Chapter 571: Has it learned?

The way the energy circulated changed, and the Air Blade that was originally meant to be released could not be used.

The yellow lightning was within reach.

Just as the lightning was about ten centimeters away from Steel Treasure, Xiao Xunbao hooked its short toes inwards, causing the Thunder Fur Dog to fall backward, all four feet in the air. The yellow lightning arced perfectly upwards, narrowly avoiding Steel Treasure.

“Steel…”

Steel Treasure looked up, staring blankly at Xiao Xunbao in the high sky.

“Xiao Xunbao~”

Xiao Xunbao noticed Steel Treasure’s gaze and grinned at it.

“Steel!”

At that moment, Steel Treasure suddenly understood what a team battle was. Its expression became serious again as it circulated energy, continuously releasing Air Blades at the bound Thunder Fur Dog.

“Bang bang bang!”

Under a barrage of attacks, the Thunder Fur Dog screamed continuously, finally closing its eyes unwillingly.

Applause erupted in the audience.

No one was surprised by this result.

They had predicted this outcome even before the match began.

It was just that later, the Little Steel Falcon was caught in the Ghost Ring Spirit’s attack, making them think that Du Silan might be able to take down the Little Steel Falcon before losing.

But even so, they didn’t believe Du Silan could win.

The combination of the Ghost Ring Spirit and the Little Steel Falcon centered on the Ghost Ring Spirit’s control. If it could be restrained, it might make people consider the possibility of a different outcome.

However, the Ghost Ring Spirit had Superpower System attributes, not only capable of teleportation but also Space Movement, and being a Ghost-type Pet, its movements were incredibly difficult to track. For two Pets of lower levels to restrain it was simply a pipe dream.

On the field, Xiao Xunbao heard the applause and suddenly thought of something. It put its paw to its forehead, looking as if its energy was depleted and it was weak, slowly floating to the ground.

“Steel…”

Steel Treasure saw Xiao Xunbao’s appearance and seemed to realize something as well. It stumbled, covering its chest with its wings, as if the lingering effects of its injuries from the match were only now appearing.

The match is over, and they’re still doing this… Their acting is too exaggerated… Steel Treasure’s acting wasn’t like this before. Could it be that Xiao Xunbao assimilated it…? Qiao Sang’s mouth twitched, and she silently averted her gaze, somewhat unable to bear watching.

…

An hour later, all matches concluded, and the top nine contestants were determined.

The Principal of Saher School walked to the center of the arena. He wasted no time on pleasantries and went straight to the Point:

“We will select one contestant for the next round’s bye. Now, please have the nine winners come onto the field.”

Is it a draw…? Qiao Sang’s eyes lit up, and hope instantly ignited in her heart.

She stood up, preparing to walk onto the field.

At this moment, Mai Ji turned his head and said with a smile:

“Don’t worry, the person who gets the bye will definitely be you.”

“I think so too.”

“It’s just a formality, but I really want to know how they manipulate the slots.”

Hugh Lewis and the others beside her chuckled in agreement.

Qiao Sang: “…”

Affected by their words, Qiao Sang walked onto the field with a not-so-pleasant mood.

After the nine people stood firm on the field, the Principal clapped his hands.

Nine bird-type Pets, mostly yellow-feathered with large, bulging beaks resembling net bags, flew from the far end of the arena’s other side and stood in a row in front of the nine contestants.

“Each of you choose one Pouch Bird. One of the Pouch Birds will have a slip of paper in its mouth with ‘Bye’ written on it. Whoever chooses it will receive the bye,” the Principal said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Sang’s eyes lit up again.

This selection method seems quite fair; there’s no room for shady dealings!

The other eight people glanced at the Pouch Birds in front of them, their expressions calm.

In the audience, people watched the field and complained.

“I think the bye has already been decided for Qiao Sang from Sainan High School. Why bother with this charade? It’s a waste of time.”

“It’s good to know it tacitly; they still have to maintain appearances.”

“Qiao Sang should get the bye. Otherwise, whoever faces her is unlucky.”

“I’m not questioning Qiao Sang’s strength, but I just think they should announce it directly. Why bring over a few Pouch Birds? Everyone knows that each Pouch Bird actually has a slip of paper in its mouth. If the pre-arranged person doesn’t pick it, they’ll just hide the slip under their tongue.”

“Qiao Sang doesn’t seem to know.”

“She definitely doesn’t know; she’s from Blue Star.”

On the field, Qiao Sang’s attention was focused on the nine Pouch Birds in front of her, automatically filtering out the surrounding voices. She carefully scrutinized the nine Pouch Birds, trying to observe any differences among them.

The order of choosing the Pouch Birds was based on the order of appearance in today’s matches.

Qiao Sang was third.

The first two people didn’t even think, directly choosing the one in front of them.

When it was Qiao Sang’s turn, she looked at the remaining six. Then she thought of something, lowered her head, and asked Ya Bao, who was in her arms:

“Which one do you think is good to choose?”

“Ya Ya!”

Ya Bao showed a thoughtful expression, then very confidently pointed to the Pouch Bird in front of them and barked.

Choose it!

It seems this one cannot be chosen… To be safe, Qiao Sang asked again:

“Besides this one?”

Ya Bao didn’t suspect its Yu Beast Master’s intention at all. It began to think seriously again.

After about three seconds, Ya Bao pointed to the Pouch Bird on the very edge.

“Ya Ya!”

Then that one!

Hmm, that one can’t be chosen either… Qiao Sang thought to herself.

After making Ya Bao choose five Pouch Birds in this manner, Qiao Sang pointed to the last Pouch Bird that Ya Bao hadn’t chosen and said:

“This one it is!”

“Ya…”

At this moment, Ya Bao showed a bewildered expression.

Everyone was a bit confused by Qiao Sang’s actions and looked curiously at the Liao Xing Hound, which was not a Super Dormant Star.

Could it be that this Pet has some special sensing ability?

On the field, Qiao Sang looked expectantly at the Pouch Bird that Ya Bao hadn’t chosen.

Under her gaze, the Pouch Bird slowly opened its mouth, revealing a slip of paper.

It had four words written on it:

[Congratulations, Bye]

Qiao Sang was silent.

She never expected Ya Bao’s choice to be correct…

“It seems the bye for this round has been determined,” the Principal of Saher School said with a smile.

“Let us congratulate Qiao Sang from Sainan High School.”

“Clap clap clap…”

Everyone applauded.

…

Six o’clock in the evening.

Qiao Sang returned to her hotel room, utterly exhausted. She closed the door, lay on the large bed, and gazed at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting.

Looking on the bright side, she came here for the friendly match primarily for the Points, and the discovery of the Points was just an unexpected bonus. As long as the primary goal is achieved, it’s not a wasted trip… Steel Treasure only gained a little less Point, and there will be other opportunities for team battles in the future… Oh, I wonder if the Roaring Leopard’s Points were added to Steel Treasure… Qiao Sang thought of this, closed her eyes, and her consciousness entered the yu beast codex.

The page turned, quickly arriving at the one related to Steel Treasure.

Qiao Sang looked directly at the last line.

[Points: 360]

Only 80 were added, so it seems the Roaring Leopard’s Points weren’t counted… Qiao Sang sighed, her gaze casually drifting upwards.

Suddenly, she froze.

Wait, what did I see…? Qiao Sang’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring intently at the extra line of information in the skill bar.

[Air Absorption (Beginner 1/100) +]

Air Absorption?

Steel Treasure learned Air Absorption?!

When did this happen?

How did I not know?!

Qiao Sang suddenly opened her eyes, her consciousness returned, and she looked at Steel Treasure, who was practicing internal suction nearby.

“When did you learn Air Absorption?” Qiao Sang asked, full of surprise.

“Steel?”

Steel Treasure showed a hesitant expression.

Did it learn it?

How did it not know?

Qiao Sang: “???”

PS: Ah! Thank you, Xue Yue Huashi, for becoming an Alliance Master! I never expected that with my update frequency, someone would still be willing to become an Alliance Master. I’m so touched!