Zhang Lingxue projected another image—this time, a pet beast called the Hedgehog Pig.
It looked like a newborn piglet, with large nostrils and bright, intelligent eyes. Two thumb-thick fangs jutted from its mouth, and a layer of short, gray bristles covered its back.
Despite its fearsome appearance, it was incredibly timid. When threatened, it would curl into a ball, and its bristles would harden into sharp quills for defense. But if provoked too far, the Hedgehog Pig could also charge forward recklessly in a burst of courage.
Zhang Lingxue recommended four kinds of pet beasts in total, all selected for their relatively docile temperaments and suitability for beginners.
However, the secret realm offered a far wider selection. For instance, there was the Little Venomous Fang, a snake-like creature about a meter long and no thicker than a thumb. Its fangs were razor-sharp, and it could spit paralytic venom with deadly accuracy.
The downside? Its temperament was notoriously nasty. This vicious creature was even known to bite its own master without warning. Still, some tamers with venom-type talents specifically sought out this challenging beast, willing to take the risk for its potent power.
Soon, the school bus pulled up to the entrance of the secret realm.
The realm itself was a vast natural expanse, dominated by forests and lakes. Every year, Shenshan Middle School invested heavily in spatial stones to maintain and expand it. To aid movement, a large asphalt area had been paved inside the realm.
Zhang Lingxue had already submitted the number of entrants. After clearing the security checkpoint, she led Ye Bai and the others inside.
Scattered lakes dotted the landscape, reflecting sunlight that shone from a crafted "sun" high above—the product of the highest-grade solar crystals. The school's generosity was clear: sunlight from these crystals not only illuminated the realm but also helped young pet beasts grow stronger.
The warm light shimmered on the water like golden fish scales. A gentle breeze stirred the scent of fresh grass.
Signs had been carefully placed to guide students. Each type of pet beast had its own area, much like a zoo.
"All right," Zhang Lingxue announced. "Go and choose your pet."
"Keep in mind: every pet beast has its own unique personality. You'll need the help of staff to initiate the contract ceremony. Do not attempt it alone."
"Make sure the area is secure before starting the bond."
"Due to the nature of the secret realm, those of you who have only just awakened your talents are subject to strict limitations. You have one hour to make your selection."
"You must return to this point within that time. Otherwise, your life could be in danger."
She paused, then added sternly, "If you choose to ignore my warning and overstay, your watches will trigger an alert when you faint. If there are aftereffects, don't blame me—I warned you. And just so you know, treatment is very expensive."
She clapped her hands. "Okay, spread out. Go find your first pet."
The moment she finished speaking, most of the students swarmed toward Li Weiyang, who had awakened the Eye of Insight.
"Squad leader, help me choose a strong pet beast!"
"Please, Weiyang! You have the Eye of Insight!"
"Sister Weiyang, I've never asked you for anything before—just this once, okay?"
A crowd surrounded Li Weiyang, practically pleading. Only Ye Bai stood alone.
He rolled his eyes. What a bunch of simps. Lick all you want, you'll just get nothing.
Li Weiyang was the type who only looked out for herself. Her rare talent consumed energy every time it was used—there was no way she'd waste it helping others. Most likely, she'd brush them off with a few vague comments.
Meanwhile, Ye Bai wandered off down a path, meandering like a casual visitor at the zoo.
He stopped by the Little Venomous Fang breeding area. Each snake glared at him with thin, slitted blue eyes, baring its fangs and flicking crimson tongues. Long, whip-like tails twitched as they coiled behind bulletproof glass. Small horns protruded from their heads.
As Ye Bai approached, they all rammed into the glass with a loud thud. Several knocked themselves out cold. The nearby staff member didn't even look up from his phone.
"Basic behavior," he muttered. "Wouldn't be normal if they weren't doing that."
Apparently, this constant headbutting was part of their training—over time, their skulls would become as hard as steel.
But Ye Bai didn't find them appealing. Little Venomous Fangs were niche pets, suited only to tamers with a specific affinity. Most people avoided them due to their aggressive and cold-blooded nature.
He continued on, visiting the enclosures for Hedgehog Pigs, Boxing Rabbits, and others, but still couldn't find the right fit.
Aimless, he strolled until snowflakes—large as goose feathers—began to drift from the sky. Only then did he realize he'd reached the Little Snowball enclosure.
Li Weiyang and several other students had also gathered there. Many had already completed contracts—with Boxing Rabbits, Hedgehog Pigs, or the versatile Silkworms.
The Silkworms were especially popular due to their ease of bonding. They were slow and lazy, and one could form a contract with almost no resistance.
"Ye Bai still hasn't picked a pet? Time's almost up."
"Forty minutes have passed, and it'll take ten just to get back to the square."
"Ye Bai, don't be so picky—you'll end up with nothing at this rate."
Voices echoed around him, full of unsolicited advice.
Ye Bai ignored them. In one ear and out the other.
"Look! It's Little Snowball!" someone suddenly shouted.
Two white creatures bounded into view, like little spirits of ice and snow. A staff member ran behind them, gasping for breath.
"Slow down—wait for me!" she called. "Did you sense a potential master?"
One of the Little Snowballs dissolved into glittering flakes and spiraled around Ye Bai, reforming in his palm like magic.
The two of them—one chubby and one slim—happily bounced in circles around him.
Li Weiyang's eyes flared red as she activated the Eye of Insight.
---
[Pet Name: Little Snowball (Chubby)]
Level: LV2 (First Stage, Second Level)
Attribute: Ice
Skills: Body Slam, Melt
Evolution Path: Blizzard Guardian – requires 3 Ice Cores and must evolve in an ice-rich environment.
---
[Pet Name: Little Snowball (Slim)]
Level: LV3 (First Stage, Third Level)
Attribute: Ice
Skills: Body Slam, Melt, Snow Spray
Evolution Path: Ice and Snow Elf – requires 3 Ice Crystals and 3 Eternal Crystals, and must evolve in an ice environment.
---
Found it, she thought, locking onto the slim one.
It had three skills, including the advanced Snow Spray. Once evolved into an Ice and Snow Elf, its combat potential would soar.
But the problem was… the beast had chosen Ye Bai.
It clearly liked him more.
Now she just needed to find a way to take it from him.