The Right to Select Grass

Under the unanimous gaze of everyone, Xue Youyou and Muyue walked gracefully out of the heavy shadows of the corridor, one after the other.

That nonchalant composure was just like that of a protagonist taking the stage, each step pressing on the tense nerves of the audience.

Xue Youyou deliberately walked close to Jiang Ye, almost brushing against her shoulder, her eyes full of disdain and provocation. A smirk played on her lips as she uttered a number: "Negative one!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the air seemed to freeze for a moment, and then a strong smell of gunpowder suddenly exploded, filling the entire room.

Her meaning couldn't be clearer—so what if I'm late? Not only that, I'm only one second late, so what if you dare to mess with me!

Before Jiang Ye, whose face was flushed red, could retort, Mu Yue, who was following behind Xue Youyou, glared at her fiercely and added insult to injury: "Negative two!!"

If Xue Youyou's words were like pouring hot oil on a bucket, then Muyue's words were like throwing in a tinderbox. Jiang Ye's already flushed face burned even brighter, turning a deep red, as if it were about to smoke.

The live stream chat exploded instantly, flooding the screen with messages so dense that the image was almost unreadable.

Wow, Yukihime is so cool! She's just a second late, and that's exactly what I wanted to do to you!

[This is outrageous! How dare they be so arrogant in front of our Princess of the Beast Academy?]

[If I were Jiang Ye, I'd just start burning grass right away. Could I tolerate this?]

[Support Diancao!]

[Add one!]

[Add another 10,000!]

Blood flowed like rivers! Blood flowed like rivers!

【…】

Compared to the bland and uneventful opening of the lottery ceremony, the audience clearly preferred to see this kind of spark-filled head-on collision.

All the previous dissatisfaction with Xue Youyou's lateness vanished in an instant. Who cared about being late anymore? All they wanted now was for the situation to spiral out of control, for blood to flow like a river.

"You son of a bitch—!"

Enraged, Jiang Ye reached for the table, only to grab nothing. She then realized there was no table in front of her, so without a word, she ripped off the battle bracelet from her wrist and slammed it at Xue Youyou's feet.

The metal bracelet hit the ground with a crisp sound, bounced twice, and finally rolled to a stop in front of Xue Youyou's shoe tip.

In the City of Beasts, when a Beast Tamer throws out their battle bracelet in front of their opponent, it signifies an invitation to a life-or-death duel—a fight to the death. This most extreme method is only used when conflicts escalate to the point of no return.

However, Xue Youyou, an outsider who transmigrated from another world, was clearly unaware of these rules.

She glanced down at the bracelet on her wrist, then looked up at the sudden change in the expressions of those around her, finally turning to Bao Xiaoxing beside her and asking calmly, "Does the organizers allow contestants to bark wildly on the field?"

Although I was somewhat surprised that Bao Xiaoxing was hosting the ceremony here, that's not important right now.

Bao Xiaoxing was surprised that Xue Youyou was so calm when she saw him.

Hey, at least show some surprise! I'm the referee, you know. Aren't you curious about me being the host? You jerk—

To some extent, she felt that she was being subjected to Xue Youyou's emotional abuse.

Despite inwardly cursing, Bao Xiaoxing dutifully explained, "This is a tradition of the Beast City. Throwing the bracelet signifies challenging you to a death match."

A death match?

Xue Youyou was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, and only then did she seriously examine the beast tamer named Jiang Ye in front of her for the first time.

She had short white hair, wheat-colored skin, and muscles in her arms and calves that were much more defined than those of an ordinary beast tamer, clearly indicating that she had undergone rigorous training over a long period of time. At this moment, she was baring her teeth at Xue Youyou, the corners of her mouth stretched high, looking exactly like a wild beast hissing.

Is this guy... out of his mind?

As a titled beast tamer, isn't he acting far too recklessly and impulsively? Risking his life over the slightest disagreement?

Xue Youyou's expression turned extremely serious. She turned to Bao Xiaoxing and asked in a solemn tone, as if inquiring about the rules, "Does the tournament allow a renowned beast tamer to die suddenly before the competition begins?"

Upon hearing this, many contestants in the audience trembled and almost lost their composure on the spot.

Even the elegant and proper lady-in-waiting, Miss Manluo, the Witch of the Underworld, couldn't help but subtly raise the corners of her mouth.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard of Lanzhiyuan, everyone watching this scene via live stream simultaneously held their foreheads.

Meng Yanqing sighed, her tone full of helplessness: "That Youyou... I knew she was going to cause some trouble."

Lu Yuan's lips twitched, and after a long while, she managed to stammer out, "This does look very much like...it's her style."

The comments section completely spiraled out of control.

[Oh ho ho—I want to see rivers of blood!]

[Lady Yukihime is so cool!!]

I live just to see this guy's teeth!!

[Can we start fighting now? We can't wait!]

The reputation of the Beast Academy has been utterly humiliated today.

【…】

"Huh?!"

Feeling the mocking glances from several star contestants, Jiang Ye, who was already yawning incessantly, became even more furious, turning into a husky with its fur standing on end, its face contorted with rage.

What's wrong with this world?!

She, a good beast tamer who upholds the rules and fights for justice, was ridiculed instead!

I'm so angry and cold!!!

Although Bao Xiaoxing was secretly pleased, he also knew that if things continued like this, it might really lead to an irreparable accident.

She immediately interrupted, "Both contestants, please watch your words and actions!"

"We are currently in the midst of the league season, and the league rules supersede all local customs. Continuing this disruptive behavior will be considered a blatant provocation against the Pet Alliance!"

Although these words were spoken harshly, they were actually an attempt to give Jiang Ye a way out. Continuing the stalemate would not benefit anyone.

Jiang also snorted heavily, turned his head away angrily, and ignored Xue Youyou.

In truth, she had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on—if it really came down to a fight, she probably wouldn't be a match for Xue Youyou. She simply couldn't stand the other girl's behavior of deliberately being late and humiliating her.

As for the battle bracelet she threw out, she could only wait until everyone had left before secretly picking it up by herself.

"Now that everyone is here, let's officially begin today's lottery ceremony!"

Bao Xiaoxing made a quick decision, skipping the planned interview with Xue Youyou. Heaven knows what even more uncontrollable events might escalate if she continued talking.

As for Mutsuki—a fringe beast tamer from a fringe academy, and the only person who participated in the lottery ceremony as a substitute, she naturally ignored her.

"Mutsuki player."

"Um?"

"Please zip up your skirt, thank you."

"what!"

Mutsuki looked down and was shocked to find that the side zipper of her skirt was still open. She blushed and hurriedly tried to pull the zipper up.

That wretched Xue Youyou! If she hadn't suddenly appeared and startled her, she wouldn't have forgotten about it before finishing zipping up her zipper.

Mutsuki blushed as she pulled on her zipper, mentally blaming Yukiyuyu for not wearing her skirt properly.

With the commotion temporarily over, Bao Xiaoxing cleared his throat and began explaining the rules of the draw: "Now I will introduce the grouping rules for the main competition of this league. All participating teams will be divided into eight groups: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H."

"Each group consists of two teams, and a tree-structured advancement system will be used."

"Last year's top four teams have the right to 'not face each other' in the first two rounds. The number one position in Group A is Ghosthouse, the number one position in Group C is Beasthouse, the number one position in Group E is Thunderhouse, and the number one position in Group G is Starlighthouse."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the faces of the four representatives from last year's top four teams.

"Well then, before the official draw, I need to confirm with each of you four representatives from last year's top four teams."

"Given that Xue Youyou, the representative of Lanzhiyuan Team 1, and Muyue, the representative of Yueyaoyuan Team 2, are late, according to the rules, you have the right to exercise the 'pointing grass' privilege on their respective teams."

"Starting with you, Manro."

All eyes turned to the elegant lady in the black Lolita dress, holding their breath as they awaited her answer.

At the same time, everyone was quickly calculating in their minds—what would they choose if they were in their shoes?

Picking Xue Youyou? Unless you're out of your mind. Anyone can see that Xue Youyou is the undisputed favorite to win this year. Just don't draw her, why would you willingly walk into her trap and get beaten up? Forget it.

What about Kusanagi Mutsuki? They could beat him, but it was a bit too much of a bully. As one of last year's top four powerhouse schools, to challenge a third-rate school that's only made it to the main tournament this year would be a disgrace even if they won, and they might even be accused by the audience of bullying the weak and fearing the strong, which would actually damage their reputation.

Soon, Manlu shook her head, her voice gentle yet firm: "No need, the normal lottery will suffice."

Next up is Lei Ying, the Lightning Princess of Leiming Academy.

Clearly, Lei Ying was a person who cared about her reputation, and she waved her hand decisively: "No need."

Next up is Gu Xingling, the Star Singer from the Starlight Academy.

She tilted her head slightly, as if she had thought of something interesting. After pondering for a moment, she also shook her head with a smile.

Finally, the fourth seat of the Ten Heavenly Kings—Wan Shou Yuan, Tian Sha Hu Jiang Ye.

Everyone's gaze became subtle, and they looked at her with strange expressions.