Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 953: Sky Cloud Crystal

"Xun xun..."

A sudden, mysterious shiver ran through Little Treasure’s frame, causing him to tremble.

"Xun xun~"

Tracing the source of the draft, he looked up at the chandelier swinging overhead. He let out a small cry, pleading for the gust to be dialed back.

"Qing qing."

Following Qingbao’s response, the indoor wind died down, and the chandelier’s swaying slowed to a gentle vibration. With the chill gone, Little Treasure settled back in to enjoy the livestreamed battles.

After the morning session of the tournament ended, Qiao Sang and her pets shared a large meal. Glancing at her phone, she decided to fit in a training session in the outskirts before the afternoon rounds commenced.

She was just about to ask Little Treasure to coordinate their teleportation when her phone buzzed. Seeing Teacher Mikayla’s name on the screen, she answered immediately.

"Where are you?" Mikayla’s voice came through before Qiao Sang could even offer a greeting.

Qiao Sang provided her location: "Pet Center, Suite 2603."

Her lunch had been brought directly to her room by the staff. Because the Regional Championships were underway, she was too recognizable to eat out. Stepping into public meant being under constant scrutiny, with every bite likely being uploaded to the internet. Staying in her room was the only way to find peace.

"Wait there for me," Mikayla instructed, then disconnected.

Roughly three seconds later, Teacher Mikayla materialized in the center of the room. Qiao Sang was unfazed by the sudden arrival, and Yabao and the others barely looked up.

"Finished with lunch?" Mikayla asked, her eyes moving to the empty plates on the table.

Qiao Sang nodded. "Just wrapped up. Have you eaten, Teacher? I can have them bring you something."

"No need."

Mikayla had barely finished her sentence when her senses shifted. She reached out and caught a flying tissue between two fingers. Looking from the paper to the curtains that were whipping violently by the window, she asked, "What is going on with Breezewing Nini?"

Qiao Sang gave a small cough. "She’s practicing Tailwind."

She then called out toward the window, "Qingbao, ease up on the wind a little."

"Qing qing."

Qingbao’s acknowledgment drifted through the room, and the curtains finally stopped their frantic dancing.

Mikayla looked confused. "Why is she training inside the room?"

"I promised her that if she puts in ten hours of skill training a day, I’ll let her compete in the upcoming matches," Qiao Sang explained.

Mikayla paused. "You’re being serious?"

"Absolutely," Qiao Sang confirmed with a nod.

Mikayla spoke bluntly, "I agreed to your participation for the experience, but Breezewing Nini is only a Mid-level pet. In the Regional Championships, teams use three pets. Even the lowest-ranked pet on an opponent's roster will be at least High-level. Since Breezewing Nini just evolved, facing a High-level opponent won't provide meaningful training."

Mikayla’s intent was for Qiao Sang to grow through balanced combat, not to be utterly overwhelmed. Training required a back-and-forth struggle, not just being a target for bullying.

While a Mid-level pet could occasionally defeat a High-level one, it usually required a peak-tier Mid-level pet facing a mediocre High-level one. Breezewing Nini was a fresh evolution, while her opponents would be the elite pets of professional young Beast Masters. She would likely be nothing more than a punching bag.

As Mikayla spoke, the air in the room grew still.

"I don't intend to let Qingbao compete while she’s still Mid-level," Qiao Sang clarified.

"We have an agreement; she only takes the stage once she evolves again."

The curtains twitched, and the breeze began to circulate once more.

Mikayla’s brow furrowed. "Breezewing Nini must not undergo a forced evolution unless her internal energy has reached its absolute peak."

She was aware that the Central Hollow Region had provided Qiao Sang with significant resources, including the Sky Cloud Crystal. If one disregarded future potential, those items could force an evolution almost immediately.

Qiao Sang felt a bit defensive but replied calmly, "I understand. I wouldn't want to damage her potential. I’ll ensure she hits her energy limit before she advances."

She offered a smile and added, "My goal is for Qingbao to reach the God-level one day, after all."

The wind in the room surged with renewed intensity at those words.

Hearing that, Mikayla felt a sense of relief.

"In the upcoming Top 108 to 54 round, you might still see a High-level pet, but after that, it's virtually impossible," Mikayla pointed out. "Are you planning to have Breezewing Nini fight General-level pets once she reaches High-level?"

The tournament spanned about a month. Based on the rapid growth of Qiao Sang’s previous pets like the Blazing Star Canine, it was highly likely Qingbao would evolve before the finals.

However, High-level pets would be long gone from the brackets by then. If a newly evolved High-level Breezewing Nini had to face General-level opponents, it might actually be more productive to fight High-level pets while she was still Mid-level.

The wind stopped again.

Qiao Sang fell silent, considering the point. The further they progressed, the more elite the competition became. She hadn't encountered a single High-level pet in the opening rounds; they would be even rarer later. The next match, the Top 108 to 54, was likely her final chance to find such an opponent.

Avoiding a direct answer, Qiao Sang said, "We’ll see once Qingbao actually evolves. Teacher, was there a specific reason you stopped by?"

"I saw the morning session end and assumed you’d be heading out to train. I came to join you," Mikayla stated.

Qiao Sang smiled. "I was just getting ready to leave."

---

Suburban Villa.

Through the glass windows, Yu Ke and Yu Le observed the figures outside. After a moment, Yu Le asked, "Sis, you mentioned God Qiao attends the Imperial Beast University. Is that woman her professor?"

"It is," Yu Ke answered, her focus remaining on Qingbao.

"Qiao Sang introduced her as such."

Yu Le sighed in admiration. "The Imperial Beast University is amazing. Even the teachers provide one-on-one coaching off-campus."

"That's not standard for every student," Yu Ke noted.

"Qiao Sang is clearly a special case."

Yu Le nodded in agreement. She continued to watch the floating pet, taking several zoomed-in photos with her phone.

"Breezewing Nini has been staying in her wind-form lately, so I haven't seen much of her. Today she’s visible, so I’m making the most of it."

Yu Ke watched the same figure, a hint of concern in her voice. "Does Breezewing Nini look a bit unhappy to you?"

Yu Le paused, lowering her phone to press her face against the glass. "Really?"

---

Outdoor Training Ground. Under the shade of a tree.

"Why have you stopped?" Qiao Sang asked Qingbao.

"Qing qing." Qingbao let out a heavy sigh.

"Who told you that?" Qiao Sang challenged.

"Qing qing."

Qingbao sighed again, making it clear she had overheard the earlier discussion.

Qiao Sang gave a small laugh. "Just focus on your work and evolve within the next four days. If you do, you might still catch an opponent at your own level."

Qingbao looked at her with doubt in her eyes.

Qiao Sang spoke with conviction, "Why wouldn't it be possible? Your evolution item arrives tonight. If you stick to the training plan, you will definitely evolve."

Even if Qingbao didn't master Tailwind to the Ultimate level naturally, Qiao Sang planned to use her accumulated points to bridge the gap.

Qingbao still looked uncertain.

Qiao Sang chuckled. "Relax, I won't let you evolve until your energy is maxed out. I would never trade your future potential just to win a match."

Qingbao was momentarily stunned, once again amazed by the power of their contract. Her Beast Master understood her unspoken anxieties perfectly.

Qiao Sang continued, "Have you forgotten your original motivation for getting stronger?"

Qingbao blinked. "Qing qing?"

"To stand against King-level pets like the Ancient Wing Bird and Frost Bird," Qiao Sang said, holding Qingbao’s gaze.

"If you lack confidence now, how do you expect to face them later?"

"Qing qing..."

Determination slowly returned to Qingbao’s eyes. She dissolved into the wind and vanished.

Qiao Sang looked pleased. However, a second later, Qingbao reappeared right next to her, leaving Qiao Sang confused.

"Why are you back?"

"Qing qing~"

Qingbao reached out, plucked a stray leaf from Qiao Sang’s hair, gave her a bright smile, and vanished once more.

Qiao Sang felt a surge of affection.

Inside the villa, Yu Le shouted, "Sis, Breezewing Nini just smiled!"

"I saw it," Yu Ke replied, her worry vanishing.

Yu Le pouted. "It happened so fast, I missed the photo!"

"Don't worry," Yu Ke said calmly. "The training ground has cameras. We can just pull the footage and take a screenshot later."

Yu Le beamed. "Sis, you’re a genius!"

"Hu ji..."

The Hu Ji Tiger in the background quietly set aside its mop and headed toward the security room. As a top-tier housekeeper pet, its duty was to anticipate the employer's needs and complete tasks before they were even asked.

---

10:30 PM. Pet Center. Room 2603.

Qiao Sang and Yabao were focused on the tournament broadcast on television. The constant breeze in the room kept Qiao Sang’s hair and Yabao’s fur in motion.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure drifted toward the entrance, preparing to phase through the door to check. Remembering his Beast Master's mother’s advice about privacy, he stopped himself.

Then, Qiao Sang’s voice came from the sofa: "Go ahead and open it, it’s a delivery."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure opened the door. Standing there was a pink-and-white pet about a meter tall, featuring a pink gemstone on its forehead.

"Chuan chuan."

It held a parcel. Seeing Little Treasure, the delivery pet remained professional. It pulled a pen from its bag while the gem on its forehead began to glow, telekinetically handing the pen to Little Treasure.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure recognized the pet; it was the same one that had delivered the Fairy Heart. He took the pen and scribbled a silly face on the receipt. The delivery pet’s gem glowed as it recorded the signature.

"Xun xun~"

With the delivery complete, Little Treasure took the package inside and pulled the door shut. He floated over and presented it to Qiao Sang.

Qiao Sang set the box in front of Yabao. "Open it up."

"Yap yap..."

Without taking his eyes off the TV, Yabao extended a single claw and neatly sliced the tape.

Inside the box, Qiao Sang’s eyes landed on a black case secured with a combination lock. She pulled it out and dialed in the date of Qingbao’s first arrival at the Pet Center.

"Unlock successful," a synthesized voice announced.

The lid opened to reveal a pale pink, oval crystal, roughly the size of a small egg.

As if pulled by an invisible string, Qingbao materialized. The moment she appeared, the wind in the room ceased.

"Qing qing?" Qingbao asked, her curiosity piqued.

"This is what you need to evolve," Qiao Sang explained.

"Qing qing..." Qingbao reached out instinctively, her paw trembling as she moved to touch it.

Qiao Sang snapped the case shut and said firmly, "I told you, we wait until your energy hits the limit. Not a moment sooner."

"Qing qing..." Qingbao blinked, coming back to her senses with a slightly sheepish look. She then narrowed her eyes and nuzzled Qiao Sang’s cheek. Her faith that her Beast Master would have her ready for the next match was now almost absolute.

Qiao Sang was surprised by the sudden display of affection. She could feel the deepening bond between them. Just as she went to return the gesture and pet her, Qingbao vanished back into the wind to resume her training.

Qiao Sang was left patting empty air.

"Keep this safe," Qiao Sang said, handing the package back to Little Treasure.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure removed his spatial ring, expanded it, and carefully stowed the item away.

...

Watching the matches no longer held Qiao Sang’s interest. During a player swap, she closed her eyes and let her consciousness enter the Beast Codex, turning to Qingbao’s page.

Name: Breezewing Nini (Qingbao)

Attribute: Fairy, Flying

Level: Mid-level (6844/10000)+

Her eyes moved to the bottom of the page, checking the Tailwind progress and her available points.

[Tailwind (Great Success 8276/10000)+]

Points: 7297

Qiao Sang did the math in her head and felt a surge of confidence in her plan.