Linzhou City.
The bus traveled down the road, with Su Ping sitting by the window, gazing out at the familiar yet magical world unfolding before him.
Having been in this world for so many years, Su Ping had adapted to it.
It was a world where humans and Pet Beasts coexisted, with a structure somewhat similar to the one before he crossed over.
However, in addition to the realms of humans, there were also wildernesses and domains occupied by Ferocious Beasts, serving as forbidden zones for humans.
And humans, upon reaching the age of 18, could undergo the awakening of a Beast Tamer.
They could awaken their Beast Taming Space as well as their innate Talent.
Then contract Pet Beasts and become Beast Tamers.
A month had passed since he had graduated from high school and completed the awakening.
And now, he was already considered a prospective Beast Tamer, with his own Beast Taming Space and Talent.
Thinking of this, Su Ping's view seemed to double, and his Talent along with that cramped, claustrophobic Beast Taming Space entered his perception.
[Pet Beast Home: The Beast Taming Space can take in uncontracted wild Pet Beasts, but their Level must not exceed one's own.]
A very ordinary Talent, though uncommon, its effect was also average.
But something else quickly appeared before Su Ping's eyes.
Compared to the seemingly lackluster Talent of Pet Beast Home, this other thing that emerged from his consciousness was what Su Ping had always been curious about.
This had also appeared in his mind after completing his awakening a month ago:
[Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas: Transformed from the world's Origin, a Catalog that can accommodate all Pet Beast forms. Illuminating, replenishing, and perfecting the Catalog will grant rewards from the world's Origin feedback!]
(Note: Only Pet Beasts that meet the conditions can be included in the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas.)
(Note: Pet Beasts have corresponding Evolutionary Bodies. The higher the quality of the pet and the more Pet Beasts there are, the faster the Catalog can be replenished and perfected.)
With a thought, Su Ping directly opened the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas.
Within this Catalog, all kinds of Pet Beasts were listed, but the Catalog was gray and white, obviously unlit. However, he had waited for a month already, and now he was in no hurry.
With that thought, Su Ping looked expectantly out the bus window.
As one of the few first-tier cities in the country, although it couldn't compare with the Magic Capital and the Imperial Capital, Linzhou City was bustling with activity.
Most importantly, it had a huge natural forest park, the Lingxi River, West Dragon Lake, and other places with abundant resources of wild Pet Beasts.
Even some Pet Beasts were unique to Linzhou.
And here in the suburbs, relatively secluded and quiet, a sign soon came into Su Ping's view:
'Heart of Woods Pet Beast Breeding Base'
"Passengers, please note that the Lingxi River station is approaching. Passengers getting off here, please prepare to disembark."
Listening to the bus stop announcement, Su Ping quickly stood up, walked down from the bus, and came before the grand estate.
Su Ping shook his head and sighed. What a pity!
What a pity it was a world dominated by Controlling Beasts. Otherwise, with such a large piece of land on the outskirts of his city, if it were priced as in his previous life, such a big Pet Beast Breeding Base in Linzhou City could have allowed him to live comfortably for a lifetime.
In this world, all industries related to Controlling Beasts were the most important and expensive.
Of course, even now it wasn't bad. As long as one didn't touch those Advanced Level Controlling Beasts and resources, one could still live without worry about food and clothing.
But having come to this world, if he didn't experience its wonders, how could Su Ping be content?
With that thought, Su Ping took out his phone again and opened up the message left by his father, Su Anyong:
"Son, you've come of age now, and you've awakened your Talent to become a qualified prospective Beast Tamer. Since that's true, I can safely pass on the mantle to you!
Come back, come back to Heart of Woods, and together let's make it the best Forest Wolf breeding base in Jianghai Province, or even the whole country!"
So, Su Ping returned.
It's not that he fully believed his father's words. Mainly, he was interested in exploring his own Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas.
Over the month, he had encountered many Pet Beasts in Linzhou City, yet none met the requirements to be recorded in the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas to light up, complete, or perfect the Catalog.
In this world, becoming a Beast Tamer wasn't just about awakening your Talent or forming a contract with your first Pet Beast.
A true, qualified Beast Tamer had to be acknowledged by the Beast Master Association after participating in the triennial Beast Tamer assessment competition.
After graduation, talented Beast Tamer prospects could choose to continue their studies at higher education institutions or be invested in by some factions.
Of course, both of those paths were challenging.
And clearly, their family's breeding base was not among that list.
In fact, it was just a small-scale breeding base specializing in Forest Wolves.
It was somewhat noteworthy that, because of its location in the suburbs of Linzhou City, and because Su Ping's grandfather had indeed been prosperous—a Monarch Level Beast Tamer who had sacrificed himself to defend against Beast Tides—they had managed to hold on to this large breeding base and a sizeable rented plot nearby.
Shaking his head, Su Ping took out the key and unlocked the gate.
The breeding base was vast.
Beyond the several square kilometers of forest that provided a playground and rest area for the Forest Wolves, there were their living quarters, the constant temperature and humidity birthing rooms, testing labs, control rooms, Magic Potion workshops, medical rooms, and many other facilities that made up the estate.
Furthermore, at the back, the Lingxi River flowed by, originating from West Dragon Lake.
His father had always been clamoring to use such great resources to develop some Water Element Pet Beasts, but he'd forget all about it the next day.
Walking straight into the house, Su Ping gazed at the empty living room, and a vague, unpleasant premonition rose in his heart.
"Dad!"
"Su Anyong!"
"Where are you?!"
The empty living room echoed back Su Ping's voice.
Then, he approached the sofa and saw a piece of paper on the coffee table. Su Ping's mouth twitched rapidly as he quickly picked it up. Sure enough, the familiar handwriting of Su Anyong was clear:
"Son, your Second Granduncle mentioned introducing a stepmother to you. He wants me to go to Beihai City to check it out. You're an adult now, a real man!
So, it's time for you to take on the responsibilities at home. The future of Heart of Woods is in your hands! You grew up here; you should know how to operate things.
Don't worry about the rest. The feeder has enough food for the little ones for two months, and Old Sha is here to help you get settled during this time.
Oh, and you probably haven't formed a contract with your first Pet Beast, have you? I've been picky and have chosen one for you. It's in the hatching room.
Call me if there's anything, and as long as it's not about money, your dad will figure out a way for you. That's it.
—Loving father, Su Anyong."
Looking at the familiar handwriting, Su Ping was speechless.
Luckily, he had long since grown accustomed to his unreliable father's behavior.
Such a large breeding base, if he'd paid a bit more attention to it, wouldn't have ended up like this.
Nevertheless, Su Ping was quite intrigued. His unreliable father had actually remembered that he hadn't contracted his first Pet Beast! He wondered what kind of creature Su Anyong could have possibly picked out for him after such careful selection.
Moving quickly, Su Ping took only a couple of steps to reach the nearby constant temperature and humidity birthing and hatching room.
He looked at the little creature inside the box.