Chapter 302: Refinement! The True Fire Phoenix? The Spark's Need!

Chapter 302: Refinement! The True Fire Phoenix? The Spark's Need!

It was a thin, ancient-looking book.

Its pages exuded a sense of old-world charm.

However, it was not an ancient tome passed down through the ages but a modern creation.

Inscribed within its pages was the breeding method for the Thorn Wolf!

Su Ping lay in the guest room of the Pine Ridge Cabin, flipping through the breeding method and notes that Zhao Lintian had directly given him, detailing his breeding experiences.

The Thorn Wolf, an Overlord-tier evolution of the Forest Wolf, excelled in close-quarters combat with formidable offensive and defensive capabilities.

Su Ping carefully read through the book, word by word.

Surprisingly, after reading just a bit, Su Ping nodded. Zhao Lintian didn't seem as lucky as Sun Chao Ju, whose Forest Wolf had spontaneously evolved into the Ten Thousand Wood Wolf.

Zhao Lintian had stumbled upon the idea for the Thorn Wolf by chance.

In his notes, Zhao Lintian discovered that some Forest Wolves in the forest, in addition to eating tree fruits, also enjoyed rubbing their bodies against a common plant called the Ironthorn Tree.

From then on, Zhao Lintian observed them closely and gradually found that those who frequently rubbed against the Ironthorn Tree developed harder bodies, sharper claws, and even the vines they summoned for constriction became tougher and more piercing.

Thus, from this observation, Zhao Lintian began the evolution of the Thorn Wolf.

After numerous attempts and tests, he finally developed the breeding method for the Thorn Wolf.

The resources required for this evolution were indeed expensive, even among Overlord-tier evolutions, which explained why it only achieved seventh place in the breeding tournament.

Nonetheless, the Thorn Wolf's combat prowess was impressive among Overlord-tier pets.

At the very least, it was significantly stronger than the Forest Wolf's two ordinary evolutions, the Wood Wolf and the Spirit Wolf.

[Thorn Wolf]



[Attribute: Wood]



[Species Potential: Overlord Tenth Rank]



[Skills: Sun's Heart, Thorned Tail, Spiked Shell, Thorn Spear, Regeneration, Accelerated Growth.]



Among the Thorn Wolf's racial skills, Sun's Heart, Regeneration, and Accelerated Growth were retained, while Vine Constriction evolved into the remaining three skills.

Thorned Tail, as seen in the video, was the Thorn Wolf's highly attractive long tail, serving as its primary attack in its standard form.

Spiked Shell, as demonstrated in the footage, was the Thorn Wolf's body covered in thorn-like spikes, significantly enhancing its physical defense and providing partial damage immunity and reflection, making it an extremely powerful skill.

Lastly, Thorn Spear, unseen in the previous video, was undoubtedly the Thorn Wolf's ultimate move, according to the notes.

It was the super finisher of this creature!

The Thorn Wolf transformed its body's thorns into a massive thorn spear, charging and piercing through its opponents.

Just reading the description in the notes, Su Ping could envision the display of this ability in action.

However, while its combat prowess was impressive, the evolution requirements were extremely demanding.

Notably, the evolution required a staggering five Overlord-tier resources.

Breeders considered this a fivefold increase in standard consumption.

Moreover, this wasn't even the most critical factor.

The key challenge was in selecting the suitable evolution, as it required Forest Wolves to actively rub against the Ironthorn Tree to determine their compatibility with the Thorn Wolf evolution.

Otherwise, if the Forest Wolf was incompatible, there was a compatible Forest Wolf might get stuck at a certain step in the evolution process.

Consequently, Forest Wolves that failed to complete the evolution would be unable to attempt other evolution methods, effectively ending their prospects.

These stringent conditions explained the Thorn Wolf's low ranking in the breeding tournament, despite the limited number of new evolutions.

Su Ping remained unperturbed and finished reading the breeding manual in just twenty minutes.

As expected, a special message prompt appeared in the depths of Su Ping's soul.

[Discovered 'Forest Wolf' Special Evolution Route: Thorn Wolf in the Bestiary.]



[Can consume 1200 Bestiary Experience points to improve and strengthen this evolution route. Consume now?]



The Bestiary's power lay in its ability to refine and perfect even the most imperfect breeding methods.

Even the long-established breeding methods for the Wood Wolf and Spirit Wolf could be enhanced, let alone the newly discovered Thorn Wolf.

Furthermore, Su Ping had come to understand the Bestiary's evolution refinement mechanism over time.

The more data collected, the less experience was required to improve evolution methods. Zhao Lintian's notes contained all his accumulated knowledge on Thorn Wolf evolution.

Of course, the experience points consumed for this were within Su Ping's expectations.

After all, this was merely an Overlord Peak-level evolutionary form.

Su Ping wasn't too concerned and, after receiving the feedback from the Bestiary, he directly chose to proceed.

Over this period, the 1,200 experience points were just enough.

This time, Su Ping didn't feel any regret.

After reaching Level 4 in the Forest Wolf Codex, the value of experience points for further leveling seemed insignificant.

To reach Level 5, one would need ten evolutionary form branches, or alternatively, a substantial amount of experience points, but it was clearly not worth it.

Therefore, using these experience points to perfect an evolutionary path was a profitable decision from any perspective.

The experience points flowed like water, quickly depleting.

In the Bestiary, the evolution method for the Thorn Wolf was also thoroughly perfected.

First, the choice of wolf species was crucial.

Before the perfection, it was necessary to observe whether the Forest Wolf had a particular affinity for the Ironthorn Tree.

However, after the perfection, the Bestiary feedback suggested using an Elite-level resource called 'Sawtooth Grass' along with several ordinary resources to streamline the process.

This also accelerated the first step.

Subsequently, the required five Overlord-level resources were fully optimized, reducing the requirement to a single Overlord-specific resource.

Both cost and time were significantly optimized.

The Thorn Wolf, during the previous Breeding Master Tournament, scored 305 points.

This score wasn't exceptionally high, especially considering that the potion of time presented by Ye Zhou and the Magic Capital Academy scored 315 points as a magical potion.

Such a score, in the context of the Breeding Master Tournament, would have placed it in the seventh position, indicating that the quality of that year's tournament wasn't particularly high.

However, after Su Ping's perfection, if presented again at the tournament, Su Ping was confident of breaking into the top five, raising the score to around 340-360 points.

The Bestiary, despite its perfection, had limitations regarding the Thorn Wolf's potential.

The evolution of an Elite-level race to Overlord-level was considered a low-level evolutionary path.

Shaking his head, Su Ping mentally noted the perfection of the Thorn Wolf's evolution, no longer giving it further attention.

For now, he had no intention of offering it to Zhao Lintian without compensation.

He considered it an equal exchange, and if Zhao Qingqing proved herself and truly joined the Heart of All Spirits, becoming his own, then Zhao Lintian would have the better end of the deal.

Within just a few hours, Su Ping had thoroughly perfected the evolutionary form that Zhao Lintian had been researching for years, though he no longer needed to concern himself with others, it was still a bit too eye-catching.

As night fell, Su Ping slowly immersed his consciousness into the Beast Taming Realm.

The space remained the same, teeming with life, an ecological cycle, the Fire Nurturing Domain, and a drop of water becoming an ocean.

These four characteristics, along with the space's ability to absorb, formed Su Ping's Beast Taming Realm.

A pool of water, a patch of red soil, and a field of grass sprouting scattered resources.

Additionally, Su Ping's two beloved pets rested within,

while Fatty, who never stayed in the Beast Taming Realm, resided in Su Ping's backpack.

—In the Beast Taming Realm, Fatty's spiritual signal connection to its phone was blocked.

Apart from this, the first thing that caught Su Ping's attention in the Beast Taming Realm was a newly awakened consciousness:

【Mutated Spirit Flame (Wild)】

【Attribute: Fire】

【Current Level: Ordinary First Rank】

【Species Potential: ?????】

【Skills: Flame Spirit (Beginner), Flame Element (Beginner)】

Spirit Flame.

It also had another name, Fire Elemental Spirit Hatchling.

Different names, different calls, but essentially the same thing.

As this creature continued to grow, it could change forms and become the so-called 'Fire Elemental Spirit'.

Similar to Fatty's ability, but fundamentally the same.

Fire Elemental Spirits were relatively common among the various elemental spirit pets.

Not to mention, the Blue Flame Heart Demon under Cold Lord's command was one of them.

From any perspective, this was no ordinary Spirit Flame, not the most basic fire elemental life form.

Indeed, this was the first time Su Ping's True Eye had seen a species potential of ?????, but he had already deduced from previous observations that this creature's species potential should be at the Legendary level.

The reason for its invisibility was likely due to Su Ping's low cultivation realm.

Despite the innate resistance and aversion humans seem to have towards this little flame, Su Ping maintained a friendly and kind attitude towards the little guy.

"It's you again, little one!"

"Sssss!"

The little flame bird, transformed by the fire, let out a hissing sound.

Clearly, it was highly alert and guarded against Su Ping's reappearance.

Su Ping wasn't bothered. His mental power instantly condensed, and a Flame Fruit materialized in the hands of the consciousness within the Beast Taming Realm.

As expected, after the purest flame energy formed, the little flame bird, now in the form of a small bird, couldn't take its eyes off the condensed Flame Fruit.

Its fiery red eyes stared intently at the condensed Flame Fruit.

"Do you want it? As long as you agree to become my contracted Beast, you can have it anytime, anywhere."

Su Ping, like a candy-offering stranger, tempted the little flame with a mental communication.

Obviously, this little flame desperately craved such resources.

However, upon hearing Su Ping's words, it halted its thirsty gaze and flapped its wings again.

"Sssss! (Human... Cunning... Despicable... Foolish dreams!)"

Indeed, the challenge was a bit daunting.

But Su Ping adjusted his mood and continued, "How about this? I'll ask you a few questions. If you answer well, I'll give you this Flame Fruit. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, the little flame thought for a moment and then nodded.

Although its consciousness had revived, its body was genuinely weak.

Without sufficient energy to replenish, it might even revert to a state of pure instinct over time.

So, despite its reluctance to interact with this cunning human, it had no choice but to engage at this moment.

Su Ping revealed a smile and asked directly, "What is your true form?"

He was most curious about the giant Fire Phoenix that had devoured countless birds and was born from flames.

What kind of Beast was that?

The first question left the little flame perplexed.

Its fiery pupils showed a mix of recollection and confusion, and its flapping wings slowed down significantly.

"Sssss (My true form... Flame Totem... Ten Thousand Birds Faith...)"

"Sssss (I don't know... I don't know...)"

Suddenly, the little flame became extremely anxious, flapping its wings rapidly, exuding an indescribable sense of restlessness.

However, Su Ping didn't seem to mind. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, savoring the two words the little flame had spoken.

Flame Totem? Ten Thousand Birds Faith?

Was this an alternative name for a Legendary Beast?

Indeed, it seemed quite fitting.

Legendary Beasts, in the absence of any news or appearances of Mythical Beasts, were the pinnacle of existence, the true pillar of a nation, and the ultimate combat power on the entire Blue Planet.

Such Beasts could indeed be considered totems and objects of faith for their respective attributes.

Observing the extremely anxious little flame, Su Ping directly tossed the Flame Fruit he had condensed in his hand, which was only of Elite rank, towards the little flame.

As expected, upon sensing the energy within the Flame Fruit, the little flame's restlessness subsided considerably.

Its body ignited with fiery red flames, slowly igniting the Flame Fruit, consuming and absorbing it in its own way.

"I have another question. What is your connection with your true form? How can you become as powerful as your true form?"

Su Ping still had a vague understanding of what this little flame was.

The most straightforward observation was whether this little flame was the so-called Flame Totem or Ten Thousand Birds Faith in its infancy, or some other insignificant entity.

However, Su Ping had some speculations about the little flame's situation, and the reason was simple. After witnessing the Ten Thousand Birds Paying Homage to Phoenix firsthand, he couldn't help but make some assumptions.

That dazzling Fire Phoenix had directly exploded, turning into a Meteor Fire Shower and vanishing across the entire land.

Countless sparks had been scattered.

This little flame's connection was very likely related to that event.

Indeed, Su Ping's speculation proved to be correct.

This time, the little flame didn't experience the same pain as before. Instead, it spoke directly:

"Sssss (I am... I am the true form... but not complete... I need to... devour...)"

Indeed!

A glint flashed in Su Ping's eyes.

That giant Fire Phoenix had exploded into countless Meteor Fire Showers, splitting into not just ten thousand flames, but many more.

If these flames were to merge, they might form the true body of that Fire Phoenix. Therefore, the path of these flames was likely to strengthen themselves individually before relying on their instincts to engage in fierce battles, devouring and merging with one another.

This process would undoubtedly involve countless battles.

Without a doubt, Su Ping didn't believe that Fire Phoenix was a symbol of good fortune or some kind of divine Beast.

Instead, its temperament exuded a violent and destructive aura, making it an absolute beast obsessed with combat, destruction, and devastation.

(End)

After its rebirth, it used its eerie allure to attract countless birds to the valley, then revived and burned all the birds into its nourishment, clearly showing its evil and power.

Su Ping was indeed impressed by the creature's instinct!

"Devour?"

Su Ping showed a hint of interest.

Then, a glint flashed in his eyes.

But he didn't rush to speak; instead, he once again threw the flame fruit he had just condensed towards it.

Sure enough, the little flame eagerly continued to consume it.

As the little creature finished eating both flame fruits under Su Ping's watchful eye, its body visibly expanded, and in Su Ping's observation, its realm also improved. Then, he asked again:

"So, to enhance your power, do you just need to find your kin, and then devour and fuse with them?"

"Hisssssss!"

The firebird quickly nodded.

Su Ping smiled:

"How strong are your kin? Does devouring and being devoured represent the dominance of consciousness? Whose power is greater, whose consciousness will become the ultimate flame totem, the true embodiment of the faith of ten thousand birds?"

Upon hearing this, the little flame bird seemed perplexed, perhaps because Su Ping had said too much, and it didn't quite understand the meaning.

However, perhaps due to consuming two flame fruits and improving its realm, the little flame bird was only slightly perplexed for a moment before understanding the meaning of Su Ping's words. Then, it nodded:

"Hisssssss (I... am the true flame totem, the embodiment of the faith of ten thousand birds...)"

Su Ping smiled:

"That's not necessarily true! Think about it, your kin are all outside, and they might have already started fusing and devouring each other. With your weak power, you might easily be devoured yourself!"

Su Ping pretended to shake his head in disappointment.

Sure enough, this awakened consciousness, like a blank sheet of paper, the little flame bird became anxious upon hearing these words:

"Hisssss (No! I don't want to be devoured! I am the true flame totem, the embodiment of the faith of ten thousand birds...)"

Su Ping was pleased with the little flame bird's ambition.

Only ambitious pets are good pets!

Pets that don't lie down and give up are valuable pets!

So, he continued with a smile:

"So, do you want me to help you, cultivate you? Rest assured, I promise, in the human beast taming society, my status and power are quite impressive. I can help you grow and protect you."

Upon hearing this, the little flame bird fell into hesitation.

It always felt that this human had ulterior motives.

Moreover, its instinct was telling it that humans were untrustworthy, the most despicable and shameless species, as the main body had influenced all the little flame birds.

But, the birth of this self-consciousness, like a blank sheet of paper, couldn't help but admit that this human was right.

Perhaps after two or three months, those scattered flames might have already started fusing, devouring, and fighting each other.

With its weak foundation, how could this little flame bird compete with those 'main bodies' that had grown? Self-consciousness was the symbol of wisdom, the manifestation of self-life.

Such life forms, once they developed self-consciousness, would not willingly sacrifice themselves to benefit others.

This was the essence of life. Moreover, at this moment, with the help of the Green Demon Spring Ginseng, the little flame bird had developed a pure self-consciousness and wisdom.

In this situation, Su Ping's question undoubtedly struck a chord with the little flame bird. It fell into deep thought.

A 'gaze' transmitted from behind Su Ping.

The Green Demon Spring Ginseng's body swayed away from Xiao Qing's body and approached Su Ping and the little flame bird. It curiously 'watched' Su Ping and the little flame bird.

Su Ping's consciousness avatar bowed to the Green Demon Spring Ginseng.

The latter's body swayed, unbothered by the gesture.

Finally, the little flame bird snapped out of its silent contemplation and spoke:

"Hisss (I won't be your pet...)"

"Hisss (But, I want your help... I'll repay you...)"

Su Ping grinned. What a great deal, completing the first half of the chapter that wasn't written last night.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end