Spirit Beasts!
Ye Yingluo's expression darkened. Although Wu Zhangkong's method was theoretically feasible, the reality was far more difficult.
Putting aside everything else, the sheer number of spirit beasts nowadays made even seeing one a luxury, let alone hunting a suitable one.
Currently, only a few major families could realistically obtain spirit beast spirit rings. It wasn't just a matter of money; family background and power were equally essential.
To obtain a spirit beast's ring, one first had to bribe the Spirit Pagoda. That required some social standing. Then came the massive expense—most of the Star Dou Forest was under the control of the Spirit Pagoda, with the Star Dou Fortress as their main stronghold.
Officially, they were managing the spirit beasts to prevent interference with the human world. Unofficially, however, they secretly captured beasts for research. Children of major families could also pay to enter and obtain spirit rings. In short, many of the spirit beasts in the Star Dou Forest had effectively become the Spirit Pagoda's "private property," tools for profit.
The difficulty of this, Ye Yingluo wasn't alone in understanding—Lin Xiuran knew it too. Even with ten million Federation Coins, it was just a drop in the ocean. Obtaining a century-old spirit beast would be extremely hard.
A century-old spirit soul could be bought for a million Federation Coins; a real century-old spirit beast was a different level entirely. Whether capturing or raising one, it was exceedingly difficult. Money alone wouldn't suffice, as these beasts were typically reserved for the children of major families.
Lin Xiuran smiled wryly and looked at Ye Yingluo. "Teacher Ye, it's okay. There's always a way."
"But…" Ye Yingluo could not help but feel uneasy. As a teacher, seeing her student in this situation, she couldn't just do nothing. Yet she simply had no way to make this happen.
"It doesn't necessarily require obtaining a spirit beast's ring," Wu Zhangkong's calm voice interrupted her thoughts.
She looked at him with surprise and quickly asked, "Teacher Wu, didn't you say that only spirit beast rings work?"
Wu Zhangkong's cold gaze swept over her. "I never said that."
Indeed, he had only mentioned that spirit beast rings were one method, but he hadn't said it was the only method.
Ye Yingluo spread her hands helplessly, then said seriously, "Teacher Wu, please explain quickly. This concerns the future of this child."
Wu Zhangkong cast his icy gaze toward Lin Xiuran. "It's also very possible that it's simply the power of the spirit souls that's insufficient. One soul soul may not be enough; absorbing several might awaken a new spirit ring, and perhaps even of higher quality."
If that was the case, it was something they could plan around. After all, he could afford century-old spirit souls. With the ten million Federation Coins given by the clan elder, they could buy a few and try them.
"Thank you, Teacher Wu."
After helping Lin Xiuran, Wu Zhangkong left in his usual cold, aloof manner.
Ye Yingluo watched his retreating figure, muttering a soft discontented hum: "Damn it, why must you be so cold!"
Of course, she was still grateful that Wu Zhangkong had helped Lin Xiuran.
"It's fine, Xiuran. At least there's hope. And I've never seen Teacher Wu speak this much at once—what he said this time is more than all the words I've heard from him before," Ye Yingluo muttered to herself.
She still didn't fully understand Wu Zhangkong's way of doing things. Although she had liked him before, after being rejected, she focused entirely on her student.
Honestly, Lin Xiuran was also surprised that Wu Zhangkong had explained things to him so carefully. After all, he wasn't a student of Class Zero, and Wu Zhangkong had always been indifferent toward everyone.
After finishing class that day, Lin Xiuran intended to go back to the East Sea Spirit Tower to buy another spirit soul and try again. His money was sufficient.
He had planned to take a car, but just as he reached the school gate, he saw that familiar yet strangely different figure again.
"Sister Zixin, what are you looking for me for?" Lin Xiuran asked, seeing the girl smiling before him. She was completely different from last time—her usual warmth and enthusiasm had returned.
Ouyang Zixin smiled brightly. "Xiuran little brother, I heard today is your birthday?"
Birthday?
Lin Xiuran was momentarily stunned. He had forgotten himself. No wonder the clan elder had visited him today—so it really was his birthday.
Ouyang Zixin continued, "Let's go celebrate! I've already picked a place."
Looking at Zixin's seemingly heartfelt smile, Lin Xiuran momentarily hesitated. The recent memories of Xiuya reprimanding him and Zixin's previously warm smiles kept flashing through his mind, leaving him unsure of what was real.
Still, her smile dominated most of his thoughts. After all, she had helped him many times before. Regardless of her motives, he should be thankful.
Lin Xiuran knew this might be a trap set by Xu Xiaoyu, though he wasn't sure what the plan was. But he didn't care—he'd treat it as the last time.
If Ouyang Zixin genuinely wanted to celebrate his birthday, fine. But if it was for Xu Xiaoyu's sake, this would be the last time. From now on, he would rather not contact her.
Still, Lin Xiuran agreed to go with her.
Ouyang Zixin had brought a driver. Although her family wasn't as wealthy as Xu's, they were far above ordinary families. Professional drivers were standard.
The Soul-guided car was much faster than public transport, and with the driver's skill, they reached a suburban garden in less than half an hour.
East Sea City, as the second-largest coastal city in the Tianhai Alliance, had an economy only second to Tianhai City. Almost every area was well-constructed. The suburbs were designed in a garden style, with many elegant pavilions. The greenery was exquisite, making it perfect for a birthday outing.
Soon, guided by Ouyang Zixin, the two arrived at a meticulously maintained garden by a river, next to a small forest. The environment was serene, perhaps overly so.
After suburban development, East Sea City often rented or sold such gardens. Well-maintained ones like this always had owners.
Lin Xiuran, however, already knew who owned this place. It had been purchased years ago by Xu Junwen for Xu Xiaoyu's birthday. It was part of the Xu family assets.
Arriving here, Lin Xiuran let out a wry smile. He had already guessed much of what was going on and wasn't too upset—after all, he had been mentally prepared.
(End of Chapter)