Towering mountains, enshrouded in clouds and mist, reached toward the heavens.

This was the domain of the Beast Taming Sect.

High among the peaks, nestled within the sea of clouds, Elder Black Bear swept Lu ming and Yuan Ying into the sect’s grounds.

One of the main peaks, Lotus Peak, shaped like a blooming lotus flower, appeared as if it had been carefully sculpted by nature itself.

The black wind carried them to the peak, where clouds churned around them. As Lu ming’s vision cleared, he found himself standing in a stone courtyard.

The stone courtyard appeared simple and unadorned, yet breathing here felt like being in a celestial realm, refreshing the spirit and dispelling worldly cares.

"Back, are we?"

In the courtyard stood an elder in black Daoist robes, his sparse silver hair combed back, revealing a forehead etched with the marks of time.

He seemed to have been waiting for a while, only showing signs of vitality in his eyes—usually as still as a stagnant spring—when someone arrived.

"Master," the Black Bear spoke.

"Elder Mo," Yuan Ying respectfully greeted.

Lu ming followed their example and saluted.

"I shall take my leave, then."

Without waiting for Elder Mo’s response, Yuan Ying withdrew voluntarily. The Black Bear yawned and transformed into a cloud of black smoke, vanishing into the distance.

Soon, only Lu ming and Elder Mo remained in the courtyard.

"Child, what’s your name?"

Elder Mo looked at Lu ming and asked.

"Elder, my name is Lu ming."

"Why do you pursue immortality?" His gaze deepened as he looked at Lu ming.

Lu ming sighed, "Initially, I sought immortality for a longer life, but then I discovered I possessed an Eternal Life Constitution…"

Elder Mo was at a loss for words.

"And now?"

"I dislike fighting and killing. I initially hoped to cultivate in peace and pursue the path to eternal life."

"But I’ve realized the Eternal Life Constitution can’t remain hidden; it will inevitably attract the attention of demonic beasts."

Lu ming shook his head.

"So, I wish to cultivate formidable strength!"

"Indeed, only with power can one control their fate," Elder Mo said. "However, with power, one must also use it for righteous purposes."

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Lu ming looked solemn.

"I have already decided. To repay the sect’s life-saving grace, once I am strong enough, I’ll use myself as bait to lure various demonic beasts to the Beast Taming Sect. This way, every disciple can have several beasts to subdue."

"???" Elder Mo responded, "There’s no need for that; the sect doesn’t lack demonic beasts."

"Moreover, enslaving beasts is an outdated path for our sect."

"I meant that, given the sect saved you from the Yin Corpse Sect, you should help others in need once you gain strength. Seek virtue and avoid falling into darkness in your pursuit of power."

"Enough."

"Let’s move on to official matters," he continued, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that this Eternal Life Constitution seemed unusual, hoping it wouldn’t cause trouble in the future.

"In the Beast Taming Sect, disciple ranks are divided into servant, outer, inner, and true disciples."

"You are now an outer disciple of the sect, but since you possess a special constitution, you’ll receive enhanced training privileges."

"The sect will grant you resources one level higher than your current status. As an outer disciple, you’ll receive resources at the level of an inner disciple. When you reach the inner disciple status, you’ll receive the resources of a true disciple!"

"However, while your constitution is unique, advancement still depends on your efforts. You’ll need to complete sect missions and contribute to the sect."

The sect did not easily bestow knowledge, and while the Eternal Life Constitution was rare with great potential, it would take time to assess Lu ming’s character and resolve.

After Elder Mo finished, Lu ming nodded.

"Understood, Elder. Thank you."

"Good."

"May you strive in your cultivation and not disappoint the sect's support."

He continued, "Do you know the types of beasts?"

"Types of beasts?" Lu ming shook his head. "I don’t know…"

"There are four kinds," Elder Mo said, looking up at the sky. "Spiritual, Demonic, Rare, and Celestial!"

"Those that absorb the essence of the sun and moon, or are nurtured by spiritual fruits and plants, developing wisdom and cultivation, are called Spiritual Beasts."

"Those that feed on flesh, or devour souls, are called Demonic Beasts."

"In the Beast Taming Sect, we keep both Spiritual and Demonic Beasts."

"Usually, new disciples are provided with a low-level Spiritual Beast as their pet."

"Yuan Ying should have explained this to you, correct?"

"No, Elder Black Bear’s speed made us dizzy on the way …," Lu ming hesitated to replyabout yuan ying and asked, "Elder Mo, what about the Rare and Celestial types?"

"Have you seen the night sky?"

"In addition to the sun and moon, countless strange stars are scattered across the sky."

"There is a legend that these stars are fallen immortals transformed."

"They sometimes shine brightly, and when their light touches the Tianyuan Continent, it may cause various wild animals and plants to mutate!"

"Whether a Spiritual or Demonic Beast, those altered by the light gain a mysterious ability, a supernatural power that gives them a unique racial talent distinct from ordinary beasts."

"For example, they might master spatial or temporal powers in the Qi Refining stage."

"Or they might regenerate from a single drop of blood, achieving near immortality."

"Some may even enter the Netherworld or escape the Five Elements."

"However, such beings are rare, and these mutated beasts are called Rare Beasts."

"As for Celestial Beasts, with the severed immortal path, it’s unknown if any exist on the Tianyuan Continent today."

"Spiritual… Demonic… Rare… Celestial…" Since joining the Beast Taming Sect, Lu ming naturally felt it was essential to understand these classifications.

Herbivorous Spiritual Beasts seemed relatively less dangerous.

Carnivorous Demonic Beasts… as someone with the Eternal Life Constitution, he’d best avoid those while he was still weak.

As for Rare Beasts, with their rarity, he figured they wouldn’t concern him either.

"Now, let’s choose your pet beast."

"The sect recently recruited a large batch of outer disciples, so the number of available pet beasts is limited."

"But since you’re new to cultivation, you don’t need to contract a particularly powerful pet beast just yet."

"You have ample time to build a foundation. When your cultivation is stronger, you can then contract a more powerful pet beast with a strong bloodline."

"I will follow your guidance," Lu ming said without complaint.

"Good." Elder Mo continued, "Currently, we have basic Spiritual Beasts of four attributes remaining—Water, Fire, Earth, and Wood."

"These are the Water-attribute Rain Frog, of which there are seven left."

"The Fire-attribute Fire Spirit Finch, with two left."

"The Earth-attribute Horned Ox, with three available."

"And the Wood-attribute Pine Leaf Mouse, with only one remaining."

"I’ll introduce them," Elder Mo explained. "The Beast Taming Sect cultivates five kinds of basic pet beasts suitable for Qi Refining cultivators, one for each attribute: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth."

"These five pet beasts are not only friendly but also have potential to reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Additionally, they can quickly help disciples gather cultivation resources."

"The Metal-attribute Battle Ape is efficient in mining. Those who choose it can take mining missions in the spirit mine area, earning daily resources and strengthening the Battle Ape. But this batch has already been chosen."

"Of course, the other four types are equally good."

"The Water-attribute Rain Frog is adept at water techniques, and, when nurtured, can summon rain to irrigate the spirit fields."

"The Fire-attribute Fire Spirit Finch is skilled in fire techniques and can assist in the fire kitchens and fire refining rooms."

"The Earth-attribute Horned Ox, with its boundless stamina, helps transport supplies between peaks."

"Lastly, the Wood-attribute Pine Leaf Mouse excels in wood techniques, with a spirit power that accelerates the growth of spiritual plants."

"Among the five, the Battle Ape, Horned Ox, and Fire Spirit Finch are better in combat, while the Rain Frog and Pine Leaf Mouse are more peaceful and offer higher rewards in daily sect missions."

"However, the most crucial factor in choosing a pet is compatibility with yourself."

"For your constitution, which is like a normal one and without any elemental affinity, any of the Spiritual Beasts would suit you without causing conflicts."

As he spoke, two shadows appeared in the clouds… shortly, two beautiful celestial cranes landed before them.

"Greetings, Elder Mo. Where to next?" one of the cranes inquired in a pleasant, feminine voice.

Elder Mo looked to Lu ming, signaling him to choose his pet type. These cranes would carry them to the mountain where the selected Spiritual Beast resided.