Beast Taming: Starting From Zero

“What the heck?!”

“It's been summoned back?!”

Li Songhai stared blankly for a long moment before snapping out of it and forming a hand seal.

A green star array appeared on the ground, and there, lying with its eyes closed, was the little Water Snail he had struggled to summon back!

It was really back... Li Songhai finally felt a twinge of reality upon seeing it.

He couldn't help but feel bewildered. Could that TV drama have been based on true events? Is it really possible for a beast tamer’s summon to be erratic?

What was the show called again...? Oh, Beast Taming Rules. He had watched two episodes before losing interest, so he barely remembered the plot. The male lead was an underdog, so he couldn't really relate.

If he had this kind of summoning malfunction, maybe he should finish the show for clues...

Qiao Sang, watching this beast tamer from the Guwu Region stare silently at his summoned Water Snail, couldn’t help but speak up, “Uncle, this is the pet you couldn’t summon back, right?”

“Yes, it’s the one.”

At this moment, a security guard who had been in the background, having failed to summon his own pet, swallowed and said, “Buddy, since your pet’s back, why don’t we head back and get some sleep?”

The guard with the messy hair remained silent, seeming to agree.

The change in attitude was instantaneous.

Under normal circumstances, they’d report this to the property manager, who’d probably kick Li Songhai out overnight. But seeing the green star array, they silently agreed to turn a blind eye.

If the property manager ever found out, they’d say it was a misunderstanding. If not, they wouldn’t bother stirring things up.

What a joke, any beast tamer with a green star array and the ability to contract three pets was no one to mess with, no matter why he was here as a mere security guard.

Since the resident vouched that it was a misunderstanding, then a misunderstanding it was.

Ignoring them, Li Songhai turned to Qiao Sang and said, “Sorry for the disturbance, but I must warn you, whether you believe it or not, something’s off in this house. There may be a wild pet here.”

Good grief, could he be talking about Water Luriana?

Qiao Sang hesitated and asked, “A wild pet?”

Li Songhai nodded.

“You should know that a beast tamer can sense their pet’s condition. My Water Snail was fine, but it fainted the moment it entered your house. So, I think there might be something strange here. It’d be better if you stayed cautious.”

He wasn’t sure why the Water Snail fainted, but if it was Water Luriana's doing, the girl might be in danger. Water Luriana had a history, after all.

It wasn’t something he should have said…

But, remembering how he had just misunderstood her, and how she wasn’t angry and even spoke up for him, he couldn’t resist giving her a warning.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Songhai’s face showed a tinge of regret.

He immediately regretted it.

The girl, however, smiled gently.

“Thank you. I’ll be careful.”

Well, since he’d already said it, no point dwelling on it… Li Songhai sighed internally.

Water Luriana isn’t good at this. This beast tamer isn’t high-level, and he doesn’t seem that bright. How did she end up fleeing for her life? Qiao Sang thought to herself.

---

Qiao Sang opened the door and didn’t see Water Luriana who had been here earlier.

“Where’s Water Luriana?” She asked her little ghost nearby.

“Xun!”

Little Treasure pointed toward the courtyard.

This was her chance to build rapport, no way was she leaving Water Luriana alone!

Qiao Sang rushed to the courtyard and cleared her throat by the still pond, calling, “Come out. Let’s have a chat.”

Just as she was about to start talking to herself, thinking Water Luriana wouldn’t show, the creature’s head peeked out from the pond.

Qiao Sang was surprised, having never expected Water Luriana to respond so readily.

“You saw that guy was here for you, right? Who knows if the Water Snail saw you.”

Qiao Sang said earnestly, “Even though he’s probably getting fired, who knows if he’ll find another way in? I think it’s too dangerous for you to stay here.”

“Lu lu.”

Water Luriana called out flatly.

With no expression or movement from Water Luriana, Qiao Sang couldn’t make out what it was trying to say.

She took a deep breath and yelled, “Little Treasure! Come and translate!”

“Xun~”

Little Treasure teleported to the poolside.

With his help, Qiao Sang finally understood Water Luriana.

Goodness, that level of suspicion! It’s actually wondering how she knew he was after it.

“Because I’m smart.” Qiao Sang replied.

Water Luriana froze, its tail in the pool flicking in surprise. It hadn’t expected such a shameless response.

“Don’t look so doubtful. Just listen.” Qiao Sang said seriously.

“My taming abilities awakened on their own, and only smart people can awaken them like that.”

“It’s pretty simple. That guy, like you, is from the Guwu Region. Even though he’s a low-level, D-ranked beast tamer, he’d never work as a guard in a residential area. The Water Snail sneaking in here is proof enough.”

Water Luriana’s eyes widened, finding her words surprisingly convincing…

“Also, I’m not saying he’s bad, but not everyone’s a villain.”

Qiao Sang said earnestly, “Look at me, for instance. I’m totally righteous. You’ve been here all this time, and I’ve never had any plans to do anything to you.”

Shuiluiana’s expression wavered. That seemed to be true…

Qiao Sang kept going, “When I went outside just now, he told me there might be a wild pet in the house. I think he knows you’re here.”

“If you trust me, I can help you.”

“Lu lu?”

Water Luriana looked puzzled. How?

“Have you ever wondered why he’s after you so relentlessly?” Qiao Sang asked.

“Lu lu.” Water Luriana raised its head proudly, as if the answer were obvious.

“Xun.” Little Treasure translated on cue.

Qiao Sang’s mouth twitched.

“Honestly, it’s because you’re too weak. If you were stronger, would you still need to hide from him? Sure, you’re rare, but if he ran into a mythical beast, guess who’d be the one running?”

“Lu lu…”

Water Luriana paused, then looked enlightened.

Yes, if it were strong enough, that guy wouldn’t dare chase it!

This human is so clever…

Seeing Water Luriana’s expression, Qiao Sang silently congratulated herself.

Great! The persuasion’s working. Now for the final step…

“I know how to make you stronger, but it’s up to you if you’re willing.” Qiao Sang smiled.

“Lu lu!”

Water Luriana looked up at her, nodding firmly.

And so, under the moonlight, the human and beast forged an agreement to become stronger, without a formal contract.

“Xun…”

Little Treasure watched Water Luriana and his master, who was barely concealing a smirk, feeling like something was a little off.