Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1013: Dr. Zhang Taitong

Qiao Sang felt a surge of delight mixed with mild astonishment.

"Ou ou." The purple skull thrust its head from the window and let out a call.

Though Qiao Sang couldn't grasp its words, she sensed permission to enter. She hurriedly expressed her thanks and walked through the entrance.

After just a couple of paces, she glanced back and inquired: "Where is Dr. Zhang Taitong's building?"

"Ou ou." The purple skull gestured deeper inside while vocalizing.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure, brimming with cheer, offered the instant translation.

Qiao Sang ventured deeper past the main gate.

She lingered beneath a Shade Tree nearby.

Shade Trees produce Shade Fruits, beloved treats for Ghost-type pets. These fruits mildly boost a pet's vitality and curb hunger pangs.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure ascended into the branches. Gazing at the dark fruits releasing a tempting sweetness, saliva dripped from his mouth without notice.

Abruptly, foliage stirred, revealing a light purple pet roughly fifteen centimeters in length, teapot-shaped, dangling inverted from a limb.

Qiao Sang gazed upward at the suspended pet as pertinent details emerged in her thoughts.

Ghost-type pets here didn't faze her much; this was their specialized research facility, teeming with such beings undoubtedly.

"Cha cha?" The Teashade Pot eyed Little Treasure with bewilderment and cried out.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure responded cheerfully.

"Cha cha." The Teashade Pot turned its gaze to Qiao Sang, its face shifting to curiosity.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure gestured eagerly at the overhead fruits.

"Cha cha." The Teashade Pot wagged its head negatively, then chomped a fruit directly before Little Treasure, munching with evident satisfaction.

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure's face drooped in letdown.

"Hu hu!"

"Hu hu!"

Suddenly, a deep purple, kettle-like pet drifted near from afar, voicing urgent calls.

Up in the tree, the Teashade Pot jolted in fright and concealed itself amid the leaves.

Qiao Sang identified the approaching caller.

Right as Qiao Sang prepared to address the Potshadow Monster, Little Treasure abruptly jabbed toward the Teashade Pot's hiding spot and yelled: "Xun xun!"

The Potshadow Monster's eyes gleamed. It morphed into a violet flash, darting into the canopy. Its handle morphed into a talon, snatching into the greenery to yank the Teashade Pot free.

"Cha cha!"

"Cha cha!"

The Teashade Pot wriggled fiercely yet failed to escape.

"Hu hu." The Potshadow Monster uttered a thankful note to Little Treasure.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure waved dismissively with a paw, signaling it was trivial.

The Potshadow Monster floated off, gripping the Teashade Pot tightly.

"Cha cha!" While being hauled away, the Teashade Pot hurled furious shouts at Little Treasure.

Though Qiao Sang didn't comprehend the language, the venomous curses rang clear.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure tauntingly dug into his nostril toward the Teashade Pot.

Sensing a presence, he peered downward to find his Tamer observing. He promptly withdrew his paw, batted his eyes innocently, and recommenced his poised demeanor.

Qiao Sang smiled and queried: "What did that Teashade Pot do to irk you?"

"Xun xun!"

The topic reignited Little Treasure's fervor. He hovered beside his Tamer, jabbing accusingly at the fruits overhead.

"Yap yap!"

Yabao, having grasped the entire scene, barked approvingly, conveying "Well done."

"I'll get you some if you fancy those when we head out," Qiao Sang promised.

"Xun xun~"

Elated, Little Treasure orbited his Tamer and Yabao gleefully.

Amid the whirl, he caught a stare. Glancing aside, Gangbao eyed him. He halted instantly, composed himself rigidly, and polished his image once more.

Gangbao: ...

Qiao Sang mused to herself.

Gangbao's form tensed; she cleared her thoughts deliberately, avoiding deeper reflection.

"Wen wen?"

Then, a meter-high, predominantly gray pet with a droplet-formed head drifted close. Two voids atop its head swirled with abyssal essence. It cried softly.

"Xun xun~"

Before Qiao Sang responded, Little Treasure bobbed his head affirmatively.

"Xun xun..."

His gestures rang true, but his utterance contradicted utterly. Dawning on his slip, Little Treasure froze and clapped a paw over his mouth.

"Wen wen." The droplet-headed pet grinned and proceeded ahead.

No translation from Yabao needed; Qiao Sang knew this was their escort. She hastened after it.

Rhetorical Ghost, a General-level Ghost-type pet. It adores posing queries. Listeners compelled to reply do so falsely (the reverse of truth). Its 'Questioning Heart' trait impacts solely those fluent in its tongue—contracted Tamers and fellow pets. Hence, few dare to bond one...

Guide details raced through Qiao Sang’s mind.

"Xun xun..."

Recalling his odd slip earlier, Little Treasure quietly retrieved his neglected pet identifier and directed it at the Rhetorical Ghost.

A voice akin to Little Treasure's echoed:

"Oh my, Master, you haven't used me in ages. Scanning... Rhetorical Ghost, a General-level Ghost-type pet. Bears the 'Questioning Heart' trait. Those comprehending its speech invariably lie in response. Utterly fearsome and unpredictable. Recommend steering clear."

"Xun xun..."

Enlightenment dawned on Little Treasure's face.

The leading Rhetorical Ghost appeared oblivious and pressed onward.

Qiao Sang and her pets trailed into a structure. Facial scan granted access; they ascended via elevator to the third level and stepped into a lab.

Dozens of diverse Ghost-type pets swiveled their gazes upon arrival.

Among them lurked the prior Teashade Pot and Potshadow Monster.

A Ghost-fearing Tamer might collapse instantly. Qiao Sang remained unfazed, admiring the ghostly assembly before fixating on a white-coated man at a nearby console.

His gentle visage and erudite vibe suggested early thirties, belying his 126 years.

Qiao Sang knew him as Zhang Taitong from her prior research.

Before greetings, he noted the stir, pivoted, and brightened. Rising swiftly,

"It's truly you. Have a seat, please."

He commanded the Teashade Pot: "Serve some tea."

Qiao Sang settled into the lounge sofa.

"Cha cha..."

The Teashade Pot approached grudgingly, angling to pour.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure seized a cup, positioned it eagerly before himself, and chirped, requesting a share.

The Teashade Pot ignored it.

Zhang Taitong observed and instructed: "Teashade Pot, serve the Ghost Ring King too."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure smugly indicated the cup.

"Cha cha..."

The Teashade Pot tensed but complied with the pour.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure beamed. Before the Teashade Pot, he lifted the cup for a refined sip, mimicking television elegance.

Zhang Taitong smiled: "Teashade Pot tea aids Ghost-type pets and humans alike. Regular intake enhances Tamer absorption of Ghost-pet feedback, hastening 'Spirit Vision' attainment."

Qiao Sang blinked in shock.

"Spirit Vision?"

Zhang Taitong paused surprised, then clarified smilingly: "Seeing the unseen, akin to Ghost-type pet vision."

Comprehension hit Qiao Sang; she sipped gravely.

"Post Central Hollow Regional Championship win, I never anticipated your visit to Zidia Region," Zhang Taitong remarked smilingly.

"Little... my Ghost Ring King yearned to explore Zidia, drawing me here mainly," Qiao Sang replied with a grin.

"I also didn't foresee such swift entry."

Zhang Taitong chuckled: "Fresh Central Hollow champ—meeting you honors me. Youngest regional victor ever. And for Ghost-type research? Impossible to deny."

Qiao Sang reflected inwardly.

Zhang Taitong admired Little Treasure: "Your Ghost Ring King boasts superb training."

"Xun xun~"

Praise elicited Little Treasure's proud hair flick.

Zhang Taitong chuckled, then sobered: "Ask anything freely."

Qiao Sang stated bluntly: "I seek the alternate Ghost-type pet evolution path. Your paper hinted but lacked details. Share specifics."

Little Treasure leaned in expectantly.

Zhang Taitong mulled briefly before intoning: "Recent find: Ghost-type pets absorb specific positive emotional energy, unlocking inner potential for evolution trigger."

Pausing, he continued: "Zidia's Ghost-type pet adoration exceeds other regions, you likely know."

"Frankly, initial discovery hit non-local Ghosts. Tests on many followed; scant few absorbed it, insufficient for evolution."

"Local Ghosts from myriad regions tested next—far superior absorption rates."

Qiao Sang pressed eagerly: "What energy precisely?"

"Positive emotional energy," Zhang Taitong phrased carefully:

"Excluding Zidia Ghosts, 1,011 species tested. 65 absorbed it, sourced from cherished matters."

"Central Hollow's Ugly Night Flower obsesses over ugliness. Beauty treatments led to genuine praises; joy absorbed that praise energy."

"Xilu's Walking Ghost, rare non-floater, inferiority-prone. Secret Levitation Potion granted brief flight; peers marveled unknowingly."

"Joy ensued, energy absorbed from surprise."

"Many joys for both, yet solely these yielded absorbable positive energy."

"Thus, absorption ties to deepest cares."

Pausing, he appended: "Varied cares mean no universal formula—merely urge joy-generation for Ghost-type pets."

Qiao Sang absorbed it, querying: "Does absorption assure evolution?"

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure posed attentively, mirroring his debut computer-proxy seriousness.

Zhang Taitong stated firmly: "Not all Ghosts absorb it. Some absorbers showed evolution metrics, sans final Light of Evolution."

"Ongoing research, yet assured: some will evolve via this energy."

Qiao Sang pondered, then probed: "Why scant Zidia Ghost absorption?"

"Excellent query," Zhang Taitong grinned.

Chuckling faded to a sigh:

"Speculation: Zidia Tamers spoil Ghosts excessively. Enriched lives lack deep obsessions. Absent profound cares, joy lacks required specificity—no energy absorption."

Qiao Sang pondered. Inspiration hit, half-plunging her heart.

She treated Little Treasure splendidly; daily trifles thrilled him, interests fleeting typically.

-----