Chapter 350 - 320: Teaming Up
Chapter 350: Chapter 320: Teaming Up
The evolution was a success, and Li Qian was thrilled. However, he kept it quiet, not even telling his parents.
’They’ll find out sooner or later anyway. No need to make a special announcement.’
Part of the reason was to keep a low profile; Li Qian didn’t want to be the center of attention.
Having successfully broken through to the Commander Level, Li Qian had spent most of his time in Meditation over the past few days, outside of his classes.
Although his Spiritual Power Level had broken through, it was a recent development. The Level wasn’t stable yet, and he needed to spend more time reinforcing it.
Time flew by, and soon it was Friday. That evening, after his classes ended, Li Qian didn’t return to his dorm but headed straight for the university gate.
At four-thirty, he arrived at the university gate. The meeting point was the parking lot to the left of the main entrance.
Quite a few people were already waiting when he arrived—all of them young men and women.
Li Qian quietly joined them, walking over to where Ding Ganmao and Wang En Ci stood, and waited in silence.
About ten minutes later, the last person arrived. Seeing that the group was complete, a square-faced man who seemed to be the leader spoke up. "Since everyone is here, let’s head out."
"Hold on," Wang En Ci said, raising his hand just as the square-faced man finished speaking. "I think we should introduce ourselves first. After all, we’re going to be teammates fighting side by side."
Everyone heard him and nodded in agreement, thinking Wang En Ci’s suggestion was very reasonable.
"I’m Dakoli, from the Strong Attack Element department in the Combat Academy at our Shazhou Beast Taming University," the square-faced man said, going first. "As my major suggests, my specialty is Strong Attack."
After introducing himself, Dakoli turned to a young man beside him with the distinct features of the Gaochang Race. "This is my partner, An Duowan. He has contracted two Pet Beasts, both of them defense-oriented. He’ll be the solid shield of our team. He’s a freshman from the neighboring Western Beast Taming University and also a childhood friend of mine."
Li Qian was a little surprised to hear Dakoli’s introduction. He’d heard of Western Beast Taming University, but he didn’t know much about it.
He only knew that while it bore the name of the Western Regions, it was a far cry from Shazhou Beast Taming University.
Of course, in the entire Western Province, aside from Shazhou Beast Taming University, Western Beast Taming University was the only other one worth mentioning.
An Duowan seemed like the shy, quiet type. After Dakoli introduced him, he simply smiled and nodded.
Dakoli probably introduced him for that very reason, but it was more likely a move to highlight his importance and boost his standing within the team.
"I’m Pilo. Like An Duowan, I’m from Western Beast Taming University. I’m best suited for a support role," another dark-faced man said, following the introductions.
He exchanged a glance with An Duowan as he spoke. It was only natural that they knew each other, coming from the same place.
After the three students from the Gaochang Race finished their introductions, it was time for the students of the Dongxia Race. "I’m Li Yuhu, from our very own Shazhou Beast Taming University," a spirited and impressive-looking girl said, going first. "I’ve mainly contracted Flying-type and Dark Pet Beasts, so I’m best suited for reconnaissance."
’Li Yuhu... her name really suits her,’ Li Qian thought. ’She’s quite pretty, but she seems like a total tomboy.’
After the spirited Li Yuhu finished, a boy wearing rimless glasses spoke. "Wang Guanjun, also a freshman at our Shazhou Beast Taming University. I know a bit more about Pet Beasts and Extraordinary Resources."
He had a refined, scholarly air about him. At first glance, he seemed like the very picture of a model student.
After the scholarly Wang Guanjun introduced himself, it was Ding Ganmao’s turn. He glanced at Li Qian before speaking bluntly. "I’m Ding Ganmao. I have one Ice Element Pet Beast and one Water-type Pet Beast. I can handle both field control and offense."
’His introduction is basically the same as last time,’ Li Qian noted.
Wang En Ci was the second to last to introduce himself, and he kept it concise. "You all should know me. I’m Wang En Ci. I’ve contracted a Life Element Pet Beast and an Earth Element Pet Beast. In a fight, I can provide some defense. I’m also a bit better at restoring stamina and healing injuries."
Seeing how cautiously Wang En Ci had phrased his introduction, Li Qian followed suit and conservatively described his own abilities. "I’m Li Qian. I can handle Strong Attack or a secondary offensive role. My field control is decent, too. On top of that, I know a thing or two about Pet Beast nurturing."
With the simple introductions out of the way, the group had established a baseline of trust. Dakoli then led them to two off-road vehicles. Pointing at them, he said, "Pilo and I will each drive one. How do you all want to split up?"
"I’ll ride in your car."
"Then I’ll take Pilo’s car..."
"..."
The group of eight split into the vehicles with hardly any discussion.
Li Qian, Wang En Ci, and the team’s only girl—Li Yuhu, who happened to share his surname—ended up in Pilo’s vehicle.
Ding Ganmao, An Duowan, and Wang Guanjun took the three spots in Dakoli’s car.
The engines started, and the cars headed straight south. About an hour later, they left the central oasis behind, and a completely different landscape appeared outside the windows.
Wang En Ci watched the scenery with curiosity and remarked, "The view here is completely different from back in Shu State."
Li Qian also saw the magnificent vista of the vast desert under the setting sun and couldn’t help but chime in, "It’s truly a breathtaking view."
"What’s so beautiful about it? I’ve been looking at this my whole life; I’m sick of it," Pilo, the dark-faced driver, said dismissively with a pout, having overheard their admiration.
He pouted, all too familiar with the mindset of students from outside the Western Province, like Li Qian. A faint smile touched his lips as he said with certainty, "You’ll get tired of it soon enough."
Li Qian believed him. He knew their admiration was just a product of novelty.
A novelty that wouldn’t last long.
And, as it turned out, his guess was correct.
About half an hour later, both Li Qian and Wang En Ci were starting to feel bored.
The scenery outside the window was just too monotonous, with virtually no change.
Pilo glanced back at the two of them, their interest clearly waning. He smiled and pointed ahead. "Up ahead is the West Wusu Desert."
When Pilo drove the off-road vehicle headfirst into the West Wusu Desert without a second thought, Li Qian couldn’t help but ask in surprise, "We’re just going in like this?"