Just as Xu Guang had anticipated, he could significantly aid in General Wei's growth.
It is certain that under his meticulous guidance, General Wei would be much stronger than most wild Kunlun Beasts once fully grown.
...
Late at night.
Xu Guang's room was filled with swirling white mist and rising steam.
He lay back in a large wooden tub overflowing with hot water, squinting his eyes and comfortably leaning back.
Today, he didn't stay with General Wei. Sun Changlian had Old Li relay a message that he should freshen up well and meet with Master Zhu the next day.
Thus, he stayed in a room on the estate.
This house was prepared for the adults visiting from the main Zhu Family residence, so naturally, it was in much better condition than the wooden huts in the Elephant House.
"Meeting Master Zhu tomorrow, given his regard for General Wei, my treatment should improve, and training in martial arts can be scheduled."
"It's just..."
Throughout his journey as a refugee, he never viewed human nature favorably.
Being able to tame General Wei wasn't entirely a good thing.
Would the Zhu Family really allow him to control such a symbol of ultimate power?
If I were Master Zhu, the first thing I'd consider would be how to obtain the means by which Xu Guang could tame the Great Beast...
Nothing less than threats and bribes...
Xu Guang squinted and suddenly stood up from the wooden tub.
He suddenly felt as if he were standing on the brink of disaster.
If Master Zhu offered great benefits to get him to reveal the means of taming the Great Beast, what would he do?
"These days, there's not a moment of peace, damn it, even the Emperor of this world and his family have gone missing, so there's not even a stable post available."
Xu Guang punched the water in frustration.
"We'll see how the Zhu Family reacts tomorrow. If they're truly clueless..."
A cold glint flashed in Xu Guang's eyes.
"Worst case, I'll elope with General Wei immediately. With General Wei, I have a foundation to stand on. Even if I join another faction, I'd be valued, but... won't the other factions covet my beast taming magic as well?"
He was doing this to survive. From three months of running, he learned the importance of keeping a trump card.
If the Zhu Family truly valued him, he would gladly stay to breed the Great Beasts for them, even do additional tasks within his power, but...
Human nature is inherently greedy.
"I must quickly start training in martial arts, and within a month, advance the 'Elephant Envoy' to Level 5, then find a way to change jobs to Martial Artist."
Xu Guang silently made up his mind, simulating the meeting with Master Zhu in his mind.
...
Early the next morning.
Accompanied by Steward Wang, Xu Guang brought General Wei out of the Elephant House.
Seeing General Wei naturally use his trunk to lift Xu Guang onto his back, Steward Wang looked on with envy.
"Brother Xu, you are something else."
Steward Wang gave a thumbs-up and smiled at Xu Guang, with a hint of flattery in his eyes.
With General Wei present, Steward Wang felt that Xu Guang's status should be elevated to be equal to his own.
"Master will be here soon, please wait a moment."
The Master of the Zhu Family, whose full name was Zhu Fu, appeared to be a well-built middle-aged man, around fifty years old.
"Are you Xu Guang? Was the Great Beast tamed by you?"
Zhu Fu looked at the young Xu Guang before him with suspicion.
Xu Guang didn't speak but made a slight gesture, and from afar, General Wei slowly stood up and headed toward him.
In an instant.
The Protectors behind Zhu Fu stepped forward, shielding him.
Zhu Fu was merely surprised, "That's enough, no need for such alarm."
"But my lord..."
Zhu Fu thought of the ferocity displayed by the Great Beast when they first encountered it, and now, it appeared tame in front of Xu Guang.
His eyes were full of incredulity.
"How did you do it?"
Almost instinctively, Zhu Fu asked.
Xu Guang showed a shy smile.
"Perhaps... it's talent."
Zhu Fu looked thoughtfully at Xu Guang, "Can this craft be taught to others?"
As expected...
Xu Guang's heart sank, and he stood silent.
Zhu Fu squinted his eyes, knowing the importance of keeping secrets, but this Great Beast...
He truly felt uneasy leaving it to Xu Guang.
After some thought, Xu Guang spoke slowly.
"It can be taught to others, but whether they can be like me depends on their talent."
Zhu Fu's expression softened, speaking gently, "Whatever you want, just speak up. Whatever the Zhu Mansion possesses, I can give you."
Pausing, he looked deeply at Xu Guang, "I have a daughter currently training in the Iron Armor Sect..."
At these words, the surrounding people were instantly in an uproar.
Was Zhu Fu implying a marriage proposal to Xu Guang?
Steward Wang's gaze toward Xu Guang changed instantly.
This was a leap to the top!
The Zhu Family was a renowned household in Qingshuo County, having produced two County Magistrates during the peak of the Great Zhou Court and operating there for nearly a century.
If Zhu Fu intended to recruit a husband and released the news, the entire Qingshuo County would be shaken, wouldn't it?
Everyone stared at Xu Guang with envy, but another glance at the Great Beast nearby reminded them that such treatment wasn't attainable through envy alone.
Zhu Fu had a strong presence, merely looking at Xu Guang made him feel pressure.
Slowly raising his head, Xu Guang spoke matter-of-factly.
"Thank you for your generosity, sir, but you may not know, I have summarized three realms of taming Great Beasts. The first realm is like an ordinary person riding a horse, able to command it but occasionally losing control,
The second realm involves living and eating together, harmoniously coexisting with the Great Beast, inseparable, with the Great Beast almost never losing control.
The third realm is where, in front of the master, the Great Beast is fearless, and the master can adjust the Great Beast's diet based on its current condition to help it grow better.
The first two realms are achievable for non-brutal people through long-term emotional cultivation, although the time varies due to talent.
But the third realm cannot be achieved by those lacking exceptional talent!"
Listening to Xu Guang, Zhu Fu thought deeply, not realizing the intricacies involved in taming Great Beasts.
"Which realm do you think you're in?"
He looked at Xu Guang with a playful glint in his eyes.
Speaking of his field of expertise, Xu Guang showed a proud smile, "Naturally, I'm in the third realm. Not to brag, but an ordinary Great Beast takes at least five years to mature, while under my care, it takes at most three years."
Watching Xu Guang speak confidently, Zhu Fu's mind raced with thoughts.
He originally thought that coming in person today would allow him to easily recruit someone fleeing famine to obediently hand over the beast taming methods.
Unexpectedly, the situation was more complex than anticipated.
"I see, it was presumptuous of me, Mr. Zhu."
Xu Guang mused internally, a figure worthy of his position in Qingshuo County could transition with such grace, something not achievable by just anyone.
"Your words flatter me, sir, as a refugee, if given the chance, I naturally wish to repay your kindness."
Zhu Fu waved his hand.
"No need for more words, Brother Xu, I understand what you meant."
He paused, deep in thought.
"The Great Beast is too conspicuous, having Brother Xu stay here might be a bit of an injustice to you."
"Wangcai, arrange a new room for Brother Xu, at the same standard as our Tributors like Liu."