Principal Lán Huìyīng's commanding voice echoed through the Summoning Space, silencing the students of Dà Tián Shòuyì.
"Welcome our guests from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì, Jiàn Yú Gǎng Chéng, and Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì," he announced, his tone leaving no room for disobedience. He called on Teacher Fēi Hǔ to present his students, who stepped forward to introduce themselves.
As tradition dictated, second-grade students led the introductions. This year's event, held during the beast market bazaar, required their attendance. First-graders were excluded due to limited space, and third-graders were away, training with the City Wall Guards under the supervision of their homeroom teacher, Lǐ Chéngwěi, to prepare for the Demon invasions that marked the winter season.
This progression was the path of all Beast Tamers: theory and martial basics in the first grade; taming and training their first beasts in the second; and patrolling the city walls in the third. Those who survived the winter's battles earned their Beast Summoner licenses, along with a kingdom-issued salary based on their contribution and level.
Yán Ruòzhēn, cousin to the famed Yán Shèngxīn, stepped forward first. "I am Yán Ruòzhēn. My beast is the White Lightning Bear." His Level 5 cultivation flashed above him, drawing nods of respect.
Next was Méi Líng, who shyly announced, "I am Méi Líng. My beast is the Unicorn Horse." Her beauty and grace captivated the male students, while her beast's elegance added to her charm.
Zhào Róngtiān, top-ranked at Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì, leaned toward his cronies, Liáng Fēngzhàn and Hù Yàoyuán. "Now I see why this trip is worth it," he sneered, his eyes lingering on Méi Líng.
Among the other schools, Jiàn Ruòxī and Zhì Jiéyuán exchanged disdainful glances. Méi Líng's modest attire, indicative of her humble origins, drew scorn from Zhì Jiéyuán, the pampered daughter of Jiàn Yú's richest nobleman, Zhì Wéiyǔn. "A poor village girl like her dares stand out?" she muttered.
Jiàn Ruòxī, from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì, felt similarly. Though silent, her jealousy simmered as she watched the male students' attention fixate on Méi Líng.
Méi Líng, sensing the judgmental stares, instinctively moved closer to Yán Shèngxīn, seeking his silent protection. This subtle gesture did not go unnoticed. Male students whispered, curious about her connection to him, while Zhào Róngtiān's expression soured.
"Find out who he is," Zhào ordered his lackeys. "If he's involved with Méi Líng, make sure he knows she's mine."
Liáng Fēngzhàn grinned wolfishly. "Consider it done. I've got connections in their school."
Zhào's eyes narrowed. "Warn him. I don't like competition."
The introductions continued with a mix of confidence and bravado. Chén Hào declared himself "single and ready to mingle" alongside his Poison-Feathered Eagle. Others followed: Wáng Xīn with his Woolly Ice Rhinoceros, Lǐ Jié and his Steel Boar, Sūn Míng's Blakiston's Fish Owl, and Zhào Fēng's Flying Monkey. Each name and beast added to the atmosphere of rivalry and intrigue, setting the stage for tensions yet to unfold.
The students from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì began their introductions, starting with Jiàn Ruòxī and her majestic white-winged tiger, followed by Hán Xiǎoyún's swift sky hawk and Chén Lìqiù's enormous chameleon. Their beasts, each striking in its own way, reflected their school's prestige.
Next came the students of Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì. Zhì Jiéyuán led with her awe-inspiring blue whale beast, a display of her noble lineage. Lín Ruòzhōu followed with his sleek sea serpent, Sòng Yǔqiáng with his sharp and agile swordfish, and Xià Míngchéng with his sinister poisonous water frog. Each introduction carried the air of the ocean's might.
The final group, Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì, closed the ceremony with an aura of desert resilience. Zhào Róngtiān presented his fearsome sand basilisk, exuding dominance. Liáng Fēngzhàn introduced his cunning desert wolf, and Hù Yàoyuán completed the lineup with his luminous sand turtle, its glowing shell radiating an otherworldly charm.
With their introductions complete, the room buzzed with anticipation, the presence of these powerful beasts hinting at fierce rivalries to come.
The students from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì introduced themselves with quiet confidence. Jiàn Ruòxī stood first, her white-winged tiger exuding grace. Hán Xiǎoyún followed with her swift sky hawk, and Chén Lìqiù concluded their group with a massive, watchful transparent chameleon, specializes in tracking and reconnaissance beasts.
Next came the students from Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì. Zhì Jiéyuán led the way, her imposing blue whale beast drawing admiration. Lín Ruòzhōu's sleek sea serpent slithered into view, Sòng Yǔqiáng's agile swordfish glimmered with sharp elegance, and Xià Míngchéng's poisonous water frog sat still but radiated danger.
The final group, Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì, stepped forward with desert pride. Zhào Róngtiān presented his menacing sand basilisk, followed by Liáng Fēngzhàn with his clever desert wolf, and lastly, Hù Yàoyuán, whose luminous sand turtle glowed softly under the lights.
Teacher Lín Zhàoyáng rose to address the gathering, his voice warm and welcoming. "Today is a free day for everyone to settle in and explore," he announced. "The official events start tomorrow, and we have an exciting lineup."
The schedule included five main events: the Teacher Exchange Class, Beast Bazaar, Friendship Tournament, Dungeon Exploration, and a closing ceremony. He detailed each with enthusiasm, his words stirring quiet murmurs among the students.
The Teacher Exchange Class would begin daily after breakfast at Yú Zhōng time, when the sun was bright. Teacher Hé Lìhuá from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì would teach Potion Making. Teacher Xú Jiànghǎi from Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì would lead a class on riding water beasts. From Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì, Teacher Zhào Wéiguāng would teach how to ride flying beasts. The host school would present a vital course: Introduction to Dungeon Survival.
Lín Zhàoyáng smiled as he moved to the Beast Bazaar, set for the next two days. The ceremonial field and soccer grounds would transform into a vibrant market. Merchants were assigned zones: land beasts in the center, sand and desert beasts in the south, water beasts in the north, volcanic beasts in the west, and beasts from icy regions in the east. Students could browse freely, but any purchase required immediate taming on site to prevent unauthorized transfers.
The second day of the bazaar would feature a high-stakes beast auction, showcasing rare S to SSS-class creatures. "Bring your family's money if you're planning to bid," Lín quipped, sparking a few chuckles.
The friendly tournament on the fourth day promised thrilling between schools. Following this was the much-anticipated Dungeon Exploration on the fifth day. Each school would send three top students to explore the dungeon, keeping whatever treasures they found. Success would be judged by the total value of their haul.
Finally, the closing ceremony on the sixth day would celebrate the event's highlights. Awards would go to the best teams, and students could exchange gifts and contact information for future networking. Teachers might even propose student exchanges for third-year middle schoolers.
Lín wrapped up with practical details. Breakfast and lunch would be provided daily, while dinner could be purchased at the Beast Bazaar, where local restaurants would set up stalls. For security, the school grounds would be sealed with a high-level magic barrier, ensuring no one left prematurely. Merchants and tenants had lodging arranged until the fifth day, guaranteeing smooth operations.
"This gathering is not just about competition but also about preparing for the city's safety during winter's Demon invasion," Lín concluded. His words left the crowd buzzing, the air charged with anticipation for the days ahead.
With the explanations complete, Teacher Lín Zhàoyáng addressed the gathering, outlining arrangements for the guests. The Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì delegation would reside in the lush central gardens, surrounded by greenery. The Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì group would stay along the riverbank, their boat anchored nearby, the blue whale keeping watch. Meanwhile, the Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì students were assigned to the sun-scorched northern side, sparse and exposed, reflecting their desert roots.
Excitement buzzed through the air as students and teachers settled into their assigned houses, each one brimming with anticipation for tomorrow's events. Bags were unpacked quickly, though some, exhausted from the journey, collapsed straight onto their beds.
In one corner, a group of students huddled around the manual book, flipping through its pages with eager whispers. "Did you see the class schedule? I want to try riding water beasts!" one said, eyes sparkling. Another chimed in, "I'm more curious about the Beast Bazaar. I heard an SSS-class beast will be up for auction!"
Others pored over the map of Dà Tián Shòuyì, pointing to landmarks and planning their exploration. "The ceremonial field is massive! I bet that's where the tournament will be," a student remarked. Meanwhile, a few read profiles of students from rival schools, memorizing names and faces. "That sand basilisk sounds terrifying," someone muttered, earning a nervous laugh from a friend.
A cluster gathered around the list of merchants and restaurants, already daydreaming about the meals they'd try. "Imagine taming a beast and celebrating with roasted duck afterward," someone quipped, drawing a chorus of chuckles.
Despite their varied activities, a shared excitement united them all. Whether poring over schedules, maps, or profiles, every student vibrated with one thought: tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.
-------------------------------End of Chapter 12------------------------------------