The battle was over, but Wang Le had yet to react. The surroundings were already bustling with noise.
A group of onlookers were pointing and gazing at the now smaller iron-eating beast!
What's going on!
They felt they had just witnessed something astonishing, but when they came to their senses, they had no idea how to explain the unscientific battle process they had just seen.
Everyone looked at the messy battlefield and cursed inwardly, wondering if this was really the aftermath of a battle between awakened pet beasts.
If it was said to be a battle of the Extraordinary level, they would believe it!
"Junior, what's up with your little iron-eating beast!"
Shi Yu, standing opposite him, saw Wang Le's facial muscles twitching, his face a mix of sorrow and a forced smile, looking particularly "happy."
"Senior, I told you not to underestimate it... I've invested at least tens of millions of resources into it."
What else could Shi Yu say? He hoped this would help balance Senior Wang Le's feelings a bit.
He wasn't lying; just the supplements for leveling up cost over a million.
The Evolution Holy Spring, a resource, would cost at least seven figures, right?
If you consider that the cost-effectiveness of supplements for leveling up is higher than those rare cultivation resources, then Shi Yu's claim of investing eight figures into the little iron-eating beast wasn't far off.
Even a regular beastmaster might not be able to cultivate such an iron-eating beast with so much investment.
Of course, no one would do that. That amount of money could buy a high-potential, high-talent young pet beast of a commander species.
So, while Shiyi's strength was outrageous, it was indeed the result of a combination of money, external assistance, and effort.
"Ten million..."
Wang Le was speechless. What else could he say? He could only admit that Shi Yu was even more extravagant than he was!
Investing ten million resources into a medium Extraordinary species pet beast was either a sign of wealth or true love!
No, an iron-eating beast that had awakened ancient bloodline was probably not just a medium Extraordinary species anymore.
"Damn..."
Wang Le silently recalled his Rock Rhino, then glanced around and whispered, "I lost, I admit it. Let's go quickly!"
"Alright." Shi Yu nodded with a smile, and the two quickly slipped out of the battle arena.
Lin Xiuzhu and the other seniors and seniors remained silent for a moment before following the two out.
After the nine of them regrouped, no one had a chance to speak first. Wang Le immediately said, "Ah, I messed up. Junior has some real stuff. Looks like Junior will definitely pass the professional exam this year."
The others chuckled at him. So what?
You messed up.
Everyone could see Wang Le's embarrassment. Although they wanted to laugh, they considered his feelings and kindly changed the topic.
"Junior, your little iron-eating beast is really something... to perfect a racial skill at the Awakening stage, this must be the work of the ancient bloodline, right?"
Zheng Yingjie sighed, "I'm really curious about its combat power when it reaches the Extraordinary stage. It will definitely undergo a qualitative change."
"It's mostly due to its own efforts."
Shi Yu turned his head to look at Shiyi on his shoulder and praised it.
"Ying!" Shiyi nodded seriously.
Its strength today was all due to its own efforts!
Cough... The effort Shi Yu put in, it would repay gradually.
"Damn, the more I think about it, the more outrageous it seems."
At this moment, no one mentioned Wang Le, but he couldn't hold it in. He said, "I've decided. I'll study this ruin thoroughly and try to figure out the evolution form of the iron-eating beast."
"Just an iron-eating beast that awakened an evolution bloodline is this strong. If there's really an evolution form, it would at least be a high-ranking commander species, maybe even a King-level."
"If we really figure it out, we'll be famous!"
Everyone nodded at his words, their motivation to explore the iron-eating beast's ruin completely ignited.
"Senior Lin, let's work together. Take me along."
Lin Yuer knew that Lin Xiuzhu was a researcher studying the evolution of iron-eating beasts, so she couldn't help but want to latch on.
"Alright..."
Lin Xiuzhu saw the seven who had been slacking off suddenly become motivated and couldn't help but laugh and cry.
But in her heart, she was also confused. She looked at Shi Yu's calm face and the silly Shiyi on his shoulder, feeling something was off.
She felt that the strength wasn't in the evolution form of the iron-eating beast, but in the combination of Shi Yu and Shiyi. They definitely had some secrets.
"Cough, I'll join you too." Shi Yu said to the seven heroes of archaeology.
At the same time, he felt a bit guilty.
Ha, if they really figured out the evolution form of the iron-eating beast and found that it couldn't even beat Shiyi, that would be awkward.
Shiyi was so strong, not because it awakened an ancient bloodline.
The benefits of awakening the ancient bloodline were just a doubling of physical abilities, which was a standard ability of the Evolution Holy Spring. In other aspects, there was no significant change...
Doubling, hardening, lightning palm, super vision... all the skills and proficiency were the result of leveling up.
"Alright, we'll definitely welcome Junior Shi Yu as a strategist." Zheng Yingjie said with a smile. Although it didn't follow the rules, it wasn't a big issue.
Getting someone to do your homework, or, more politely, asking for help with difficult questions, was a common thing in student life.
"But it's quite late today. Do you plan to stay here or go back?" Lin Xiuzhu asked Shi Yu.
"I'll see." Shi Yu took out his phone and checked the time. It was indeed not early.
Today, it wouldn't be suitable to continue the investigation.
Shi Yu fell silent for a moment, suddenly feeling it was a bit tricky.
He definitely wanted to investigate this ruin, but he still had a half-month training card at the Ancient Capital University. Not using it would feel like a waste, but the two places were quite far apart, about a two-hour drive...
"Let me see the situation tomorrow. I'll check out of the hotel first." Shi Yu said.
...
That night, Shi Yu took a taxi back to the city. On the way, he considered and finally decided to do both, running back and forth.
In the morning, he would go to the Ancient Capital University to use the training card and practice his virtualization ability. In the afternoon, he would go to the iron-eating beast's ruin for research.
The distance was indeed a bit far, but he could meditate and cultivate on the taxi, so it wouldn't waste much time. The only downside was the taxi fare, but he had the money, so it was fine.
"Let's decide it this way."
With this plan, Shi Yu decided not to check out of the hotel. After returning, he took a hot shower and happily went to sleep on the hotel's big bed.
As for Shiyi, it returned to the relic bead to continue training.
Wang Le was very surprised why Shiyi could connect doubling, hardening, and lightning palm so smoothly. This coordination ability was incredible for an awakened pet beast, and the reason was right here.
With absolute sleep, as long as Shi Yu didn't stop it, Shiyi would train for over 20 hours a day, eating and training. The training content was all about combining doubling, hardening, lightning palm, and super vision, with a high base proficiency in these skills. How could Shiyi not connect them smoothly?
Actually, Shiyi hadn't even used its full strength. If it used intimidation to control the opponent in battle, the Rock Rhino might not even have a chance to counterattack.
Even if it wasn't directly stunned, a brief hesitation would be enough for Shiyi to instantly defeat it, giving the Rock Rhino no chance to use its skills.
Just like when it fought the ice dragon illusion.
The next day, Shi Yu woke up very early.
After a quick wash, he didn't disturb Shiyi and the Green Silk Worm in the relic bead. He ate breakfast and headed to the Ancient Capital University's training facility for beastmasters.
"Auntie, playing games again..."
This time, Shi Yu used the time-limited card to enter. Upon entering, he saw the familiar old lady still playing video games and couldn't help but be speechless.
But on second thought, it was quiet here. Wasn't there anyone else, like teachers or seniors, bringing juniors to experience it?
Shi Yu thought carefully. Compared to other training facilities, the cost-effectiveness of experiencing this one seemed low. After all, not everyone had a relic bead like him.
"Oh, it's the little student from yesterday." The old lady stopped her game after a while and noticed Shi Yu.
"Same as yesterday, I'll start it for you. You can go in yourself." She continued.
"Thank you, Auntie." Shi Yu thanked her.
This time, after a day of thinking, Shi Yu no longer had unrealistic expectations of fighting pet beasts alone.
His goal was much lower, deciding to just survive without getting hurt.
With a clear goal, this time the virtualization practice was very targeted. Today, Shi Yu also decided to use supplements to practice more...
It was almost noon when the beast-eared senior arrived. She entered the training facility and walked to the old lady, saying, "Auntie, is Shi Yu here today?"
"He's in there. Wow, it's almost two hours, and he's still in there??" The old lady didn't look up, just glancing at the time, surprised.
Sigh, so engrossed in the game, she didn't even notice this little student was so dedicated!
"Really?" Bai Xi was surprised. What a coincidence.
She had just finished her own business and was planning to call Shi Yu, but since it was on the way, she came to check.
She didn't expect Shi Yu to really be here.
And two hours??
Not bad, with good talent and effort, no wonder Senior Lu appreciated him so much.
"I'll wait." Bai Xi nodded and stood at the bottom of the second-floor stairs.
About three minutes later, Shi Yu, looking weak, was pushed out of the training room, not just walked out.
In the morning, he still couldn't survive the group attack of ten ferocious beasts, which almost made him explode with anger.
Surviving for nearly three minutes was his current limit.
Shi Yu was unsatisfied, hoping to last five minutes within half a month.
No, preferably over ten minutes.
With his rich virtualization experience, he could ensure safety in dangerous situations and feel confident in taking risks.
"You're out?"
Bai Xi leaned against the wall, turning to look at Shi Yu as he came down the stairs.
"Uh, Senior, why are you here?" Shi Yu noticed Bai Xi and looked at her in surprise.
"Just passing by to check. Didn't expect you to be here. Auntie said you've been here for two hours?" Bai Xi's expression was strange.
"How did you do it?"
Logically, Shi Yu's constitution shouldn't allow him to virtualize for long.
"Oh, it's because of this."
Shi Yu took out the divine bean, honey water, and ginseng root from the relic bead and said, "I might have an 'easy absorption constitution,' so I recover well after each practice, and it's fine to practice a bit longer."
Bai Xi: ???
She looked at the supplements in Shi Yu's hand, confused.
So, after going back yesterday, Shi Yu prepared the supplements?
Or did he carry them with him all along?
"Hard work..."
Bai Xi fell silent for a moment, not knowing what to say, and could only nod to acknowledge Shi Yu's effort.
Usually, beastmasters only use supplements after a major battle when they are extremely weak.
Under normal circumstances, they recover through meditation and rest, which is healthier and more cost-effective. High-level supplements are expensive, and the money could be better spent on pet beast resources.
Shi Yu, however, was willing to spend on himself.
But what is an 'easy absorption constitution'?
Bai Xi was puzzled. She had heard of elemental affinity, necromantic affinity, and plant affinity, but never an 'easy absorption constitution.'
It was a first.
"Are you free this afternoon? I'll take you to the archaeology department." Bai Xi, unable to figure it out, decided not to think about it.
"Yes."
Shi Yu nodded, then suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, Senior, I heard there's an iron-eating beast ruin in the Ancient Capital, and it seems the archaeology department of the Ancient Capital University is in charge."
"Do you know which teacher is responsible? I also want to investigate and study this ruin."
"Iron-eating beast ruin?" Bai Xi was completely unaware.
This was normal. Anything related to iron-eating beasts and dug up from the ground was bound to receive little attention, which is why it was assigned to a group of students for investigation.
"I don't know, but we can ask." Bai Xi said.
"Why, is this ruin important? Oh, I almost forgot, your initial pet beast is an iron-eating beast..."
Shi Yu shook his head and said, "Not just that, I feel the investigation priority of this ruin is too low. The historical value it hides is not as simple as it seems."
In his view, the most important information hidden in this ruin was not the evolution form of the iron-eating beast but the meaning of those nine special symbols.
After all, these were special symbols spanning two worlds.
Even if this ruin was very ordinary, the history behind it was definitely not.
The archaeology department of the Ancient Capital University had completely underestimated the true value of this ruin.
Shi Yu was very sure of this.
He hoped the Ancient Capital University would take this ruin seriously and provide some support and cooperation, such as testing the metal pieces, with a higher priority.
He heard from the seven heroes of archaeology that the archaeology department's laboratory space was very limited, and the investigation of ruins had priorities. The iron-eating beast ruin was considered not urgent.
"Is that so." Bai Xi nodded and said, "Then I'll take you to ask this afternoon. You're a reserve member of the Relic Bureau, so you can talk to them directly, which will be more effective than me."
"Uh." Shi Yu was taken aback. The beast-eared senior seemed to know everything, even about the relic bead and the Relic Bureau. It seemed she and Senior Lu were good friends.
Moreover, the beast-eared senior herself was probably not simple, possibly even having a legendary beastmaster as a relative. Otherwise, she wouldn't carry a spatial item.
...
In the afternoon.
Bai Xi took Shi Yu to the South Campus, which was the main base of the archaeology department, with more libraries, museums, and laboratories than training facilities.
"Are we going to ask who's in charge of the iron-eating beast ruin?"
"We'll go straight to the department head... "
The beast-eared senior had a clear goal, aiming for the highest authority.
"Ah, this."
Bai Xi, the leader, walked in front, and Shi Yu followed, feeling her strong presence.
Soon, Bai Xi led Shi Yu to a building and said, "I'm not sure if he's here, but during the open period, the leaders should be around."
"Let's check. If he's not here, we'll ask other professors."
While muttering, she led Shi Yu to the office of the archaeology department head and knocked on the door.
Shi Yu and Bai Xi had good luck. After two knocks, a voice from inside said, "Come in."
Bai Xi smiled, nodded at Shi Yu, and pushed the door open, entering first.
The head of the archaeology department, Mr. Li, looked like a kind middle-aged man with a big belly. He seemed to be working, quite different from what Shi Yu had imagined...
When he saw someone enter, he looked up with a puzzled expression.
But when he saw Bai Xi, he immediately smiled.
"President Bai, why are you here? Not training today?"
"Mr. Li, I'm not the one looking for you. I'm bringing someone." Bai Xi looked at Shi Yu.
At this moment, Shi Yu also stepped forward and greeted, "Mr. Li, hello."
"Hello, student, who are you?" Mr. Li looked puzzled.
"My name is Shi Yu. I plan to apply to the archaeology department of the Ancient Capital University this year." Shi Yu said.
"Is that so? Welcome, welcome!!" Mr. Li laughed, suddenly understanding. So Bai Xi was bringing a relative to say hello in advance.
"Mr. Li, this is a big shot, you must keep him!" Bai Xi said with a smile.
"He's the one Dr. Lu went through great lengths to bring to the Ancient Capital University."
"Ah?" Mr. Li was taken aback.
"Dr. Lu Qingyi?"
"Yes." Bai Xi nodded.
Mr. Li's expression changed when he saw Shi Yu.
Bai Xi bringing someone and someone Dr. Lu Qingyi invited to apply to the Ancient Capital University were two different things!
The former just needed a friendly welcome, but the latter was significant.
After all, Dr. Lu Qingyi was a major figure in the Eastern Huang archaeology field, making significant contributions to the ancient Eastern Huang kingdom, ranking in the top 20 of all time, a pride of the Ancient Capital University.
Even some legendary beastmasters respected Dr. Lu Qingyi, and no member of the Relic Bureau was simple.
"What's your relationship with Dr. Lu, Shi Yu?" Mr. Li asked curiously.
"Not much of a special relationship, uh, I guess you could say Dr. Lu Senior guided me into the field of archaeology?" Shi Yu said.
If it were this world, that was indeed the case. Shi Yu had originally planned to develop steadily, but Dr. Lu Qingyi directly came to him, using 10 million to bring him back to archaeology. This "favor" Shi Yu remembered, but it was also very satisfying.