After using cheats, I became the strongest Beast Tamer

The excitement for the Shu State Cup was gradually increasing, and discussions about it could often be heard among students during class breaks and meal times, becoming a hot topic.

The preliminary rounds were nearing their end, and after today's final match, the list of teams advancing to the top thirty-two would be announced.

This year's Shu State Cup teams were essentially divided into three tiers—championship contenders, likely-to-be-televised teams, and those just participating for the experience.

Qinglong District Middle School No. 8 was among those likely to be televised.

In addition, there were five championship-contending teams.

The reason there were five was that three days ago, Tianwu Middle School clashed with Qinglong District Middle School No. 1 in advance, resulting in the early defeat and elimination of Qinglong District Middle School No. 1.

Besides the five strong teams, some players who shined in the matches also garnered fame and became the subjects of many students' conversations.

"If you ask me, Wanhai Middle School might just take the Shu State Cup this time," Wang Qiming from the back row stated confidently.

"Wanhai Middle School's best result in the past was only top eight."

"So what about top eight? The strength of this year's teams is not to be assessed by past teams.

Wanhai Middle School is also a school from our new district. If they win, it'll be a victory for our new district."

"Ahem, Brother Chen, no offense, but we just feel that it might be a bit difficult for our school to win the championship this year. However, I think we have a great chance once you reach your senior year."

"That's right, your appetite as a Beast Tamer is extraordinary. You eat a lot, so you grow fast. By next year, when you're in your sophomore year, you should be able to officially compete, right?"

Zou Minghan, realizing that a member of the school team was sitting nearby, quickly explained to Chen Xing.

Chen Xing waved his hand to show it was no big deal.

It was fine for everyone to talk freely.

"Anyway, they are all teams from Shu State. It doesn't make much difference who wins the championship. I think Tianwu Middle School has the biggest chance to take the championship this year since they're the longstanding champions," Chen Xing commented.

Wang Qiming dropped a bombshell, "I heard that the captain of the Wanhai Middle School team is not only strong but also beautiful."

"Really? Is there a photo?"

"Of course, there is. Would I dare say such a thing without proof? This photo was posted on the forum by someone from Xintian Middle School. It was taken during last week's competition."

Wang Qiming took out his phone and opened the photo.

The students crowding around let out gasps of surprise upon seeing the picture.

"So beautiful!"

Chen Xing wasn't particularly interested, but seeing their big reactions, he decided to check out their sense of beauty.

So, leaning over, he saw a familiar figure in the photo.

Dressed in white sportswear, with long black hair over her shoulders, she had a cold and delicate beauty.

Chen Xing fell into thought.

"What do you think? Pretty, right?"

"She's okay," Chen Xing replied noncommittally.

He had seen that face too much growing up.

But… his sister was the captain of the Wanhai Middle School team?

He couldn't help but think of the team meeting yesterday where the seniors had been seriously analyzing the teams from other schools, insisting that in the last round of eliminations they must avoid pairing up with Wanhai Middle School, Tianwu Middle School, and Qinglong District Middle School No. 7 at all costs.

"By the way, I heard Chi Ziyao from Qinglong District Middle School No. 7 played yesterday, and in a head-to-head match with an official player from another school, her Golden Iron Beast nearly won."

"That strong? She's in the same grade as us, right?"

"Yeah, they say she's the strongest in our cohort."

"That might not necessarily be the case. I saw the news too. The opposing school was just a high school from some county below, and they didn't even have a single evolved Beast Taming."

"But that's still an official team member."

Before they knew it, the afternoon lessons had come to an end.

Someone approached Chen Xing, "Brother Chen, are we still competing in the food-eating contest at lunch today? We've got some classmates from the class next door joining us. We've got thirty-six people participating today, is that okay?"

"No problem, everyone's welcome," Chen Xing accepted with a smile.

Lately, Chen Xing would occasionally treat his classmates to beverages during class, which gradually improved the relationships among them.

As a result, the big eaters' challenge evolved into a friendly rivalry among classmates.

It just made sense.

Besides, there might be other games in the future that required help from classmates. Where else could you find such a suitable group of same-aged Beast Tamers in the Beast Taming phase, if not at school?

Chen Xing opened the Stone Booklet.

Water Devouring (Perfect) (478/500)

Half an hour later, the new round of the big eaters' competition in the cafeteria ended.

"Completed the Big Eaters' Challenge (Multiplayer), Water Devouring Proficiency +36."

The word "Perfect" beside Water Devouring grew blurry and was replaced with "Transcendent."

Water Devouring (Transcendent) (14)

Then, a new line of text appeared below it, and the number changed from a progress indicator to a standalone number.

(Unlocked skills unavailable, unable to improve)

Chen Xing pondered over the meaning of this line of text.

Unlocked skills unavailable, unable to improve? Does that mean once unlocked, it can be improved? But how, and in what way?

The skills mentioned here likely refer to those yet unseen in the professional skill tree.

The numbers in the brackets must have their significance; proficiency exceeding the full value converted into a plain number probably relates to subsequent skills.

It seems that even if the proficiency of a skill reaches the transcendent level, one could still enhance their proficiency when idle.

This number should have a new role to play in the future.

After the afternoon classes, Chen Xing, with his backpack, headed to the school team.

Just as he entered, he saw Coach Kuang with a stern expression hurrying past.

Chen Xing stopped Zhou Hao, who was snacking nearby, "What's wrong? We're not eliminated, are we?"

"No."

"The coach seems upset."

"Senior Tian's Beast Taming suffered a pretty bad injury. He's still in the hospital, and it looks like he won't be able to make tomorrow morning's competition," Zhou Hao said.

"That serious?" Chen Xing was surprised.

Usually, one would be discharged quickly for minor injuries; only more serious ones would require an extended hospital stay.

"I heard there was an explosion accident in the northern part of Qinglong District today. Most of the medical staff in our new district hospital have been called away for assistance."

"What happened?"

Wang Bing spoke up from the side, "My dad sent me a message. He told me not to go out recently, especially to avoid Qinglong District. Apparently, something quite serious happened there."

Wang Bing hesitated, then added in a hushed tone, "Don't spread this around, okay? This is inside information."

"Don't worry, I'm the most tight-lipped," Zhou Hao nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken.

Chen Xing nodded too, "I won't blab."

Wang Bing spoke secretively, "I heard it wasn't an explosion. The explosion was just a cover for the public. In reality, a laboratory had an incident, and some monsters being researched got loose. The Tactical Bureau and the Security Bureau went in to suppress them. The sounds of explosions were just the aftermath of the fight."

Zhou Hao's eyes widened, "That's terrible then. Did anyone die?"

"No significant casualties, the laboratory is said to be in the suburbs," Wang Bing shook his head. "So be careful in the coming days, don't just wander about, and especially don't go to the suburbs."