tried to retreat, but the team's beasts moved in unison, surrounding her.
With nowhere to run, the mermaid let out a final wail before succumbing to the team's combined assault. Mǔmǔ's tentacles delivered the finishing blow, wrapping around the mermaid's torso and draining her energy in an instant.
The dungeon boss dissolved into shimmering light, leaving behind a glowing orb—the mark of a successfully completed dungeon.
Before the team could celebrate, the dungeon began to shift. The walls shimmered, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.
"What's happening now?" Xuě Kǒngquè demanded, her voice rising in panic.
"It's the system," Hǎiyáng said, his tone calm. "It's sending us back."
In a flash of light, the team was transported to the dungeon's entrance, where a massive crowd had gathered. The cheers and applause were deafening as the team reappeared, their triumphant return marking the end of the most challenging exam in decades.
Xuě Fú Fèn glanced at Hǎiyáng, a small smile playing on her lips. "You never cease to surprise me."
Hǎiyáng chuckled softly, his gaze drifting to Xiǎolóng, who had returned to his smaller form and was now perched on his shoulder. "I guess we make a good team."
------------------------------------End of Chapter 12-------------------------------