Chapter 17 - Qiao Gubai

Bai Zian marveled at the incredible power of his mythical talent, the [Eye of Apocalypse], which allowed him to unravel the secrets of spirit beast evolution chains. He realized that he could amass unimaginable wealth by exposing these secrets, but wisely chose to avoid such risky ventures, considering the potential threats it could pose to his family.

When discussing his plans with his grandfather, Bai Jingchong, Bai Zian simply attributed his decision to pursue the white-scaled fish's evolution to his mutated talent, [Super Intuition].

Bai Jingchong: So, the resources you need for the evolution will be prepared at home. But, Bai Zian, don't take this lightly. Take some time to think it over before making any hasty decisions.

Bai Jingchong's initial opposition started to wane as Bai Zian assured him of careful consideration.

Bai Zian: Of course, Grandpa. I'll make sure to think it through.

Turning his attention to Qi Qiaogubai's situation, Bai Zian reviewed the information gathered by the security team. Qiaogubai's life was marked by hardships, losing her parents and burdened with debts. Despite these challenges, Bai Zian saw potential in her strength and loyalty.

Bai Zian: Let me take a look at her information.

Bai Zhi: Here it is, Master Zi'an.

Bai Zian: Her talent seems to bring more misfortune than luck.

Digging into Qiaogubai's background revealed nothing suspicious; she hailed from Miningyan City with no dark family history.

Bai Zian: Baizhi, can you do me a favor? Send someone to Miningyan City to help Qiaogubai out and bring her to Bailin City.

Bai Zhi: Sure thing, Master Zi'an.

Returning to the training of the white-scaled fish, Bai Zian headed towards the half-mountain of Candle Volcano. Encountering common black iron candle spiders, he remained composed, noting the significant growth in the white-scaled fish's strength over the week.

Bai Zian: The white-scaled fish has made remarkable progress. According to the current speed, it should take another week or so to raise it to the ninth rank.

The white-scaled fish, now an eighth-order water-type spirit beast, possessed impressive talents: Royal Speed (S), Power of Yin and Nether (S), and Water Rupture (A). Using the [Eye of Apocalypse], Bai Zian assessed the progress of the white-scaled fish's skills: Waterproof Speed (Purple·Introduction), Water Erosion (Purple·Introduction), Water Burst (Blue·Xiaocheng), Water Gun Impact (Green·Xiaocheng), and Foam Layer (Green·Dacheng).

Bai Zian: Lingling, where are we going next?

White-scaled fish: Boss, where are we going next?

Bai Zian: To the heart of Candle Volcano. We'll continue your training there.

Yes, the white-scaled fish has reached the eighth level. It's still a bit short of the ninth level I anticipated, but I believe a good battle will push it to the ninth order. What's more exciting is the improvement in the foam layer skill. It has achieved a level of proficiency that I didn't expect. Skill improvement usually slows down as proficiency increases, so this is quite remarkable.

Initially, I focused on training the "current breaking" skill since it's a blue-level skill and mastering it could significantly enhance the white-scaled fish's combat prowess. I successfully brought the "current breaking" skill to a level of small success. However, the unexpected success of the foam layer skill shows the importance of adapting training plans based on the evolving needs of the spirit beast.

Looking forward, I contemplate finding a formidable opponent for the white-scaled fish. A top black iron candle flame spider leader seems like a suitable challenge. Although I've observed the white-scaled fish effortlessly defeat a high-grade black iron candle flame spider, I believe a top-level opponent will provide a more significant challenge and help the white-scaled fish reach its full potential.

While immersed in these thoughts, a rustling sound disrupts my contemplation. To my surprise, it's Qiao Gubai, the high school girl with the special S-rank talent, emerging from the grass. Wondering why she's here in the candle volcano, I express my surprise.

"You're... the boy on the Thousand-Blade Centipede Train?" Qiao Gubai questions. "I remember your name seems to be... Bai Zian, why are you here?"

Responding to her surprise, I explain, "Sister Qiao, I came in with my uncle, hoping to find a suitable pet. In the end, my uncle and I got separated. Sister Qiao, can I go with you?"

"Well, it's too dangerous here; you follow me. Don't worry, I will take you out of the candle volcano," Qiao Gubai assures me.

Grateful for her assistance, I silently rate her in my mind, thinking, "The temperament is okay, but it needs more observation." I decide to follow Qiao Gubai, taking this opportunity to observe her further during our journey.