Summoned beasts have different attributes and skills during their infancy and juvenile stages. Since Chen Tian is a Cold Walker, his progression does not trigger panel notifications.
Normally, when a summoned beast levels up or awakens skills, the summoner knows instantly, either through audio cues or panel pop-ups. But Chen Tian didn't have that. He had to check himself.
With a quick swipe, a cyan screen appeared.
Summoned Beast: Nether God Tiger
Name: De'en Ailisi
Race: Divine Beast Clan
Stage: Juvenile
Level: Thirty-seven
Health: 65100/65100
Enhancement Points: 150/6500
Strength: 3600
Constitution: 6500
Speed: 9780
Armor: 55
Spirit: 5000
Skill Mastery: 6100
Traits: Power of the Underworld, Yin-Yang Life-and-Death Eyes.
Abilities: Master of Life and Death, Extreme Speed, Armor Break, Bleed, Tear
Skills: Sonic Roar, Swift Impact, Netherworld Life-and-Death Claws.
Chen Tian looked at the stat panel and thought, "Wow, its stats are higher than mine. I'm so envious. This is what normal leveling looks like. Unlike me, my stats don't increase when I level up, and I get so few attribute points."
However, Chen Tian was confident he could catch up. After all, he now had close to ten thousand attribute points. The problem was that his current stats had reached the three-thousand-one cap, preventing further allocation. Once he completed the breakthrough quest, it would be his rebirth.
"Alright! It's time to go out. Si Si, at level thirty-seven, essentially has no match among players or creatures of the same level."
Chen Tian put away the panel, hugged the little one, and stepped into the teleportation gate. Their figures vanished.
A faint light portal appeared above the snowy forest. Chen Tian walked out, a tiny, cute figure asleep in his arms.
Chen Tian shook his head, speechless. "It's already asleep. But it's a juvenile stage, so it's normal. Juvenile stage is like a few-year-old child in real life. Sleeping is normal."
"The Chrono Era even considered this detail. Chen Tian felt they had really put in a lot of effort, bringing this aspect of reality into the game."
Chen Tian soon left the Frozen Snow Plain. As he did, the entire area changed. The once icy plain's temperature halved, and the ocean flowed beneath it.
Palaces appeared, like underwater cities, their lights illuminating the Frozen Snow Plain as the snow melted.
The Frozen Snow Plain returned to its original appearance, and Chen Tian's score soared from fifth to first place, exceeding one hundred million points.
Chen Tian was unaware of all this. On the ninety-ninth floor, ten figures exchanged glances as the score rankings caught their attention.
"Hiss! What did this guy do? How does he have over a hundred and thirty million points?"
"Amazing! This first place is surely his."
"Let's not discuss this for now. Hurry and connect. He's finally showing himself."
"Yes! We'll contact him immediately."
On the ninety-ninth floor, they looked at each other. Then, one person spoke, "Could he have killed those hidden bosses? Otherwise, his score wouldn't be this high."
"Impossible. Those hidden bosses are difficult even for a full team. And we can't control where they appear."
"I really don't know what the higher-ups are thinking. The bosses' AI isn't restricted, we can't control them."
"Forget it, no more complaining. Isn't this why people love this game?"
One sentence led to contemplation. Chen Tian received a message from the management.
Opening the email, Chen Tian read it carefully, then clicked a few times on the screen, sending a message.
Afterward, Chen Tian opened his inventory and clicked on a card. A message appeared before him. Chen Tian nodded in satisfaction. "This is good."
"If it weren't for this reward, my future path would be very difficult. Fortunately, this item has helped me greatly!"
Chen Tian continued walking, carrying the sleeping little one.
His next target was an area called the Myriad Beast Forest, a level thirty-nine leveling zone. It was inhabited by wild beasts. Chen Tian wanted to train Si Si's combat abilities.
The Myriad Beast Forest was a vast forest with dense, green trees and fresh air. Chen Tian felt this was what a normal forest should be like. The azure and fiery forests he had passed through before were unnatural and uncomfortable.
Nature was what humans yearned for, a comfortable environment.
Chen Tian reached the edge of the Myriad Beast Forest and was about to enter when a voice stopped him.
"Kid, I want your pet. Here's three hundred Chrono Coins. Take them and leave. Put it down."
A domineering voice rang out. The little one was instantly awakened, baring its teeth and growling at the crowd. However, its pouting lips and whimpers had no power, only making it look cute.
Chen Tian looked in the direction of the voice. A quick swipe revealed no player or combat NPC. It was a regular NPC. But Chen Tian was curious why a regular NPC would have such advanced AI, possessing self-awareness and the ability to act.
Before him stood a young man in an imperial robe, his ancient yellow attire resembling that of an ancient emperor. He exuded a special aura. The young man was handsome and elegant, with a pair of golden eyes.
The young man spoke indifferently, "Kid, I'm talking to you. Are you selling it? I want your pet."
"No."
Chen Tian showed no fear. He didn't care about a mere NPC, especially one without combat capabilities.
Upon being refused, the Eighth Prince felt his dignity challenged. As a prince of the royal family, someone dared to defy his command. He stamped his foot in anger and roared,
"A mere commoner dares to defy my command as the Eighth Prince! Kid, good, very good. Guards, seize him and throw him into the dungeon! I'll make him wish he were dead."
Instantly, several armored soldiers appeared around Chen Tian. Chen Tian glanced at their attributes: Imperial Soldiers, level thirty-eight, five in total.
Next to the Eighth Prince stood another figure. Chen Tian clicked on them and found it was a player, dressed in luxurious attire.
Chen Tian immediately understood. He had encountered a noble-class player. He inwardly sighed, "Players of the noble class are even more troublesome."
But Chen Tian had already committed. The battle had begun, and there was no turning back. Chen Tian placed Si Si on the ground and said, "Free to act. I won't command you this time. Let me see your combat instincts."
"Roar!"
Si Si raised its head and pouted, roaring. Its small body dashed towards the Imperial Soldiers. The soldiers wore ancient yellow armor with patterns, holding silver spears with gleaming tips.
But the little one showed no fear. It began to run, charging directly at the Imperial Soldiers, its form becoming like a gust of wind.
In an instant, it appeared before an Imperial Soldier and rammed into it, sending the soldier flying.
The other four Imperial Soldiers thrust their spears. Si Si's agile body weaved through the attacks, dodging every strike.
As it ran, its speed increased. Si Si's eyes locked onto an Imperial Soldier. Waves of energy rippled across Si Si's body from front to back.
Si Si's speed was like running against a gale, its entire body like a cannonball, striking the Imperial Soldier.
Skill: Swift Impact
Skill:
"Boom!"
A sound echoed as the Imperial Soldier's body exploded. Chen Tian received a point of enhancement and opened the little one's status panel.
"I see. No wonder it was a one-hit kill. It's learned a new ability!"
Chen Tian stroked his chin and looked at the stat panel, realizing. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been able to kill an NPC with a similar health pool in one blow. It had learned a new ability.
Ability: Target Lock. Attacks on targets locked by De'en Ailisi deal 80% increased damage.
Combined with the effects of Bleed, Armor Break, and Tear, the little one was able to achieve a one-hit kill. Si Si's newly learned ability was of divine quality.
Chen Tian watched calmly. After defeating an Imperial Soldier, Si Si landed and quickly stabilized itself on its four limbs. Waves of energy appeared around its limbs.
Its speed seemed to have multiplied exponentially, turning Si Si into streaks of black and white light as it darted around.
Ability: Extreme Speed. Has a 75% chance to boost De'en Ailisi's speed by 30%.
With Extreme Speed activated, Si Si charged at the four Imperial Soldiers, each impact making them take a small step back. Because of the little one's incredible speed, the Imperial Soldiers' attacks missed, leaving them vulnerable.
"Damn it, damn it! Why aren't you acting? As long as you help me get that pet, this will be your trial quest."
The Eighth Prince, Chen Yang, looked at the figure beside him. This was a protector his father had assigned to him. His father had told him that this person could only help him once, and after that, they would leave.
The Eighth Prince had come to capture some attractive wild animals. But when he saw the cat in Chen Tian's arms, he decided he had to snatch its pet as a gift.
It was simply too cute. Its tiny body, pouting lips, and fluffy fur made it look like it was perfectly crafted by heaven, a killer of girls.
His sister's birthday was approaching, and she loved small animals, which led to this situation. He wanted to give this pet to his sister as a gift.
The player beside him watched De'en Ailisi for a moment, then opened their status panel. They were puzzled because the name, race, and level were hidden. Despite their confusion, they spoke, "Alright. I'll make it automatically cancel the contract. Is this your trial quest, Your Highness, Eighth Prince?"
"Yes, this is it. As long as you help me get this pet, you can leave."
The Eighth Prince said confidently, as if the little one was already in his grasp.
Then, a figure moved like an afterimage. A cold gleam flashed as they charged towards the battlefield. Chen Tian sensed it and said, "Si Si, dodge!"
Instantly, a cold gleam targeted Si Si. The little one flickered, its four limbs propelling it, its speed skyrocketing, and it dodged out of the way.
A massive explosion occurred where Si Si had been. Rocks and dust flew up. When the dust settled, a figure appeared before the little one.
"Roar~"
The little one roared at the player before it, looking fierce, but with little actual threat.
"Summoner class. I didn't expect to encounter one here. But this is perfect for completing my trial and earning double points. Why not?"
The player with the spear spoke coldly, their voice devoid of emotion, chilling.
Above their head, the name "lv: 30 Lie Qing Han Mang" appeared.
Chen Tian opened the opponent's status panel, and his expression faltered slightly.
"Si Si, be careful. They won't hold back. This is a Seeker-class player. Be cautious."
Chen Tian spoke with concern. Seekers, by design, had no emotions, only cold expressions and killing intent. They acted decisively and never showed fear.
Therefore, their stats appeared as question marks. The colder the player, the stronger their stats. They abandoned their emotions and desires in exchange for immense power.
Such players, when fighting to the death, were lunatics. That's why Chen Tian warned Si Si to be careful.
The opponent's level was only thirty. Si Si had a level advantage, but their stats were unknown, and their strength was unpredictable.
Si Si's limbs and body began to glow with black and white light, entering full power mode.
Lie Qing Han Mang made no hesitation and attacked first. Although their level was lower than the summoned beast, their stats were several hundred points higher, giving them the initiative.
The spear in their hand began to glow with a faint purple light, and the spearhead aimed directly at Si Si's body. With terrifying speed, they transformed into a line of light, leaving deep trenches several meters long in the ground.
"Si Si, dodge with Extreme Speed!"
Chen Tian commanded. Summoners could command their summoned beasts, especially against players. Summoners had to intervene with commands, otherwise, summoned beasts' understanding of classes and players could lead to significant disadvantages.
After all, only players understand players, and humans understand humans. Instead of letting Si Si attack blindly, Chen Tian would direct its offense.
As Chen Tian's words fell, the little one instantly dodged to the left, its speed exploding. The agile Lie Qing Han Mang, like a fleeting meteor, missed again.
"Si Si, use Sonic Roar."
As Chen Tian finished speaking, Si Si raised its head, its cute pouting lips forming an 'o' shape.
"Roar! Roar! Roar!"
Cute sounds came from its mouth. They sounded adorable, not fierce at all. But as Si Si continued to call out, waves of sonic energy shot from its mouth.
Terrifying energy waves swept the surroundings, kicking up dust and sending debris flying. Lie Qing Han Mang was blown backward by the sonic waves. Seeing this, Lie Qing Han Mang plunged their spear into the ground.
They stabilized their footing. When the sonic waves dissipated, Si Si and Lie Qing Han Mang were again at a distance. Si Si then began to sprint, its speed exploding, creating four or five afterimages. Its eyes emitted a terrifying cold light, fixated on Lie Qing Han Mang.
Charging towards the opponent, its fearsome black front was entwined with black and white energy. Instantly, the little one appeared before Lie Qing Han Mang, its tiny claws reaching out.
The terrifying claws, though small, emitted a dangerous black and white aura that made Lie Qing Han Mang realize the peril. They quickly drew their spear and moved it rapidly, changing its position.
Instantly, numerous spear shadows appeared around them, all pointing their tips at Si Si's claws.
Black and white intertwined, a tiny body, fearsome claws.
Myriad spear shadows, cold spear tips, a direct confrontation.
Skill: Netherworld Life-and-Death Claws.
Skill: Spear Shattering Frost Shadow Kill.
The countless spear shadows struck Si Si's claws, shattering one by one. However, the sheer number of spear shadows blocked Si Si's advance.
Seeing the situation was unfavorable, Chen Tian immediately shouted, "Disengage, Si Si, not now!"
Hearing Chen Tian's command, Si Si instantly abandoned its advance, its claws returning to their normal form. It retreated backward.
However, the countless spear shadows did not retract. They continued to charge towards Si Si. Seeing this, Si Si spun in place at high speed, its speed exploding.
A black and white halo circle appeared on the ground, leaving traces of its running path.
The countless spear shadows struck the black and white halo, only producing clinking sounds. By the time Si Si stopped running, all the spear shadows had vanished.
Chen Tian nodded in satisfaction. It had learned a new skill. He wondered if it inherited his 'European emperor' luck or if the little one had its own good fortune.
"Beast race constitution is higher than human. Therefore, their physical defense is naturally much higher than humans. With Si Si's current physique, ordinary attacks cannot break through this newly learned defensive skill unless there are special attribute bonuses."
Chen Tian calmly analyzed. The little one had just learned a defensive skill. Although it wasn't a divine-level skill, it was still good, at least providing some defense.
Lie Qing Han Mang, seeing that they couldn't defeat a newly contracted summoned beast, instantly unleashed their aura. They were determined to claim the points from Chen Tian and his summoned beast. In the event, a Summoner's points were equivalent to two people: ten points for the summoned beast, ten for the Summoner, totaling twenty points. Very lucrative.
Although not as many points as the previous elf race, twenty points were still worth taking, especially considering it was only a level thirty-seven summoned beast, clearly a novice Summoner.
Cold air emanated from Lie Qing Han Mang's body, an extreme cold that was not ordinary but killing intent. Killing intent to the extreme affected the surrounding temperature.
This showed that the opponent had truly abandoned all feeling, having killed many. Their terrifying aura grew continuously. Chen Tian opened his status panel. Although he couldn't see the stats, the blinking question marks flashed, and Chen Tian knew the opponent was going all out.
"Si Si, focus on defense and evasion. Look for opportunities to attack. Skirmish and dodge. It's not suitable for a direct confrontation now."
Chen Tian made his command decision. Then, he opened his own status panel. Si Si's current abilities were not enough to contend with the opponent. He needed to see if there was anything useful or any items to help Si Si.
Opening his experience bar, he had five million experience remaining. Chen Tian unhesitatingly converted it into skill points, instantly leveling up Si Si by one.
Then, he opened his inventory. Three cards appeared before Chen Tian. Without hesitation, he clicked on them. The cards vanished, and Si Si's body instantly became a little more robust, a little fatter.
Chen Tian nodded in satisfaction. Now they could fight. All they needed was an opportunity to attack.
Lie Qing Han Mang watched the player reinforce their summoned beast. Without hesitation, they attacked.
The fearsome spear was continuously thrust forward, their arm moving rhythmically. Countless spearheads appeared.
As Lie Qing Han Mang's surroundings filled with spearheads, they drew their spear from above their head and traced a circle with their feet. Instantly, numerous spearhead illusions converged on the spear, which began to glow with a faint silver-purple light.
Seeing this, Lie Qing Han Mang held the spear with one hand and unleashed their speed, turning into a streak of light charging towards the little one.
The spearhead advanced against the wind resistance, and Lie Qing Han Mang's body began to spin like a rotating ribbon.
Instantly, a long spear body phantom and a massive spearhead appeared, heading directly for the little one.
Si Si saw this and unleashed black and white energy. Its body twitched, its speed exploding. It slammed a claw into the ground, its terrifying eyes emitting a fearsome black and white light.
Chen Tian was delighted. It had triggered this ability. The outcome was decided.
At this moment, Si Si seemed to have entered a berserk state. Its muscles bulged, its fur became sharp like thorns, and its terrifying black and white striped fur continuously flashed with light.