The fragrance of tea lingered in the air.
At this moment, only Qin Xiaoxue and Su Ping remained in the reception room.
After the three others had left earlier, Mutou, thrilled that he could continue staying in the Heart of Wood, had already run off to play.
As for Su Ping, breathing in the tea's aroma, he did not know whether it was just his imagination, but he felt as though his mind had become far clearer than ever before.
Even the circulation of his spiritual power felt lighter and smoother.
This tea was extraordinary!
Su Ping looked at the freshly brewed tea and was convinced.
Although, after realizing the young lady's identity earlier, it seemed only natural that she could casually take out something like this.
Even so, Su Ping did not ask about the identities of those people just now. The art of clinging to a rich benefactor's thigh was a field of study in itself.
He had already missed the previous opportunity—things were just fine as they were now.
Instead, it was Qin Xiaoxue who asked a little nervously:
"Su Ping, are you confident?"
Su Ping waved his hand.
"Don't worry. By the way, what kind of tea is this? When the time comes, Sister Qin can just wait and see me help Mutou with accelerated cultivation."
Su Ping himself did not seem concerned, and Qin Xiaoxue finally let out a sigh of relief. If possible, she naturally hoped even more that Su Ping would win.
"You being confident is good enough. But there's no need for accelerated cultivation—having the Heart of Wood is already sufficient.
As for the tea, I got it from the old man. It's fresh tea from a Spirit-Nurturing Ancient Tea Tree. After brewing, it can enhance meditation effects and increase the cultivation speed of meditation arts. It's even very beneficial for future cultivation. Drink more—if it's not enough, I still have more here."
Enhance meditation effects and cultivation speed?
Su Ping raised an eyebrow.
"Meditation arts? What's that?"
Meditation itself, of course, he knew. But meditation arts—this was the first time he had heard of them.
Qin Xiaoxue blinked.
"Meditation arts are special methods of meditation that greatly enhance the effects of meditation. At the same time, they can, to a certain extent, make it easier for Beast Tamers to control their pet beasts.
But it's normal that you haven't encountered them. True meditation arts rarely circulate on the market. They only exist in high-tier Beast Taming academies, the Beast Tamer Association, or within major powers and hereditary families.
"And even if you do encounter one, they're very difficult to cultivate. The reason is simple: cultivating a meditation art requires a Beast Tamer—and often even a specific pet beast—to cooperate. Unless someone has been exposed to it from childhood, very few Beast Tamers meet the conditions."
At this point, Qin Xiaoxue lowered her voice slightly.
"For example, the one I cultivate—the All-Encompassing Myriad Phenomena Meditation Art—is like that. It's also one of the meditation arts collected by the Magic Capital Advanced Beast Taming Academy."
The All-Encompassing Myriad Phenomena Meditation Art? The Magic Capital Advanced Beast Taming Academy?
Su Ping felt a stir in his heart.
These things—half a month ago, let alone having contact with them, he had never even known they existed.
Seeing Su Ping deep in thought, Qin Xiaoxue smiled gently.
"Of course, don't overthink it. Meditation arts are precious, but in reality, a Beast Tamer's foundation still lies mainly in their pet beasts. Some people with good spiritual talent can improve quickly even without meditation arts, and the pet beasts they command can also be stronger.
"Besides, with your talent, these things aren't necessarily out of reach in the future. But if you want to join the Magic Capital Advanced Beast Taming Academy and gain a chance to cultivate its high-tier meditation arts…"
At this point, Qin Xiaoxue deliberately lowered her voice.
"Remember this: for your second pet beast, either choose a plant-type or an undead-type. As for some specific pet beasts, I'll organize a list and send it to you later for reference. Don't tell anyone else, okay?"
Su Ping was startled. Was this… exclusive insider information?
However… joining the Magic Capital Beast Taming Academy?
He really had not thought about it. With the Myriad Spirit Codex and the Heart of Wood cultivation base, he did not really need anything else.
There was no rush—he could think about it later.
As for his second pet beast, Su Ping actually had considered it somewhat. In his view, the most important point was not high racial potential. On the contrary, it would be better if it were a pet beast with large numbers and relatively common availability.
Seeing Su Ping's expression, Qin Xiaoxue did not continue speaking on this topic.
Lifting the teacup, Su Ping took a sip. He only felt a warmth mixed with a refreshing coolness spread through his head, leaving his mind utterly clear and incomparably comfortable.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side, after Qin Erlong and the others had left, they split into two groups.
Qin Erlong returned to the Beast Tamer Association, while Sun Chaoju and Vice Chairman Liu headed toward the Breeders' Association.
In Sun Chaoju's car, he glanced at Vice Chairman Liu, who was resting with his eyes closed, before asking:
"Teacher, what do you think of that Su Ping?"
Vice Chairman Liu slowly opened his eyes, shot his student a sidelong glance, and said coldly:
"I know what little scheme you're harboring. Since this wager was agreed to by Su Ping himself, so be it. But any other tricks—behave yourself.
"Even if you lose, you must honor the bet. And if you win, you're still to deliver that accelerated cultivation technique to Su Ping."
At these words, Sun Chaoju was stunned.
"Teacher, I—"
Before he could finish, Vice Chairman Liu interrupted him.
"I'm only saying this because you're my student. Since Su Ping can gain the appreciation—and even friendship—of Miss Qin, his future is boundless.
"Moreover, befriending a highly talented breeder is a good thing. We're all part of Jianghai Province—don't be so narrow-minded. If that kid really manages to develop the evolution method for the so-called Myriad Wood Wolf and goes on to participate in the Breeders' Competition, then as the first discoverer, even if you're not the main researcher-breeder, you can still have your name attached."
At this, Sun Chaoju's eyes lit up. But soon, he looked at the old man in surprise.
"Teacher, do you really think that Su Ping can pull off something like that?"
"Who knows?" Vice Chairman Liu replied calmly. "But I do know that befriending a young, talented person is far better than offending one. This is a society governed by law—what can't be discussed properly?"
Listening to his teacher's life experience, Sun Chaoju nodded, though he still had some doubts.
"Teacher, in the end, even though Chairman Qin is only half a rank above you, you don't really need to treat Miss Qin like that…"
He did not finish his sentence, but Vice Chairman Liu understood. He merely glanced at his student, then sighed and shook his head.
"You don't understand."
What exactly he did not understand, Sun Chaoju did not know, and he did not continue asking.
Because he knew that even if he did ask, his teacher would not say.
Riddle-speakers were irritating, but it depended on who the riddle-speaker was.
At this very moment, Qin Erlong, back in his office, had also fallen into deep thought.
It was the first time he had ever seen his eldest granddaughter trust a strange young man so completely.
This could not help but give rise to a rather special, intriguing thought.
Was it possible that his precious granddaughter had taken a liking to that Su Ping?
The thought made Qin Erlong involuntarily suck in a sharp breath.
If that were the case, then it would truly be… wonderful.
Thinking it over like this, that Su Ping—although a bit arrogant in temperament—had achieved what he had at such a young age. A bit of youthful pride was only natural.
Coupled with his aptitude—though his Beast Taming talent was slightly lacking, it was hardly a problem.
As for looks, he was comparable to Qin Erlong himself in his youth. His family background was average, but as long as his granddaughter liked him, none of that really mattered.
Heh! Thinking this way, Qin Erlong grew even more interested. He dearly wished to marry his granddaughter off to a good family as soon as possible, so she would stop tormenting his old bones.
That damned Magic Capital Advanced Beast Taming Academy just had to arrange a summer break, sending this little demon back to trouble him. Now, if her attention could be shifted to another target, Qin Erlong was in high spirits.
With that thought, the old man took out his phone and dialed a special number.
After three rings, a voice answered on the other end.
"It's rare for you, Qin Erlong, to call me at this hour. Did something happen to Xiaoxue?"
"Old woman, our Xiaoxue might be in love!"
"…Hmm?"
"A kid who just graduated from a basic Beast Taming school cultivated a rare Heart of Wood for the girl. Their relationship is getting pretty warm!"
"Hmm? The Heart of Wood? Interesting. Tell me more."
...
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