Chapter 458: The Golden Heart, Su Ping's Fourth Pet!

Chapter 458: The Golden Heart, Su Ping's Fourth Pet!

Dragon City.

Atop the Wanglong Terrace.

The man seemed to have never made the call to Wu Kuang just now, but instead, he calmly stared at the special file in his hand, one that was so unique it couldn't be more special.

Calling it a file didn't quite fit.

This was a peculiar fragment formed by the condensation of spiritual power.

It was also a scene that had solidified like an image.

In the scene, there was a massive golden hall.

Within the hall, there were numerous strange and illusory screens, and on each screen, numbers flickered.

With every flicker of the numbers, the breathing of the people below quickened, as if each change in the numbers affected their very lives and fortunes.

However, within this scene, behind the flickering numbers, there was a fluctuation that was difficult for outsiders to comprehend, and everything was condensed within this giant hall, in that equally golden, massive, and peculiar core.

Only the man before the screen was able to detect something amiss from just watching this video.

At the same time, he gradually understood the changes in the world brought about by the fluctuations of these numbers.

Perhaps each change in the numbers caused a collective bankruptcy or rise of some entity in the world.

The world influenced this place, and in turn, this place subtly influenced the world.

"Golden Heart..."

The man repeatedly watched this clip, muttering softly.

Then, his consciousness seemed to follow this spiritual fragment, entering the golden palace, and that peculiar core, which at first glance resembled a giant computer assembled from mechanical parts.

What exactly was inside this place?

In the Eagle Nation across the ocean, why, during the rise of machinery over the past two centuries, did an organization emerge that was able to rival the Eagle Nation's orthodoxy, the Parliament?

Most importantly, at present, it seemed to be influencing the Parliament and the entire Eagle Nation.

To the extent that even the cunning eagle within the Parliament had to reveal some secrets of the Golden Heart through such means, attempting to use Dragon Nation's power to prevent its further expansion.

The man's lips curled slightly as he thought of his secret conversation with the cunning eagle a few days ago.

Clearly, the situation of the cunning eagle wasn't ideal.

The Parliament's authority was gradually weakening.

Compared to Dragon Nation, the internal affairs of the Eagle Nation were evidently far more problematic.

Thinking of this, the man revealed a mocking expression, but soon, his gaze returned to the scene, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Although he was unwilling and had no reason to be the cunning eagle's tool, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

If this Golden Heart had indeed infiltrated many companies within Dragon Nation, or even gained control, he couldn't ignore it.

If Wu Kuang hadn't accidentally discovered the situation with the Shanhe Group, leading him to investigate further, he wouldn't have known that so many companies within Dragon Nation had secretly joined the Golden Heart and established connections with them.

Although their connections weren't deep, the man's instincts were extremely sharp.

He could sense that if this situation was left unchecked, the Golden Heart would bring great trouble to Dragon Nation! Although he didn't know the specific source of the trouble, the man strongly believed in his instincts.

Moreover, joining the Golden Heart seemed too easy.

All one needed to do was submit application materials, establish a connection with someone, and have the company's leader undergo a ceremony there.

In return, the company would gain access to markets controlled by the Golden Heart.

Additionally, using these financial rules, the company's profits would increase significantly.

For many beastmasters in the business world, this was an irresistible temptation.

However, precisely because of this irresistible allure, the man became highly vigilant.

Where in the world were there free lunches?

Furthermore, as a beastmaster who had reached the peak of the legendary rank and possessed a clear understanding of the world's essence, the man suspected that the Golden Heart's intentions were not trivial.

Therefore, he was indeed wary of this so-called Golden Heart, which centered around stocks, bonds, and financial networks.

The man had never been one to hesitate or second-guess himself, especially within Dragon Nation.

In a society where the strength of individual beastmasters determined everything, his cultivation and the power he wielded were sufficient to overthrow a nation single-handedly.

So, just like twenty years ago.

In the vast lands of the Nine Provinces of Dragon Country, countless years of wild growth had given rise to numerous beastmaster families with bloodline connections as their heritage. Whether they were old or new, whether they were powerful or rooted in their territories, or even if they were as fierce as dragons in their own regions, any who dared to defy orders were swiftly crushed with thunderous might.

With the establishment of the Silver Chain Bureau, he was ready to make another big move.

At the same time, he also wanted to test the waters.

To see how the Golden Heart across the ocean, compared to the cunning Eagle Nation and its traditional parliament, would react to this unprecedented situation.

After all, although he had met the second legendary beastmaster of the Eagle Nation, the leader of the Golden Heart, he had never truly witnessed the capabilities of their beasts or their methods.

So, after Su Ping's call, he decided to bring the plans he had been secretly investigating and organizing since the Youth Professional Assessment into the open.

As for the companies found to be connected to the Golden Heart, if they were willing to cut ties and start anew, then so be it. But if they refused, it would be simple.

Wasn't Su Ping's beast breeding base lacking funds?

This young man had made so many meaningful and valuable contributions to Dragon Country, and besides providing resources and status, it was only right to also provide the necessary research funding!

...

Hanging up the phone, Su Ping blinked, still unable to process what had just happened.

Beside him, Guan Qianshan observed Su Ping's dazed expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

Su Ping blinked again:

"I estimate that the money issue will be resolved soon."

"Hmm?"

Guan Qianshan was also taken aback.

But seeing Su Ping's secretive demeanor and recalling the title he used during the call, he wisely refrained from asking questions and simply nodded:

"In that case, it's perfect."

Su Ping didn't say anything further and left Uncle Guan's office with his thoughts.

However, these thoughts didn't last long.

The higher-ups, like that person, had too many considerations.

Within the social system, these were inevitable, but he didn't need to worry about so much, at least not yet.

His desires were as he had told the ancestor of the Dong family—besides researching beast breeding and evolution, the only thing he wanted was to push himself and his beasts to even higher realms.

Additionally, he had another goal—to defeat that damned Lich Charles.

During his growth, he wanted to protect those around him, treat those who treated him well, and give back to his country.

As for more, he didn't want to get too involved or waste his energy.

With these thoughts, Su Ping stepped out of the Cloud Heart's central building. The azure sky, the scorching sun, and the gentle breeze from the overflowing energy made his heart feel open and bright.

At the same time, Su Ping made a firm decision.

Half a month had passed since his promotion to the Sovereign rank.

He had reached the fourth stage of the Sovereign rank at an unimaginable speed.

It was time for him to contract his fourth beast.

After all, the advancement of a beastmaster and their beasts were interconnected.

Without the soul connection and feedback from a fourth beast, he felt like he was missing out.

However, who should be his fourth beast? The arrival of Little Flame was undoubtedly the most suitable choice.

But Su Ping still leaned towards Little Flame.

After all, Little Flame had been by his side for half a year.

With this in mind, Su Ping sighed.

Oh well, it was perfect timing. The Magma Heart he had requested from the Beast Breeding Association headquarters was about to arrive.

After breeding the Fire Seed for Little Flame, he would ask one last time.

If it was still impossible, he would have no choice but to choose Little Flame as his fourth beast.

Time passed slowly.

As expected, two hours later, an express delivery arrived at the Heart of All Souls.

A Fire-type beast of the Imperial Rank appeared before Su Ping.

The flowing flames were like the beating of a heart.

However, despite being visible to the naked eye, the resource didn't appear scorching on the surface, only emitting a faint warmth.

As if holding not a magma fireball, but a hand warmer, Little Flame Seed's figure leaped out once more.

Upon seeing the familiar Magma Heart, it already knew what to do next.

Sure enough, a hundred Fire Element Cores appeared before it once more.

These hundred Fire Element Cores were obtained from the Beastmaster Association.

It was like shearing Old Liu's wool.

However, resources below the Sovereign level were indeed abundant at the Beastmaster Association.

After all, the Heart of All Souls was in a special phase, and every bit of savings counted.

"Little Flame Seed, you've seen how Ya Ya did it before, right? Since you're born with a Flame Soul, you don't need the Scorching Soul's involvement.

Just refine and fuse these Fire Element Cores into Fireseed, and that's it!"

Little Flame Seed's form swayed, clearly excited for this moment.

Sage Pine once again took out a bottle of prepared magical medicine to supplement Fire-type energy, and Little Flame Seed could no longer contain its eagerness.

In the spacious skill laboratory, it gathered its flames, instantly igniting the Fire Element Cores placed at the center, beginning the burning process.

Little Flame Seed had rarely fought, and the only time it assisted in combat was when it first saw its kin and fought alongside Little Crow.

However, Little Crow was the primary fighter at that time.

Little Flame Seed was just there to cheer from the sidelines.

And now, without realizing it, had Little Flame Seed grown from a mere spark to the formidable presence it was now?

The surging and intense flames turned the entire laboratory center into a sea of fire.

If not for the highly condensed nature of the hundred Fire Element Cores, even the laboratory's special materials would have been completely incinerated.

As a fragment of the Flame Lord, Little Flame Seed had even provided valuable Beastmaster memories.

How could it not have gained something from this?

And this was just the beginning.

Evidently, Little Flame Seed sought refinement speed, or in a sense, it was showcasing its abilities to Sage Pine.

Previously, Little Crow, with its crimson flames, took over an hour to refine and standardize these hundred Fire Element Cores.

Now, as the flame's temperature gradually rose, without any leakage, and with all the heat enveloping the refining flames, these highly heat-resistant Fire Element Cores melted at an unimaginable speed, rapidly melting and condensing.

In just twenty minutes, the process was several times faster, and the hundred Fire Element Cores transformed into a single core the size of a fist.

Then, with the Magma Heart's infusion, a familiar scene unfolded once more.

Fireseed's condensation still required some time.

Sage Pine decided to use this interval to inquire about the Little Flame Seed's current willingness to become his contract beast and whether it still had reservations about the idea.

Before Sage Pine could ask, Little Flame Seed took the initiative to speak:

"Hiss... (Sage Pine... Do you still want me to become your contract beast?)"

Hmm?

Is this a mutual attraction?

Sage Pine's eyebrows rose, and he nodded: "Of course I do."

Little Flame Seed shook its head: "Hiss... (I think... my main body's perception is a bit narrow... After all, humans have achieved what even my main body couldn't. I think you can establish a soul contract with me...)"

Sage Pine's eyebrows rose, and he smiled:

"Are you sure? You must know that if you become my contract beast and we establish a soul contract, although you can still leave under certain circumstances, the time away cannot be too long, and you will face some restrictions on your freedom.

Also, if I, as your Beastmaster, encounter any issues or even if I'm in danger, you will suffer a severe backlash."

Little Flame Seed shook its head: "Hiss... (Don't worry, I'll become a Mythic-level beast, and the Fire God will protect you...)"

"You're quite confident, aren't you!"

"Hiss... (Sage Pine, I'm also full of confidence in you...)"

"Hiss... (Sage Pine, I'm willing to become your contract beast...)"

Sage Pine's eyebrows rose, and he nodded, understanding the Little Flame Seed's willingness to establish a soul contract.

The Little Flame Seed, without hesitation, followed Sage Pine's instructions, its actions conveying its eagerness to form this bond.

As the flames intensified, the refinement process accelerated, and the Fire Element Cores, renowned for their heat resistance, melted and condensed at an astonishing pace.

Within just twenty minutes, the process was several times faster, and the hundred Fire Element Cores transformed into a single core the size of a fist.

Then, with the infusion of the Magma Heart, a familiar scene unfolded.

The condensation of Fireseed required some time.

Sage Pine decided to use this interval to inquire about the Little Flame Seed's current willingness to become his contract beast and whether it still had reservations about the idea.

Before Sage Pine could ask, Little Flame Seed took the initiative to speak:

"Hiss... (Sage Pine... Do you still want me to become your contract beast?)"

Sage Pine, understanding the Little Flame Seed's eagerness, nodded and smiled:

"Of course, I do. But remember, once we establish the soul contract, while you can leave under certain conditions, the time away must be limited. And if I, as your Beastmaster, face any danger, you will also be affected."

Little Flame Seed, unwavering, responded: "Hiss... (Don't worry, I'll protect you when I become a Mythic-level beast.)"

"Your confidence is admirable!"

"Hiss... (Sage Pine, I have faith in you too...)"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end