King of Beasts

Chapter 209: The Dark Crow Goes Mad

The matter involving the Youxiong Clan had reached a temporary pause.

Lu Ran believed that among his peers, he was quite formidable.

Unlike the First Generation, he was actually eager to challenge the exclusive secret realm of the Youxiong Clan.

However, since the Youxiong Clan stated that the realm could not be opened at the moment, Lu Ran had no choice but to temporarily give up.

Though this matter had concluded, Gu Qingyi clearly wanted to start the next chapter.

Lu Ran actively cooperated with her intentions.

Infinite City.

Besides the Youxiong Clan, Gu Qingyi had summoned several members of the First Generation and Lu Ran to Infinite City.

They gathered at the cat-eared maid café and opened a private chat room.

“Gu Qingyi, what’s the matter? You seem quite secretive,” said Jiang Rui, a young man with gray hair known as Zishu of the twelve branches.

Though he was called Zishu, his ace combat pet was actually a mole, renowned as the strongest of the earth species in the country. He mastered the Domain Skill “Infinite Earth,” which allowed him to pull enemies into the deep layers of the earth, trapping them underground, restricting their movements, and attacking them with earthquakes.

Most of the time, however, he served as a scout in the strategy team of the First Generation.

“Is this about Lu Ran?”

Wu Ma, a Mongolian beastmaster who had won third place in an international horse racing competition, had recently formed a contract with a treasure horse, a species that was a lower commander.

As for the superhuman Lin Nian, she took on the role of Maotu. Initially, she often presented herself holding a mental species white rabbit pet.

Gu Qingyi, Shi Zhen, and Zhu Kaixin, known as Chenlong, Shenhou, and Haizhu respectively, were familiar faces to Lu Ran.

At this moment, Wu Ma, seeing this group of the First Generation mixed with Lu Ran and Manager Ying, deduced that whatever Gu Qingyi wanted to discuss was likely related to Lu Ran.

“Here’s the thing,” Gu Qingyi said with a slight smile. “You all heard the Youxiong Clan mention ‘The Other Shore’ just now, right?”

“The Other Shore is suspected of controlling a real-world secret realm that has a stable source of ‘death revival’ skill cards.”

Everyone nodded, signaling her to continue.

“Actually, I currently have over a hundred death revival skill cards in my possession.” As she spoke, Gu Qingyi raised her hand, revealing a stack of cards which she fanned out evenly.

At that moment, seeing the numerous skill cards in Gu Qingyi’s hands, Lin Nian and the others were clearly taken aback.

“Where did you get these?” Lin Nian asked in surprise. “Did you take down a branch of The Other Shore?”

The others also stared at Gu Qingyi, convinced that she must have taken down one of The Other Shore’s branches.

Gu Qingyi shook her head and said, “No, these were sent back by someone from the high-level members of The Other Shore.”

“What do you mean?” Zishu asked, puzzled.

“The person who sent back these resources is actually Lu Ran’s parents.”

“Lu Ran’s parents were undercover agents planted by Xia Country in the predecessor of The Other Shore, and, well, they have now risen to become high-level members.”

Everyone: ???

“What???” The group was stunned, feeling that this piece of intelligence was as explosive as the awakening of the Panda Guardian.

Xia Country had planted undercover agents in The Other Shore?

And they were Lu Ran’s parents?

This intelligence was, of course, false, but by portraying Lu Ran’s parents as official undercover agents within The Other Shore, Gu Qingyi had given them a “clean” and even “meritorious” status.

Although a thorough investigation would reveal many flaws in this statement, that was not important; what mattered was the official stance.

“Ababa…” Zhu Kaixin and others were shocked. Pig Deity turned to Lu Ran and exclaimed, “Damn, Lu Ran, that’s impressive.”

“Does this mean it’s time to close the net and take us to take down The Other Shore? Then uncle and aunt must definitely be big shots of Level 5 or higher.”

Lu Ran shook his head and said, “My parents… had an accident in the breakthrough secret realm a while ago, and their identity cards have been cancelled by Infinite City. The skill cards that were sent back were all left as a contingency before they entered the breakthrough secret realm.”

“This…” Just when everyone was still shocked by the intelligence, hearing what Lu Ran said, they suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere instantly quieted down.

After a moment, Shi Zhen looked at Lu Ran and sighed, “Ah, my condolences. But if your uncle and aunt knew how outstanding you are, their spirits in heaven would definitely be very comforted.”

“It’s okay.” Lu Ran smiled and said, “I’m quite open about it. Who says that dying in the breakthrough secret realm is really dying?”

“When we die in the breakthrough secret realm, Infinite City has the means to resurrect us. Perhaps, once we have the ability to unravel the secrets of Infinite City, we can also resurrect our loved ones and friends who died in the secret realm.”

“Exactly!” Zhu Kaixin’s eyes lit up as he said, “As long as we continue to grow stronger, anything is possible.”

At that moment, Gu Qingyi spoke up, “Back then, Lu Ran’s parents not only brought back a large number of skill cards, but also some very important information, such as the significance of necromancy.”

“Since then, Xia Country has been secretly researching necromancy.”

“And recently, there has been significant progress in the research on necromancy.”

“What progress?” Wu Ma turned to Gu Qingyi with a curious expression.

Xia Country is researching necromancy… and they’re only finding out now.

Gu Qingyi’s lips curved upwards as she said, “The side effect of necromancy, which involves devouring souls, has been mitigated.”

“With the drawbacks of necromancy eliminated, it will be no different from any ordinary attribute and can grow normally.”

“That means, as long as they are equipped with the death revival skill card, nearly all pet beasts of beastmasters are essentially granted a second life.”

“This attribute of necromancy… will change the landscape of the beast taming domain.”

“Is this achievement significant enough?”

As she finished speaking, the First Generation members were stunned, somewhat in disbelief. Lin Nian turned to Lu Ran and said, “Don’t tell me, the one who solved the drawbacks of necromancy, was him.”

“That’s right, it was Lu Ran.”

“Wasn’t there a rumor during Lu Ran’s second entry into the breakthrough secret realm that he had joined the necromancy cult of Star-Moon Continent and became the Holy Son of the necromancy cult?”

“Yes, the rumors are true. He indeed became the Holy Son of the necromancy cult and was even taken as a disciple by a legendary necromancer. It was during this process that he developed the method to solve the drawbacks of necromancy.”

Everyone: ?????

“Huh???” Everyone was completely baffled. Damn, Lu Ran’s parents were undercover agents among The Other Shore’s high-level members, and Lu Ran himself infiltrated the necromancy cult to become the Holy Son. What in the world is going on with this family?

Lu Ran innocently said, “Ah, that’s just how it is, all arranged by fate.”

Gu Qingyi laughed, “The current issue is that Lu Ran has acquired a trait reward in the Breakthrough Secret Realm, a necromancy clone. He plans to use it on his third pet beast. Without any accidents, after the fusion evolution, that pet beast will definitely develop a necromancy attribute.”

“I’m worried that during the Evolution Secret Realm, other countries might target him because of his necromancy attribute pet beast. So, I’d like to invite you all to be his bodyguards.”

“To safeguard his evolution process, of course, we won’t exploit your labor for free. Each of you will receive a Death Revival Skill Card. How about that?”

“That’s nothing, no problem!!” Zhu Kaixin was the first to speak up: “Who cares about skill cards, Lu Ran is my idol. I’d like to see who dares to mess with him.”

Holy crap.

Zhu Kaixin was still a bit confused.

Dragon Chef, Overlord Beastmaster, and now, he has made significant research advancements in necromancy?

He was slightly annoyed, but thankfully, Lu Ran wasn’t a First Generation. Otherwise, they, the First Generations, would really have no play.

“After the evolution, the whole world’s attention will be on Xia Country. Do you plan to announce Lu Ran’s research findings then?” Shi Zhen asked.

“Exactly.” Gu Qingyi nodded.

“First, let’s see who in the Evolution Secret Realm is eager to jump out. These people are our future enemies. This opportunity should be used to lure each one of them out.”

“A harmless necromancy trait is an enormous temptation for all countries. These people should no longer think about normal cooperation with Xia Country,” she said.

“Hmm. The next Evolution Secret Realm opens in three days. Is his pet beast planning to evolve then?” Lin Nian asked.

Gu Qingyi looked at Lu Ran.

“Uh,” Lu Ran said. “Although I’d like to, my Dark Crow isn’t very well-bred yet, and the evolution resources are somewhat lacking. I was thinking of waiting a bit longer…”

“What are you waiting for? This is such an interesting event. Don’t delay it. With so many rich First Generations here, each contributing one exquisite resource, we will definitely gather enough for your Dark Crow’s evolution resources.” At that moment, Manager Ying suddenly spoke up, winking at Lu Ran as it spoke.

Damn.

As Manager Ying finished speaking, Lu Ran was startled. Damn, is it really a genius?

“You said it, Zhu Kaixin.” The next moment, Manager Ying turned to Old Zhu for his opinion.

“Ah?” Zhu Kaixin said, “Uh, no problem. Let me see what suitable resources I have on my side. Feel free to use them…”

Zhu Kaixin didn’t mind, after all, he would need Lu Ran’s help later. Now, not only is Lu Ran a big shot in the Loong-type and necromancy fields, but offering him an exquisite resource was no big deal. Perhaps in the future, he might need Lu Ran’s help with the dragon pig or the necromantic pig.

“That works, let’s all chip in,” Shi Zhen spoke up, still waiting for the dark crow to help him lift his curse, even investing in the Evil God’s Eye and continuing to invest didn’t bother him.

Maotu, Zishu, Wu Ma, and others, although feeling something was off, seeing how readily Zhu Kaixin and Shi Zhen agreed, also fell into thought and found it hard to refuse.

Mainly because investing in Lu Ran really wasn’t a loss; he was now considered a pioneer like the originator of necromancy on Blue Star.

Who could guarantee that their pet beast wouldn’t accidentally die in battle? Obviously, only Lu Ran had mastered a harmless method of cultivating necromancy. Since that was the case, there would be plenty of reasons to ask for his help in the future.

Getting on his good side now was like buying insurance.

“Okay,” Wu Ma and the others also spoke up.

The next moment, Lu Ran fell into deep thought. Good grief, he hadn’t managed to get evolution resources from the Panda Guardian…

Instead…

He looked at Gu Qingyi smiling and Manager Ying smirking; instead… he had managed to coax a bunch of investments from other First Generations.

Dark crow… must be overjoyed by now.

“Quick, tell us about your crow’s data situation, let’s see if we have any resources suitable for you to use,” Manager Ying fanned the flames.

Lu Ran let out an “Ah…” and said gratefully, “Well then, thanks everyone.”

“My crow… it…”

Momentarily.

Everyone became aware of several special points such as “dark,” “mental,” “curse,” “necromancy,” and “Evil God’s Eye,” and each began to ponder.

“Shoot, I don’t seem to have any suitable resources,” Zhu Kaixin said with a headache, “Maybe I should ask a friend when I get back?”

“I don’t either…” Shi Zhen frowned. He was probably the poorest among them. The only valuable thing he had, the Evil God’s Eye, had already been given to Lu Ran. At the moment, he really couldn’t think of any exquisite resources.

He did have some rare items, but Lu Ran likely wouldn’t be interested in them.

“What’s going on with you two?” Zishu looked at them with a twitching mouth. They were the most enthusiastic in responding just now, and now when it came to it, they had nothing to offer?

Seeing that he couldn’t rely on these two, Zishu said, “Lu Ran, would this work?”

He then presented a vibrant red flower housed in a jade box.

[Name]: Mandrake Flower

[Level]: Exquisite

[Introduction]: Unpredictable darkness, a flower from the underworld, contains potent dark poison. If consumed, the user completely absorbs it, enhancing their dark powers. If absorption fails, the body will be harmed, and they will lose light forever.

“A ferocious plant?” Zhu Kaixin remarked upon seeing the flower. “Are you trying to provide a resource for evolution, or harm someone?”

Zishu retorted, “You, who can’t bring any resources to the table, get lost.”

“This is a resource for enhancing dark powers, and it comes with certain side effects. Ordinary pet beasts might find it difficult to absorb. However, Lu Ran’s dark crow possesses the Evil God’s Eye. The mandrake flower trying to deprive the Evil God’s Eye of its light might not be easy; their conflicting natures might even allow for absorption,” Shi Zhen analyzed.

“Right?” Zishu added, “I was originally planning to use this to tackle a legendary boss, but I’ve always been reluctant to do so.”

At that moment, Lu Ran’s eyes lit up. Although this resource had some side effects, the absorption conditions for the Dark Crow seemed quite favorable. With the Evil God’s Eye, and considering how he often fed it similar resources like Octopus Eye, the Dark Crow had already developed a good resistance to such toxic resources.

Fortune favors the bold.

“Let’s not take any risks. Here, take this instead.” Seeing Jiang Rui pull out something dangerous, Wu Ma also took out something and placed it on the table.

It was an agate shaped like a breast.

[Name]: Devouring Agate

[Level]: Exquisite

[Introduction]: Once consumed, it allows a pet beast to have a powerful digestive absorption capability for 7 days.

“Zishu is unreliable. His resource is still a bit dangerous. Luckily, I have a Devouring Agate here. Although it’s not an Enhancement type resource, it can help your pet beast to maximize the absorption of Enhancement type resources. What do you think?”

“It can be used in conjunction with the Mandrake Flower.”

“Zishu, Wu Ma, thank you so much!” Lu Ran’s heart trembled. Oh, Dark Crow, you can really progress now.

“Oh? This resource of yours is quite good.” Upon seeing this, Lin Nian said, “I was worried whether his pet beast could absorb so much exquisite resource in one go, but it seems that there won’t be a problem now.”

“I’ll add another mental-type resource.”

Saying this, she extended her hand, and with a flicker of light, she took out a fruit that looked like a peanut.

[Name]: Super Thought Fruit

[Level]: Exquisite

[Introduction]: Can unearth the brain potential of mental-type pet beasts, enhance mental strength, and greatly boost the pet beast’s computational capabilities.