The Cornflower Witch

In the following days, Sylutia spent her mornings at the beast pen learning taming techniques, and her afternoons back in the hut conducting experiments or resting. Life became tranquil and unhurried.

Although for many people, the Gloomy Forest was a dangerous place, for Sylutia, this forest outside the stronghold was little different from a stroll in a small grove. This small town stronghold had few people, the environment was quiet but not too desolate, making her feel quite comfortable.

While living here, she did not reveal her Fourth Tier power aura. Instead, relying on her powerful mental control, she restrained her overflowing Aspect power, presenting only around Second Tier. This drew far less attention and wouldn't affect the low-tier apprentices and staff members around her. After all, even the unconscious activities of a Fourth Tier Transcendent could alter the environment.

Ten days later, Sylutia had already learned all the techniques and knowledge taught by the old man. In truth, much of this content came from the book she had obtained, "Shepherding Beasts."

That morning, Sylutia came to the beast pen once more.

The big yellow dog the old man kept saw her and bounded over happily, just like always.

"Good morning, Fluffy Ball~" Sylutia now knew this big yellow dog's name. Apparently, because he looked like a fluffy ball when young, they'd given him this name.

Hearing Sylutia call him, the big yellow dog wagged his tail even more excitedly, slapping against Sylutia's calf like a rather stiff broom striking her.

"Alright, alright, don't crowd around me." Sylutia stroked him for a while longer, then carefully hopped away to dodge the beast's tail sweeps.

Afterward, Sylutia walked briskly through the beast pen, making Fluffy Ball trot a bit to catch up. As she passed the enclosure housing the captive *Thunder Wolf*, Sylutia stopped and waved at it. Inside, the wolf with deep gray-blue fur noticed her, turned its gaze away, and maintained its cold, aloof wolf persona.

These past days, while teaching Sylutia, the old man had also trained this Third Tier Thunder Wolf, so Sylutia had become somewhat familiar with it.

According to the old man, it had been half a year since this wolf was captured here. It was the most valuable war beast in his pen.

"It's a shame I don't have the energy for adventures. Keeping this guy cooped up in the pen is wasting him," the old man would occasionally lament.

Compared to other beasts, wolves weren't difficult to train. They easily formed cooperative relationships with humans and could quickly learn commands.

Past the Thunder Wolf's pen came the enclosure holding two black Mighty Oxen. These two Mighty Oxen were "Second Tier - Beast Fang," said to be calves the old man had purchased from elsewhere and raised. They weren't for sale at the moment, but could be rented out as pack beasts, serving as the pen's biggest source of income.

Although the old man thought he'd trained them well, Sylutia didn't agree. When she was at the Hidden Grove Alliance, she'd witnessed the training methods of the 'Singing Valley' faction. They had herds of Mighty Oxen there, some even raised to Third Tier.

But if she said that, the old man might feel his pride wounded and get upset, so Sylutia maintained a benevolent silence.

Reaching the inner part of the beast pen, Sylutia greeted the old man, then took the key, opened the gate to the enclosure holding the Shadow-Walking Beast, and walked inside.

The fierce beast, whose bones she had broken before, was now fully recovered. In fact, it was brimming with energy. As Sylutia stepped into the room, a faint glow flowed across its pitch-black fur. Then its entire form moved with explosive speed, like a phantom darting around the room, searching for an opening to attack Sylutia.

Facing this scene, Sylutia was not surprised. This was, more or less, a little game between her and the Shadow-Walking Beast.

After circling once, the Shadow-Walking Beast found its moment. It burst out from Sylutia's side-rear, attempting to tear off a piece of cloth from her clothing. But even with her back to the Shadow-Walking Beast, Sylutia perceived its attack path. She turned with light steps, seemingly not fast, yet precisely and perfectly evaded the attack. She even had the leisure to pluck a tuft of fur from the Shadow-Walking Beast as it swept past her side.

"That's the first time," Sylutia reminded.

The Shadow-Walking Beast landed on all four feet, somewhat unconvinced. It lowered its body, raised its paws, then leaped again, lunging fiercely at Sylutia.

A frontal attack, huh? That's actually harder to dodge. Sylutia nodded slightly, then her left hand shot out. In the instant the Shadow-Walking Beast pounced, she precisely gripped the side of its head and redirected it, pushing it to one side.

"Second time."

After landing, the Shadow-Walking Beast flipped over and stood up, its tail lashing behind it, its fur bristling. It looked like it was about to get serious.

This time, it didn't attack directly. Instead, it activated its innate ability, its form dissolving into a flowing black shadow that raced around the room, making it difficult to lock onto.

[Innate Ability: Shadow-Walking]

Because its body had temporarily turned into a black shadow, free from physical limitations like wind resistance, ordinary spells and attacks couldn't hit it in this state. Now, the Shadow-Walking Beast truly displayed the shadow-walking power in its name.

At this point, it was no longer something Sylutia could handle simply through body positioning and adjustments.

But since the opponent had started using its innate ability, Sylutia wouldn't limit herself to physical techniques either. She closed her eyes slightly, her aura shifted, and faint specks of starlight began to appear around her.

[Star Prayer Meditation Method - Manifestation of the Lion Palace]

Three years ago, during her advancement, she had used the *Star Prayer Meditation Method* to sense the stars of the Lion Palace and established a connection. Now that her Star Prayer Meditation Method had reached Lv.7, she could also draw upon the Lion Palace's power to manifest some assisting abilities.

A phantom lion with spread wings manifested behind Sylutia. Then this lion let out a trembling roar. Invisible sound waves carrying the power of the Alien Star transformed into pale blue rippling shockwaves, striking and forcing the Shadow-Walking Beast out of its shadow-shifting course.

Although it had good speed and agility, its mental power was not strong. Struck by the Lion Palace's power, it felt like someone had slammed a hammer into its head. It was still dizzy, unable to stand steadily.

At this moment, Sylutia walked over and tapped its head with the back of her finger, muttering softly.

"That's the third time."

Hearing this, the Shadow-Walking Beast unwillingly withdrew its power and lay down again to rest, recovering its buzzing mind.

Afterward, Sylutia fed it according to the daily training routine. When she finished, she taught it a few simple commands. Time slipped away unnoticed until noon.

Bidding farewell to the old man and Fluffy Ball, Sylutia headed to the stronghold's tavern for a meal.

These days, she had become a regular here. Her latest goal was to try every lunch and dinner item on the tavern's menu.

"Good afternoon, Miss Hedra," the staff member greeted her. After asking what dishes she wanted today, he began preparing them.

Sylutia unhurriedly sat down at a seat by the window. Relying on her excellent perception, she listened to the tavern patrons chat, picking up interesting news and tidbits to pass the time while she waited.