“In the Ancient Guwu Region, Ma Zongji possesses the high-level beast Thousand Path Water Bear, a dual-type water-and-fighting pet beast. Its high-level skills from both attributes were demonstrated in previous matches, showing immense offensive power both on land and in water.”

“In the Lianke Region, Deng Tianyue's high-level pet beast is the dark-type Black Devouring Giant. Known for its insatiable appetite, it can devour anything and convert it into energy. If you see it biting the ground or eating dirt during a battle, be on high alert.”

“In the Xulu Region, Duan Man owns Steeltra, a steel-and-ground type pet beast. Covered in segmented, plate-like armor, it feeds on Iron Rage Rocks and iron-rich spring water. Its defense is frighteningly strong.”

As one competitor after another stepped onto the battlefield, Qiao Sang’s mind filled with data about them.

While her strength had grown significantly since the start of the competition, the sheer intensity of the division-level matches left her uncertain about her chances of achieving a perfect win record.

Drawing herself out of her thoughts, she mulled over another consideration: Should I go all-in and let Lubao evolve now? Two high-level beasts would massively increase my odds…

Time flew by, and the morning’s matches finally approached their conclusion near noon.

“Mr. Yi, you can announce the next group now!”

Hearing the somewhat excited voice through his earpiece, Yi Ao felt his heartbeat quicken. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and spoke into the microphone, striving to keep his voice from trembling:

“Next up, let’s welcome Tang Zhongyi from the Lianke Region and Qiao Sang from the Yuhua Region!”

For a moment, the entire audience collectively fell silent. Then, the crowd erupted.

“AAAAAAAHHHH!”

“Ice Qiya! My Ice Qiya is finally here!”

“Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! Please summon Ice Qiya! I’m begging you!”

“I’ve been waiting! I was almost falling asleep earlier!”

“I feel like crying!”

“Huh? Is this real? Am I actually about to see Ice Qiya!?”

Despite the high skill level of the youth contestants gathered for the division matches, the fact that it was a high school tournament left some spectators less engaged. By late morning, many audience members felt more like they were filling seats as hired extras, poorly motivated ones at that.

But the sudden fervor from the stands confused all the contestants except those from the Ancient Guwu Region.

“What the, what’s happening?!”

“The audience woke up?”

“Who just came on stage?!”

“Oh, I think I get it now. The data says this Qiao Sang has a beast classified as a threatened species in the Ancient Guwu Region.”

“Ridiculous. The whole audience is rooting for her?”

“I’m seriously jealous. Anyone who didn’t know better would think this was her home ourt.”

“To be fair, this kind of attention must bring a lot of pressure. What if she loses?”

“That’s not our problem to worry about.”

In the Yuhua Region's contestant area, Qiao Sang barely had time to react before a dazzling blue light enveloped her. In the blink of an eye, she stood in the center of the battlefield.

This dramatic display immediately sparked another round of chatter among the contestants.

“What the heck? Why does she get blue light?”

“Worse, Tang Zhongyi still has white light! The contrast is so blatant…”

“Why is Qiao Sang’s entrance effect different from ours?”

“The Ancient Guwu Region is so biased! I want to protest! I want blue light too!”

On the field, Tang Zhongyi was already feeling the strain.

No one could stay completely unaffected when the entire crowd seemed to cheer for their opponent.

To be fair, he’d faced hometown favorites in matches before, but never this blatantly. It felt as though even the pretense of fair treatment had been abandoned.

All this for a Ice Qiya? Seriously?

But what truly sapped his morale was the opponent standing before him.

Tang Zhongyi had thoroughly researched all the contestants in the division matches, memorizing the details of anyone with high-level pet beasts. His strategy was simple: As long as he avoided facing one of the 21 contestants with high-level beasts in the elimination round, his chances of reaching the top 40 weren’t bad.

Yet luck had betrayed him. Out of all possible opponents, he’d been matched with one of the 21.

And not just any, he’d drawn a contestant who was wildly popular in the Ancient Guwu Region.

Today was shaping up to be his unluckiest day yet.

Unlike previous matches, there was no immediate countdown to summon pet beasts. Instead, a stirring background track began to play.

“Ladies and gentlemen! It’s currently 11:01 AM in the Ancient Guwu Region, and we’re about to witness the final match of the morning on this first day of division battles! Tell me, are you tired?” Yi Ao’s voice boomed across the venue as he pointed his microphone toward the crowd.

“No!!!” The audience roared.

“Then let me hear you cheer for our contestants!” Yi Ao shouted.

“Ice Qiya! Ice Qiya!”

“Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang!”

" Ice Qiya! Ice Qiya!”

Tang Zhongyi felt numb.

“Well done! I believe both contestants can feel the crowd’s passion!” Yi Ao declared.

No, I can’t… Tang Zhongyi deadpanned internally.

“3!”

“2!”

As the countdown echoed, Qiao Sang’s heart began to race slightly. The Ancient Guwu Region’s intent was clear: They wanted her to summon Lubao. But she couldn’t deny that their enthusiasm had infected her mood.

“1!”

As the countdown ended, Qiao Sang clasped her hands into a seal. The audience collectively held their breath.

In a flash of green, a sleek, fox-like beast appeared, its pale blue body shimmering. A deep blue diamond-shaped gem adorned its forehead, while white fur flared elegantly at its tail fin and neck. Its entire demeanor exuded a regal, frosty aura.

“Lu!” Lubao flicked her tail lightly.

“AAAAHHH! Ice Qiya! It’s Ice Qiya!”

“Qiao Sang! I love you!”

“I’m crying! She really summoned Ice Qiya in the first match!”

“Look at its tail flick! That’s too cute, I’m dead!”

“I’m officially a fan for life!”

The audience erupted into cheers and tears, while the contestants in the seating area collectively shuddered.

The Ancient Guwu Region was terrifying.

In the midst of this feverish atmosphere, Yi Ao’s elated voice echoed across the field, announcing the start of the match.