Yán Shèngxīn arrived at the Dà Huáng Shā Shòuyì, the Great Yellow Desert Beast Mastery School, where the class for riding flying beasts was being held. As he approached, he saw a crowd of students gathered in the hilly land behind Dà Tián Shòuyì, near the deep ravine. His classmates from his own school, Jiàn Yú Gǎng Chéng, and Wàn Huā Chéng had all arrived early, bustling with excitement.
"It's more crowded than the potion class this morning," Yán Shèngxīn muttered to himself, observing the sea of students. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange as the class began.
He had deliberately arrived late, wanting to observe before committing to the practice. He didn't like heights, and with his land-based beasts—SìSì, the Three-Tailed Fox, and GǔGǔ, the Golden Silkworm—he was not particularly fond of flying. The beasts he had inherited brought with them their own natural fears, especially of bird-like creatures, predators to both of them.
Despite his reluctance, the Great Yellow Desert Beast Mastery School held great pride in its flying beasts, and it had prepared an equal number of bird-type creatures for all the students.
A commotion broke out as a familiar face appeared. "Look, it's Zhào Róngtiān! So handsome!" several female students exclaimed in unison.
"Zhào Róngtiān, teach me! I'll follow you anywhere," another girl shouted, her voice eager.
Some of the girls exchanged giggles. "There's only five days, but I'll stick to him all day. Who knows, maybe he'll notice me."
"I prefer Lín Ruòzhōu, though," another girl said, her voice full of admiration. "Even though he's not the top student in his school, he's from a noble family, the Líns, in Dà Huáng Shā Chéng."
"No, Zhào Róngtiān's better," another girl defended. "His father's the youngest brother of the Beast Council Chairman, Zhào Qīnglán. He's a national hero."
Yán Shèngxīn ignored the chatter. His focus was now on the new arrivals—a trio of female students who had just arrived. The air around them seemed to shimmer with a floral scent, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"Who are they?" one male student asked, his eyes widening as he looked at the three girls.
"They must be from the Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì School," another student replied, recognizing their floral-themed uniforms. "Those three are the best of their class—Jiàn Ruòxī, Hán Xiǎoyún, and Chén Lìqiù."
"Even Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì School has beautiful female students," one of Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì's students added, their voice respectful but tinged with admiration.
The murmurs shifted as a voice lowered in warning. "Quiet. Do you want to die? That girl over there? Zhì Jiéyuán. She's the only female at the top of the student ranks in Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì. Not only does she have the greatest beast skills, but her family's financial backing is immense. She's the wealthiest noble in her city."
Yán Shèngxīn remained unfazed, but a flicker of curiosity passed through him. He knew it wasn't just about the beasts or their skills—it was about the power that came with such connections. Still, he had no intention of getting tangled up in the drama of these students. His focus was clear: survive the class, endure the heights, and most importantly, stay unnoticed.
As the class began, the instructors called the students to attention. Yán Shèngxīn stood at the back, watching the others mount their beasts with ease. The air crackled with excitement, but a chill ran down his spine. His heart raced, not from anticipation, but from the dread of what was to come.
He had a feeling this class wouldn't go as smoothly as he hoped.
Zhào Wéiguāng smiled as he surveyed the large crowd of students gathered before him. This was a far better turnout than he had expected. Earlier, he had considered canceling the class if only one school showed up, just like what happened during the potion class. But today was different. The students were eager, and he could feel his pride swelling.
This afternoon, he was assisted by his three top students: Zhào Róngtiān, Liáng Fēngzhàn, and Hù Yàoyuán. The rest of the students, those without beasts, were left with free time while the others prepared for the lesson.
"Zhào Róngtiān, can we start now? Is everyone ready?" Zhào Wéiguāng called out, his voice carrying over the crowd.
Zhào Róngtiān, standing tall and composed, saluted his teacher. "Reporting to Teacher, we are ready."
"Good," Zhào Wéiguāng said, his voice suddenly booming across the field. "Students, what are you waiting for? Even if you already have a bird-type beast, for this lesson, choose one of the birds we've prepared. Then, stand behind the one you choose."
The moment his voice rang out, the students, who had been chatting and gossiping about their classmates, immediately fell silent. They quickly organized themselves into neat lines, each school taking its turn to approach the selection of beasts that had been laid out before them. The air was charged with excitement as they eagerly eyed the birds, knowing that the lesson was about to begin in earnest.
Yán Shèngxīn stood at the back. He was caught off guard by the sight of his assigned beast.
The Peregrine Falcon in front of him was clearly injured—its wings were bent awkwardly, and there was a distinct air of trauma about it. The falcon's eyes darted nervously; its feathers ruffled.
Yán Shèngxīn could feel an unspoken threat, the bird's instincts warning it of the presence of a human. The beast seemed ready to take flight, but there was a noticeable hesitation, as if it was unsure whether it could trust anyone.
Before Yán Shèngxīn could fully process the situation, the taunts from his classmates began to flood in, each one a sharp jab to his already frayed nerves. The voices echoed around him, amplified by the tense atmosphere that had started to build. His classmates, always quick to pounce on any moment of weakness, seemed to relish the chance to target him now.
"Look at this! Yán Shèngxīn, the hero who couldn't even get on his own beast!" Zhào Qīng, the vice class president, smirked as he called out, his voice thick with mockery. He was standing a few steps away, flanked by other students who eagerly joined in.
"Don't be shy, Shèngxīn," Chén Hào added with a hidden sneer. "You were so confident earlier this morning, but now you can't even handle a simple beast ride? How could you?"
Yán Shèngxīn felt the sting of the words, each one sinking deeper into his pride. These were the same classmates who had once looked to him for leadership or guidance, but now they were laughing at his apparent failure.
The Peregrine Falcon, still injured and trembling beneath him, seemed to sense his hesitation, its feathers ruffled and body tense. Yet, despite the beast's condition, it didn't seem to rebel, which made the jeers from his peers all the more mocking.
"Is that the best you can do, Shèngxīn? All talk and no action," Zhào Fēng, another student with a lovebird beast, scoffed. His tone was dripping with disdain as he sat confidently astride his beast, casually stroking its feathers. His lovebird stood proud and steady, showing no signs of resistance or struggle.
"Look at me," Zhào Fēng added with a smug grin. "I've already mastered the bond with my beast, while you're still struggling to even mount yours. You're making us all wait." He gestured dramatically to the rest of the class, drawing chuckles and murmurs of agreement from some of the other students. The lovebird beast beneath him cooed softly, almost as if it shared his arrogance. The fact that no one had been given permission to take flight yet didn't matter to Zhào Fēng—his effortless connection with his beast was his way of showing off, even while grounded.
"At least you're good at one thing," Lǐ Wěi quipped. "Being the class clown. Too bad you're not fit to be a real hero."
"Should've stayed home if you were too scared to ride that beast," another voice chimed in, and it was clear that the group was beginning to take pleasure in watching his every move.
The words stung, but Yán Shèngxīn was determined not to let them see his unease. He could feel his body heat rise, the collective pressure of their ridicule pushing him toward a breaking point. But before he could respond, the Cheat System's voice echoed in his mind, its calmness cutting through the noise.
"Host's task: Keep riding this beast and make Zhào Róngtiān humiliated in public. Reward: Beast Charming Skill and Beast Healing Potion SSS grade."
The words were like a lifeline, reminding him that there was more at stake than just his pride. With renewed determination, Yán Shèngxīn shifted his focus from the jeering classmates to the task ahead.
The pressure was mounting, the mocking continued, as if his classmates were savoring his discomfort.
Yán Shèngxīn's resolve did not waver. He could not afford to back down—not with the task the Cheat System had set before him. He could feel the intensity of his classmates' glares, but he refused to let them break him.
Instead, he took a deep breath, focusing on the Peregrine Falcon beneath him, silently commanding it to trust him. And to his surprise, the beast seemed to sense his resolve, its tense posture relaxing slightly. The taunts continued to rain down, but Yán Shèngxīn, now more determined than ever, set his eyes on the horizon, ready to prove them all wrong.
He clenched his fists, realizing that this was no coincidence. "This beast doesn't look friendly to humans. And it's injured," he muttered to himself, trying to keep his composure.
Inside his Summoning Space, SìSì's voice echoed with concern, "Master, this beast is a fierce bird beast—the Peregrine Falcon. It's a natural enemy to us land beasts. It often swoops down from the sky and takes our children. It's fast and lethal. We have to be careful."
An'nà added her thoughts in an almost playful tone, "And it's also injured. That's not a good sign. You need to be careful, Master."
Yán Shèngxīn was beginning to understand the gravity of the situation. He glanced around at his classmates, who were already impatiently waiting for him to mount the bird.
Lǐ Wěi, the class president of the second grade, called out, "Hey, classmate Yán Shèngxīn. Get on. You're making a scene."
Zhào Fēng, a student with a Flying Monkey beast, chimed in, "Classmate Shèngxīn, hurry up. It's taking so long. If you don't like that beast, ask for another one. Don't just stare blankly at it."
Yán Shèngxīn quickly turned to An'nà, who had been silent for a moment, "An'nà, can you possess a beast?"
An'nà's voice was surprised but eager. "I can, Master. I've never done it before, but I can try."
Yán Shèngxīn nodded, already formulating his plan. "Good. I'll attach my hand to this beast, and then you possess it. Once I'm on its back, you can help it fly."
An'nà squealed, "Kyaaa... Master will ride me!" Her voice was full of excitement, but Yán Shèngxīn had no time to entertain her playful tone. He quickly hushed her.
"What are you thinking about? Focus! There's a kid over there still sleeping," he muttered, referring to Tú Yòu, who was dozing off at the side. "Enough with the nonsense. I'm already breaking enough rules here."
With a deep breath, Yán Shèngxīn moved forward and placed his hand on the Peregrine Falcon's back. The moment his fingers touched the bird's ruffled feathers; he could feel its tension. It flinched, but he held on, focusing his energy.
Suddenly, the air around him began to change. A faint scent wafted through the air, catching the attention of nearby students.
"Hey, do you smell that, Chén Hào?" one of the students asked.
Chén Hào, confused, replied, "Me? The smell of flowers? I'm a guy. How could my body smell like flowers?"
The students from the Wan Hua Cheng school exchanged uneasy glances. They were familiar with this scent.
"This... this..." one of them stammered, looking around in disbelief.
"The cemetery flower, Plumeria!" Chén Lìqiù exclaimed in horror.
The name sent a chill down the spines of the students from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì. They knew the implications of smelling the Plumeria—death was close.
Meanwhile, in the middle of the field, students from Jiàn Yú Gǎng Shòuyì were less composed. The male student, Xià Míngchéng, furrowed his brows as he caught a faint whiff of the strange aroma. "What's that smell? It's... oddly sweet, but there's something wrong about it." He turned to Hù Yàoyuán, the third-ranking student from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì, who was standing a few feet away.
"Hù Yàoyuán," Xià Míngchéng called, his voice steady despite the unease in his chest. "You're from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì. You must know something about this scent."
Hù Yàoyuán, a calm and composed girl with sharp features and a steely gaze, hesitated before responding. Her eyes darted toward the students from Wan Huā Chéng, who were already murmuring in panic. She sighed, her voice low but clear as she explained, "That flower is no ordinary bloom. The Plumeria is known as the flower of death—it's said to herald impending doom, either for a person or a beast. If you smell it in a place like this, it's a warning."
Xià Míngchéng's jaw tightened. "A warning of what?"
Hù Yàoyuán's lips thinned. "A powerful beast—or a cursed one—might be nearby, or someone has used a forbidden summoning technique. Either way, it's not something to take lightly." Her voice faltered for a moment. "In Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì, it's taught that only those who dare to face death head-on can escape its grip. But..." Her eyes narrowed. "Who among us is willing to step forward now?"
Zhào Róngtiān's sharp eyes scanned the growing commotion with an unshaken calm. From his elevated position near the edge of the training grounds, his hands tightened behind his back as whispers of the Plumeria flower—the flower of death—spread like wildfire among the students of Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì.
He muttered under his breath, his voice laced with both intrigue and unease. "Plumeria... Who could have summoned its presence here? A warning? Or a challenge?" His gaze flickered toward the direction of the scent's source, calculating.
If Zhào Róngtiān felt fear, he did not show it. Instead, his lips curled into a faint smirk. "This will separate the worthy from the weak," he murmured, his tone cold, yet oddly satisfied. He turned to one of his aides. "Keep an eye on that falcon and its tamer. This disturbance could be more than a coincidence."
Amid the rising panic, Zhào Wéiguāng, the instructor, stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze sweeping over the chaotic crowd. The faint but unmistakable scent of Plumeria had reached his nose as well. His brow furrowed as he tried to suppress the unease creeping into his thoughts.
He had heard the legends surrounding the flower—how its scent heralded doom or the presence of a cursed beast—but he had always dismissed such tales as superstition. A mere fable meant to intimidate novices. And yet, here it was. The scent, sweet and chilling, lingered in the air, and the reaction of the students—particularly those from Bǎi Wàn Shòuyì—told him this was no ordinary event.
Zhào Wéiguāng clenched his jaw. Legends or not, fear was a dangerous thing. It spread faster than wildfire. And right now, the students' fear was quickly spiraling out of control.
"Quiet!" he barked, his voice cutting through the panic like a blade. But his initial command was barely heeded. The younger students were too overwhelmed, their voices rising in frightened chatter, while even the more experienced ones exchanged tense, uneasy glances.
Zhào Wéiguāng exhaled sharply and stomped his foot, the ground beneath him trembling faintly as he released a surge of energy. His commanding aura swept across the gathering, silencing most of the crowd. His voice rang out, sharp and authoritative, designed to snap everyone to attention.
"Silence! Everyone! Get on your beasts immediately!" he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the crowd, daring anyone to defy him. "Those who are afraid, go home. Those who fail to mount, go home too! Do you want to wait for the sunset to make you cowards? Move!"
In that moment, Zhào Róngtiān saw an opportunity to humiliate Yán Shèngxīn further. "Reporting to you, Master," he said loudly, "This commotion was started by Yán Shèngxīn, a student from the Great Heavenly Sword School. He hasn't even mounted the Peregrine Falcon Beast we arranged for him."
Zhào Wéiguāng, scanning the area, answered firmly, "Which one is it, Zhào Róngtiān? No one is still standing. Everyone is already on their own bird beasts."
Zhào Róngtiān's eyes widened in shock. It was impossible. He had seen Yán Shèngxīn just moments ago, hesitating by the bird, but now… he was already mounted.
"How… How is that possible?" Zhào Róngtiān whispered under his breath, his eyes fixed on the Peregrine Falcon.
Zhào Wéiguāng, unimpressed, snorted, "Hhh... I'm surprised you couldn't finish such a small matter."
Zhào Róngtiān lowered his head. "Sorry, Master. Next time, I'll be faster."
Yán Shèngxīn, riding the falcon with ease, smiled inwardly. He had done it. The beast had not gone berserk, and Zhào Róngtiān had been shown up in front of everyone.
As Zhào Wéiguāng gave further instructions, "All students, now stroke your birds and say your intention to fly high in the sky for a few rounds,"
Yán Shèngxīn prepared himself. He had completed the task, yet the Cheat System had not delivered the promised reward. A sense of unease crept in as he mulled over the situation. Could it be that the scene hadn't humiliated Zhào Róngtiān enough in public?
His mind raced. The Cheat System was known for being precise—there had to be a reason for the delay. "What else can I do?" he thought, glancing subtly at Zhào Róngtiān, whose smug demeanor hadn't entirely faltered.
If he wanted to secure the reward, he would need to escalate the situation, ensuring that Zhào Róngtiān was thoroughly embarrassed in front of everyone. But how could he achieve that without drawing unwanted attention to himself?
As the scent of Plumeria dissipated into the crisp air, Zhào Wéiguāng stood still for a moment, his sharp eyes scanning the students, now mounted on their beasts. His thoughts churned with unease.
Who could have caused this? The question gnawed at him. The scent of Plumeria wasn't something ordinary—it was a harbinger, a sign that bore heavy weight in the annals of history. What purpose does it serve now? And why has it vanished so abruptly?
His mind drifted back to the great war fifteen years ago, the bloody conflict between the armies of men and the raging beast hordes. Victory had seemed impossible until... that same scent had appeared in the midst of chaos. It had led them—to what? Salvation? Or was it a trap they had miraculously survived?
Was it merely coincidence that this scent reappeared now? Or was it linked to someone here? His gaze unconsciously drifted toward Yán Shèngxīn.
Who is Yán Shèngxīn, truly? The boy was talented, but there was something enigmatic about him, a presence that felt both familiar and foreign. Was he connected to the Plumeria's essence? Or was it something else entirely?
Zhào Wéiguāng clenched his fists behind his back, forcing himself to suppress his doubts. Now is not the time to unravel mysteries. The students need discipline, not fear. He took a deep breath, calming his racing thoughts.
-----------------------------------End of Chapter 16------------------------------