Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1017: Real-Life Version of the Lost Town

A wave of excitement surged within Qiao Sang's heart, and she swiftly followed along.

Baowuwu floated ahead, meandering through twists and turns, until after roughly ten minutes of travel, it came to a halt before a splendid storefront.

"Wuwu!"

The purple glow in Baowuwu's eyes dimmed. It extended a claw toward the shop, emitting an thrilled cry that revealed the abundance of treasures within.

Qiao Sang and Mikayla lifted their gazes to the sign above the entrance, which declared "Supernatural Pet Item Shop," and they both went quiet.

"Xun xun."

"Xun xun." Little Treasure drifted beside Baowuwu, conveying earnestly that purchases inside required money.

"Wuwu..."

Baowuwu appeared to grasp only partially.

Mikayla eyed Baowuwu, then turned and suggested: "I heard Xihan City has a spot forever wrapped in Ghost Mist, right near this street. Want to check it out?"

Ghost Mist differed from dense fog by its dark hue and collection of negative energies. Rumors held that only areas rich in Ghost-type energy might generate such mist.

Qiao Sang replied instantly: "Okay."

As a B-level Tamer now, with an S-level Tamer at her side, she feared nothing—not even Ghost Mist shrouded zones, or Secret Realms teeming with Ghost-type pets.

She pulled up navigation, verified the path ahead, then summoned Little Treasure to set their position.

"Wuwu?"

Baowuwu drifted closer with a puzzled look, crying out to ask if treasure hunting was over.

"Gang Zhan."

Gangbao's translation echoed in her mind.

... Qiao Sang muttered to herself inwardly, then smiled and explained: "We're switching spots for the search."

Just as she spoke, Little Treasure locked the position.

The pair and their pets vanished from sight.

Qiao Sang's sight blackened briefly; when vision cleared, she stood in a tight alley like a goat path. Ahead lay a broad open area packed with small stalls, crowded with people and pets.

Without the distant sight of blackish Ghost Mist coiling further on, she might have suspected Little Treasure misplaced them into a massive market.

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure gazed toward the far Ghost Mist, displaying a mesmerized look as if drawn by some force.

Ghost Mist's aura held irresistible pull for Ghost-type pets. As a General-level one, Little Treasure detected it from afar; Baowuwu, being lower level, remained unaffected.

"Wuwu!"

Baowuwu eyed the forward scene, purple light flaring in its gaze. Its eyes sparkled repeatedly as it pointed ahead, crying that plenty of valuables lay there too.

Qiao Sang's interest piqued. Shop goods came with verified grades, functions, and prices, but stall items allowed haggling—and occasional bargains.

Mikayla noted Qiao Sang's curiosity and urged: "Go check it out."

With that, she advanced.

Qiao Sang turned to Baowuwu solemnly: "You're in charge this time."

"Wuwu!" Baowuwu nodded gravely.

Qiao Sang moved forward.

"Xun xun!"

Little Treasure shook off its daze and hurried after.

On the open ground, Qiao Sang wove through crowds of people and Ghost-type pets, scanning nearby stalls.

Mikayla glanced idly at stalls, showing little enthusiasm.

"Wuwu!"

Abruptly, Baowuwu's purple-glowing eyes fixed on a stall; it halted, pointing at a black-gas-emitting stone while crying out.

Qiao Sang approached, but before she could ask, the vendor declared:

"Your Baowuwu excels at spotting treasures. This A-level Negative-Storage Stone ensures negative emotions stay contained inside, letting you exit clear-minded."

Ghost Mist, when breathed in, stirred inner negativity. Non-Ghost-types felt its effects, but a worn Negative-Storage Stone absorbed the mist, minimizing impact.

Qiao Sang inquired offhand: "What's the price?"

The vendor's eyes gleamed: "A-level Negative-Storage Stones are rare. 1.99 million will do."

... Qiao Sang stayed silent, turned, and started leaving.

The vendor called after: "Wait! It's A-level! Even if you doubt me, trust Baowuwu's appraisal skills!"

Onlookers and vendors nearby turned stares toward Baowuwu.

In such markets, a treasure-sensing pet like Baowuwu drew all eyes.

Quickly, a crowd formed at the Negative-Storage Stone stall, asking prices.

... Qiao Sang whispered to Baowuwu: "Next time you spot something good, act uninterested—shake your head, sigh, say it's worthless."

"Wuwu."

Though puzzled why, Baowuwu nodded.

Mikayla approached then: "These items come from the Ghost Mist. Word of a Spirit-Passing Cat spotted inside a week ago drew the crowds. By now, after a week, most valuables inside are probably gone."

Implying slim chances of finds within.

Qiao Sang paused: "Teacher, how do you know all this?"

Mikayla replied evenly: "I just overheard it."

Most visitors aimed for the Ghost Mist, so chatter revolved around it.

Qiao Sang realized her inexperience. Admiringly eyeing Teacher Mikayla, she asked: "Anything else you caught?"

Mikayla paused briefly: "This Ghost Mist has lingered over ten thousand years. It once housed Guixing Town. Suddenly, countless Secret Realm Cracks opened, flooding with wild Ghost-type pets. The suddenness trapped townsfolk, cutting outside links."

"As despair grew over their fate, they emerged unscathed. Legend credits the mythical Miheim-Ram for the rescue."

"Townsfolk saved, but Ghost Mist endured. Uninhabitable, it became shunned—a forbidden zone."

"Now, they're here chasing the Spirit-Passing Cat."

Forbidden lands terrified, yet Spirit-Passing Cat lured fearlessly—especially those Tamers facing life's end.

Qiao Sang blurted, stunned: "The Lost Town?"

Mikayla nodded faintly: "Yes, known as Lost Town. Many exploring Tamers entered later—and never returned."

Qiao Sang: ...

Qiao Sang recalled something, composed herself, and asked incredulously: "That was overheard too?"

"No." Mikayla shook her head: "This Dragon Nation site is well-known. I learned of it back in Eagle Country."

.. Qiao Sang mused inwardly.

Mikayla questioned: "Still heading in?"

Qiao Sang mulled seconds, then asked: "Can we exit on schedule? I worry about missing Baowuwu's Secret Realm Crack time."

Unaware before it linked to Lost Town, now knowing vanishings occurred, escape wasn't the issue—timing was.

"Wuwu..."

Baowuwu froze at the words.

Mikayla assured: "With me, yes."

Her steady poise and firm voice skyrocketed Qiao Sang's confidence. Chest puffed boldly, she declared fearlessly:

"If we can exit in time, we're definitely going. Dragon Nation proverb: Since we're here."

Accompanied by S-level Tamer and Baowuwu, skipping entry was like ignoring cash on the ground.

Baowuwu promised far richer hauls than mere bills.

Mikayla agreed: "Let's proceed."

Qiao Sang blinked: "No more browsing?"

Mikayla surveyed: "All prepping to enter. Think anything good remains?"

Qiao Sang observed intent stall-studiers with pets. Silent, she joined Teacher Mikayla toward Ghost Mist.

"Wuwu..."

Baowuwu looked crestfallen; the hunt barely began.

"Xun xun!"

As disappointment lingered, Little Treasure turned excitedly, urging haste—insisting treasures abounded in the black mist!

"Wuwu!"

Baowuwu's mood lifted; it dashed to catch up.

Over three hundred meters from the black mist, suited figures with Ghost-type pets hawked loudly: "Destiny Insurance, Destiny Insurance! Buy now—even if trapped inside, get payout plus instant family notice of your status."

. Qiao Sang ignored such policies.

Yet approaching crowds surged forward, probing coverage details.

Mikayla observed: "These seekers brave entry for Spirit-Passing Cat, death-defying. Insurance at the threshold prompts buys."

She scanned about, adding: "Young appearances hide frail vitality—most near death. Inside, ignore pleas for aid. Baowuwu invites risks."

... Qiao Sang affirmed earnestly: "I understand."

Gangbao eyed its Tamer quietly, amusement sparkling.

Two steps on, food stalls appeared.

Savory scents assaulted the nose.

Qiao Sang glanced repeatedly, recalling no meals since Xihan City arrival.

Mikayla traced her look.

A vendor caught it, calling warmly: "Grab a bite. Inside, eating might not be possible."

... Qiao Sang faced Teacher Mikayla: "Let's eat something."

Mikayla nodded consent.

Qiao Sang headed to next stall.

Mikayla trailed.

The first vendor: ...

After quick wonton bowls, Qiao Sang gathered Yabao and crew with Teacher Mikayla, entering black Ghost Mist.

Black Ghost Mist billowed, swallowing the pair and pets from view.

Calm resumed, as if none had passed.

---

Within Ghost Mist.

The path ahead widened abruptly.

No choking Ghost Mist blindness as expected.

Just a light haze enveloped them. Nearby, rundown buildings bore attack scars, with people and Ghost-type pets moving amid ruins.

Qiao Sang glanced back.

Dilapidated streets and structures met her; entry path vanished.

"Feels just like a Secret Realm." Qiao Sang wondered aloud.

Entry always transported to another realm.

"Slightly different though."

Mikayla surveyed: "Only wild Ghost-type pets dwell here, far smaller than Secret Realms. Resources pale too—even those present likely hauled from Secret Realm Cracks by wild Ghosts."

. Qiao Sang wondered: "Don't other-attribute wild pets emerge from cracks?"

Mikayla stated coolly: "Environment suits only Ghost-types. Others wouldn't survive long."

"Ghost Mist's doing?" Qiao Sang furrowed brows.

Mikayla confirmed: "Precisely. It carries varied negative energies. Prolonged exposure irks non-Ghosts and harms bodies."

Qiao Sang's pulse quickened; she checked Yabao and others hastily.

Save Qingbao materializing, nose pinched amid rising winds, Yabao's group seemed fine.

Mikayla saw and reassured: "B-level Tamer now, with King-levels like Blazing Divine Lion. Ten-plus years inside might affect; otherwise, safe."

Glancing at Qingbao, she advised: "Qinyin Fairy suffers most. Recall it to Beast Codex first."

.. Qiao Sang prepared to act.

"Qing qing!"

But Qingbao suddenly bared irritable discomfort.

Qiao Sang: ...

With a wave, Qiao Sang recalled Qingbao to the Beast Codex while pondering.