Chapter 61: Betting on a Long Shot
“Thank you, Elder Mo.”
Lin Jing accepted the list and skimd through it, marveling at the depth of the Beast Taming Sect's resources in rare and exotic beasts. Any one of these three would make an excellent Foundation Establishnt companion beast.
The Heavenfeather Crane could serve as a flying mount, offering convenience for travel.
The Dragon Lion, a large and imposing beast, would project a commanding presence, far more majestic than his Pine Leaf Mouse companion.
The Flaming Arm Monkey—Lin Jing’s gaze lingered. Isn’t this the fabled Monkey King?
After reviewing the options several tis, Lin Jing found himself torn. He looked up and asked, “Elder Mo, the descriptions are rather brief. Do you have a recomndation?”
Elder Mo cleared his throat. “Ahem, all three are excellent choices, but each has its quirks. Let explain, and you can decide for yourself.”
“For instance, the Heavenfeather Crane. It has a proud and aloof temperant and dislikes being ridden.”
“Won’t let ride it? Then what’s the point of contracting it?” Lin Jing frowned.
“The Dragon Lion, on the other hand, didn’t grow up in the sect and has little sense of belonging. It tends to bargain over Spirit Stones whenever asked to do sothing.”
Lin Jing glanced at the dozing Pine Leaf Mouse beside his bed. With its “asset-backed” loyalty, the Dragon Lion instantly lost its appeal.
“Looks like it has to be Monkey Bro,” Lin Jing mused.
But Elder Mo dealt another blow. “The Flaming Arm Monkey, due to its special status, has been rather pampered and indulged. It’s known to have a penchant for luxury… It may require so strict discipline in the future.”
Lin Jing: ???
“Elder, doesn’t the sect have any normal companion beasts? It seems like all three are high-maintenance.”
The Pine Leaf Mouse, now awake, blinked at Lin Jing, appearing increasingly agreeable in his eyes.
“There are plenty of well-behaved beasts,” Elder Mo chuckled, “but eting the dual requirents of dragon blood and fire attributes is a tall order.”
“Choosing a companion beast is much like finding a spouse in the mortal world. There’s no such thing as perfection—it’s all about getting along and growing together over ti.”
Still unsatisfied, Lin Jing asked, “Are these three really my only options?”
After a mont of hesitation, Elder Mo replied, “Not exactly. These three were chosen based on their innate potential and suitability for you.”
“However, according to Elder Jiang, who oversees the sect’s myriad beasts, there is one more fire-type dragon-blooded beast. It’s just… unusual.”
“Oh?” Lin Jing’s curiosity was piqued.
“It’s a Dragon Carp from Nine Dragons Peak, mutated into a fire attribute carp.”
“Because of this mutation, it’s… not great at swimming. Instead, it prefers to lounge in hot springs like a salted fish.”
“This makes it unlikely to utilize the Nine Dragons Waterfall to achieve the legendary leaping through the dragon gate transformation that most Dragon Carps aspire to.”
Lin Jing sighed, completely losing interest in finding a fire-blooded dragon beast within the sect.
“Elder, considering I’m still far from reaching Foundation Establishnt, I think I’ll wait until I study at the Hidden Dragon Academy and explore external options. Perhaps I’ll co across a warlike Stone Monkey or sothing similar.”
Elder Mo suddenly paused and said, “If you value temperant above all, the Dragon Carp might actually be your best choice.”
“Unlike the other three, this carp hasn’t developed intelligence yet. It’s like a blank slate—perfect for a Beast Tar to mold.”
“You can guide its growth however you wish.”
“And if you’re concerned about potential, it’s not lacking in that departnt either. Think about it—nearly all Dragon Carps are water attribute, but this one developed fire attributes. This anomaly suggests its ancestor might have been a dragon with a powerful fire attribute. Otherwise, it couldn’t have overco generations of water-dominant bloodlines.”
“To put it grandly, its ancestor could’ve been a True Fla Dragon. If you gamble on its bloodline and win, you might end up with a companion beast far superior to the other three.”
Seriously? A gamble? Lin Jing thought, recalling the sect’s tendency to experint with rare constitutions and mutated beasts. This sect sure loves rolling the dice.
“Well? Care to take a bet?” Elder Mo asked with an enigmatic smile.
Lin Jing smirked. “Actually, there’s one undeniable advantage to choosing the Dragon Carp.”
“What’s that?” Elder Mo asked, startled.
“It’s easier to take care of.”
“Compared to the aloof Heavenfeather Crane, the indulgent Flaming Arm Monkey, and the rcenary Dragon Lion… this carp seems much lower maintenance!”
“Elder Mo, I’m in! Care to place a bet alongside ?” Lin Jing couldn’t resist. The Dragon Carp’s potential and malleability were indeed appealing.
Besides, the idea of nurturing a carp to “leap the dragon gate” and evolve into a legendary beast intrigued him.
Elder Mo’s breathing quickened. “That’s the spirit! You truly are a disciple after my own heart!”
Nearby, the Pine Leaf Mouse silently watched the two. Gambling addicts… though I suppose my Glazed Immortal Eyes were also the result of a gamble.
After Lin Jing made his decision, Elder Mo imdiately arranged for the carp to be brought over.
If Lin Jing had chosen the Heavenfeather Crane, Dragon Lion, or Flaming Arm Monkey, he might have had to negotiate for a contract.
But this mutated Fla Dragon Carp was only at Qi Refining Stage Three, with even lower cultivation than Lin Jing. Lacking intelligence, it was entirely at the sect’s disposal.
Later that day, Elder Mo returned with the Dragon Carp. Using his spiritual energy, he levitated a circular glazed fish tank, within which the carp swam lazily.
The Fla Dragon Carp lived up to its na, its fiery red scales dazzling like flas. However, its vacant expression confird that it had yet to awaken its intelligence.
“Elder Mo, why does it sll so good?” Lin Jing asked, noticing that the water in the tank was bubbling and steaming.
It seed the Fla Dragon Carp was… breathing fire in the water.
“Elder Jiang said this creature hasn’t mastered its fla powers yet. It often nearly cooks itself, so the water slls like fish soup,” Elder Mo explained.
Lin Jing: ???
Wait, is it not just unintelligent but outright dumb?
Was this carp destined to evolve into a rare beast like the Hundred Fragrance Rabbit, which famously mutated into the delicacy “boiled fish”?
Elder Mo warned, “Keep an eye on your Pine Leaf Mouse, and don’t even think about tasting it yourself. In our Beast Taming Sect, eating a fellow disciple’s beast is a serious taboo!”
“That kind of behavior belongs to the demonic sects.”
“Don’t worry, Elder. We’re not that desperate,” Lin Jing replied wryly.
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