Beast Taming: the More the Better Chapter 1: Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas, Heart of Woods Pet Beast Breeding Base!

Linzhou City.

As the bus rolled along the thoroughfare, Su Ping remained seated by the window, observing the simultaneously familiar and mystical landscape that drifted past him.

Many years had passed since he arrived in this realm, and Su Ping had long since settled into its rhythm.

It was a reality where humans and Pet Beasts thrived side-by-side, sharing a societal framework not unlike the one he knew before this incarnation.

However, the map was dotted not only with human territories but also vast wildernesses and regions controlled by Ferocious Beasts, which effectively acted as forbidden zones for mankind.

Upon reaching the age of eighteen, every human had the opportunity to awaken their potential as a Beast Tamer.

This process allowed them to unlock both a Beast Taming Space and an innate Talent.

From there, they could form contracts with Pet Beasts to embark on their journey as Beast Tamers.

A month had slipped by since he finished his high school studies and underwent the awakening ritual.

He was now officially a prospective Beast Tamer, equipped with his own unique Beast Taming Space and a Talent.

[Pet Beast Home: This Beast Taming Space allows for the residency of uncontracted wild Pet Beasts, provided their level does not exceed your own.]

It was an unremarkable Talent—quite rare, yet limited in its practical application.

However, another phenomenon quickly caught Su Ping’s attention.

Unlike the rather lackluster 'Pet Beast Home' Talent, this second manifestation within his consciousness was the source of his intense curiosity.

It had first surfaced in his mind exactly one month ago, immediately following his awakening:

[Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas: A sacred register born from the world's very Origin, capable of housing all varieties of Pet Beast forms. By illuminating, replenishing, and perfecting this Atlas, you shall earn rewards feedback from the world’s Origin!]

(Note: Only Pet Beasts capable of meeting specific standards may be logged within the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas.)

(Note: Pet Beasts possess distinct Evolutionary Bodies. A higher rarity of pet and an increase in total numbers will accelerate the replenishment and perfection of the Atlas.)

Though the Atlas contained an index of countless Pet Beasts, every entry currently appeared in a dull, unlit monochrome. Having waited a month already, Su Ping felt no need to rush.

Linzhou City, while falling short of the prestige held by the Imperial or Magic Capitals, stood as a prominent first-tier metropolitan hub teeming with vibrancy.

Crucially, the area was blessed with a massive natural forest park, the Lingxi River, and West Dragon Lake, providing a bounty of resources for wild Pet Beasts.

Several species were even endemic to the Linzhou region.

As the bus reached the quiet, secluded suburbs, a signpost came into focus: 'Heart of Woods Pet Beast Breeding Base.'

"Attention passengers, we are approaching the Lingxi River stop. Those exiting here, please prepare your belongings."

Responding to the announcement, Su Ping rose, exited the bus, and stood before the imposing gates of the estate.

He shook his head, offering a heavy sigh.

"Son, you have come of age and awakened your Talent to become a capable, potential Beast Tamer. That being the case, I feel secure in passing the responsibilities of the house to you at last! Get yourself back to the Heart of Woods, and together, let us transform this into the premier Forest Wolf breeding facility within Jianghai Province—or even the entire nation!"

And so, Su Ping had returned.

Throughout the past month, despite encountering numerous Pet Beasts across Linzhou City, none had satisfied the strict criteria required to light up or progress the Myriad Spirit Beast Atlas.

In this world, becoming a Beast Tamer involved more than just awakening a singular Talent or securing a first companion.

A bona fide Beast Tamer required official recognition from the Beast Master Association, earned through the grueling triennial Beast Tamer assessment competition.

Upon graduation, promising candidates often sought admission to top-tier universities or enticed various factions to invest in their growth.

Needless to say, neither ambition was easily accomplished.

It was worth noting that due to the breeding base's prime suburban location—and the fact that Su Ping’s grandfather had been a distinguished Monarch Level Beast Tamer who sacrificed his life to halt a Beast Tide—they had retained ownership of this massive facility and its surrounding leased acreage.

With another shake of his head, Su Ping withdrew his key and unlocked the entrance.

The breeding base was expansive.

Beyond the several square kilometers of woodland designed for the Forest Wolves’ exercise and recreation, the estate boasted living quarters, precision-controlled birthing chambers, analytical labs, control rooms, specialized Magic Potion workshops, and comprehensive medical suites.

Furthermore, the property bordered the serene Lingxi River, with its source at West Dragon Lake.

His father had frequently bragged about utilizing these natural advantages to cultivate Water Element Pet Beasts, yet invariably abandoned the idea by the following day.

Walking directly into the residence, Su Ping surveyed the silent, empty living room. A vague, unsettling intuition gnawed at his thoughts.

"Dad!"

"Su Anyong!"

"Where are you hiding?!"

The vacant room merely reflected his own voice back at him.

He stepped toward the sofa and spotted a note resting on the coffee table. Su Ping’s jaw tightened as he snatched up the paper. There, in Su Anyong’s telltale scrawl, were the following words:

"Son, your Second Granduncle talked about setting me up with a potential stepmother for you. He’s insisting I travel to Beihai City to meet her. You’re a grown man now, responsible and capable!

It is finally time for you to manage the household affairs. The destiny of the Heart of Woods now rests in your capable hands! You were raised here; you know exactly how the systems function.

Fretting is unnecessary. The automated feeders contain enough sustenance for the little ones for two months, and Old Sha remains on-site to assist with the logistics. Also, assuming you haven't yet contracted your initial Pet Beast, don't worry—I’ve been meticulous and picked one out for you. It awaits you in the hatching room.

Give me a call if you need anything, but as long as it doesn't involve money, your father will surely find a way. Good luck.

—Your loving father, Su Anyong."

Staring at the handwriting, Su Ping felt entirely speechless.

Still, a flicker of curiosity emerged. His flighty father had actually remembered that he lacked a contracted beast! He couldn't help but wonder what manner of creature Su Anyong had deemed worthy of his son.

Moving with haste, he crossed the room in two strides, arriving at the nearby climate-controlled hatching chamber.

He peered intently at the small lifeform resting inside the box.