The Master of Beasts

"What's going on here?"

Upon entering Eden Garden, Chen Jiuge saw Moluo Shaye reluctantly following Chen Tingting, holding several Spiritual Beast cubs. There was even a cute baby snake draped over her head.

"Boss, you're back," Chen Tingting said, looking at Chen Jiuge with some surprise.

"Yes. First, tell me what's going on with her." Chen Jiuge was a bit perplexed. Hadn't he captured her and sent her to the Sect? How did she end up in Eden Garden?

Hearing this, Chen Tingting took out a Message Talisman and a Jade Token. "The Law Enforcement Disciple who brought her left this," she explained, "and this is the Jade Token to control her."

Chen Jiuge took the two items and silently opened the Message Talisman. A familiar voice sounded—it was Jun Linseng.

"Jiuge, this Moluo Shaye of the Moluo Royal Family, for some reason, couldn't be sold. Since you captured her, just keep her in your Eden Garden for now. Just make sure she isn't maimed or killed."

「Cave Mansion Courtyard」

Looking at Moluo Shaye, who sat bolt upright with a stubborn expression, Chen Jiuge felt a headache coming on. "Aren't you Princess Thirteen? Why hasn't your family ransomed you?"

Moluo Shaye's composure shattered at this. "I *am* Princess Thirteen! But I have twelve older sisters and over ten younger sisters. Do you really think the Myriad Beasts Sect expects a Great Thousand World as ransom for me?"

Compared to the less valuable Small Thousand Worlds and the resource-rich Medium Thousand Worlds, the resources of a Great Thousand World were immense. Even Golden Immortals coveted them. This was because the number of Great Thousand Worlds is fixed; the so-called 'three thousand worlds' refers to precisely three thousand Great Thousand Worlds.

Chen Jiuge had to agree that the Sect was indeed asking for too much. A Great Thousand World for a Mahayana Realm cultivator, even a princess, wasn't feasible. After all, it was uncertain if her Royal Family even possessed ten Great Thousand Worlds to begin with.

"So, you're useless now?" Chen Jiuge asked disdainfully.

"What do you mean useless? I... I can fight! I'm really strong!" Moluo Shaye stammered, hastily thinking of an excuse.

Chen Jiuge felt even more disdainful. With her practically non-existent combat experience, sending her to fight would just be sending her to her death, wouldn't it?

Sigh, she's like a chicken rib, Chen Jiuge sighed inwardly. Not worth the effort to 'slaughter,' but she *is* a princess, so perhaps some resources could be exchanged for her. She might be useful in a crucial moment, but not overly so. It's just like how the Moluo Royal Family wouldn't trade a Great Thousand World for her. That must be why the Elders pawned her off on me. I wonder if the Sect Master had a hand in this.

"You seem quite skilled at handling the Spiritual Beast cubs. You can do that from now on. I'll pay you a salary. Once you have money, you can ask Chen Tingting to buy you some small things—food, toys, whatever you like. You probably haven't experienced things like that before, have you?" Chen Jiuge decided to keep her on as an ordinary employee.

After settling things with a very reluctant Moluo Shaye, Chen Jiuge began to ponder his rewards.

The Merit, of course, he would keep for now, as he didn't particularly lack anything at the moment. However, choosing the final reward was proving to be quite a dilemma for Chen Jiuge.

Holy Weapons were tempting. Even though the Sect's Holy Weapons were slightly weaker than those naturally formed in the world, they were still Holy Weapons and immensely powerful.

The Spiritual Beast option could be eliminated. He didn't need any more Spiritual Beasts right now; the ones he already had were enough of a handful.

Divine Skills were also very desirable. The recent battle with the Demon Clan had made Chen Jiuge acutely aware that he lacked offensive techniques. Of the spells he cultivated, only the "Sky Blue" Small Divine Power had some potency; his other spells weren't even as powerful as his own fists.

After agonizing over it for a long time, Chen Jiuge decided to choose a Divine Skill—specifically, one related to enhancing his physical body.

"Are you sure you want to choose a Divine Skill?" the Elder guarding the treasury asked, somewhat surprised. "Holy Weapons and Divine Beast cubs—aren't they more substantial rewards than Divine Skills? What's this disciple thinking?"

"Disciple has decided," Chen Jiuge affirmed. He was determined not to be a mere meat shield.

"Alright then. You can only exchange for Small Divine Powers. Have you thought about what type you want?" the Elder said, a hint of regret in his voice.

"A physical, offensive type."

"In that case," the Elder suggested, "how about this one? 'Dharma Manifestation,' one of the Seventy-two Small Divine Powers."

'Dharma Manifestation' is a *Small* Divine Power?! Chen Jiuge was incredulous. Am I mistaken, or is he?

"Yes, 'Dharma Manifestation' is a Small Divine Power," the Elder confirmed. "However, this particular Small Divine Power has a superior version, the Great Divine Power 'Fatian Xiangdi.' You could consider this a prerequisite."

Looking at the introduction for 'Dharma Manifestation,' it mainly involved enlarging the body and enhancing all physical abilities. Isn't this just making me a tank?

"Not satisfied?" the Elder asked. "This is the most cost-effective Small Divine Power. Later on, you can directly learn the Great Divine Power 'Fatian Xiangdi,' which will save you a lot of time."

"Alright, I'll take this one then," Chen Jiuge said, though he was somewhat reluctant. The Elder did have a point.

Becoming a tank wasn't his ideal, but it was indeed the best choice for him at the moment.

Holding the bronze tablet imprinted with the Divine Skill, Chen Jiuge returned to Eden Garden, his expression somewhat glum.

There, he saw War Song and the other beasts, their auras vastly changed. "When did you all get back?!"

Chen Jiuge was quite moved by the explanation from War Song and the other three. Such good beasts, to risk stealing fruit from a Heavenly Immortal Spiritual Beast for his sake!

He lavishly praised the four beasts. Ao Li, meanwhile, sneakily flicked his little tail, his face alight with smug satisfaction.

Noticing his comrades surrounding him, Ao Li quickly lowered his flicked-up tail and whispered, "What's wrong?"

"You look pretty pleased with yourself," Yue Meng observed, arms crossed. "If I recall correctly, you still owe me a considerable amount of Spirit Stones." It was true; Ao Li had been playing 'surrogate father' in the habitat, borrowing many Spirit Stones from Yue Meng to nourish the young beasts.

Da Bai coolly adjusted his sunglasses and sighed. "Young one, you must learn humility. Don't be too arrogant."

Ganged up on by Yue Meng and Da Bai, Ao Li once again experienced the familiar sensation of being back in the Desolate World.

Lying on the ground and listening to the drifting voices, Ao Li finally understood where he had gone wrong.

"Hmph, that's just too much!" one voice complained—it sounded like Yue Meng. "We went through life and death, and Master didn't praise *us* like that!"

"Exactly!" another voice chimed in, likely Da Bai. "War Song and the other two weren't showing off, but Ao Li's tail was practically in the clouds! His expression was far too arrogant."

"Ah, Brother Ao Li, you were too ostentatious," War Song said, quietly rubbing his fingers together. "It's fine to be happy inwardly, but there's no need to show it off so much. Yue Meng can be a bit sensitive."

With a sorrowful expression, Ao Li acknowledged his naivety. No, I have to earn Spirit Stones quickly and pay back Yue Meng. Otherwise, getting beaten up again would be a raw deal!

"Eldest Brother," Ao Li began, looking at War Song with pleading eyes, "I'm a bit short on funds at the moment. I was wondering if you could generously help me out?"

"Fourth Brother, you know your Eldest Brother is preparing for his wedding soon. Things are a bit tight for me too," War Song replied, his gaze shifting evasively.

"Second Brother!" Ao Li called out to Yang Huan.

There was no response. Ao Li reached out and poked where Yang Huan had been, only for the image to shatter. It was an illusion; Yang Huan had already fled.

"Third Brother!!!" Ao Li cried desperately.

Yue Li took out the few dozen Top Grade Spirit Stones he had left. "Fourth Brother," he said, "this is all I have."

Looking at the scattered Spirit Stones, Ao Li snatched them up. "Thanks, Third Brother! I'll pay you back as soon as I make some money!"

Watching Ao Li scamper off, Yue Li had a sinking feeling. Something's not right here...

War Song and the returned Yang Huan looked at Yue Li with pity. Those Spirit Stones were as good as gone.

Realization dawned on Yue Li a moment later, and he cried out in anguish, "My Spirit Stones! Damn you, Ao Li!!!"