Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 972: Mutual Destruction

"Who will the brackets pair together, and what kind of spectacular showdown awaits us!"

"Please join me in welcoming the officials from the Beast Notary Office!"

Following the host's introduction, a gentleman clad in a suit stood beside a Base-Divider Unit, acknowledging the audience with a wave. The device promptly split into two sections; its upper module glided toward the digital display, rippling through the surface before vanishing into the screen.

Back in the staging area, the competitors remained fixed on the virtual monitor. Most maintained a mask of indifference, preserving their elite composure as if the identity of their rival was of no consequence.

Qiao Sang felt a flicker of anxiety. Rather than facing a familiar opponent she had already overcome, she found herself hoping for a complete stranger.

Meanwhile, in the front row:

Zeng Feitian’s face was a mask of stone, though his heart hammered against his ribs. Despite analyzing their previous encounter repeatedly, he remained doubtful of his ability to suppress that Blazing Divine Lion.

As the primary focus of this Regional League, Qiao Sang commanded massive viewership and constant media attention. He dreaded the thought of being remembered by the public solely as the person who suffered consecutive defeats to the same girl.

Moments later, the Base-Divider Unit’s head emerged from the screen, its hue remaining neutral.

[Zeng Feitian VS Qi Fuqing]

Upon seeing his opponent’s name and portrait, Zeng Feitian let out a long, heavy breath of relief.

[Qiao Sang VS Chen Tianqin]

Qiao Sang’s heart gave a sudden thud as she looked at the screen, a subtle thrill of anticipation beginning to stir within her.

Chen Tianqin, aged 33. Having secured a spot in the Top 8 during the previous Regional League, he was widely considered a frontrunner for the Top 3 this year. She vividly recalled the deafening roar of the crowd when he appeared during the opening ceremony while she sat in the family section.

Sensing a weight on her, Qiao Sang turned her head. She caught Chen Tianqin staring directly at her, his expression radiating cold hostility.

Qiao Sang: ???

Chen Tianqin broke the eye contact, his features returning to a deceptive calm.

---

Within a residence designed in the traditional Chinese style.

Tao Yunkai sat perched on her sofa, scanning the matchups on the virtual display. Her brows lifted when she noticed the pairing of [Qiao Sang VS Chen Tianqin].

Her mind flashed back to the previous day when Chen Tianqin had confronted her with grievance.

"By what right?!" he had demanded, his voice thick with indignation.

"Each of us bled and sweated to earn a place on the Imperial Beast Battle Team. We are up for meditation at 5:30 AM, followed by grueling training sessions all day. Our schedules are so packed we barely breathe! Why does she receive such favoritism? She attends no training and skips matches, yet she enjoys the exact same perks!"

Tao Yunkai had tried to reason with him: "She is currently enrolled at the Imperial Beast University, receiving one-on-one tutelage. She is still at an age where academic foundation and personal growth are vital. Forcing her into our high-intensity regimen right now wouldn't be appropriate."

Chen Tianqin had responded with a mocking curl of his lip. "Being an Imperial student shouldn't matter. The teenagers in the National Bureau Youth Training Team manage to balance their education with the training base requirements."

"Did you enlist in the National Bureau for the salary, or to represent your nation on the battlefield?" Tao Yunkai had countered sharply.

"This was a collective decision by the coaching staff. If you find it unacceptable, take it up with the head coach."

Chen Tianqin had stormed out in a silent fury.

Returning to the present, Tao Yunkai sighed while staring at the monitor. She recognized the source of his resentment. It wasn't isolated; likely many others on the national squad viewed the situation as a breach of fairness.

They had all fought tooth and nail to climb the ranks, constantly fearing replacement. Yet, here was someone holding the prestigious National Bureau title effortlessly, with a guaranteed spot for the next two decades.

In this upcoming bout, Chen Tianqin would likely be driven by intense personal spite. If Qiao Sang could secure a victory, it might serve to validate the coaching staff’s controversial choice.

---

At the stadium.

Once the pairings were finalized, a large number of contestants retreated. Qiao Sang, noting her match was scheduled for the afternoon, decided to stay behind. She had followed the Regional League diligently since the qualifiers and possessed data on nearly every participant.

As a veteran of last year's competition, Chen Tianqin’s pets were public knowledge, frequently analyzed by fans and experts alike. Even if his power had increased significantly, she knew she wouldn't uncover his deepest secrets just by watching for one morning.

Reflecting on this, Qiao Sang glanced over at Chen Tianqin and saw he was also lingering. She frowned slightly. 

After a moment, she rose to depart. It was better to head back early and coordinate a strategy with Yabao just to be certain.

The hours ticked by as the sun intensified, scorching the arena floor. Fortunately, artificial breezes swept through the stands, keeping the heat from becoming unbearable. Soon, the sun began its descent, and the afternoon session commenced.

A grueling battle had just ended, and a blue bird-type pet ferried the losing contestant back to the underground prep area. In the broadcast booth, Tian Yiwan looked at her notes with visible fervor: "Our next match features the two contestants everyone has been waiting for. First, a Top 8 veteran from last year, Chen Tianqin!"

The arena exploded into a rhythmic chant. "Tianqin! Tianqin! Hard work conquers all! Invincible!"

"At only 33, he has dominated every round so far without dropping a single point. Many experts have him pegged as this year’s champion," Tian Yiwan added.

"Facing him is the youngest dark horse of the tournament, the contractor of the legendary Qinyin Fairy—Qiao Sang!"

The stadium shook with a second wave of cheers. "Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! The youngest and the mightiest!"

"The dynamics of this match are fascinating," Tang Xueran noted with a smile.

"Chen Tianqin is the youngest B-rank professional Beast Master here, excluding Qiao Sang herself. We are about to witness the two youngest B-ranks in the league go head-to-head."

Tian Yiwan added: "Who will claim the win in this clash?"

As she spoke, two blue bird pets rose from the floor, carrying the two competitors into view. The roar from the crowd was deafening. Both were superstars among the B-rank Beast Masters. The atmosphere was electric, captivating even those who didn't count themselves as fans of either person.

This was undoubtedly the most hyped match of the day.

"I can't believe we're getting a matchup this big in the Top 16."

"It’s a shame one of them has to go home. Both clearly have Top 10 potential."

"Who’s your money on?"

"Qiao Sang. The payout is better, and she's full of surprises."

"Chen Tianqin. Word is he’s with the National Bureau now. That kind of elite training puts you on a different level."

"I’m sticking with Qiao Sang. That Ice Emperor Ram’s Ice Field Domain is impossible to counter, plus she has Healing Light. Unless Chen Tianqin has something tougher than an Iron Battle Dragon, he’s finished."

"It’s Chen Tianqin for sure. Qiao Sang is talented, but she’s a brand-new B-rank. Chen Tianqin reached the Top 8 as a B-rank a whole year ago."

---

Family Seating Area.

"Qiao Sang! Qiao Sang! Youngest but strongest!" Ye Xiangting screamed, joining the fan club’s chant.

"Aren't you worried she might lose this time?" Liu Yao asked, amused by her shift in attitude compared to earlier rounds.

Ye Xiangting chuckled. "She made the Top 32 already. Whatever happens now is just a bonus as long as she tries her best. My worrying won't change the outcome, so I might as well lose my voice cheering for her."

Despite being from outside the Central Hollow region, she knew of Chen Tianqin’s reputation. Against such a formidable veteran, simply putting up a good fight was enough.

Liu Yao nodded, assuming Ye Xiangting had accepted that Qiao Sang would likely lose, making participation the main goal.

"Is her opponent that famous?" Mikayla asked over the noise.

Ye Xiangting nodded. "Back when he was only C-rank, he made waves in the Yuhua Regional League as an outsider."

She paused for emphasis. "They say he was recruited into the National Bureau’s elite battle squad."

... Mikayla suddenly recalled a detail.

"Qiao Sang was also recruited by the National Bureau."

Ye Xiangting: ??!

Liu Yao: !!!

Amidst the thunderous noise, a holographic "10" appeared over the field. The crowd fell silent as the countdown began. A synthesized voice echoed with each digit: "9, 8, 7... 3, 2, 1."

Both Qiao Sang and Chen Tianqin performed their hand seals simultaneously. Two massive, glowing crimson star arrays manifested. Moments later, two pets of vastly different proportions materialized.

... Qiao Sang blinked at the six-meter-tall fox-like pet.

Its dark crimson fur seemed to pulse with a life of its own, and a black mane flowed down its back. As she processed the data on the creature, she felt a wave of confusion.

She hadn't anticipated him leading with a General-level pet. In a high-stakes B-rank match, securing the first win is vital for momentum; most Masters lead with a King-level pet to establish dominance.

... Chen Tianqin looked at the majestic creature across the field, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

The spectators began to murmur: "Blazing Divine Lion vs. Phantasm Hate Fox. That's King-level against General-level. It’s over before it started; Qiao Sang takes it."

"Why would Chen Tianqin waste his General-level first?"

"Maybe he’s trying to drain the King-level’s energy so his heavy hitters have it easier later."

"How can a General-level drain a King-level? Especially against an offensive powerhouse like that lion. It’ll be a one-hit knockout."

"Maybe two hits. Qiao Sang’s last win was at night when the lion had Moonlight Power. It’s broad daylight now; it isn't at peak strength."

"Even if it takes two hits, that’s not exactly 'wearing it down,' is it?"

"I don’t get his play. The winner can just recall their pet and recover energy before the next round anyway."

---

On the battlefield.

Pushing the confusion aside, Qiao Sang commanded: "Fire."

The moment she spoke, an uneasy feeling washed over her. Her opponent hadn't counter-commanded. Furthermore, the Phantasm Hate Fox remained rooted to the spot. Even as Yabao’s attack closed in, it made no attempt to dodge or protect itself.

In a flash, Yabao discharged a beam of red-gold light. With a deafening explosion, the energy slammed into the stationary fox.

"Phantasm!"

Flames erupted and heat waves rolled across the arena. Amidst the inferno, the fox was hurled backward with a pained shriek. It slammed into the ground, eyes shut and body broken; it appeared to be an instant defeat.

Chen Tianqin’s face remained calm—if anything, he looked pleased. He spoke with deliberate slowness: "Mutual Destruction."

"Yap!"

Suddenly, Yabao’s face contorted in sheer agony. He let out a piercing scream, his body trembling violently before he collapsed heavily onto the field.

The audience erupted in shock.

One moment they were cheering a flawless victory, and the next they were stunned by the turn of events.

"What just happened?!" Ye Xiangting asked, completely lost.

Liu Yao’s expression turned grim. Mikayla spoke in a low, serious tone: "That's the S-rank Mutual Destruction trait."

---

"The Blazing Divine Lion is down!" Tian Yiwan shouted, standing up in the commentary booth with wide eyes.

"It collapsed without even being touched! What is this?!"

Tang Xueran kept her composure. "It’s the Mutual Destruction trait."

The Mutual Destruction trait is often called the 'Double Down.' A pet possessing it can force its attacker to suffer the exact same injuries it sustains. At S-rank, this trait can even synchronize the physical status of the target with the user, ensuring the attacker feels every ounce of the user's pain.

Qiao Sang turned pale as she stared at her fallen pet.

"The Mutual Destruction trait forces the aggressor to share the target's damage and condition," Tang Xueran explained to the viewers.

"Despite the Blazing Divine Lion being an entire rank higher, it was completely neutralized. This Phantasm Hate Fox must have an incredibly high-level trait."

A roar of realization swept the stands: "Damn! So that’s why he started with a General-level. He sacrificed it just to take out her King-level! That is incredibly cold!"

"Cold? That’s brilliant strategy!"

"Is Mutual Destruction really that broken? Could a low-level pet take out a Monarch-level with that?"

"The bigger the gap in power, the less effective it is. The reason this worked is that the fox’s trait is likely S-rank; otherwise, it would never have affected a King-level pet."

"Poor Qiao Sang, losing her trump card in the first few seconds..."

"I can't believe Chen Tianqin was hiding a move like that! Amazing!"

"Why use such a powerful trick so early? I would have saved it for the finals."

"Are you kidding? Trading a General-level fox for a King-level lion is the ultimate win!"

"No! Yabao! I wanted to see him really fight! He’s so cool to watch!"

During the chaos, the mechanical referee pet appeared instantly beside the fallen Yabao.

"Yabao! Get up!" Qiao Sang screamed.

The moment her voice rang out, a violent explosion of fire erupted from Yabao’s position, sending waves of heat radiating outward. The mechanical referee vanished just in time to avoid the blast.

"Yap..."

Through the swirling embers and dancing red shadows, Yabao slowly, painfully, rose to his feet.

The triumphant smirk on Chen Tianqin’s face vanished instantly.