"Young Master Kent, what are you talking about? You won't get a refund even if you refuse this pet. Stop thinking emotionally." Ria, who stood by the side, hurriedly intervened as she couldn't believe Kent's decision.
Kent, who is staring at the fire Kirin, replied... "It's not about money. I feel very wronged to perform the blood dual. Don't worry… I won't ask for a refund."
Ria didn't understand what to say after hearing his reply. She felt baffled as Kent got ready to lose almost 2,000 gold coins, just like that.
The old man, who came to perform the blood contract, felt surprised after hearing Kent's words. "What happened to this young man? With 2,000 gold, any normal family could live lavishly in this world." The old man muttered, as he did not understand Kent's mentality.
In his lifetime, the Grand Magus delivered more than five hundred wild beasts. But he never encountered this type of situation.
Even after Ria's long explanation, Kent refused to form a blood contract with the Fire Kirin.
The old man approached Kent and patted him on the shoulder. "Young man, even if you refuse this Fire Kirin, the pet store will sell it to someone else. So, you are not going to change the fate of this Kirin with your decision. At least you can take good care of it after performing the blood contract." The old man patiently explained in a clear tone.
Kent understood the reality in the old man's words. But his experience with cursed meridians did not let him get convinced to the old man's decision.
"Elder Magus, suppressing and controlling others futures is the worst thing to do. Until few days back, I experienced that feeling. I know how it hurts when we have potential and hardworking capability but fail to gain any strength because of an outsider factor. So, please don't force me to do this inhumane thing." Kent said in a determined tone while staring into the eyes of the Grand Magus.
The room became silent as the Grand Magus and Ria did not understand how to respond to Kent. They both never expected Kent to speak in such a high-morale tone.
It's not like Kent is a morally righteous person to the core. But when he learned about Kirin's life after performing a blood contract, Kent saw himself in it. For several years, like a layman, he studied the same magical books and worked hard to improve his magic strength.
He still remembered the gazes of his classmates, who used to treat him like an outcast because of his low strength and subpar talent in the past.
The Grand Magus, who moved with Kent's determined words, began thinking of ways to solve the situation. He knew that the future of Fire Kirin wouldn't change, even if Kent refused it.
"Elder Magus, can you help me release this pet close to its home? I will pay for whatever extra fee you need to do this." Kent asked while staring at the fire Kirin, who stopped glaring at him. He already understood that the Fire Kirin is listening to their conversation and feeling his emotions, after perceiving the change in its behavior.
The old man did not understand whether to laugh or cry after hearing Kent's request. "See, young man, there is no use in leaving it back at home as the pet store will recapture it by any means. If you really want to help this Fire Kirin, there is an alternative way. But it is very risky and depends on your luck." The old man said while caressing his long beard.
Kent did not feel happy or excited after hearing the old man's words. He knew how tricky his luck was. When he wants something, luck won't work in his favor. But if he doesn't want something, luck will put all its effort into making it happen.
But in hope of saving Kirin, Kent asked the old man... "Grand Magus, what is it? Is it a painful or hurtful process?" Kent asked in a concerned tone.
The old man immediately denied it with heartfelt laughter. "No, young man. On the contrary, it is a very simple process. It doesn't require performing any magic." The old man replied with a wise look.
"Oh, it's really interesting." Kent exclaimed in surprise. Even Ria, who stood by the side, perked her ears to learn about this new thing shared by the old man.
The old man laughed proudly with raised eye brows and began explaining the process.
"Young man, Fire Kirin's are spiritual beasts that have the capability to see Dao hearts of the human race. Cut your palm and drop a few blood drops before the Fire Kirin. If you have a good Dao heart, it will accept your blood and acknowledge you as its master.
In this way, the Fire Kirin won't lose the capability to evolve in the future. But there are several risks in this process. Fire Kirin won't listen to your commands all the time, and you won't have absolute control over its behavior.
It can also leave you in the future on its own. As far as I think, it is the only possible way you can keep Kirin from falling into cruel hands." The old man explained in great detail while staring into the horizon with his wise eyes.
Kent listened to his words carefully and understood the risks involved in this process. Several thoughts ran through his mind as he thought of the future complications and worries involved.
"Ahhh… It's too much to guess the risks at this time. It's not confirmed whether I have a good Dao heart or not. Let's pour the blood first... I can think of consequences later." Kent muttered while approaching the Fire Kirin, who is trying to take a back step.
The old man took out a sharp dagger from his palm leaf storage bag and passed it to Kent. While staring at the Fire Kirin without any emotions, Kent cut the surface of his palm and let the blood pour out on the floor of the iron cage-like structure that held the Fire Kirin.