King of Beasts

After Lu Ran finished speaking, Manager Ying widened her eyes and looked at Lu Ran’s smug expression, immediately wanting to reach out with her claws to scratch him.

Are you kidding me! Manager Ying was shocked internally.

Did this guy really find an epic space treasure?

This guy must be an illegitimate child of Infinite City. If not, she’d eat Gu Qingyi.

“Ahem, Manager Ying, calm down.”

Seeing Manager Ying whip out her cat paw, glowing with light, Lu Ran quickly said:

“No intention of showing off, just wanted to share the joy.”

“I only feel like you’ve flaunted your skills, there’s no joy,” Manager Ying replied.

“Come on, having a decent haul isn’t a bad thing.”

“Well… that’s true.” Manager Ying pondered, but why does she feel inexplicably annoyed? It must be Lu Ran’s infuriating tone.

Then, Lu Ran detailed his experience in the breakthrough secret realm to Manager Ying, whose expression kept changing throughout.

Manager Ying initially thought that for Lu Ran to acquire epic space equipment, he’d have to plunder the Imperial City.

But who knew Infinite City would take such care of Lu Ran, directly sending him to a world with a legacy of ruins.

Although Manager Ying wasn’t familiar with the Tree King, the assessment was a same-level battle? She laughed. While Lu Ran was indeed aggravating, she had faith in his abilities at the same level.

So in summary… Infinite City is playing favorites with Lu Ran!

“How is that favoritism?” Lu Ran said, “You know, every time one enters a breakthrough secret realm, the voice says ‘matching you to a suitable breakthrough secret realm,’ which means each breakthrough secret realm is ideal for every challenger, offering them opportunities that fit their capabilities.”

“It’s just that some people have the ability to seize them, and others don’t. Ahem, I’m just one of those with the ability.”

“Alright, alright, we know you’re outstanding.”

“Okay, I’ve provided my intelligence as well. Oh, by the way, I’m at level 3 now, so Manager Ying, you’re free. You can leave Cloud Baby to me,” Lu Ran mused, “And, considering the mutual information we exchanged just now, mine seems a bit more valuable, don’t you think?”

“What you mentioned, those are things you can find online with a simple search. In that case, help me find some other intelligence.”

Manager Ying: ?

“Speak.” She licked her paw, shaking her head slightly. Lu Ran wasn’t the obedient kid she liked, taking things too seriously!

“I want intelligence on speed-type traits, the kind suitable for long-distance travel.” Lu Ran continued, “This time in the breakthrough secret realm, I wasted half the time on travel. Otherwise, the gains would have been greater. Help me find some unique speed traits!”

“Got it, that shouldn’t be hard to find, and the value won’t be too high.” Manager Ying nodded. After all, compared to seeking travel speed, most beastmasters still pursue power.

But for an oddball like Lu Ran, the efficiency of exploring the secret realms indeed matters a lot.

With General Ha, the Sudden Death King, and the Dark Crow, Lu Ran didn’t really lack combat power but functional pets.

“We can discuss other matters later; I need to check on Cloud Baby and the others first.”

After speaking, Lu Ran stretched lazily. He had been itching to move, eager to contract a retainer for General Ha and fuse the species dominance trait with the Dark Crow.

For a beastmaster, their anticipation for their pets to grow stronger is always paramount.

Moreover… with the changing world situation, the Pet Beast Legion indeed needs to ramp up quickly.

When it takes nuclear power to deal with, and even the First Generation can’t solve ancient beasts, the strength is evident. To rapidly match such monsters in power and feel secure, the Pet Beast Legion is the only shortcut.

“Off you go.”

Who knows how much Manager Ying didn’t want to see Lu Ran anymore. With a teleport, she threw him from the room to the back hill of Maple Park, landing at the entrance to the Green Sea secret realm.

At this moment, the entrance to the secret realm was open, and numerous crows perched on branches were on guard.

Seeing Lu Ran suddenly appear, they were initially wary, but when the Dark Crow emerged beside him, they immediately called out in delight.

“Hello, Big King!”

“Hello, Big King!”

These greetings echoed repeatedly.

It’s not that they shared the language talent with the Dark Crow; they were merely mimicking. They didn’t know many words.

Crows, like parrots, have the ability to mimic sounds. Through supernatural evolution up to this point, and under the Dark Crow’s guidance, some of this mimicry has become a unique hallmark.

“Good, good,” the Dark Crow complimented, impressed by the strength of these crows.

“Good, good,” the flock of crows mimicked back from the trees.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Lu Ran said as he ventured into the secret realm, with the Dark Crow following him…

…

Crows Secret Realm.

This is the name of the secret realm now.

Upon entering, it felt as though they had stepped into an impenetrable dark forest.

Enormous trees with black trunks and leaves surrounded them.

On the ground, there were all sorts of bizarre black weeds, mushrooms, and stones.

The entire secret realm was painted in shades of black. Almost immediately, chills ran down their spines as countless eerie winds blew by.

“Caw caw!” “Caw caw!”

At that moment, countless white lights glinted in the pitch-black forest – eyes belonging to crows perched on the dark trees. Their watchful gaze made the forest seem even more sinister.

“What the heck,” Lu Ran commented, nodding approvingly at the work the botanist had done. Not bad.

“Not bad, caw caw,” the Dark Crow affirmed, finding the environment pleasant. If it was satisfied, surely its flock of descendants could live comfortably there as well.

“Pitter-patter!!!!”

“Woof woof!!”

As Lu Ran and the Dark Crow entered, the flock of crows remained still. Soon, two other creatures emerged.

A black cloud.

A blue sword spirit.

The two eagerly rushed towards Lu Ran, who smiled upon seeing them and said, “You both look energetic.”

“Cloud Baby, turn white.”

Weather Elf: !!

Quickly, it shifted from its dark Cloud Form to its normal state.

Observing their growth levels, Lu Ran pondered briefly before remarking, “Looks like Manager Ying hasn’t starved you.”

“Pitter-patter!!! (Naughty cat.)”

“Woof woof!! (Naughty cat.)”

“Alright, well, she must have been harsh on you then,” Lu Ran chuckled, “You can hold a grudge for now and pay her back once you’re stronger.”

“First, let me show you how the Dark Crow General commands its Flock of Crows!”

“Dark Crow, this is for you.” Lu Ran handed over a mental-type exquisite plant resource, the Divine Form Herb, that he had acquired from the breakthrough secret realm. Seeing it, the Dark Crow quickly gobbled it up with a gulp!

The Divine Form Herb, a mental resource, has an exceptional effect on enhancing mental energy shaping.

After happily consuming the herb, the Dark Crow’s stagnation at level 39, where it had been for over half a month, finally eased. Under Lu Ran’s watchful eyes, it advanced to level 40.

Seeing this, Lu Ran produced a species dominance trait crystal.

[Species Dominance Trait Crystal]: A pet beast that fuses with this crystal can awaken the dominion power, granting it tremendous authority over creatures that share its bloodline or are similar in species. Once a dominion link is established, the pet beast can temporarily lend some of its power to its subordinates or temporarily enhance itself with the strength of its followers.

“Caw caw,” the Dark Crow exclaimed as it eagerly accepted the crystal, feeling way ahead of the pack!

Meanwhile, General Ha and the Sudden Death King were still lingering in the thirties, while the Dark Crow had already reached level 40!

As the Dark Crow called out, crows from all over the Green Sea began streaming into the Crows Secret Realm. The Crow of Death and Crow of Curses, with their necromantic clones, safeguarded its sides, while the Flock of Crows took to the skies, circling above.

Ah!!!

Ah!!

The crows continuously cawed as the Dark Crow waved its wings, causing numerous Evil God’s Eyes on its body to open once again, releasing drops of blood.

Gathering a quantity barely the size of a marble, these blood droplets from the Evil God’s Eye were divided into nearly invisible tiny specks by the Dark Crow and sent flying toward the Flock of Crows.

Feeding the crows with blood!

Ever since its evolution, the Dark Crow had been rewarding its Flock of Crows with a minuscule fraction of its eye blood. However, understanding the art of crow leadership, it refrained from offering too generous rewards, only providing the diluted nectar of eye blood.

This was mainly because the flock could not bear the full brunt of the Power of the Evil God; they needed to be cultivated gradually. Despite this cautious approach, the Dark Crow had begun to forge a bond with them that was even more “intimate” than a typical species connection.

“Big King, I’m advancing!!!”

After once again rewarding the Flock of Crows, the Dark Crow, with a serious expression, received a nod from Lu Ran before swallowing the species dominance trait crystal!

“Ugh…” Perhaps the Dark Crow was too eager, as it nearly choked. Fortunately, the trait crystal quickly emitted a radiant glow, dissolving and merging, allowing it to calm down.

“Swallowing everything will only harm you,” Lu Ran remarked.

“Caw caw!!!” The Dark Crow, feeling a bit guilty, couldn’t contain its inner excitement as it awaited the minor evolution.

Buzz!!!

In the next instant, a swirl of dark energy enveloped not only its body but seemed to linger in the air above every supernatural Crow. Staring skyward, Lu Ran observed the faint dark energy coiling around the entire Flock of Crows.

“Ah!!!”

“Ah!!!”

The Crows cried out fervently.

Is this the establishment of the connection?

Lu Ran noticed that the Crows who had awakened their mental and dark attributes were exhibiting the strongest resonances, whereas those with other attributes had somewhat weaker responses. Nonetheless, they were indeed harmonizing with the Dark Crow!

“A legion evolution indeed; hence, the term ‘legion crystal,’” Lu Ran murmured to himself.

Nearby, the Weather Elf, with its droplets formed eye, and the Corpse Dog, buzzing around like a headless fly, also witnessed this event, both slightly surprised at the Dark Crow’s prowess.

“Caw caw-“

As a veteran, the Dark Crow naturally relished in the admiration from its juniors. It sensed it – with this trait crystal fusion, although its own power hadn’t strengthened, the Flock of Crows had experienced a noticeable increase in strength!

Even while wrapped in black energy, the Dark Crow’s eyes remained wide open, visibly excited.

Although its own strength hadn’t soared, it truly felt the astonishing capabilities of the dominion crystal: an enhanced bond with the Flock. Even if it wasn’t strong, perhaps it could borrow their power!

Aside from the Dark Crow, Lu Ran focused on the contract card and immediately noticed the Dark Crow’s newly awakened species talent!

[Species Talent]: Swarm Transformation

[Introduction]: Once the dominated Flock reaches a certain size, they can temporarily transform together into a powerful swarm form, boosting their growth level!

“This…” Lu Ran was momentarily taken aback seeing the Dark Crow’s talent. It wasn’t an upgrade in Species level; rather, it was a talent that enhanced its growth level?!

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

As Lu Ran watched in amazement, the sky became obscured as crows converged upon the Dark Crow. Amidst its wild cackling, its body began to swell larger and larger.

Finally, as Lu Ran, Cloud Baby, and the Sword Spirit stood in stunned silence, a black gale tore through the dense forest, whipping through the trees and over the land. With no obstacles to impede it, an enormous silhouette emerged. It maintained an almost crow-like form, yet this colossal bird bore three pairs of massive, hundred-meter-wide wings that struck an imposing figure.

Lu Ran barely had time to take in its entirety, but the first impression was unmistakable…

Enormous.