"Uncle Brown, I choose the Phantasmal Spider!"
Gary Smith is not one to procrastinate, he quickly made the decision.
From the fiery look in Gary's eyes, Charles Brown knew he would definitely choose the Phantasmal Spider, and he couldn't help but remind him once again:
"Are you sure?"
"Mm, I'll choose it. After all, after my parents passed away, I've been plagued by nightmares about the sun. Seeing numerous psychologists didn't help, so I might as well let the Phantasmal Spider weave sweet dreams for me, helping me regulate my mental state. When I reach the silver rank, I'll choose some powerful combat-type pet beasts."
Gary's reasoning was very sound. After all, in many people's eyes, he was a madman. Choosing a dreamland-type pet beast to help with his mental state was perfectly reasonable.
Charles Brown couldn't help but feel some guilt.
If it hadn't been for that mission, his parents wouldn't have died, and Gary wouldn't have had to suffer such a major blow and start hallucinating.
The Forging God Hundred Flowers Wine, was something he had intentionally brought, wanting to take extra care of the descendants of his former comrades.
What made him even more distressed was that the mission had still not been accomplished to this day. Once it failed, it would trigger a major crisis...
But now that the situation was escalating, he would only be eligible to participate once he had succeeded in his promotion to Morning Star phase.
Thinking of this, a shadow flashed in Charles's eyes, but it was quickly concealed. He reassured Gary:
"That makes sense. And this is the last artifact from the Dream Eater Cult before they were wiped out thousands of years ago. Maybe this spider of yours is a sacred beast they had bred. But you'll have to think carefully about the spiritual puzzle of the dreamland-type."
Great, I'll take that reason!
Gary scratched his head, his young boyish shyness showing, however, in his mind, he was thinking that once he unlocked the Legacy of the Secret Cuisine, all changes to the Phantasmal Spider could be blamed on the Dream Eater Cult and the "Eternal Master of Dreamland".
This will set up a logical closure for his future strength enhancement.
After all, there's no one to confront him.
However, Gary did not rush to pick up the Phantasmal Spider, but asked instead:
"Uncle Brown, what is a 'spiritual puzzle'?"
Charles brought up this term quite frequently, hinting at its importance.
Finally, he asked!
Charles showed a sly smile and said it in a righteous tone, "Normally, the secret about 'spiritual puzzle' is something you would know when you become a Golden Beastmaster. But you're here to redeem the Golden Medal, and during the process, the Warden must answer your questions, which also complies with the rules."
Of course, all of this was what he had guided intentionally. He multiple times emphasized 'spiritual puzzle,' wanting to reveal some secrets to Gary. Although, as a temporary Warden, according to the rules, he couldn't disclose it actively, but he could answer passively.
Charles asked Gary: "Do you know why the Beast Master Space can accelerate beast growth?"
"Because of the Supreme Mother River, human's Beast Master Space is connected to the Mother River, which helps draw the original spiritual power, converts it, and nourishes the pet beasts. The stronger the skill, the faster the conversion efficiency. This is a talent unique to us humans."
Gary answered without thinking, these are the basics of the BeastMaster Course.
"Yes, it's because of the Supreme Mother River. Countless worlds and billions of dimensional rules are but a grain of sand in the Mother River, just of different sizes. It is the origin of all spiritual power, our human's Beast Master Space, it's a miracle granted by the Mother River."
Charles organized his words and continued:
"If we compare the Mother River to an ocean, we humans are like living on an island called ignorance in the dark ocean. This ocean is vast and full of infinite secrets, but it also has endless risks. If we go into it directly, we would only drown. Therefore, we need a ship to help us navigate."
"A ship?" Gary seemed to have thought of something and exclaimed in surprise, "Is it possible for humans to enter the Mother River?"
"Very smart!"
Charles with his 'Good Student' mindset glanced at the unfazed Dream of the Crimson Moon, and continued:
"I can tell you, if you want to promote to the Morning Star level, you must enter the Mother River. And the 'spiritual puzzle' is like a ship that helps you navigate. The quality of the puzzle determines the distance you can navigate. The most critical thing is that it helps you conceal yourself, preventing you from being detected by some unknown existences..."
Hearing this, Gary said to himself, "Dark Forest Law..."
Charles wondered, "Dark Forest? What does that mean?"
"It's something I read in a book by chance..."
Gary didn't hold back, after all, the dome above this world was also a starry sky. Although he didn't know whether the universe existed, the appellation was the same, therefore, it wasn't difficult to understand. He gave a simple explanation.
Dream of the Crimson Moon was seemingly indifferent, but the waves in her eyes proved that she was not that calm.
After listening, a touch of surprise appeared on Charles's usually unflappable face and he couldn't help but exclaim:
"This author is not simple, comparing the universe to a 'Dark Forest,' with each civilization being hunters holding guns, sneaking through the forest like ghosts, gingerly pushing aside branches in their way, striving not to make a sound with their footsteps, and even breathing carefully.
Although it seems like it's about hunting, it's actually about the plundering of resources between civilizations and the chain of suspicion. This person's imagination is really extraordinary, definitely a top powerhouse who has entered the Mother River. I can't help but want to read this book, what's its name?"
"I forgot the name, I'll look it up when I go back and tell you next time."
Gary casually responded with a classic excuse. After all, he only read some of the explanations in his previous life. If he were to recreate a book from Liu Cixin based on a few scattered paragraphs, he wouldn't be able to do it.
Charles didn't probe further and continued,
"But regarding the Mother River, wait until you reach the Golden Spirituality before you consider it. What I want to tell you is about another ability of the puzzle, balance."
"You should know that when humans absorb spiritual power, it can cause mutations. This is actually because humans are too close to the Mother River, taking in too much knowledge they can't comprehend. But commanding pet beasts is like installing a filter. However...
Even a filter has its limits. Like a water purifier, it can filter out pure water, but one day if the filter is thoroughly contaminated, even after filtering, it's still polluted water.
The principle is the same with pet beasts use. Regular daily use and feeding don't matter, just like a lake can self-purify. But once a beast is subjected to high-frequency combat and the spiritual power is overdrawn, over time, the 'filter' becomes tainted, causing pollution in the beast. The beast may experience drastic changes in disposition, or may mutate and rebel against humans at worst. But unlike normal filters, Beastmasters can't just discard their pet beasts. So, what should they do?"
Gary Smith pondered this while Dream of the Crimson Moon standing nearby offered an answer:
"Upgrade them!"
Uncle Brown nodded approvingly, continuing: "That's right, upgrade them. If the original filter can't carry the load anymore, then use a new beast to bear the weight and establish a new balance. However, it's not just about randomly choosing. The chosen beast must have compatible attributes with the first.
For example, your girlfriend's first pet beast is of the Abyssal lineage, so her remaining choices should also be from the Abyssal lineage or some other negative attribute ones like Dark or Undead. If she tries to choose Holy Light attribute beasts forcefully, it will probably lead to conflict and continuous rejection, possibly causing a breakdown in the end. But there were also successful cases of restraining various extreme attributes and becoming powerful ones. However, these are individual cases.
The spiritual puzzles of the big family geniuses are passed down after numerous years of experiments, and the monopoly on Beastmastering the related beasts makes them not only unaffected by frequent battles but also getting a substantial power boost due to perfect cooperation from the beasts. There is even a monster who can nurture the Law in advance...
Anyway, this is getting too far afield. If you choose pet beasts from the Dreamland Type, then you need to make sure the following don't have conflicting attributes. Pay attention to the balance of the spirits between the pet beasts."
Despite the mockery towards his girlfriend that filled the air, Crimson Moon Dream's pupils quietly bloomed with heart-shaped pupils, spiraling with the emotion known as joy.
Gary Smith, not noticing the young girl's reaction beside him, was like a sponge, ceaselessly absorbing this valuable knowledge, stirring his admiration:
A true teaching is worth a thousand books of false doctrine.
Just this conversation alone would save him from countless detours.
With these thoughts, Gary Smith sincerely thanked Uncle Brown, "Uncle Brown, thank you!"
"That's enough, stop being so damn touchy-feely!", Uncle Brown jokingly scolded, then manipulated the Enigmatic Hell Flower's roots to fetch the Phantasmal Spider Egg from the cave and pass it to Gary Smith.
There wasn't an imagined tacky feeling. Instead, it was like caressing top-quality silk, extremely smooth.
He could subtly sense faint life movements from within.
Before leaving, Uncle Brown meaningfully said:
"Don't think you're going crazy. You'll understand someday... all Beastmasters are a bunch of lunatics!"
After saying that and leaving behind a piece of paper with his contact info, he departed with flair.
Gary Smith was left laughing and shaking his head at this seemingly bitter old man who enjoyed playing cool. He didn't seem as optimistic as he appeared to be.
Since there's no turning back now, why not trample down these thorns and appreciate the view from the mountain peak?
After registering to acquire the pet beast and because he was in a hurry to complete the Key of Truth to unlock new inheritances, Gary Smith said he'd invite Crimson Moon Dream for dinner in a few days. She remained silent.
"So that means..."
"Soup Dumplings!"
Gary Smith thought she was unsatisfied with this meal, but before he could speak, he heard Crimson Moon Dream's voice.
Looking down at her, although she maintained a calm demeanor, he could still sense an emotion of anticipation.
Gary Smith didn't really understand why someone like Crimson Moon Dream who grew up pampered and privileged would enjoy this kind of roadside snack. But since she liked it and it saved him money, why not?
"Ok!"
Agreeing with a nod, Gary Smith boarded the approaching bus with the swipe of his card, waved goodbye, and left.
Crimson Moon Dream just quietly watched, her nearly perfect beauty drawing the attention of all the passengers in the bus.
It was not until the bus had disappeared from her sight that she put away her phone. It was a screenshot of a chat history.
[Dusk Raven: The soup dumplings near my house are quite delicious. I'll treat you some if you're free.]
Crimson Moon Dream, her gaze profound, murmured:
"I want to taste it..."
.....................
On the other side, once Gary Smith returned home, he swiftly locked the doors and windows, pulled the curtains close, and drew the Beast Controlling Array according to the textbook. Placing the Phantasmal Spider Egg at the center of the array, he dropped a drop of fresh blood onto the cocoon.
Buzz!
Along with a soft hum!
The instrument track of the contract started rotating, dozens of nodes lit up, dazzling star-like lights rose from the array, instantly filling the entire room.
The stars circled around, establishing an unseen connection between him and the Phantasmal Spider in front of him.
Gary Smith could feel some additional weight in his soul, an emotion of maternal yearning passed over, eager to be born.
His first beast,
The contract was a success!