Chapter 50: Shackles Released

The next day dawned, the morning light faint and soft.In a bedroom, Lu Ran lay sprawled across the bed like an octopus.

“Woof!”

General Ha had woken up early. It pressed its face against the window, watching the rising sun, and then turned to begin its wake-up duty for Lu Ran.

Its eyes sparkled with joy and anticipation.

Time to get up!

It was time for revenge!

Sudden Death King, short on sleep, woke up before Lu Ran, feeling less than pleased.

“Ugh…” Lu Ran lingered in bed a bit before stretching and getting up.

There was important business to attend to today!

After a groggy wash, Lu Ran said to Sudden Death King in the room:

“You can do as you please today.”

“Later, General Ha and I are heading to Infinite City.”

Because Manager Ying had mentioned yesterday that he should come to the Cat-Eared Maid Café in Infinite City No.3 at noon to collect his prize money!

Today was not a day to accompany his master; getting the money was the priority! S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“…”

Sudden Death King remained silent, indicating it would stay quietly in the corner of the room and instructed Lu Ran to make sure to return safely.

“Don’t worry, we’re not going to do anything dangerous…” Lu Ran laughed.

Now, in Sudden Death King’s mind, for its own safety, it had to make sure that Lu Ran and General Ha were particularly cautious.

Being afraid of dying meant ensuring its protectors were doubly secure.

…

Infinite City, Passerby A’s exclusive room.

Though they had agreed to meet at noon for the money, Lu Ran and General Ha arrived a bit early.

This return to Jinling brought Lu Ran a sense of liberation he hadn’t felt before, as if a shackle had been removed from him.

The most important gain from this trip wasn’t dealing with a necromancer or the official prize money.

Nor was it acquiring his senior brother’s notes and learning which secret realm to strive for next.

Rather, it was a cat that had discerned his superpower…

Lu Ran had always known that the exposure of his telepathy was inevitable. Although no humans knew of his abilities, too many animals were aware.

Inside Green Sea City, at least ten thousand animals knew, including wild animals, other people’s pets, and zoo animals…

Before the supernatural evolution, the intelligence of these animals was limited, so even if they knew about Lu Ran’s ability to communicate with them, it didn’t matter much.

However, if one day these animals were to undergo supernatural evolution, their intelligence would increase accordingly. If they still remembered Lu Ran then, the fact that he could communicate with them early on would naturally be exposed.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a major issue either. Infinite City had appeared three years earlier, and even if people found out, most would likely assume that Lu Ran possessed some special beast taming skill or befriended a beastmaster who gave him a communication tool.

Thus, Lu Ran wasn’t particularly worried about this, but it wasn’t something he was happy about either, as it could be somewhat troublesome.

The reason for Lu Ran’s current happiness was learning that he wasn’t the only superpower wielder!

Moreover, according to Manager Ying, as a superpower-wielding beastmaster, each possessed exceptional talents.

This allowed him to use his identity as a superpower wielder to cover up the existence of the divine deer antler.

One aspect was his own talent, already exposed and difficult for others to take away, requiring only caution around necromancers.

The other was a tool anyone could use, not yet exposed, which powerful beastmasters could easily snatch away. Clearly, the latter posed a greater risk if exposed. Over the years, numerous nefarious powers and protective umbrellas had been dismantled, and villains still existed, so caution was always prudent.

Moving forward, as long as he presented himself as a superpower wielder in public, not only would he receive more attention, but if he performed exceptionally well in a secret realm solo using the divine deer antler, it would also provide a plausible explanation.

A regular beastmaster progressing rapidly would arouse curiosity and investigation, but a superpower wielder advancing quickly would seem natural to others, given the precedents set by other superpower wielders.

In essence, the identity of a superpower wielder served as a great protective umbrella for Lu Ran, enabling him to maintain a genius persona and use the divine deer antler in secret realms without any worries.

When the time came, he could simply attribute his achievements to his superpower talents, as others wouldn’t know exactly what he did in the secret realms.

The shackles were released…

Lu Ran smiled, knowing there was still time. He and General Ha had come early specifically to fully conquer the Forest of the Demon Cat secret realm!

“General Ha.”

“Woof!” General Ha had already been informed about today’s activities yesterday and was eagerly circling the pillar platform in anticipation.

Its gaze was sharp!

It was time to settle everything!

“Let’s go, it’s time for revenge,” Lu Ran said cheerfully.

The grass sprite cat was weaker than the necromancy cat, and after seven days of training, General Ha, now capable of overpowering the necromancy cat, would naturally have no trouble with the grass sprite cat!

The only thing to be mindful of now was minimizing hits received in order to achieve a higher score.

In general, to obtain a high score in challenge missions like this, it largely depended on the combination of the damage received and the efficiency in defeating the boss.

…

Teleportation complete.

Current location: Forest of the Demon Cat (Novice Secret Realm)

Difficulty: Easy

Challenge mission: Defeat the leader of the Forest of the Demon Cat.

As the teleportation ended, a familiar voice echoed again.

On the damp ground.

Lu Ran stood, looking into the depths of the forest.

General Ha was right beside him, its nose twitching.

This was their third entry into the Forest of the Demon Cat secret realm, and as the saying goes, third time’s the charm. This time, they were determined to defeat the leader of the demon cats.

Then, they planned to visit the maid café at noon and buy some intelligence on ordinary, hard, and even abyssal secret realms like the “Abandoned Research Institute,” aiming to unlock the “weapon mastery” trait and embark on a new round of challenges.

“This time, I won’t give you any weapons.”

“The Wind Meteor Sword would reduce the weight entry into the Divine Beast Leaderboard.”

“We should also avoid using the Divine Deer Pendant if possible, as getting hit can lower the secret realm’s score.”

“Use the wind-type energy to create the Sword of Wind for slaying the enemies.”

“General Ha, let’s see your limits!”

“Argh!!” General Ha expressed a calm demeanor, indicating no problem.

Species: Snowfield Dog

Trait: Wind-type

Species level: Middle Supernatural

Growth level: 6

Skills: Gale, Sword Qi, Roar of the Wind, Sword of Wind

“Then let’s head straight for the boss. You still remember the scent of the demon cat leader, right?”

General Ha nodded, sniffing again.

With that, it started moving, with Lu Ran closely following behind.

This time, Lu Ran was much more composed. Despite General Ha being only level 6, the secret realm was filled with level 10 wild beasts.

Level was just one standard for judging strength. It’s important to know that even the strongest demon cat leader in here had only one skill.

But now, General Ha possessed three types of skills!

In addition to its energy system, there was also the application of sword momentum, which could be used as a control technique, similar in effect to a mental pressure.

With such significant advantages, Lu Ran couldn’t see how they could lose!

…

Infinite City No.3, Beastmaster Square.

This place was one of the busiest areas in any Infinite City, being at the commercial center and home to the Divine Beast Leaderboard.

Ever since the Divine Beast Leaderboard was established, it has attracted considerable attention. The leaderboard changes very frequently, especially the Supernatural Divine Beast Leaderboard.

The number of fourth-generation beastmasters is increasing daily, and to date, no one in any Infinite City has been able to dominate the Supernatural Leaderboard continuously. The top position usually changes hands every few days as stronger newcomers emerge, truly a clash of a hundred beasts.

The Supernatural Leaderboard in Infinite City No.3 has also seen its top spot change hands among the Dark Bear, Rock Tiger, and Thunder Eagle.

Among them, the beastmaster of Thunder Eagle, known as “id Pluto,” has been revealed to be the younger brother of the guild leader of the elite guild “Star Cluster” from Infinite City No.3. He has been preparing to become a beastmaster for the past two years.

This year, he finally achieved his goal and, leveraging his accumulated advantages, has become the longest-reigning leader on the Supernatural Divine Beast Leaderboard of Infinite City No.3.

“As for our Infinite City No.3, Pluto should continue to dominate the leaderboard, right? With a high species level and powerful attributes, plus having a formidable older brother, he’s a true second-generation beastmaster. With such huge advantages, it’s hard to see how anyone could surpass him,” a beastmaster team commented as they passed the Divine Beast Leaderboard, discussing the standings.

“Others still have a chance. Maybe someone’s pet beast reaches level 10 and temporarily surpasses others by integrating powerful traits. After all, the leaderboard judges potential, and integrating traits and awakening new attributes definitely boosts potential. But he’s also at the top tier, currently level 9. Once he levels up to 10, he’s sure to integrate some impressive traits. I don’t believe Star Cluster Guild hasn’t prepared him well.”

“No way to compare, no way to compare. I heard that the Star Cluster Guild is actually a real estate conglomerate in the real world. Seems like these capitalists are everywhere, damn it. When will Lu Village ever get its break!”

This group of novice beast tamers, three men and one woman, were all dressed as hunters and quite young, with the men being strong and the woman possessing a wild beauty…

“…the Five Poisons Cult Holy Maiden has been pushed down to seventh again. She seems to never leave the arena, always soaking there,” said the only woman in the team.

“It’s tough enough to stay in the top ten. We go into the secret realms so often and still never make it onto the leaderboard… the species level of our hunting dogs is just too low.”

“Dogs and other fierce beasts just can’t compare.”

“I remember once a snowfield dog that could emit sword qi briefly made it to tenth, but it was pushed off in less than two days.”

“I remember that too. They said that person made it onto the leaderboard on the first day thanks to the opening bonus period and the help of a supernatural weapon. It was a flash in the pan, but I think, to make it onto the leaderboard, you definitely need real strength. Sadly, in this increasingly competitive Divine Beast Leaderboard, it’s hard for a middle supernatural species like a snowfield dog to make a comeback, especially since that monkey fell out of the top ten. Now, the top ten are mostly upper supernatural species…”

Over the past seven days, only a few dozen people have made it onto the leaderboard, even if it was just a flash in the pan on the first day like Passerby A, who is still being talked about today.

However, most people didn’t pay much mind to that Passerby A who drew plenty of attention by using sword qi, considering it merely a benefit of his weapon… until…

Regional Announcement: Divine Beast Leaderboard, Supernatural Species Leaderboard Updated.

Leaderboard Divine Beast, Species: Snowfield Dog.

Attribute: Wind

Species Level: Middle Supernatural

Growth Level: Level 6

Beastmaster: Passerby A

Reason for Leaderboard: Evolved mutation of the Snowfield Dog species, exhibiting extreme intelligence, awakened the Force of the Storm, and in the Novice Secret Realm, Forest of the Demon Cat, launched sword qi across spaces, instantly defeating groups of demon cats including a middle supernatural species level 10 demon cat leader!

Ranking, moved up to first on the Supernatural Divine Beast Leaderboard!

The Divine Beast Leaderboard updated once again!

As the announcement echoed, Beastmaster Square fell into silence.

Countless gazes suddenly turned towards the significantly changed Supernatural Leaderboard, expressions of shock evident. What… what just happened?

“Holy shit, it’s that Passerby A from the first day!”

“First place, are you kidding me?”

“Level 6… Level 6 took down the demon cat leader in a second?! What the hell!”

Sword qi again… and this time it was continuous sword qi? A group of onlookers were left bewildered.

…

Meanwhile, in the Forest of the Demon Cat, after battling for half the day, Lu Ran and General Ha looked at the ground littered with the demon cat leader’s guards, all slain by sword qi, and heaved a sigh of relief.

“Woof!!!” General Ha, panting heavily, dropped the Sword of Wind from its mouth, its gaze invigorated and disdainful as it looked at the grass sprite cat.

It, General Ha, had promised it would return, and now, the promise was fulfilled!

“Ha ha!” Not only was General Ha very happy, but Lu Ran was also extremely excited at that moment.

It was their first time clearing the trial realm!

At this moment, the frequent popping up of rewards made him incredibly thrilled.

Congratulations on completing the trial challenge.

Rating: SSS-level!

Congratulations, you have earned 200 crystal coins.

Congratulations, you have obtained advanced resources, demon cat’s heart (grass type).

Congratulations, you have obtained advanced resources, demon cat’s fingernail (grass type).

Congratulations, you have obtained advanced resources, demon cat mint.

Would you like to return to Infinite City? 1: Return, 2: Do not return yet.

Solo, SSS rating!

General Ha wasn’t attacked even once, utilizing its speed advantage to the utmost.

A stark contrast to the disheveled performance in the novice trial realm.

Any enemy encountered was instantly slain, and the efficiency of combat was extremely high!

Ultimately, this was reflected in the rating, which was perfect.

This SSS rating was entirely based on the experience gained in the previous two attempts.

Lu Ran’s heart trembled, but upon seeing the rewards for the SSS rating, he fell into deep thought.

The heart of the demon cat leader… a grass-type resource, consuming it enhances the strength of grass-type energy.

The fingernail of the demon cat leader… this time it’s not trash, it has become a core material for forging grass-type equipment.

Demon cat mint, a plant cultivated by the grass sprite cat leader used to manage its species, highly enticing for the cat species.

How does it feel… Three advanced resources, not even as good as what he got from the novice trial secret realm with an S rating? Why is it all junk?!

Lu Ran’s face darkened.

Damn.

It seems that although low-difficulty dungeons are easier, the resources they yield are mediocre.

This trip, while not a loss, wasn’t much of a gain either, considering the time spent.

“Woof?” General Ha looked up at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran: “All junk.”

General Ha: !!!

It angrily looked at the corpse of the demon cat leader, your minions dropped trash, how could you be so stingy too.

“It seems, to obtain rare rewards like beast taming skills and trait crystals, I need to challenge high difficulty secret realms.” Lu Ran decided, planning to try this afternoon. Right now, he was confident, knowing that during this challenge in the forest of the demon cat, he hadn’t used either the Wind Meteor Sword or the Divine Deer Pendant.

…

In Infinite City No.3, the news of Passerby A topping the Supernatural Divine Beast Leaderboard swept through the city like a hurricane.

All the major guilds and official organizations were talking about this name, and even on the external beast taming forums, posts about Passerby A surged by dozens in an instant.

Everyone was discussing who this previously fleeting, now suddenly emerging Passerby A could be.

Outside, Fang Lan, browsing on her phone, was a bit stunned. Wasn’t Lu Ran supposed to be in Jinling? How did he suddenly become number one on the Divine Beast Leaderboard!

“No, I need to go into intensive training in Infinite City!” Fang Lan threw away her milk tea, daring not to enjoy life anymore, afraid of falling too far behind Lu Ran.

Not just her, Manager Ying, who had already arrived in Infinite City No.3 and had gathered intelligence on General Ha, preparing to have a good talk with Lu Ran, was also a bit stunned.

“First on the Divine Beast Leaderboard, he really wasn’t pushing for ranks before, but killing a necromancy cat yesterday wasn’t enough, and today a demon cat leader, what’s Lu Ran’s deal? Does he have a grudge against cats?”