Chapter 72: Setting Off

The Li Family Clan Competition is held in late August, while all academies in the Langya Kingdom begin their academic year at the start of September. If travel time is included, Li Zhangsheng and the others only have a few days to prepare.

For Li Zhangsheng, there was nothing much to prepare. He was extremely busy every day, working hard to train his Demon Pets while accumulating more knowledge.

Furthermore, compared to others, he did not need to worry about resources for the time being; the income from the Healing Spring and Sacred Water was enough to cover his daily consumption.

Time passed like a white horse galloping past a crack in a wall, and soon it was the end of the month. Li Zhangsheng and the others began their journey, preparing to familiarize themselves with the Academy environment in advance and get ready for the upcoming Academy test.

Morning, Training Ground!

This was the gathering place. Just like in previous years, many clansmen came spontaneously to see them off. Whether they were acquaintances or strangers, almost every clansman who was free had come.

Li Zhangsheng arrived alone. He had originally intended to say goodbye to his second uncle, but to his surprise, he searched the entire courtyard and could not find Li Haoqiong, nor did he know where he had gone.

Like Li Zhangsheng, Li Runfeng also arrived alone. Since the gathering time had not yet arrived, the two began to chat idly to pass the time.

Not far away, Li Tianyu arrived accompanied by his parents.

On the other side, Li Jingyi was surrounded by her family, the most eye-catching among them naturally being her grandfather—the Beast Garden Elder.

The Beast Taming Garden raises hundreds of Spirit Beast cubs, among which there is no lack of High Quality Fairy, so its importance can be imagined.

It is precisely because of this that the Beast Garden Elder has become a target for many clansmen to curry favor with.

Looking at Li Zhangsheng not far away, the Beast Garden Elder stroked his gray beard and said, "Jingyi, if you have the chance, remember to interact more with Li Zhangsheng!"

Li Jingyi felt puzzled inside, looking at her grandfather with confusion.

"Even if you successfully pass the Academy test and become a member of the Academy, it does not mean there is no danger. On the contrary, the weaker you are, the more dangerous it is. Every year, many students in various academies lose their lives, and Yuanling Academy is no exception. As for what kind of danger it is, I believe you will understand soon!"

When mentioning danger, the Beast Garden Elder was noticeably much more serious. After a pause, he continued, "Among your group, although Li Tianyu and Li Runfeng are both quite good, the one I am most optimistic about is Li Zhangsheng. Excellent Demon Pets, profound knowledge, self-disciplined and calm—without a doubt, he possesses the foundation to become a Stronger, and in the future, he is very likely to go further than you!"

The Beast Garden Elder ignored Li Jingyi's depressed expression and began to impart to her various experiences on how to "hug thighs." The old man was worldly-wise, not to mention he had come up that way in his early years. His experience in "hugging thighs" was truly appalling; one could only wonder what he had experienced back in the day.

After a long while, the Beast Garden Elder stopped, still feeling unsatisfied.

"I understand, Grandfather. Then I will go over now!" Li Jingyi nodded obediently. She dared not question her grandfather, and besides, Li Zhangsheng was indeed very excellent.

One might ask, how many people in the entire Langya Kingdom could be found who use a Paradise Bird and a Burrowing Mouse as Temporary Spirit Pet like Li Zhangsheng?

Besides that, Li Zhangsheng's Savage Saber-Toothed Tiger has extremely high potential, and its growth speed is appalling; in just one month, it has grown to this point, which is definitely a High Quality existence. As for his contracted Demon Pet, although she had not seen it, she could judge the whole by a part; even if it did not reach the level of the Savage Saber-Toothed Tiger, it would definitely be more excellent than the Paradise Bird and the Burrowing Mouse.

Among this group, the one who will likely fare the best is Li Zhangsheng.

However, Li Jingyi had her own thoughts. Since she was a child, she had grown up under the wings of her grandfather and family, so it was inevitable that she would feel rebellious and not want to continue living under the wings of others.

At the same time, she was unwilling to be a mediocre person and hoped to catch up with Li Zhangsheng to take her destiny into her own hands.

At this moment, Li Zhangsheng also happened to be talking to Li Runfeng about the topic of Li Jingyi.

"What, Li Tianyu and Li Jingyi also got recommendation spots for Yuanling Academy? Strange, didn't they not have spots?" After hearing Li Runfeng's news, Li Zhangsheng was clearly stunned for a moment. For the past few days, he had been deaf to the world outside his window, so he naturally neglected some important information.

"No choice, who told them to have a background? I heard that in order to get the recommendation spots for Yuanling Academy, both of their families paid a great price!"

While speaking, Li Runfeng showed a helpless expression.

Li Jingyi and Li Tianyu both have family members in high positions who control many resources. In this clan competition, they both showed their potential, which is the main reason why both families were willing to pay such a huge price to obtain the Yuanling Academy recommendation spots.

Regarding such matters, Li Zhangsheng could only express envy and could not say much. One was willing to pay and the other was willing to accept; besides, his interests were not harmed. On the contrary, with two more people, perhaps they could help each other out.

Not long after waiting, three Clan Elders arrived together. They were also Clan Elders, but they did not hold real power in the family. Let alone comparing them to the high-ranking and powerful Beast Garden Elder, they were not even as good as some Deacons who held real power.

This time, they would personally escort Li Zhangsheng and the others.

After confirming that no one was absent, the three Clan Elders began to summon their Demon Pets. When the brilliance disappeared, three identical giant eagles appeared on the field.

Thick-Backed Eagle!

The feathers of the Thick-Backed Eagle were cyan, with several long, deep-cyan tail feathers scattered at the tail. Its eyes were as large as copper bells, its gaze piercing and sharp like a sword, exuding a compelling aura.

The Thick-Backed Eagle was just as its name suggested; their backs were far broader than other eagle-type Spirit Beast, enough to accommodate three or four people.

Among them, the leading giant eagle was clearly larger, with a wingspan likely exceeding ten meters, and the aura it exuded was also clearly stronger.

"Upper Rank Beast!"

Li Zhangsheng felt a chill in his heart. The aura of this Thick-Backed Eagle was clearly far beyond that of a Mid-Rank Beast; only an Upper Rank Beast could have such an aura.

For a moment, everyone's eyes were attracted by the Upper Rank Thick-Backed Eagle, their eyes filled with envy. Who wouldn't want to own such a cool Flying Demon Pet?

"The top four of this year's family clan competition, please come to me!" At this time, a white-haired Clan Elder landed on the back of the Upper Rank Thick-Backed Eagle and beckoned Li Zhangsheng and the other four to come up.

Without hesitation, Li Zhangsheng and the other four stepped onto the back of the Thick-Backed Eagle. Li Jingyi sat at the very back; even with five people, it did not appear crowded.

The other four people stepped onto the other two much smaller Thick-Backed Eagles respectively.

"Sit tight, let's go!"

Following the order, the three Thick-Backed Eagles spread their wings. After running a few steps on the ground, they began to flap their wings vigorously, and like an arrow leaving the string, they flew rapidly into the sky.

"Have a safe journey!"

"You must do your best!"

……

As they took off, the clansmen who came to see them off shouted one after another. Although the voices were noisy, they were full of sincerity.

In the span of a few breaths, the Li Family Manor became increasingly small. Perhaps because he was leaving a familiar place, Li Zhangsheng felt a bit uneasy, and even his yearning for Yuanling Academy faded quite a bit.

After flying to a height of one hundred meters, the three Thick-Backed Eagles did not continue to rise. Facing the biting cold wind, they flew rapidly toward the north.

Li Family Manor, Rear Mountain Cemetery!

"As expected, Changsheng has been here!" Li Haoqiong stood in front of a tombstone, looking at the fresh flowers placed before it, and could not help but shake his head and smile.

"Big Brother, Sister-in-law, Changsheng has grown up and has the ability to take care of himself! I also did not expect that it only took him one month to become the first in this year's clan competition, quite in my style back then.

A month ago, Changsheng looked down on the Spirit Beast cubs raised in the Beast Taming Garden and insisted on going to the wilderness alone to search. As his uncle, I was naturally worried about him taking risks, so I thought about helping him out in secret at the time; after all, you only have this one seedling. Unfortunately, in the end, I didn't help much.

During that trip out, Changsheng's harvest was great; he contracted a Superior Quality Hanging-Eyed White-Forehead Tiger cub. A few days later, he discovered a natural spirit gestating in the bamboo forest of the manor. A few days ago, he went to Qingyun Mountain again, and for some reason, his Hanging-Eyed White-Forehead Tiger evolved into the Savage Saber-Toothed Tiger, known as the 'Strongest Warrior-Level Beast'.

Do you find it hard to believe? But this is the truth. Perhaps Changsheng and I are both people with great fortune, hmm, he is the chosen son! Today he is setting off for Yuanling Academy. I believe that with his talent, he will definitely be able to pass the assessment and become a student of Yuanling Academy!

Alright, it is time for me to leave here too. When I complete my breakthrough, I will avenge you and destroy their clan!"

After finishing speaking, Li Haoqiong turned and left, not knowing where he went.

Almost forgot that today is National Day, wish everyone a happy National Day, unfortunately there is a typhoon here...

(End of chapter)