Bab 17: Tang Jia's Guidance

"Master, why did you come so late? Senior Brother Yu Sheng (Jade Life) is adamant about entering the Solar Forge. We had to imprison him," the girl complained as Sheng Li approached.

"Tang Jia, why are you complaining? First, look at your surroundings before you speak," Sheng Li reprimanded.

Despite his stern tone, his eyes held a doting look as he gently rubbed the girl's head.

He then introduced her, "This is my youngest disciple, Tang Jia."

"Hello, Senior," Yang Feng and Yang Lan bowed respectfully to Tang Jia.

Tang Jia studied them curiously and asked Sheng Li, "Master, are they my junior brother and sister?"

Sheng Li shook his head and replied through telepathy, Not yet.

Outwardly, he said, "Not really. They're new students joining the Celestial Class."

Tang Jia's eyes sparkled upon hearing the telepathic communication.

"These are Yang Feng and Yang Lan. They're siblings," he introduced them further.

Tang Jia greeted them warmly in return.

"Let's go. You can chat later," Sheng Li said, typing something on his star watch.

Tang Jia nodded, and a yellow formation appeared beside her, signifying her strength as a Spiritual Mastery Realm Beastmaster (Level 6). From the formation, water-like ripples emerged, and a massive eagle flew out, landing beside them. The eagle was as large as a two-story, two-bedroom house.

It gently nuzzled Tang Jia, making her laugh at the ticklish sensation.

The eagle communicated with her before lowering one of its wings like a ladder.

Under Sheng Li's lead, everyone boarded the eagle, with the Yang siblings feeling both excited and nervous.

The eagle let out a cry before taking off.

"SCREECH!"

When they were in the sky—which wasn't a true sky but a projection, as they were inside a closed structure built around a sun—Tang Jia turned to face them, acting as their guide in her master's stead.

"You two must be wondering why we're traveling on a pet," she said with a smile.

The Yang siblings nodded eagerly.

"That's because, on the Sun's Crown, mortal technology doesn't work due to solar radiation. Only the Machine Race or extremely expensive tech can function here. So, this is where you'll experience the real world of Beastmasters. Almost everything here is done through pets or independent beasts."

The Yang siblings were awestruck and excited by this revelation.

They eagerly looked around and saw a variety of creatures.

A blue bird flew past with a parcel in its beak.

A human boy was selling goods loaded onto a cart-like pet.

A penguin-like creature used its icy breath to cool its surroundings.

There was much more to see.

Yang Feng, rubbing his chin, suddenly asked, "What about things that pets or beasts can't do?"

Tang Jia had anticipated this question. "Actually, for everything you can think of, there's a creature that can do it better."

Yang Feng squinted suspiciously. "Really?"

"Yes. Give it a try. Tell me something, and I'll name a creature that can do it," Tang Jia challenged with a confident grin.

Before Yang Feng could reply, Yang Lan interjected, "What about communication?"

"Letter pigeons can record your words on their feathers and deliver them as live letters or mail. For instant transmissions, there are Aura Beetles. These unique insects can communicate with others that share their soul aura across great distances," Tang Jia explained proudly.

Then, to avoid any misunderstanding, she added, "Don't worry. Your advanced star watches can still communicate even on the Sun's Crown."

The Yang siblings nodded in understanding.

This time, Yang Feng spoke up, "What about making juice? You can't drink juice processed by a beast."

Tang Jia choked on air and stared at Yang Feng, speechless.

Yang Lan mirrored her disgusted expression.

"For things like that, we don't even need technology. You can simply use your energy to make juice or similar items," Tang Jia explained, though she continued to eye Yang Feng strangely.

"Oh!" Yang Feng seemed genuinely curious. Why is she looking at me like that? he wondered.

"Th—"

Before he could ask another question, the eagle screeched and landed in front of a building.

Tang Jia explained, "This is the Institute's transmission point. We can teleport directly from here."

She turned to Yang Feng and added, "By the way, this building was also constructed with the help of a space-attribute creature."

Yang Feng shrugged nonchalantly.

The four of them entered the building, where they saw a dark portal.

Tang Jia swiped her card on a nearby machine, then led them through the portal.

They reappeared on a platform.

Sheng Li spoke, "I have important matters to attend to. Little Jia, give them a tour and help them register."

"Okay, Master," Tang Jia replied and bid him farewell.

After the giant eagle vanished into its yellow formation, Tang Jia led the Yang siblings to the registration office.

Yang Lan looked around and asked curiously, "Senior Sister, why does the Institute look so empty?"

Tang Jia chuckled. "It's because, at the start of every year, there are admission exams for new students and graduation exams for fourth-year students. In addition to written exams, they have missions to complete. So, everyone's busy right now. Don't worry; they'll return in three days for the annual sacrifice."

Yang Lan tilted her head. "What's the annual sacrifice?"

Tang Jia thought for a moment before answering, "It's a sacrifice to the gods for the prosperity of the human race."

Yang Lan wanted to ask more, but Tang Jia stopped her. "Honestly, I don't know much about it, so I can't explain further."

Turning to both of them, she offered, "If you have questions about the Institute, feel free to ask."

Yang Feng, who had been listening silently, finally asked what Sheng Li hadn't clarified. "Senior Sister, what are Commanders or Controllers?"

Tang Jia explained, "They're a relatively new branch of Warrior Beastmasters. Commanders lead groups of Beastmasters to fight above their level."

"Simply put, they're like generals in an army. They're responsible for arranging battle tactics and related strategies."

Yang Feng pressed on. "Then what about Controllers?"

Tang Jia continued, "Controllers are Beastmasters who can trap or control their enemies using pets or abilities. They're similar to Commanders, but Controllers require specific soul-attribute pets or relics. Beastmasters with trap-type pets—like plants, vines, or space and time—can also become Controllers."