"Furthermore, based on my observation, this Flash Gold Sparrow’s agility is a particular strength.
"Even when it can’t use Flash Gold Teleportation in time, it can use its agility to temporarily shake off Wanzi.
"If trained conventionally, it should grow into an excellent, standard, high-mobility Pet Beast."
"Not bad."
Having given such a high evaluation, the strict head teacher Yan Shouzheng sipped his tea with considerable satisfaction.
This was, in a way, also an endorsement of Liu Junpo.
Although he had once berated Liu Junpo in front of Zhou Shengfa for being a good-for-nothing, as a professional, he was well aware of the caliber of Liu Junpo’s Pet Beast.
Don’t be fooled by that Cyan Cloud Group’s Real-time Energy Value being locked at 300. Its actual combat prowess was nothing to scoff at; an ordinary One-star Pet Beast wouldn’t stand a chance.
The fact that Su Zhi’s new Pet Beast could handle it with such ease was, in itself, an outstanding performance.
"But Su Zhi says he plans to build the Flash Gold Sparrow as a tank."
"PFFT—"
"..."
"Cough, cough, my apologies..."
Seeing Zhou Shengfa drenched in tea, Yan Shouzheng’s mouth twitched as he set down his teacup.
"Is Su Zhi serious?"
"He’s serious. You know what he’s like."
Zhou Shengfa looked toward the training ground. "I think it’s absurd too... but Su Zhi has already proven his abilities with Yu Bao.
"So, this time, I’ll choose to trust him again! Even if this training method of his is... a little abstract."
Yan Shouzheng suddenly smiled in resignation. "You don’t think this is Su Zhi’s Beast Taming Talent, do you? Forcing a Pet Beast into a mold of his own making, rather than following a traditional path."
Zhou Shengfa froze. ’That... actually sounds pretty reasonable,’ he thought. ’But that’s too damn ridiculous! DIY Pet Beasts?’
"We’re getting old. The future belongs to the young. Let’s just be quiet spectators and enjoy the Pet Beast Battle."
Yan Shouzheng turned his gaze back to the training ground.
"Su Zhi’s Flash Gold Sparrow is performing admirably, but it’s unrealistic to think it can win this easily."
And sure enough, just moments later, the situation took an unexpected turn—
"Chirp?"
Shan Bao activated Flash Gold Teleportation again, only to find the air currents swirling. The feathers she had scattered earlier had been gathered into a clump by the wind.
She turned her head and saw Wanzi, who had anticipated her move, charging straight for her!
"Crap!"
Su Zhi slapped his thigh, inwardly cursing his own carelessness.
’Because Wanzi’s head is so hard, I’d subconsciously classified it as a "flying Gold Element Pet Beast"... but it’s a Cyan Cloud Group, a bona fide Wind Element Pet Beast!’
For a Wind Element Pet Beast, controlling air currents was a basic operation.
Shan Bao’s feathers were light, so all Wanzi had to do was manipulate the airflow slightly to gather them all in one place.
Now, not only could Shan Bao’s teleportation be predicted, it could even be controlled by Wanzi. Shan Bao would have to appear wherever Wanzi wanted her to.
The advantage she had relied on had become a liability in an instant.
"CHIRP!!!"
Shan Bao was chased all over the sky by Wanzi. Finally, she gave up and landed, scurrying away on her two feet. TAP TAP TAP.
Absurdly, she was actually faster on the ground... After all, the Flash Gold Sparrow is a type of passerine. It prefers to use its feet when it can, and its running ability was quite decent.
Wanzi also dropped low, pursuing by flying just above the ground.
"CHEE CHEE!"
"CHIRP CHIRP!"
She ran, he chased. The scene suddenly became rather cheerful.
"Hey now, not bad."
Liu Junpo praised while recording the video, "Shan Bao’s a pretty good long-distance runner. Should we consider signing her up for the 5000-meter race at the Pet Beast Games?"
"Let’s not..."
Su Zhi facepalmed, a bead of sweat on his forehead, as he quickly tried to think of a counter-strategy.
Unlike Yu Bao, Shan Bao’s current Skills were very simple. They didn’t form a cohesive set, and she didn’t have Yu Bao’s knack for unorthodox tactics. There weren’t many tricks she could pull.
The Golden Feather Flying Blade and Flash Gold Teleportation combo was no longer effective. Shan Bao’s only remaining advantage was her relatively tough body.
...
’Isn’t this the very path Shan Bao truly wanted to take?’
Su Zhi gritted his teeth. "Shan Bao, no more running! Let’s go head-to-head with him!"
"Chirp!"
Shan Bao nodded emphatically. She dug in her feet, skidding to a halt, and turned to face Wanzi, her gaze filled with resolve.
"What is she trying to do?"
Up on the sixth floor of the office building, Yan Shouzheng felt his vision darken. "She’s not... planning to go head-to-head with Liu Junpo’s Cyan Cloud Group, is she?"
"It sounds absurd, but if it’s Su Zhi... then it’s probably normal."
Zhou Shengfa gave his glasses a tactical push. "Su Zhi did say he was building the Flash Gold Sparrow as a tank. So going head-to-head with Liu Junpo’s Wanzi is... normal, right?"
"How long has he even had that contract? Even if he has his own unique methods, what could he possibly have trained in such a short time?"
Yan Shouzheng frowned. "This is getting reckless. Should we intervene?"
"It’s fine. I have my pet mouse stationed nearby. It’ll step in if things get out of control."
"That’s good..."
On the lawn, Wanzi stopped, looking a little puzzled.
"Chee?"
’Giving up already? You could have struggled a little longer.’
"Chirp."
’This wasn’t surrender. It was a declaration of war.’
Shan Bao bent her knees into a half-crouch, lifted one foot, and beckoned provocatively at Wanzi.
’Iron Head Style, Shan Bao. Let’s see what you’ve got!’
Seeing a Pet Beast actually dare to challenge it on its home turf of being hard-headed, Wanzi’s interest was piqued.
’Then let me show you what a true Iron Head Skill looks like!’
"CHEE CHEE!"
The air around Wanzi surged as it transformed into a blurry green phantom and crashed toward Shan Bao.
In the wild, a charge like this was enough to instantly incapacitate a One-star Exotic Beast with low Defense Power.
Facing the ferocious charge, Shan Bao didn’t waver. Instead, she lowered her center of gravity, her talons digging deep into the dirt.
At the same time, she aimed her small, round head right at Wanzi.
"BANG!"
The two hard-headed Pet Beasts collided, unleashing a powerful shockwave.
Yu Bao’s brow furrowed slightly. It moved to shield Su Zhi, watching the clash with a hint of shock.
’As expected of my Shan Bao! So fearsome and brilliant! Even I, in my prime, would have had to give her a wide berth!’
"WHOOSH—"
The gust of wind subsided, and the lush green blades of grass danced in its wake.
Shan Bao slid backward several feet, her feathers ruffled and messy.
Wanzi was also knocked back several meters. Compared to Shan Bao, who had dug her claws into the ground, the hovering Wanzi was actually at a disadvantage in a shoving match.
As long as the first charge failed to take Shan Bao down, it would be difficult for Wanzi to press its advantage in the ensuing stalemate.
After fighting for so long, Wanzi’s Hardening skill was about to run out of time. Shan Bao wasn’t necessarily stronger than Yu Bao, but she was certainly more difficult to handle.
’In that case...’
"CHEE!"
’One final blow to decide this!’
"Chirp!"
Shan Bao shook her head, still a bit dizzy from the impact, and shed a few golden feathers.
She took a few large steps back, her gaze becoming resolute once more.
’I, Shan Bao, am the toughest bird in the world!’
The two Pet Beasts charged at each other, seemingly pouring all their remaining strength into this one attack.
No schemes, no tricks—this was a head-on clash, a contest in its most raw and explosive form!
Suddenly, just as they were about to collide, Shan Bao’s body vanished into thin air.
Wanzi’s eyes widened, and it hurriedly turned around.
Just before retreating, Shan Bao had shaken loose a few feathers. She had used them as an anchor, timing her Flash Gold Teleportation to match the rhythm of Wanzi’s charge!
’Damn it! What happened to our head-to-head duel!?’
Wanzi hurriedly turned back to strike.
However, even though the Cyan Cloud Group was known for its agility, turning around like that completely killed the momentum from its charge. Shan Bao had deliberately teleported right behind Wanzi, giving it no chance to build up power again.
Against Shan Bao’s well-prepared move, Wanzi’s hasty counterattack posed no threat whatsoever!
"Chee..."
After a stalemate of several tens of seconds, Wanzi, who had been rock-solid, finally went limp and seemed to deflate.
"Chirp!" Still rock-solid, Shan Bao pressed her advantage with one last Iron Head Skill, sending Wanzi flying.
[Assignable Attribute Points (Shan Bao)... 0.20]
"Nice one!" Su Zhi gave Shan Bao a thumbs-up.
"Chirp~!" Shan Bao nodded, then turned and gave Yu Bao a thumbs-up with her little foot.
’Big Bro Yu Bao, you’re a tactical genius!’
"Heh." Yu Bao smugly put on a pair of sunglasses.
’I think I’m a tactical genius, too.’
[Assignable Attribute Points (Yu Bao)... 0.04]
"Chee."
Wanzi lay limply on the ground.
’As I thought. That scoundrel Yu Bao was the bad influence. When it comes to being a sly dog, you’re still the master.’
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