Xuan Ji met Xu Han

After immersing himself in the texts for several hours, Xu Han finally closed the book with a sense of accomplishment. He had gleaned valuable insights about controlling beasts, discovering that there were three distinct methods. The first was the Beast Taming skill, followed by the Soul Contract, and the last was the Spiritual Imprint.

The Beast Taming skill required cultivators to employ specific spells, talismans, or formations to establish a mental link with the beast. This connection allowed them to communicate with the creature and influence its actions.

In contrast, the Soul Contract involved forging a spiritual bond that granted the cultivator control over the beast's actions.

As for the Spiritual Imprint, it offered an enticing balance of ease and speed in learning. By forcefully implanting a portion of their spiritual essence into the beast, a cultivator could establish a connection that allowed them to guide and influence the creature.

Unfazed by the hours spent reading, Xu Han pondered, "Hmmm, so there are three methods. Although they may appear similar, each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks." His cultivation granted him a stamina that transcended fatigue.

He went on to analyze the Beast Taming skill, recognizing its complexity and time-consuming nature. "Learning the Beast Taming skill requires a considerable amount of time. Success seems to demand the sacrifice of numerous beasts for mastery. Despite my relatively swift comprehension ability, it's still projected to take me at least a month to tame a mere animal. It's comparable to traversing a distinct path, like the sword or illusion paths."

Xu Han's voice shifted as he addressed the Sect's lack of this skill, "It's unfortunate that our Sect lacks expertise in Beast Taming. These techniques are closely guarded by specialized Beast Taming Sects, who fear dilution of their power if their methods are widely known. Since they employ beasts as living weapons, widespread knowledge could lead to a reduction in their overall strength."

Transitioning to the Soul Contract method, Xu Han explained, " Soul Contract appears to be a more straightforward skill to acquire compared to Beast Taming. However, it hinges on the willingness of the beast to submit to the contract. Unfortunately, animals lack the cognitive capacity for consent, rendering this approach ineffective for them."

He then shifted his focus to the Spiritual Imprint, stating, "The Spiritual Imprint skill seems appealing in its simplicity and swiftness of attainment. Yet, there's a problem. The cultivator's power must surpass that of the beast for this method to work effectively."

"After weighing the options," Xu Han thought, "it seems that the Spiritual Imprint method aligns best with my current goal of animal control. It doesn't demand extensive training, and consent from the creature isn't required, a factor that animals lack. Also, our sect happens to have this technique within the Ninefold Pavilion. I suppose I'll head to the Ninefold Pavilion to obtain the Spiritual Imprint Skill," he concluded decisively.

…

Feeling mentally drained from his recent experience in the simulation, Xuan Ji decided to lighten his mood with a bit of wine. Leaving his courtyard, he hadn't walked far when he noticed someone approaching.

However, the problem was that, it was Xu Han whose rumors he had spread. Xuan Ji's mind raced, assuming that Xu Han was seeking revenge. Rumors in the restaurant had painted Xu Han as someone who avenged even trivial matters, and this made Xuan Ji tense up, ready for a potential confrontation.

As Xu Han neared, their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Xuan Ji felt a rush of cold fear, as if he had plunged into icy waters. His heart raced, and his back was soon damp with sweat. Yet, to his surprise, Xu Han merely glanced at him and continued on his way, not stopping for any altercation.

Once Xu Han had passed, Xuan Ji, who had been frozen in place, finally stirred. He questioned his own reaction, bewildered by the sudden wave of fear he had experienced. He pondered, "What was that? Why did his glance invoke such an intense and sudden fear within me? This was different from our previous encounter."

Continuing on his path, he debated with himself, "Could it be that he's surpassed me in strength? But that doesn't add up. My cultivation is at Body Tempering level 5, while he's at level 4. Even accounting for his ability to battle above his tier…" Xuan Ji's words trailed off, his mind grappling with the incongruence of the situation.

Yet, as he pondered, he began to reconcile his feelings. "No matter how I analyze it, launching an impromptu battle isn't wise," he acknowledged, the wisdom of his previous simulation-induced lessons sinking in. "Even if I were to win, my unease around him suggests a latent danger. He might exploit a vulnerable moment to strike. And defeating him would only paint me as a bully, given the disparity in our levels."

As he weighed his options, he reasoned, "Besides, he's not on my level to begin with. I have the advantage of the Celestial Simulator, which he lacks. I'll surely surpass him in no time."

With his own reasoning as his comfort, Xuan Ji continued his stroll towards the restaurant, leaving behind the encounter with Xu Han.

Xu Han would have been utterly speechless if he had known what Xuan Ji was thinking.

…

On the other hand, Xu Han did spot Xuan Ji, but he saw no reason to approach him. What could he possibly say? Could he say:

"Hey, by the way, the celestial simulator you're using was a gift from me"?