https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-132-131-Disaster-Always-Follows-Me-Closely-But-Never-Catches-Up/12586481/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-134-A-Living-Four-Star-Opportunity-Part-III-10-000-Characters-at-Midnight-/12586484/
Chapter 133: 132. Online Consultation: What Are Suitable Pets in Bashu? Urgent!
Chapter 133: 132. Online Consultation: What Are Suitable Pets in Bashu? Urgent!
Lei Jun noticed the massive shadow.
Despite its enormous size, it moved with surprising agility, fleeting in the blink of an eye.
Though Lei Jun was inquisitive by nature, most of the time, he refrained from inviting himself into others' business.
However, he had already waited for almost three days in Rain Mountain.
During this time, nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Recalling the Upper-Middle Grade that mentioned a Fourth-Rank opportunity, Lei Jun's heart stirred, and he finally decided to follow the trail of this massive shadow.
Despite its rapid movements, Lei Jun, with intent, soon caught up.
In the mountains, the giant shadow ambled, stopping now and then to lower its head and sniff the ground.
Then, with its claws, it dug into the earth and extracted something from the forest floor.
The night was cloudy, obscuring the moonlight.
But just then, the clouds parted slightly, allowing moonbeams to spill through and illuminate the mountain forest.
The massive figure was suddenly bathed in a soft glow.
...Lei Jun raised his hand to his forehead in exasperation.
It had short, stout limbs.
Its fur was a striking contrast of black and white.
Its head was perfectly round.
On top sat two neat semi-circular ears.
And around its eyes were two prominent dark rings...
Well, it was a cousin of his master!
Before his journey to this world, Lei Jun had encountered similar creatures on Blue Star, famously known as pandas or giant pandas. In this new world, they were more commonly referred to as Mountain Pandas or Iron-Eating Beasts.
This was the first time he had laid eyes on one since his arrival.
However, it was quite large... Lei Jun's eyebrows arched in surprise.
Compared to the giant pandas he remembered from Blue Star, this Mountain Panda, though identical in appearance, was significantly larger in stature.
It was almost the size of a small elephant.
As it sat there, it resembled a colossal ball, giving the impression of a tiny house.
It seemed like the giant pandas of Blue Star had been enlarged several times over.
Lei Jun wondered if this particular individual was unique or if all the pandas in this world were of such impressive size.
It was spring, and the bamboo shoots in the Bashu Mountains were thriving.
While the bamboo forest on Rain Mountain was not as vast as the Shu South Bamboo Sea, it was still quite impressive.
The giant panda had been digging out bamboo shoots, each one looking minuscule compared to its massive frame.
Held in its palm, they resembled nothing more than sunflower seeds.
Then, to Lei Jun's astonishment, the panda began to eat them like one would eat sunflower seeds, peeling off the outer layer before popping them into its mouth.
With its large cheeks puffing out, it devoured the shoots with evident delight, showing potential as a future food influencer.
Its appetite was as enormous as its size, and it quickly devoured the bamboo shoots.
Then, with grunts and snorts, it resumed its search, digging once more.
Lei Jun, observing from a distance, waited a while longer before revealing himself.
He decided to explore the surroundings further.
He found no other Mountain Pandas or spirit beasts, nor any other people.
In the vicinity, there was only this one giant panda.
However, the commotion it created was considerable, attracting several disciples of Rain Mountain Temple to investigate.
But Lei Jun, unseen, skillfully diverted them away, ensuring the panda's presence remained a secret.
Lei Jun was in no rush.
Aside from observing the giant panda, he continued to survey the area.
Only when he was certain there were no other discoveries to be made and no other signs of the Fourth-Rank opportunity did he approach the panda once more.
After some time, Lei Jun realized that the panda was not merely gluttonous but seemed to be searching for something specific.
Of course, it was undeniably greedy, munching on whatever it came across during its search.
But it appeared frustrated, as if it hadn't found what it truly desired, and eventually, it began to circle the same spot.
Lei Jun was intrigued by this behavior and, after inspecting the area again, concluded that it was not a trap set by someone else to lure the panda to Rain Mountain.
He wondered what could be attracting this giant panda so strongly.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, and his expression turned peculiar.
He released the concealment on his Wind and Thunder Talisman, "Night Wind," revealing himself in the mountain forest.
The giant creature's eyes, as round as marbles, suddenly spun with surprising agility.
Its round head swiveled towards Lei Jun, and it stared at him with unabashed curiosity.
Then, with a speed and agility that belied its bulk, it stumbled and charged towards Lei Jun, its massive form knocking over trees and stirring up clouds of dust.
When it reached him, its eyes continued to whirl, and instead of pouncing, it began to circle Lei Jun, its enormous body moving in an almost dance-like fashion.
It resembled a child eagerly circling an adult, hoping for a toy.
Lei Jun couldn't help but find the situation amusing and exclaimed, "What a character! Such a massive creature, yet so playful."
Compared to other animals, this chubby creature seemed to possess a higher level of intelligence.
However, it was only in comparison to most animals and not because it possessed human-like intelligence or the profound wisdom of ancient demons or immortal spirits.
Lei Jun's initial observation led him to believe that the panda's intelligence was comparable to that of a human toddler.
However, its physical prowess was unparalleled, surpassing not only the average human but also most animals.
Despite its bulky appearance, the panda was surprisingly agile and nimble.
And when it came to strength, well, let's just say that below its neck, it resembled a double-door refrigerator...
Lei Jun could easily sense the fiery qi and physical might lurking beneath its black and white fur.
One could only wonder if this power was innate or the result of consuming some kind of spiritual flora.
But what exactly had drawn this massive creature here?
Lei Jun ascended, his footsteps seemingly floating in the air as he hovered.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he produced an object.
It was thick on one end and thin on the other, resembling a club of some sort.
The large panda's eyes lit up at the sight, and without hesitation, it stood on its hind legs, reaching towards Lei Jun with its front paws, eager and curious like a child.
Unfortunately, Lei Jun's position was just out of reach, and despite the panda's leaps and bounds, it couldn't quite get to him.
"Well, aside from fishing, I guess I can now add cat-fishing to my repertoire," Lei Jun mused as he held the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo, a handy short stick, with newfound appreciation.
This was the first time he had truly realized that this handy little stick was, in fact, a bamboo shoot.
And the giant panda below had an incredibly keen sense for it.
To think it could sniff it out and make its way here!
"So, you are my Fourth-Rank opportunity?" Lei Jun asked, looking down at the eager panda below.
According to the Upper-Middle Grade fortune, staying in Rain Mountain would lead him to encounter this creature.
If he had left Rain Mountain for another place, he might have missed this chance.
It seemed that the panda's target was not just Rain Mountain but specifically Lei Jun and the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo.
If Lei Jun had gone elsewhere, the panda wouldn't have been able to find him.
Only at Rain Mountain could the panda sniff out his trail and make its way here.
After entering Bashu, Lei Jun had rarely displayed the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo.
Even with its keen senses, the panda would have had a hard time tracking it across the region.
However, Lei Jun's prolonged stay at Rain Mountain had given the panda the opportunity it needed.
Had he been anywhere else, the panda wouldn't have been able to keep up.
It could only locate the relatively dense qi of Rain Mountain and wander around in search of its target.
Lei Jun looked at the giant panda below and acknowledged the strange twist of fate.
This feeling was indeed... intriguing!
Lei Jun smiled and descended from the air.
The panda let out a low roar, almost like a cheer, and rushed forward.
But Lei Jun's body was surrounded by an invisible force, preventing the panda from getting too close.
He smiled as he watched the giant panda turn left and right, bumping and feigning charges in an attempt to get closer.
Before entering Bashu, Lei Jun had actually hoped to find a panda in this world and bring one back to Dragon-Tiger Mountain.
However, his thoughts had drifted away from that idea after encountering his master's dark past.
The prospect of bringing a panda back and facing Yuan Mobai felt a bit awkward.
Lei Jun had even started seriously considering finding some other spiritual beast from Bashu as his mode of transportation.
And now, here he was, with a panda practically delivered to his doorstep.
Well, Master, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for this, he thought.
As you always taught me, we cultivators should follow the will of heaven and act according to the circumstances.
Since this is the opportunity presented to me, I shall not hesitate to seize it.
Lei Jun smiled and held out the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo, offering it to the giant panda.
The panda's eyes lit up, and it rushed forward eagerly.
But it missed, as Lei Jun calmly stepped back.
The panda tried again, lunging twice more, but each time, Lei Jun deftly moved out of the way.
Lei Jun waved the bamboo shoot teasingly in front of the panda.
However, this time, the panda didn't fall for it.
Its massive body plopped down on the ground, forming a giant ball, and its eyes blinked rapidly.
Lei Jun could almost discern a very human-like emotion in its round face: anger.
Lei Jun smiled but remained silent, again waving the bamboo shoot in front of the panda.
In response, the panda turned its body away and twisted its head to the side, refusing to take the bait.
Lei Jun found the situation both amusing and exasperating.
He could clearly see the panda's eyes rolling around in their sockets, full of life and cunning, despite its apparent laziness.
Even as it turned its head away, its eyes kept glancing slyly at Lei Jun, as if it were secretly observing him.
Lei Jun pretended not to notice and took a couple of steps forward, approaching the giant panda.
As he brought the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo closer, the panda spun around with unprecedented agility, its palm shooting out like lightning to grab the bamboo shoot!
Unfortunately, it missed again.
The massive body lost its balance and tumbled to the ground, rolling to the side and crushing two small trees in its wake.
As it righted itself, its eyes blinked innocently at Lei Jun, its chubby face now wearing an expression of grievance.
Lei Jun smiled and tossed the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo into the air, letting it fall right by the giant panda's mouth.
The panda eagerly opened its mouth and chomped down on the bamboo shoot.
However, try as it might, it couldn't peel the dark skin of the shoot.
This lazy creature then decided to simply swallow it whole.
But as it did so, the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo emitted a golden light, lodging itself in the panda's throat. It was neither able to swallow nor spit it out.
This mystical beast, also known as the Iron-Eating Beast, had saliva that could melt gold and erode iron.
Yet, the golden light emanating from the bamboo shoot formed a barrier, preventing the panda's saliva from making contact with the shoot itself.
The light spread further, causing the panda's mouth to stretch uncomfortably.
Seeing the giant creature's dilemma, Lei Jun calmly stepped forward and retrieved the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo.
The panda rolled onto its back, leaning against a boulder, its eyes warily fixed on Lei Jun and the bamboo shoot in his hand. There was still a hint of greed in its eyes.
"This bamboo shoot has been refined by both my master and me for a long time. It's now a magical artifact, very different from an ordinary spiritual object."
Lei Jun smiled and said, "With your current abilities, you definitely won't be able to chew on it.
But that's alright, there are still plenty of unrefined Golden Bamboos in the Immortal Bamboo Forest in the Upper Clarity Thunder Palace of Dragon-Tiger Mountain.
They may not be shoots, but I think they'll suit you just fine. What do you say? Do you want to come back to Dragon-Tiger Mountain with me?"
Lei Jun felt that he must look kind and approachable at that moment, with a benevolent and persuasive demeanor...
The giant panda in front of him blinked its eyes as if deep in thought.
With its current level of intelligence, it didn't know exactly what to do.
However, once it made up its mind, it immediately followed Lei Jun's lead, going wherever he went.
Amused by its behavior, Lei Jun reached out and patted the panda gently.
Hmm, to be honest, the tactile sensation was a bit rougher and harder than he had expected.
But that was alright; with proper nurturing and care, the texture of its fur could be improved.
His goal was to have a panda companion with dense and silky-smooth fur.
With its massive size, it could serve as a sofa or a rug when it lay on the ground.
Lei Jun hopped onto the panda's back.
The panda shook its large head, clearly displeased.
Lei Jun needed no forceful methods; he simply waved the Upper Clarity Golden Bamboo in his hand.
The panda immediately became docile.
Lei Jun couldn't help but laugh, sitting atop its back.
Yes, this was wonderful. Since coming to this world, he had gained another source of joy.
However...
Lei Jun's smile soon faded.
He realized that his new companion had an insatiable appetite.
Its mouth seemed like a bottomless pit.
Even as they traveled and it ate along the way, it remained perpetually hungry.
He had never seen his master eat so much before... Alright, stop right there, he told himself. Don't go down that train of thought.
Lei Jun sighed and sat on the giant panda's back as they returned to his dwelling.
Before this glutton could devour his home as well, Lei Jun called upon the disciples of Rain Mountain Temple to help prepare a large amount of food.
The disciples of Rain Mountain Temple were bewildered by the request, but they didn't refuse. They immediately set to work, assisting Lei Jun.
Lei Jun also provided them with some basic spirit talismans as payment.
In the world of cultivation, the spirit talismans of the Dragon-Tiger Mountain Heavenly Master Mansion could sometimes be used as hard currency.
While they might not be as effective when used by others compared to when used by disciples of the Talisman Sect, they could still yield unexpected wonders when used at the right time.
For example, the Gold Lock Talisman was always in high demand.
With the help of Rain Mountain Temple, Lei Jun was finally able to satisfy the sudden addition of another mouth to feed.
After successfully seizing this opportunity, he didn't rush to leave the mountain. He continued to bide his time at Rain Mountain, awaiting the resolution of the conflict within the Shu Mountain Sect.
The clash was intense and prolonged.
Many days later, the internal strife within the Shu Mountain Sect finally entered its final stages, showing signs of coming to an end.
Lei Jun met with Ji Chuan once more.
Ji Chuan looked haggard and worried, clearly forcing himself to stay alert to greet Lei Jun, their guest from afar.
However, upon seeing Lei Jun, Ji Chuan was too stunned to exchange greetings.
The Shu Mountain disciple completely forgot his manners, his eyes wide as he stared at the massive figure beside Lei Jun.
PS: Second update for today, more to come later.
(End of Chapter)
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