Chapter Sixteen

The fallen giant eagle was immediately caught, and the little tiger's ability to strike down opponents in a single blow made the other seniors even more reluctant to step onto the stage. If even those in the air could be brought down, pure ground combatants stood no chance.

Thus, until the end of the challenge round, no one else dared to go up. After carrying the little tiger off the stage, Cheng Yuan glanced at Wang Ningning, who was chatting with Xu Hao. Tilting his head slightly, he decided not to disturb the young couple. However, before school let out, Cheng Yuan and Wang Ningning did end up meeting; they were summoned by a teacher. Teacher Xu, the music instructor for Class Six, was one of the few teachers at the school who had not reached the prestigious King class.

Teacher Xu spoke, "I believe you all know about the top ten students going to Xichuan University. Our principal has already spoken with theirs, and you will be entering the 'Fisherman's Secret' dungeon. The dates are October 1st through October 15th, a total of fifteen days. During this time, you will stay in the Xichuan University dormitories. If you encounter anything you can't handle, come find me at once. Understood?"

"Understood." *15

Seeing the students nod, Teacher Xu continued, "Alright, everyone go home and explain the situation to your parents. Next Monday is in three days—use the time to prepare."

When Cheng Yuan got home, he told his parents simply, "Next Monday, I'm heading to Xichuan University for fifteen days of dungeon training. I won't be coming back during that time." His mother immediately stood up, "You're going into a dungeon? Is it dangerous?" Cheng Yuan replied, "It's a dungeon called 'Fisherman's Secret.' You can check the official website. It seems as long as you don't get dragged into the water by the fish, it's not too dangerous."

Cheng Fu seemed to recall something and said seriously, "Son, I want to give you a secret weapon." Cheng Yuan looked at him in confusion, "Dad, what secret weapon do you have?" Cheng Fu walked into the bedroom, saying, "Wait a moment."

Soon, there were sounds of rummaging and things being tossed into a bucket. After a while, Cheng Fu emerged carrying a large bucket. Cheng Yuan's mother widened her eyes, "Didn't you say you'd thrown those things away? Where did you hide them?" Cheng Fu's gaze was tinged with nostalgia as he picked up a dark red fishing rod, "How could I throw them away? These are my youth."

Cheng Yuan looked at the landing net, net bag, fishing rods, chemical bucket, and other items. A memory suddenly surfaced in his mind, and he asked, "Did you open the small room behind the wardrobe?" Cheng Fu was surprised, "How did you know? Wait, have you been there?" "Three years ago, when I was looking for my ID card, I found it. But at the time, I wasn't interested in these things."

Cheng Yuan walked over to the bucket and stirred through it, "No fishing bait?" "I'll take you to buy it on Sunday," Cheng Fu replied. Cheng Yuan then picked up the landing net and shook it, "It's been so long—won't it be broken?" Cheng Fu immediately said, "Impossible. I spent thousands on this carbon fiber rod back then. In the fishing circle, it was the best value-for-money kit."

After checking for a while, Cheng Yuan found the items were quite complete. He carried the bucket toward his room, "These are mine now." "Ah, I'm just lending them to you for the dungeon. Give them back when you're done." "Dad, you don't fish anymore—just give them to me." Cheng Fu looked reluctant, about to say something, when his ear was suddenly pinched. Cheng Yuan's mother scolded, "Didn't you promise me when we got married that you wouldn't fish anymore? Didn't you swear?" Cheng Fu softened his tone immediately, "Xin'er, I've kept my word. Since marrying you until now, with Yuan so grown, I haven't cast a single rod." His mother's tone softened as well, "Alright, I remember what you said. Back then, you'd disappear for days when you went fishing. I don't want you breaking your record and being gone for a month." "Okay, okay, I understand. I won't touch them."

Cheng Yuan had no interest whatsoever in his father's fishing past. Instead, he talked with the little tiger, "Just so you know, when I'm using this thing called a fishing rod, don't practice your Tiger Roar Lightning near me." "Rawr." "Good, as long as you understand." "Rawr?" "Why haven't you switched to a new project after nearly a week of training?" "Come on, you're practicing Tiger Roar Lightning. Even your mother might not know it. It's a powerful skill, and naturally, it takes a lot. It's not like your previous routines of running, grabbing, and biting. Got it?" "Rawr." "Alright, get back to training."

The next day, after school, Cheng Yuan came home and saw the neighbor’s big dog carrying a backpack full of things. Cheng Yuan waved in greeting, and the dog immediately turned around. Upon seeing Cheng Yuan, it wagged its tail and ran toward him—the little two-legged creature was familiar, from next door.

Cheng Yuan was promptly knocked down. The little tiger on the bike behind him saw what happened, jumped off, and thought Cheng Yuan was under attack. Cheng Yuan reached out and petted the big dog's head, "Fat Jin, long time no see." "Whimper, whimper." A tongue licked Cheng Yuan's face, "Where have you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in months."

Wang Ningning’s voice called out, "It went to a dungeon with my dad. Fat Jin, come here." Fat Jin immediately ran to his young master, about to whimper and beg for attention, but then noticed Xu Hao behind Wang Ningning—a stranger. Instantly, Fat Jin became alert, stopped wagging his tail, and bared his teeth at Xu Hao.

Xu Hao sighed, "Looks like your monster doesn’t welcome me. I’ll head back." At that moment, Cheng Yuan dusted off his clothes, pushed his bike home, and the little tiger followed Xu Hao back.

Wang Ningning had already prepared her travel gear, and Cheng Yuan sensed his own preparations were likely just as ready. Sure enough, as soon as he walked in, he saw a fully packed hiking backpack by the entryway.

The little tiger circled the backpack, sniffed at it, and its eyes lit up. One paw rested on a bag inside, howling—it meant, "There’s food in here."

Cheng Yuan picked up the little tiger and walked to the living room, seeing his mother watching TV, "Mom, that's a lot of stuff." She waved dismissively, "A lot? It’s not even seventy-nine pounds. Maybe you should consider whether your fitness is lacking; haven’t you gone running in ages?" Cheng Yuan looked at his mother and sighed, "Mom, I’ll be staying in the dorms at Xichuan University. There’s no need to pack as if I’m camping."

His mother patted her chest, "Don’t worry, son. It looks like a lot, but it’s not too heavy. There are plenty of snacks, and you’ll have somewhere to stay when you arrive. Just open everything when you get there and you’ll see." Seeing her confidence, Cheng Yuan felt reassured and comforted himself, maybe it only looked like a lot.