I Tame Beasts by Feeding

Lin Kaiji spoke, and a peculiar look flickered across his faintly smiling face.

After Yu Changsheng eliminated Patriarch Tang He of the Tang Family, there were only three Foundation Establishment cultivators left. Two had already died at Yu Changsheng’s hands, and the last one was merely an Honored Guest Elder, not a true member of the Tang Family.

Upon hearing the news, that elder had fled at the earliest opportunity. As for the fate of the remaining old, weak, women, and children at the Qi Refining stage, left to the devices of the Huo and Lin Families, Yu Changsheng did not inquire.

But one could easily imagine.

The original tripod of power quickly collapsed into a duopoly. The shops, lands, and industries that once belonged to the Tang Family were completely divided between the other two families. They had indeed profited greatly from this turn of events.

And the source of all this was Yu Changsheng, which was why the two patriarchs were being so courteous.

"It was nothing, merely a matter of convenience," Yu Changsheng said lightly, shaking his head.

"I already had a personal grudge against him. His death was only a matter of course. One can only say he got what he deserved."

After speaking, Yu Changsheng suddenly looked up at Huo Wei Yi and Lin Kaiji. His eyes narrowed slightly as he smiled.

"This is simply my personality; it can’t be helped. If someone provokes me, they had better be prepared to pay the price. Of course, that’s only for my enemies. As for my friends, I treat them with the greatest sincerity."

"The conflict between myself and the Tang Family had become irreconcilable. Since he refused to see reason, eliminating them was naturally the best course of action."

Yu Changsheng spoke faintly, his tone placid and his expression unruffled, but the content of his words was enough to make one’s blood run cold.

Upon hearing this, Huo Wei Yi and Lin Kaiji’s pupils contracted. Their gazes tightened imperceptibly before they broke into smiles after a long moment.

"Yes, the Tang Family committed countless evils. They deserved to be killed. Fellow Daoist Yu can be considered to be carrying out justice on heaven’s behalf."

Yu Changsheng just shook his head with a faint smile, offering no comment. Whether or not it was true was of no importance to him.

Huo Wei Yi and Lin Kaiji understood the hidden meaning in Yu Changsheng’s words. It was, of course, a warning to them.

The Tang Family had opposed him and was now destroyed—a clear precedent. He was making his stance clear: anyone who became his enemy would face a fight to the death. He was warning the two of them not to make any rash moves.

"Let’s not dwell on that. In any case, with the Tang Family gone, you two Seniors should have a much easier time. And as for my Odd Demon Pavilion here in Dongyang City, if it runs into any trouble, I hope you two will lend a hand where you can. Changsheng would be eternally grateful and will be sure to repay you handsomely in the future."

As he spoke, Yu Changsheng raised his cup again and tapped it against theirs, his tone and attitude both amicable.

"Of course, of course. We certainly will."

"Our businesses don’t conflict with the Odd Demon Pavilion. Perhaps we could even cooperate in the future."

A chill ran through Lin Kaiji and Huo Wei Yi, but they nodded with placating smiles.

After a few more rounds of drinks, the two men took their leave. Soon after, each one coincidentally instructed their clansmen to send congratulatory gifts under various pretexts, their intent to curry favor abundantly clear.

Yu Changsheng accepted them all graciously.

The next day, the Odd Demon Pavilion officially opened for business. Initially, its operations were simple and followed the previous model: selling Spirit Chickens and a few other Spirit Beasts.

Under the watchful eyes of many, business was surprisingly brisk.

After overseeing the Odd Demon Pavilion for a few days, Yu Changsheng departed, leaving Yu Changao to manage the establishment.

「Three days later.」

He arrived back at Beast Taming Peak. His trip to Dongyang City had been incredibly fruitful. What he had accomplished would be considered shocking even among the Inner Sect Disciples of the Wanxiang Sect.

He took a look at Elder Wei’s residence, but it was still empty. Yu Changsheng didn’t linger. He went about his daily routine of feeding the Spirit Chickens, watching as their essence improved once more.

The next day, he flew toward the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower branch in the Fish Market.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Tower, as its name suggested, specialized in supplying all kinds of Spirit Beasts and Demon Beasts. It possessed immense financial resources and unfathomable power. Yu Changsheng had previously purchased the Iron Carving King and several Tier Two Demon Beast corpses from them.

’My Colorful Star Deer has already advanced to Tier Two. The Golden-Winged Eagle and Red Refining Snake aren’t far behind. The Ten Thousand Beasts Tower should have the materials I need for them.’

’But the price is bound to be exorbitant. If not for the capital I’ve gained from establishing the Odd Demon Pavilion, I wouldn’t dare set foot inside.’

The Odd Demon Pavilion currently only sold Low-level Spirit Beasts. In terms of scale, it was no match for the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.

Yu Changsheng mused to himself as he walked into the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower.

Though called a "Tower," it was actually an eighteen-story pagoda that narrowed toward the top. It was several times the size of the Odd Demon Pavilion.

Above the entrance hung a wide, golden plaque inscribed with the words "Ten Thousand Beasts Tower" in flamboyant, powerful calligraphy that exuded an extraordinary aura.

’As expected of a famous power in Wuzhou.’

Yu Changsheng gazed upward. The exterior of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower was enveloped in an Array, its flowing light glittering under the sun.

On his previous visits, Yu Changsheng had only bought Demon Beast corpses on the first and second floors. Those were all low-bloodline beasts, with the strongest being just barely Tier Two.

Today, however, he intended to go to the third floor!

The Female Cultivator in the blue dress who had previously assisted him was not qualified to serve clients on the third floor. As soon as Yu Changsheng ascended, a dedicated attendant, a Xiaosi, greeted him with a respectful tone and a broad smile.

"Welcome, Immortal Master. What might you be looking for today? The Ten Thousand Beasts Tower primarily deals in items for Beast Taming, but we have other wares as well."

The attendant wore a white uniform with the words "Ten Thousand Beasts" embroidered on the back. His white sleeves were adorned with carved dragons, painted phoenixes, and lifelike patterns depicting hundreds of different beasts.

Unsurprisingly, this uniform was also a Magic Robe. Besides offering decent defense, it was a status symbol, identifying its wearer as a member of the Ten Thousand Beasts Tower and carrying a certain deterrent effect.

It was just like the robes of a Wanxiang Sect Inner Sect Disciple that Yu Changsheng himself wore.

Yu Changsheng nodded, glancing around the third floor’s interior. It was lavishly decorated with carved dragons and painted phoenixes, creating a magnificent and resplendent atmosphere entirely different from the floors below.

Even this greeter, this Xiaosi, had a Late-stage Qi Refining cultivation—high enough to be considered an Outer Disciple in the Wanxiang Sect.

"Do you have a Three-Winged Golden Flame Snake? If so, take me to see it."

Yu Changsheng stated his request after a moment’s thought.

"Three-Winged Golden Flame Snake?"

The Xiaosi froze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes as he sought confirmation.

"You mean the Second-stage King Demon Beast, the Three-Winged Golden Flame Snake?"

"Yes, that’s the one," Yu Changsheng confirmed with a nod.

"Very well, please follow me."

The Xiaosi’s attitude grew even more deferential. He bowed and gestured with his hand, guiding Yu Changsheng deeper inside.

Not many could afford a Second-stage King Demon Beast like the Three-Winged Golden Flame Snake. Even a Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator would likely be unable to purchase one after emptying their entire fortune.

"Be sure to take good care of this Red Moon Weasel. Whenever the moon comes out, pay close attention. It mustn’t absorb moonlight for too long."

"Yes, I understand."

"Yes, and as for this Demon Beast..."

As Yu Changsheng followed the Xiaosi inside, he saw a smiling young man pointing at a Demon Beast and giving instructions to another attendant.

Judging by how the other attendant was bowing and scraping, diligently taking note of every word, it was clear the young man was his superior.

Yu Changsheng sized him up with curiosity.

The young man appeared to be in his early twenties. His robes were fashioned from high-quality, ice-blue silk and embroidered with an elegant bamboo leaf pattern. The blank spaces on the fabric were filled with depictions of countless Spirit Beasts—a quick glance suggested there were no fewer than a thousand—all rendered with lifelike detail. A faint pressure, as if from the beasts themselves, emanated from the robes, complementing the Mutton Fat Jade Hairpin in his hair.

The young man, noticing Yu Changsheng’s gaze, lifted his chin slightly. His almond-shaped eyes narrowed into brilliant, starry slits.

"So, it is Junior Brother Changsheng. I have long heard of your great name and wished to make your acquaintance. Today, I finally have the opportunity."

Holding an ivory folding fan, he approached Yu Changsheng with a beaming smile.

The young man was incredibly warm and his voice was amiable. Despite his luxurious clothes, he lacked the typical arrogance of a wealthy scion.

Yu Changsheng, upon seeing him, was secretly taken aback.

’The uniform of a thousand beasts...’