The ancient book Ye Bai read was quite unusual. On the surface, it appeared to be a book about talents, briefly explaining the "Eye of Insight." Most people, upon finishing it, would likely return it to the shelf without a second thought.
However, Ye Bai, who possessed an eidetic memory, discovered that the book was hiding a secret beginning and ending. The first character on each page, when strung together, formed the method of using the Eye of Insight and the book's true opening. The second characters on each page composed the subsequent part of the message—and so on.
Without photographic memory, this hidden message would have been nearly impossible to detect. Most would dismiss it as just another basic text on talents. After all, who would analyze a book word by word? Countless people had flipped through it over the years, yet no one had uncovered its secret.
Clearly, the author of the book was highly educated to have concealed its content so ingeniously.
It had been 300 years since pet beasts first appeared on Blue Star. Many scholars had studied their talents extensively. Wild pet beasts were commonly referred to as exotic beasts.
The book's author had conducted deep research on the Eye of Insight. He stated that the Eye of Insight was merely the initial form of the more powerful "Eye of True Seeing." As a beastmaster grew stronger, this talent would gradually evolve. However, certain emotional stimuli were required for its further development.
To Ye Bai, this talent increasingly resembled a kind of pink-eye disease—although the functions were different, the symptoms were oddly similar. Overusing the ability could lead to vision deterioration or even blindness.
One specific warning in the book stated: Never attempt to assess treasures or pet beasts beyond your level, as it could result in irreversible damage to the eyes. However, if a treasure had a spirit and sensed your unwavering determination, it might cooperate and reduce the difficulty of identification.
That said, what was revealed would still be only basic information.
Ye Bai recalled his experience identifying the Life Spirit Seed. At that time, he had been resolute, even willing to risk his eyesight to save Da Hui. Just as he was about to reach his limit, the seed responded and allowed him to identify it successfully.
The book also contained a formula that could temporarily relieve eye discomfort, but some of the herbs listed were now nearly extinct.
Additionally, the author speculated that a certain rare treasure might allow the Eye of Insight to function continuously—like a perpetual motion machine.
While reflecting on all this, Ye Bai became aware that someone was watching him. Ever since awakening his photographic memory, his five senses had become sharper. He recognized the watcher—it was the old librarian who had previously tried to take the ancient book from him.
This old man had been secretly guarding the book, monitoring whether anyone could unravel its secrets. Every reader was supposed to report to someone at the school afterward.
When Ye Bai had flipped through the thick book in under ten seconds, the old man assumed he was just fooling around. Due to his drunken state at the time, he dismissed it and never reported the incident.
Thus, Ye Bai had unintentionally dodged scrutiny and concealed the fact that he had mastered the Eye of Insight.
He took out the Thousand-Change Silkworm, which was hopping around. Its long red tongue carried a loop of sparkling liquid.
Upon returning to class, Ye Bai found it empty—none of his usual classmates were there. After asking around, he learned that the students had been reassigned, and he had been promoted to the elite "Rocket Class."
When he checked the new schedule, he saw that he'd be seated next to Li Weiyang. He raised his eyebrows in curiosity. It was either a stroke of fate or a troublesome twist of destiny.
Since Li Weiyang had awakened the Eye of Insight, Ye Bai had hoped to avoid her. Sitting next to someone so attention-grabbing felt like sitting beside a human spotlight—completely at odds with his desire to stay low-key.
However, after confirming with the homeroom teacher, he learned that Li Weiyang hadn't officially transferred schools yet. She would continue her training at the Supreme Academy but was still technically a student of Shenshan Middle School. Her formal transfer to the Imperial Capital would happen only after the college entrance exam.
So, she'd remain quiet—for now.
---
"He Qingyuan has already applied for withdrawal. I heard he transferred to Jiaying No. 1 Middle School," someone told him.
"He tried to reclaim the Mad Fist Rabbit, but it rejected him outright."
"Although the He family was sternly warned, we're worried they may retaliate in secret."
"Have you considered transferring schools too?"
Ye Bai shook his head. "No. I still have the breeding house to manage."
"Even if the pets were strays picked up by Da Hui or abandoned by others, I consider them family. I won't leave them and cause them more emotional harm."
Zhang Lingxue paused, then said, "How about I talk to the principal and get the pets transferred into a secret realm for training? There would be professionals to care for them—it'd be no different from being in a proper facility."
Ye Bai spread his hands. "That would still feel like abandoning them. I appreciate your kindness, Teacher, but if I run into any difficulties, I'll come to you."
Zhang Lingxue was left speechless by his firm response.
---
"By the way," she added, "there's a mandatory practical class later. You're exempt from cultural classes—special permission from the principal. With photographic memory, exams should be no problem for you."
"Also, I've personally added you to a course on evolving pet beast paths. I'll be keeping a close eye on you—skip it without a valid reason, and I'll mark you absent."
"And if you fail, don't blame me."
She brushed her long black hair behind her ear, her bright red lips and tear mole enhancing her mature charm.
Ye Bai looked at her with amusement and whistled, prompting a cold smile from her.
"Feeling bold, are you? Even daring to tease your teacher? Why don't we head to the training grounds for a round?"
Ye Bai shook his head vigorously, turned on his heel, and fled.
---
Arriving at his new seat, he examined the updated class schedule. The Rocket Class had fewer academic lessons and emphasized practical training.
Once all the students had settled in, Zhang Lingxue entered the classroom, wearing a cap and carrying a thick stack of lesson plans. A work badge hung around her neck. She dropped the stack heavily on the podium with a thud, making the entire desk tremble.
With her fair, jade-like hands pressed on the lesson plans, she exuded the aura of a strong, confident woman.
"I'm sure many of you already know me. For those who don't, you will—very soon."
She flashed a chilling smile that sent shivers down the spines of many students.
"Teacher, you're terrifying!" someone whispered.