A rich aroma wafted from the backpack, making Boxing Rabbit's nose twitch. The enticing scent seemed to wash away the exhaustion from the past few days.
"When I'm upset, I like to eat. Eating helps me forget my troubles."
"I know you've been abandoned and feel deeply resentful. But you shouldn't harm yourself. Instead, stand tall, confront him again, and defeat his next pet in front of everyone."
"Let him regret abandoning you for the rest of his life."
"That would be the ultimate slap in the face, wouldn't it? Isn't that more satisfying?"
These words were like a beam of light piercing through the endless darkness, shining into Boxing Rabbit's weary heart.
Yes, why am I harming myself just to vent my frustrations?
This body is mine—damaging it only weakens my foundation.
That goes against the very path of martial cultivation I once aspired to.
My life may be miserable, and those who abandoned me are probably laughing at my foolishness.
No, I must pull myself together, take care of my body, and use these iron fists to defeat them.
Boxing Rabbit raised his fist, and a flash of gray metallic light sparkled.
If Ye Bai were present, he would have realized that, besides the "Madness" skill, Boxing Rabbit had also awakened the "Iron Fist" skill.
After letting go of the pain in his heart, a rare smile appeared on Boxing Rabbit's face.
Gurgle, gurgle—
Only then did he realize how hungry he was. He opened his backpack, pulled out a juicy ruby carrot, and began to munch eagerly—too fast, in fact, and he started choking.
His face turned red.
"Here, drink this—golden coconut water."
Li Chen retrieved a gold-rimmed bottle from his space bracelet. Inside was a clear, crystalline liquid.
Watching the affectionate bond between the boy and the pet, Li Defu couldn't help but smile warmly.
"Master, this Boxing Rabbit was recently abandoned," the steward said with concern. "He's probably experienced some serious psychological trauma. Should the young master consider choosing another pet?"
Li Defu shook his head. "No. Let him decide. This is the first time I've seen Li Chen smile so genuinely."
"Anyone who would abandon such a fine beast clearly has poor judgment."
Thus, Li Chen formed a contract with Boxing Rabbit, officially becoming its Beastmaster.
Li Chen's awakened talent was called Fearlessness. Though it sounded noble, its practical value was minimal.
"Fearlessness" simply meant that Li Chen himself would not be afraid. However, current research showed that this effect was limited to the user—it couldn't be shared with pet beasts.
As such, this talent was rated E-level, even lower than Ye Bai's Photographic Memory, which was D-level.
Despite this, the emotional bond between Li Chen and Boxing Rabbit was undeniable.
---
On the battlefield...
Zhang Lingxue summoned her second-level pet: Vine Cat.
The creature had a collar-like circle of vines blooming with delicate white flowers, resembling a lion's mane. Its large, clear eyes gleamed like polished emeralds.
"This is my newly cultivated pet beast, Vine Cat," she said. "It's second-level, but don't worry—I won't let it go all out."
The Vine Cat appeared calm and elegant, casually licking its paws. Yet the way its claws left sharp scratches on the ground revealed its hidden strength.
Those claws could easily cause serious injury if they landed on a creature like the Thousand-Change Silkworm.
"How cute!"
The girls in the crowd were instantly charmed. Fluffy and elegant, Vine Cat was irresistible.
"Vine Cats are so rare. Where did Teacher Zhang get hers?"
"She probably received it as a reward from the research department. After all, she discovered Li Weiyang's talent."
Zhang Lingxue was a third-level Beastmaster, capable of contracting up to three beasts.
"In comparison, Ye Bai's Thousand-Change Silkworm looks so sleazy—so gross," one girl commented, wrinkling her nose.
"Yeah, it's drooling and licking its lips—so nasty," another added.
"I'd die of embarrassment if I had such a pet," a third girl said, shuddering.
The Thousand-Change Silkworm, oblivious to the insults, licked its half-full belly with satisfaction. But it was annoyed—the battle had interrupted its meal. If not for that, it could've begged Li Chen for more carrots.
Its copper-bell-sized eyes narrowed fiercely at Vine Cat.
Burn, my little universe!
It wasn't just food—it was about pride. This fuzzy menace had dared to interrupt its eating time!
Thousand-Change Silkworm's aura exploded with intensity. Even Vine Cat felt the pressure and swallowed nervously.
For a second-level beast to be suppressed by a first-level Kalami—it was absurd!
Zhang Lingxue's eyes sparkled. Could this be the Thousand-Change Silkworm's hidden ability?
"Vine Cat, use Seed Shot! Let's test its defenses!"
A stream of green seeds shot from Vine Cat's mouth, hitting the silkworm before it could react.
Clang!
To everyone's shock, the silkworm wasn't harmed. It casually scratched the impact point with its tongue—there wasn't even a white mark.
Internally, it was sweating bullets. The attack had looked intimidating, but it felt more like a mosquito bite.
Ugh, now I'm itchy. I need to scratch.
In full view of everyone, the Thousand-Change Silkworm rolled over, rubbing its back on the ground with a look of pure bliss.
The seeds embedded in the wall smoked faintly, their power undeniable.
Everyone stared in disbelief.
Is its defense really that strong?
Is rolling around part of its technique?
Does it somehow increase defense by doing that?
Ye Bai silently facepalmed.
After these past few days, he understood the silkworm's true nature.
Can I tell them... that it was just scratching an itch?
With shame like this, how can I show my face at Shenshan No.1 again?