Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1014: Baowuwu

Upon reaching this point in his words, Zhang Taitong flashed another smile:

"Your Ghost Ring King isn't a pet native to our Zidia Region and boasts incredibly high talent. Should you attempt to let it absorb this positive power too, you're bound to reap benefits. When that occurs, please get in touch with me."

That was his actual goal.

Truth be told, regional champions weren't new to him, yet Qiao Sang stood apart. A 17-year-old B-level Tamer who dominated the Dragon Nation's top young talents to claim the title—it was a first even for someone of his advanced years.

Above all, her Ghost-type pet matched her in exceptional gifts.

A talented pro Tamer paired with a talented pet; if the Ghost Ring King could indeed take in that energy, its effects would show fast. This would greatly advance his studies.

Without a defined evolution path backed by real cases, his paper would merely catch the eye of Zidia Region Tamers at best.

Yet this energy proved simplest for non-Zidia Ghost-type pets to absorb. Success with Qiao Sang's Ghost Ring King would inspire most Dragon Nation Tamers with Ghost-types to experiment.

Such was the power of fame.

Qiao Sang muttered to herself inside, then replied earnestly:

"Should there be results, I'll definitely reach out to you."

Gangbao quietly eyed his Tamer.

"Haha, excellent."

Zhang Taitong beamed at the girl before him and inquired: "Anything else on your mind?"

"No." Qiao Sang shook her head, eager not to linger, rising to her feet as she added:

"I won't take up more of your time then."

With those words, she moved to depart.

Zhang Taitong paused briefly, then hurriedly suggested: "Why rush off right after arriving? You've traveled far, so allow me to show you around the research institute."

Qiao Sang's interest piqued: "Wouldn't that inconvenience you?"

"Not at all." Zhang Taitong chuckled.

"I'm due for a break anyway."

At that, Qiao Sang wasted no words and agreed promptly.

Beyond major pet bases, research institutes housed the greatest variety of pets. Plus, some here were rarities unseen elsewhere. No way she'd pass up the chance.

Zhang Taitong guided Qiao Sang to the zones where Ghost-type pets gathered most.

From the doorway, the inside looked shadowy and chilling.

Her foot had barely crossed the threshold when lights flared to life.

The space expanded wide: pools, trees, grassy patches, and fitness gear like weights scattered about.

Few Ghost-type pets roamed, only a handful dotted around.

"Clap clap!"

Suddenly, Zhang Taitong clapped and called out: "Everyone, come greet our visitor!"

Instantly, from over the pool, within trees, through grass, on the floor, and floating midair, Ghost-type pets swarmed in thick clusters.

One tiny Ghost-type pet, merely ten centimeters high, hovered on Qiao Sang's left, a mere 0.5 centimeters from her face, peering with pure curiosity.

Qiao Sang nearly yelped, but her recent ordeals had toughened her nerves, so she held it in.

She eyed the near-touching Ghost-type pet on her left and subtly shifted rightward.

"Impressive, right? So many Ghost-type pets!"

Zhang Taitong grinned: "Plenty from outside Zidia Region are here too."

Qiao Sang exclaimed sincerely: "More than I spotted last night in You City. You could run your own pet base here."

Zhang Taitong chuckled: "Several of these Ghost-type pets won't appear in any pet base."

"Chou chou~"

Right then, a Ghost-type pet with a red bow atop its head, mainly pink and dark green body, pitted petals, beady eyes, and "sausage lips," sauntered by, acting nonchalant.

Qiao Sang inwardly mocked it.

"This is the Ugly Night Flower I spoke of before." Zhang Taitong presented.

Qiao Sang paused briefly: "It's far prettier than typical Ugly Night Flowers."

"Chou chou!"

The Ugly Night Flower lifted its head proudly, striding confidently—until it whipped around to shoot her a glare, then blinked out of sight.

 Qiao Sang stood utterly puzzled.

Zhang Taitong facepalmed: "It sensed no real praise in your words and knew you were faking."

Qiao Sang: ...

Zhang Taitong recalled something and stated gravely:

"I nearly forgot to mention: Beyond that positive energy, Ghost-type pets detect if emotions are genuine. Fakeness disrupts prior absorptions. That's why, despite years of work, none have evolved for real."

. Qiao Sang glanced at Little Treasure, now drifting amid the Ghost-type pets, frolicking with them.

"Huan huan?"

A sudden meter-tall Ghost-type pet, purple-red and wreath-shaped like a floral ring, floated by Yabao. It gestured at his pet egg and chirped.

"Yap yap!"

Yabao shielded the egg, snarling fiercely at the wreath-pet with bared teeth.

The wreath-pet quivered in fear and vanished instantly.

"Yap yap..."

Yabao eased up.

Wreath-Eater Ghost. Averse to negative emotions, it craves food instead—non-Ghost types too, pet eggs especially. Legend says post-egging, keepers must isolate them lest they devour it... Qiao Sang recalled.

Zhang Taitong witnessed the exchange, eyes on the pet egg, and queried: "What's with this egg?"

His vast expertise failed to identify the contents at first sight.

"The prize from the Central Hollow Regional Championship." Qiao Sang replied.

Zhang Taitong's face lit with understanding.

Non-Ghost pets held little appeal for him. Unfamiliar with the egg's occupant, he knew it wasn't Ghost-type.

A thought struck him: "Intending it as your next pet?"

Qiao Sang answered honestly: "Not sure yet. Waiting for hatch to check compatibility."

Zhang Taitong smiled: "For your next contract, there's one pet I believe suits you perfectly."

Qiao Sang probed: "Which one?"

Zhang Taitong grew solemn: "Spirit-Passing Cat."

Qiao Sang froze.

Her broad knowledge fell short; Spirit-Passing Cat rang no bells.

Noting her mild response, Zhang Taitong recalled and said with mixed feelings: "Forgot you already have Central Hollow's legendary Qingqing Ni."

Qiao Sang blinked in confusion.

Zhang Taitong went on: "Spirit-Passing Cat's a Ghost-type. They guide souls, granting desired reincarnations. Racial ceiling: Sovereign-level."

"Sovereign-level?" Qiao Sang's tone spiked.

Sovereign—beyond Emperor, below God alone.

Now it clicked why he'd brought up Qingbao.

Truth was, post-Qingbao contract, ultra-rares barely fazed her anymore.

Her reaction pleased Zhang Taitong, who grinned anew: "Exactly, Sovereign-level. One surfaced lately in Xihan City. Pros are flocking there. Try your luck."

Qiao Sang recalled, stunned:

"The Xihan City among the Ten Great Ghost Cities?"

"That's it." Zhang Taitong confirmed.

Qiao Sang blurted: "But it's a ghost city—no fear?"

Zhang Taitong burst laughing: "Outsiders might fear it, but Zidia folk find ghost cities tame. Just denser Ghost-type pets who love pranks."

 Qiao Sang inwardly snarked, then ventured: "Heard tons vanish yearly in the Ten Great Ghost Cities."

Zhang Taitong's mirth faded; he warned gravely: "Fair point. Won't sugarcoat: Secret Realm Cracks hit more often there, upping risks."

He eyed her: "But danger breeds chance. With a fresh Spirit-Passing Cat in Xihan, as B-level Tamer with Ghost-type, you'd be safe."

Qiao Sang mulled seconds, then: "Sovereign-level tempts greatly, but I prefer diverse attributes."

Implying overlap with Little Treasure's type.

Zhang Taitong quieted.

Qiao Sang noted: "You look like you want to add something."

Zhang Taitong met her gaze:

"I've got a pet from a Xihan Secret Realm Crack. Cracks there trend active; bursts due in days. If heading that way, could you return it?"

Return? Qiao Sang tested: "It wants back to its Secret Realm?"

Zhang Taitong dipped his head: "Appetite's tanked ages ago. Sent it to Xihan twice, no luck finding origin, so back it came. Your trip could let it search anew."

He paused: "Calls Baowuwu. Senses odd energies, spots treasures and rare pets effortlessly."

His final glance hinted at Qiao Sang.

Spirit-Passing Cat interest plus Baowuwu? Twofold win.

Alas, no dice.

Zhang Taitong felt no great loss. Her drop-in was chance; research came first. Others could ferry Baowuwu sans her.

As he prepared more intros, Qiao Sang cut in: "May I meet Baowuwu?"

Zhang Taitong blinked, then beamed: "Certainly."

No direct call like before; he steered her to a corner, sure of its spot.

"There it is." He pointed at the balled-up pet.

Qiao Sang peered over.

The shut-eyed pet measured twenty centimeters, skinny limbs, pink hide. Big head, fangs protruding, witch-hat-like topper.

Untouched bowl of energy pills, Shade Fruit pile for Ghosts sat before it.

Zhang Taitong detailed:

"Baowuwu arrived a year back. Needed Ghost-types for positive energy tests, so I kept it. Always subdued. Got close, learned its Secret Realm longing."

"Post-two failed Xihan runs, it wilted like this. One meal daily now. Half the weight of peers its age."

Viewing the closed-eyed Baowuwu, Qiao Sang flashed to her old lucky pet.

Silence hung seconds; then: "Multiple Secret Realm Cracks in two days?"

Zhang Taitong startled, eyes gleaming. Nod: "Precisely."

.

With that in mind, Qiao Sang smiled: "I've known of the Ten Great Ghost Cities forever, even pre-Tamer. Here at last, gotta visit—like a landmark tour. I'll bring Baowuwu."

"Wonderful! Perfect!" Zhang Taitong's grin widened, esteem for Qiao Sang soaring.

"Baowuwu, time to rise?" Zhang Taitong urged.

"Wuwu!" Baowuwu's eyes snapped open, floating up briskly.

Qiao Sang: ???

Zhang Taitong cleared throat: "Appetite's truly weak, spirits low—but Xihan trips always perk it right up."

"Wuwu!"

Baowuwu bobbed agreement.

Qiao Sang: ...