Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1013: Dr. Zhang Taitong

Qiao Sang felt a mix of delight and slight shock.

"Ou ou." The purple skull head emerged from the window and let out a sound.

Although Qiao Sang had no clue about its words, she sensed permission to enter. She thanked it promptly and went through the door.

After taking just a couple of steps, she glanced back and inquired: "Where is Dr. Zhang Taitong's building?"

"Ou ou." The purple skull gestured deeper inside and vocalized.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure, in high spirits, offered the interpretation right away.

Qiao Sang proceeded deeper past the main entrance.

She lingered beneath a Shade Tree nearby.

Shade Trees produce Shade Fruits, which Ghost-type pets adore as treats. These fruits mildly boost a pet's vitality and curb their appetite.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure ascended to the branches. Gazing at the dark fruit releasing a tempting scent, saliva dripped from his mouth without notice.

All at once, the foliage stirred, revealing a light purple pet, roughly fifteen centimeters in length and teapot-shaped, dangling inverted from a limb.

Qiao Sang gazed upward at the suspended creature as its details appeared in her thoughts.

Spotting Ghost-type pets here didn't faze her much, since this facility focused on them. She knew little beyond that, yet Ghost-types were surely abundant.

"Cha cha?" The Teashade Pot eyed Little Treasure and uttered a puzzled call.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure responded with a broad smile.

"Cha cha." The Teashade Pot shifted its gaze to Qiao Sang, its face turning into one of

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure indicated the tree's fruit with eager eyes.

"Cha cha." The Teashade Pot wagged its head negatively, then parted its jaws and chomped a fruit directly before Little Treasure, munching it with a triumphant look.

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure's face dropped in letdown.

"Hu hu!"

"Hu hu!"

Right then, a deep purple creature resembling a big kettle approached from afar, voicing urgent calls.

Up in the branches, the Teashade Pot got spooked and burrowed into the leaves.

.. Qiao Sang identified the approaching pet.

Just as Qiao Sang prepared to address the Potshadow Monster, Little Treasure abruptly jabbed a finger at the Teashade Pot's hiding spot and yelled: "Xun xun!"

The Potshadow Monster's gaze brightened. It transformed into a purple flash and darted to the tree. Its spout morphed into a gripper that plunged into the greenery and hauled the Teashade Pot free.

"Cha cha!"

"Cha cha!"

The Teashade Pot wriggled fiercely, yet escape proved impossible.

"Hu hu." The Potshadow Monster expressed thanks to Little Treasure with a sound.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure swished his paw, signaling it was trivial.

The Potshadow Monster floated off, gripping the Teashade Pot tightly.

"Cha cha!" While being hauled away, the Teashade Pot bellowed furiously at Little Treasure.

Though Qiao Sang couldn't grasp its language, she detected harsh insults in its tone.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure tauntingly dug into his nostril toward the Teashade Pot.

Suddenly aware of eyes on him, he peered down to find his Tamer observing. He hastily lowered his paw, batted his eyes innocently, and restored his composed demeanor.

Qiao Sang queried with a grin: "What did that Teashade Pot do to irk you?"

"Xun xun!"

The topic reignited Little Treasure's fervor. He hovered beside his Tamer and jabbed accusingly at the overhead fruit.

"Yap yap!"

Yabao, having followed the interaction, barked in approval, meaning "Well done."

"If those appeal to you, I'll get some before we head out." Qiao Sang offered.

"Xun xun~"

Thrilled, Little Treasure looped joyfully around his Tamer and Yabao.

Amid his glee, he caught a stare. Glancing sideways, he spotted Gangbao eyeing him. He halted instantly, assumed a rigid stance, and polished his facade once more.

Gangbao: ...

Qiao Sang reflected inwardly.

Gangbao's form tensed, as she strove to clear her thoughts, avoiding overthinking.

"Wen wen?"

At that instant, a roughly meter-high pet, predominantly gray with a droplet-like head, drifted closer. Two openings crowned its head, filled with profound darkness that swirled like abyssal essence. It emitted a call.

"Xun xun~"

Before Qiao Sang could respond, Little Treasure bobbed his head vigorously.

"Xun xun..."

His deeds rang true, yet his utterance contradicted them. Dawning on his slip, Little Treasure froze and clapped a paw over his mouth.

"Wen wen." The droplet-headed pet grinned and started gliding ahead.

Qiao Sang required no aid from Yabao; she recognized this as the escort. She hurried after it.

Rhetorical Ghost, a General-level Ghost-type pet. It delights in posing queries. Upon hearing it speak, the audience experiences an irresistible impulse to reply, though the response invariably becomes the reverse of reality. This impacts solely those comprehending its tongue, affecting contracted Tamers and fellow pets via its 'Questioning Heart' ability. Due to this quirk, few opt to bond with one...

Info on the escort surfaced in Qiao Sang’s mind.

"Xun xun..."

Recalling his odd conduct earlier, Little Treasure quietly retrieved his neglected pet scanner and directed it toward the Rhetorical Ghost.

A tone akin to Little Treasure’s echoed shortly:

"Oh my, Master, you haven't used me in ages. Let's check... Rhetorical Ghost, a General-level Ghost-type pet. It holds the 'Questioning Heart' trait. Listeners and pets grasping its words will invariably reply with falsehoods. It's frightful and hard to manage. I advise keeping distance."

"Xun xun..."

Little Treasure displayed enlightenment.

The leading Rhetorical Ghost appeared oblivious and kept guiding them.

Qiao Sang and her pets trailed it to a structure. Post facial scan, they rode the lift to the third level and stepped into a lab.

Entry brought a dozen diverse Ghost-type pets swiveling their attention over.

Among them sat the earlier Teashade Pot and Potshadow Monster.

A Tamer wary of Ghost-types might collapse immediately. Qiao Sang remained unfazed. After admiring the multitude of specters, she directed her focus to a white-coated man at a nearby control panel.

The fellow possessed gentle traits and an approachable, learned vibe. He seemed barely past thirty, betraying no hint of his 126 years.

Qiao Sang identified him as Zhang Taitong, from her previous night's study.

Ere she could salute, the noise drew him, and he pivoted. His eyes sparkled as he rose.

"It truly is you. Come, sit down."

He regarded the Teashade Pot and instructed, "Serve some tea."

Qiao Sang settled into the lounge sofa.

"Cha cha..."

The Teashade Pot approached grudgingly. It angled itself and commenced pouring.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure seized a teacup, set it before himself with a wide beam, and called out, signaling his desire for a serving.

The Teashade Pot acted deaf.

Zhang Taitong noted this and directed: "Teashade Pot, serve a cup to the Ghost Ring King too."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure indicated the cup, beaming with satisfaction.

"Cha cha..."

The Teashade Pot's frame went rigid, but it complied by pouring.

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure smirked. Before the Teashade Pot, he lifted the cup and sipped gracefully, mimicking television elegance.

Zhang Taitong smiled while explaining: "The brew within a Teashade Pot aids both Ghost-type pets and people. Moreover, sufficient intake allows a Tamer to more effectively take in feedback from Ghost-type pets, hastening entry to 'Spirit Vision.'"

Qiao Sang stood amazed.

"Spirit Vision?"

Zhang Taitong paused in surprise, then chuckled and clarified: "It refers to perceiving what's typically unseen, akin to how Ghost-type pets view the world."

Qiao Sang grasped it at once and drank her tea reverently.

"I never anticipated your visit to our Zidia Region post-Central Hollow Regional Championship victory." Zhang Taitong remarked smilingly.

"I came chiefly because Little... my Ghost Ring King wished to explore the Zidia Region." Qiao Sang replied with a smile.

"I also didn't foresee such easy access."

Zhang Taitong chuckled: "Fresh off the Central Hollow Regional Championship win, meeting you is a privilege. I've yet to encounter a champion your age. Plus, your visit concerns Ghost-type pet research; refusal was impossible."

Qiao Sang pondered.

Zhang Taitong eyed Little Treasure appreciatively: "Your Ghost Ring King shows excellent training."

"Xun xun~"

Praise elicited Little Treasure's proud hair toss.

Zhang Taitong chuckled, then recalled a matter. His face grew grave as he offered: "Ask any questions freely."

.. Qiao Sang stated outright: "I seek details on the alternate Ghost-type pet evolution path. Your paper hinted at it, but lacked a precise route. I desire concrete information."

Little Treasure turned with keen interest.

Zhang Taitong mulled briefly and replied measuredly: "I uncovered this lately. Ghost-type pets can draw in specific positive feelings to awaken inner potential, sparking evolution."

He hesitated, then continued: "You likely know our Zidia Region's ways. Unlike elsewhere, we cherish Ghost-type pets immensely."

"I'll be frank. I first noted this potential in non-local Ghost-type pets. Subsequent tests on numerous specimens revealed only a handful could take in this energy, insufficient for evolution."

"Next, I sourced local Ghost-type pets from various regions and learned outsiders absorb it far more readily."

Qiao Sang pressed eagerly: "So, what form does this energy take?"

"It's positive emotional energy." Zhang Taitong phrased carefully:

"Barring Zidia Region Ghost-types, I tested 1,011 species. Only 65 could absorb it, all deriving the energy from cherished sources via positive emotions."

"Take the Central Hollow's Ugly Night Flower, fixated on its plain looks. I arranged enhancements for beauty. Genuine compliments from others and pets sparked joy, letting it soak up that praise's energy."

"Consider the Xilu Region's Walking Ghost too."

"Rare among Ghost-types, it can't levitate and battles insecurity. Secretly, I dosed it with Levitation Potion for momentary flight. Unaware peers reacted with astonishment."

"The Walking Ghost reveled in it and captured the surprise's energy."

"Truthfully, both the Ugly Night Flower and Walking Ghost enjoy many joys, but solely these incidents produced absorbable positive energy."

"Thus, I deduce it stems from their deepest concerns."

He paused before adding: "Since each Ghost-type pet values distinct matters, no universal formula exists. I urge aiding pets to foster joy."

Qiao Sang absorbed this and queried: "Does absorbing this guarantee evolution?"

"Xun xun..."

Nearby, Little Treasure posed attentively. His earnest look mirrored his initial computer proxy sessions.

Zhang Taitong answered accurately: "Not all Ghost-type pets can harness this. Also, while some absorbers displayed evolutionary indicators, none ignited the ultimate Light of Evolution."

"Research continues, but I assure evolution via this energy will occur for some Ghost-type pets."

Qiao Sang reflected briefly and asked: "Why do so few Zidia Region Ghost-type pets absorb this energy?"

"Excellent inquiry." Zhang Taitong grinned.

Post-laughter, he sighed and explained:

"Mere speculation, but Zidia Tamers pamper their Ghost-type pets excessively. Their surroundings leave scant obsessions. Lacking profound cares, their joys lack the needed specificity, barring energy absorption."

Qiao Sang mulled it over. Then realization hit, sinking her spirits partially.

She viewed herself as kind to Little Treasure. Daily trifles delighted him, and his enthusiasms faded quickly.

-----