The precursor to the Thousand Bladed Centipede Train was a spiritual beast known as the Thousand Bladed Centipede. Classified as a gold-type spirit beast, it boasted a steel-like body with formidable defensive capabilities. With limbs the size of rooms and an extensive, hundred-limbed body, it served as the inspiration for the unique wasteland transportation.
Humans harnessed metal life technology to transform these centipedes into metal life, constructing carriages for a specialized mode of transport. The Thousand Bladed Centipede Train, distinctive and effective, required advance ticket purchases and involved certain formalities, adding a layer of complexity.
Fortunately, Bai Zhi had taken care of all the arrangements beforehand. As Bai Zian arrived at the station, the Thousand Blades Centipede train destined for Candlelight City pulled in. Boarding the train with others, Bai Zian was struck by an unexpected realization.
Safety concerns were not on his mind, given the impressive Gold-level status of the Thousand-Blade Centipede Train in Bailin City. The aura emitted by the train deterred wild spirit beasts from posing any threats during the journey to Candlelight City.
However, Bai Zian found himself sharing the carriage with several lively young men and women, seemingly embarking on a casual trip. This arrangement contrasted sharply with Bai Zian's initial expectation of having a carriage to himself.
Being Bai Zian, he could easily command an entire carriage due to his status. This was, after all, his original plan. Despite lacking the airs of a young master, he was not one to spurn the resources at his disposal.
Contrary to his expectations, the carriage assigned by Bai Zhi was ordinary, requiring him to share space with others. Seeking clarification from Angelica, he learned that Grandpa Bai Jingchong had orchestrated this setup to provide an opportunity for Bai Zian to connect with the outside world during his training.
Baizhi and Baishao were deliberately kept in the shadows, safeguarding Bai Zian covertly. Grandpa Bai Jingchong's intentions were clear – to prevent Bai Zian from being too sheltered and to expose him to the complexities of the world.
Although Bai Zian initially felt uneasy about the arrangement, he understood Grandpa Bai Jingchong's concerns. The Flower-in-the-Greenhouse scenario was averted with the presence of the [Eye of Apocalypse], rendering Bai Zian capable of discerning hidden schemes.
Acknowledging Grandpa Bai Jingchong's intentions, Bai Zian accepted the situation and returned to the carriage. While the constant chatter of fellow passengers made it challenging for Bai Zian to relax, he gained insights into their backgrounds.
These companions hailed from an affiliated city of Bailin City, students from Kuiyan Royal Beast High School in Kuangyan City, finishing their first year of high school. Accompanying them on a holiday trip to Candlelight City for training was a common practice initiated by their teacher.
Curious about the strength and talents of his newfound companions, Bai Zian activated the [Eye of Apocalypse] to assess their capabilities and that of their pet beasts. The [Eye of Apocalypse] provided detailed insights:
Stone Trypanosome (Earth)
Boundary: Fifth-order (Not entering the stream)
Talent: Stone Skin (F)
Qualification: Primary Bronze
Skill: Stone Cone (White)
Rock Turtle (Earth)
Boundary: Sixth-order (Not entering the stream)
Talent: Rock Skin (E)
Qualification: Senior Bronze
Skill: Rolling Stone (White)
These assessments revealed that the talents of the high school students were modest, with their pet beasts projected to reach, at most, the bronze level. Bai Zian pondered the challenges faced by ordinary beastmasters in acquiring and cultivating powerful pets, appreciating his own privileged position. As the train journey continued, Bai Zian looked ahead to the adventures awaiting him in Candlelight City.
Under the scrutiny of the [Eye of Apocalypse], the details of these high school students remained concealed. As expected, the students from Miningyan City displayed mediocre beast-fighting talents, mostly ranging between F-rank and E-rank. A handful possessed D-rank talents, subtly becoming the focal point of the group.
"What more can Bai Zian say about this?"
As Bai Zian was about to divert his attention, a surprising discovery caught his eye. Seated in the last row of the carriage was a female student clad in an old school uniform. She maintained a withdrawn demeanor, refraining from engaging with her peers. However, her talent set her apart.
[Talent for Luck Convergence: S-level mystery talent, which can accumulate good fortune from others and be used at once.]
"It's actually an S-level talent, and just like mine, it's a mystery talent related to luck. The potential of this female student seems amazing."
Bai Zian's interest was piqued. The sighting marked only the second S-rank talent he had encountered, with the first being Feng Qianyu. However, the mystery surrounding this female student's talent added an extra layer of intrigue.
In Bai Zian's eyes, the rarity of mysterious talent exceeded even that of S-level talent. The fact that her beast-fighting talent was connected to luck made her extraordinary.
Despite the invaluable nature of S-level talent, Bai Zian believed that the mysterious talent possessed by this female student held even greater potential. Perhaps, it could rival SS-level talent.
Amidst Bai Zian's musings, he became aware of the apparent social isolation the girl faced. Her classmates seemed to distance themselves from her, creating an air of secrecy around her extraordinary talent.
"It seems there are some secrets behind this matter."
Bai Zian, drawn to the mysterious circumstances, found himself increasingly intrigued by the enigmatic female student.
"Brother, where did you come from, and why are you traveling alone to Candlelight Market?" a brave female high school student approached Bai Zian, initiating conversation.
Given Bai Zian's unique situation, riding the Thousand Blades Centipede Train alone, curiosity naturally sparked conversations among the students. Several girls mustered the courage to engage with Bai Zian, overlooking their male classmates in the process.
Bai Zian, rolling his eyes, couldn't help but find the situation amusing. However, he didn't reveal much and engaged in casual conversation, seizing the opportunity to learn more about the mysterious female student.
Amidst the chatter, Bai Zian discovered that the girl's name was Qiao Gubai. However, he refrained from pressing further, mindful of divulging his true intentions.
As the Thousand-Blade Centipede Train reached Candlelight City, Bai Zian bid farewell to the inquisitive high school girls and disembarked.
"Sister Bai Shao, come out, I have something to look for you," Bai Zian called out as he reached a desolate area.
In response, Bai Shao, a slender woman with long purple hair and a heroic spirit, appeared. She was Bai Zian's guardian, alongside Bai Zhi.
"Sister Bai Shao, you help me find a person named Qiaogubai, a student from Kuiyan Royal Beast High School in Kuiyan City. She's a bit special, and I want to know more about her," Bai Zian explained his request.
Bai Shao, with her cheerful disposition, addressed Bai Zian as Xiao An and readily agreed to assist with the investigation. After all, Bai Zian's request aligned with the family's capabilities as the foremost clan in Bailin City, and uncovering details about a student wouldn't pose a challenge.