I Tame Beasts by Feeding

"Is Junior Brother Changsheng in? Shen Xingchen, an Inner Sect Disciple, has come to visit."

Outside the door stood a figure as straight and tall as a sword. His long hair cascated to his waist like a waterfall, its night-black hue radiating a mysterious light. His eyes were as deep as a starry sky. Clad in a magnificent purple robe embroidered with dragons, his features were demonically handsome, and he possessed the transcendent aura of an immortal. As he smiled, his voice was as warm and pleasant as a spring breeze.

Yu Changsheng furrowed his brow slightly. After a moment of thought, he slowly rose to open the door.

’Shen Xingchen... I remember him. On the day the Odd Demon Pavilion first opened, I helped Wu Yinglong deal with a murder-for-treasure incident to establish my authority. Besides Chenyangzi, Shen Xingchen was the other person watching from the sidelines.’

’On top of that, I know Shen Xingchen is an Inner Sect Disciple—and not just any ordinary one. He’s the disciple of the Wanxiang Sect’s Vice Sect Leader, Lu Ruikai.’

’His cultivation is profound, but he’s always been a mysterious person who rarely makes a move. Thus, it’s only rumored that he’s the unofficial number one of the Inner Sect, hailed as the standard-bearer for the Wanxiang Sect’s younger generation. Only a handful of others are considered his peers...’

’Back when he climbed the Celestial Ladder, although he didn’t do as well as I did, he still reached the 7,999th step—a score that rivaled Lu Ruikai’s own. That’s why the Vice Sect Leader took notice of him and accepted him as his disciple.’

’But what’s most interesting to me is that before Shen Xingchen became Lu Ruikai’s disciple, he was a member of my own Beast Taming Lineage. He was exceptionally talented, but later switched to Sword Control. The exact circumstances are unknown to outsiders.’

Now, Shen Xingchen’s sudden visit sent Yu Changsheng’s mind racing with all sorts of speculation.

"Ah, it’s Senior Brother Shen. Please, come in."

Opening the door, Yu Changsheng spoke humbly, his tone warm and welcoming.

Shen Xingchen smiled, gave the gift box in his hand a little shake, and slowly walked inside. "Junior Brother, you’ve chosen a fine residence," he praised. "The Spiritual Qi is dense, and with so few people coming and going, it’s quiet. A great place for peaceful cultivation."

"I had to ask around quite a bit to find this place on the vast Beast Taming Peak. However, there’s a Disciple Hall at the summit of Beast Taming Peak. The environment there is even better. Why don’t you go there, Junior Brother Changsheng?"

Yu Changsheng waved his hand in refusal. "There’s no need. That’s the Peak Master’s Disciple Hall. I shouldn’t get involved. Besides, it would be too high-profile."

Shen Xingchen looked slightly surprised. He glanced at Yu Changsheng, who wore a calm and composed expression, then smiled. "Fair enough. You’re quite modest, Junior Brother. Right, I forgot to explain myself."

"I’m a disciple of Sword Control Peak. I’ve come to visit today on my own initiative, but also at the behest of my master. If I’m intruding, I hope you don’t mind, Junior Brother Changsheng."

Shen Xingchen spoke very gently, his tone exceedingly humble, making one feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze. Judging by this alone, many would assume he was a kind and gentle person.

Yu Changsheng shook his head and smiled. "Senior Brother Shen, you’re being too polite. I’ve only just been promoted to the Inner Sect and am unfamiliar with many things. I’ll be counting on you to look after me from now on."

These were just polite pleasantries, but necessary ones.

"Yes, of course," Shen Xingchen nodded, then said as if in a moment of realization, "It must be fate. After all, we were this close to becoming true martial brothers."

Shen Xingchen looked down and sighed, a flash of regret in his eyes. He shook his head. "Forget it. It’s a pity, but the way things are now is fine too. It’s good that you have your own aspirations, Junior Brother. All great paths lead to the same destination."

If Yu Changsheng had agreed to become Lu Ruikai’s disciple that day, then the two of them would indeed be true martial brothers right now.

"Speaking of which, you and I are quite fated, Junior Brother. In my early years, back when I was in the Outer Sect, I was also from Beast Taming Peak. It was only later that I received my Master’s favor and was accepted as his disciple. I was thinking, if Junior Brother Yu had agreed that day, we two senior and junior brothers would have been able to talk about anything and everything. HAHAHA."

As Shen Xingchen spoke, he let out a hearty laugh, his expression full of sincerity and expectation.

Yu Changsheng stood up, and after preparing some Spirit Tea for the two of them, poured a cup for Shen Xingchen. He then sat back down cross-legged, playing along with Shen Xingchen’s words.

"It’s the same now," Yu Changsheng said, smiling faintly. "But I wonder, Senior Brother Shen, is there some other matter that brought you here today?"

Shen Xingchen paused, setting down the teacup in his hand. After a brief hesitation, he smiled. "There is, in fact, one thing I need your help with, Junior Brother Changsheng."

"Oh? And what could I help with?" Yu Changsheng asked, curious. "Please, speak your mind, Senior Brother. If it’s within my power, I certainly won’t refuse."

"Mm," Shen Xingchen nodded and paused for a moment. "It’s about the battle between you and Huang Suyu. I watched it, and it was truly brilliant and unconventional. I admit I was humbled."

"I was thinking, since you are so dedicated to Beast Taming, Junior Brother, would you consider selling Huang Suyu’s sword?"

"You know I’m a disciple of Sword Control Peak, so I have a natural fondness for such Treasure Swords. If you think it’s appropriate, would you be willing to sell it to me? Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to offer a price that satisfies you."

Having said his piece, Shen Xingchen looked at Yu Changsheng with anticipation, awaiting his response.

Yu Changsheng was stunned for a moment before realization dawned. He thought for a moment, then said, "So that’s how it is. Since you like it, Senior Brother, and I have no immediate use for it, selling it to you is certainly possible."

’The Dragon’s Roar Sword is indeed a superior treasure. For a disciple of Sword Control Peak, it’s an irresistible item. It’s only natural that Shen Xingchen would want it.’

’As for myself, I really don’t have a use for it. Selling it to Shen Xingchen is perfectly fine. Especially since he’s the Vice Sect Leader’s Disciple, he’s bound to be generous. I can also build some goodwill this way. Why wouldn’t I agree?’

So, with a flick of his will, Yu Changsheng retrieved the Dragon’s Roar Sword and placed it on the table.

"Excellent!" A light flashed in Shen Xingchen’s eyes. Suppressing his excitement, he smiled and said, "You’re very forthright, Junior Brother. Take a look at these items and see if they’re of sufficient value. If not, we can discuss it further."

As he spoke, Shen Xingchen handed a Storage Pouch to Yu Changsheng. Yu Changsheng accepted it and swept his Divine Sense over it, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly.

’There were only three items in the Storage Pouch, but each one was something I desperately needed.’

The first was a Foundation Establishment Pill, the second was a Realm-Breaking Pill, and the last was a Secret Manual titled Beast Shadow.

The Beast Shadow technique Yu Changsheng currently knew was only the first volume, but this one was clearly the complete version.

Shen Xingchen explained, "Junior Brother, you’ll be attempting your Foundation Establishment soon, so the Foundation Establishment Pill is self-explanatory. This Realm-Breaking Pill serves as a supportive guarantee. When you’re breaking through, taking both pills at the same time will allow them to complement each other. It will definitely make your breakthrough easier—it might even let you leap across a minor realm."

"As for the last item, that magic art—I saw you use it the other day, and it looked like you only had the first part. This is the complete manual. To be honest, it’s not easy to find within the Wanxiang Sect. Giving it to you now... I suppose it’s fated."