I Tame Beasts by Feeding

Seeing Miao Wenlun’s proud expression, Yu Changsheng’s mouth twitched imperceptibly. He clapped Miao Wenlun on the shoulder, his eyes filled with curiosity and envy as he exclaimed:

"A Nine-colored Chicken King? What kind of new breed is that? And it even has the bloodline of a Nine Heavens Phoenix? What kind of top-grade spirit beast is this? Heavens, Senior Brother Miao, you’re way too lucky!"

This display was immensely pleasing to Miao Wenlun, putting him in an even better mood. He waved his hand dismissively. "It’s nothing, just a bit of good luck. If you pay more attention to these auctions in the future, you’ll get your chance."

"Okay, okay. I’m getting more and more curious about this Odd Demon Pavilion," Yu Changsheng readily agreed with a chuckle.

"Alright, alright. The Spirit Beasts in there aren’t cheap, and their supposed abilities aren’t even guaranteed. Don’t mislead Junior Yu."

Sun Shihan, who couldn’t bear to watch any longer, suddenly interjected with this comment.

"If you have that kind of money, you’d be better off properly nurturing your own Spirit Pet. These unorthodox shortcuts are fine to learn from, but that’s it."

Although Sun Shihan’s words were somewhat cold, their content was filled with genuine concern.

Yu Changsheng was taken aback, surprised that Sun Shihan was so level-headed. It seemed she really had bought the Nine-Colored Silver Fox just for its looks.

’So what if she’s rational? When you’re caught up in the atmosphere, you’re still bound to act on impulse, right?’

Yu Changsheng thought to himself. He cupped his fist towards Sun Shihan and said respectfully, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister Sun. But if I get the chance, I’d still like to go take a look with Senior Brother Miao."

"Suit yourself."

Sun Shihan gave Yu Changsheng a deep look. For some reason, ever since the Nine-Colored Silver Fox had appeared, she’d felt that something about him was strange, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Seeing that the topic of the Nine-Colored Silver Fox had been completely glossed over, Yu Changsheng quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

’It’s a good thing Sun Shihan didn’t form a Contract with the Nine-Colored Silver Fox. Otherwise, with that momentary mental connection, my identity would’ve been exposed. That would have been a real problem.’

At this moment, more people were trickling into the square. Miao Wenlun didn’t just stand there; seizing the opportunity before things started, he began explaining the specifics of the Inner Sect trial to Yu Changsheng in a low voice:

"The Inner Sect trials are different every year, but the first stage is always the same. It hasn’t changed in all this time. It’s the Heaven-Ascending Ladder."

"On the Wanxiang Sect’s Main Peak, there’s a Celestial Ladder that’s nine thousand steps long... This ladder is different from ordinary ones. Each step carries an immense pressure that multiplies the higher you go."

"This first stage is a foundational test that provides a comprehensive measure of a disciple’s strength. It might be a cliché, but it’s very effective. It also has the highest elimination rate. You have to climb five thousand steps to the halfway point to pass."

"Every year, this stage alone eliminates at least eighty percent of the contestants. Fifty percent of them fail because they lack the strength to reach the five-thousand-step mark, while the other thirty percent are taken out by ’accidents’ of various kinds.

That’s because fighting isn’t forbidden in this first trial, as long as it doesn’t go too far. In that environment, if you get into a fight, the pressure on you increases even more, making it impossible to move. Even if you win the fight, you’ll find it difficult to muster the strength to continue to the five-thousandth step.

And besides people who already hold grudges, you’ll inevitably run into some who aren’t strong enough to reach the five-thousandth step themselves and can’t stand to see others succeed. They’ll try to drag you down with them."

Miao Wenlun explained a great deal to Yu Changsheng in one breath, and Yu Changsheng gradually formed a clear understanding of the Inner Sect trial.

’The Heaven-Ascending Ladder? It’s another one of those classic Cultivation Realm tropes,’ Yu Changsheng thought to himself, a little surprised. He then asked aloud:

"That last part... I can understand people with pre-existing grudges fighting, but what about those who deliberately drag others down for no reason? Doesn’t the sect punish them if they find out?"

Miao Wenlun shook his head. "Punish them for what? Why do you think only ten people pass the Inner Sect trial each year? The sect is looking for the best of the best, constantly refining the selection."

With that, Miao Wenlun let out a breath and looked deeply at Yu Changsheng, his expression serious. "In any case, when you’re on there, besides climbing as fast as you can, you also need to be wary of the disciples around you. In this day and age of Cultivation, you’re bound to meet some twisted individuals."

Yu Changsheng was silent for a moment before nodding. "Understood."

A Minor Sect like the Wanxiang Sect had limited resources, which could only be supplied to the most outstanding disciples. It was the same principle everywhere.

’The Cultivation Realm is a real rat race, huh.’

Miao Wenlun swallowed and continued:

"So, the few of us are all from the same peak. If we run into each other on the ladder, let’s not fight among ourselves. We should try to help each other out."

"Okay."

’After you’ve all contributed so many Spirit Stones to me, I’d feel bad if I didn’t help you out a little...’

The other two had no idea what was going on in Yu Changsheng’s mind. If they did, they’d probably be the first ones to try and drag him down in the trial.

"Now, let me tell you about a few people from the other peaks that we need to pay close attention to in this trial. I spent money to get this information in advance, so you two better listen carefully. If you run into them, be extra cautious. There’s no need to clash with them in the first round."

Seeing Miao Wenlun’s expression turn serious, Sun Shihan also moved closer to listen attentively, nodding to show she understood.

"Of the five Inheritance Peaks, our Beast Taming Peak is actually the weakest overall. The nature of being a Beast Master means we aren’t that strong in the early stages. Plus, the probability of an outstanding genius in Beast Taming appearing is far, far lower than for the other paths."

"The first person we need to be most wary of is..." Miao Wenlun took a deep breath, his expression grave as he slowly uttered a name that made Yu Changsheng’s own expression turn a bit strange.

"Huang Suyu! The absolute genius of Sword Control Peak. It’s already confirmed that his Cultivation has reached Foundation Establishment. Getting into the Inner Sect is basically a done deal for him. The fact that he’s participating in this trial just goes to show how proud and ambitious he is.

He’s probably hoping to use this to win the favor of an Inner Sect Elder and soar to new heights. His Sword Control Skill is said to be masterful, and he has few rivals. His Sword Intent has reached Minor Achievement. If we run into him, we steer clear. We absolutely cannot clash with him, or things will get very difficult..."

As Miao Wenlun slowly revealed the information about Huang Suyu, a grave look also crossed Sun Shihan’s face. She was clearly very wary of this Huang Suyu.

The Cultivators of Sword Control Peak were known for being number one in attack power; their lethality was notoriously astonishing. As a genius among them, Huang Suyu’s Sword Intent or his Foundation Establishment Cultivation, either one alone was enough to make others give him a wide berth.

It was no wonder that Sun Shihan and Miao Wenlun were so tense.

Only Yu Changsheng furrowed his brow upon hearing Miao Wenlun’s words, lost in thought.

’Is Huang Suyu participating in the Inner Sect trial with the thought of dealing with me on the side?’