The Flame Cloud Falcon is very aware of its current condition—wings injured, with a nasty four-legged beast eyeing it, making escape impossible.
Staying here... seems to be the only choice.
If it can recover its state, then finding a way to escape won't be too late.
Besides...
The Flame Cloud Falcon cautiously lifted its head to glance at Chen Yuan, whose gaze was gentle, and quickly shrank back, a strange light flashing in its eyes.
This human seems to be nice to me, doesn't he?
The thought flashed, and the Flame Cloud Falcon swiftly turned its head, forcing itself not to look at Chen Yuan.
No, no, no!
It's just... just because I'm injured and can't escape, I'm forced to stay here.
Yes, yes!
That's definitely it!
Seeing the Flame Cloud Falcon agree, Chen Yuan smiled and squatted down, opening the iron cage.
The Flame Cloud Falcon saw Chen Yuan make no further moves, glanced at the fierce Cola glaring at it, then puffed out its chest and hopped out, fluttering its wings.
"Next, I'm going to make a contract with you. No matter what happens, don't be afraid." Chen Yuan was a bit nervous trying the contract for the first time; he took a deep breath and said to the Falcon.
The Basic Meditation Method 1.0 explained the specific steps to contract a Pet Beast; Chen Yuan just needed to follow the instructions.
"Chirp." The Flame Cloud Falcon nodded.
Chen Yuan calmed his mind, communicated with the Beast Taming Space in his head, and the Spiritual Power acted like a bridge connecting him with the Falcon.
As the Spiritual Power continued to infuse, a hazy white light enveloped the Flame Cloud Falcon, its form gradually becoming phantom-like, as if entering Alternate Space, then transforming into a dazzling gleam, completely disappearing.
Cola beside them widened its eyes, full of admiration.
"Whew."
Chen Yuan let out a long breath; the rapid consumption of Spiritual Power made him mentally exhausted.
After resting on a chair for a while, his breathing gradually calmed, and Chen Yuan finally showed a bright smile: "The first contract with a Pet Beast succeeded!"
"From now on, I'm a true Beastmaster!"
After successfully contracting the Flame Cloud Falcon, Chen Yuan noticeably felt his Spiritual Power increase by about thirty percent, and his physical fitness also seemed to improve.
Chen Yuan's eyes flashed as he guessed: "Could this be the contract's feedback to the Beastmaster?"
With thoughts flashing, Chen Yuan sensed the Beast Taming Space in his mind, and with a thought, a round gray array appeared on the ground before him, unusually mystical.
The Flame Cloud Falcon, wrapped in white light, slowly emerged from the gray array.
Seeing Chen Yuan again, the Falcon's eyes no longer held its previous alertness, its gaze becoming gentle.
Chen Yuan took a look at the data panel, discovering that the Falcon's Favorability towards him had risen to 20.
"What should I call you in the future?" Chen Yuan looked at the Falcon close by and asked with a smile.
"Chirp chirp!"
The Falcon tilted its head, looking slightly puzzled.
Chen Yuan rested his chin in thought for a moment, then his gaze settled on the Falcon's fiery red feathers, brightening up: "From now on, I'll call you Spark!"
"Chirp?"
The Falcon couldn't quite discern the name's merits but seeing Chen Yuan's grin, it also felt happy.
Chen Yuan was preparing to deepen his bond with Spark when he heard its stomach growl.
Spark turned its head awkwardly.
"Let's go eat something."
Chen Yuan checked the time; it was already one in the afternoon, and he hadn't had lunch yet, feeling a bit hungry.
After coordinating with another colleague for the afternoon shift, Chen Yuan locked the wildlife rescue station's door.
Raising his right hand to shield himself from the blinding sunlight, Chen Yuan squinted, gazing into the distance.
Heavy dark clouds pressed down on the deep sky of the Qinling Mountain Range, like a terrifying beast crouching, overlooking the vast forests below, bringing a sense of oppression.
The rest of the area was a clear sky, only the depths of Qinling were shrouded in clouds.
Chen Yuan frowned, feeling as if something terrifying was happening deep within Qinling.
"Chirp chirp."
Spark fluttered its wings, trying to fly up, but the lingering pain in its injury forced it to hop on the ground.
Chen Yuan chuckled, gently picking up the palm-sized Spark and placing it on his shoulder.
"Woof woof!"
Seeing Spark settle on Chen Yuan's shoulder, Cola barked anxiously, its brown eyes fixed on the falcon, tail raised high, full of indignation.
How can you stand on the master's shoulder!!!
"Chirp~"
Spark cast a disdainful glance at Cola from above, then raised its proud head, gazing into the distance, ignoring the dog.
"Woof woof woof!"
Ignored, Cola became more agitated, circling Chen Yuan incessantly, glaring at Spark, its barks growing more urgent.
After barking for a while, seeing Spark forever unresponsive, the dry-lipped Cola's ears drooped, looking dispirited.
Chen Yuan helplessly rubbed his forehead. Turns out a Beastmaster not only has to command Pet Beasts in battle but also manage their relationships.
He crouched down, petting Cola's head with a smile: "Alright, let's go home together."
Cola immediately raised its head, eyes bright, barking repeatedly: "Woof woof!"
Though it was noon, the village's men and women, young and old, were busy clearing the wild grass around their homes, while packs of calf-sized Chinese Village Dogs roamed in the wind.
Cola's stature was quite small among these dogs; it happily trailed behind them, occasionally darting through meter-high grass, sometimes leaping over water puddles, with sunlight scattered on its body.
In these Chinese Village Dogs, Chen Yuan saw the massive impact of the Spiritual Energy Tide.
About ten minutes later, Chen Yuan reached the easternmost part of Xuanhe Village, strolling into his family's farm.
Since he could remember, his grandfather had run this sizeable farm, meeting the family's living needs.
Chen Yuan's long childhood was spent here.
The farm was divided into several areas, with the farmland to the east, usually planted with commercial crops to be sold yearly.
Additionally, in the farm's southwest corner lay a small patch for growing fresh vegetables for their own consumption, not for selling.
At the center of the farm was a sizable fish pond, its water a deep green.
This pond was expanded by his grandfather's hired help last year, with the intention of raising and selling fish, or serving as a fishing spot.
In recent years, enthusiastic anglers have become more active, eager to find various fishing spots—the more secluded, the more attractive.
Unfortunately, several factors have prevented the grandfather from implementing the plan.
To the west of the farm were the chicken and sheep pens, offered on holidays for family feasts.
Not long after setting off, Chen Yuan saw a slightly hunched figure swinging a sickle, clearing wild grass.
Sunshine fell fully upon him, sweat streaming down his forehead, his movements gradually slowing.
Chen Yuan hurriedly quickened his pace, approaching his grandfather, taking the sickle with a grin: "Grandpa, let me do it."
Chen Weiyi stopped, clutching his back, glancing sideways at him: "If you do, we won't make dinner."
Chen Yuan awkwardly chuckled.
In terms of farming and grass cutting, three of him couldn't match his old man's skills.
Suddenly, Chen Yuan's eyes lit up, pointing to Spark on his shoulder: "I might not be able to, but it can."
"Chirp?"
Spark looked confused, eyes clear.
Huh? Me?