As with previous provincial elimination tournaments, the number of spectators decreases as the competition progresses.

It’s not that the matches lack excitement, but the audience for high school tournaments typically falls into two groups: Either parents of the contestants or parents of middle schoolers seeking insights into high schools for their children.

By the later stages of the elimination rounds, the number of contestants dwindles, and parents scouting schools often feel they’ve gathered enough information in the earlier rounds. Naturally, they won’t waste time attending further matches.

But how could such an important competition go unnoticed?

To demonstrate the government’s attention and support, the final day of the elimination rounds, the provincial final, is broadcast live on two major satellite TV channels in Zhejiang.

The crew from the two TV stations expected a sparse turnout, just like previous years.

However, they were utterly stunned upon arrival.

The audience stands at the Kainan Pet Battle Arena were packed, with the atmosphere rivaling that of a heavily promoted large-scale event.

When the battle lineup was announced, the crowd erupted, nearly everyone chanting in unison:

“Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang!”

Qiao Sang?

The TV crew members, most of whom were older and spent their days shuttling between work and home with little time for entertainment or trending news, had no idea why this student was so popular. Yet, their professionalism prevailed.

The cameraman zoomed in on Qiao Sang, capturing a close-up shot of the young girl.

Meanwhile, in a high-rise apartment, an elderly woman with white hair sat on her sofa, staring at the TV screen in shock as Qiao Sang appeared.

She sat frozen for a long time before suddenly getting up and walking into her room.

When she emerged, a pair of reading glasses perched on her face.

The elderly woman returned to the sofa, eyes glued to the TV, and called out excitedly to a fox basking in the sunlight by the window.

“Lao Mo, come here! Quick! My granddaughter, my granddaughter is on TV!”

At the Kainan Pet Battle Arena.

On the stage, Qiao Sang and Wang Rui stood on opposite sides, ready for battle.

Although Qiao Sang was confident in herself, she still took the time to study Wang Rui’s battle style. Researching her opponents before matches had become second nature to her.

Wang Rui had two pets: A Thorned Dragon and a Scaled Control Puppet.

Generally, Beast Masters use their first pet as their trump card, provided the pet itself has no issues. Wang Rui was no exception.

His first pet, a Little Thorned Dragon, was only now showing signs of evolving into a Thorned Dragon due to the long evolutionary cycle of dragon-type pets. While other school team members’ pets had been evolving for over half a year, his was only just catching up.

This explained why his national rankings in the previous two Campus Beast Master Leagues weren’t particularly impressive.

“Phew!”

As Qiao Sang reviewed Wang Rui’s details in her mind, the referee blew the whistle.

Green and gray star arrays lit up, summoning Ice Qiya and the Thorned Dragon into the arena.

The livestream’s comment section went wild.

[Chat Room Highlights]

[User 1]: Everyone, I’m so emotional! After waiting for so long, we finally see Ice Qiya!

[User 2]: Ahhh! Ice Qiya! My baby!"

[User 3]: No kidding, this kid from Yuhua really took good care of Ice Qiya. It’s bigger than usual! Clearly well-loved!

[User 4]: Seeing Ice Qiya in such good shape, I feel so relieved…

[User 5]: Wow, I just searched it up. Qiao Sang’s pet is actually an endangered species from the Guwu Region. She’s incredible!

Back on stage, the battle had begun.

Wang Rui analyzed the situation.

He recalled that Ice Qiya often opened with a water-type skill. Though it appeared offensive, it was primarily used to create a water-conducive environment.

Most water-type moves could be launched instantly, leaving little chance to interrupt. Wang Rui quickly issued a command:

“Dig!”

The Thorned Dragon immediately burrowed into the ground.

In the split second it disappeared, Qiao Sang’s eyes gleamed. She decisively shouted to her pet, Lubao:

“Rain Prayer!”

Rain Prayer required time to activate and was risky to use at the start of a match when the opponent was at full strength. It could easily be interrupted.

However, if the opponent wasn’t on alert and opted for a move like Dig, the interval between burrowing and emerging provided the perfect opportunity for Rain Prayer.

“Lu!”

Lubao obeyed without hesitation, stopping her Water Gun attack and looking skyward. Dark clouds rapidly formed overhead.

What precise timing… Wang Rui’s expression shifted.

As rain began to fall, the Thorned Dragon burst out of the ground, ramming into Ice Qiya and sending it flying several meters away.

The comment section exploded with anguish:

[User 6]: No! My Ice Qiya!

[User 7]: Damn, what’s that dragon called? I won’t forget you!

[User 8]: Ouch! That hurt just watching!

On stage, Qiao Sang frowned. Based on her research, the Thorned Dragon’s digging speed should’ve taken three more seconds to reach Lubao. It had clearly improved.

But Lubao was also improving.

“Lu!”

Determined, Lubao got back on her feet. Her gemstone glowed blue, enveloping her in a healing light.

Wang Rui smirked.

“Using your healing ability already? Interrupt it!”

The Thorned Dragon leaped into the air, aiming to strike.

But by then, rain had fully enveloped the battlefield.

Wrapped in a torrent of water, Lubao dodged gracefully, launching a powerful water pillar at the Thorned Dragon.

“Thorn!”

The Thorned Dragon’s eyes widened before the attack struck its head, leaving it dazed and unsteady.

The audience erupted into cheers.