Three days after the torrential rain ended,
at eleven in the morning.
Chen Yuan and Chen Weiyi sat on the bench, fully concentrated on watching the TV across from them. Cola yawned and lay nearby, while Spark perched on Chen Yuan's shoulder, its head nodding down as if it were dozing off in class.
"Thank you, Professor Wang, for explaining the specific meaning of the Spiritual Energy Revival." The well-groomed female host smiled slightly at the elderly man with white hair opposite her and continued to ask, "Professor Wang, what is your view on the frequent conflict incidents?"
"How should humans face Extraordinary Creatures?"
Hearing these two questions, Professor Wang fell into contemplation.
In front of the TV, millions of people awaited his answer.
At eight o'clock this morning, the official department announced that a press conference would be held at ten sharp, followed by an expert panel discussion to detail the relevant events from various aspects.
During the press conference, the official spokesperson publicly disclosed a series of confidential files for the first time and officially affirmed the existence of Spiritual Energy Revival.
As soon as this was said, the entire internet was in an uproar.
According to official wording, scientists detected an energy-filled element in the air, which can greatly stimulate vitality and give all creatures the potential for upward evolution.
All mutated plants and animals during this period were due to evolution.
Subsequently, the official spokesperson revealed the existence of Beastmasters and encouraged all people to meditate and try their best to become Beastmasters.
After watching the press conference, the expert panel discussion began.
"My view is simple." Professor Wang's calm voice arose slowly, he looked directly into the camera, expressionless, "We are all human, and there are even conflicts and wars among us."
"The same race has such issues, let alone two different races?"
"Conflicts and confrontations are inevitable, but they do not represent everything."
"As for the second question..."
Professor Wang paused slightly, his eyes flickered: "Current research indicates that Extraordinary Creatures generally possess high intelligence and can understand human words and actions."
"Faced with such intelligent creatures, we should first observe, then make a decision."
"Furthermore, to become a Beastmaster, one not only must succeed in meditation but also contract with Extraordinary Creatures."
"After contracting, Beastmasters will live and fight alongside their Pet Beasts."
"Facing this kind of relationship, I think every Beastmaster should seriously consider one question."
Professor Wang's gaze was sharp, his tone steady: "Are you ready to treat your Pet Beast as a fighting tool or your companion?"
Hearing this, Chen Yuan instinctively glanced at Cola and Spark snuggled against him, a smile appearing on his face.
The answer to this question was obvious.
Subsequently, the female host and Professor Wang engaged in a question-and-answer session, delving deep into the information regarding Beastmasters and Extraordinary Creatures.
"Professor Wang, I've heard that there are grades among Extraordinary Creatures?"
"Yes, we currently classify Extraordinary Creatures into Ordinary, Elite, and Commander grades. The higher the grade, the greater the potential and the stronger the power."
"How can we distinguish the grades of Extraordinary Creatures?"
"When an Extraordinary Creature activates its skills, if a pentagram appears on its forehead, it indicates ordinary quality; two stars indicate elite, and three stars signal commander."
"Are there different levels among Beastmasters?"
"Beastmasters range from Initial-tier Beastmaster to Intermediate-tier Beastmaster and High-tier Beastmaster."
"Many online users are concerned about one question, what is the future development path after becoming a Beastmaster?"
"The authorities are urgently negotiating these relevant matters and will provide an answer soon."
...
This expert panel discussion lasted for two full hours, gradually ending around noon.
Meanwhile, the government issued relevant announcements on multiple online platforms, organized numerous experts and scholars to answer netizens' questions 24/7, and uploaded the Basic Meditation Method 1.0 to the official website for all citizens to learn for free.
But overall, the official conveyed two messages:
One: The Spiritual Energy Revival is a normal event, no need to worry about personal safety, daily life should continue as usual.
Two: Strive to become a Beastmaster.
After the panel discussion, Chen Yuan stayed at home browsing online information and found that all online platforms were occupied by reports related to "Spiritual Energy Revival" and "Beastmasters," the popularity soaring continuously.
Indeed, this was an unprecedented event, capable of profoundly impacting current social order.
"Have you contacted your brother?" Chen Weiyi asked while smoking dry tobacco, the smoke billowing upward in clusters.
Chen Yuan nodded: "I contacted him yesterday, he has already arrived at the Beast Taming Academy, and classes start today."
Just as Chen Yuan suspected, his brother, like Jiang Wenning, joined the Beast Taming Academy, becoming the first batch of students.
"Hmm." Chen Weiyi nodded, "You tell him, since he's got this rare opportunity, don't get into conflicts with others, build a good relationship with teachers and classmates..."
Chen Weiyi chattered on for a long while, seeing Chen Yuan's gaze becoming more and more distracted, he helplessly waved his hand: "Go on, do your own thing."
"Alrighty."
Chen Yuan grinned, quickly ran outdoors, and lightly kicked the sleeping Cola.
"Ow?"
Cola blinked groggily, seeing Chen Yuan leaving, hurriedly shook off its drool and happily followed.
Its movements were exceptionally light, its body streamlined, and when it ran with its legs, it seemed to be accompanied by a breeze, in the blink of an eye leaving Chen Yuan behind.
"Chirp!"
Spark, waking up, gave Cola a glare, suddenly spread its wings and soared, its orange and yellow wings dragging out an air current, quickly catching up with Cola.
The two little creatures chased and played with each other.
Chen Yuan's gaze fell on the Steel-headed Ground Rat diligently cultivating the wasteland, unable to help but sigh: "You are still the honest one."
Leaving the farm, Chen Yuan headed straight for the village.
Yesterday he discovered two animals undergoing evolution, this time going straight to the destination.
However, midway, the leader sent a message in the work group: "A new department called the Beastmaster Association has been established by higher-ups, and we now fall under this department's jurisdiction."
The group immediately buzzed with excitement.
The leader ignored the commotion and continued to ask: "Has anyone succeeded in meditation on the first try?"
Chen Yuan clenched his phone but didn't respond, while the group fell into a dead silence.
He had received news from Jiang Wenning that succeeding in meditation on the first try was the minimum requirement to join the Beast Taming Academy, and the age had to be under 30.
Once the conditions were met, one would be put on a provisional admission list, undergoing a series of complex and rigorous examinations.
After completing these procedures, one might enter the Beast Taming Academy.
With the official public announcement of the Spiritual Energy Revival, the Beast Taming Academy planned to open branches in major cities to admit potential Beastmasters on a large scale.
But Chen Yuan, who possessed a system, did not need to join the Beast Taming Academy, he simply wanted to stay here peacefully, watching the storms unfold outside.
The leader asked again: "So by now, has anyone succeeded in meditation?"
Chen Yuan thought for a moment, decided to break the silence in the group, and silently sent "1".
The leader waited for a while, didn't see any "2" appearing, sighed quietly and sent a message: "Alright, Chen Yuan, private message me if anyone else succeeds in meditation, also reach out to me."
As soon as this was said, the group instantly followed with a series of "Received" messages.
"Come to the office now." The leader sent a private message, and Chen Yuan quickly changed his route, heading straight for the office.
The leader's name was Song Guohao, unlike the generally potbellied middle-aged men, he was well-built and looked very competent in his gestures.
Looking at Chen Yuan, with Spark on his left shoulder and Cola in his right hand, Song Guohao's face showed a rare smile: "I won't waste your time, first do a facial recognition, then I'll record a video for you."
Chen Yuan, though puzzled, obediently followed the leader's instructions.
Song Guohao logged into a website, entered Chen Yuan's identity information, performed a facial recognition, and then raised his phone to face Chen Yuan: "Have you contracted a Pet Beast?"
Chen Yuan nodded, looking at Spark on his shoulder, the latter lifted its head proudly, its blue eyes glowing.
Cola beside him wilted immediately, glumly moving to a corner to sulk.
"Alright, now recall your Pet Beast to the Beast Taming Space, then summon it again." Song Guohao looked at the two Pet Beasts beside Chen Yuan with surprise.
In no time, Chen Yuan successfully performed these two steps.
"Good." Song Guohao put down his phone, nodded with a smile, "Now we just wait for the Beastmaster Association staff to review."
After a pause, his smile widened: "Congratulations in advance on becoming the first Beastmaster in our Xuanhe Village, maybe even the first in our town."
Chen Yuan followed with a smile.
"After passing the review, you will automatically become a member of the Beastmaster Association, enjoying the benefits of membership while fulfilling the duties of an association member."
"I don't know much about the specifics, but you will find out soon."
"Alright, go back and keep up the good work, I have a meeting in the city, so I won't chat any longer." Song Guohao waved his hand and left.