Once Qiao Sang moved to a safe location, the training battle began immediately.

Boom!

A massive fireball shot out, exploding mid-air, filling the dim courtyard with a bright, fierce light.

“Xun!”

Little Treasure instantly teleported to the other side, raised one short toe towards Yabao in a provocative gesture, then turned and shook his rear as if to taunt, Come on, keep going!

Qiao Sang: ...

Well, Little Treasure is getting more skilled at taunting. Who's he been practicing with lately?

At that moment, in the cracks along the courtyard wall, a dozen black ant heads peeked out, filled with both fear and hatred towards Little Treasure.

Taunting attracts resentment and provokes anger, which can be useful in team battles to draw fire or put the target in a reckless state.

Yabao, already quick-tempered, had somewhat mellowed after forming a bond with Qiao Sang, but only because he hadn't met anyone who could get under his skin, until now.

"Yap!"

Yabao bared his sharp teeth.

Seems like Little Treasure needs a lesson to remember who's boss!

Yabao summoned his duplicates, dozens of identical flame hounds opening their mouths in unison to launch brilliant, devastating fireballs straight toward Little Treasure.

The courtyard lit up as if it were daytime.

Boom, boom, boom!!!

Fireballs fell from the sky, each leaving a massive crater on the ground.

“Xun!”

Little Treasure, thoroughly rattled, teleported repeatedly to dodge.

He had just avoided one fireball larger than his own body, only to find another one barreling toward him the instant he appeared in a new location.

“Xun Xun!”

When he reappeared, Little Treasure wore a helpless, almost tearful expression.

Isn’t this supposed to be a training exercise? Why is Big Brother Yabao being so intense?!

Ding-dong~

Amid the continuous explosions, Qiao Sang didn’t notice the doorbell ringing for almost a full minute.

“What’s going on with this kid, not even answering the phone?” Ye Xiangting set her phone aside, frowning.

“Coo...”

Her plump Fat Dove silently continued pressing the doorbell with its wing.

"Stop pressing."

Ye Xiangting looked up, "I remember there's a courtyard at the back of this house. Fly around and check if they're there."

“Coo.”

Nodding, Fat Dove flapped its wings and flew around to the back.

Before reaching the courtyard, it was startled by a deafening noise.

“Coo...”

Scared, Fat Dove flew a little higher, carefully approaching.

Just as it reached the courtyard, Little Treasure appeared right in front of it, barely a meter away.

"Coo~”

Fat Dove flapped its wings, chirping a friendly greeting.

The next second, Little Treasure disappeared, and a blazing fireball came barreling toward Fat Dove.

“Coo!”

Five minutes later.

In the living room.

“Mom, I was just training Yabao and Little Treasure. The noise was too loud for me to hear anything.” Qiao Sang explained.

Ye Xiangting’s gaze shifted from Little Treasure to Qiao Sang, “Why didn’t you tell me that Little Treasure had evolved?”

Qiao Sang: ...

Of course, it’s because I hadn’t thought about it at all. But can I say that?

Definitely not!

"The evolution happened recently."

Qiao Sang replied casually, "I've been so busy lately. The vice principal recently moved me to the senior team, so by the time I get back from training, it’s already 7 or 8 p.m., and then I still have homework. I just haven’t had time to call."

Ye Xiangting snorted, “A phone call takes less than a minute. Are you saying you don’t have even that?”

Why is she still harping on this? Shouldn’t she be more surprised I made it onto the senior team? Qiao Sang cursed inwardly, realizing her attempt to divert her attention had failed.

Ye Xiangting pressed on, “Why didn’t you tell me you joined the senior team?”

Qiao Sang: ...

Just then, Little Lubao finished casting Healing Light, and Fat Dove slowly opened its eyes.

“Coo...”

After glancing around, Fat Dove seemed to recall something and waddled over to Ye Xiangting, looking distressed.

“Coo!”

Qiao Sang let out a sigh of relief; finally, her mother’s attention would be diverted.

Ye Xiangting caught Fat Dove, carefully inspecting it from head to toe. Then, she looked at Lubao with curiosity, “What’s this beast’s name? Whose pet is it? Its healing skill is quite impressive.”

Scratching her head, Qiao Sang answered sheepishly, “Her name is Lubao. She's an Ice Qiya, she’s mine.”

Ye Xiangting was taken aback, “Yours?”

Qiao Sang replied, “Yes, she’s my third contracted beast.”

“Lu.” Lubao responded with a dignified tone, greeting her owner's mother.

Ye Xiangting stayed silent for a long moment.

Just as Qiao Sang thought she might remain silent forever, she broke the silence with a straight-faced question, “When did your brain capacity improve? Why don’t I know about it?”

“And why didn’t you tell me you contracted a new beast?”

Qiao Sang: ...

“Yap…”

Yabao gave her a sympathetic look.

Can’t blame anyone but yourself for keeping so many secrets.

Instead of answering immediately, Qiao Sang turned to Lubao with a serious face, “Emergency, Healing Soundwave, quick!”

Seeing the urgent look on her master’s face, Lubao didn’t hesitate and started singing.

“Lu~ Lu lu lu lu~ Lu lu~ Lu~ Lu lu~”

After the song ended, Qiao Sang finally responded to her mother’s questions, “It happened a while ago. I’ve just been too busy. Recently, the vice principal moved me to the senior team, so I get back around 7 or 8 p.m. and still have homework. I haven’t had a chance to call.”

Ye Xiangting looked worried, “Even if the vice principal values you, you’re only a freshman. Isn’t it too exhausting to join the senior team so soon?”

The Healing Soundwave is a miracle! Qiao Sang was thrilled inside but kept a nonchalant appearance, “It’s fine, just a little tough. It just means I have less free time, but I can handle it.”

“High school is the time to push yourself; otherwise, how can you get into a good college?”

With a mix of pride and concern in her eyes, Ye Xiangting looked at Qiao Sang, “I actually came today to tell you something.”

“What is it?” Qiao Sang asked.

“Why not just call?”

Ye Xiangting softened her voice, “Well, you’re so busy now, not even sparing a minute for a phone call.”

Qiao Sang: ...

Is she not being passive-aggressive?

For a moment, Qiao Sang seriously wondered if the Healing Soundwaves’s effect had worn off.

Ye Xiangting continued, “The breeding shop you mentioned before, I’ve already opened it.”