Chapter 127: Unexpected Visitor
Chapter 127: Unexpected Visitor
Upon hearing this, a hint of joy appeared on Li Qian's face.
Whether or not he had already completed the Companion Beast Contract, and regardless of his needs, a free Companion Beast was a welcome gift.
There's a saying... the best things in life are free...
So, without hesitation, he spoke up, "Sure, I'd love to take advantage of such a great opportunity."
His smile remained as he continued, "I wonder, which Companion Beasts can I choose from?"
Chu Xiran saw Li Qian's reaction and couldn't help but show a puzzled look.
Logically, with his current power and status, all he needed to do was ask, and ordinary Companion Beasts should be readily available.
The school-issued Companion Beasts, at best, were only up to Commander Rank, so there was no need to be so particular about it.
Initially, she had assumed that Li Qian wouldn't be interested in this type of Companion Beast, but reality proved her wrong.
Li Qian's eagerness might lead others to mistakenly believe that this Companion Beast had the potential of an Imperial Level.
Although it was unexpected, Chu Xiran didn't say much more.
She understood that everyone had their own unique personality traits.
Perhaps Li Qian was the type who enjoyed freebies and bargains.
She had guessed correctly about this aspect.
Moreover, the school would be delighted to use a relatively inexpensive Companion Beast to improve their relationship with Li Qian. If possible, they would be more than happy to send out several more, fearing only that Li Qian might not accept them.
A genius like Li Qian, who had already shown his brilliance, might remember the school's kindness in the future and give back in ways that far surpassed the value of these Companion Beasts.
Even if he didn't hold it in his heart, it didn't matter, because the school had already gained immense benefits, both in reputation and prestige.
For Lingwater City's Beastmaster High School, this harvest was already more than enough, so they wouldn't hesitate to give away a Companion Beast.
Facing Li Qian's curious gaze, Chu Xiran shook her head slightly, "You are the top graduate this year, and according to the rules, you have priority in choosing. I'll send you the list of Companion Beasts now, take a look."
Li Qian didn't take out his phone to check the list but spoke directly, "You can choose for me, no need to pick the rarest or the one with the highest potential. I want the one with the highest research value."
"If you want the one with the highest research value, there is indeed one on the list that meets your requirements," Chu Xiran said.
Li Qian's interest was piqued, and he asked, "Which Companion Beast is it?"
Chu Xiran pointed to her phone, "The second row, third one!"
Li Qian received the notification and immediately took out his phone to look.
Soon, he saw the name of a Companion Beast... "Spirit Fox"!
"So it's the 'Spirit Fox'..." After seeing this name, Li Qian thought for a moment and then suddenly realized.
In fact, Li Qian was also familiar with this type of fox Companion Beast.
Although he didn't know much about it, he had gathered some information.
In the future, this type of Companion Beast might also make its way onto his research list.
The Spirit Fox was a rather unique Companion Beast, and its energy had excellent compatibility.
This resulted in its high malleability, surpassing that of other Companion Beasts.
In this regard, it indeed deserved the evaluation of having high research value.
Aside from the standard evolution from Spirit Fox to Great Spirit Fox, which didn't change its attribute and had limited potential growth, other evolutionary paths led to forms with significant potential and value.
Moreover, the number of evolved forms and their diversity were unparalleled.
Among the ones Li Qian knew, there were the fire-attributed Flame Spirit Fox, the water-attributed Wave Badger, the ice-attributed Snow White Fox, the wood-attributed Forest Fox, the mental-attributed Illusion Spirit Fox, and the space-attributed Shadow Spirit Fox.
It was somewhat similar to the "Eevee" from the anime "Pokemon" that Li Qian had watched in his previous life.
It was precisely because of the Spirit Fox's "uncertainty" and "compatibility" that it was a relatively rare and valuable existence among low-level Companion Beasts.
This was also why Li Qian was slightly surprised to see the Spirit Fox on the school's list.
"Then I'll choose it." Without further ado, Li Qian made his decision.
He had just glanced at the list hastily.
Indeed, there were Companion Beasts with higher potential than the Spirit Fox on the list.
However, in terms of compatibility, there was no doubt that the Spirit Fox was the most suitable for him.
Moreover, the Spirit Fox's potential was relatively high compared to other Companion Beasts.
The Spirit Fox also had its drawbacks.
Its biggest flaw was... balance.
Yes, balance! In the Beastmaster world, balance wasn't always a positive trait, as it often implied mediocrity!
Although the Spirit Fox had many evolved forms, each one was relatively mediocre in its corresponding attribute.
None of them stood out.
Its attack power was neither strong nor weak.
Its endurance was neither strong nor weak.
Its field control was neither strong nor weak.
...
This often led to an awkward situation.
It was fine for low-level battles, but in high-level battles, it couldn't be the main carry, nor could it be a suitable support, making its positioning a troublesome issue.
Of course, for ordinary Beastmasters, there was no such dilemma, as having a high-potential Companion Beast was already a great advantage.
They didn't have the luxury to be picky.
For this reason, although Li Qian felt a bit surprised, he didn't take it too seriously.
"Then I won't disturb your studies and research." After choosing the Companion Beast and completing her task, Chu Xiran didn't linger and bid farewell, her expression complex.
She bit her lip, wanting to say something but ultimately decided against it. In the end, she took a step and left the cultivation base.
This visit to Li Qian's cultivation base wasn't just arranged by the school.
It was also the family's intention.
Chu Xiran knew the family's motive—they wanted to improve their relationship with Li Qian.
Some family elders even suggested that she take Iron Elder's joke seriously.
They wanted to see if a different kind of relationship could develop, sparking some unusual sparks.
In other words, they wanted her to approach Li Qian proactively as a woman.
After understanding the family's intention, Chu Xiran felt a bit annoyed.
This is precisely why she was unable to conceal her unease when facing Li Qian earlier today.
However, in the end, her heart settled, and her worries dissipated.
She realized that Li Qian had no such intentions.
Thus, she no longer needed to agonize or overthink the situation.
Chu Xiran left.
Not even half a day after her departure, another person arrived.
"Why are you here?" Li Lanying, escorted by the security guard Zhang Shu with a beaming smile, entered Building One, leaving Li Qian rather surprised.
After their last encounter at the Peach Orchard Manor, he had assumed that it would be difficult to have any further interactions with his classmates.
Yet, to his surprise, Li Lanying had taken the initiative to seek him out.
Li Qian had a rather favorable impression of Li Lanying.
During their previous encounter at the Peach Orchard Manor, she had displayed exceptional combat prowess when facing the rebellious "Shadow of Darkness."
Moreover, her mental strength, as perceived through his senses, surpassed his own. This led Li Qian to believe that her identity was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Consequently, he maintained a certain level of vigilance towards her.
Given the depth of her concealment, it was only natural for him to exercise caution.
Unaware of Li Qian's astonishment and the underlying wariness hidden within, Li Lanying responded with a gentle smile. She then sat down across from him with grace and ease, "An old classmate has made something of themselves, so I came to take a look..."
As she leaned in slightly, her voice softened like a gentle spring breeze, "What's the matter? Don't you welcome me?"
Hearing this, Li Qian chuckled and seized the opportunity to continue the conversation, "How could that be? You're most welcome, and your presence brings great honor."
Scanning the surrounding environment, Li Lanying spoke in a jesting tone, "Such a grand breeding base, and you're still so modest? Don't you think you're being a bit too humble?"
"You know, excessive humility can be a form of arrogance."
Li Qian spread his hands in a helpless gesture, accompanied by a wry smile, "It's just an empty shell."
"You'll see for yourself when I show you around later. The facilities are quite outdated, and I'm not sure how much investment is needed."
Upon hearing this, Li Lanying's eyes lit up, "Why wait? Let's take a tour now."
"Uh..." Li Qian was taken aback by Li Lanying's eagerness, momentarily stunned.
Once he regained his composure, he promptly replied, "As long as you don't mind the simplicity of this place, I'd be more than happy to show you around."
Given that Li Lanying had taken the initiative, Li Qian found it difficult to refuse, and so he continued the conversation.
Fortunately, this wouldn't take up much time.
With this in mind, Li Qian led Li Lanying out of Building One.
The two walked side by side, and their departure was witnessed by Li Qian's mother, Han Yuerong.
"Phew, thankfully it's a girl of the same age... It seems that having Zhang Ge lead young girls inside is the right choice..." Watching the two depart, Han Yuerong's face revealed a look of relief.
Along the way, Li Qian casually introduced himself, and Li Lanying listened with ease.
The two chatted intermittently, and before they knew it, they had fallen into a comfortable atmosphere once again.
Li Qian had already witnessed this as one of Li Lanying's more prominent traits.
It made those around her feel at ease.
Not long after, the two arrived at the central pond.
Li Qian waved his hand.
With a loud bang, Qi Zai burst out of the water and came to his side.
Usually, when there was no combat, Li Qian liked to summon Qi Zai Zai and Xiao Liu from the Beast Space.
Naturally, they preferred to stay outside, playing with other companion beasts or helping to train the koi.
However, staying outside also came with its own set of issues.
The biggest problem was that they couldn't benefit from the growth boost provided by the Beast Space.
Watching Qi Zai burst out of the water and soar into the sky, Li Lanying exclaimed in admiration, "Although it's not the first time, seeing the Green Scaled Serpent again still leaves me in awe."
Li Qian smiled and returned the compliment, "Your Dora Mira is also very impressive, and as she grows, her strength won't be any less than my Green Scaled Serpent."
Li Lanying shook her head, her bright eyes revealing a hint of envy, "It's different. Even if Dora Mira grows, her role is still that of a support unit in the team. My team needs a main attacker."
Li Qian nodded in agreement, acknowledging Li Lanying's statement. Indeed, Dora Mira possessed great potential, but her strength was not suited for the role of a main attacker.
Hearing Li Lanying's words, Li Qian's face broke into a faint smile. By now, he understood why she had come to the breeding base today.
He patted Qi Zai's head lightly, signaling for him to play on his own, and then turned to Li Lanying, shifting the conversation to the main topic, "Today, you didn't come here just to visit my breeding base, did you?"
Li Lanying, having her intentions guessed by Li Qian, decided to be straightforward and openly admitted, "You should know that my strength level has already reached the Elite Rank, yet I still haven't contracted a second beast companion!"
"Do you want the Green Scaled Serpent or the Frostfire Salamander?" Li Qian instantly understood her purpose for coming, and so he directly asked.
Li Lanying's arrival surprised Li Qian, and he wondered aloud, "Why so straightforward? I remember that Lu Kuihuan and Sun Shouhe have repeatedly sought to purchase them in the group, but you haven't responded to them?"
Li Qian led Li Lanying away from the central pond.
As they walked, he explained, "Trusting you with a beast companion, I'm very much at ease. I know you'll treat it well and can unlock its potential."
He chuckled and continued, "Those two idiots, on the other hand, would only waste the beast's talent, and it would be irresponsible towards the beast. So, acquiring a beast from my breeding base isn't that simple. First, you must earn my approval."
Recalling their previous encounter, Li Lanying couldn't help but find it amusing, "If it were those two, your assessment is quite fitting."
Li Lanying provided her answer, "I wish to contract a Green Scaled Serpent as the main attacker in my future beast team."
"Why not the Frostfire Salamander?" Li Qian was surprised, as there was no doubt that the Frostfire Salamander would be more suitable as the main attacker.
After all, the potential gap between the two beasts was evident.
(End of Chapter)
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