The First Round Begins

Tournament Arena & Audience Excitement

The day of the Ranking Tournament finally arrives. The Blue River Monster Taming Academy Battle Arena is filled with students, instructors, and even powerful figures from outside the academy.

Large crystal screens float above the arena, broadcasting the matches for everyone to see. The atmosphere is electric with excitement.

> "Who will claim the top spots this year?"

"I bet on Xu Rong! His Commander-tier beast is unbeatable!"

"No, Lin Shao's battle experience is superior. He'll crush anyone in his way."

Jiang Chen arrives at the waiting area, calmly observing his surroundings. Despite being unranked, he can feel multiple gazes on him—some mocking, some curious, and a few watching with dangerous intent.

He ignores them, his focus solely on the battle ahead.

Jiang Chen's First Opponent: An Arrogant Noble

The first matchups are announced. Jiang Chen's opponent is Wei Tao, a noble student from a wealthy family.

Wei Tao smirks as he steps onto the battlefield, his beast standing beside him—a Steel-Armored Boar (Elite Tier, Level 18).

> "Jiang Chen, you should've stayed home," Wei Tao sneers. "A nameless weakling like you doesn't belong in this tournament."

Jiang Chen remains silent, stepping onto the battlefield with Ghost by his side. The Skull Ghost Ape's dark aura flickers ominously, making a few students frown.

> "That beast… something's different about it."

"Hmph, it's just an Elite-tier. It can't compete with Commander-tier monsters."

The referee raises his hand.

> "Battle—BEGIN!"

The First Clash: Strength vs. Speed

Wei Tao immediately takes the offensive.

> "Steel-Armored Boar—Iron Charge!"

The massive boar roars, its body glowing as it dashes forward at terrifying speed. The arena floor trembles under its charge.

Most students expect a quick defeat for Jiang Chen.

But—

> "Ghost, evade."

Ghost flickers and vanishes.

The Steel-Armored Boar crashes into empty air, missing its target completely. The spectators blink in shock.

> "What?!"

"That ape is… fast!"

Before Wei Tao can react—

> "Ghost, Phantom Echo!"

A strange distortion ripples through the air. The Steel-Armored Boar stumbles, its movements lagging for a brief second.

Jiang Chen's cold voice rings out—

> "Shadow Claw—go for the eyes."

Ghost's claws shimmer with abyssal energy as it slashes.

The Steel-Armored Boar bellows in pain as one of its eyes is clawed out!

Blood spills onto the ground.

The crowd gasps.

Wei Tao Panics—The Turning Point

Wei Tao staggers back in disbelief. His confident smirk is gone, replaced with fear.

> "You damn bastard—! Boar, Steel Skin!"

The boar's body hardens, its defense increasing.

Wei Tao clenches his fists. He can't afford to lose here!

> "Crush that ghostly ape—Full Power Stampede!"

The boar roars, unleashing its strongest attack—a full-force charge enhanced by all its strength.

Students hold their breath.

If this lands, Jiang Chen will lose!

But Jiang Chen remains calm. His voice is steady.

> "Ghost—finish it."

Abyssal Severance.

Ghost's claws glow with pitch-black energy as it vanishes into the shadows.

The next second—

BOOM!

A deafening impact echoes as Ghost appears behind the boar, claws buried deep into its unprotected neck.

Silence.

The Steel-Armored Boar trembles… then collapses with a heavy thud.

The match is over.

The Audience Falls Silent—Jiang Chen's Name Spreads

For a few moments, the arena is dead silent.

Then—

> "Jiang Chen wins."

The announcement stirs the crowd into chaos.

> "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!"

"He defeated Wei Tao in seconds!"

"That Skull Ghost Ape… it's terrifying!"

Many powerful students narrow their eyes.

Jiang Chen doesn't celebrate. He simply turns and walks off the battlefield, his expression as cold as ever.

But he knows—this was just the beginning.

A New Target on His Back

Somewhere in the crowd, hidden figures watch the battle closely.

> "That ghostly ape… It's stronger than we thought."

"It might really have the potential to evolve into a Lord-tier Spectral Beast."

"Change of plans. We need to take it from Jiang Chen before it's too late."

Unaware of the growing danger, Jiang Chen prepares for his next fight.

Tomorrow, he faces an even stronger opponent.