Chapter 342 Fifth Rank of Gold?! The Holy Scholar is actually at this level?!

Zhao Zhao stood where he was.

The expression on his face looked as if someone had slapped him right in the face.

It was burning hot.

Yet he had no choice but to endure it.

His gaze was fixed intently on the twenty-five Vicious Beasts in the center of the square.

Twenty Gold Rank, five Amethyst Rank.

One at the third stage, four at the second stage.

All in the square.

All correct.

Not a single word was wrong.

He had clearly tried to sense them just now.

When his Divine Sense extended out, he could only vaguely detect several powerful auras ahead; he couldn't determine the exact number at all, much less be like Jiang Yun... clearly stating what Realm they were and where they were gathered.

He was even more precise than someone like him, who was standing at the edge of the square seeing them with his own eyes.

How was this possible?

He was at the Purple Crystal Second Stage.

While he wouldn't say his Divine Sense was incredibly strong, it was at least a solid Amethyst Rank level.

And what about Jiang Yun?

Didn't the rumors say this Jiang Yun was just a Gold Rank Beast Tamer?

It was just that his spirit beast's combat power was a bit terrifying.

What did terrifying spirit beast combat power have to do with Divine Sense?

No matter how strong a spirit beast was, that was the spirit beast's business.

The strength of one's Divine Sense only depended on the Beast Tamer's own Mental Energy foundation.

How could a Gold Rank Divine Sense reach such a level?

This was completely illogical.

Zhao Zhao's face looked as unpleasant as if he had swallowed a dead fly.

In his heart, he couldn't help but secretly grit his teeth.

This guy... must have hidden some kind of trick.

Some kind of mental-type Magical Artifact that could detect distant situations, or some special secret technique.

It must be that.

Otherwise, there was no way to explain it.

Lei Qing had no time to worry about what Zhao Zhao was thinking.

He took a few steps to get close to Jiang Yun.

His eyes were filled with amazement.

“Sacred Student, how did you do this? This is way too awesome!”

“To be able to sense the situation of the Vicious Beasts over here from so far away, even the number, Realm, and gathering spots are crystal clear...”

He scratched his head and grinned.

“You didn't actually turn on some kind of X-ray vision, did you?”

Jiang Yun smiled.

He didn't give a direct answer.

He just gently shook his head.

“Just some tricks.”

He didn't explain much.

Nor could he.

Was he supposed to tell Lei Qing that his Divine Sense had already reached the Diamond Rank?

A sixteen years old with Diamond Rank Divine Sense?

If he said that, forget about Lei Qing not believing it.

Even he himself would find it ridiculous.

But that was the truth.

His Divine Sense had already broken through to the Brick Stone Rank back when he was at the Gold Rank.

This kind of thing was too shocking.

There was no need to explain.

Seeing that Jiang Yun was unwilling to say more, Lei Qing didn't press him further.

He quickly turned his attention to the business at hand.

“By the way, Sacred Student, what do we do next?”

He glanced at the densely packed Vicious Beasts in the center of the square and lowered his voice.

“There are five Amethyst Rank ones there, and the one in the middle, its aura is probably around the third stage.”

There wasn't a hint of fear in his tone.

It was just a simple tactical inquiry.

Clearly, after experiencing that crushing battle in the town center, he was completely convinced by Jiang Yun's command.

Liu Qingshuang didn't speak.

She just quietly watched Jiang Yun, waiting for him to speak.

Xiao Chen was equally silent.

His gaze swept over the five Amethyst Vicious Beasts, then retracted, landing on Jiang Yun.

Town Mayor Xiao Jianshan and Fierce Tiger Li didn't say anything either.

They stood to the side, their gazes simultaneously landing on the sixteen years old youth.

Unknowingly.

This young man had already become everyone's pillar of support.

Even Xiao Jianshan, who had been town mayor for twenty years and was a Purple Crystal First Stage Beast Tamer, was waiting for him to give orders.

As for Zhao Zhao.

He stood at the very edge.

Not saying a word.

After having his earlier mockery slapped back by reality, he didn't want to speak for the time being.

At least.

He didn't want to speak in front of Jiang Yun again.

Jiang Yun was in no hurry to answer.

His gaze swept over the five Amethyst Vicious Beasts, then over the twenty Gold Vicious Beasts.

Finally.

His gaze landed on Zhao Zhao.

He was secretly calculating in his heart.

Five Amethyst Rank.

This Zhao Zhao was a rare free fighter; it would be a waste not to use him.

The corners of his mouth curled slightly, revealing a harmless smile.

“Senior Zhao Zhao.”

He spoke in a gentle tone.

If one hadn't witnessed the two of them bickering just now.

They would have thought their friendship was extremely deep.

“In a moment, that strongest Amethyst Tier 3 beast and one Purple Crystal Second Stage Vicious Beast will be left to you.”

He paused.

The smile became even more gentle.

“Senior Zhao Zhao shouldn't have a problem, right?”

He didn't give Zhao Zhao a chance to refuse.

He immediately followed up with another sentence.

“Of course, if Senior Zhao Zhao feels unsure about dealing with that third stage Amethyst beast, fearing you can't handle it...”

He glanced at Lei Qing.

“I can have Senior Lei Qing help you.”

Zhao Zhao's face instantly darkened.

What did he mean by fear?

What did he mean by not being able to handle it?

As the grand rank 81 on the Heaven Ranking and a Amethyst Tier 3 Beast Tamer, would he, Zhao Zhao, allow himself to be looked down upon in such a situation?

He gave a cold snort.

“No need.”

“It's just a mere third stage Vicious Beast.”

He raised his eyes and looked directly at Jiang Yun.

In that gaze was undisguised displeasure.

“this young master can kill it within ten breaths.”

Ten breaths.

He said it nonchalantly, as if that Amethyst Tier 3 Vicious Beast was merely a chicken waiting to be slaughtered.

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

He didn't argue.

He just nodded gently.

“Then I'll have to trouble Senior Zhao Zhao.”

Then he turned to Lei Qing, Liu Qingshuang, and Xiao Chen.

“For the remaining three Purple Crystal Second Stage beasts, the three of you will each handle one. Any problems?”

Liu Qingshuang nodded slightly.

Her tone was still that faint, emotionless melody.

“Thirty breaths.”

Thirty breaths.

She still didn't say she would do her best or try.

She directly gave an estimated time.

Xiao Chen didn't speak, just nodded.

Lei Qing laughed, his fists cracking.

“Don't worry, Sacred Student!”

“Even though my spirit beast is only at Peak Gold Rank 9, it can still fight against a Purple Crystal Second Stage Vicious Beast like this!”

He grinned, revealing a row of neat white teeth.

“Killing it will only take a moment!”

The arrangements were set.

Just as Jiang Yun was about to speak about the next step.

Zhao Zhao's voice rang out again.

It carried that half-smiling tone.

“The Sacred Student's arrangements are quite thorough.”

His gaze circled Jiang Yun.

“Five Amethyst Vicious Beasts, the four of us have split them up.”

He deliberately emphasized the words 'the four of us'.

“I wonder what our Sacred Student intends to do?”

He paused.

“After all, the five of us are here on a mission. If someone only provides the brains but no effort...”

He trailed off.

“They won't be able to take much of the reward.”

The words weren't exactly harsh.

But anyone could hear the meaning behind them.

Zhao Zhao was questioning Jiang Yun's contribution.

You're having us fight the Amethyst ones.

What about yourself?

Just standing in the back watching the show?

Then how will the rewards be split?

Before Jiang Yun could speak.

Lei Qing was the first to jump out.

“Zhao Zhao, what do you mean by that?”

His brow furrowed, his tone already carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.

“If the Sacred Student wants to fight, he fights; if he doesn't, he doesn't!”

“At worst, my share can count as his!”

His voice was loud, without the slightest hesitation.

Jiang Yun was slightly startled.

He looked at Lei Qing's generous face.

He didn't seem to have much of a relationship with this Lei Qing.

The two of them hadn't even known each other before this mission.

Yet at this moment, he stood up for him without hesitation.

He was even willing to give up his own share of contribution points.

Jiang Yun didn't say anything.

He simply etched this favor into his heart.

Xiao Jianshan spoke up then.

He didn't know what conflict existed between these people.

But as a town mayor, he instinctively wanted to mediate.

“There's no need for you prodigies to argue.”

He took a step forward, his voice steady.

“Although I, Xiao, have suffered some injuries, my spirit beast Lava Giant Puppet is, after all, Amethyst Rank.”

“I can handle those twenty Gold Vicious Beasts to some extent.”

Fierce Tiger Li also stood forward.

The injury on his right leg hadn't healed yet, and his gait was still a bit unsteady.

But he still stood tall.

“Although my Iron Spine Azure Wolf is heavily injured, after taking Young Master Jiang's Medicinal Pill, it has recovered somewhat.”

He paused.

“I can also fight alongside you.”

Xiao Jianshan nodded.

“The Sacred Student's status is noble; there's no need for you to act personally.”

He said this very sincerely.

In his view, Jiang Yun was the leader, the commander.

It was only logical for a commander to sit in the rear.

Moreover, Jiang Yun was so young. Although he had just displayed strength and methods far beyond his age, upon careful thought, his Realm likely wouldn't be that high.

Having him face twenty Gold Vicious Beasts?

It was too dangerous.

After listening, Jiang Yun smiled.

He didn't directly respond to Xiao Jianshan's kindness.

Instead, he looked at Zhao Zhao.

There was a faint smile in his gaze.

“Senior Zhao Zhao is right.”

He spoke.

His tone was as calm as if he were saying the weather was nice today.

“Although I am the Sacred Student and the leader, my strength is indeed lower than yours.”

He paused.

“I presume you all know that my spirit beast is only around the Gold Rank Five.”

“Compared to you all, it is naturally much worse.”

He smiled.

“However, I won't take rewards for nothing.”

“Since these five Amethyst Vicious Beasts are left to you.”

His gaze fell upon the twenty Gold Vicious Beasts.

His tone remained calm.

“Then, these Gold Vicious Beasts will be left to me alone.”

As his voice fell.

Xiao Jianshan and Fierce Tiger Li were both stunned.

What?

Around Gold Rank Five?

This Sacred Student... said his spirit beast was only around the Gold Rank Five?

The two looked at each other.

They both saw the same things in each other's eyes.

Shock!!!

And... incomprehension!!!

A Gold Rank Five Beast Tamer.

How could he possess that terrifying Divine Sense perception?

A Gold Rank Five Beast Tamer.

How could he become the leader of this team?

From the performance of the others just now, they could tell.

Which one in this team wasn't at least at the Peak Gold Rank 9?

Even this youth named Zhao Zhao.

Was an Amethyst Rank existence?

By logic?

The leader should be the strongest person.

But Jiang Yun said he himself was only at Gold Rank Five?

Moreover... he was also the prestigious Sacred Student of Sky Dome Academy.

That was the most noble status in the entire academy.

A Gold Rank Five youth?

How could he become a Sacred Student?

Xiao Jianshan's head was full of question marks.

He subconsciously looked at Jiang Yun.

That young face was still perfectly calm.

There was no guilt, no forcing himself.

It was as if what he had just said was the most ordinary sentence.

Then.

Xiao Jianshan suddenly thought of another problem.

Twenty Gold Vicious Beasts.

Jiang Yun said he would handle them alone.

Among those beasts, there were some at Gold Fifth and Sixth Stage.

There were also some at Gold Eighth and Ninth Stage.

There were even Peak Gold Rank 9 existences.

A Gold Rank Five Beast Tamer?

Handling twenty Gold Vicious Beasts alone?

Wasn't this just asking for death?

Xiao Jianshan's scalp tingled.

If anything happened to this Sacred Student in Ash Town... how would they answer to Sky Dome Academy?

He was about to open his mouth to stop him.

“Lord Sacred Student, this...”

Before he could finish speaking.

Lei Qing laughed.

“Deal!”

Lei Qing grinned, revealing a mouth full of white teeth.

“Since the Sacred Student has arranged it this way, then these twenty Gold Vicious Beasts will be left to the Sacred Student!”

His tone was incredibly relaxed.

It even carried a bit of anticipation.

It was as if what Jiang Yun was going to face wasn't twenty Gold Vicious Beasts.

But twenty chickens waiting to be slaughtered.

Liu Qingshuang remained cold, only nodding slightly.

Xiao Chen didn't have any objections either.

There wasn't a trace of worry on the three of them's faces.

Xiao Jianshan was stunned.

He opened his mouth, but the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat.

He looked at Lei Qing.

This rugged man had a look of genuine ease on his face.

He looked at Liu Qingshuang.

This cold young woman had no ripples in the depths of her eyes.

He looked at Xiao Chen.

This steady young man was even already observing the positioning of those five Amethyst Vicious Beasts, seemingly thinking about which angle would be best to cut in from later.

They... weren't worried at all?

They were from Sky Dome Academy.

They knew Jiang Yun was the Sacred Student.

They also knew Jiang Yun was only at the Gold Rank Five.

Yet they were so at ease letting Jiang Yun face twenty Gold Vicious Beasts alone?

What Xiao Jianshan didn't know.

Was that the reason Lei Qing and the others were so calm.

Was because they knew very well.

Just how deep the waters of Jiang Yun's Gold Rank Five were.

The number one person below amethyst rank.

That title wasn't something just anyone could be called.

The thirty-first floor of the Trial Tower.

That threshold that countless Gold Peaks and even early Amethyst Ranks couldn't cross.

Jiang Yun had forced his way through it with the strength of a Gold Rank Five.

What did that mean?

It meant his true combat power had long since reached the Amethyst Rank.

It meant his spirit beast, although its Realm was only Gold Rank Five, was enough to crush those of the same stage and even fight across stages when truly fighting.

Not to mention.

From the time they entered Ash Town until now.

Every single one of Jiang Yun's arrangements was so stable that no one could find any fault with them.

If he said he could do it.

Then he definitely could.

Zhao Zhao, however, gave a cold laugh.

He glanced sideways at Jiang Yun, his gaze carrying undisguised mockery.

“Sacred Student, don't overreach yourself.”

He spoke slowly.

“After all, this is just a mission.”

“If the Sacred Student were to perish here in Ash Town...”

He trailed off.

“It won't be easy for us to explain to the academy.”

The words were spoken sarcastically.

On the surface, it was concern.

In reality, anyone could hear the sarcasm.

Jiang Yun smiled.

He looked at Zhao Zhao, his smile still gentle.

“There's no need for Senior Zhao Zhao to worry about that.”

“This is my own arrangement.”

He paused.

“If something really goes wrong, it naturally won't be blamed on you.”

He spoke very calmly.

But the meaning in these words caused Zhao Zhao's expression to change slightly.

What did he mean by it wouldn't be blamed on them?

Was he saying he was afraid of taking responsibility?

Or was he implying that he didn't care about him at all?

Zhao Zhao was about to speak.

But Jiang Yun added another sentence.

“On the other hand, Senior Zhao Zhao...”

He smiled slightly.

That smile seemed exceptionally sincere in the twilight.

“You should be careful.”

“Those two Vicious Beasts are not simple.”

“As a famous Prodigy on the Heaven Ranking...”

He paused.

“Don't go tripping up in front of those two Vicious Beasts.”

Heaven Ranking.

As soon as those two words came out.

Xiao Jianshan and Fierce Tiger Li were both startled.

They simultaneously looked at Zhao Zhao.

In their gazes, there was instantly a bit more gravity and respect.

Heaven Ranking.

That was the highest ranking for the younger generation in the entire provincial capital.

Those who could make it onto the Heaven Ranking were all prodigies at the Amethyst Rank or above.

And they weren't ordinary Amethyst Ranks.

They were the kind of monsters who could fight across stages.

They were the absolute best among their peers.

No wonder... no wonder Jiang Yun dared to have him handle that Amethyst Tier 3 beast.

It turned out this person was a Prodigy expert on the Heaven Ranking.

Xiao Jianshan nodded secretly.

Originally, he was worried that Zhao Zhao wouldn't be able to handle it.

Now it seemed he had been overthinking.

Zhao Zhao felt those two gazes.

The expression on his face softened slightly.

He tilted his chin up slightly.

That signature curve at the corner of his mouth reappeared.

“They're just two mere low-stage Amethyst Vicious Beasts.”

His tone was nonchalant.

“this young master's spirit beast can easily kill them.”

As he spoke.

He said no more.

He turned around.

He walked straight into the square.

His steps were leisurely.

His posture was arrogant.

It was as if those two Amethyst Vicious Beasts were already in his grasp.

Jiang Yun stood where he was.

Looking at Zhao Zhao's back.

The corner of his mouth suddenly curled into a slightly wicked smile.

It was very shallow.

So shallow it was almost invisible.

Yet it carried a certain... meaning that only he himself knew.

Because he hadn't revealed all the information.

Just now.

When he used his talent data entries to check that Amethyst Tier 3 Vicious Beast.

He had discovered some... anomalies.

That Amethyst Tier 3 Vicious Beast.

Seemed to have undergone some kind of qualitative change.

The information on that Vicious Beast told him that its combat power was by no means as simple as it appeared.

It was likely a special one.

A Vicious Beast whose combat power far exceeded its Realm.

Jiang Yun retracted his gaze.

He was secretly amused in his heart.

“I did warn you just now.”

“It's your own fault for not believing it; you can't blame me. Hehe!”

“It looks like this Senior Zhao Zhao...”

“Is going to suffer a bit.”

...