Chapter 509 - Prelude to the World War (Part 1)

“Only one day remains until the end of the King’s Battle event and the start of the World War! Predictions indicate no further changes to Blue Planet’s top ten king seats!”

“Among Blue Planet’s representatives, six are from Xia, and four are ancient beastmasters. Xia’s position as the top beastmaster nation on Blue Planet is unshakable!”

“International Beastmaster Alliance: This war is no longer about nationality. It is a conflict between two worlds. Regardless of the outcome, let us cheer for the beastmasters representing Blue Planet together.”

“Expert analysis suggests Blue Planet’s overall strength still lags slightly behind Stellar Moon. The key to victory may lie in evolution crystals.”

“By now, Blue Planet and Stellar Moon beastmasters have had numerous interactions. Blue Planet’s advantage lies in the unique trait fusion mechanism granted by contract cards and the evolution mechanism.

“Because Stellar Moon’s familiars can only rely on cultivation-based evolution, their familiars rarely possess abilities beyond their inherent species traits. Their growth and evolution paths are relatively normal and scientific, relying on inherited knowledge.

“In contrast, Blue Planet’s familiars can fuse various bizarre traits, with little precedent to follow. This makes their evolution more diverse, and their species abilities often defy conventional logic. Records show that in ascension realms, when two familiars of the same level and species clash, Blue Planet beastmasters have a higher win rate against Stellar Moon beastmasters.

“Although Blue Planet is slightly weaker in average beastmaster levels, our familiars’ cultivation depth gives us the upper hand. Even if both sides’ familiars are strengthened by evolution crystals, Blue Planet’s familiars that are equipped with a myriad of peculiar traits will demonstrate greater tactical value in battle!

“According to intelligence, the ancient beastmaster, Drought Demon, recently revealed two Superior-Overlord Fire-attribute familiars and attempted to challenge the Flame Phoenix Ruins to obtain a Legendary Flame Phoenix egg. Although he ultimately failed, his prolonged battle in the ruins suggests he might be key to Blue Planet’s victory against Stellar Moon’s Ice Emperor!”

As expected, following Fang Lan, Gu Qingyi and Lin Nian eliminated the Snow Federation King and the Ahsan King. For Xia, this outcome was cause for celebration, but globally, it left beastmasters from other nations feeling powerless.

However, with the World War imminent, mainstream media across Blue Planet couldn’t afford to dampen morale. They tirelessly highlighted Blue Planet’s strengths. While many nations were displeased that Xia dominated the representative roster, there was little they could do. The slots were earned through battle. Their own beastmasters simply hadn’t measured up.

At this point, the identity of the representatives mattered less than securing victory. No one wanted Blue Planet’s Limitless City to be downgraded due to defeat. After all, Stellar Moon’s beastmasters envied Blue Planet’s Limitless City facilities immensely.

The only consolation for other nations was that, for unknown reasons, the four ancient beastmasters hadn’t taken Xia citizenship. They also seemed receptive to overtures from other countries, offering hope for alliances with these ancient powerhouses.

Amid this backdrop, Drought Demon, an ancient beastmaster specializing in the Fire attribute, emerged as Blue Planet’s potential trump card against Stellar Moon’s Ice Emperor. The Ice Emperor commanded a Low-Legendary Ice-attribute familiar above level 70. It was an unimaginably formidable force in the World War.

Without a significant level advantage or ability counter, Blue Planet beastmasters struggled to conceive a winning strategy. Drought Demon’s familiars, while not surpassing the Ice Emperor in level, held a clear elemental advantage. Even if he couldn’t single-handedly neutralize the Ice Emperor, the tournament’s bracket format meant he could at least inflict heavy damage.

“It’s more stressful than the college entrance exams.”

Recently, beastmaster schools worldwide had gone on break, with students eagerly anticipating the World War.

At Beastmaster University, Fang Lan’s parents, who taught there, video-called her with mixed emotions.

“Whatever happens in the World War, safety comes first. Don’t push yourself. We know how you got your current strength. Listen to Lu Ran.”

“Alright, alright. I get it. And... It’s a bracket tournament. I might not even need to fight if Lu Ran sweeps all ten opponents himself,” Fang Lan said, exasperated.

Fang Lan’s parents were taken aback.

“We may not be on the frontlines, but we’re not fools. Stellar Moon’s average level is clearly higher than ours.”

Fang Lan averted her gaze. “Some things are hidden, even from you two. Just watch the matches if you can. Lu Ran is hiding a lot. What he’s shown so far is just the tip of the iceberg...”

***

Golden Hill.

Under a crimson moon, Jiang Dou awoke from a dream.

He checked the time and muttered, “Lu Ran’s about to compete in the World War, isn’t he? What a pity that I’m still too weak to help. But that dream just now... why did I see his senior brother returning? Am I just getting old and delusional?”

***

Green Sea.

This rising metropolis, home to two World War representatives, buzzed with activity. Under the Beastmaster Association and Green Sea’s organization, fans of Lu Ran and Fang Lan took to the streets to cheer for them.

***

King’s Domain.

As the countdown neared its end, Blue Planet’s representatives gathered in the King’s Domain. No one had challenged them recently, as their overwhelming strength left no room for hope.

“Has Lu Ran not returned yet?” The old president clasped his hands behind his back, glancing at Fang Lan.

Without Lu Ran, the old president would undoubtedly be Xia’s figurehead. Despite becoming the Divine Turtle’s messenger, he had cultivated a quasi-Legendary Qilin through his own efforts. With an evolution card, he’d soon command two quasi-Legendaries.

“Not yet.” Fang Lan looked around anxiously.

Did Lu Ran forget the time?

If he didn’t return to Blue Planet, would he still qualify?

Just as the group grew restless, a figure materialized. Lu Ran teleported into the King’s Domain, smiling at the assembled Blue Planet representatives and the ancient squad.

“You’re all here so early. I’m not late, am I?”

“No...” Dr. Gu had barely spoken when the system’s voice echoed not just for them, but for every beastmaster in Limitless City.

[The World War event, Blue Planet King’s Battle, has concluded.]

[Announcing Blue Planet’s top ten beastmaster representatives: Retiring After This Fight, Pedestrian A, Xia Witch, Drought Demon, Snow Maiden, Demon King, Medusa Queen, Five Poisons Saintess, Gu Qingyi, and Blue Planet Psychic Empress.]

[Pre-battle special reward: evolution crystal distributed.]

As the announcements played, everyone turned to the old president.

Lu Ran was stunned. “The old president changed his name? What kind of name is that? It reeks of a death flag. Lin Nian, yours is just as cringey.”

Are you here to fight or to promote yourselves?

The old president’s new ID practically screamed, “I’ll die in the World War!”

Before Lu Ran could complain further, the system continued.

[Activating the World War exclusive facility: World Arena. From now on, Blue Planet and Stellar Moon representatives may enter as participants.

[Other beastmasters from both worlds may purchase spectator seats of varying tiers using crystal coins. Access is restricted to the spectator stands. Alternatively, matches may be viewed for free via arena screens in Limitless City.]

[Full World War rules announced.]

[Battle Format: Bracket (double-round).]

[Battle Rules: 3V3]

[Battle Phases: Stellar Moon Bracket and Blue Planet Bracket. In the Stellar Moon Bracket, Stellar Moon’s ten representatives will defend against Blue Planet’s ten participants, and vice versa for the Blue Planet Bracket.

[The defending beastmasters will be randomly determined by Limitless City, and the beastmaster’s three familiars cannot be swapped after being decided. The attackers’ order will be internally decided, and they may swap familiars for each new bracket.]

[A successful defense awards 1 World Point.]

[A successful challenge awards 1 World Point.]

[A 2:0 World Point ratio grants victory. If the ratio is 1:1, the MVP beastmasters from both sides will face off in a final 1v1 to determine the winner!]

[Item usage rules: Each beastmaster or familiar may carry one external weapon, armor, or item, limited to Epic grade or below.]

“Of course, high-grade items are restricted. No using the Zhu Yan’s Legendary physique, but Stellar Moon can’t rely on their Legendary tech either.” Lu Ran smirked, then perked up at the next announcement.

[World War rewards: First-time victory grants one of the opponent’s familiars’ abilities as a Super Trait Crystal, usable by familiars from either world.]

[Final rewards: Limitless City authority (all ten winners gain partial management rights, with the highest-scoring MVP receiving super authority).]

[First-round bracket: Stellar Moon. The lineup will be announced before the World War begins!]

[Countdown: 4 hours.]

***

As the announcements concluded, the ten representatives’ ID cards gained a teleport option to the World Arena. Others could now purchase spectator seats.

“Damn! 100,000 crystal coins for a basic seat? This is just robbery!”

“VIP seats cost a million? Who can afford that?”

“I’ll just watch the screens. It’s cheaper.”

“Sure, because you’re broke!”

“Whatever. I’m going back to sleep. See you in four hours.”

While the public buzzed, the representatives focused on their newly acquired evolution crystals.

[Name: Evolution Crystal (Bound)]

[Description: Can only be used on contracted familiars. Upon usage, the familiar’s abilities are amplified, and its species rank is guaranteed to reach quasi-Legendary.]

“

Tch,

bound!” Lu Ran couldn’t help but sigh.

The four ancient beastmasters shuddered, inexplicably grateful the crystals weren’t tradable. Otherwise, they’d likely have been voluntarily confiscated.

“So this is what they meant by double-round format. Both Blue Planet and Stellar Moon sides have to defend once,” Gu Qingyi remarked.

“Judging by the current rules, the offensive side has the advantage. They can analyze intel and send beastmasters whose abilities and attributes counter the defenders to increase win rates. Meanwhile, the defending side’s battle order is already fixed,” Lin Nian added.

“But since it’s a double-round, both sides will take turns attacking, so it balances out. Are we attacking first this round? Who should we send? Let’s see who their first defender is before deciding.” The old president glanced around.

Lu Ran cut in. “No need to look. I’ll take the first attack.”

Snow Maiden from the ancient beastmasters protested. “That’s not ideal! Going out too early will waste stamina. The best tactic is to save your strength for critical moments.”

“It’s fine. I want to test my limits. Besides, my newly learned beastmaster skill ensures I can last long in battle.” Lu Ran smiled.

The newly arrived ancient beastmasters were still worried about Lu Ran taking the first turn. After all, aces should stay for later. However, those familiar with Lu Ran, like Fang Lan and Gu Qingyi, suspected that this guy was just afraid someone else would steal his trait crystals.

Since defeating an opponent for the first time would drop a trait crystal, only by attacking first could Lu Ran guarantee he’d claim every opponent’s loot.

As absurd as it sounded, if it was Lu Ran, they fully believed he’d think this way. The rewards were too tempting. Although they weren’t too valuable to the participating beastmasters, these were still hugely attractive.

The representatives from both worlds were no weaklings. If they could acquire their opponents’ abilities and apply them to their own suitable familiars, it would be a massive boost.

“Regardless, we still have four hours. Everyone should rest and use this time to consume the evolution crystals we just got to strengthen ourselves!” The old president’s words drew nods.

With that, Lu Ran also exited the King’s Domain and returned to his private room.