246-250

Chapter 246: 246.Are You Taking the Beast Tamer Examination?

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -

"Gave it... a good beating?"

Everyone present was stunned.

Hall Master Feng's lips twitched and he nearly fainted.

This is an ancient beast, and there might not a second one in the entire Xuanluo Mountain Range. Given its value, everyone would be vying to dote on it, yet... beating it up?

Furthermore, to tame a beast, a beast tamer has to cultivate feelings with it. Beating it up may encourage it to submit grudgingly, but as time goes by, all kinds of problems would surface.

But... if Zhang Xuan really used such rough methods to force the Ancient Lightning Cloud Beast to submit to Yun Tao, then why would it have a Loyalty Level of 40 toward Yun Tao?

There were those who forced savage beasts to submit to them, but even those who managed to establish a contract with their tamed beast could only attain a Loyalty Level of 31 or so at maximum.

A Loyalty Level of over 40 means that a tamed beast is truly willing to follow its master, without the slightest bit of doubt!

"Can it be that... ancient beasts have to be tamed in such a way?"

Hall Master Feng, Beast Tamer Lu, and Beast Tamer Wang stared at one another in deep contemplation.

There wasn't a precedent in which an ancient beast was tamed in this Beast Hall, and as such, no one knew how an ancient beast was supposed to be tamed. As such, everyone thought that to tame an ancient beast, one had to employ the same method as with other savage beasts; treat it with care and concern to befriend it before trying to tame it... Can the key to taming them truly be simple violence?

"This... Where is the Elder Zhang Xuan you speak of? Can we pay him a visit?"

Even after pondering, Hall Master Feng was unable to reach a comprehension. As such, he asked Yun Tao for Zhang Xuan's whereabouts.

From what he visualized, this elder Yun Tao spoke of was likely to be an esteemed beast tamer who has an in-depth knowledge about ancient beasts

"Pay him a visit? There's no need for it, Elder Zhang Xuan is here..."

Hearing Hall Master Feng's words, Yun Tao was stunned. Then, recovering from his daze, he pointed to Zhang Xuan as he spoke.

"He is... Elder Zhang Xuan?"

Hall Master Feng was astounded. He felt his vision turning gray.

No matter what, Yun Tao was twenty-seven years old and, not to mention, a prince of Hanwu Kingdom. Since he addressed the other party as an elder, the other party should at least be someone in his fifties and sixties. Yet... it was the fellow who just recognized the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow, a youngster who hadn't even reached his twenties...

"That's right. Elder may be young, but his ability in beast taming is incredible. Do you see that Gold Alloyed Panther beside him? It is savage beast that he just tamed, and it was less than ten minutes from the point he saw it before it was tamed."

Afraid that Hall Master Feng would disregard Zhang Xuan, Yun Tao hurriedly added in a praise for Zhang Xuan.

"Taming a Gold Alloyed Panther... in less than ten minutes?"

"Am I dreaming?"

"Even if you're spouting nonsense, you should have a limit. Even the most basic Inceptive Taming takes a minimum of three to five days. Yet, you said that he tamed it within ten minutes?"

"Why does it sound like a huge joke to me?"

...

Yun Tao didn't try to lower his voice at all. As such, everyone in the room heard his voice clearly. They stared at one another blankly.

Putting aside Mo Yu, Zhou Xuan, and the others, even their guards who had experience in beast taming knew how difficult it was to tame a savage beast.

One had to understand the other party's condition, habits, companion, likes and dislikes...

Only after getting familiar with all of these information can one formulate a plan to tame the savage beast. Furthermore, they have to do subtly so as to not incur the savage beast's displeasure... In all, if one includes the preparatory work one has to do beforehand, taming a savage beast should take a minimum of several months. Ten minutes... Who are you trying to deceive?

Not mentioning a Pixue realm savage beast, would a young puppy follow you home just after ten minutes?

Mo Yu xiaojie stared at the young man who has just rejected her in disbelief.

Taming a savage beast in ten minutes?

If it was true, then it was suicidal for her to challenge him to a beast taming competition!

To tame this Viridescent Eagle, she had spent a huge amount of time and prepared two months in advance...

"How did he manage to tame a Gold Alloyed Panther in such a short time? What kind of method did he use? Did he use a female companion to attract it? Or maybe he tackled its gluttony? The allure of power... Or did he resort to some other unique means?"

Beast Tamer Lu couldn't help but ask. He immediately pointed out over ten different ways of common beast taming methods

"That's not it. Those are the fundamental methods, and those methods are slow. I think he probably used multiple methods simultaneously. He first captured the attention of the other party in the shortest time possible before removing the guard of the savage beast bit by bit, increasing the intimacy between the duo swiftly...

Hall Master Feng said.

"However, it is impossible for him to employ so many different methods within just ten minutes. My conjecture is that it should be a single powerful method..." Beast Tamer Lu shook his head.

The two of them had dedicated their entire lives to the art of beast taming, and knowledge of beast taming had been ingrained directly into their soul. Upon hearing that someone had managed to successfully tame a savage beast within an extremely short period of time, their first question was the method the other party used to achieve the feat.

"Cough cough, Hall Master Feng, Beast Tamer Lu, Elder Zhang Xuan... didn't use any of those methods!"

Hearing their discussion slowly becoming more and more complex as various theories were dumped in to support their claims, Yun Tao couldn't help but stop them.

"He didn't use any of those methods? Could it be that... he used some new beast taming method?"

The duo's eyes lit up.

A new beast taming method was similar to the emergence of a new apothecary forging technique. It would create a huge uproar, and the creator would leave his name in history.

If there was truly a method to tame a Pixue realm savage beast in less than ten minutes, the art of beast taming would be revolutionized.

"It's not a new beast taming method, but..." Yun Tao scratched his head, as though he still found the fight he saw previously incredulous. "Elder Zhang Xuan pummeled this Gold Alloyed Panther, then... it submitted to him!"

"What?"

"Pummeled it?"

Hall Master Feng and the others were flabbergasted.

Zhang Xuan's actions of taming the ancient beast by beating it up could have been attributed to the difference in species, so his violent method might have worked. However... there were others had tamed Gold Alloyed Panthers before him, and it was a known fact that these panthers possess an arrogant personality. They rarely interact with others, and the best way to tame it was to attract it using a female companion...

Yet, it submitted right after receiving a beating?

"That's right. Actually, I intended to tame this Gold Alloyed Panther for the examination, but I underestimated its strength and nearly got killed. It was Elder Zhang Xuan who appeared and saved us. After elder pummeled that fellow, it submitted completely to him, initiating a contract on its own volition. In truth, elder had been unwilling to accept it. If not for my persuasion, he might have turned it down."

Yun Tao recounted.

"Submitting right after a pummeling? Furthermore, it's a Complete Submission, and it initiated a contract on its own volition?"

"The Gold Alloyed Panther offered to become his tamed beast, but he was unwilling to accept it..."

"Other people had to squander their fortune and serve a savage beast as though it was a king in order to tame it, but he only has to beat it up..."

...

Hearing those words, everyone staggered and nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

Especially for Zhou Xuan and Zhu Jinhuang. Their body trembled and they nearly passed out from astonishment.

In order to tame the savage beasts beside them, the kingdoms behind them had devoted great manpower and a massive fortune. Even so, they had only managed to achieve an Inceptive Taming, and the savage beast could possibly leave them at any moment. On the other hand, this fellow simply beat up the savage beast, and it immediately submitted to him...

When did beast taming become so simple?

"To be able to tame a savage beast just by beating up, as well as to recognize an ancient beast... Without a doubt, he's a genius beast tamer!"

Recovering from the shock, Beast Tamer Lu's eyes glowed in excitement.

"Right, is he... a beast tamer?"

Suddenly recalling something, Beast Tamer Wang asked.

Since the other party was able to tame savage beasts so easily, he should be a beast tamer. But if so, why wasn't there any records on him in the Beast Hall?

"He isn't one, he hasn't taken the examination yet! He is just an amateur who learned a little beast taming during his free time!" Yun Tao said.

Along their journey here, Yun Tao had already inquired if Elder Zhang Xuan had attempted any beast tamer examination.

There was a large group of talented personnel in the world who didn't take the examinations, but possessed exceptional talents.

"He hasn't taken the examination? Great, can you help me ask him if he's willing to become a beast tamer? As long as he's willing to, I will conduct an individual examination for him!"

Beast Tamer Feng hurriedly said.

With his incredible aptitude and means in beast taming, he would surely shine brightly when he becomes an official beast tamer. Perhaps, this Beast Hall branch might... become well-known because of his influence. More importantly, if he truly possesses the ability to tame a savage beast just by beating it up, then if he were to join that competition... he would surely be able to win first place!

Of course, in order to make sure of that, Hall Master Feng would conduct the examination personally.

"Take the beast tamer examination? I'll help you ask him..."

Yun Tao nodded his head. He walked over to Zhang Xuan and asked, "Elder, Hall Master Feng said that if you are willing to take the beast tamer examination, he will conduct an individual examination for you..."

"Forget it..."

After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Xuan rejected the offer.

The reason why Zhang Xuan was able to tame beasts was because of the Library of Heaven's Path. If he were to take the examination, his lack of knowledge would immediately be revealed.

However, that wasn't the aspect Zhang Xuan was the most concerned about. Regarding his lack of knowledge, he could easily solve it by going through the books in the Beast Hall. More importantly... the second phase of the beast tamer examination would take half a month by itself, not to mention the various tests he would have to undergo beforehand.

For the moment, the poison aura within his body was the topmost priority. He didn't want to waste any time here.

"This is a good opportunity, Hall Master Feng will be conducting the examination personally..."

Yun Tao didn't expect Zhang Xuan to reject the offer immediately. Thinking that this was too good an opportunity to let by, Yun Tao tried persuading him.

As long as he could impress Hall Master Feng, the Beast Hall would be willing to devote all kinds of resources to groom him. This was something that countless beast tamers dreamed about.

"I have urgent business to attend to, so I'll have to leave soon. Since you've already become a beast tamer, help me choose a good aerial savage beast. It doesn't matter to me whether I take the examination or not!" Zhang Xuan said.

"This..."

Confirming that the other party wasn't inclined to take the beast tamer examination, Yun Tao shook his head in disappointment, "Actually, for the beast tamer examination, you just have to find a suitable savage beast to tame. It doesn't necessarily have to take half a month to complete. Besides, as an official beast tamer, not only do you get to freely choose among the aerial savage beasts, you don't have to pay any fees or whatsoever for it as well. In fact, you are allowed to change mounts freely at any Beast Halls..."

"Don't have to pay any fees?"

Before Yun Tao could finish his words, the calm Zhang Xuan from a moment ago was currently standing in front of him with glowing eyes.

"That's right. Official beast tamers have privileges. 1-star beast tamers are exempted from the fees borrowing mounts below Zongshi realm, while 2-star beast tamers are exempted from the fees of borrowing mounts at Zongshi realm, and so on. The higher your rank as a beast tamer, the more privileges you enjoy..."

Yun Tao explained. However, halfway through, Elder Zhang Xuan looked at him with a serious expression, and with a determined tone, he said,

"The fee exemption or whatsoever is just a small matter, you need not say anymore! How does the beast tamer examination work..."

"Why don't... I try taking it on!"

.

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Chapter 247: Soul Depth Above 10?

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -

"Ah?"

Yun Tao couldn't react to the abrupt change before him.

Didn't he declare with determination that he wouldn't take the examination, just a moment ago? Why did he change his mind so quickly?

The moment he mentioned that there were exemptions of fees for riding aerial savage beasts, Zhang Xuan's attitude changed immediately...

Feeling overwhelmed, Yun Tao nearly choked on his saliva.

In his perspective, Elder Zhang Xuan, who was a powerful Zongshi who possessed incredible strength, shouldn't have any interest in material wealth. For his eyes to glow the moment he heard that it was free... Cough cough, wasn't he too materialistic?

"Fine then..."

It took him much effort before he managed to swallow the saliva stuck in his throat. He was about to say something when Mo Yu xiaojie turned over, and with her head raised proudly, glanced at Zhang Xuan in disdain.

"Try taking it on? Hmph, do you think that becoming a beast tamer is a joke? You just happened to succeed in taming two savage beasts, and you think that beast taming is easy? Let me tell you, just for the commonly seen savage beasts in the world, there are already more than tens of thousand of them. Not to mention, they have their own defining characteristic, personality, habits, and other numerous other traits. Without at least a year of effort, it is impossible for you to remember them all!"

Mo Yu was still infuriated by how that fellow rejected her challenge. Upon hearing his arrogant words, she struck back immediately.

What do you mean by "try" taking it on...

Beast taming is one of the top occupations among the Upper Nine Paths. The difficulty of becoming an official beast tamer is not any lower than that of becoming an apothecary.

Do you think that this is a joke? Do you think that you can pass the examination just because you tamed two savage beasts by luck?

It is just like one wanting to become a physician just because he happened by accident to formulate a medicine which is useful toward an illness.

Dream on!

Every single occupation has its own depth and complexity. It is impossible for one to become proficient in an occupation within just a day or two.

This is especially true for beast taming. You might be able to tame savage beasts weaker than you through brute force. However, what about those with higher cultivation than you?

If you dare to disrespect them, they would destroy you in an instant.

Despite knowing nothing about the characteristics of the savage beasts, you said that you want to take on the beast tamer examination. If this isn't being arrogant, what else can it be?

"Mo Yu xiaojie, there's no need to get mad at such a haughty and ignorant person! He just happened to know the name of the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow and tamed a Gold Alloyed Panther by luck, and he thinks that the world revolves around him. Given how he knows nothing about beast taming, his ignorance will surely be revealed the moment he takes the examination!"

Zhu Jinhuang stepped forward.

Beast taming is a profound art. Even if one is talented, he would require at least several years to learn the fundamentals. This fellow is definitely not an apprentice beast tamer, and from the looks of it, he hasn't really learned much about beast taming either. With those subpar skills, he wishes to take on the beast tamer examination?

"He is just a conceited fellow. A beast tamer must know more than taming savage beasts. More importantly, one has to understand the savage beasts from head to toe. All he did was to coerce savage beasts to submit through brute force, and he thinks that he is a beast tamer already. What a joke! If that's the case, anyone can become a beast tamer!"

Zhou Xuan sneered.

The two of them were hostile toward Yun Tao. Naturally, they hoped that those around him wouldn't be able to pass the examination. Besides, that fellow had just snubbed Mo Yu xiaojie, and speaking up for her now could possibly win them some brownie points.

"Since I just happened to tame two savage beasts and know nothing at all... then Mo Yu xiaojie, why do you want to compete with me and learn how I won the favor of the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow?"

Couldn't be bothered with Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan, Zhang Xuan turned to the beautiful figure and spoke impassively.

"You..."

Mo Yu's body stiffened and her face turned red.

Given her noble standing, others usually maintained an attitude of utmost respect when speaking to her. Never had anyone dared to speak to her in such a manner. Hearing Zhang Xuan's words, she felt so furious that her words jammed in her throat.

"Lad, do you know who you're talking to? You arrogant fellow..."

"Hurry up and apologize. It is your honor to be criticized by Mo Yu xiaojie. How can you be so audacious so as to refute her words..."

Seeing how the fellow insulted their goddess, Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan felt greatly displeased. They bellowed at him immediately, but before they could finish their words, Mo Yu's expression darkened.

"Shut up! No one will take you for a mute if you don't speak!"

"Xiaojie..." Taken aback by her sudden outburst, the two of them went silent.

They were speaking up for her, yet they ended up being yelled at instead.

In any case, they knew that they had accidentally triggered Mo Yu's ire with their fawning, thus they decided not to speak anymore.

"It's this fellow's fault. I'll see how he make a fool of himself later on!"

The more they thought about it, the more furious they became. Not daring to vent their anger on their goddess, they chose to divert it all toward Zhang Xuan. As such, the more they looked at him, the more of an eyesore he became to them.

Couldn't be bothered to deal with these three fellows, Zhang Xuan followed behind Yun Tao as he walked toward Hall Master Feng.

"Hall Master Feng, Elder Zhang Xuan has agreed to take the beast tamer examination. So... when can the examination begin?" Yun Tao asked excitedly.

He had completely confidence in this Elder Zhang Xuan.

Other people had to go through all sorts of hardship to tame a savage beast, but he was able to achieve the same feat just by beating it up. Not to mention, he was able to raise their cultivation easily. Even if it were Hall Master Feng, Yun Tao didn't believe that he was capable of doing the same.

Since he is a person of such great means, how can he possibly fail a mere beast tamer examination?

"We can start now. I heard that you haven't participated in any examination before, and you aren't even an apprentice beast tamer. Is that true?" Hall Master Feng glanced at Zhang Xuan.

"That's right!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

"Since you are able to tame a Pixue realm savage beast and recognize the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow, this shows that you have an in-depth knowledge of beast taming. As such, I'll skip the apprentice beast tamer examination."

Hall Master Feng said.

The main purpose of the apprentice examination was to test the foundation of a person in the certain occupation. Since Zhang Xuan was able to recognize the Ancient Cloud Lightning Sparrow while the others weren't able to, Zhang Xuan was likely to be someone who has a solid foundation in beast taming. Thus, to have him take the apprentice examination would be both troublesome and pointless.

Of course, if he were to know that Zhang Xuan didn't know anything about beast taming, he wouldn't be thinking the same.

"However, it would be hard to test your understanding of savage beasts without the apprentice examination. Since that's the case, I will remove the first phase of the beast tamer examination and, instead, add in a theoretical component to the apprentice examination."

The apprentice examination consisted of a theoretical examination and a savage beast discernment test.

On the other hand, the beast tamer examination consisted of receiving the acknowledgement of a savage beast and taming a savage beast.

Since Zhang Xuan was able to recognize a rare savage beast like the Ancient Cloud Lightning Sparrow, it could only mean that he was extremely knowledgeable in the different types of savage beasts. As such, the test on discerning savage beasts would be a complete waste of time. Also, for a person who had successfully tamed a savage beast, there was no purpose in getting him to earn the acknowledgement of a savage beast.

Thus, Hall Master Feng contemplated for a moment and decided to change the format of the examination.

"The first phase will be a theoretical examination, which will be presented in the form of a written paper. After you pass the first phase, you will have to tame a savage beast which is stronger than you! I'll be impartial in the judgement, and as long as you pass the two phases, you will be an official 1-star beast tamer."

"Alright!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Yun Tao had told him about the beast tamer examination beforehand and it was around the same as what Hall Master Feng has said. He didn't intentionally make things difficult for Zhang Xuan.

Upon seeing him agree to it, Hall Master Feng smiled. "Alright then, I will prepare the written paper now. It's a pass if you can answer all of the questions correctly!"

"Wait a moment, do you have any books on beast taming here? Can I browse through them?"

Zhang Xuan asked.

"You wish to browse through books?"

Hall Master Feng and the others stared at one another in confusion.

Why would you look at books now?

"The library over there is full of books on beast taming. Usually, only apprentice beast tamers are allowed to browse through them, but I can give you special permission to look through them now if you want. But to browse through them now..."

Hall Master Feng felt perplexed. Even though he didn't finish his final sentence, everyone knew what he was trying to say.

There are at least hundreds of thousand of books on beast taming. Isn't it a little too late to do some cramming now? It is just like looking for a wife only when one wants to have a child. Your way of doing things is unbelievable!

"Oh, it's a habit of mine. Before major events, I tend to feel a little anxious and would have to browse through books to adjust my state of mind. Thus, I will have to trouble Hall Master Feng for this matter!"

Zhang Xuan replied his doubts casually.

He used the same reason at Master Lu Chen's residence back then, and the result wasn't too bad. Thus, he decided to use it once more.

"Is that so... Alright, the library is over there. You can head there directly!"

Hall Master Feng was unsuspecting and pointed toward the door.

"Much thanks!"

Zhang Xuan nodded before heading forward with widened strides.

It would be impossible for him to pass the beast taming examination without reading up on it. However, given that he now has access to the library, as long as he copies all of the books there into the Library of Heaven's Path, the rest would be a piece of cake.

"This fellow..."

Upon seeing Zhang laoshi agree to go ahead with the beast tamer examination, Shen Bi Ru's eyelids twitched. She could feel blood welling up in her mouth, threatening to spurt out at any moment.

Isn't this way too daring!

It wasn't that she didn't believe in the other party, just that... along the way, he had shown his lack of knowledge in the field of beast taming time and again. In fact, it was just a moment ago that he asked her what the 'Beast Forest' was...

You don't even know the Beast Forest, yet you dare to challenge the beast tamer examination?

More importantly...

The other party would be bringing in the papers in a moment, but you're only going to start reading up now?

The heck you are up to?

"Un? Wait a moment... The last time he was at the Compendium Pavilion in the academy, he was also flipping through the books randomly. Could it be that..."

Suddenly, Shen Bi Ru recalled the sight when the two of them was in the Compendium Pavilion.

This Zhang laoshi was flipping through the books randomly. She thought that he was doing it intentionally to attract her attention, but only after that did she realize that she had been overthinking it. The other party wasn't just flipping through the books randomly. He was actually remembering the contents of the books.

To remember contents of the books just by flipping through them haphazardly...

Can it be that Zhang laoshi really knows nothing about beast taming, and that his purpose of browsing through the books is to... learn?

"This... How can this be? After becoming a teacher at Hongtian Academy, he probably visited the Compendium Pavilion often to read through those books. After all, even 3-star master teachers who possess photographic memory can't possibly learn the contents of that much books within such a short period of time!"

Finding her conjecture ridiculous, Shen Bi Ru dumped it aside immediately.

It is said that if one who possesses the State of Insight of Heart of Tranquil Water has a Soul Depth of 10 and above, he would gain photographic memory. Then, the moment he flips through a book, he would be able to remember the content clearly until his death.

This is precisely the reason why the more incredible master teachers are able to immerse themselves in so many occupations and remember a vast amount of knowledge.

However... Assuming that Zhang laoshi really possesses a Soul Depth exceeding 10, flipping through the pages of that hundreds of thousand of books one by one would still take several months!

"Can it... can it be?"

Another thought appeared in Shen Bi Ru's mind and her body shuddered involuntarily.

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Chapter 248: He Is Running!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -

"This is impossible..."

The moment the thought appeared in her mind, Shen Bi Ru shook her head vigorously.

She had once read on an ancient manual that in the Upper Nine Paths, other than the commonly seen occupations such as blacksmith, apothecary, and formation master, there was another mysterious occupation, seer.

Seers are skilled in divination. Using special methods, they are able to foresee the events that would happen in the near future and then make preparations for it in advance.

If Zhang Xuan were a seer, it would have been completely possible for him to know the questions in advance and flip through the corresponding books to memorize the correct answers. But if so, he didn't need to browse through all of the books in the library.

Could it be that Zhang laoshi possess talents in this mysterious occupation? If that was the case, that explained why Zhang Xuan was able to answer her questions outside the Compendium Pavilion perfectly back then.

That also explained why he knew that Yun Tao's formation couldn't confine the Gold Alloyed Panther... Now that she thought of it, this might really be the case!

Just that...

This occupation exists only in the legends. According to the ratio stated in the books, out of billions of cultivators, there might not even be a single seer. Given the absurd rarity of the occupation, nearly no one has ever seen a seer.

If Zhang Xuan possessed such abilities, he could have avoided scoring a zero in his Teacher Qualification Examination, and he wouldn't have suffered so much afterward either.

Besides, divination only allows one to foresee the rough outline of affairs that is about to happen. It is impossible to peer into the specific questions of the examinations and make preparations for them beforehand!

Shen Bi Ru's eyebrows knitted tightly together as she mused over the matter. The more she thought about it, the more confused she became.

She thought that she knew this Zhang laoshi well, but from the looks of it, all she had seen was just the tip of the glacier.

After deriving nothing at all after a long period of contemplation, her curiosity toward Zhang laoshi grew.

At this moment, she finally understood why Han Qiong said she wasn't worthy of the other party. While she was beautiful and possessed quite some talent, Zhang Xuan was simply out of her league.

As her thoughts were wandering around the place, Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan were staring at Zhang Xuan's back with widened eyes.

"This fellow... Is he mad? To only start reading right before the examination?"

"There must be something wrong with his head. What use is there to browse through books now?"

The two of them muttered as they sneaked glances toward Mo Yu. There were deep creases on her forehead, and it was a mystery to them what she was thinking about.

They were about to walk up to fawn on her when their goddess turned around and walked in the library's direction.

"Mo Yu xiaojie..." The duo hurriedly followed behind her.

"Stay here! I will break the legs of whoever who follows me!"

Harrumphing coldly, Mo Yu turned around and headed straight for the library.

"Damn it, damn it!"

Hearing Princess Mo Yu berate the two of them because of a fellow she had just met, Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan's faces reddened in anger.

But before their rage could burn for long, Mo Yu xiaojie returned to the examination hall. She was muttering something beneath her breath, and there was a bizarre expression on her face.

The two of them stared at one another in confusion. They were curious about what she was saying, but fearful of angering the other party, they could only remain where they were and scratch their heads in frustration.

After a short period, they finally came to the limit of their patience. Zhu Jinhuang beckoned a guard over and whispered into his ear.

The guard then circled around the room and appeared behind Mo Yu. After listening in to her words for a moment, he returned with an equally bizarre expression.

"What did Princess Mo Yu say?"

Upon the guard's return, the duo asked anxiously.

"She... kept saying flipping through books, flipping through books, flipping through books... As for her other words, I didn't manage to catch them!"

The guard scratched his head.

"Flipping through books?"

Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan stared at one another. They could see bewilderment in each other's faces, and at the same time, a thought appeared in their minds...

Can it be that... their goddess has gone insane?

...

Oblivious to the fact that the goddess of the duo was in a frenzy because of him, Zhang Xuan was, at the moment, engaged the action which Mo Yu kept mumbling about, flipping through books.

He thought that there would at most be tens of thousand of books on beast taming here. However, upon walking into the library, he realized how childish his thoughts were. Looking at the dense congregation of books around him, there was surely no less than several hundred thousand books.

Even though it wasn't as large as Tianxuan Kingdom's Book Collection Vault, it wasn't far from it.

If he were to use his usual method, several days would have passed before he could manage to flip through them all.

He thought that the beast tamer examination would be easy, and that he would be able to finish it swiftly. If he were to spend several days flipping through books, even if he doesn't go mad, Hall Master Feng and the others waiting outside would go mad.

Usually, people only spend a maximum of four hours to adjust their state of mind for examinations. If he were to take several days at a single go and emerge with bloodshot eyes, everyone would realise that something is amiss.

"But if I don't flip through all of these books, the Library of Heaven's Path won't be able to compile a corresponding book. If the knowledge within that book which I missed out were to be tested, I will fail the examination..."

Zhang Xuan frowned. "If so, I wouldn't be able to enjoy the free rental that beast tamers enjoy..."

Even though Zhang Xuan possessed over ten million gold coins in his storage ring, he had already cultivated frugal habits as a result of being an average librarian in his previous life... If he has the chance to save money, he would definitely seize it!

This was no longer a matter of money, but principles!

"The Library of Heaven's Path allows me to view the information and flaws of an object just by touching it. If I were to touch this bookshelf... Will the content of the books on it appear as well?"

Going by his usual pace, it would be impossible for him to finish flipping through so many books within a few hours. Thus, he had to look for another method. With a deep frown on his forehead, an idea suddenly appeared in his head.

With a touch of his finger, he was able to compile a book on any objects, unconscious people, and unconscious savage beasts.

Since these books were placed on a bookshelf, was it possible for all of the content of the books to appear in the Library of Heaven's Path just by touching the bookshelf?

"I should give it a try!"

Zhang Xuan walked up to a bookshelf, touched the bookshelf, and mentally echoed 'flaws'.

Hu!

The library jolted and a book appeared. Flipping it open, Zhang Xuan's body swayed and he nearly vomited blood.

Written in the book is: Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall 3rd row bookshelf. Crafted by a 1-mo craftsman using camphor wood. It has 37 years of...

"This is not what I want..."

Zhang Xuan nearly burst into tears.

Clearly, only when an object comes into direct contact in his hands would information and flaws be generated. There were no shortcuts around it.

"Un? That's not right. If information is generated when an object comes in contact with my fingers, then... even if I don't flip through these books, just by touching it, a corresponding book should be compiled as well, right?"

Before long, another thought popped into Zhang Xuan's mind.

The duration of contact didn't matter. As long as Zhang Xuan willed for the flaws of an object to be shown, a book would be compiled. If so, it should be possible for Zhang Xuan to compile corresponding books just by brief contact.

"I should try it out..."

Zhang Xuan walked over to a pile of books and, yelling 'flaws' in his head, his fingers slid past over them.

Huhuhu!

Zhang Xuan was still considering whether its usefulness when the library jolted, a pile of new books appearing in his consciousness.

"It works?"

Zhang Xuan's face reddened in agitation. He flipped open the compiled book quickly, and verified that the content of the original book was imprinted perfectly on it along with the various flaws.

"It's workable!"

Crying tears of happiness, Zhang Xuan carried out several more tries more in order to confirm the situation.

As long as he willed for flaws to appear, he would be able to duplicate the books his fingers slid past in the Library of Heaven's Path.

This was more than a hundred times faster than flipping through the books.

Zhang Xuan was able to flip through more than a dozen books at once, but retrieving and returning the books from and to the shelves consumed much of his time. Now that Zhang Xuan had confirmed that he could duplicate a book just by touching it, he could slide his fingers over the books without even moving the books from their original positions. As such, he was able to compile an entire shelf of books in less than a minute.

However, due to the rapid pace of collecting the books, the intense tremor in the library would cause Zhang Xuan's head to hurt. He was therefore unable to compile all of the books at a single go. Usually, after duplicating the books on several shelves, he would have to take a rest.

Even so, his speed was much faster than before.

At his current pace, he would only need around two hours to finish duplicating all of the books present.

"Let's go!"

Zhang Xuan was delighted at finding an efficient way in collecting books. As he mentally yelled 'flaws', he ran alongside the shelves as his fingers slid on the books.

After finishing a row, he would double check the books in the Library of Heaven's Path to see if he had missed out any. If so, he would return to add it in.

As he collected more and more books, Zhang Xuan's understanding toward beast taming increased swiftly.

...

"Hall Master Feng, are you done preparing the papers?"

In the room, Beast Tamer Lu and Beast Tamer Wang, upon seeing Hall Master Feng walk over, turned to look at him.

"Un!" Hall Master Feng nodded his head. "Characteristics of hundreds of savage beasts are tested in this examination, and I hadn't gone easy on him at all. If he can answer all of these questions accurately, then his proficiency in beast taming is truly incredible."

"Since he is able to identify the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow, he should be well-versed in the knowledge of savage beasts. I think that there's a high probability of him passing the examination." Beast Tamer Lu said.

"Indeed. Our Beast Hall often ranks among the last in the competition because of our remote location and lack of talents. If a genius were to appear in our Beast Hall and win the competition, we might be able to successfully advance to become a 3-star beast tamer as part of the rewards!"

Hall Master Feng's eyes glowed in excitement.

"That's right. But we shouldn't rush the matter, let's wait for the results of the examination first!" Beast Tamer Wang said. "Honestly speaking, I think that Yun Tao had exaggerated his achievements. I find it hard to believe that a person can tame a Pixue realm savage beast within ten minutes!"

"I also find it hard to believe, but I've questioned Yun Tao's subordinates as well. All of their replies are the same, and they don't seem to be lying. Even if he isn't as amazing as Yun Tao put him out to be, he probably isn't too far from it."

Beast Tamer Lu replied.

"No matter what, this is an opportunity. If he disappoints us, we will just have to continue looking for another candidate. Ah right, is Zhang Xuan still browsing through books in the library?"

At this moment, Hall Master Feng suddenly noticed Zhang Xuan's absence and frowned.

"He isn't out yet!" Beast Tamer Lu nodded.

"Xiao Zhu, you take a look!"

Hall Master Feng commanded.

Xiao Zhu was an apprentice which was currently learning beast taming under him. Hearing his commands, Xiao Zhu rushed into the library. Then a moment later, he returned with a flushed face. He opened his mouth to speak, only to close it hesitantly.

"Why? Is he still browsing through books?"

Upon seeing the expression on his apprentice, Hall Master Feng frowned in confusion. For his usually calm apprentice to behave in such a manner, what could have happened?

"That's not it..."

With an awkward expression, Xiao Zhu said, "H-he is in the library... running!"

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Chapter 249: Discourse

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Running?"

"Running inside the library?"

Hall Master Feng and the others questioned immediately if they had heard wrongly. They turned to look at Xiao Zhu with a perplexed expression.

If you say that he is browsing through books or meditating in the library, I will be able to accept it. But running...

Hall Master Feng blinked, "Could you have seen wrongly?"

The library is full of bookshelves, it wouldn't be convenient to run in there!

More importantly, since he was able to beat up a Pixue realm savage beast, his cultivation realm should be rather high as well. How fast does he have to run for it to be of any use to his cultivation?

"Could it be related to some beast taming methods? Maybe it is about catching up to some savage beasts?"

Beast Tamer Wang asked doubtfully.

"He... isn't running quickly but merely at the pace of an ordinary human. Also, he seemed to be mumbling something while running around. However, as he is too far away, I couldn't really make out what he was saying."

Xiao Zhu said in embarrassment.

He didn't feel comfortable speaking about what he had seen just now, fearful that someone might take him for a lunatic.

For a person who went to the library to adjust his state of mind to be running about while mumbling something... No one would ever think of it to be possible.

"Running, mumbling?"

This time, the three beast tamers were truly baffled.

They thought so hard that they were about to claw out their head, but even so, they were unable to understand... what in world has running got to do with adjusting his state of mind!

Honestly speaking, the first idea that would pop into anyone's mind upon hearing about the other party's actions is... wrecking havoc!

If he isn't trying to wreck havoc, then what? Who in the world adjusts his state of mind like that?

Furthermore, to do it in the library....

Given how big the examination hall is, do you think that there isn't any space for you to run here? Besides, if you find this space small, there is a savage beast activity site which is several kilometers long. You won't be able to reach the other end even if you were to do somersaults for half an hour straight...

"No, I should go in to take a look. There are too many precious manuals in the library. I can't allow them to get damaged because of him!"

After pondering of a moment, Hall Master Feng thought that he couldn't let this matter be.

Given how the other party was running about in the room, he was likely to not be in his right mind. If he were to suddenly set the library ablaze, it would be too late for tears then.

He mustn't allow such a thing to happen!

With a grim expression, he walked straight toward the library. But at that moment, a young man walked over, his face full of fatigue.

Zhang Xuan.

The current Zhang Xuan was completely different from how he was an hour ago. Regardless of whether his mental state or his physical body, he appeared clearly worn out. It seemed as though he had just undergone a torturous training, and that the energy in his body had been sapped dry.

"Are you alright?"

Hall Master Feng couldn't help but approach him.

When others adjust their state of mind, they would enter their peak condition. On the other hand, this fellow seemed as if he had spent an entire night engaging in physical exercise. Are you sure you are adjusting your state of mind, not wearing your mind out?

"Oh, I'm alright. Is the paper ready? Let's begin!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Even though he had managed to imprint all of the books in the library into the Library of Heaven's Path swiftly through the new method he discovered, due to the excessive amount of content inserted within a short period of time, the reverberation on his head was too great, causing him to become slightly faint-headed.

At this moment, he felt as though he hadn't slept for five days. He was fatigued from head to toe.

"So... do you want to start now?"

Seeing that the other party was having trouble opening his eyes, Hall Master Feng couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

"Fine then. Let's go over there, the Record Crystal is out of range here." Hall Master Feng nodded.

Regardless of whether it was for the apothecary examination or the beast tamer examination, for the sake of fairness, a Record Crystal would be used to record the entire process, such that those who doubt the impartiality of the examination could check on it.

Soon, they arrived at the center of the room where the Record Crystal was located. Hall Master Feng and the other two beast tamers sat down.

Upon seeing them sitting down, everyone knew what was going to happen. They immediately burst into discussions.

"The examination is about to start!"

"Right! He is skipping the apprentice examination and going straight for the beast tamer examination. This is the privilege given only to the topmost geniuses. Even Mo Yu xiaojie didn't enjoy such a benefit. I would like to see if the fellow would dare to remain in this place once he fails!"

"He just happened to tame a few savage beasts by luck, do you think he possesses true capabilities? I think that he will fail for sure!"

"The first test assesses his theoretical knowledge. Without several years of study, it is impossible for one to remember the countless savage beasts in the world and their characteristics. Back then, in order to remember them all, our prince made to read through the books everyday. This fellow isn't even twenty. Even if he were to start studying from his mother's womb, how much content can he remember?"

"He is trying to attract attention. I doubt that he has any true ability..."

...

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was about to take the examination, everyone immediately crowded over, and many of their gazes were filled with derision.

It has been long since someone had skipped the apprentice examination and gone straight for the beast tamer examination. Green with envy, most of them hoped that Zhang Xuan would fail.

This was especially so for Zhou Xuan and Zhu Jinhuang. Due to their relationship with Yun Tao and Mo Yu xiaojie, they were filled with hatred for this fellow. They would love it if Zhang Xuan were to make a mockery of himself.

If the other party were unable to even pass the theoretical examination, becoming a beast tamer... would be nothing but a dream!

Amidst the commotion, Mo Yu was also brought back to reality. She stepped forward and glanced at the young man coldly.

With just a single glance, her eyebrows shot up.

What is wrong with this fellow?

Just a moment ago, he was flipping through books spiritedly. But now... Why does he seem as though he had been sucked dry?

The others could tell that something was amiss with Zhang Xuan as well. Shen Bi Ru exchanged glances with Yun Tao, and deep creases appeared on their foreheads.

"Zhang laoshi, are you alright?"

"I'm fine!" Zhang Xuan nodded. "It's just that I'm a little exhausted!"

To duplicate that huge collection of book in less than two hours into the Library of Heaven's Path took up a lot of his energy. Not only did he have to keep willing for 'flaws' to appear, the tremor in his mind whenever a book was compiled took a toll on him. It would be truly weird if he were to appear spirited instead.

In his current condition, it was a wonder that he could still remain standing.

"Elder, if you aren't feeling well, why don't we rest for a bit and take the examination tomorrow?" Yun Tao asked.

The person before him was potentially a Zongshi realm expert. What in the world did he go through for him to be so exhausted?

"It's no problem..."

Knowing that they were simply expressing their concern, Zhang Xuan was about to reject them politely when a cold sneer echoed.

"I think he is intentionally feigning it. Maybe his actual intention of heading into the library is to read up on the beast taming books, and upon realizing the difficulty of the examination, he decided to feign weakness to avoid the examination!"

The one who spoke was Zhu Jinhuang.

There was blatant contempt in his eyes, and it seemed as though he was resolute to uncover a fraud's disguise.

"There must be the case! How is it possible to become so withered after reading just a few books? Pardon me for my ignorance, but this is my first time hearing of such a thing!" Zhou Xuan took this opportunity to get back at Zhang Xuan.

"This..."

"Now that they spoke of it, it does seem possible."

"He was probably confident until he started flipping through the books and realized how profound the art of beast taming is. Fearful, but not wanting to disgrace himself, he decided to come up with an excuse..."

"That must be the case..."

Most of the crowd thought that the words of the duo were logical and agreed with their view.

If that's not the case, how can a simple trip to adjust his mental state result in him returning as though he was on the verge of death?

He seemed so exhausted that it was as if he could collapse at any moment...

It is impossible for someone to become so tired just by reading books... Since this situation can't be explained, only a single possibility is left. He is feigning it.

"There's no need for it. We can start now!"

Hearing the doubts and discussions in the surrounding, Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"This is the paper that I just came up with. You have an hour to complete it, and you will pass the examination if you score full marks. You may start now!"

Seeing him persist, Hall Master Feng decided to say nothing. Instead, he passed a huge stack of paper to Zhang Xuan.

Just like the written paper in the apprentice apothecary examination, it was dozens of pages thick. It would take a long time just to write an answer to every single question, not to mention the effort required to think through every question carefully in order to ensure that the answers are correct.

Zhang Xuan lowered his head to glance at the papers, only to see all kinds of questions on the fundamental knowledge of beast taming on it. The questions covered all aspects of beast taming, and without sufficient knowledge, one might not even understand the questions.

"Alright, you can begin answering. The time starts now!"

Seeing Zhang Xuan receive the papers, Hall Master Feng gestured grandly and said.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan placed the papers on the desk and picked up a brush. He was about to begin answering when he felt his head ring. His entire hand seemed to be trembling uncontrollably.

The rapid pace at which he duplicated the books into the Library of Heaven's Path had really taken a toll on him. Due to his insufficient cultivation, not only was he drained mentally, his body took a huge toll as well.

It would probably take at least an hour of rest before he can recover.

But he didn't have the time for it now.

If he were to rest for an hour, it would be impossible for him to finish that thick stack of papers. Even with the assistance of the Library of Heaven's Path, it was an impossible feat.

As long as he were to answer a question wrongly, he would fail the beast tamer examination. Failing and embarrassing himself was a small matter. More importantly... He would be unable to enjoy the privilege of a free ride. That was something he couldn't tolerate.

"Look, he seems to be so tired that he can't even hold the brush!"

"Hehe, do you believe that a cultivator whose cultivation exceeds Pixue realm can be so tired as to be unable to hold a brush? It must be an act!"

"That must be the case! He must have seen the questions and felt that it is beyond him. That's why he chose to feign weakness... Honestly speaking, this is the kind of people that I despise the most!"

"Who doesn't despise such people?"

Seeing how Zhang Xuan's fingers were trembling to the point where he was unable to grip his brush properly, everyone harrumphed coldly.

Hall Master Feng, Beast Tamer Lu, and the others stared at one another doubtfully.

Can that really be the case?

But it isn't logical for Zhang Xuan to be so exhausted just by running about the library!

"Zhang Xuan, if you feel that you aren't in a condition to answer the questions, I can allow you to rest for a day and start tomorrow."

After confirming visually that the fellow before him was to be in a bad state to answer the paper, Hall Master Feng couldn't stand it further and said.

Sighing, with trembling hands, Zhang Xuan placed the brush down.

The other party was right. Even if he were to force himself to write, his words would likely be illegible given his current condition.

More importantly... His speed wouldn't be sufficient. It was likely that he would have to stop to rest after writing a few lines. It was impossible for him to finish the paper like that.

If Zhang Xuan wanted to pass the examination without wasting a day resting here... There was only one last option!

Sighing, Zhang Xuan lifted his head and looked forward.

"Hall Master Feng, the two beast tamers, I am not in a condition to hold a brush. Can I opt for a discourse instead?"

"Discourse?"

The three beast tamers stood up in astonishment. Disbelief was reflected in their eyes.

"Wha-What did you say? You wish to take on the most difficult form of the theoretical examination... discourse?"

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Chapter 250: Can You Lend Me Your Tamed Beast?

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -

Discourse is the most difficult mode of assessment in the beast tamer theoretical examination.

Instead of answering using a brush, one answered by speaking with his mouth.

When answering through writing, one is free to contemplate over the question for as long as they wish. Even if they were to write wrongly, they are able to change their answers. However, a discourse is not like that.

The examinees aren't given thinking time or an opportunity to change their answers. The moment it starts, the examinee will have to answer all questions correctly. If he were to spout a single erroneous word, it would mean his failure.

This examination model is similar to the Pill Debate of the Apothecary Guild. It is specially prepared for master teachers so as to reduce the time required for the examination. At the same time, it assesses how well-versed one was in the knowledge of beast taming, as well as how fast one can access that knowledge.

A normal written theoretical examination takes two hours while a discourse is only an hour long.

Even so, the difficulty of a discourse is way higher than that of a written paper. It has high demands on a person's reaction speed and their grasp on their knowledge. Virtually no one dares to take it on, and there is no need for them to do so too. As such, for the past thousand years since this branch's founding, no one had ever taken up the challenge.

Hall Master Feng and the others didn't expect that this fellow, who seemed as though he would collapse at any moment, would choose to challenge the beast tamer examination in this format!

"Yes!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

"You should think it through. You aren't allowed thinking time during a discourse, and the moment you make a mistake, you will be disqualified..." Hall Master Feng advised.

"I understand, but I'm really too tired to use a brush. Thus, I can only opt for this method!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Since you insist, let's start then!" Seeing the determination in Zhang Xuan's eyes, Hall Master Feng decided to follow his wishes. Thus, he stepped forward, retrieved the examination papers, and looked at Zhang Xuan. "Tell me about the defining characteristics of Gold Armored Steel Fang Beast!"

"The Gold Armored Steel Fang Beast is a Pixue realm savage beast whose entire body is covered by golden scales, providing it with powerful defensive ability. It usually dwells in the marshlands or near mountain streams, feeding on Green Bamboo Grass which grows around that area. Also, it is nocturnal... This is what Senior Hu Yao mentions as in "Stratagem to Beast Taming". In the "Encyclopedia on Gold Armored Steel Fang Beast" written by Beast Tamer Bai Zhen, his descriptions of the savage beast are slightly different from Senior Hu Yao. Based on his observations, the Gold Armored Steel Fang Beast prefers cooling places. As such, it often lives in shadowy places where the sun doesn't reach..."

"Thirty years ago, numerous outstanding seniors of the Beast Hall gathered the theories of all of the predecessors and after many years of research, they realized that the Gold Armored Steel Fang Beasts spoken of weren't of the same species. There is a total of three different species, namely the Marsh Steel Fang Beast which resides in the marshlands, the Mountain Steel Fang Beast which lives near mountain streams, and the Shadow Steel Fang Beast which dwells in the colder regions."

"There are clear differences between these three Steel Fang Beasts. Firstly, the scales in the center of their foreheads are different. Secondly, the structure of their tails is different... If you wish to check on my answer, you can browse through the "Detailed Explanation on Gold Armored Steel Fang Beasts" left behind by them. It is toward the left of the 17th bookshelf in the library!"

Zhang Xuan replied calmly.

"His answer is... completely correct!"

The Gold Armored Steel Fang Beast was a rare savage beast. Furthermore, its classification was extremely confusing. Most people would only be able to recall basic characteristics about the savage beast, and the examiner would have already considered their answers to be correct. However, not only did Zhang Xuan provide a complete answer, he even introduced the various books left behind by the senior beast tamers, even... pointing out the exact locations of those books...

The heck, is he really just a human?

The crowd widened their eyes in shock. The entire room was deathly silent.

"The defining characteristics of Steelbacked Monkey!"

"The Steelbacked Monkey has a massive spinal bone that towers up high. Most of the strength the Steelbacked Monkey possesses originates from its unique bone. Also, it possesses large feet which grant it swift speed. Even though it is a monkey, it is unable to scale trees. Instead, its body structure resembles larger ape-like savage beasts... These defining characteristics are recorded in "Zashan's Savage Beasts Exposition". Senior Zashan is a famous beast tamer of the Beast Hall 140 years ago..."

Before everyone could recover, Hall Master Feng posed another question, and without any hesitation, the young man answered once more.

Just like that, with a person asking questions and the other one answering them, the discourse proceeded extremely swiftly. Most of the time, while the crowd was still pondering whether the answer to the question was correct or not, the next question was already answered.

In the eyes of the crowd, this young man who wasn't in his twenties yet felt like an answer sheet. Not only were his answers detailed, he even listed out the various possibilities and theories written in the books out.

There wasn't a single flaw that could be picked out in his answers.

"Completely correct!"

"Completely correct!"

"The River Worm's living habitat... correct!"

"Why the Three Stream River and the Erudite Bird is unable to co-exist... correct!"

...

As Hall Master Feng raised question after question, the replies he received left him in so much so much shock that his mind was about to go blank.

Initially, he thought that the other party only happened to know the answer to the questions he raised. As long as he increased the difficulty later on, the other party would surely be unable to reply so swiftly.

However... Despite the other party seeming as though he was on the verge of fainting, his replies only came faster and faster. Hall Master Feng felt as though he was unable to keep up with the situation.

More importantly...

Not only was he fast, his answer was flawless.

If Hall Master Feng didn't see it for himself, he wouldn't dare believe it to be true. To think that there would be such a monster in the world!

It was no wonder why the other party could recognize the Ancient Lightning Cloud Sparrow. In terms of fundamental knowledge on savage beasts, it was likely that Zhang Xuan far surpassed the three 2-star beast tamers.

"This... This is impossible!"

"These questions are... so difficult!"

While the three 2-star beast tamers were overwhelmed by shock, Zhou Xuan and Zhu Jinhuang were dumbfounded by the sight before them. They could see the fear in each other's eyes.

The questions which Hall Master Feng just raised were of such great difficulty that even they would be unable to answer them.

It wasn't that their fundamental knowledge of savage beasts was weak. Rather, in several questions, the defining characteristics of the savage beast were extremely similar. With just the slightest lapse in judgment, they would make an error.

For example, the River Worm which was just mentioned may sound like an insect, but it is actually an extremely powerful savage beast. Its bones grow on its surface and it possesses immense strength.

Yet, such a ferocious and immense savage beast is able to float on the surface of the river. Most people would think that this savage beast lives on the surface of the water upon hearing the word 'river'. Yet, contrary to all expectations, the habitat it is compatible with is the mountains...

None of the questions that Hall Master Feng raised was simple. Even on a written paper, they would have to contemplate for a long period before they can jot down their answer. On the other hand, the other party is able to answer immediately, as though he didn't need to muse over the question at all...

How does he do it?

Putting aside them, even the super genius Mo Yu would be incapable of answering such a question on the spot!

This is the performance of someone who had assimilated all of the fundamental knowledge thoroughly into his bones!

Zhu Jinhuang and Zhou Xuan shuddered.

They actually accused a person of such greatness of knowing nothing at all and putting on an act?

Compared to him, the knowledge they had was laughably pathetic.

While passing the apprentice theoretical examination through discourse and written paper seemed like the same thing, as someone who had studied beast taming for several years, they knew that it wasn't that simple.

Often, while taming a savage beast, unexpected situations would occur. Under such circumstances, one would have to swiftly organize the situation and knowledge in their arsenal to decide on the optimal course of action.

Every second count. If they were to miss the timing, it is likely for the situation to complicate, causing the difficulty of the taming process to multiply several folds.

This is precisely the reason why a beast tamer who passed the theoretical examination through discourse is highly respected by the others.

Every single beast tamer who passed the discourse eventually went on to achieve incredible feats.

Initially, they thought that Zhang Xuan was only a clown who wished to make a name for himself. Never in their dreams could they have imagined that... not only did were his answers perfect, he didn't even need to think at all...

This isn't something a human can do!

While the two of them were trembling in fear, Shen Bi Ru's mouth was wide opened.

The fellow who didn't know what the Beast Forest was two hours ago was now spouting innumerable theories and facts as though they were nothing at all. No matter how foolish she could be, it was clear that something was amiss.

"Does he really... possess the talent of a seer?"

If it were just a doubt to her before, at this moment, she was completely certain of it.

How could he have answered all of the questions so swiftly if he didn't know the questions beforehand?

On the other hand, a frown was etched on Mo Yu's forehead. Doubt flashed across her eyes as she pondered.

"...This is all. Hall Master Feng, Beast Tamer Lu, Beast Tamer Wang, are my answers correct?"

After a moment, Zhang Xuan finally finished answering the final question and smiled at them.

"Your... answers are completely correct!"

The three of them glanced at one another before Hall Master Feng nodded his head.

The other party had answered all of the questions in the theoretical examination in less than an hour. Not only so, he even brought up the history of how the answers were derived.

They couldn't help but admire how detailed and precise his answers were.

"Since you've answered all of the questions correctly, you've passed the first test!"

It didn't take long for Hall Master Feng to announce the result. Then, he gazed at Zhang Xuan once more and said, "Since you've passed the first test, let's go on to the second one, taming a savage beast. You have half a month, and you only have to achieve Inceptive Taming to pass."

"Half a month? That's too long... Do you keep any untamed savage beast here? Can you allow me to tame it?"

Even though there are countless savage beasts in Xuanluo Mountain Range, it isn't easy to find a specific one which fits the examination criteria. If Zhang Xuan were to head out to look for one, it would definitely take up plenty of time. Since he is in the Beast Hall now, there is likely to be a suitable savage beast.

As he said so, Zhang Xuan stood up. Throughout the duration of the discourse, Zhang Xuan's fatigued physical body had recovered slightly.

Even though his condition remained nonoptimal, he was clearly in a much better state than before.

"Allow you to tame it?"

Hearing those words, everyone became speechless.

"What a joke! Every single savage beast is valuable, how can we possibly allow you to tame it? Besides, only tamed beasts are allowed to enter the Beast Hall! Otherwise, if a stampede were to occur, no one would be able to bear responsibility!"

Hearing Zhang Xuan spout such amateurish words, Mo Yu harrumphed coldly in displeasure.

"Is that the case..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head. He didn't expect the beast tamer examination to turn out to be so troublesome. Where in the world can he look for an untamed savage beast now?

"Ah, right! Can I borrow your Viridescent Eagle to tame?"

Suddenly, a thought flashed in Zhang Xuan's mind. He immediately turned to Mo Yu and asked.