Beast Taming Patrol Chapter 1541: 430: Crisis of the Immortal Phoenix Sect (2-in-1, Finale Countdown: 20)

Previously on Beast Taming Patrol...
A sudden shift in the world’s laws has accelerated martial comprehension, allowing Qi Xuandao to finally break through to the ninth realm of the Martial Domain. Seeking to surpass even the Martial Emperor, he has mobilized the Hunyuan Taoist Sect and three allied sects to launch a total war against the Immortal Phoenix Sect. While the Beastmasters celebrate their own increased recovery speeds and wait for Lin Su’s return, they are suddenly blindsided by the news of this massive, impending encirclement.

Currently, the landmass of Blue Star has likely expanded to surpass the combined size of the Endless Sea and the four great domains of Divine Martial.

Lin Su gazed at the celestial bodies above Blue Star, feeling a profound sense of reverence. The sensation was remarkably similar to the atmosphere he had experienced within the Star Sky Secret Realm.

The most significant change, however, was Blue Star’s energy levels.

Lin Su could distinctly perceive the massive disparity in supernatural energy concentration compared to the period before his entry into the Divine Court Secret Realm. At this moment, the energy in Blue Star's more common areas was as potent as a former Profound-tier Secret Realm; in regions where it was more concentrated, it even rivaled the Earth-tier.

This surge in energy density is sufficient to drastically accelerate the development of every exotic beast and Beast Tamer on the planet.

Beyond just the energy, the presence of rule force has also intensified. In Blue Star's current state, the process of comprehending rules has become significantly more accessible than in the past.

I missed a golden opportunity, Lin Su thought, letting out a soft sigh.

If such an environment had existed when his journey as a Beast Tamer first began...

“To be honest, the Alliance nearly lost control of the situation due to this abrupt transformation,” Shen Yunshan said with a smile. “The world is different now, and the Alliance must implement new regulations to match. We are heading into a very hectic period.”

Lin Su nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

“Well, what about you?” Standing nearby, Qin Yunzhang could no longer suppress his curiosity. He looked at Lin Su and the six little companions who had already ascended to the immortal level. “Old Shen told me you were on the verge of reaching the ninth tier; it nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Isn't your cultivation speed a bit too extreme?”

“Just a chance encounter,” Lin Su replied with a faint smile.

“Your 'chance encounter'... is about as believable as an author promising to 'stay tuned',” Qin Yunzhang remarked with a roll of his eyes. He then asked inquisitively, “That reminds me, since you've reached the legendary level, you should have gained an extra contract slot, right?”

“Standard Beast Tamers are limited to six contracted beasts at the legendary level, but you can manage seven,” he noted, clicking his tongue in envy. “That must be nice.”

“Uh...”

When Qin Yunzhang raised the topic, a strange look crossed the faces of both Lin Su and the six little ones behind him.

“Grandpa Qin, I'm afraid I won't be able to contract a seventh pet beast,” Lin Su explained helplessly, spreading his palms.

Following their successful breakthrough to the legendary level, Lin Su and his team had stumbled upon a major complication.

While he did technically possess a sixth contract position after reaching the ninth tier, the slot was occupied.

A mysterious power had taken up the position, rendering it completely unusable for Lin Su. Even when he and the six little ones combined their full strength, they could not break through this mysterious force. It appeared to be a fundamental part of Lin Su's being.

Ultimately, Lin Su could only speculate that this was perhaps a side effect of his unique ability to travel between two worlds.

Luckily, because Youyou and Yingying share a single contract slot, he isn't actually short one pet beast compared to a standard Beast Tamer.

Qin Yunzhang and Shen Yunshan exchanged glances.

It was clear that Lin Su's predicament was something entirely beyond their experience.

“Regardless, I'll find a solution on my own. Perhaps the chance to unlock that contract slot will present itself one day,” Lin Su said with a smile. “Grandpa Qin, President Shen, I intend to find a location to enter closed-door cultivation for a while.”

“Very well,” Shen Yunshan agreed understandingly. “Would you like me to set up a place for your retreat?”

“That won't be necessary,” Lin Su replied with a playful grin. “Since Blue Star has expanded so rapidly, many regions are now uninhabited. I’ll just find a random spot where the natural energy is particularly dense.”

After bidding them farewell, Lin Su’s form vanished instantly from the area.

“That boy,” Qin Yunzhang said, shaking his head slightly. “There are times I truly want to grab him and demand he reveal all his secrets just to satisfy my curiosity.”

“But he’d have to be willing to talk,” Shen Yunshan laughed. “Actually, now that Lin Su has reached the legendary level, the pressure on me has lessened considerably.”

As the sole legendary-level Beast Tamer among humanity previously, Shen Yunshan had been forced to handle negotiations with many immortal beasts, which was an exhausting task.

“It won't be long now,” Qin Yunzhang said, patting Shen Yunshan on the shoulder. “With the massive changes Blue Star has undergone, powerful Beast Tamers will soon emerge like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.”

“I am confident that the count of legendary-level Beast Tamers will hit double digits very soon.”

“I hope that day arrives quickly,” Shen Yunshan said, shrugging. “Well, it's time to get back to work.”

“There is much to be done!”

...

In the blink of an eye, Lin Su and his six little companions arrived above a vast forest.

Due to the expansion of Blue Star, many of the newly created territories had become primitive, wild zones. Using Youyou’s wood-element abilities, a charming little wooden cottage was swiftly constructed for the group.

“Alright, this will be our base for now,” Lin Su said, smiling at the six little ones who had now attained immortality. “According to tradition, the immortal level requires a formal title of honor.”

“Have any of you thought about what titles you want to use now that you've reached immortality?”

“I want to be known as the Cosmos Lord!”

Qiuqiu’s eyes shone with excitement as it raised a tiny paw in anticipation.

Though it currently maintained a small stature, if it were to fully manifest its form according to the rules, it would reach a staggering size of over ten thousand meters, typical of an immortal.

Upon reaching the immortal level, the only physical change in Qiuqiu was the disappearance of the three ice crystals behind its head, replaced by several enigmatic runes glowing between the two horns on its forehead.