"Really? The place we are going to this time is the territory of gold-level spirit beasts. Are you really not afraid?" Bai Zian teased Qiaogubai, looking at her with a playful expression.
Upon hearing this, Qiaogubai's hopeful expression suddenly turned into a frown. The realization hit her – they were heading to the territory of gold-level spirit beasts. The danger involved made her hesitate for a moment. Her first instinct was to withdraw, a survival strategy she had adopted due to her special luck-based talent. However, the thought of disappointing Lord Zi'an, who had shown so much trust in her, made her reconsider.
"Wherever Lord Zian is going, I will go with you," she declared with determination, steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead.
Bai Zian chuckled at her resolve. "Don't worry, the spirit beasts in that place are basically bronze and silver, and the possibility of gold rank appearing is very low! Maybe, when our experience is over, we won't be able to meet the gold-level spirit beasts!" he reassured her.
Qiaogubai's anxiety persisted. Her peculiar luck talent often brought both good and bad fortune. She couldn't shake the feeling that her presence might increase the chances of encountering a gold-level spirit beast.
Bai Zian, changing the topic, asked about Qiaogubai's rapid advancement to the black iron level. Intrigued by her progress, he wanted to know the secret behind it.
"It's like this, after I came to Bailin City, when I was walking on the road, I happened to find a fire crystal nucleus," Qiaogubai explained candidly. She revealed her fortunate discovery, a fire-type resource that expedited the growth of fire-type spirit beasts. This resource had propelled her lava spider's development, allowing her to swiftly reach the black iron level.
Bai Zian, impressed by her luck, couldn't help but marvel at Qiaogubai's incredible fortune. He reflected on the uniqueness of her talent and considered the potential benefits it could bring.
As the conversation flowed, Bai Zian inquired about Qiaogubai's progress in contracting a second beast. The upcoming expedition to the hunting green banana forest presented an opportunity for her to find a suitable pet.
"This hunting of the green banana forest may be your chance!" Bai Zian suggested, highlighting the prospect of contracting a second beast during their adventure.
While the two conversed, they reached the train station. Boarding the Thousand Bladed Centipede train, they found their place in a public box. The atmosphere was different from Bai Zian's previous travels. Twelve adventurers, predominantly black iron and bronze beastmasters, occupied the box. The passengers eyed Bai Zian and Qiaogubai, some displaying hostility.
Bai Zian remained composed, aware of the unspoken tension. He knew that fighting on the train was strictly prohibited, providing a temporary shield against potential troublemakers.
The Thousand Bladed Centipede Train swiftly carried them to their destination – Jiaolin Town, a border town formed around the hunting green banana forest. Bai Zian decided to explore the town before heading into the forest. The peculiar revelation about the town's mayor being a gold-level beastmaster intrigued him.
As they wandered through Jiaolin Town, Bai Zian absorbed the unique atmosphere, discovering the significance of the town's existence in relation to the hunting green banana forest. The revelation about the gold-level mayor added an unexpected layer of complexity to their journey. This is because ordinary town mayors are bronze level Beastmaster, therefore a gold level beastmaster as a mayor is quite intriguing.
"I've gathered enough information about Banana Forest Town; it's time to embark on our expedition to the Green Banana Forest,"
After a while of traveling Bai Zian declared. "Those two adventurers trailing behind us may grow impatient."
A half-smile played on Bai Zian's lips, revealing his awareness of the followers. With the [Eye of Apocalypse] covering a radius of 100 meters, detecting those tailing him wasn't a challenge. Not only had Bai Zian explored the town, but he also kept an eye on the adventurers shadowing them.
Leaving Jiaolin Town with Qiaogubai, Bai Zian set his sights on the Green Banana Forest. The surroundings grew sparse as they approached a vast plain, adorned with peculiar green banana trees. Despite the forest's name, the landscape resembled a plain more than a traditional forest, showcasing the abundant resources that drew countless adventurers.
Upon their arrival at the forest's edge, two adventurers emerged, the same ones who had discreetly followed them before. "Little brother, fate has brought us together again. How about joining forces?" one of them suggested, attempting to mask their true intentions.
Bai Zian, unfazed, responded, "Companionship? That won't be necessary. If you plan to act, do so directly. Otherwise, don't obstruct our path."
His directness caught the adventurers off guard. Bai Zian's appearance, seemingly an ordinary traveler, had concealed his true identity. The adventurers, armed with bronze-level spirit beasts, underestimated him.
"How did you figure out who I am?" Bai Zian inquired, curious about the flaw that exposed his identity.
The adventurers, with some hesitation, explained that Bai Zian's refined appearance, gleaming hair, and distinct aura betrayed his status. Undeterred, they demanded Bai Zian surrender his belongings.
Bai Zian, opting not to engage in unnecessary banter, summoned his powerful pets – the White Shadow Giant Fish and the mutant red-winged crow cub. The apparent mismatch drew a surprised reaction from the adventurers.
Ignoring their pleas, Bai Zian ordered his pets to attack. A Water Gun Impact and Residual Red Fire obliterated the adventurers' bronze-level spirit beasts within seconds.
With their primary means of defense gone, the adventurers attempted to flee, only to realize their remaining pets were no match for Bai Zian's formidable companions. Soon, they found themselves captured, unable to escape the imminent retribution.
Addressing the adventurers, Bai Zian asked, "In your eyes, what are the unmistakable traits that made you think I'm a wealthy young master?" After extracting valuable information, Bai Zian contemplated the flaws in his disguise, acknowledging the need for improvement.
However, before he could make a decisive move, one of the adventurers pleaded for mercy. Claiming to be a member of the Red Monkey Adventure Group, the adventurer warned of potential consequences.
Bai Zian, aware of the group's reputation, remained undeterred. Knowing that a top silver-level adventurer posed no real threat to him or the Bai family, he swiftly silenced the adventurers with the flames of the mutant red-winged crow cub.
With the intruders neutralized, Bai Zian and Qiaogubai entered the Green Banana Forest, ready to face the challenges and mysteries it held.