Results That Changed the Evolutionary System

Dr. Xu gave his student a lesson on how to properly apply for research funding.

At the end, seeing Jiang Xing's look of sudden realization, he spoke.

"For researchers, money is indispensable. Without enough money, even raising one or two Pet Beasts takes enormous effort, let alone conducting large-scale research."

"But it is also the least important thing."

"Compared to money, knowledge, ideas, love for Pet Beasts, and never-ending thought are what matter most."

Jiang Xing nodded, indicating that he had remembered.

Dr. Xu picked up the first draft of the paper again and asked.

"Jiang Xing, what do you think is the most crucial element in this paper?"

The most crucial element?

Was it the "wildly imaginative" inspiration? The idea of combining mythology with Pet Beasts? The carefully designed process? Or perhaps the favor of the goddess of luck?

Dr. Xu's question could not be that simple.

Jiang Xing recalled the Golden-Veined Koi's evolution process. Combining it with the knowledge in his memories, he suddenly understood something.

"Personality."

Hearing this answer, Dr. Xu nodded in satisfaction.

"Correct. It is [Personality], or rather, the [Heart Selection Theory]."

"For a long time, thought surrounding this theory has never stopped in the Beast Taming field."

"People have already proven that a Pet Beast's thoughts can affect its evolutionary direction, causing it to evolve into different forms."

"Following this theory, it is easy to consider that [Personality] may also be a condition that affects a Pet Beast's evolution."

"For example, Pet Beasts with docile personalities are more likely to evolve into Water Type or Wood Type, while Pet Beasts with violent personalities are more likely to evolve into Fire Type or Thunder Type Pet Beasts..."

"This is the [Personality Conjecture] proposed by the Psychic Doctor Al."

"However, because [Personality] is too closely linked to [Thought], and there have been no actual cases to serve as evidence..."

"People have been unable to determine whether personality affects evolution, or whether thought determines the future."

"Therefore, the connection between personality and evolution has always remained a conjecture."

Just as he did during ordinary lessons, Dr. Xu slowly explained the knowledge of Pet Beasts.

Jiang Xing listened quietly. Thinking of the brave Golden-Veined Koi evolving into a Rainbow Dragon Cub, he fell into thought.

Sure enough, Dr. Xu said.

"Your paper mentions your conjecture that brave Golden-Veined Koi are more likely to undergo a transformation of will when leaping over the Dragon Gate, thereby evolving into Rainbow Dragon Cubs—"

"That is not accurate enough, and the data is not complete enough."

"You need more rigorous experiments to confirm this conjecture."

"If you successfully prove this—that [a brave personality is a necessary condition for the Golden-Veined Koi's evolution, rather than merely an influencing factor]—"

"Then this research will not merely represent a simple Pet Beast evolutionary form—"

"It will also provide the strongest evidence for Dr. Al's [Personality Conjecture], turning it from a [conjecture] into a [Theory]!"

"This is an academic achievement enough to make your name endure through history!"

In the Beast Taming World, Pet Beast personalities were not merely descriptive terms, but genuinely existing Transcendental powers.

They did not merely affect a Pet Beast's behavior; they could even influence its growth potential, aptitude, and other aspects.

For example, a brave personality would give a Pet Beast greater offensive potential and make its strength easier to improve.

A timid personality, meanwhile, would increase a Pet Beast's evasion potential and make its speed easier to improve.

Therefore, personality-related research had always been a popular topic.

If Jiang Xing could prove at this time that Pet Beast personalities were also necessary conditions for evolution...

Then many researchers and Doctors would be inspired.

It might very well cause many potential Pet Beast evolutionary forms to appear in this world!

Now, having received Dr. Xu's guidance...

Jiang Xing finally noticed its significance.

"This result is far more valuable than the evolutionary conditions of the Rainbow Dragon Cub!"

"If I had overlooked this and rashly published the paper... someone else might have discovered the key point, completed the theory first, and claimed the achievement..."

"Then I would become the classic example of picking up sesame seeds while losing a watermelon."

Jiang Xing felt fortunate and said gratefully.

"Thank you, Teacher!"

Seeing that his student had come to his senses, Dr. Xu nodded in satisfaction.

He set down the paper and said seriously.

"Do not become immersed in success. Even after achieving academic results, you must maintain your curiosity—"

"Why do different personalities cause Pet Beasts to evolve into different forms?"

"Why can Golden-Veined Koi with brave personalities complete a sublimation of will?"

"Why do other Pet Beasts not possess this method of evolution?"

"How does personality affect Pet Beast evolution? Are there similar hidden conditions that we have yet to discover?"

"We know far, far too little about Pet Beasts. We must always remain humble and curious, ask a few more whys, and patiently verify them. Only then can we go farther down the road of scientific research."

At that moment, Jiang Xing finally understood why Dr. Xu could become a respected Beast Taming Doctor.

It was not merely because of the change in identity brought about by the shifting worldline.

At least in the Beast Taming World, his ideas and abilities had destined him for achievement.

Jiang Xing said respectfully.

"I understand, Teacher."

After leaving the Xu Hai Research Institute, Jiang Xing felt that the trip had been worthwhile.

It was not only the research funding—Dr. Xu's guidance had also benefited him greatly.

"The Rainbow Dragon Cub's evolutionary conditions and Dr. Al's Personality Conjecture actually still belong to the same subject."

"I can publish them together."

Jiang Xing's heart stirred.

The system mission was to publish an academic achievement, and the reward was related to its performance.

Then what achievement could be more important than [perfecting Pet Beast evolution theory and adding a new evolutionary condition]?

If he completed the mission with this result, would the reward not be directly maxed out?

Thinking of that scene, Jiang Xing gave an eager hum.

When he returned to the laboratory and thought of the upcoming seventy million in funding, even his back straightened. He directly summoned the Rainbow Dragon Cub and waved his hand.

"Rainbow Dragon Cub, go on. Your favorite Dragon Lychee Cubes are all yours today. Eat until you're full!"

"Woo!"

Yay!

The Rainbow Dragon Cub happily flipped through the air, turning into a streak of rainbow light. In the blink of an eye, it arrived beside the box where the Energy Cubes were stored.

With a flick of its tail, multicolored light lifted the lid.

The next moment, its expression froze. Its tears turned into two tiny rainbows hanging from the corners of its eyes.

"Woo!!!"

Where are my Cubes?!

"What?"

Jiang Xing was startled. He hurried to the Rainbow Dragon Cub's side and looked into the box.

The Dragon Lychee Cubes that had originally filled nearly half the box had vanished without a trace. Inside remained only a clump of pink fluff the size of an apple.

It seemed to be the fur of some Pet Beast, soft as cotton.

Had they encountered a Cube Thief?