The Strongest Beast-Tamer (Transmigration)(GL) - Chapter 40

The two guarded Duanmu Ya for an entire month.

That day, while both were occupied with their tasks, a sudden violent tremor surged from the cave, followed by a searing heat wave. If Yi Xian had not reacted quickly and pulled Nian Yunyin aside, they might have been reduced to ashes by the pillar of flame that burst out.

“What just happened?”

“It must be Xiao Ya. She’s finished her retreat.”

The flames had come like a whirlwind. Aside from the initial burst that nearly took their lives, the rest was just thick smoke and stinging ash, without even a single spark. After a long moment, a figure emerged from the cave, swaying and clutching the stone wall.

Her hair stuck up like a chicken’s comb, and her face was so dark it looked as if she had just been pulled from a fire.
She looked like one of the lucky survivors from a disaster.

“Yi Xian, what happened to you two?”

“Cough, cough, cough.”

Yi Xian helped Nian Yunyin up. “Nothing serious. What was that fire just now?”

Duanmu Ya looked bewildered. “I don’t know. I just tested the power of a fireball.”

That was a fireball?

That looked more like a fire dragon!

Nian Yunyin reached out and wiped Duanmu Ya’s face, her hand coming away completely black. “Go wash up quickly. We need to reach Qingshan Sect immediately. If we miss the enrollment, we’ll have to wait another year.”

Duanmu Ya gasped. “But isn’t there still more than half a month left?”

Yi Xian sounded annoyed. “You’ve been in seclusion for a full month.”

When Duanmu Ya finally realized this, she tidied herself up a bit, then hurriedly dragged them on their way.

Fortunately, Qingshan Sect was not too far. The three of them traveled day and night for three days straight, just barely arriving in time.

“The three of you will stay here for tonight. Tomorrow, you will participate in the entrance test with the others.”

“Seriously? We’re supposed to stay here?”

Yi Xian pushed open the door and found three people already inside. Including themselves, the room now held six people. It resembled a small barracks, with six simple beds on one side, and a table with four stools on the other. Aside from a teapot and a few cups, the room held nothing else.

The three girls who arrived earlier greeted them warmly.

“Those who came early have already completed the test. We’re among the last.”

“But according to the senior disciples of Qingshan Sect, the slots are already filled. Unless you stand out exceptionally, tomorrow will just be a formality.”

“What should we do then?”

“Exactly! I traveled for three months to get here.”

“Are the three of you hoping to join the main peak under Master Mingyi?”

…

After the exhausting three-day journey, the trio could barely stand. Duanmu Ya especially frowned at the poor accommodations, her pout full of disdain.

To keep her from drawing too much attention, Yi Xian laid out fresh bedding from her storage pouch. “It’s just one night. Make do and get some rest.”

Duanmu Ya’s expression softened slightly. But then her worry returned. “Yi Xian, are you confident about tomorrow?”

Yi Xian smiled. “Tomorrow’s troubles belong to tomorrow. Get some sleep.”

The next morning, a disciple of Qingshan Sect knocked on their door.

“Hurry up, all of you. Don’t waste time.”

The six of them stepped outside and went their separate ways. Duanmu Ya looked anxious.

“Yi Xian, don’t push yourself. Compared to beast tamers who’ve trained for years, your progress has already been fast. It’s just that…”

Nian Yunyin finished for her. “Qingshan Sect won’t accept a beast tamer still stuck at Heaven Level Stage Two. Even the other academies might not open their doors.”

Duanmu Ya fumed. “You—”

Before they could argue further, Yi Xian cleared her throat. “Enough. A late start means nothing. Didn’t we agree? If the first plan fails, we move on to the second.”

Nian Yunyin smirked. “I’ll wait for good news from both of you.”

Once Nian Yunyin left, Duanmu Ya clenched her fists and said indignantly, “Don’t listen to her. She’s just jealous you’re a beast tamer.”

Yi Xian saw through her awkward attempt at comfort. “You go on ahead to Yundan Peak. I’ll find you later.”

Duanmu Ya turned back three times with concern. When she reached the area marked for Yundan Peak, she reported her name and presented her alchemist badge. The testing disciple looked stunned, then exclaimed, “You’re the young fourth-rank alchemist! We’ve been waiting for you!”

He pulled her away immediately.

Yi Xian, seeing how smoothly Duanmu Ya passed, realized it all came down to that one badge.

She looked around and spotted the wooden sign for Mingwang Peak, the same one those girls had talked about yesterday.

It was said to be the most desired peak for beast tamers with exceptional talent. Its master, Zhu Mingyi, was already a divine-level sixth-stage beast tamer. Even his youngest disciple, Xie Ying, was a human-level fifth-stage tamer, someone many could only look up to.

Yi Xian was currently only at Heaven Level Stage Two. That was the result of a month’s hard cultivation during Duanmu Ya’s seclusion. With Nian Yunyin’s help, she had survived the harsh training and gained a glimpse of true breakthrough.

She looked at the endless line at Mingwang Peak and hesitated before walking toward another peak.

“Name, level, and spirit root?”

“Yi Xian. Heaven Level Stage Two. Light spirit root.”

“What? Heaven Level Stage Two?”

The man stared at her like she had come from another planet.

“A Heaven Level cultivator? And you want to join Blazing Flame Peak?”

Yi Xian asked, “Is that not allowed?”

He looked at the long queue at Mingwang Peak, then at his own deserted line. He sighed. “Fine. Every year, we must bow to Peak Master Mingyi. My master will probably lose his temper again this year. Let’s begin. Show me your phantom beast. You have one, right?”

Yi Xian nodded and summoned her little pony. As it appeared, it bathed the man in a cleansing light.

He saw stars. The pony shimmered with golden light, like a deity descending to the mortal world. He rubbed his eyes. “This phantom beast looks promising.”

The sudden light caught the attention of those in the Mingwang Peak line, especially the testing disciples.

“That’s a light spirit root, isn’t it? Quite pure, too. Still, Blazing Flame Peak must be desperate if they’re accepting someone at Heaven Level Stage Two. Mingwang Peak only accepts Stage Five cultivators into their outer sect.”

Laughter erupted.

The man turned red with embarrassment. Yi Xian waited silently for his response. Finally, he snapped, “Who says so? Someone with such mediocre talent would never be accepted here. Go back and train for a few more years. Come again once you reach Stage Six.”

Laughter grew louder.

Duanmu Ya suddenly appeared, placing herself in front of Yi Xian like a protective hen guarding her chick, despite being shorter than her by a full head.

“You blind fools. Do you know how recently Yi Xian’s spirit root awakened? Do you know how few months she has trained? Let me tell you, none of you will surpass her in the future. Remember this.”

“Whoa, which peak is she from?”

“Shh. She’s the named personal disciple of Yundan Peak’s master. Don’t provoke her. Say less.”

Yi Xian tugged Duanmu Ya’s braid. “Let’s go.”

Duanmu Ya stomped her feet. “Those little brats. Just wait till I deal with you all.”

Yi Xian felt helpless. Qingshan Sect’s standards were truly high. Even Stage Five cultivators were relegated to menial duties. Her own level could not even get her through the front gate.

Duanmu Ya’s anger turned to sympathy. “Yi Xian, forget Mingwang Peak and that ridiculous Blazing Flame Peak. They are blind, discarding pearls for pebbles. Come with me to Yundan Peak. It’s much better than the other two. Although…”

Yi Xian asked, “Although what?”

Duanmu Ya grabbed her hand. “You’ll have to pretend to be my assistant for now. But I promise, once I win my master’s favor, I’ll find you a teacher far better than those other peaks could offer. Deal?”

Yi Xian smiled. “Of course. From now on, I’ll depend on you, Miss Fourth-Rank Alchemist.”

Relieved that Yi Xian was not upset, Duanmu Ya gave her countless reassurances.

At Yundan Peak, Yi Xian quickly discovered that every inner court alchemist had beast tamers as their protectors, whether as servants, attendants, or loyal followers.

And Duanmu Ya, with her youthful brilliance, was already attracting several eager beast tamers who wanted to follow her. The charm of a young and talented alchemist was truly irresistible.

Thus began Yi Xian and Duanmu Ya’s new life at Qingshan Sect.

“Duanmu Ya, someone outside claims to be your friend. Do you want to see them?”

“Who? What’s the name?”

“Nian Yunyin. She said she is an array master.”

At the mention of her name, Duanmu Ya’s lips curled in a pout. “Hmph. So she really managed to stay. Qingshan Sect must have found her useful.”

Yi Xian shook her head. “Nian Yunyin isn’t just ‘useful.’ Remember that array within an array you set up? Not even Lord Yin Bao could get through it.”

In other words, not even a fly could have slipped in.

Duanmu Ya huffed. “That only proves she has some skill. Nothing more. Let’s see what she has to say.”

Yi Xian sighed. During their month together, she had found Nian Yunyin deeply knowledgeable in all fields. Even during her breakthrough, it was Nian Yunyin who resolved the problems she encountered. Without her, with Duanmu Ya in seclusion and Yi Xian advancing, anything could have happened.

All in all, meeting Nian Yunyin had been a blessing.

Nian Yunyin entered with a smile. “The treatment at Yundan Peak is amazing. I’m so tempted to move in with you.”

Duanmu Ya sneered. “What, array masters don’t get good treatment?”

Nian Yunyin ignored her, instead smiling slyly at Yi Xian. “So, you hit a wall? Didn’t I tell you to go with the second plan from the start? But no, you had to run headfirst—”

“Nian Yunyin.”

Nian Yunyin mockingly cleared her ear. “When you need something, it’s ‘Sister Nian.’ When you don’t, it’s my full name. Xiao Ya, you wound me.”

Yi Xian’s situation had already been analyzed by Nian Yunyin. To stay at Qingshan Sect, she had to persist at all costs. Only then would she have a chance to rise among the sea of gifted tamers.

And it turned out that Nian Yunyin had been right about everything.

Duanmu Ya glared at her, puffing her cheeks. “Why are you even here? Did you come just to argue with me?”

Nian Yunyin sighed helplessly. “I came to bring good news. Although for Yi Xian, it might be bad news.”

Yi Xian, who had just been called out, raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

No one knew where Nian Yunyin had obtained her information, but apparently, within half a month, the Qingshan Sect would be hosting a grand tournament across the entire sect. From this competition, four hundred victors would be selected. Afterwards, those selected would face off once again, this time against the beastmen.

Duanmu Ya exclaimed in disbelief. “Why? We have always minded our own business and stayed out of the beast tribe’s way. Why hold a friendly competition now? Has Qingshan Sect gone mad?”

Nian Yunyin suddenly became serious. “Xiao Ya, you are part of the Qingshan Sect now. Be careful with your words.”

Duanmu Ya showed no sign of reflection and muttered, “They can do as they please, but we can’t even speak about it? Not even a word?”

Yi Xian felt a creeping sense of unease the moment she heard the word ‘beastmen’. Her scalp tingled as if a cold breeze had rushed over her head. “Has anything like this happened before? Why would they hold such a seemingly friendly competition between the two races now?”

She hadn’t forgotten how the beastmen had once enslaved humans, nor how deeply humans resented them. With such a deep grudge and the most talented individuals from both races competing, could things really stay peaceful?

These were the top talents on the Jiuxi Continent. Any casualties would be a tremendous loss to either side.

Nian Yunyin shook her head. “It’s not a friendly match. It is a competition to bring honor to our race.”

It was said that this tournament served as the selection process for an event to be held six months later, the opening of the Watermark Secret Realm.
This hidden realm was rumored to house immense treasures. Unfortunately, the Qingshan Sect’s leader only held one of the two keys needed to unlock it. The other key belonged to the beastmen. To open the realm, both keys were required.

That was why the Qingshan Sect had decided to engage in a ‘friendly’ competition with the beast tribe.

In truth, it was all to ensure that when the realm opened, more humans than beastmen would gain entry. Of course, the beast tribe had readily agreed, likely because they had the same idea.

The tournament hadn’t even begun, but Yi Xian could already sense the bloodshed that was bound to come.

Duanmu Ya scrunched her nose. “What kind of treasures are in this secret realm to warrant such a vicious scramble? Sounds like everyone’s going to be fighting to the death. But it looks like we’re not even qualified to join, so how is this bad news for Yi Xian?”

Nian Yunyin said, “I will definitely enter the secret realm. As for you, Xiao Ya, it’s best you stay on Yundan Peak and focus on your cultivation. Whether you can make it back alive from this trial is uncertain. A single misstep could cost your life.”

In that moment, Yi Xian finally understood the meaning behind Nian Yunyin’s earlier sympathy. Among the three of them, she was the most ordinary. Even as a light-type beast tamer, she could only serve as support to others. And support roles were often deemed dispensable.

What’s more, breaking through the ranks of all participants from the Qingshan Sect alone would be an uphill battle. Not to mention the challenges that followed when they had to face the nightmare of the beast tribe.

Yi Xian asked, “How many can enter the secret realm?”

Nian Yunyin replied, “Three hundred.”

As the weight of that number settled over them, Duanmu Ya’s expression turned grave. “Only three hundred? Even if I cried and begged Master, it’s impossible for him to spare another quota.”

Crying wouldn’t help. Not even a threat of death could change the outcome. Everything depended on one’s own strength.

Duanmu Ya looked at them both. “Is the Watermark Secret Realm really so desirable? You both want to go that badly?”

Nian Yunyin said firmly, “I will earn a spot. As for you, Yi Xian, you need to think carefully. This is an extremely dangerous trial. But if you can carve a path through it and return alive, then the disciples of Qingshan Sect will never look down on you again.”

Yi Xian nodded. “There are still six months.”

After that day, Nian Yunyin never returned to Yundan Peak. She seemed to be busy preparing for the tournament. Duanmu Ya was often dragged away by the Peak Master of Yundan Peak for lessons, and when she returned, she was either refining pills or tending to her tiny patch of spiritual herbs.

During the day, Yi Xian trained relentlessly. Most of her time was spent at the dueling arena, challenging others. Of course, she lost more than she won. Eventually, people started calling her the ‘Desperate Sister’.

Duanmu Ya had to go to the arena each time to drag her back. Seeing her covered in bruises and wounds, she felt both distressed and angry. “Yi Xian, why are you pushing yourself so hard? Given a few more years, you could easily surpass most people.”

Yi Xian shook her head. “Life is too short and full of uncertainties.”

After all, death could come at any moment. And when it did, no one would take pity on you or give you more time to grow.

Duanmu Ya carefully pulled out the thorns embedded in Yi Xian’s body and applied medicine with practiced hands. “But at this rate, even if you don’t die in the secret realm, you’ll collapse in the dueling arena.”

Yi Xian stubbornly replied, “Then I would rather die in the dueling arena.”

Weakness made the people of the Qingshan Sect look down on her. Weakness meant she could only submit when facing a strong opponent. Being weak meant that when she faced the beastmen or confronted Lan Tong, she would only end up defeated with no chance to fight back.

Since she had managed to escape back to the human world, it could not have been just to live a quiet, servant-like life.

Yi Xian had endured enough of being pinned down and powerless. She was truly tired of it.

“Xiao Ya, no matter what, I must enter the secret realm this time.”

Duanmu Ya had witnessed Yi Xian’s stubbornness and knew she could not be persuaded. Even the beast tamers who followed Duanmu Ya had begun their own preparations for the tournament. From time to time, Duanmu Ya found herself lost in thought while watching them train. After thinking it over for a week, she tugged on the sleeve of her master, Lian Hongyao, the Peak Master of Yundan Peak.

“Master, I want to go to the secret realm too.”

Lian Hongyao looked at her pleading expression and replied, “Do you think you can just go if you want to? The place is fraught with dangers. Even if you get in, you might never come back. And besides, the quotas…”

Duanmu Ya knew exactly how limited those quotas were. She gave a sweet smile and said, “Master, you are such a respected alchemist. Getting an extra spot should be easy for someone like you, right?”

Lian Hongyao had always had mixed feelings about Duanmu Ya. She admired the girl’s talent. Whatever she taught, Duanmu Ya grasped it quickly. But her personality was stronger than her talent. She only wanted to spend a little time on alchemy and preferred her own pursuits. If she had been like the other alchemists who immersed themselves in refining pills every day, she might have already broken through and become the youngest fifth-grade alchemist.

“It’s not that I won’t give you the quota. This time, it’s not just Qingshan Sect. We also have to contend with those beastmen. What would you do there?”

Duanmu Ya replied, “I will gather spiritual herbs for you. I heard there are plenty of rare treasures inside.”

Lian Hongyao was nearly swayed by her constant coaxing, but still refused with a resolute tone. “No. This matter is settled. Do not bring it up again.”

Duanmu Ya did not get a spot. She returned sulking. She had finally mustered the courage to follow Yi Xian and Nian Yunyin into the secret realm, but she had never expected her master to block her path.

On her way back, she saw Yi Xian engaged in a duel with one of the mid-tier third-stage beast tamers who followed her. One was a light-type beast tamer, while the other specialized in lightning, which was considered one of the most dominant types among beast tamers.

Duanmu Ya remembered how, at the beginning, these beast tamers had all looked down on Yi Xian and tried to provoke her. She had wanted to defend Yi Xian, but Yi Xian insisted on handling it herself. And she had indeed dealt with each one.

Watching the flashes of lightning and bursts of light on the field, Duanmu Ya was stunned. Each time a crackling bolt of lightning was about to hit Yi Xian, she would shift her stance and narrowly avoid it. Then, she would counter with a sphere of light that collided with the next lightning strike.

The most healing-oriented of the elemental types, light, had somehow exploded with devastating power upon meeting lightning. One of her light attacks directly shattered the opponent’s phantom beast, forcing it back into their sea of consciousness.

Duanmu Ya was speechless. She had nearly called for a stop. What kind of move was that?!

Yi Xian ended the match cleanly, calling her Little Pony back behind her. “Thank you for the match.”

The third-stage beast tamer stood dazed for a moment, then chuckled awkwardly. “I have learned a lot.”

Duanmu Ya was still confused. After the crowd dispersed, she pulled Yi Xian aside to check her thoroughly. Only when she found no serious wounds did she breathe a sigh of relief. “I thought you were hurt again. How did you dodge all that lightning?”

Yi Xian smiled without answering. It was all because of her lazy little trick, and lazy was the perfect word to describe it.
Whenever she had time, she practiced remote retrieval. One day, while being chased and beaten, a thought struck her. What if she could shorten the distance?

After a few more attempts, she realized that remote retrieval was merely a means to bridge the gap between her and an object.

If she could shorten the distance between her and an object, then surely she could shorten the distance her feet traveled.

“My life-saving secret. I cannot tell anyone.”

“What? Not even me?!”

Yi Xian had always found this technique strange. She had never heard either Duanmu or that madwoman mention a skill like this.

“I don’t even know what it is. Once I understand it fully, I’ll tell you.”

That answer finally put Duanmu Ya’s mind at ease. “So how confident are you?”

Yi Xian shook her head. “I’m not. I can only give it everything I’ve got.”