Beast Taming Academy Headquarters,

Inside an office.

A soft knock resounded in the ear, and Song Ren, with a head full of white hair, spoke without lifting his head:

"Come in."

Chen Wenhao tiptoed into the office, closed the door, and walked slowly to stand before Song Ren, who was buried in his work, waiting silently without speaking.

He didn’t know how long had passed,

Song Ren slowly lifted his head, and upon seeing Chen Wenhao’s silhouette, he smiled faintly: "Is the task I entrusted to you completed?"

"Yes, teacher," Chen Wenhao replied.

"Not bad," Song Ren nodded.

He was extremely satisfied with this student before him, diligent and down-to-earth, hardworking and persevering, and most commendable was his extraordinary acuity in academic research, often able to spot details others could not.

Given time, he might indeed make a name for himself in academia.

Thoughts passed, seeing Chen Wenhao in front of him hesitating to speak, Song Ren turned his mind, and smiled subtly: "If you have something to say, go ahead, it’s not like you to hide it."

"I can’t hide anything from you, teacher," Chen Wenhao scratched his head and said hesitantly, "I heard there are still three spots left for the research activity this time."

Song Ren lifted his gaze to Chen Wenhao, who instantly looked away, somewhat embarrassed, lowering his head.

Song Ren suddenly laughed: "That’s right, there are still three spots, kept for three locals familiar with the Qinling environment."

"Hmm, but one spot has already been reserved by the Beastmaster Association there, leaving two remaining."

The trip to Qinling is of great importance, and the Donghuang Beastmaster Association places high value on it, with a large escort.

His several students, along with a few Beastmasters within the academy, a few members from the Investigation Department, and three locals familiar with the environment.

Just participating in this research activity can earn a generous amount of Contribution Value, each spot is immensely precious.

Therefore, aside from the one recommended by the Association, he plans to fill the remaining two spots upon arrival locally.

"I remember your brother is a Forest Ranger in Qinling?" Though aged, Song Ren’s memory surpasses many young people, knowing Chen Wenhao’s family background.

Moreover, the profession of Forest Ranger is quite special, leaving a deep impression on him.

"Yes," Chen Wenhao quickly nodded.

"I understand," Song Ren smiled as if confirming his thoughts, then said, "Then add your brother."

A Forest Ranger in Qinling, just the right expertise.

Even if his strength is a bit lacking, it doesn’t matter as there is a group of formidable Beastmasters in the team.

"Thank you, teacher," Chen Wenhao was elated.

He knew his elder brother had excellent talent as a Beastmaster, if he could participate in this research activity, it would surely add a significant accomplishment to his brother’s career history.

It would greatly benefit his brother’s future development.

This matter can be a surprise for his brother.

Seeing the unabashed smile on Chen Wenhao’s face, Song Ren seemed infected by this joy, and also smiled: "You’ve also worked hard for a long time, you should take this opportunity to go home and rest for a few days."

Pausing slightly, he smiled even broader, his appreciation for Chen Wenhao evident: "Also to let your relatives and friends know there is a talented person in your family."

Chen Wenhao immediately shook his head: "No, teacher, it’s not too late for me to say this when I’m ten percent as formidable as you."

After a brief conversation, Chen Wenhao left, and the office returned to quiet.

However, soon after, another knock resounded.

"Come in."

"Hehe, Mr. Song, I’m here to visit you."

As the door opened, a cheerful and lively voice accompanied it.

Song Ren lifted his head and saw the youthful, charming girl, unable to help but rub his temples: "None of my students come as frequently as you."

Jiang Wenning quickly walked in, full of smiles: "Grandpa told me to get close to you, of course, I have to listen to him."

She had only learned a week ago that her grandfather was an old acquaintance of Professor Song Ren, having previously advanced their studies at the same school.

Song Ren couldn’t manage the lively character of this old acquaintance’s grandchild, simply put down his pen and stared at Jiang Wenning: "Tell me, what’s your business here again?"

"Of course it’s to visit you, Mr. Song," Jiang Wenning laughed, then cleared her throat gently, "And a small request."

Song Ren had already guessed the girl’s thoughts: "Tell me, what’s it about?"

"Mr. Song, is it true there are still three spots left for the research activity?" Jiang Wenning directly asked.

This sounded familiar, like he’d heard it somewhere before.

Song Ren mused silently, then leisurely said: "No, there’s only one left."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wenning was not at all upset, her beautiful eyes gleaming with laughter: "Then I’m just in time."

"Do you also have a recommendation?" Song Ren glanced at Jiang Wenning.

"Also?" Jiang Wenning caught the nuance of this word but didn’t mind, instead giggled, "Yes, I happened to know a skilled Beastmaster familiar with the Qinling environment."

Song Ren immediately scrutinized Jiang Wenning with suspicion: "At your young age, you have contacts in the Qin Province?"

Jiang Wenning coughed lightly, decisively skipping this question: "Mr. Song, don’t worry, the Beastmaster I recommend is incredibly impressive, and for familiarity with the Qinling environment, if he claims first, no one dares claim second."

She paused, pointing at the ice-blue kitten on her shoulder: "I can vouch for this with the happiness of the latter half of Nuomi’s life."

"Meow?"

Nuomi glanced indifferently at his owner, exuding threads of coldness.

Song Ren couldn’t handle the girl before him, but as the overall coordinator for this research activity, he must be diligent in confirming every participant is competent and reliable.

If the capability is inadequate, even if an old friend personally recommends, he would not approve.

Thoughts passed, Song Ren said: "Let’s do this, first consider him a reserve candidate, and once we’re there, we’ll finalize the selections."

The Beastmaster recommended by the Baokun City Beastmaster Association cannot be changed, and Chen Wenhao’s brother must also stay, while the Beastmaster recommended by Jiang Wenning is provisional for now.

Song Ren mused to himself, "When the time comes, let’s have the Beastmaster recommended by the Association help assess things. If he’s really familiar with the Qinling Mountains, we’ll go in together."

"Alright, thank you, Mr. Song." Upon hearing Song Ren’s response, Jiang Wenning immediately cheered joyfully.

It seemed like she was very confident that the Beastmaster she recommended could become the final choice.

Jiang Wenning did indeed think this way.

If Chen Yuan, as a forest ranger in the Qinling Mountains, couldn’t be the final choice, then who else could?

Seeing Jiang Wenning’s reaction, Song Ren couldn’t help but remind her, "Tell your friend to be prepared, as others have recommended candidates to me, and I might choose the best one."

Jiang Wenning waved it off dismissively, "Don’t worry, Mr. Song, he’ll definitely go into the mountains with us."

After Jiang Wenning left the office, Song Ren shook his head helplessly.

...

The night was hazy,

"Roar~"

The bushes trembled, revealing two ominous black figures, large and small, standing and roaring deeply, startling a flock of birds into flight.

"Roar roar?"

"Roar!"

With unknown roars, the two figures swaggered out of the bushes, heading towards Xuanhe Village not far away.

The dense forest was left behind, and the bright moonlight shone down on them, gradually revealing the figures of the Bear Cub and Mr. Xiong.

"Roar~"

Suddenly, the Bear Cub’s nose twitched, its eyes gleaming slightly as it excitedly pointed its paw towards the distant village.

It’s right here!

"Roar."

Mr. Xiong nodded, swiping the Bear Cub behind him with a paw, then strutted confidently down the rural dirt road, his eyes filled with supreme confidence.

The large and small figures soon approached Xuanhe Village, but the scents in the village were too many and too mixed, and even the Bear Cub couldn’t track down the scent of Cola for a moment.

"Roar?"

The Bear Cub scratched its head, looking puzzled.

Where should they look for them?

"Roar roar."

Mr. Xiong surveyed the surroundings, quickly spotting a figure by the roadside not far away. He grinned, beckoned the Bear Cub to follow, and walked towards the person.

Zhao San was hurrying home.

He had heard that a dangerous Fire Patterned Snake had appeared near the village a few days ago, though it had been captured by Advisor Chen’s Pet Beast, the village chief had still warned everyone to avoid going out at night.

Thinking of this, Zhao San felt a bit annoyed.

Business had been good lately, so Zhao San discussed with his wife and decided to buy a smartwatch phone for their boy.

But that brat boasted about it to his friends while playing outside and accidentally lost it. It wasn’t until dinner time that Zhao San found out about it.

Upon questioning, the brat, who initially wanted to hide it, had no choice but to confess, and ended up getting a good scolding from both parents.

After dinner, Zhao San hurried out to search for it, only to find that the sun had set especially early, and by the time he found it, night had already fallen.

"Luckily, I found it," Zhao San said with relief.

"Roar roar?"

Just then, a thunderous roar sounded in his ears, causing his eardrums to tremble. Immediately after, a massive black shadow loomed over him.

Zhao San didn’t immediately react, but when he turned woodenly and saw the brown body up close, his breath caught, his face turned ashen, and his legs began trembling uncontrollably.

A bear!

A huge bear!

A bear had invaded the village!

Zhao San wanted to shout for help, but the overwhelming black shadow seemed to choke him, as though invisible hands grasped his throat. He opened his mouth but couldn’t utter a sound.

The next moment, Zhao San fell to the ground, scrambling backward until he curled up in a corner, trembling uncontrollably.

"Roar?"

Mr. Xiong looked quizzically at the human with such an intense reaction. He just wanted to ask for directions; why the fuss?

"Roar roar?"

The Bear Cub peeked out a small head from behind Mr. Xiong, curiously glanced at Zhao San on the ground, and waved its paw.

Where’s Cola?

The cold ground quickly steadied Zhao San’s emotions. In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but ultimately turned into a loud shout: "A bear!!!"

The shout was loud and echoed around.

"Awooo!"

"Woof woof woof!"

This was followed by a chorus of barks, and soon lights burst forth from once-darkened houses, illuminating the night-cloaked Xuanhe Village.

Soon, a cacophony of noises echoed in his ears, the barking increasingly closer.

"Roar?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Mr. Xiong and the Bear Cub exchanged a glance, suddenly realizing that finding Cola wasn’t as easy as they had imagined.