It turned out that the courtyard secret realm was a special environment filled with the divine power of death.
It was somewhat similar to the widely known super-large necromantic secret realm, the Spirit Realm Secret Realm, yet fundamentally different—
The environment of the Spirit Realm Secret Realm originated from the natural transformation caused by the accumulation of numerous necromantic-type Pet Beasts; whereas the courtyard secret realm was born from the permeation of the death divine power of an unknown divine beast.
The Undead Guardian Hound seemed to have been affected by this divine power, thus giving rise to a regional form—a form unique to this secret realm.
In other regions, lacking the most crucial environmental factor, even if a Howl Hound were extremely loyal and had high Friendship, it would not be able to transform into an Undead Guardian Hound after death.
After figuring this out, Jiang Xing felt relieved.
The ownership of this necromantic secret realm had already fallen into his hands.
He could completely filter entrants—excluding those with ulterior motives, while helping those Beast Tamers who truly loved their Pet Beasts and had formed bonds with their Howl Hounds to reunite with their companions.
Achieving this wasn't difficult.
The little Qilin was a psychic-type Mythical Pet Beast. Although its Power Level was only at the Demi-God Level, it could easily distinguish sincerity from lies and sense others' thoughts.
With it present, it would be easy to identify which Beast Tamers harbored ill intentions.
'Come to think of it… did I just monopolize a rare Pet Beast?'
Jiang Xing let out a helpless laugh.
Back when the world line had just changed, he had been so broke he couldn't even afford to raise fish, and had once thought about monopolizing a resource-type Pet Beast to make a fortune…
Later, under Dr. Xu's guidance, he learned how to legitimately secure research funding, and no longer lacked money.
Those thoughts naturally faded, and he focused on research instead.
Yet unexpectedly, by casually picking up a secret realm, he had somehow monopolized a necromantic Pet Beast.
Sure enough, his senior had been right—no researcher could resist exploring a secret realm.
Of course, the monopoly was only to control the source and prevent people with ill intentions from abusing resurrection.
Jiang Xing had no intention of profiting from it—making money off the bond between Beast Tamers and their Pet Beasts, feeding on their grief, was simply too despicable.
Not only that, since the divine power within the necromantic secret realm couldn't be infinite, once it was exhausted, the place would become an ordinary secret realm…
Jiang Xing even planned to invest his own resources to nurture the secret realm, increasing its reserve of death divine power so that this special environment could last longer.
This wave was essentially pure charity.
'But I don't necessarily have to do it all out of goodwill—'
'A place of death that allows Howl Hounds to revive into Undead Guardian Hounds might also affect other Pet Beasts.'
'Based on this necromantic secret realm, I could establish a research project on specific Pet Beast necromantic regional forms, and apply for national funding.'
'Public funds to maintain graves, analyze the power of death, research new Pet Beasts, and help people reunite with their companions… killing multiple birds with one stone.'
Jiang Xing had gained a new research direction.
Combined with Friendship, Beauty, and the future evolution paths of the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling, there were at least four research topics waiting for him.
Thinking about the upcoming research schedule, Jiang Xing finally understood why Dr. Xu had so many assistants and students, yet he had only ever met Senior Li and Senior Su—other seniors were practically invisible.
A single spark of inspiration could branch into multiple research topics. A researcher's life was truly fulfilling!
…
After thoroughly studying the necromantic secret realm, Jiang Xing also had a conversation with the Undead Guardian Hound.
After all, it was the master of this realm—this was its home.
If it disagreed, Jiang Xing, though regretful, wouldn't force it to offer it up.
At most, he would study the composition of the death environment, try to extract part of its power, and replicate it outside.
Fortunately, after lying down and thinking for a while, the Undead Guardian Hound agreed to his plan—
It was a guard dog, not a mad dog. It could naturally distinguish between guests and intruders.
Moreover, it had been a Howl Hound in life, so it understood the thoughts of its kind, and was willing to help them return to their owners and continue guarding them for a long time.
As long as those guests stayed outside the gate and didn't enter the courtyard to disturb the master's rest, that was enough.
…
Jiang Xing became so absorbed in studying the Undead Guardian Hound and the necromantic secret realm that he lost track of time.
It wasn't until Li Lingyin reminded him that he remembered why he had come to Shanghai—
The Shanghai Evolution Conference had begun.
The conference was divided into two halves.
In the first half, all participants would display their research results in an exhibition format.
Visitors could purchase tickets to enter, walk around, observe, and interact.
After the visitors finished touring, the second half would take the form of academic presentations, where participants reported their findings and awards were judged…
Thus, every Shanghai Evolution Conference was as lively as a festival.
When the event officially began, countless visitors flooded into the exhibition hall, shoulder to shoulder, surging toward their favorite booths.
Among them, the central booth in the exhibition hall gathered the largest crowd—the line twisted like a greedy snake, stretching far into the distance.
On the booth were two dazzling creatures, radiating light and scattering rainbows as they flew—
Two Rainbow Dragon Hatchlings!
"Haa…"
Jiang Xing looked at the excited crowd, rubbed his dark circles, and couldn't help yawning.
There was no day or night in the necromantic secret realm. He had been so absorbed in research that he hadn't slept for over three days… Now that the excitement had faded, the drowsiness hit him all at once.
However, since the conference organizers had specially reserved the central booth for him, and so many visitors had come for the Rainbow Dragon Hatchlings, it would be rather rude if he just fell asleep.
He quickly came up with a solution.
"Let's battle!"
Facing the crowd, Jiang Xing patted his face and put on a smile.
"Everyone, the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling is not an ornamental Pet Beast—it is a truly powerful combat Pet Beast that can become any Beast Tamer's ace!"
"The best way to demonstrate it is through a thrilling battle!"
"Any Beast Tamers with Extraordinary Tier Pet Beasts, please raise your hands and have a demonstration match with me!"
"I will prove its strength through real combat!"
Beast battles were the mainstream of this world. Even those who weren't Beast Tamers loved watching them.
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in enthusiasm. Countless hands shot up, and some children were even lifted by their parents to raise their hands, afraid he wouldn't notice them.
Jiang Xing casually pointed and selected a young boy.
The boy walked onto the stage excitedly and summoned his Pet Beast.
It was a pink little pig, but with small thorns growing on its back, extending into four green vines wrapped around its limbs.
Jiang Xing immediately recalled its entry.
[Thorn Pig], a wood-type Pet Beast. It could charge with brute force or swing its thorn-covered vines for ranged attacks.
This Thorn Pig had been well trained. It appeared to be at Mid Extraordinary Level, not far from evolution.
Seeing it, Li Lingyin's eyes lit up with excitement, and she stepped forward—only to be stopped by Jiang Xing.
"I'll do it."
"But Teacher, you haven't rested yet…"
"A quick battle will wake me up," Jiang Xing replied, glancing at the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling beside him.
"Besides, you've been fighting these past few days. The dragon hatchling is itching for a fight too, right?"
"Mu!" (That's right, it's my turn!)
The Rainbow Dragon Hatchling let out a spirited cry, its eyes full of battle intent.
After being cooped up in the necromantic secret realm for days, it was practically bursting—this was the perfect chance to let off some steam!
Sensing its fighting spirit, Li Lingyin's Rainbow Dragon Hatchling immediately backed off with a soft call.
"Mu~" (You go, boss.)
Seeing this, Li Lingyin stepped back reluctantly, giving up the stage.
Jiang Xing stood at one side of the platform and looked at the boy.
"Since this is to showcase the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling's power, this will be a demonstration match. Beast Tamers won't participate directly—just stay behind and give commands."
"No problem?"
The boy nodded.
Under the gaze of the crowd, the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling circled in the air and landed in front of Jiang Xing.
"Battle start!"
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