Yang Feng stepped out of the hospital, taking a deep breath of the fresh air.
Tall buildings loomed around him, their surfaces plastered with advertisements showcasing all sorts of beasts. The streets were filled with people, and almost every one of them had a pet by their side.
While only a select few could resonate with Beastmaster Relics, over the years, humanity had developed methods to help ordinary people contract a pet. These individuals were called Beast Tamers.
They could form contract with a beast—only one throughout their entire life. Their growth will be slow compared to that of Beastmasters due to the lack of a connection to the Source Space. ,
Despite the limitations, Beast Tamers made up the majority of the population. Some even found success with incredibly rare beasts. For example, a Level 9 Beast Tamer had accidentally bonded with a Flood Dragon.
Yang Feng called a taxi, a standard vehicle powered by energy crystals.
The driver, looking bored, asked for his destination.
Yang Feng replied calmly, "Beastmaster's Guild."
As soon as the driver heard those words, he glanced back, his eyes studying Yang Feng. A wide grin spread across his face, revealing the two missing front teeth.
"Hello, esteemed Beastmaster," the driver said with obvious respect.
Yang Feng wasn't surprised by the change in the driver's attitude. He understood it was common.
Until yesterday, he too had viewed Beastmasters as an elite group, full of power and influence.
But now, as he was about to step into that world himself, a mix of excitement and anxiety filling his mind. His beast, after all, could only be from the wild line.
Yang Feng nodded politely and asked the driver to head toward the Beastmaster's Guild once again.
As they drove through the bustling city, Yang Feng reflected on what he knew about Beastmaster's contracting process.
In addition to connecting with the Source Space and granting Beastmasters unique abilities, a Beastmaster Relic will also summon the beast most compatible with its bearer, allowing them to form a contract.
This also one difference between Beastmasters and Beast Tamers, who can't summon a beast.
But before anything else, he needed a cultivation technique.
"Cody," Yang Feng muttered under his breath, "where's my cultivation technique?"
What technique Cody's response was almost immediate.
/It can't be.../ Yang Feng thought, his heart sinking.
"Cultivation... technique," he said hesitantly, dreading the answer.
Oh, so that's what you mean, Cody finally replied.
There's none.
Yang Feng froze, then clenched his fists in frustration.
"Why"
Cody didn't answer
After waiting in vain for Cody's answer, he continued.
"You said I'd need energy crystals to use the small world. I didn't argue."
"You told me I'd have to handle the elemental clashes on my own. No complaints."
"You even said I could only contract wild line beasts. I went along with it."
Cody interrupted him with an exaggerated cough.
"Alright, alright, I didn't take that last part lightly, but I managed to figure it out. You can't deny that." Yang Feng fumed.
But Cody's tone shifted.
Okay, okay, I'll give you an explanation.
Yang boy, Yes, I'll call you that.
Yang Feng's anger flared again, but Cody's voice, oddly calm, cut through his frustration.
Although I'm not obliged to give you any explanation, but for the sake of our harmonious future I'll explain it one last time.
Every benefit you receive from me comes with a price—either instantly or in the future. Just like the energy for the small world, no help during the elemental conflicts, for your multi-element affinity, and the beast quality limit in exchange for receiving a new pet after every advancement."
Yang Feng bit his lip. "But why no cultivation technique?"
For me Cody replied coolly.
Yang Feng blinked. "What?"
The greatest benefit you've gained from me isn't one of those things you listed, Cody explained narcissistically .
It's me. My presence. You're paying for that.
Yang Feng fell silent. Digesting Cody's words, leaving him in a daze.
Of course. How could he have been so blind? A thought crossed his mind.
This is one of the prices for having me here Cody continued, her voice oddly reassuring.
Yang Feng's heart thudded in his chest. "Wait... you said this is one of the prices?"
Cody paused for a moment before answering.
Yes, but don't worry, it won't be anytime soon.
She added after a pause At least, not for now.
Yang Feng felt a chill run down his spine. A part of him dreaded what was to come, but another part understood. He had long known that nothing in this world was truly free.
"I just need a favor," Yang Feng said, his voice suddenly tired.
"What is it?" Cody asked, sounding curious, though she hadn't expected this change in tone. She had anticipated anger, frustration, or even fainting.
"Please," Yang Feng began, drawing a deep breath, "under no circumstances... and I repreat under no circumstances... talk to me."
Cody was surprise, then snorted. Silence followed.
Yang Feng stared out the car window, his thoughts a mess.
Truth be told he wasn't angry. He was just frustrated.
The relic he had was powerful, but it came with so many restrictions. It almost felt like he accidently got The Beastmaster's Forbidden Codex, a mistake. And now universe is trying to correct this mistake by restricting him.
As he gazed out at the towering buildings, his eyes caught sight of the iconic Beastmaster's Guild. A magnificent blue dragon curled around the structure, Blue representing Blue Clouds Planet, while the dragon itself symbolized the Guild's influence.
Yang Feng exited the taxi and tried to pay the driver, but the man refused with a grin that hadn't faded since hearing his destination. Yang Feng tried again, but the driver remained insistent, so he finally accepted the man's kindness.
He turned around and looked at his destination.
Looking up at the guild's towering presence, Yang Feng's heart pounded with excitement and anticipation. This was it. He was finally going to be a Beastmaster.
He entered the building and made his way to the lobby. It was sparsely populated, with only a few people scattered about. Yang Feng checked his watch—it was 10:57.
He smiled to himself. "Just in time."
After sending a quick message to Sheng Li, he was instructed to head to the second floor. Yang Feng followed the directions, making his way up the stairs to a more luxurious area.
A restaurant and various other relaxing facilities filled the space.
At the far corner, he spotted the man he was looking for, Sheng Li.
He was sitting comfortably, reading a book and sipping coffee.