Bai Zian finally released the matter, understanding the preciousness of his white-scaled fish and firming up its evolutionary path.
"Now, it's time to start cultivating the white scale fish," Bai Zian declared, his eyes reflecting determination. "The first step is to let it grow and gather the materials it needs for evolution."
"When the white-scaled fish breaks through the black iron level, it can complete its first evolution," he mused, combining Tiandao's cultivation advice into his strategy.
As Bai Zian considered the necessary evolutionary materials, he thought out loud, "The heart of the White Shadow Water Whale is the only rare item. An adult one is a low-level golden spirit beast, commanding a sea area. Not an easy catch on land."
"But, I've seen this in the family treasure house. It's there, just waiting for us," Bai Zian reassured himself, his eyes narrowing with determination.
Sister Baizhi, a golden-level beastmaster and one of Bai Jingchong's sent guardians, appeared at Bai Zian's call. With her white hair and ice beauty appearance, she exuded a cold temperament.
"Sister Baizhi, I need a place to train the white-scaled fish. The spirit beast should be of a lower level, preferably fire or earth type, and not exceeding the stream's strength," Bai Zian conveyed his requirements, gazing at the guardian.
"Field training is necessary. I don't want my pet to be a pampered flower in a greenhouse. It needs a challenging environment," he explained, emphasizing the importance of toughening up the white-scaled fish.
Sister Baizhi nodded in understanding, suggesting Candlelight Market near Bailin City. "A small volcano nearby houses Candle Fire Spiders, fire-type spiders. They are common but not too strong, making it a suitable place for your white-scaled fish."
Bai Zian agreed, "This place is good. It's settled then."
"Yes, young master. I will arrange it," Sister Baizhi assured.
As Bai Zian's decision reached Bai Jingchong, he couldn't help but express his surprise, "Xiao An wants to go to Candlelight City so soon? Isn't his contract pet, the white-scaled fish, just born?"
Considering the situation, Bai Jingchong made up his mind, "Yes, but Bai Zhi and Bai Shao must accompany Xiao An. They should bring a locator to help locate him at home and avoid any unexpected situations."
With Bai Jingchong's approval, Bai Zian's plan to train the white-scaled fish in Candlelight City gained momentum.
"Grandpa agreed? Great."
Bai Jingchong's affirmative reply swiftly reached Bai Zian's ears. Naturally pleased, Bai Zian didn't raise any objections to Bai Jingchong's conditions, such as bringing sensors for safety. After all, it was for his well-being, and he couldn't refuse.
With everything prepared, Bai Zian was ready to leave Bai's house and head to Candlelight Market. However, as he stepped out of the house, his path was unexpectedly blocked by a tall, red-haired woman with a striking presence.
"Finally found you, Bai Zian. I thought you wouldn't dare to see me anymore?" Feng Qianyu's voice was cold, and she glared at Bai Zian with annoyance.
Yes, the woman standing before him was Feng Qianyu, the eldest daughter of the Feng family. They had made a bet during the awakening ceremony, and Bai Zian had successfully awakened the S-level talent, Feng Yan.
Feng Qianyu had been searching for Bai Zian for days. However, Bai Zian, engrossed in building the mythical beast space and contracting the white-scaled fish, had been oblivious to her attempts to contact him.
"Little Phoenix, we both 'awakened' S-level talent, so it's a draw. What's the fuss about?" Bai Zian looked at Feng Qianyu, maintaining a composed expression.
Their initial bet concluded in a draw because Bai Zian, unwilling to reveal his secrets, had paid little attention to Feng Qianyu. However, Feng Qianyu was persistent and confronted Bai Zian, expressing her discontent about him leaving without saying goodbye.
"Little Phoenix, you have nothing to do, right?" Bai Zian commented, realizing the true reason behind Feng Qianyu's irritation.
This girl's character was indeed challenging. If it weren't for the elders' interference, Bai Zian might have given her a piece of his mind.
"Bai Zian, the previous bet has expired. I want to bet with you again," Feng Qianyu declared, looking at Bai Zian seriously.
"Bet again? What kind of betting method?" Bai Zian inquired casually, intrigued by Feng Qianyu's proposal.
Feng Qianyu laid out her plan swiftly, proposing a bet that involved using their awakened beastmaster talents once they contracted beasts after the school started. The winner could command the loser to do one thing.
"Are you sure? Your Feng family's fire-type spirit beast against my Bai family's water-type spirit beast. Can your family handle it?" Bai Zian raised an eyebrow, surprised by Feng Qianyu's confidence.
Feng Qianyu, undeterred, showed a proud expression, seemingly unconcerned about the elemental disadvantage. She continued to provoke Bai Zian.
"It's interesting, Little Phoenix. I'll take this bet," Bai Zian agreed with a half-smile, curious about what trump cards Feng Qianyu held.
From Bai Zian's perspective, with the aptitude of his white-scaled fish reaching an extraordinary level, he wasn't worried about Feng Qianyu's potential trump cards.
Thus, the second bet between Bai Zian and Feng Qianyu was established again.
"Great, that's it. Just wait, I will definitely defeat you," Feng Qianyu proclaimed with a triumphant expression, visualizing her victory.
Afterward, Feng Qianyu left under the escort of her bodyguards, leaving Bai Zian with a slight smile. Although arrogant, Feng Qianyu's intentions were laid bare, making her relatively easy to handle.
With this matter settled, Bai Zian resumed his preparations and set off once again. Despite the interruption, he hadn't forgotten his original purpose in venturing out – heading to Candlelight City.
Candlelight City, although a small town attached to Bailin City, required specialized human transportation, known as the Thousand Bladed Centipede Train. The wild terrain between the two cities made such means of transportation necessary, ensuring safe travel through the spirit beast-dominated wilderness.