Beast Tamer Ascension

Chapter 61: Betting on a Long Shot

“Thank you, Elder Mo.”  

Lin Jing accepted the list and skimmed 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 Establishment 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 times, Lin Jing found himself torn. He looked up and asked, “Elder Mo, the descriptions are rather brief. Do you have a recommendation?”  

Elder Mo cleared his throat. “Ahem, all three are excellent choices, but each has its quirks. Let me explain, and you can decide for yourself.”  

“For instance, the Heavenfeather Crane. It has a proud and aloof temperament and dislikes being ridden.”  

“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 something.”  

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 some 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 meeting the dual requirements 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 time.”  

Still unsatisfied, Lin Jing asked, “Are these three really my only options?”  

After a moment 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 Establishment, I think I’ll wait until I study at the Hidden Dragon Academy and explore external options. Perhaps I’ll come across a warlike Stone Monkey or something similar.”  

Elder Mo suddenly paused and said, “If you value temperament 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 Tamer to mold.”  

“You can guide its growth however you wish.”  

“And if you’re concerned about potential, it’s not lacking in that department 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 overcome generations of water-dominant bloodlines.”  

“To put it grandly, its ancestor could’ve been a True Flame 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 experiment 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 mercenary Dragon Lion… this carp seems much lower maintenance!”  

“Elder Mo, I’m in! Care to place a bet alongside me?” 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 immediately 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 Flame 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 Flame Dragon Carp lived up to its name, its fiery red scales dazzling like flames. However, its vacant expression confirmed that it had yet to awaken its intelligence.  

“Elder Mo, why does it smell so good?” Lin Jing asked, noticing that the water in the tank was bubbling and steaming.  

It seemed the Flame Dragon Carp was… breathing fire in the water.  

“Elder Jiang said this creature hasn’t mastered its flame powers yet. It often nearly cooks itself, so the water smells 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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