On the road leaving the Mining District, Xuzhi kept replaying that moment in his mind—the one where the Little Dragon Hatchling had thrown himself in front of him during the Giant Scorpion’s attack.
Such a tiny hatchling, completely unafraid of danger, wanting to protect him.
Xuzhi couldn’t quite wrap his head around it. Why?
There was no Beast Taming Contract between them, and they hadn’t even spent much time together.
Could it be that the hatchling had truly been abandoned before, terrified of being left behind again? Was that why he was always so sweet and clingy?
Xuzhi’s mood grew heavier. He pulled out the medicine list Tuji had given him once more.
Congenital deficiency… prone to early death.
Tuji had said that whether it was a person or a magical beast, the long-term cost of nursing a body back to health was enormous. An ordinary miner definitely couldn’t afford it.
Especially since he’d bought medicine for Ming Shuang and now owed money to the Medical Clinic. His savings were in the red.
But now he had an innate talent. He could try other ways to make money.
Like those Beast Tamers, perhaps?
Xuzhi wasn’t sure if he qualified as a Beast Tamer. He hadn’t formed a contract with the Giant Scorpion, but he’d gained its magic all the same. In a way, it was pretty similar.
Beast Tamers formed contracts with magical beasts and used the magic granted by them. Of course, having the magic wasn’t enough—you had to know how to wield it.
Xuzhi recalled there was a bookshop in town. Maybe he could find books there on magic cultivation, like basic attacks or array formations, rather than just raw elemental blasts.
In any case, innate talent meant strength.
With strength, he could do more, get what he wanted.
Even if it was just a shot in the dark—if he couldn’t shoulder the burden, he could at least find a new master for Ming Shuang.
Xuzhi carefully tucked away the medicine list and sat quietly by the bedside, closing his eyes to rest.
When night fell, Xuzhi fed the still-unconscious Ming Shuang his second dose of medicine.
The Little Dragon Hatchling lay curled up by the pillow, showing no signs of waking. Xuzhi extinguished the lamp, lay down beside him, and gently stroked the hatchling’s little dragon horn.
~~~
The next day.
He administered the third dose, but Ming Shuang still didn’t wake.
By afternoon, Xuzhi carefully scooped the Little Dragon Hatchling into his arms and stood up, preparing to head out.
Lante heard the movement. “Heading out?”
“Mm,” Xuzhi replied curtly. “Got something to do.”
He shrugged on his coat, pushed open the door, and left. As usual, he skirted the crowds by climbing over the wall, heading toward the town.
Seeing Xuzhi return to the Medical Clinic, Tuji reassured him. “He’ll wake up today for sure. That magical beast cub has such a frail constitution—it’s normal for him to stay out longer. Don’t worry too much.”
Xuzhi nodded, then asked, “I’d also like to know what kind of food is best for his daily needs.”
He was quite concerned about Tuji’s comment yesterday on malnutrition.
Tuji tugged at his beard. “What kind of magical beast is he?”
Xuzhi hesitated, clutching the Little Dragon Hatchling tightly to his chest. “I don’t know.”
Tuji gave him a look. “Then how should I know? The finer the better, the pricier the better. No junk without nutrition, and don’t overdo the same type of ingredient…”
Xuzhi jotted it all down earnestly, then pointed to the writing slate on the first floor. “The first item—Profound Magpie Horn. What’s that?”
Tuji was a bit surprised and gave Xuzhi an extra glance before explaining. “It’s the horn that grows on a Profound Magpie’s head. Shed old ones or fresh ones both work. It’s top-grade medicine.”
The Profound Magpie was a flying magical beast, Tier 2, medium-sized, not particularly strong but incredibly cunning and agile—nearly impossible to catch. They loved stealing food from other magical beasts or humans.
Recently, one had appeared at the Sandstone Field south of the neighboring town. It was ambushing merchants along the main road every day, causing headaches for the locals. But no powerful Beast Tamer had stepped up to deal with it yet.
When Tuji heard about it, he’d added the item to his shopping list. If someone managed to catch a Profound Magpie or even found a shed horn and brought it to the clinic, that would do.
Xuzhi nodded. “Got it. Thanks.”
Just then, the fabric in front of him rustled faintly.
The Little Dragon Hatchling had finally woken. Half a tiny claw poked out from the edge of his coat button.
Tuji leaned over for a look. “Awake?”
Xuzhi immediately covered the claw with his hand, his expression instinctively guarded.
Tuji fell silent, then stood. “I’ve got things to do. Come down on your own in a bit.”
He turned and left, leaving Xuzhi alone in the side room.
Once the door closed again, Xuzhi looked down and parted his coat.
Ming Shuang had just come to. His eyes met the familiar face, and for a brief moment, he stared in dazed confusion.
Then a flood of memories rushed in, recalling everything before he’d blacked out.
The Giant Scorpion’s sudden appearance… Xuzhi covered in blood…
The Little Dragon Hatchling shot to his feet, whipping his head around to scan the room before sniffing all over Xuzhi, pawing at his clothes and inspecting him closely.
“Woo woo…”
Ming Shuang was frantic, desperate to check on Xuzhi’s condition.
“I’m fine now,” Xuzhi soothed, explaining as he went. “We got away. This is a Medical Clinic—the Pavilion Master knows me…”
Seeing Xuzhi truly unharmed, in clean clothes without a trace of blood, and acting normally, Ming Shuang relaxed a little. But he still wasn’t satisfied. He pawed gently at Xuzhi’s arm, demanding to see the injury.
Xuzhi rolled up his sleeve. The spot where the Giant Scorpion had bitten him was now just a few faint scars, which would vanish completely in another day.
After inspecting the arm, Ming Shuang wanted to check his back. Still weak and not fully recovered, the Little Dragon Hatchling lacked the strength to climb properly. He insisted on scrambling up to Xuzhi’s shoulder and burrowing headfirst into his collar.
Supporting the hatchling, Xuzhi had no choice but to lift his shirt himself.
Confirming that the lightning wound from the Giant Scorpion had healed too—and that there was truly nothing wrong—Ming Shuang finally relaxed completely.
Xuzhi set him down on the low table in front of them and gently pinched one of his paws.
“How are you feeling?” Xuzhi asked softly. “Any pain? Or discomfort anywhere?”
At that, Ming Shuang quieted.
He knew he’d overextended his magic. Glancing at the clock on the wall, he realized he’d been out for so long.
Ming Shuang had overestimated his child form. A single Attack Magic Array, plus that final swipe of his claw, had drained every last drop of his magic.
Even so, the Giant Scorpion hadn’t been fully repelled. He’d watched helplessly as Xuzhi got hurt.
Ming Shuang blamed himself. He hadn’t protected his master properly.
In truth, Ming Shuang had never fought a real battle before. He’d been spoiled rotten in the past.
No worries, no concerns—just whatever he wanted, handed to him.
Even when Xuzhi had suddenly vanished later on, he’d quickly fallen into a deep sleep. When he woke, Xuzhi was right there again.
In this strange new place, Ming Shuang had been curious and oblivious, treating it like some exciting adventure. As if another nap would whisk him back to the old days.
But today, the reality of it all hit him hard.
He was terrified too—the first time he’d seen Xuzhi drenched in blood. What if he’d been just a little slower? The Giant Scorpion’s stinger might have pierced right through him…
Plop—
The Little Dragon Hatchling hung his head, tears splashing down beside his claws.
Emotions overwhelmed him. Lost and scared, Ming Shuang didn’t know what to do.
Xuzhi’s lips parted. He reached out, gently stroking the Little Dragon Hatchling’s cheek and wiping away the tears.
“Don’t be scared,” he murmured soothingly. “It’s all over now.”
“The Giant Scorpion’s probably dead. Thank you for protecting me.”
Xuzhi went on. “Something else happened too… I’m not sure why.”
“But I discovered I have an innate talent, just like those Beast Tamers.”
“If you’re willing to stay with me,” Xuzhi said, brushing the last tears from Ming Shuang’s face, “then from now on, I can protect you too.”
Xuzhi wasn’t sure if Ming Shuang could fully understand. He’d thought about these words all last night—like he was telling them to himself as much as to the hatchling.
Ming Shuang gazed up at Xuzhi, eyes brimming with tears.
He launched himself forward in a flying leap, burrowing into the familiar embrace and nuzzling frantically while letting out a stream of “woo woo”s.
Xuzhi couldn’t understand, but he stroked the Little Dragon Hatchling’s back, soothing him until he calmed after a good long while.
Then he asked, “Are you an ice-type magical beast?”
During the fight with the Giant Scorpion, Xuzhi had clearly seen Ming Shuang use Ice Magic.
Ming Shuang lifted his head and let out an affirmative “Mm?”
Xuzhi frowned slightly. After a moment’s thought, he said, “It’s best to keep it hidden. Don’t show it in front of others.”
Ice-type magical beasts were virtually extinct on Cangyuan Continent.
Ice Magic was a rare variety to begin with. At some point, such beasts had either mysteriously vanished or been hunted down maliciously—even the gentle, timid elemental sprites hadn’t been spared.
Xuzhi had heard tales like that before, though he didn’t know the exact reasons. He kept it vague to avoid scaring Ming Shuang.
Ming Shuang blinked in confusion and let out another “Mm?”, tilting his head to nuzzle Xuzhi’s palm.
Dusk was falling; it was getting late.
Xuzhi tucked the Little Dragon Hatchling back into his coat and headed downstairs alone, slipping out the Medical Clinic’s back door.
Standing by the roadside, he debated whether to return to the camp or find somewhere else to stay.
The Mining District accident meant it wouldn’t reopen. He didn’t need to go back.
With his new innate talent, he had even less reason to stay at the camp—but he still needed to retrieve his Labor Contract.
Night was closing in, and dinner was an issue…
Tuji knew he was broke and had only charged him partially for the daytime medicine. With what money he had left, he wondered what he could even buy for the Little Dragon Hatchling.
Tomorrow morning, he’d head to Red Coral Lake. With magic at his disposal, he could venture into riskier areas for resources.
Xuzhi paused, then decided to check out the streets.
But nightfall brought frequent miasma fog outbreaks. The valley was sealed off, and the town might face quakes or sandstorms too.
By this hour, most vendors had already packed up and headed home early. Xuzhi wandered around the town once but ended up buying nothing.
Ming Shuang curled up in his coat pocket for a nap. He let out a yawn and stretched out his claws, pressing them gently against Xuzhi’s chest.
Xuzhi turned to head back when a voice suddenly rang out from nearby.
“Hey, aren’t you one of the contract workers from the West District?”
A man hurried over from the side, eyeing Xuzhi up and down. “I’ve seen you around. What’s your name again? The Beast Tamers from the Miasma-Clearing Team are visiting the camp tonight. What are you still doing here?”
Beast Tamers from the Miasma-Clearing Team?
Xuzhi kept his expression neutral. “I was out this afternoon. I didn’t hear about it.”
Were they coming to the camp because of yesterday’s accident in the Mining District?
Contract workers had to follow the camp’s orders during work hours, but outside of that, Xuzhi was free to do as he pleased.
Husi snorted derisively. “Running around like this and holding up the esteemed Beast Tamers from the Miasma-Clearing Team? Can you afford to take responsibility for that? What’s your labor contract number? I’m docking you a full day’s pay this time!”
He was one of the camp’s overseers. He’d sorted out his tasks that morning and taken the rest of the day off, only to rush back when he heard about the accident in the Mining District. It wasn’t until another overseer arrived in the afternoon that he finally returned to town.
With someone dead in the mines that morning, the miners were all terrified and huddled obediently in the camp. But here was Xuzhi, looking perfectly fine in town. Husi suspected he’d skipped work entirely that day.
Xuzhi’s face remained impassive. “How exactly am I holding them up?”
Husi stepped closer, his expression turning menacing. “I told you to give me your labor contract number!”
The overseers in the Mining District made a habit of bullying the contract workers. After all, they were just ordinary folk without any innate talent—they wouldn’t dare fight back.
Sensing the tension between the two men, Ming Shuang stirred in Xuzhi’s pocket and tried to poke his head out for a look.
Xuzhi pressed down on his coat, stopping him.
Husi was a Beast Tamer too. If memory served, his beast was a Tier 1 Earth Element one.
He hadn’t brought it with him—many Beast Tamers did that and summoned their companions only when needed.
Tier 1… Xuzhi wondered how long Husi would last against the Giant Scorpion.
Just then, Husi noticed the movement in Xuzhi’s coat. He reached out to grab Xuzhi’s collar. “What’s hiding in your clothes?”
But before his hand could make contact, a sharp pain exploded in his abdomen.
Bang!
Husi’s entire body was hurled backward, slamming into the stone wall behind him.
His head spun in a daze. It took him a moment to struggle to his feet. His hands hastily summoned a magical shield around himself as he stared at Xuzhi in horror.
“Cough… Y-you…”
This contract worker had awakened a talent?
Lightning System magic, no less… And somehow, he’d even acquired a beast.
Husi’s insides ached terribly, but he quickly pieced it together. Whatever was wriggling in Xuzhi’s coat had to be his beast.
In the dim night, Xuzhi stood motionless, the purple glow in his right palm fading slowly.
He walked over unhurriedly, one hand protecting the Little Dragon Hatchling in his coat while he lowered his gaze and asked softly, “Where’s my labor contract?”
If he hadn’t run into Husi tonight, Xuzhi might have played it safer—waited until he had enough money to buy his freedom outright.
But things had come to this point. There was no need to return to the camp anymore.
Husi had lost all his earlier bluster. He stammered, “The l-labor contracts are all at my house. I was blind not to recognize you just now… I’ll take you there right away to get yours.”
Xuzhi was a Beast Tamer now. Regardless of what came before, his strength surpassed Husi’s, and so did his status.
Husi didn’t dare slack off. Trembling, he stood and led the way ahead.
Husi’s home was nearby. Xuzhi followed him to a courtyard.
Husi hadn’t lied—all the contract workers’ labor contracts were in his keeping. He pulled out Xuzhi’s and handed it over with shaking hands.
Xuzhi took the labor contract. The yellowed paper tore apart under his Thunder Magic and dissolved completely into wisps of smoke, signifying the contract’s destruction.
Before leaving, he glanced around the room.
Husi’s job as a Mining District overseer was a cushy one, thanks to some relative in high places. Compared to the impoverished miners, his family’s circumstances were decent. He’d even brought his wife to live in town with him.
Upon returning home, he’d told her to stay in the bedroom and not come out. In the front hall, dinner was still simmering in the stove.
Xuzhi went over to inspect it. Chunks of fish and meatballs bubbled in the pot—good quality stuff that smelled delicious.
He patted the Little Dragon Hatchling in his coat and said flatly, “I haven’t had dinner yet.”
A few minutes later, Xuzhi departed Husi’s home, carrying a food box.
He definitely couldn’t go back to the camp now. It would only bring more trouble.
With the sky not yet fully dark, he headed to the town’s inn and rented a room for two copper coins.
The room was cramped and basic—two coppers only bought one night—but it was tolerable, with a window and a clean bed.
Ming Shuang perched on the edge of the bed, watching as Xuzhi meticulously picked the tiny bones from the fish and fed them to him.
The Little Dragon Hatchling wasn’t fully recovered yet and seemed a bit listless. He sneezed, then snapped up a piece of fish in his mouth.
Xuzhi fed him another bite. “Is it good?”
Ming Shuang gazed up at him, his blue-gold heterochromia eyes sparkling. “Mm!”
~~~
Inside the camp, a Beast Tamer examined the list in his hand.
“This contract worker,” he said, pointing to a name, “isn’t in the camp?”
“No,” replied the overseer beside him. “He went to the Mining District during the day—there’s a palm print record—but we didn’t find his body there.”
Xuzhi’s roommate, Lante the blind man, claimed to know nothing when asked. It was as if no one named Xuzhi had ever lived in their room.
The Beast Tamer pondered for a moment. Suddenly, the Golden Crow behind him raised its head and peered keenly toward a spot outside the camp.
Noticing this, the Beast Tamer looked surprised. “Is that the Fire-Type Magic Beast?”
The Golden Crow nodded slightly and made as if to fly off, but its master held it back.
Rather than act rashly, the Beast Tamer pulled out his communication device and reported, “Captain, the Fire-Type Magic Beast has shown up at the Mining Camp!”
They’d searched everywhere all day without a trace, yet here the Golden Crow had picked up its scent again.
The voice on the other end responded immediately. “Don’t spook it. Track quietly and strike at the right moment. Capture it alive.”
Only by capturing it alive would they have a chance to tame it.
The Miasma-Clearing Team’s job was to deal with the problems caused by the Miasma Fog, but they couldn’t pass up a powerful high-tier Magical Beast like this one.
The Beast Tamer acknowledged the order, pocketed the device, and crept forward slowly with the Golden Crow to pinpoint its location.
In the distance, the Black-Furred Magical Beast lurked behind a tree.
It had found the bloodstained clothes Xuzhi had discarded and followed the trail to the camp. But the scent on those clothes led elsewhere as well.
The Black-Furred Magical Beast stared toward the town, torn and hesitant.
It lay down beneath the tree, picked up a twig, and scratched a little dragon shape into the dirt.
It studied the drawing for a while, then erased it. After thinking for a long time, the Black-Furred Magical Beast finally set off in the direction of the scent.
