In the aftermath of the contract, Bai Zian's initial worries about the mutant red-winged crow cub's well-being began to dissipate. Contrary to his concerns, the awakening of the new talent not only didn't worsen the cub's condition but significantly improved it. Even the qualifications, initially lowered to bronze level, were now upgraded to top gold.
Perplexed by this unexpected turn of events, Bai Zian couldn't fathom the reason behind the positive changes. Nonetheless, he welcomed the improvements with joy. After a brief moment of excitement, Bai Zian decided it was time to leave Scarlet Crow Valley. Having successfully contracted the mutant red-winged crow cub, his mission was accomplished.
Exiting the valley, Bai Zian rejoined Bai Jingchong and faced the worried inquiries of his grandfather. "Grandpa, I haven't encountered any problems, and I have successfully contracted the second beast," Bai Zian assured him.
Summoning the mutant red-winged crow cub for display, both Bai Jingchong and Chi Lianyan, who had joined them, couldn't help but marvel at its unique features. The vibrant red wings and the fiery aura indicated the cub's extraordinary nature. Chi Lianyan, a red-winged crow expert, recognized the exceptional qualities and felt a pang of regret for not securing this treasure for his Chi family.
Despite any regrets, Chi Lianyan understood the irrevocable nature of contracted spirit beasts. Once a beastmaster formed a bond, others had no chance of contracting the same spirit beast. Bai Zian's gamble in contracting the mutant red-winged crow cub had paid off.
"Grandpa, well done," Bai Jingchong praised, acknowledging the success of Bai Zian's venture. The trio prepared to leave Scarlet Wing City, and Chi Lianyan bid them farewell at the City Lord's Mansion's gate.
However, before their departure, Chi Yanni, the determined Tiger Girl, intercepted Bai Zian. "Bai Zian, I lost to you this time. However, I will still challenge you. Wait until the next battle, I must defeat you," she declared with renewed determination.
Bai Zian, acknowledging the challenge, replied, "Okay, I'm in Bailin City, and I'll be waiting for your challenge." Despite his confidence, Bai Zian admired Chi Yanni's spirit and offered her the chance to prove herself in the future.
After the exchange, Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian continued their journey out of Scarlet Wing City. As they left, Chi Yanni, fueled by determination, turned to her grandfather, Chi Lianyan, expressing her eagerness to become stronger and defeat Bai Zian. Pleased with her newfound determination, Chi Lianyan gladly took on the responsibility of training her.
Meanwhile, Bai Zian, unaware of the developments in Chiyi City, shared a moment with his grandfather. Bai Jingchong couldn't help but express his curiosity about the mutant red-winged crow cub's seemingly weakened state. Bai Zian explained the situation, detailing the high aptitude of the cub and the necessity for fire resources to support its growth.
Impressed by the revelation, Bai Jingchong recognized the significance of Bai Zian's discovery. The comparison to Lan Zhiqi's space-type spirit beast intrigued him, indicating the extraordinary potential of the mutant red-winged crow cub.
As they continued their journey back to Bailin City, Bai Zian reassured his grandfather that he needed an abundance of fire resources. Bai Jingchong, understanding the gravity of the situation, promised to gather the necessary resources for the mutant red-winged crow cub's development.
In reflection, Bai Zian realized the immense success of his trip to Scarlet Wing City. Achieving both his goals, he secured the materials for Awakening Origin Liquid and found a remarkable spirit beast. The unexpected discovery of the SS-level talent in the mutant red-winged crow cub surpassed his initial expectations, leaving Bai Zian in high spirits as they headed home.
Over the city gate, a colossal crane with a massive body and wings resembling clouds descended slowly from the sky.
The appearance of this giant crane caused a stir at the city gate. The energy detection machine outside the city gate blared an alarm, signaling the presence of a diamond-level spirit beast.
The guards on duty panicked, contemplating whether to alert the city residents about the invasion of diamond-level spirit beasts.
"Hold on, this isn't a spirit beast invasion. It's the City Lord's spiritual beast, the Phoenix Crown Cloud Wing Crane. The City Lord has returned. Stand down and resume your posts," bellowed a middle-aged man in military uniform, quelling the chaos among the guards.
Indeed, the majestic Phoenix Crown Cloud Wing Crane was the pet beast of Bai Jingchong, the City Lord. After leaving Scarlet Wing City, Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian made a smooth return to Bailin City. The journey was uneventful, without any spirit beast attacks, courtesy of the deterrent aura of the diamond-level Phoenix Crown Cloud Wing Crane.
With Bai Jingchong and Bai Zian's arrival, the towering Phoenix Crown Cloud Wing Crane vanished, making way for their figures above the city gate.
"Lord City Lord, you're finally back! Lao Yuan, I've missed you dearly," exclaimed a burly man with a build like a bear, tears welling up in his eyes, as if he hadn't seen an old father for years.
This was Yuan Ducheng, the father of Fatty Yuan Potian, who had reprimanded the soldiers earlier. His dramatic display matched his son's shameless demeanor.
"Lao Yuan, can you tone it down a bit? I might just slap you for that," Bai Jingchong remarked, looking at the burly man with an amused expression.
Ignoring the banter, Yuan Ducheng shifted his attention to Bai Zian. "Hello, Young Master Xiao An! You've become even more handsome since we last met."
Bai Zian reciprocated with a smile, acknowledging Yuan Ducheng's compliment. "Hello, Uncle Yuan. You seem to be in good spirits as well."
The group proceeded into the city while Yuan Ducheng shared recent events in Bailin City during Bai Jingchong's absence. As Yuan Ducheng whispered something important in Bai Jingchong's ear, the City Lord's expression grew serious.
Unfazed by the secrecy, Bai Zian focused on two crucial matters at hand. The first was addressing the needs of the mutant red-winged crow cub, requiring an abundance of fire element resources. Having left Bai Jingchong's side, Bai Zian hastened to the underground treasure house.
In the treasure house, Bai Zian discovered several iron boxes containing fire element resources. While the Bai family primarily cultivated water-type spirit beasts, there were still some fire resources in their possession. Bai Zian seized the opportunity, taking out a fire-type spirit beast crystal core and feeding it to the mutant red-winged crow cub. The remaining boxes were then transported to his room.
Next, Bai Zian called upon Bai Zhi, the ice beauty, instructing her to convey a message to the Bai family. He urgently needed them to use their influence and collect fire resources of silver level and above.
"Sister Bai Zhi, you help me tell the family, use the energy of the family, and help me collect the fire resources of silver level and above. Grandpa has already allowed this matter," Bai Zian directed.
Bai Zhi acknowledged the order with a salute before heading off to convey the message.
The second matter involved the configuration of the Awakening Source Liquid. Having obtained Qingyunlu, Bai Zian was eager to move forward. He summoned Bai Shao, another guardian, handing her a list of materials needed for the production of Awakening Origin Liquid.
"Sister Bai Shao, you can help me collect all the materials on this list," Bai Zian requested.
As Bai Shao accepted the list, Bai Zian anticipated the completion of his plans, focusing on the imminent tasks that would ensure the well-being and growth of his newly acquired mutant red-winged crow cub.