Return to the Academy & Tournament Announcement
1. Returning to Blue River Monster Taming Academy
After the intense battle in the Bone Graveyard, Jiang Chen and Ghost make their way back to the academy. The journey is uneventful, but Jiang Chen is deep in thought.
Ghost has reached Level 16, growing stronger, but it still needs to reach Level 21 to evolve.
He now possesses the Undead Lord's Core, a rare evolution material—but will it be enough?
The academy should have resources and training grounds to help him prepare for Ghost's breakthrough.
Upon arriving at Blue River Monster Taming Academy, Jiang Chen notices the atmosphere has changed—students are more active, groups are discussing something excitedly.
> "Did you hear? The Ranking Tournament is happening in five days!"
"I heard the grand prize is a Lord-tier evolution material!"
"The top students will also qualify for the Inter-City Monster Tamer Competition."
Jiang Chen's eyes flicker with interest.
A Lord-tier evolution material? That's exactly what he needs.
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2. Academy Ranking System Explained
Jiang Chen walks through the academy, listening to the discussions. He quickly recalls the Academy's Ranking System:
The Ranking Tournament is held every few months.
The top 50 students in the academy are ranked based on strength.
The Top 10 gain major privileges—access to elite training grounds, rare resources, and priority for special missions.
This year's tournament allows Elite-tier and Commander-tier monsters, making it the most competitive yet.
Most students dream of reaching the Top 10, but Jiang Chen was never even considered before.
> "Jiang Chen? Isn't he just an average student?"
"Yeah, his beast is only Elite-tier. No way he's making it past the first round."
"Heh, let's just watch the real geniuses fight."
Jiang Chen ignores the whispers, his cold expression unchanged. They'll learn soon enough.
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3. Registering for the Tournament
Jiang Chen heads to the Mission Hall, where students are registering for the tournament. The Tournament Registration Counter is busy, with students lining up.
At the counter, a familiar face sneers at him—Lin Shao, an arrogant student from a powerful family.
> "Oh? Jiang Chen, you're registering too? Hah! What a joke."
"Even if you make it through the first round, someone will crush you."
Jiang Chen remains silent, filling out his registration form.
> [Tournament Registration Successful!]
[Name: Jiang Chen]
[Beast: Skull Ghost Ape (Elite Tier, Level 16)]
[Rank: Unranked]
Lin Shao and others smirk when they see his rank. An unranked student? Weak.
Jiang Chen doesn't react, but inside, he's already planning—they have no idea what's coming.
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4. Meeting a New Rival: The Mysterious Dark Horse
As Jiang Chen leaves, he senses a powerful presence.
A tall, masked student stands nearby, watching the registration. His aura is restrained, but Jiang Chen can tell—this person is dangerous.
Jiang Chen's instincts tell him this person will be one of the biggest threats in the tournament.
> "You're strong," the masked student suddenly speaks.
"But strength alone won't guarantee victory. The real battle is yet to come."
Before Jiang Chen can respond, the mysterious student walks away.
Who is he? And why does he feel so dangerous?
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5. Hidden Danger: The Plot to Steal Ghost
Unbeknownst to Jiang Chen, his battle with the Bone Tyrant was not unnoticed.
A group of shadowy figures within the academy has heard rumors of his powerful beast—and they believe Ghost might have rare evolution potential.
> "That Skull Ghost Ape… it might have the potential to evolve into a Lord-tier Spectral Beast."
"A rare evolution like that is worth a fortune."
"We should take it for ourselves. Jiang Chen won't be able to protect it forever."
A dangerous plot is forming. Someone plans to steal Ghost during the tournament.
But Jiang Chen doesn't know yet.
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6. Preparing for Battle
Jiang Chen returns to his dorm, sitting cross-legged as he checks his system.
> [Taming System: Status Update]
[Ghost – Level 16 (Elite Tier)]
[Evolution Paths Unlocked]
[Tournament in 5 Days]
He clenches his fists.
He needs Ghost to reach Level 21 before the tournament ends.
He must win the Lord-tier evolution material as the grand prize.
He must crush those who look down on him.
With a cold smirk, he stands up.
> "It's time to show them what real power looks like."