Chapter 681: Group Dinner

"Yap Yap?"

Yabao looked at Lubao with a confused expression.

Wasn't Old Third you?

"Lu..."

The moment this was said, a sudden chill erupted from Lubao. Frost formed at her feet and quickly spread outward.

Her body bent slightly, her gaze sharp, she looked ready to launch an attack at any second.

"Yap..."

Yabao sensed Lubao's state and his expression turned serious. He assumed a posture that said,

If you're going to fight, I'm ready to go all the way.

Just as a battle was about to break out, Qiao Sang quickly said:

"Yabao, you're calling Lubao the third because she was the third to join the team, right?"

Say yes!

Qiao Sang tilted her head toward Yabao, frantically winking at him.

"Yap."

Yabao paused for a moment, then nodded.

That was indeed the reason he had called Lubao 'Old Third.'

Phew, that almost turned into a family feud..

. Qiao Sang let out a breath of relief.

"Yap?"

At that moment, Yabao looked worried.

What happened to your eyes just now?

Qiao Sang paused before replying, “Some sand got in my eyes.”

The chill radiating from Lubao lessened slightly, though she still glared at Yabao.

Qiao Sang quickly redirected her attention.

“Lubao, Gangbao’s been lying there for a while. Go heal him first.”

"Lu."

Lubao swished her tail and walked toward Gangbao.

The jewel on her forehead glowed blue.

A wave of healing light descended, and soon enough, Gangbao stood up again, full of energy.

“Gang Guard.”

As soon as Gangbao got up, she barked at Yabao, indicating she wanted another round.

“Wait!” Qiao Sang jumped in alarm and quickly stopped him.

“Gang Guard?”

“Yap?”

Both Gangbao and Yabao turned to look at her, faces full of

What's wrong?

What’s wrong? You fainted twice already! In less than five minutes! If this training continues, how am I supposed to handle it…

Qiao Sang coughed and said:

“Meteor Rain is still too intense for Gangbao. We’ll need to try something else.”

After speaking, she looked at Lubao.

She remembered Lubao had a weather-type move that summoned hail. Though it was a high-level move, it hadn't been trained much and was still at a beginner’s level.

Gangbao should be able to hold out under that for longer...

With that thought, Qiao Sang said:

“Next, let Lubao and Gangbao train together. Lubao can use Hail, and Gangbao can work on her movement speed under it.”

“Gang Guard.”

Gangbao thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

“Lu…”

Lubao’s body released cold air again as she stared intensely at her beast tamer.

What do you mean?

Training with Yabao is too intense, but training with me isn’t?

Qiao Sang: …

Is she really this sensitive now...

Qiao Sang organized her thoughts and said:

“Yabao’s Meteor Rain has been practiced a lot. Its mastery is already at the Ultimate level. Your Hail hasn’t been used much, so it's definitely a bit weaker.”

She paused, then added, “I’m only comparing the power of these two specific moves.”

Gangbao quietly gave her beast tamer a glance. (T/n: Gangbao's side eyes 👀)

“Lu.”

Lubao’s cold air dissipated upon hearing that, and she reluctantly accepted the explanation.

She flicked her tail and headed to another part of the training ground.

Gangbao flapped her wings and followed right after.

Seeing that, Yabao also went off to train on his own.

Finally solved it..

. Qiao Sang let out a breath of relief as she watched Lubao’s back, though she couldn’t help but worry about the future.

Even though Lubao hadn’t said anything lately, Qiao Sang could tell that her mood had been anxious, especially after Little Treasure evolved.

Before that, Lubao always stayed in her backpack when Qiao Sang went out.

But ever since Little Treasure's evolution, Lubao had stopped following her to the training club and instead preferred to stay in the water tank that held Sacred Water Essence.

If this continues, and she still hasn’t evolved after another year or two, Qiao Sang worries Lubao might become even more anxious…

“Xun xun~”

Just then, Little Treasure teleported next to her and sweetly called out, signaling that an hour had passed.

Qiao Sang: …

She pulled out her phone to check the time, it had been exactly one hour since she sent Little Treasureoff to train Psychic Headbutt.

Not a minute more, not a minute less.

“How did you know it’s been an hour?” Qiao Sang asked, curious.

“Xun xun~”

Little Treasure grinned proudly.

Because he had to cast the skill every minute for the past few days, he’d been keeping an eye on the time, now his sense of timing was freakishly precise.

You’re amazing…

Qiao Sang smiled.

“Come with me. I just bought a new computer.”

With that, she headed to the living room.

“Xun xun!”

Little Treasure blinked, then lit up with excitement and quickly followed.

In the living room---

Staring at the brand-new computer, Little Treasure looked left, then right, completely smitten.

Qiao Sang cleared her throat and said:

“Now that we have two computers, you can use your clone. Let the clone and your main body play together, that way, you won’t get tired.”

“!!!”

Little Treasure suddenly looked up at his beast tamer.

“Xun xun!”

His eyes welled up as he lunged forward crying, tears falling like rain, he looked so touched it was like he was ready to dedicate his life to her.

Not that serious! I just want to keep you from slacking during clone training...

Qiao Sang was stunned by his reaction.

She knew he’d be excited, but not this excited…

Just as Qiao Sang was about to say something to comfort him, Little Treasure had already let go, summoned his substitute, stood side by side, opened the old computer, and began playing on both machines.

Qiao Sang: …

---

The Next Day.

6 PM

Xiangside Pine Restaurant.

Private Room.

Pet beasts in work uniforms brought out exquisitely plated dishes one after another.

Around the large table sat a dozen teenagers, all similar in age, except for one girl who looked a little younger.

“Qiao Sang, how did your two pet beasts evolve?” Asked a blond boy with wavy hair.

Everyone, except Tang Yi, turned to her, waiting for an answer.

“Well…” Qiao Sang briefly explained how Yabao and Little Treasure evolved.

“If that’s all it takes to evolve a pet into General-level, I’d love to go through something like that too...” Said a boy beside her with a sigh.

“In your dreams.” Sneered Gene after sipping his drink.

“It depends on the person, okay? If everyone could evolve their high-level pets into General-level like that, General-level pets would be all over the place.”

Raffi joked: “You should focus on evolving your Kira Bird into high-level first.”

Everyone burst into laughter, the atmosphere turning quite cheerful.

Qiao Sang asked:

“What are your plans moving forward?”

“What else? Go to university, graduate, then inherit the family business.”

“I plan to minor in Beast Taming in college. Actually wanted to major in it, but my scores weren’t high enough.”

“No idea yet.”

“I’m hoping to find a purebred Aqua Dragon Egg before I reach the third page of my Beast Taming Codex and then form a contract when it hatches.”

“I want to start a professional beast-taming club and try to compete in large tournaments.” Said Yuna.

Qiao Sang’s eyes lit up at that and turned to look at her.

A beast-taming club was a mark of professionalism and career, many pro tamers made a living through such clubs.

They earned profits from ticket sales, ads, broadcasting rights, beast-betting, sponsorships, magazines, player transfers, and custom stadium seating.

Qiao Sang had chosen to meet up with these classmates from Sainan High largely to look for ways to make money.

Her unlimited card was about to expire. If she didn’t invest while it was still active, she might not be able to afford the cost of her beasts’ evolution to King-level.

Although she still had two other sources of income on Blue Star, she wanted to earn more while she could.

Everyone in Sainan High had solid family backgrounds. If she could do business with them, things would be a lot easier, she might even make money while lying down.

At this moment, Hulis smiled and said, “I want to start a branded pet-beast accessory shop. Pet battle arenas are trendy right now, and competition among gear is fierce. I just hope I won’t lose money.”

After Yuna and Hulis, others began sharing their ambitions.

Yuna, Hulis, Owen, Wen Xiao...

Qiao Sang quietly took note of the classmates planning to start businesses, intending to stay in touch.

“By the way, why didn’t you bring that one, Blazing- no, it’s called Fire Qilu now? You usually have it in your arms." Hughes suddenly asked.

Qiao Sang shrugged.

“He evolved on a volcano and burned up the Lightweight Miniaturization Bracelet during the process. I ordered a new one online, but it hasn’t arrived yet.”

Hughes paused, then laughed: “That’s nothing. My uncle happens to be in that business. I’ll ask him to send you one, you’ll get it tomorrow.”

Qiao Sang: !!!

Damn, so this is what it’s like to have rich classmates…

She replied calmly on the surface:

“It’s fine. I already ordered one. It’ll be here soon.”

“If it’s not here yet, that means it’ll still take a while.” Hulis said.

“Mine will be there tomorrow. And don’t you have several pet beasts? Yours evolve fast, one more isn’t too many. You’ll need it eventually.”

Some classmates nearby looked a little unimpressed and subtly exchanged glances.

Everyone knows they’re here to build connections with Qiao Sang.

We haven’t even talked long and Hughes is already making a move? Offering a Lightweight Miniaturization Bracelet? Who even cares?

Just then, Qiao Sang pulled out her phone and said, “Then I won’t be polite, I’ll send you the address now.”

Everyone: !!!