8 Beasts

Hei looks on the section that says 'Beast Race'. He finally chooses this section and begins looking on the information. The first thing he reads seems to be the common knowledge.

"Beasts are giant monsters which hold great power in their bodies, naturally are attuned to a specific element and possess animal like traits. The stronger their bloodlines, the more advantages they possess from reverting to a smaller and human like form to actually looking perfectly human."

"They all have bad temperaments and wild instincts. All Beasts, like Demons and Colossans possess a very deep hatred for humanity. These Beasts generally are physically much bigger than the averaged animal. The smallest Beasts are generally as large as small mountains."

"The biggest of Beasts can be equivalent to small planets. While Colossans are still larger than Beasts, the Beasts still possess extremely tyrannical bodies. The laws they are naturally attuned to are deeply engraved in their bodies and their beast spirits are generally extremely suited for them."

A look of suspicion appears in Hei's eyes. "Why do all the other races hate humanity exactly? I am not shallow and arrogant enough to think that the other races are jealous of humanity. All the races have their special traits."

"While that demon practically used me, I sensed no form of hostility at all. I get the feeling that something is very wrong with the history we know."

As Hei enters into deep thinking, a familiar voice rings out, "Master, I am a Beast and while I was born with you with only the memories of the heavenly dao, I never once had the feeling that my instincts say other humans are repulsive. That information seems flawed…"

"Thank you Mao. I was thinking the same thing. No one here behaves in any strange way towards other humans except being wary of the human heart. Only natural suspicion based on how you see persons act and you guys react to that. I think humanity just doesn't like other races."

Hei continues to read the information on Beasts which still gives the normal outline of things which are general information. He then skips to a next section which is titled 'Special Class Beasts-Astral Beasts'.

"Astral Beasts are beasts which truly make the difference between regular beasts and superior Beasts. Astral Beasts are born with many laws naturally engraved in their very being and possess a superior bloodline."

"They furthermore possess strong astral spirits that are perfectly matched to their laws and overall characteristics. The bloodlines of these Beasts are on par with humanity's Heavenly Astral Bloodline from the Heavenly Astral Clans. Most of these beasts are easily able to shrink their bodies or revert to their usual size even when in beast form."

"They naturally possess perfectly human looking forms and are all extremely powerful naturally. While their instincts are increased and their ferocity, they possess extremely domineering combat prowess. In pure combat, an Astral Beast is superior to its human counterpart in cultivation level."

Hei nods faintly, "It seems beasts are very powerful. But what exactly is the difference between beasts humans raise and the Beast race?" Shu's voice filled with ancientness rings out calmly, "That is a matter of the heavenly dao Master. A regular 'beast' which humans raise are technically still animals but with astral energy."

"They are directly able to absorb the astral energy of the world similar to true Beast. However, they are born similar to animals where they possess only pure instincts and a desire to get stronger. The more astral essence they absorb, the stronger they become until they are actually able to comprehend laws and possibly gain the approval of the heavenly dao, giving them an astral spirit and astral bloodline."

"While humans look down on these 'beasts' in truth, it could be said they are the progenitors of the Beast race. This is because once these so called animals increase their strength; they can in truth become as strong as any naturally born genius."

"Therefore, any sensible Beast would in fact protect and raise these 'animals' in hope that their race becomes more powerful."

A look of shock and understanding appears in Hei's eyes. "That means…humanity is technically raising the progenitors of the Beast race…then hatred for humanity is but a simple way to put it. Beasts definitely have pure hatred which has slowly been engraved in their flesh and blood for humanity since we practically are using people like their ancestors as food and animals in general…"

Shu gently laughs as the leaves on his body can be heard whistling in an unknown wind, probably its natural aura of wisdom that causes this.

"Master, what I think you should do is simple. Use the inventory you have and raise some of those so called animals. Raise them to become your own friends. While others think that beasts are ferocious and animalistic, in truth, they are very true to their instincts and feelings."

"If they hate you, they will try to get rid of you no matter what and if they love you, they will sacrifice everything for you. Help them become more powerful and gain recognition of the heavenly dao so they can be granted a decent spirit and bloodline. You can raise them in here so no one will know because I suspect this is blasphemy in the human world."

Hei laughs a bit with a look of scheming. "Hehehe, if that's the case, then I shall create a few elite Beasts. Their bloodlines will become new to the world and their strength will scare every single being into subjugation. Let me take a look on the inventory and select a few. Instead of quantity, I will go with age and quality."

"With that, I can focus more on these persons so they can become much stronger faster. While I can't have all of them freed, I will strengthen a few to help save their own kind." A black tiger sits beside the ancient tree as it nods in appreciation. Both the tree and tiger both have similar thoughts of happiness and pride when they hear their young master referring to the 'animals' as 'people'.

Liu Hei changes his thoughts and searches for 'Inventory of Beasts' to find the current list of beasts and how many are present. Very long lists with many numbers appear which startles Hei a bit. "This many beasts are in the clan!? I can't possibly search through all of these. Shu, what age would be suitable to help raise the Beasts to eventually become stronger?"

"That would be anywhere between 1 and 9 years old." Hei nods as he updates his search to "1-9 year old beasts'. The number gets scaled down to a much simpler figure of 5234. This means that 5234 smaller beasts are actually between the ages of 1-9, merely children. "Hmmm, I am going to need to actually find a way to further reduce this number."

"I have a suggestion Master."

"Maybe you should search for animals which are fire and lightning based which can fly. Also, search for any dark or black animals…"

Hei once again filters the results and unfortunately only finds 3 single beasts that fit his criteria. "A Black Poison Crocodile only 3 years old, Flaming Pheasant that is 7 years old and Thunder Hawk that is 5 years old. I would prefer more but what can I do?"

"I do not even possess the ability to get pass some guards. Not sure how I will get to see my parents and grandparents. I will have to wait for them to come to me. I wonder if Senior Ye can help me get these animals though…He has authority to show me the list so he should be able to I dunno, issue out some animals…"

Shu has a slight laugh as he gives out, "Those 3 beasts are very good choices Master. If my guesses are correct, then you will not need to get any more than those 3. Hehehe, you are quite lucky Master. Quickly get them under your care before anything unknown happens."

Hei stops looking at the list of beasts in the clan as he gets up and rubs his hands together in excitement. He then slowly walks to the transportation. With a flick of his hand, a token appears into the hole for tokens. He selects the first floor and then enters. He once again returns to the entrance at the first floor of the library. He collects his token and puts it up carefully in his clothes.

Liu Hei walks out and stops at Senior Ye. As he is about to speak, Liu Ye says, "I assume you want to know if I can help you get beasts for you. This is due to you not being confident if the guards there will be the same as the ones at your grandfather's tower."

Hei looks on the simply dressed old man with an expression of shock. He slowly gives out a 'yes senior' with difficulty. "I can easily give you the ones you seek so as long as they are not extremely powerful beasts that could possibly easily hurt you."

He temporarily pauses then says with a voice filled with seriousness, "What I will say however is that you will need to get stronger quickly. Or else, your life could end without you knowing it. Many things are occurring in the shadows that not even the likes of your father and grandfather possess knowledge of."

Hei listens with complete focus and silence. A laugh filled with embarrassment escapes Liu Ye's mouth as he faces Hei with a gentle and simple appearance, completely contrasting the seriousness he just possessed. "This old one's monologue has got you all silent and focused. Please excuse this one's old habits hehehe."

Hei shakes his head and replies, "Since Senior Ye knows of my issues, then will Senior help me?" The old man nods and slowly gets up. "Name the ones you wish to receive. Remember, nothing too powerful and dangerous or else that would not be beneficial at all for you." Hei laughs a bit and says, "Just 3 flood dragons that are 100 years old."

Senior Ye takes a step back and stutters, "Wh…What? You can't be serious? You…you're joke…joking?! Did you hear what I was saying before?!" "Fine…fine…I will settle for some children then Senior Ye. Maybe…let's see…how about a Black Poison Crocodile, Thunder Hawk and a Flaming Pheasant?"

Senior Ye nods quickly, "Yes, those are more than acceptable! I will get them right now!" Liu Ye disappears quickly without hesitation in fear that this little Young Master randomly changes his mind and chooses beasts similar to flood dragons again. Hei laughs a bit, "Wow, he took that 'joke' very seriously."

A few minutes later, Liu Ye appears with a small bag in his hand. He hands it to Hei and says, "This is a Beast Bag. It has many divine inscriptions specially made to make a small storage area. Beast raisers generally use these to move around their beasts. Inside are the 3 animals you wanted."

He hands Hei another bag. "In this bag, there are many seeds for the birds and meat for the crocodile… this should be able to last you for a long time."

Hei calmly receives the bags like they are simply things he randomly wanted to play around with. "Thanks Senior Ye for the help. Now I can go play around with these. I will take my leave now…" Hei swaggers off like any Young Master who is going to play around with a few things of interests due to boredom."

Liu Ye thinks to himself, "This kid, he seems to want to play with those beasts. Poor beasts, they are going to have a seriously bad time if he really 'plays' with them. Wait a minute…this boy. Did he just play me? He randomly said Flood Dragons that are old and strong…But with his skills and shrewdness he displayed earlier today, he couldn't possibly be stupid enough to ask for them…that means…he only said them as a distraction to ask for what he really wanted! But why would he want those 3 animals?"

"They are all kids and are not even high leveled beasts…but still, getting played by a kid, this is something I never once experienced until now. The younger generation really improves and surpasses the older. Not even that little brat Tian would try that with me. Tsk tsk, I think his future will be bright."

A slightly red look of embarrassment appears on Liu Ye's face as he looks on Hei's back trailing off into the night. A slight but kind smile of pride and expectation appears on his face even though he was just played like a fool.

"I hope you will be the one to change things for the better or the clan's 9 million years of prosperity will be in jeopardy. Little Hei, hurry and get stronger…at least let this old one witness your glory before I pass on to the next world to meet our ancestors."