Shennong Dao Master
Chapter 664 - 9: Zhao Xing Was Shocked, A Fourth-grade Emperor Crocodile Is Just a Bigger Fish? (Da Zhang)_5

Chapter 664: Chapter 9: Zhao Xing Was Shocked, A Fourth-grade Emperor Crocodile Is Just a Bigger Fish? (Da Zhang)_5

Yu Pengcheng said, "Indeed, it is said that next year, the Pingman War will enter the Middle Grade stage. At that time, who knows how many battle beasts will be drawn away? We’ll all have to tighten our belts."

Nowadays, in this period, the Beast Competition had to take a backseat, with everything prioritizing the Pingman War.

At least, it was like this in Pinghai State and the Eastern Sea.

In this special period, all the islands intentionally reduced internal consumption during pre-selection and group matches.

So as not to fail to complete the task assignments from above, unable to supply enough battle beasts to the military.

"Has Wang Xuan Yi arrived in Tianjing City?" Tong Wan Yang asked.

"He has arrived." Yu Pengcheng nodded, "I was just planning to visit him."

"While you’re at it, try to probe him." Tong Wan Yang pondered, "Ask about the situation for next year."

"Oh, by the way." Tong Wan Yang suddenly remembered something, "I recall that the supplies for the Twin Dragon Horse Supervisor were approved by Wang Xuan Yi. See if you can find out what the relationship is between Wang Xuan Yi and Zhao Xing."

"I heard that Marquis Yuan Rang offended Prince Liang and was exiled here. There’s no reason for Wang Xuan Yi to value him, other than Princess You Ruo. Is there another reason?"

"I’ll inquire about it."

...

Tianjing City, Great Agricultural Minister of Chongming Prefecture, Wang Xuan Yi, descended upon the government office.

"Subordinate Yu Hong greets Lord Wang."

"Hm." Wang Xuan Yi nodded, "Has everything been prepared for the pre-selection?"

"My lord, the islands are on lockdown, and the four rounds of checkpoints are all ready."

"The four brigades of the Eastern Sea Army, totaling 120,000 troops, are on standby inside and outside the island." Yu Hong said respectfully.

"How are the participants?"

"The actual number of participants and battle beasts is 1,246 fewer than the pre-registered list, and the battle beasts are 7,846 short."

Wang Xuan Yi nodded and took a seat in the main hall.

"Buzz~" A series of Earth Mirrors hung down from above the hall, monitoring the inside and outside of Tianjing Island.

At the same time, a ranking list appeared on the side, but it had not been activated yet.

Wang Xuan Yi scanned the list of participants.

Soon his gaze settled on the entry for Zhao Xing from the Twin Dragon Horse Supervisor.

"Here in the first year? The Tiger Jiao, Qingluan, and a Mountain Cat... not sure if they can pass the first checkpoint." Wang Xuan Yi mused, quickly moving on.

...

On the night of the second day of the twelfth lunar month.

Zhao Xing sat by the lake, watching Qingluan and the Tiger Jiao frolic in the water.

The Mountain Cat sat quietly by the side. Seeing Zhao Xing sitting cross-legged, it even imitated him and started meditating.

Learning from Zhao Xing to inhale and exhale, but not long after, the Mountain Cat’s eyelids began to droop, becoming drowsy.

"Hey, you cat..." Ji An walked over, surprised at the Mountain Cat, "So it’s this spiritual?"

"Get up, a cat should act like a cat." Zhao Xing patted Ao Tian.

"Ah~" The Mountain Cat yawned, opening its eyes.

"Brother Ji, why aren’t you asleep yet?"

"Just came out for a walk." Ji An smiled, "Mr. Zhao, you’re only bringing two pet beasts to compete?"

"Three."

"Is it also competing?" Ji An pointed at the Mountain Cat.

"Yes, to broaden its horizon."

Ji An curiously examined the Mountain Cat, "It’s capable? It’s just an ordinary Mountain Cat. Can it withstand four rounds?"

"Meow!" Ao Tian stood up and swiped a paw at Ji An, sending a bolt of lightning.

"Sizzle~" Ji An’s hair stood on end instantly.

"Ao Tian, what are you doing!" Zhao Xing was shocked and hurriedly helped Ji An up, "Brother, are you alright?"

"No, no problem... cough cough." Ji An, who was of the Standard Fifth Rank, never expected to be knocked out by a Mountain Cat.

He got up, his eyes shining as he looked at the Mountain Cat, "Mr. Zhao, will you reconsider selling this cat?"

Zhao Xing laughed and shook his head.

"I’ll offer a high price!" Ji An said.

"Priceless and not for sale."

"You won’t even ask how much I’m offering?"

Zhao Xing smiled, "Even if I were to sell, you wouldn’t dare take it, Brother Ji. It has a father, aren’t you afraid a Sword Immortal will come after you?"

Ji An was puzzled, not knowing what Zhao Xing was babbling about, assuming he just didn’t want to sell.

In the early morning on the fourth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Kaiyang Hall was filled with people, mainly from the other six counties on Seven Star Island.

But no one noticed the minor Sixth-Rank Minister of Agriculture, Zhao Xing.

Upon arrival, they began discussing strategies with Ji An.

After two hours of discussions.

Ji An brought up a different topic, "Brothers, on the way here, I had a conflict with someone and was fortunately helped by Zhao Xing, the Supervisor of the Twin Island Dragon Horse Prison."

"He only has three pet beasts, all of the fifth rank. But his team is rudimentary, with barely any proper logistics."

"I want to bring him into our Seven Star Island team, to share information and medical resources in return for his favor. What do you all think?"

"Fine."

"No problem."

A young man furrowed his brows, "Brother Ji, if you want to repay a favor, why do it now? He’s just a Sixth-Rank Minister with only three beasts. Even if your Dragon Pet helps him through one round, can you escort him through all of them?"

"You’re not helping him; you’re harming him by doing this."

"Brother Gu." Ji An looked at the County Magistrate of Yaoguang County, Gu Yi, his eyes slightly narrowing, "Do you disagree, Brother Gu?"

Gu Yi said, "I don’t support this idea."

"I also think Brother Gu is right." Another Fifth-Rank nodded, "We’re not familiar with him. If our pet beasts act together with his, it’s quite inconvenient."

"Alright." Ji An said, "It was my oversight. Then I won’t share information, just share my own healers with him."

Ji An knew they were worried Zhao Xing would become a burden, and acting together, afraid to expose their pet beasts’ weaknesses, was their real concern.