After listening to Qian Gu Lidai's explanation, Lin Chuan finally understood the situation of Huye Plain.
It has to be said.
This world, this Azure Star, is truly wonderful.
A mere Dongyang Alliance, a small country with a land area only 3% of the Star Rock Federation, has so many different social conditions and different Beast Master circle cultures.
From this, the derived Beast Master styles, cultivation methods, and techniques are also vastly different.
Understanding the social environment of Huye Plain was merely to satisfy his curiosity and broaden his horizons; Lin Chuan had not forgotten his main purpose in coming to Huye Plain.
He came to challenge and to exchange and learn the way of the Beast Master.
Without being polite, Lin Chuan directly expressed his request for a challenge. Of course, he didn't directly say 'challenge,' as such wording could easily lead to a beating. Lin Chuan said he wanted to exchange and spar with the young Beast Masters of the Qian Gu Family.
“Mr. Lin Chuan, you wish to spar and exchange with the young generation of Beast Masters from my Chi Gu Family?”
Stopping her stroll, Qian Gu Lidai hesitated for two seconds, then said softly.
Lin Chuan nodded in confirmation.
“I apologize, but I do not have the authority to agree to your request. The Qian Gu Family strictly prohibits its members from fighting other Beast Masters without permission, unless it is against hostile forces or their lives are in danger, in which case we are allowed to defend ourselves.”
Qian Gu Lidai apologized, then added a suggestion.
“Mr. Lin Chuan, why don't you find a place to rest for now, or perhaps explore Huye Plain?”
“I will return soon and request instructions from the Shrine.”
“If they agree, I will contact you, and then a Beast Master from our family who is close to your level will come to exchange and spar with you.”
Was this a refusal, or a 'next time for sure'?
Lin Chuan pondered.
At this moment, Lin Chuan had a clear feeling.
The Qian Gu Family was not as enthusiastic about him, a traveling Beast Master from Xingyan Federation Sixth Academy, at least not like Katori Chion.
In Kyoto City, less than two hours after he got off the plane, Katori Chion immediately arranged a professional butler and maid service team for him, providing him with accommodation and meticulously arranging all his daily affairs. She even sincerely invited him to meet in person.
In contrast, the Qian Gu Family's attitude was very ordinary, only sending Qian Gu Lidai alone to interact with him.
Moreover, Qian Gu Lidai seemed to be just an ordinary Qian Gu Family member.
At least according to Lin Chuan's spiritual perception, Qian Gu Lidai posed very little threat to him; her Beast Master level should not have reached Tier 2. A member of a Beast Master family, one or two years older than him, equivalent to a second or third-year student at the Sixth Academy, not yet reaching Tier 2, could only be described as somewhat weak.
Of course, there was also a possibility that Qian Gu Lidai possessed a special concealment ability, completely suppressing her aura.
In short, the Qian Gu Family seemed to have only sent her, and her purpose was not to entertain, but merely to observe, to confirm Lin Chuan's situation, to see if he was a dangerous person, and if he had any questions about Huye Plain or the Qian Gu Family, to help explain and fulfill the most basic etiquette of hospitality.
Not receiving enthusiastic hospitality, seemingly being completely disregarded, Lin Chuan inevitably felt a bit disappointed.
But on second thought, the Qian Gu Family's attitude was actually normal.
After all, the Qian Gu Family is one of the Ten Families that govern the Dongyang Alliance, with a Heavenly King-level Beastmaster overseeing it.
Although not comparable to the Three Sects, Five Gates, and Eight Mansions of the Star Rock Federation, it is still a very powerful Beast Master force, ranking high in the entire human world.
How could they show enthusiasm and importance to just any direct descendant Beast Master from one of the Three Great Nations?
Ultimately, Lin Chuan was just a small fry not yet at Tier 2.
Instead, Katori Chion, a quasi-Heavenly King at Level 69, being so proactive and enthusiastic towards him, was what felt off.
In fact, Lin Chuan had long sensed that Katori Chion was acting strangely; that woman seemed to be plotting something.
However, Lin Chuan didn't dwell on it much, nor did he pay too much attention.
Because he always remembered what Du Feiyang, the civilian staff member from the Star Rock Federation Embassy, told him.
Behind him stood the Star Rock Federation!
If it were a minor character, they might not feel the power of the Star Rock Federation due to youthful bravado.
But a quasi-Heavenly King like Katori Chion would certainly know the proper boundaries.
Therefore, no matter what she plotted or calculated, at most it would be to mislead Lin Chuan, or perhaps, as the Light Unicorn said, she wanted him to witness something. She basically wouldn't dare to truly harm him, nor would she dare to cause him injury.
As long as his life was not threatened.
No matter what Katori Chion plotted or calculated, it would ultimately become his experience and knowledge, broadening his horizons.
His wandering thoughts gradually reined in, Lin Chuan looked at Qian Gu Lidai and nodded slightly.
“Then I'll trouble Miss Qian Gu.”
“If you don't agree, please also inform me, Miss Qian Gu.”
Lin Chuan said.
According to Katori Chion's suggestion, it was to directly challenge and provoke, then set a wager, and at the same time, use the Star Rock Federation's reputation as a backing. The Qian Gu Family would have to accept, whether they won or lost, with the Star Rock Federation's reputation, the Qian Gu Family wouldn't dare to do anything to him. It was a completely risk-free deal.
But Lin Chuan didn't intend to do that; such behavior was too uncivilized and would simply tarnish the Star Rock Federation's reputation.
It was better to follow the normal procedure.
If the other party was unwilling to accept the challenge and refused, then so be it.
Qian Gu Lidai acknowledged, stating that she would go back and request instructions from her superiors immediately, and would notify him of the result, whatever it might be.
Having seen his past life's memories, Lin Chuan was not a naive child; he knew the importance of social etiquette.
The current situation was equivalent to him asking Qian Gu Lidai for a favor.
Sending a few young Beast Masters of his generation to exchange and spar, or even setting a wager, was not a big deal for the Qian Gu Family.
Whether this matter could succeed.
To a large extent, it depended on how Qian Gu Lidai reported it.
If Qian Gu Lidai went back and reported that Lin Chuan was nothing special, just an ordinary traveling Beast Master, then the Qian Gu Family probably wouldn't bother with his challenge.
However, if Qian Gu Lidai went back and reported that Lin Chuan gave her a very good impression, seemed very powerful, and had great potential, highlighting his strengths, then the Qian Gu Family would most likely send a few young Beast Masters to exchange and spar with him.
Lin Chuan thought for a moment, then took out a pair of Lost Trail Deer antlers from his storage bag. The skills within them had already been inherited and enhanced by Lin Chuan, so they were purely raw materials.
“Miss Qian Gu, according to Dongyang culture and etiquette, one should present a souvenir when meeting for the first time.”
“I didn't prepare any good gifts either.”
“These are Lost Trail Deer antlers I hunted in the Mist Forest, a very good Illusion Attribute material. Please accept them as a meeting gift, Miss Qian Gu.”
Qian Gu Lidai was speechless, scrutinizing Lin Chuan up and down with an even more serious gaze than before.
She hadn't expected Lin Chuan to be so seasoned in social etiquette, even though he looked younger than her.
However, Qian Gu Lidai genuinely wanted the Lost Trail Deer antlers.
“Then I shall shamelessly accept them. Mr. Lin Chuan, you shouldn't have. Thank you, Mr. Lin Chuan.”
Saying this, Qian Gu Lidai paused.
Lin Chuan, not being from Dongyang, had still observed Dongyang etiquette. If she, a Dongyang native, did not observe etiquette, it would be too impolite.
Qian Gu Lidai could somewhat guess Lin Chuan's intention and purpose of wanting to exchange and spar with the younger generation of the Qian Gu Family.
Qian Gu Lidai took out two items, wrapped in mulberry paper like medicinal herbs, from the sachet-shaped Pet Space Device at her waist and handed them to Lin Chuan.
“The Shrine notified me to meet with you, and I came in a hurry, so I didn't prepare any particularly good meeting gifts for you.”
“Mr. Lin Chuan, you should be a Beast Master who follows the path of illusion, right?”
“This, these are two portions of illusion-assisting cultivation resources I prepared for my own use.”
“They are not for spirit beasts, but for Beast Masters.”
“They are basically impossible to obtain elsewhere, but for the Qian Gu Family, for me, they are not overly valuable items. If you don't mind, please accept them. This is a small token of my personal regard and a return gift.”
Lin Chuan did not hesitate, politely thanked her, and accepted the items.
A simple exchange of gifts is the exchange of favors.
Lin Chuan believed that when Qian Gu Lidai went back to report, she would likely speak well of him, prompting the Qian Gu Family to send out young Beast Masters to exchange and battle with him.
Finally.
As the two parted ways, Qian Gu Lidai bowed slightly to Lin Chuan.
“Then, welcome to Huye Plain, Mr. Lin Chuan.”
“I hope Mr. Lin Chuan has a wonderful traveling experience in this city. If Mr. Lin Chuan needs any help, you can contact me by phone.”
After speaking, she waved to Lin Chuan, then Qian Gu Lidai turned and left, quickly disappearing on the other side of the street.
Lin Chuan remained in place, looking at the two packages of what seemed to be medicinal herbs in his hand.
Illusion Attribute cultivation resources?
And, not for spirit beasts, but for Beast Masters?
Lin Chuan couldn't help but feel curious and opened one of the packages.
Inside were not medicinal herbs, but dried mushrooms.
The mushrooms were colorful and very beautiful.
The mulberry paper packaging had the following text printed on it.
— — — —
fantasy mushroom
How to use: Simmer normally for 3 hours. Can be paired with pork ribs, chicken, white radish, tofu, and other ingredients for a more delicious taste.
— — — —
Goodness, it's actually food!?
As a Star Rock native, it was his nature to try everything, and Lin Chuan's interest greatly increased, planning to make a pot immediately.
He found a five-star hotel nearby.
After stating his identity as a Beast Master, the hotel manager respectfully and courteously arranged the most luxurious room for Lin Chuan.
And, at Lin Chuan's request, strictly prohibited anyone from disturbing him.
Lin Chuan carried cooking utensils like pots and pans with him, as he might need to build a fire and cook outdoors at any time.
Following the instructions, Lin Chuan stewed a pot of the so-called fantasy mushroom soup, adding pork ribs, radish, and tofu.
Three hours passed quickly.
Lin Chuan lifted the lid, and an intensely rich mushroom aroma wafted out.
Lin Chuan observed carefully.
From the outside, it looked like a very normal mushroom soup.
Lin Chuan ladled out a bowl, took a sip, and his eyes immediately lit up.
It was very fresh and delicious, much tastier than ordinary Dongyang food.
However, wasn't it supposed to be an Illusion Attribute auxiliary cultivation resource?
He didn't seem to feel anything, and there was no change in the Illusion Attribute energy within his body.
Did he not drink enough, or did he need to eat the mushrooms?
Lin Chuan finished another large bowl, eating most of the mushrooms, but still felt nothing.
Until, Lin Chuan suddenly looked up and saw that Wan Wan, who was next to him, actually had a health bar appear above her head!!
On Wan Wan's main body book.
Little Riding Hood, Alice, Big Bad Wolf, Mermaid Princess, Cheshire Cat, and various bizarre cartoon fairy tale creatures continuously materialized and emerged.
On the other side, Guo Guo was actually wearing Little Riding Hood's red cloak. She half-turned her body and chirped:
“I, Guo Di, even if I bear the Abyss and hold my master with one hand, I will still be invincible under heaven.”
This... the cross-talk is too wild, isn't it? Is she going to say, 'Sakura, save me?' in a bit?
Sakura, dressed in a black auspicious cloud robe, had circles of concentric patterns appearing in her large, beautiful eyes.
“Master, let's feel the pain of the world together.”
Lin Chuan: ...
So, this is the illusion cultivation resource used by Beast Masters?
He covered his face.
Is this the true essence of illusion?