Chapter 362: Only One Chance

Lunch Break.

In his office, Liu Yao was typing furiously on his keyboard.

These past few days, his emotions were a mix of excitement and frustration.

He was thrilled because Flame Hound had evolved, likely into a rare and unique form, offering incredible research value. However, he was also exhausted because, despite this significant development, the project to study how Fire Fang Dogs evolve into Flame Hounds still hadn't been approved!

Liu Yao knew it typically took at least three months to move from project submission to approval. But it had already been about three months since submission. Meanwhile, the only Flame Hound had already evolved into its advanced form, and the research project hadn't even officially started. Was this how things should be?!

For the first time, Liu Yao felt the inefficiency of bureaucracy was infuriating beyond words.

He vented his frustration in the chat software:

"I understand that procedures must be followed, but the Flame Hound has already evolved. Without its original data, do you realize how much harder this research will be?"

"And don't give me yesterday's excuse! Remember when Xie Jiageng was studying the mental energy extraction of Qibu? That got approved in less than a week!"

As he prepared to type more, a knock came at his door.

"Come in." Liu Yao said.

"Vice Principal." Qiao Sang pushed open the door.

"Ah, you're here." Liu Yao said, his lips curling into a smile.

There were many geniuses in this world, but Qiao Sang's talent for beast taming was in a league of its own. Among her peers, no one could compare. She was even showing signs of surpassing every other high school student.

But that wasn't what Liu Yao cared about most.

The most critical point was that Qiao Sang had cultivated a Flame Hound and, within an incredibly short period, had also evolved it further.

Typically, discovering a new evolution form for a beast was a long process. A few years back, when the advanced form of the Crimson Bat was first identified, the research team spent over four years determining its subsequent evolutionary stage.

And those researchers were all highly decorated professionals in their field! Yet Qiao Sang had managed to achieve in a few months what took them years.

What's more, this wasn't just a straightforward evolution using a special tool. There was also her Ice Qiya..

Suppressing his excitement, Liu Yao stopped typing, his eyes brightening as he eagerly asked, "You mentioned you wanted me to look at Ice Qiya?"

Qiao Sang nodded.

"My Lubao drank an S-grade Potential Enhancer yesterday, and then something unusual happened."

As she spoke, she formed a seal with her hands, summoning Lubao.

"Lu~"

Upon materializing, Lubao glanced around, then leapt into Qiao Sang's arms.

Although Lubao had grown significantly, Qiao Sang, thanks to the feedback from Yabao's evolution, now had greater strength and caught her with ease.

Liu Yao blinked in surprise, his expression visibly astonished.

"It's grown this much!" He exclaimed, getting up and walking closer.

Qiao Sang explained, "It might be because the Potential Enhancer was S-grade."

"You gave it an S-grade Potential Enhancer?!" Liu Yao's disbelief was palpable.

"Is that not okay?" Qiao Sang asked cautiously, startled by his intense reaction.

"It's not that." Liu Yao said with a complex expression.

"It's just that I've rarely seen anyone give an S-grade Potential Enhancer to a mid-tier beast."

After nearly having a heart attack, Qiao Sang sighed in relief. She followed up with a question:

"Since I gave Lubao the booster yesterday, not only has her size increased, but her energy reserves have also grown significantly. Isn't the enhancer supposed to enhance potential? Why would her energy increase?"

"That's because it's an S-grade booster." Liu Yao explained.

"All S-grade potions contain immense energy.

"The Potential Enhancer works by enhancing a beast's potential. It doesn't force the enhancement but instead unlocks latent potential based on the beast's capacity to handle the booster.

"If the beast experiences pain upon taking the enhancer, it means the potion is too advanced for its current state. Even if it drinks it, most of the potion's effects will be wasted.

"The higher the beast's level, the better it can absorb the enhancer's effects.

"Normally, a mid-tier beast maxes out with an A-grade enhancer. The fact that your Ice Qiya could handle an S-grade enhancer means it has exceptional capacity and potential. Its size and energy growth are a normal result of such high-level effects."

Liu Yao couldn't help but ponder. An S-grade enhancer is powerful enough for an emperor-tier beast. Qiao Sang comes from a modest background... Could she have some extraordinary connections? Otherwise, how did she contract an endangered beast like Ice Qiya?

Meanwhile, Qiao Sang felt reassured. It was a relief to confirm that Lubao's changes were normal.

"By the way."

Liu Yao said, suddenly turning back to his computer, "I asked a friend from the Guwu region to send me detailed information on the Water Qiya's species. I'll forward it to you. Take a look when you get the chance."

Qiao Sang's eyes lit up.

"Thank you, Vice Principal!"

The timing couldn't have been better. With Lubao nearing her evolution, the material would help her prepare for her next stage.

Afternoon: Training Grounds No. 1

As the school bell rang, He Dadao stood at attention, his large frame unusually stiff and serious.

"Stop pretending." Xu Yixuan teased, nudging him with her elbow.

"No one's here to watch you."

He Dadao's expression fell for a moment before snapping back into seriousness.

"I know, but with so many people watching, I have to look proper."

Qiao Sang turned to glance at them, and as she did, the group of students outside the glass window waved excitedly.

So I really am famous now... She thought, her back unconsciously straightening a little.

Soon, Sun Boyi brought up a large virtual screen, which displayed several student profiles.

"The elimination rounds are next." Sun Boyi began, his tone solemn.

"This isn't like the preliminaries or group stage. You only get one chance. Lose, and it's all over."

He tapped his tablet, bringing up the profile of a young man.

"Let's start by analyzing some of the stronger contenders you'll face in the elimination rounds. First up, Liao Chaonan..."