Wei Fan closed the door and turned to face "Lili". She was standing in the middle of the room, clutching something in her pocket. Her eyes were still red from earlier, and she looked smaller than usual without her usual cheeky attitude.
Wei Fan sighed. "Alright, what's this important thing you brought?"
"Lili" reached into her pocket and pulled out a stone tablet. It was old and worn, covered in strange markings that seemed to glow faintly in the dim light. She held it out to Wei Fan with both hands, like she was offering a precious treasure.
Wei Fan took it, turning it over in his hands. The stone was surprisingly warm, and the markings seemed to pulse with a life of their own. He had never seen anything like it.
"What is this?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"It's a cultivation technique record," "Lili" explained. "I found it at home, hidden in the attic. Master said it was useless, that it was just an old relic with no real value. But I thought... I thought you might be able to use it."
Wei Fan raised an eyebrow. "Me? Why me?"
"Because you're always looking for shortcuts," "Lili" said with a small smile. "This technique, whatever it is, seems like something that might appeal to you. And besides..." She hesitated. "I wanted to give you something before I left. Something to remember me by."
Wei Fan felt a warmth spread through his chest. Despite all his teasing and grumbling, this little girl really did care about him.
He sat down on his bed and began examining the stone tablet more carefully, channeling his spiritual sense into it. What he found made his eyes widen.
The tablet contained a complete technique for refining and taming demonic beasts. According to the record, it was created by an ancient cultivator who had traveled the land, capturing and controlling powerful creatures. The method was surprisingly simple yet incredibly effective.
"Lili" watched his expression change from curiosity to surprise to excitement. "Is it good?" she asked eagerly.
"Good? It's amazing!" Wei Fan exclaimed. "This is a technique for taming demonic beasts! Do you have any idea how valuable this is?"
"Lili" shook her head. "Master said it was useless because we don't have any demonic beasts to tame."
Wei Fan grinned. "Master doesn't have any demonic beasts. But that doesn't mean I can't find one!"
According to the technique, all he needed was to find a demonic beast, then use a special method to imprint his will on its primordial spirit. Once bound, the beast would obey his commands and grow stronger by consuming demonic pills. It was perfect for someone as lazy as Wei Fan – let the beast do all the work!
"This is incredible," Wei Fan said, still studying the tablet. "Thank you, little sister. This is the best gift anyone has ever given me."
"Lili" beamed with happiness. Seeing Wei Fan so excited made her forget all about the earlier conflict.
Wei Fan looked up from the tablet. "I need to practice this technique. The spirit recognition mark requires precise control of spiritual energy. I need to master it before I can try taming anything."
"Can I watch?" "Lili" asked.
Wei Fan shrugged. "Sure, why not."
He sat cross-legged on his bed, holding the stone tablet in his lap. He closed his eyes and began to practice forming the spirit recognition mark with his mind.
The technique required him to shape his spiritual energy into a complex symbol, then project it outward. It was like trying to draw a picture with his thoughts, and it took intense concentration.
Wei Fan frowned in concentration, sweat forming on his brow. This was harder than it looked. The symbol had dozens of intricate lines and curves, all of which had to be perfect. One mistake and the mark would fail.
"Lili" watched quietly from the corner, not daring to make a sound. She had never seen Wei Fan work so hard at anything before.
After an hour of failed attempts, Wei Fan finally managed to form a complete mark. It flickered weakly in his mind for a moment before dissipating, but it was progress.
"Yes!" he pumped his fist. "I'm getting it!"
"Lili" clapped her hands. "You can do it, Brother Wei!"
Encouraged by her support, Wei Fan continued practicing. Hour after hour, he formed the mark over and over, each time making it a little stronger, a little more stable. By evening, he could create the mark almost instantly and hold it for several seconds.
He was exhausted but exhilarated. He had never worked so hard in his life, but the results were worth it.
"I think I'm ready," he said finally. "Tomorrow, I'll go to the mountains and find myself a demonic beast."
"Lili" looked concerned. "The mountains are dangerous, Brother Wei. Are you sure you're ready?"
Wei Fan grinned confidently. "With this technique, I'll have those beasts eating out of my hand. Don't worry about me."
"Lili" wanted to argue, but she knew it would be useless. Once Wei Fan set his mind to something, there was no changing it.
"Just be careful," she said softly.
Wei Fan reached out and ruffled her hair. "I will. And when I come back with the most amazing demonic beast you've ever seen, you'll be proud to call me your big brother."
"Lili" smiled, despite her worry. That was the Wei Fan she knew – confident, carefree, and always surprising her.
That night, Wei Fan couldn't sleep. He was too excited about the next day's adventure. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, imagining all the incredible beasts he might find in the mountains. A flying beast to carry him through the sky. A powerful battle beast to protect him. A hunting beast to bring him food so he never had to cook again.
The possibilities were endless.
The next morning, Wei Fan woke before dawn. For once, he didn't need anyone to wake him. He was dressed and ready before the sun had even risen.
"Lili" was already waiting outside his door. "You're actually awake before me again," she teased.
Wei Fan grinned. "Today's a special day. Today, I become a beast tamer!"
"Lili" laughed. "Don't get yourself killed, Brother Wei. Those mountains can be dangerous."
"Dangerous? Please." Wei Fan waved dismissively. "With this technique, I'll have those beasts begging to be my companion."
"Just be careful, okay?" "Lili" said, her expression turning serious.
Wei Fan softened. "Don't worry, little sister. I'll be fine. I'll come back with the most amazing beast you've ever seen."
He patted her head and set off toward the mountains, his heart full of excitement and anticipation.
The mountains behind the sect were dense and wild. Tall trees blocked out most of the sunlight, creating a dim, mysterious atmosphere. Strange sounds echoed from all directions – the calls of unknown creatures, the rustling of leaves as something moved through the undergrowth.
Wei Fan walked carefully, his senses alert. He had never been this deep into the mountains before. Normally, he would be too lazy to make such a trip. But today was different. Today, he had a purpose.
He walked for hours, searching for any sign of a demonic beast. He saw tracks in the mud, claw marks on trees, and once, he even caught a glimpse of a large shadow moving through the forest. But every time he got close, the creature would disappear before he could get a good look.
"This is harder than I thought," Wei Fan admitted, sitting down on a rock to rest. "These beasts are sneaky."
He took out some dried meat and chewed on it while he thought. He needed a better strategy. Just wandering around hoping to find a beast wasn't working. He needed to lure one out.
"What do beasts like?" he wondered. "Food, probably. If I can find some fresh meat, I might be able to attract one."
He looked around and spotted a rabbit hopping through the undergrowth. With a quick movement, he grabbed a stone and threw it, striking the rabbit squarely on the head. The rabbit dropped instantly.
Wei Fan grinned. "Not bad for a lazy guy."
He used the rabbit as bait, setting it in a clearing and hiding nearby. Then he waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.
"I hate waiting," Wei Fan grumbled. "This is way too much work."
Just as he was about to give up, he heard a rustling in the bushes. Something was coming. Wei Fan held his breath, watching intently.
A large creature emerged from the forest. It was a wolf, but unlike any wolf Wei Fan had ever seen. It was at least twice the size of a normal wolf, with pitch-black fur and eyes that glowed red. Saliva dripped from its massive jaws as it approached the rabbit.
Wei Fan's heart raced. This was it. This was his chance.