The room was dim, with slivers of sunlight piercing through the gaps in the wooden window screens, warmly illuminating a napping teenager.
The teenager looked about fifteen or sixteen, with short, messy black hair and slightly tanned skin that made him appear very healthy. Overall, he was a sunny and handsome young man.
However, the aura the teenager exuded at that moment was a stark contrast to his appearance—lazy, like an old man.
Well, calling him an old man was too much, and not accurate enough.
To be precise, it was the kind of person who, after more than a decade of crazy, exhausting, and competitive work and overtime in a busy big city, failed to achieve financial freedom or even a class leap, ending up with a body full of ailments. Then, at some point, he suddenly looked back, realized such a life wasn't worth it, so he resigned and returned to his hometown to become a community security guard, spending his days growing vegetables, walking dogs, and petting cats, avoiding decades of detours and living a laid-back, 'salted fish' life.
That’s right!
The above was the teenager’s true experience in his previous life.
“Is this a transmigration?”
Lying back on the rocking chair, the teenager covered his eyes with the back of his hand.
His consciousness was still hazy, but the countless memory fragments that suddenly appeared in his mind made him subconsciously have this thought, having just woken from his afternoon nap.
However, very quickly, as his consciousness gradually cleared, the teenager himself dismissed this idea.
It wasn’t transmigration, but rather the awakening of reincarnation memories, seeing fragments of his past life in a dream.
There were many reasons for the teenager to make this judgment.
Firstly, he was only slightly confused just now, which was normal. Many people, after a big dream, when they suddenly wake up and get out of bed, also appear hazy and bewildered. If it were truly transmigration, the fusion of two souls would inevitably lead to greater confusion, even conflicts of consciousness, soul, and personality, and might even have external manifestations, such as a stinging pain in the brain.
Secondly, the teenager clearly knew who he was at this moment and remembered everything around him.
— — — —
Lin Chuan, male, 16 years old.
His family was well-off, not as good as the best but better than the worst, considered middle-class.
He had both parents, and an older brother and an older sister.
His older brother was Lin Linyi, and his older sister was Lin Ling’er.
001, 002, so why was he called Lin Chuan and not 003?
His occupation: a fresh graduate of Tianshang Town First Beast Taming High School, and also… a farm young master?
— — — —
Indeed, Lin Chuan could clearly remember who he was and everything else, but regarding his past life, he couldn't even recall his name. Even with his best efforts, it remained vague and blurry, with only many disorganized things, and the deep-seated resentment towards competitive overtime and the dream of a comfortable, laid-back 'salted fish' life.
Thirdly, and crucially, it was the key basis for Lin Chuan to conclude that it wasn't transmigration but rather the awakening of past life memory fragments and a new reincarnation!
…
His thoughts suddenly stopped here, not willingly but interrupted.
Loud noises came from outside. Frowning slightly, Lin Chuan sat up from the rocking chair, picked up the water cup on the wooden table beside him, took a sip to moisten his throat, which was a bit dry from waking up from his nap, and then slowly walked towards the source of the noise.
Arriving at the window, Lin Chuan pulled open the curtains, and the still intense midday sun immediately shone in, instantly brightening the entire room.
Lin Chuan squinted slightly and couldn't help but glance around the room. It was a modern single room, giving Lin Chuan a subtle feeling. This subtle feeling came from the newly awakened past life memory fragments; it was also modern, but the two worlds had many different details, and the modernity of this world had more fantastical colors.
He withdrew his gaze and looked out the window.
A stunning sight: neat rows of fields, fruit tree groves covering half the mountain, and a group of frolicking, Spirit Beasts!
Seeing these Spirit Beasts, the subconscious of his past life memory fragments began to act up, creating a subtle sense of disorientation.
However, Lin Chuan already had experience. He quickly sorted through his memories, reviewing everything before him, concerning the worldview of this world.
This was a world of Beast Taming Civilization.
To explain Beast Taming Civilization, one must start from the origin of this world, this planet.
This planet was named Azure Star.
Since ancient times, Azure Star had possessed extraordinary power, in the form of 'Demonic Creatures'.
Demonic Creatures, also known as Demonic Beasts, included but were not limited to animals and plants, and also abnormal existences that arose from mountains, lakes, or even a book or a single character. There were countless types of Demonic Creatures; ordinary ones could easily crush rocks and tear steel, stronger ones could command nature and control wind, rain, and lightning, and there even existed legendary mythical Demonic Creatures capable of reversing and tearing apart space-time.
In contrast to Demonic Beasts, humans, according to archaeological and genetic scientific evidence, were not natural life forms of Azure Star, at least not the original humans.
So, where did humans come from?
There was no definitive answer to this question yet, with various theories: some said they were molded from mud by a mythical Demonic Creature, while others claimed humans transmigrated from another world.
However, regardless of the reason or answer, there was one common understanding regarding the origin of humanity: no magic!
As the name suggested, the original humans possessed no supernatural powers. Compared to Demonic Creatures, the primordial humans were easily killed by a touch.
Thus, the earliest humans had to rely on powerful Demonic Creatures to survive. To put it nicely, they regarded Demonic Creatures as guardian deities, appeasing them through rituals and offerings. To put it bluntly, the earliest humans were pets of powerful Demonic Creatures, bathing them, brushing their fur, cleaning their waste, and even serving as emergency food.
Therefore, in order to prevent fragile humans from easily and suddenly dying due to Azure Star's natural environment, some powerful Demonic Creatures shared some of their abilities with humans through various means, mostly in the form of contracts.
Gradually, humans also gained extraordinary abilities. Of course, humans at this stage were still primarily dependent on Demonic Creatures.
As time progressed, from ancient to medieval times, starting with the conflict and racial war between the Dragon Clan and Phoenix Clan due to unknown reasons, many subsequent races, and even legendary mythical Demonic Creatures, were drawn into this Dragon-Phoenix War.
This Dragon-Phoenix War shook the entire Azure Star, lasting from the medieval period into recent antiquity, a full two millennia.
During these two millennia, the human race survived in the cracks between various powerful Demonic Creature races and legendary mythical Demonic Creatures, constantly shifting alliances. They even received the protection of the Qilin Clan, who were second only to the Dragons and Phoenixes. Through persistent research into the contract between Demonic Creatures and humans, humans finally evolved from dependence to equality, and then to counter-control and enslavement, reversing the contract to control Demonic Creatures.
Of course, only low-blooded, less intelligent Demonic Creatures could be contracted and enslaved. Powerful Demonic Creatures like Dragons, Phoenixes, and Qilins could not be controlled or enslaved by contract, unless it was an equal contract, and they had to be willing. However, most powerful Demonic Creatures would not submit to humans.
Nevertheless, humanity still forged a new path.
Through cultivation, training, and command, they could raise low-level Demonic Creatures to become powerful existences, even capable of rivaling legendary Demonic Creatures.
Thus, humanity rose rapidly, securing a foothold on the planet Azure Star.
Demonic Creatures, Spirit Beasts, Spirit Pets.
No need to elaborate on Demonic Creatures.
Spirit Beasts refer to Demonic Creatures that have been tamed by humans, living within or near human settlements, and have, through thousands of years of interaction with humans, been profoundly influenced, becoming close to or even dependent on humans.
Spirit Pets refer to Spirit Beasts that have established a contract with a Beast Master, received more professional cultivation and training from the Beast Master, and accept the Beast Master's command to grow and fight together.
The extraordinary power system of cultivating Spirit Pets through contracts, cultivation, training, and command is the current Beast Taming Civilization.
From recent antiquity to the present, after another two thousand years of development, humanity now inhabits a quarter of Azure Star. Although a quarter seems small, in terms of race, it is definitely the race occupying the largest territory, surpassing even the former Dragon Clan and Phoenix Clan.
As far as Lin Chuan knew, there were hundreds of Human Beast Taming Civilization nations and forces with notable names, and countless more nameless Beast Taming families and organizations that carved out their own territories.
Among them, the most famous and powerful were the three great Beast Taming nations: the Tianlong Empire, which worshipped Dragons and took them as their faith totem; the Holy Heaven Ancient Kingdom, which allied with and was close to the Phoenix Clan; and the Star Rock Federation, which signed an equal auspicious beast national destiny contract with the Qilin.
And he, Lin Chuan, was an ordinary commoner in the Star Rock Federation.
…
After a quick review and organization of Azure Star's worldview, the basics of Beast Taming Civilization, and human power nations in his mind, the subtle sense of disorientation originating from his past life memory fragments immediately vanished.
Lin Chuan exhaled softly, his gaze directed forward, towards the source of the earlier noise. Approximately thirty Spirit Beasts were making a ruckus on the road beside the field.
With an average height of thirty centimeters, their bodies were light green and plump, resembling large green potatoes—a bit adorably clumsy and chubby. They had plump, short limbs, small black bead-like eyes, and could emit sounds but couldn't open their mouths to eat, which looked like a small black line. On top of their heads was a lotus-shaped flower, with two long, large, leaf-like structures extending from the base of the flower, hanging down and even dragging on the ground. One flower and two leaves—the scientific name of this Spirit Beast was Flower Leaf Leaf.
【Name】: Flower Leaf Leaf
【Attribute】: Wood
【Race】: Plant (Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, Solanales, Solanaceae, Solanum)
【Racial Potential】: Soldier (Medium)
【Skills】: Rooting, Growth, Photosynthesis
Introduction: A unique plant spirit beast, it bears fruit three to five times a year. The fruits are highly nutritious, containing various nutrients required by the human body. Depending on the cultivation conditions, the fertilizers used, soil, sunlight, and other factors, the taste of the fruits produced by Flower Leaf Leaf will vary. With simple processing, the fruits can be transformed into various delicious foods, making them a top-tier ingredient for salads and the perfect meal replacement for those on a diet!
Lin Chuan was not a top student, but an excellent student who was above average. However, he was very familiar with the spirit beasts specially raised on his farm, and relevant information instantly surfaced in his mind.
Attributes represent the classification of abilities. More precisely, they describe the types of energy a spirit beast can condense and utilize within its body by absorbing natural energy.
Basic attributes include Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. There are also special attributes including, but not limited to, Wind, Thunder, Light, Dark, Poison, Dragon, Steel, Illusion, Demon, Immortal, Ghost, and the rarest and most mysterious Spacetime attributes, which only exist in legends.
Species represents the classification of a spirit beast's type. Many students who struggle often confuse attributes and species. The most common example is 【Attribute: Dragon】 and 【Species: Dragon】. If a spirit beast possesses the Dragon attribute, it means that the spirit beast can manipulate Dragon attribute energy to learn and perform Dragon skills such as Dragon's Breath and Dragon's Might. However, this does not mean that the spirit beast is a Qilin Clan spirit beast. Many lizard-type spirit beasts that contain a trace of Qilin Clan blood are like this; they also possess the Dragon attribute, but they are not considered Qilin Clan, at most they are sub-dragons. The Qilin Clan specifically refers to spirit beasts with a certain high concentration of Dragon bloodline, inherently noble. In summary, a spirit beast with the Dragon attribute is not necessarily Qilin Clan and might be a sub-dragon, but a Qilin Clan spirit beast definitely possesses the Dragon attribute.
Species potential represents the Growth potential and upper limit of a related spirit beast, ranging from low to high: Soldier, General, Marshal, Lord, King, Emperor, Saint, and God, totaling eight ranks. Each rank is further divided into upper, middle, and lower grades.
Finally, there are skills. Skills are the extraordinary abilities a spirit beast displays by invoking various attribute energies.
Returning to the main topic, let's talk about the group of spirit beasts in front of us, the Flower Leaf Leaf.
The fruits produced by ordinary Flower Leaf Leaf are usually common fruits like apples, grapes, and pears, with average nutritional value. However, the fruits produced by Flower Leaf Leaf specially cultivated by humans often have unique flavors and extremely high nutritional value, and can even be used as special materials for cultivating pet beasts.
Spiced Beef, Garlic Lobster, Spicy Rabbit, Spicy Bullfrog, and Salty Chicken are the five unique fruit flavors that the Flower Leaf Leaf specifically cultivated by Lin's Farm can produce. They are highly sought after by many people on diets and fitness enthusiasts. Often, even before the fruits mature, many diet and fitness enthusiasts travel long distances to snatch them up.
The Flower Leaf Leaf group in front of them was divided into two factions, one on the left and one on the right. On the left were the Spiced Beef flavored Flower Leaf Leaf, whose flower tops were light pink and leaf edges were slightly white. On the right were the Garlic Lobster flavored Flower Leaf Leaf, whose flowers were deep red and leaves were dark green. The two groups of Flower Leaf Leaf made "yi yi ya ya" sounds, then, led by their respective bosses, began to charge, clashing and fighting each other.
Lin Chuan's eyelids twitched, and a surge of suppressed anger welled up in his chest.
"What are you doing, what are you doing!"
Pounding the windowsill, Lin Chuan let out a loud roar.
"In the middle of the day, instead of Photosynthesis properly and working hard on Growth, you're having a gang fight here!?"
"Alright, you're really something!"
"Just wait! If you dare, stand there and don't run! See if I don't hang all of you on the lamppost!"
As he spoke, Lin Chuan was about to exit the room.
Hearing the sound, the Flower Leaf Leaf were instantly scared out of their wits. Before Lin Chuan could come downstairs, they scattered with a bang, like birds and beasts, running back to their designated fields. They jumped into the muddy pits, Rooting, burying their heads in the soil, and wrapping the small exposed part of their heads with their leaves. Half a minute later, when Lin Chuan came downstairs and reached the field, all he saw were beautiful flowers swaying gently in the wind, reflecting the sunlight.
This scene made Lin Chuan laugh.
They were truly a bunch of mischievous kids, just like naughty students caught by a teacher suddenly appearing at the back door during self-study.
Speaking of which, this group of Flower Leaf Leaf had just transitioned from their juvenile stage to their Growth stage, having just grown limbs that allowed them to run on the ground, so it was no wonder they were so lively and active. However, this was the first time Lin Chuan had seen them engaging in a gang fight, and for a moment, he couldn't figure out the reason. In Lin Chuan's understanding since childhood, spirit beasts like Flower Leaf Leaf were very gentle and amiable, practically the epitome of well-behaved pets.
Hmm, the specific reason for the gang fight isn't something that can be easily figured out. I'll investigate it slowly later. For now, let's administer punishment!
Lin Chuan pursed his lips, then a 'cruel' smile curved his mouth.
I can't punish all of them, that would be too tiring, but at least I need to catch and execute the ones who led the fight, to make an example of them!
Seemingly sensing Lin Chuan's 'killing intent', the flowers in the field trembled slightly. As Lin Chuan approached step by step, a certain Flower Leaf Leaf finally couldn't withstand the pressure. It suddenly pulled itself out of the pit, then bounced up. The next moment, its two short legs moved rapidly, scrambling to flee into the distance.
Alas, short legs are no match for long legs. Lin Chuan covered the distance in a few strides and caught up with this Flower Leaf Leaf in less than two breaths.
With his hand shaped like an eagle's claw, Lin Chuan swiftly yet carefully avoided the flower on top of the Flower Leaf Leaf's head, accurately grasping its small head. Like a cat whose fate's scruff was seized, the Flower Leaf Leaf instantly wilted, losing its ability to resist.
With a firm grip, Lin Chuan lifted the Flower Leaf Leaf.
Using pre-prepared rope, Lin Chuan tied it up thoroughly and hung it on the nearby lamppost, gently patting it to make it sway slightly in the scorching sun and hot wind.
Tsk ~
Lin Chuan clicked his tongue softly, then gave a deep gaze before turning to another field. He similarly dealt with another Flower Leaf Leaf that had led the fight, hanging it on the other side of the same lamppost.
Lin Chuan found a shady spot under a fruit tree and sat down, leaning against the tree trunk.
While watching the time and resting, Lin Chuan's thoughts once again drifted back to the train of thought that had been interrupted by the Flower Leaf Leaf, which led him to the most important judgment that he was not transmigrating but rather awakening fragmented memories from a past life.
Unlike the initial magic-less humans, after thousands of years of reproduction, accompanied by and battling with magical beasts, most humans now possess extraordinary talents. Of course, these are all Beast Master talents related to spirit beasts.
Normally, a person needs to wait until they are 16 years old and graduate from a formal Beast Taming Academy to have the opportunity to awaken their Beast Master talent through an awakening ceremony hosted by relevant Federal Government personnel.
Just as there are normal circumstances, there are also special ones. Natural awakening is one such special case.
As the name suggests, natural awakening means awakening without going through an awakening ceremony. This situation is uncommon and unpredictable; someone might inexplicably naturally awaken while eating or Sleeping, while most people will never naturally awaken in their entire lives.
According to the teachers in the Beast Taming Academy, natural awakeners will experience a mysterious inner stirring and self-awareness during their awakening. At the same time, the awakening will be accompanied by omens, such as dreaming of dragons covering the sky or angels descending.
And his situation fit perfectly; Lin Chuan felt that inner stirring and self-awareness.
"So, what Beast Master talent have I awakened? What ability?"
Turning over his palm, Lin Chuan muttered to himself.
Unfortunately, Beast Master talents are not something that can be easily seen with the naked eye.
If it were something like dragons covering the sky, that would be fine, as there have been many precedents. Most of them involve extreme affinity with Dragon-type spirit pets, where Qilin Clan spirit beasts, which others desperately seek, would come to grovel and beg to be adopted. If this talent and ability were maxed out, it would also be jokingly called 'Princess,' the ultimate treasure coveted by Qilin Clan spirit beasts and even demonic beasts, and would be taken back by the Qilin Clan to be imprisoned in their Dragon's lair as a forbidden plaything.
Returning to the main topic, there is no precedent for a sign like awakening fragmented memories from a past life. For a time, Lin Chuan also couldn't determine the specific ability of the Beast Master talent he had naturally awakened.
"Forget it, I'll know in another week."
Lin Chuan was not in a hurry, because in another week, it would be the unified awakening ceremony time for all graduating students of Star Rock Federation's Beast Taming Middle School this year.
The awakening ceremony's principle is to communicate with a certain law of Azure Star through a special ritual, allowing the power of the law to harmlessly permeate the human body, thereby stimulating the awakening of latent Beast Master talents. At the same time, this power of the law also allows people to spontaneously and deeply understand the specific effects of their Beast Master talent, whether it's a talent awakened through the ceremony or a natural awakening.