After seeing that nearly half of the disciples had already returned, murmurs began to ripple through the crowd. Many assumed the worst—that the rest had perished within the treacherous depths of Beast Mountain. It was the most logical conclusion, given the trial's brutal reputation.
But not everyone shared that belief.
Among the few who remained calm was Avinash, standing silently amidst the noise, his expression serene and untroubled.
"How could anything happen to a Son of Luck?" Avinash mused inwardly, his gaze steady. "One protected by fate itself… no beast would dare claim his life."
However, the elders of the Supreme Beast Sect were not so composed.
Their expressions were grim, their hearts weighed down by uncertainty. A certain prodigy—aid to have the potential to tame even a Flood Dragon—had yet to return. The idea that such a talent might have fallen inside the mountain filled them with a quiet dread.
Time dragged on.
No more figures emerged from the fog-draped mountain. Tension rippled through the gathered disciples, their eyes nervously scanning the peak. Though no one dared speak aloud, the anxiety in the air was palpable. The elders sensed it clearly.
Finally, one of the senior elders stepped forward, preparing to declare the trial concluded. He let out a long sigh, lips parting to speak—
ROAR… ROAR…!
A thunderous bellow shook the skies. The very heavens trembled. The ground quaked underfoot as a fierce gale howled across the mountain clearing. In that instant, all gazes turned upward.
From the dense mist, a titanic figure burst forth—at least twenty meters tall, majestic and terrifying. Its presence alone made weaker disciples stagger back in fear.
And riding atop that terrifying beast… was a young man.
Clad in robes that fluttered like banners in a storm, the youth sat cross-legged atop the creature's back, calm and dignified. His gaze was steady, cold yet noble. He looked less like a disciple and more like a war god descending from the sky.
Gasps erupted.
"It's him!"
"That's… Ye Chen!"
"He tamed that monster?!"
The despair that had gripped the elders just moments earlier evaporated, replaced by disbelief, and soon, awe.
Avinash, standing among the crowd, slowly closed his eyes and murmured softly, almost to himself, "As expected of a Heaven's Chosen… No matter where they are, they draw the world's attention. But such brilliance also invites envy... and death."
The mighty beast, scales glistening in the light, descended gracefully toward the trial platform. It landed a short distance from the crowd, careful not to frighten the others. Ye Chen dismounted, approaching the platform where Elder Su and several other high-ranking members stood. Princess Smriti was already waiting nearby, a faint smile on her face.
With a respectful bow, Ye Chen greeted, "Disciple Ye Chen greets the elders."
"Good, good! No arrogance, despite such strength. A fine seedling indeed," Elder Su said with a hearty laugh, stepping forward to gently pat Ye Chen's shoulder.
The crowd looked on with mixed emotions. Most were filled with envy; some with admiration. But a few—those who understood the weight of Ye Chen's potential—couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines.
After a brief pause, Elder Su turned to face the crowd and raised his voice.
"Now, I will reveal the results of the beast-taming trial."
The disciples instantly fell silent.
"Those who successfully tamed a beast one realm lower than their own cultivation will be accepted as Outer Sect Disciples. Those who tamed a beast of the same realm shall be accepted as Inner Sect Disciples."
He glanced at Princess Smriti and Ye Chen.
"As for those who tamed beasts above their realm or showed extraordinary potential—such as Ye Chen and Princess Smriti—they shall be directly accepted as Core Disciples of the Supreme Beast Sect."
A wave of reactions followed. Some disciples cheered with joy, overjoyed by their promotion. Others lowered their heads, disappointed but not disheartened.
The path of cultivation was long. Today's results were only the beginning.
Meanwhile, the big, fat duck sitting beside Avinash muttered in a low voice that only he could hear,
"Human, what's so great about that Flood Dragon, huh? They're praising him as if he's conquered the entire world."
Avinash chuckled softly but didn't reply.
How could he explain?
This is the effect of a protagonist's aura… they attract admiration even by breathing.
Just then, an elder floated into the sky, his robes fluttering with qi as he addressed the crowd in a solemn voice.
"Since all of you have successfully passed the trials and are now disciples of our Supreme Beast Sect, you will each be given a beast pouch. These pouches are tailored according to the cultivation level of your beast."
With a wave of his hand, streams of light shot out from his spatial ring—dozens of beast pouches appearing in the air, arranged by rank. Using his qi, he guided them down toward the disciples.
"Pick the one that suits your beast," he ordered calmly.
The new disciples quickly began retrieving their respective pouches and placing their contracted beasts inside.
Avinash looked down at the chubby duck beside him. Before he could say anything, the duck snorted quietly, its feathers puffed up.
"I won't go into that damn pouch," it said in a low, stubborn voice, trying to maintain a shred of dignity. "I'm a majestic Swan da Huang, not some poultry to be stuffed in a sack."
Avinash's expression turned cold. His eyes gleamed faintly with a mysterious light as his Celestial Reincarnation Eyes activated.
"If you won't go… then I guess I'm having duck biryani for dinner."
The big duck stiffened. It sensed a very real threat—Avinash wasn't joking.
With a grumble, it muttered, "Fine, fine… heartless human," and waddled into the pouch without another word.
Avinash let out a sigh of relief.
Troublesome duck…