The Great Wilderness Domain, southern region.
Dozens of cloud-wreathed peaks pierced straight into the sky.
This was the location of the Beast-Taming Sect.
Above the mountain peaks, amid the sea of clouds, a black gale swept through. The Black Bear Elder carried Lin Jing and Ouyang Hao, arriving at the sect in one breath.
Lotus Peak—one of the three main peaks of the Beast-Taming Sect.
Its shape resembled a blooming lotus, each "petal" looking as though it had been carefully carved by nature itself.
The black wind descended onto one corner of the peak. Clouds rolled on all sides. When Lin Jing's vision cleared, he found himself standing within a stone courtyard.
The courtyard looked plain and unadorned, yet simply breathing here felt like being immersed in an immortal realm. His mind relaxed, worldly noise fading away.
"You're back?"
Standing in the courtyard was an elderly man dressed in a black Daoist robe. His snow-white hair was sparsely combed back, revealing a forehead lined with the marks of time.
He seemed to have been waiting for quite a while. Only when people arrived did those eyes—like two dead, silent pools—finally gain a trace of light.
"Master," the black bear demon said.
"Elder Mo," Ouyang Hao greeted respectfully.
Lin Jing followed suit and performed a clumsy salute.
"This disciple will take his leave."
Before Elder Mo could speak, Ouyang Hao excused himself. The black bear demon yawned knowingly, then turned into a wisp of black smoke and vanished.
Soon, only Lin Jing and Elder Mo remained in the courtyard.
"Child, what is your name?" Elder Mo asked, looking at Lin Jing.
"Reporting to Elder, my name is Lin Jing."
"And what do you seek through cultivation?" His deep gaze rested on Lin Jing.
Lin Jing sighed.
"I originally sought immortality—to live longer. Later, I discovered that I possess the Longevity Physique…"
Elder Mo fell silent.
"And now?"
"I don't like fighting or killing. I wanted to cultivate my mind, comprehend the Dao, and pursue longevity."
"But now I realize that the Longevity Physique rarely enjoys peace. It inevitably attracts the covetous gaze of demon beasts."
Lin Jing shook his head.
"So, I want to cultivate great strength!"
"Mhm. Only with power can one decide their own fate," Elder Mo said. "But once you have power, you must also use it for righteous ends."
Lin Jing's expression turned solemn.
"I've already thought it through. To repay the sect for saving my life, once my cultivation is accomplished, I'll use myself as bait to draw demon beasts from all directions to the Beast-Taming Sect—so every disciple can enslave dozens of demon beasts."
"…?" Elder Mo paused. "That won't be necessary. The sect does not lack demon beasts."
"And enslaving demon beasts is a path the Beast-Taming Sect abandoned long ago."
"What I mean is that since the sect saved you from the Yin Corpse Sect today, once you have strength, you should help others in need. Keep your heart righteous. Do not fall into demonic ways for the sake of power."
"Alright."
"Let's talk business."
Elder Mo wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but this Longevity Physique seemed a bit… unusual. He hoped no trouble would arise in the future.
"Within the Beast-Taming Sect, disciples are ranked as servants, outer disciples, inner disciples, and true disciples."
"For now, you will be an outer disciple. However, as a special physique, you will receive enhanced cultivation treatment."
"The sect can grant you resources one rank higher. As an outer disciple, you may enjoy inner disciple–level cultivation resources. Once you become an inner disciple, you may receive true disciple–level training resources."
"However, despite your special physique, advancement still depends on your own efforts. You must complete sect missions and contribute to the sect."
The Dao was not lightly transmitted. Though the Longevity Physique was rare and promising, whether Lin Jing could obtain true inheritance would depend on time—on his character and Dao heart.
After Elder Mo finished speaking, Lin Jing nodded.
"This disciple understands. Thank you, Elder."
"Good."
"I hope you cultivate diligently and do not disappoint the sect's efforts."
Then he asked, "Do you know the classifications of beasts?"
"The classifications of beasts?" Lin Jing shook his head. "I don't…"
"All beasts under heaven are divided into four types," Elder Mo said, gazing at the sky. "Spirit, Demon, Rare, and Immortal."
"Those that absorb the essence of the sun, moon, plants, and earth—feeding on spiritual fruits and herbs, gaining intelligence and cultivation—are spirit beasts."
"Those that feed on flesh and blood, devour humans, or consume souls are demon beasts."
"Within the Beast-Taming Sect, both spirit beasts and demon beasts are raised."
"For disciples who join the sect, a low-cultivation spirit beast is typically provided as a companion beast."
"Ouyang Hao should've told you this already."
"No—Black Bear Elder flew too fast. We got motion sickness and passed out halfway…" Lin Jing paused, then asked, "Elder Mo, what about rare and immortal beasts?"
"Have you seen the stars?" Elder Mo asked.
"Beyond the sun and moon, there exist countless strange stars."
"Legend says these stars were formed from fallen immortals of the Immortal Realm."
"They occasionally shine, and when their light falls upon the Tianyuan Continent—upon beasts or plants—it may cause mutation."
"Whether spirit beasts or demon beasts, once mutated by this stellar light, they gain a wondrous ability—a divine talent distinct from ordinary beasts."
"Some may wield spatial or temporal abilities while still at the Qi Refinement stage."
"Others may regenerate from a drop of blood, achieving near immortality."
"Some may pass freely through the netherworld, escaping the Five Elements."
"Such fortunate beings are exceedingly rare. Therefore, beasts that mutate due to these strange stars are called rare beasts."
"As for immortal beasts—now that the immortal path is severed, whether they even exist on the Tianyuan Continent remains unknown."
Elder Mo said no more.
"Spirit beasts… demon beasts… rare beasts… immortal beasts…" Since he had joined the Beast-Taming Sect, Lin Jing naturally needed a clear understanding of beast classifications.
Herbivorous spirit beasts seemed relatively less dangerous.
Carnivorous demon beasts… with his Longevity Physique, it was best to avoid them while still weak.
As for rare beasts—such uncommon species were beyond his concern for now.
"Next, I'll take you to choose a companion beast."
Elder Mo continued, "The sect recently recruited a large batch of outer disciples, so the number of available companion beasts is limited."
"But since you've just begun cultivation, there's no need to contract an overly powerful beast. Otherwise, it would be difficult to control."
"You have plenty of time to build a solid foundation. Once your cultivation improves, it won't be too late to contract beasts with stronger bloodlines."
"This disciple will follow the Elder's arrangements," Lin Jing said. He wasn't picky.
"Good," Elder Mo said. "At present, the sect has four elemental basic spirit beasts remaining."
"Water-attribute Rain Frogs—seven left."
"Fire-attribute Fire Spirit Sparrows—two left."
"Earth-attribute Horned Oxen—three left."
"And wood-attribute Pineleaf Mice—one left."
"I'll explain," Elder Mo said. "The Beast-Taming Sect cultivates five elemental basic companion beasts—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—suitable for Qi Refinement cultivators."
"These five beasts are not only easy to get along with, but all possess Foundation Establishment potential. Moreover, their abilities can quickly help disciples accumulate cultivation resources."
"The metal-attribute Battle Ape excels at mining. Choosing it allows one to take mining missions, work in spirit ore regions, earn daily cultivation resources, and temper the ape's strength. However, all suitable Battle Apes have already been taken by the latest batch of disciples."
"Still, the remaining four are no worse."
"The water-attribute Rain Frog excels in water arts. Once sufficiently cultivated, it can summon rain to irrigate spirit fields."
"The fire-attribute Fire Spirit Sparrow excels in fire arts and can spit spiritual flames, helping in kitchens or refinement halls."
"The earth-attribute Horned Ox possesses immense strength and stamina, often used to transport supplies between peaks."
"Lastly, the wood-attribute Pineleaf Mouse excels in wood arts. Its spiritual power can accelerate the growth of spiritual plants."
"Among the five, the Battle Ape, Horned Ox, and Fire Spirit Sparrow have stronger combat capabilities. The Rain Frog and Pineleaf Mouse are gentler in temperament but yield higher returns from daily sect tasks."
"Of course, the most important factor is compatibility—choose based on your own situation."
Elder Mo added, "Your physique, like an ordinary body, is attribute-less. No matter which element you choose, there will be no rejection."
As he spoke, two dark silhouettes appeared within the sea of clouds.
Moments later, under Lin Jing's gaze, two elegant cranes flew toward them.
"Greetings, Elder Mo. Where shall we go next?" One of the cranes spoke in a pleasant female voice.
Elder Mo looked at Lin Jing, signaling him to decide on the type of companion beast. The cranes would carry them to the corresponding mountain peak where those spirit beasts resided.