Beast Taming: Starting From Zero

The underground trading market… Qiao Sang was momentarily stunned. She had only ever seen such places in TV dramas.

"Can you send me the exact address?" Qiao Sang asked.

"No problem." "Love Me, No Outcome" agreed readily.

Soon, her phone received a private message from the official website of the Beast Taming Center.

Qiao Sang ended the call and opened the message:

[No. 39, Kaoxie Street]

She checked the distance on the navigation app, 11.2 kilometers.

Not too far…

After thinking for a moment, she went to a nearby clothing store and bought a black hooded coat. She also stopped by a pharmacy to buy a pack of white medical masks.

She put on the black coat, pulled the hood low to cover her face, and put on a mask.

"Yabao, Gangbao, you two stand out too much. Go into the Beast Taming Codex for now. I need to stay low-key where I'm going next."

Beast pets were a clear indicator of a Beast Tamer’s identity. Rare ones were even more recognizable. People might forget a Beast Tamer's name or face, but they'd remember a distinctive beast.

Yabao was the only Blazing Star Canine on Blue Star. Even if she disguised herself, anyone who had seen Yabao would instantly recall his owner.

Gangbao, in her new steel falcon form, was just as unique and easy to recognize.

Bringing them along would make her disguise pointless.

"Yap yap…"

Yabao gave a helpless look.

He understood, he was simply too handsome. With him around, staying low-key was impossible.

Qiao Sang: …

"Gang Guard."

Gangbao nodded calmly in understanding.

With a wave of her hand, Qiao Sang recalled them into the Beast Taming Codex.

"Xun Xun?"

Little Treasure couldn't hold back and revealed himself with a soft call. Wasn't he inconspicuous?

Qiao Sang twitched her lips.

"You can turn invisible."

"Xun Xun?"

Little Treasure looked thoughtful.

Did that mean he couldn’t show himself in front of others?

"Not exactly." Qiao Sang replied.

"If I encounter danger, just act."

The real reason she kept Little Treasure outside was for protection.

After all, this was 10th District, where wild beasts could appear unexpectedly. Having at least one beast beside her was a necessary precaution.

"Xun Xun!"

Little Treasure's ears perked up as he nodded seriously.

His Beast Tamer didn’t ask Lubao to act but chose him instead.

What did that mean?

It meant that in his Beast Tamer’s heart, he was definitely stronger than Lubao!

Clearly, the second-in-command position was still his!

While Little Treasure was basking in excitement, Qiao Sang added, "Lubao, same for you. Don't show yourself randomly. If there's danger that Little Treasure can't handle, then you come out."

"Lu."

Lubao responded from inside the backpack, acknowledging the order.

"Xun Xun…"

Little Treasure stiffened.

If Xun Bao can't handle it… then you come out.

That meant…

"Xun Xun!"

Little Treasure clenched his tiny teeth, determination burning in his eyes.

There was nothing he couldn't handle!

Qiao Sang had no idea about Little Treasure's sudden resolve.

She hailed a taxi and headed to the Ghost Nest Bar.

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A little over ten minutes later, Qiao Sang, now wearing her hood and mask, stepped inside the bar.

Soft lighting filled the space. There was no deafening music, no chaotic dancing crowds.

The atmosphere was more like a jazz lounge.

On the stage, a beast species Qiao Sang couldn't name was crooning a melancholic tune.

She couldn't understand the lyrics, but the melody was undeniably pleasant.

The booths were nearly all occupied.

At the entrance, a staff member stopped her.

"Good evening. May I see your ID card?"

"Why?" Qiao Sang asked.

"We need to verify your age. Minors aren’t allowed inside."

Oh, crap. She almost forgot she was underage… Qiao Sang paused, then maintained a straight face.

"I forgot my ID. Can I use my Beast Tamer emblem instead?"

The staff's expression changed immediately, their smile turning respectful.

"Of course."

Qiao Sang flashed her D-rank Beast Tamer emblem.

"Good enough?"

Though she only showed it briefly, the staff member had seen it clearly.

A D-rank Beast Tamer?

They immediately dismissed the thought that she could be underage.

"Please, go ahead."

Normally, the emblem had to be scanned to confirm identity, but the staff instinctively trusted that someone of D-rank wouldn’t be a minor.

That was close. Good thing I wore a mask… Qiao Sang swiftly walked in and headed for the bar counter.

In TV dramas, people always exchanged information in places like this.

"What would you like to drink?"

The bartender, a handsome man with silver earrings, flashed a smile.

Qiao Sang pushed her emblem forward.

"I'm here for a trade."

The bartender's smile didn't waver.

"Not even one drink before business?"

"No need." Qiao Sang declined.

"You must be new here."

Qiao Sang nodded.

"Someone recommended me."

"No wonder."

The bartender mixed a drink, sliding over a glass filled with a blue-green liquid.

"Take a sip. You’ll need it to find where you want to go."

Qiao Sang hesitated, then picked up the glass, lifted her mask slightly, and took a small sip.

The moment the liquid touched her tongue, a strong minty aroma filled her senses.

Even after she set the glass down, the scent lingered.

She quickly pulled her mask back up, not wanting the bartender to notice her youthful face.

"How much?" She asked.

"This one's on the house."

The bartender smirked.

"Do you smell something now?"

This minty scent?

Qiao Sang nodded.

"Follow that scent, and you'll find where you need to go."

That’s… oddly mystical.

Qiao Sang kept her expression neutral.

"Got it."

With that, she stood up and followed the minty trail.

It was strange, though the bar was filled with various scents, the mint aroma remained exceptionally clear.

This underground market sure had a sense of drama. Wouldn't it be easier to just have a guide? Instead, they made people drink and follow a scent…

As she mentally complained, she continued moving forward.

The bartender watched her back disappear into the distance before turning away.

So, she really is a Beast Tamer…

Qiao Sang followed the scent, winding through multiple corridors.

Eventually, she arrived at a private room.

Inside, laughter and conversation spilled out, indicating a lively gathering.

But the scent led here…

Qiao Sang hesitated, then knocked on the door.

It swung open almost immediately.

A beast covered in green fur, with plant-like tufts growing from its head, stood before her.

The moment she saw it, Qiao Sang knew the minty scent was coming from this creature.

"Bo Bo."

The beast stepped aside, calling softly.

Qiao Sang understood the invitation and stepped in.

The conversations in the room briefly paused, but within seconds, the people inside returned to their chatter, paying her no mind.

"Bo Bo."

The minty beast led her to a wall and tapped it twice.

A hidden door slowly slid open.

Qiao Sang peered inside, beyond it, a staircase spiraled downward.

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