"Senior San gave it to me. He said it's essential for me to understand every type of beast to become Beast Master." Yuan replied as he extended his hand to take back the book.
But before his hand could even reach the book, PM Meng hid the book behind his back.
"What are you doing?" Mother Bing shouted at PM Meng. "Are you trying to steal from your own son?"
"Who did that? I'm just borrowing it," PM Meng said defensively. "This book is too beneficial for me. If I learned it well, I might be able to improve my beast-taming rank" PM Meng replied in a hoarse voice. There was no way in hell he would return this book to Yuan.
Mother Bing eyes widened in shock. To allow a Grade-4 Beast Taming Master to raise his rank, she understood the value of the book. Now she realized why PM Meng was so hesitant. She smirked. "Okay. Since this book is important to you and you are borrowing it from Yuan, you have to give Yuan something of equal value."
Yuan had no problem with his father reading the book as long as he returned it later. But now his mother had spoken, he wouldn't dare say anything. His mother was speaking for him so if he said anything now, it would only spell trouble for him later.
PM Meng grew silent for a while. He gritted his teeth and reluctantly, retrieved a blue sword from his storage bag. PM Meng caressed its blade one last time before handing it to Yuan with a pained expression.
Mother Bing was shocked to see him passing his treasured sword to Yuan.
On the other hand, the instant Yuan saw the sword, he fell in love with it. He excitedly took the sword from his father and held it with his right hand. It fitted in his hand so smoothly as if the sword was specially crafted for him. As he swung the blade, the sword hummed and drew a beautiful arc in the air.
The sword was a double-edged sword with a beautiful body of 1 meter in length and 3 inches in width. The hilt of the sword was decorated in gold, adding to its beauty.
"Dad, I'll treasure this sword," Yuan said. "Your name is Pearl," he whispered to the sword as he stored the sword safely in his storage bag. That night, Yuan's dreams were filled with the future—one where he wielded both knowledge and a sword to carve his destiny.
After repeatedly thanking his father, Yuan left to rest for the night. The night fell silent, except for the murmured conversation between his parents.
"Are you truly giving him that sword?" Mother Bing asked, her tone laced with concern once Yuan had left.
PM Meng stared at the empty doorway for a moment before sighing deeply. "It's of no use to me. Let him have it."
"But that sword was a gift from your master," Mother Bing reminded him, her voice softer now.
"Yes, a symbol of his most honored student," PM Meng said, a bitter smile twisting his lips. "But I failed him—failed his teachings. I'm not worthy of wielding it."
Mother Bing gaze lowered. She knew she was one of the main reasons for his regret.
"Besides," Meng added, his tone lightening slightly, "you were the one who said I should give Yuan something of equal value."
"Yes, but I didn't ask you to give him your precious sword" she retorted, rolling her eyes.
PM Meng was left speechless. He instantly realized that she thought that book was amazing but didn't know to which extent. "You don't realize how extraordinary this book is. It's far more valuable than the sword. The sword is only an external item. But this book is a comprehensive encyclopedia on beasts—knowledge that could elevate ranks of any beast-related profession."
Her eyes widened in understanding. She finally grasped the significance of Yuan's earlier words about the necessity of knowing beasts.
They sat together and began reading the book late into the night.
In his room, Yuan retrieved the sword from his storage bag. Moonlight streamed through the window, gleaming off the blade. Its edges were sharp and almost alive under the glow.
Gripping the hilt with both hands, he took a proper stance and swung it like he usually practiced. The blade whistled through the air, swift and precise.
It was his first time using an actual sword rather than a wooden one, and it was a completely new feeling. Unlike the clumsy weight of a wooden practice sword, this weapon felt like an extension of his body—fluid and natural. He lost sense of time, the world around him fading into the swish and hum of the blade.
Only after midnight, did he finally stop and went to sleep.
---
The next morning, his arms felt leaden from overexertion, but the ache was a welcome reminder of progress.
For the next week, Yuan balanced his recovery with time spent with his family, particularly his little sister, Xu'er.
Learning he would soon leave, Xu'er clung to him like a shadow. Wherever Yuan went, she followed her presence with a bittersweet comfort. Yuan also couldn't bring himself to see her pitiful face. So, they stayed together almost all the time. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "I'll come back soon."
One sunny afternoon as they were playing around with Red and Silver, a retainer approached them. "Young Master Yuan, Young Miss Xu'er, the Pavilion Master, and Mistress request your presence at the beast pen."
Yuan nodded and, with Xu'er parched on his back, he made his way to the beast pen. The sight that greeted him stopped him in his tracks. Standing majestically in the open field was a large black crane. Its sleek feathers glistened under the sun, and its intelligent eyes fixed on Yuan.
Yuan recognized it immediately.
"Hey there, big fella. What are you doing here?" Yuan asked, his voice soft with wonder. He approached slowly, reaching out to rub the crane's head in greeting. The bird let out a sharp cry, startling Xu'er, who hid behind Yuan.
"This is a gift from the Golden Crane Sect," Mother Bing explained.
"A gift?" Yuan's brow furrowed. "Why would they give me such a present?"