Arc 7The Cloud-Gathering Branch

Xu Ran evolved Starlight and Can Can, strengthened his Contract Beasts, and secured new allies while preparing to expand the Starfire Foster Shop. He opened a branch in Cloud-Gathering City, where Ye Haoming and Qin Can planned to cause trouble.

  • Xu Ran defeated Qin Can’s three Contract Beasts with Purple Cloud and Starlight, then encouraged Can Can after it felt it had held them back.
  • Xu Ran groomed the Velvet Sparrow and Huo Huo, who died beside its former master’s grave after a final visit to the shop.
  • Xu Ran fused Can Can’s skills, helped Purple Cloud improve its abilities, and took the group to search for Earth Element Dragon remains.
  • With the Velvet Sparrow’s guidance, Can Can found Monarch Rank dragon remains and evolved into a massive dragon tortoise, then helped drive off the Marshal Rank Thunderhowl Sky Tiger.
  • Xu Ran returned to Qingzhou City and promoted Tony to System Shop Manager, gaining two System Clerks as the Starfire Foster Shop attracted new customers.
  • Xu Ran used the system’s teleportation feature to reach Cloud-Gathering City and opened the Starfire Foster Shop branch there.
  • Ye Haoming told Qin Can about Xu Ran’s new shop and asked him to make trouble, and Qin Can agreed if Ye Haoming paid.
Chapters 151–175 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 151Beast Domain No. 97

Xu Ran joined Gu Wu and the other young Beast Tamers on a trip to Cloud-Gathering City, where he considered contracting a bird Beast and learned about Beast Domains. Meanwhile, a mysterious creature used an illusion to slip into a hunter’s backpack and began heading toward Qingzhou City.

  • Xu Ran met Su Xiaoxiao, Gu Ling, Xu Jiujiu, and Lü Huang outside the Beast Tamer Association, where they discussed their strength and Xu Ran’s rise to Commander Level.
  • Gu Wu introduced four Association-selected Beast Tamers and took the group aboard his Marshal Rank Red-Eyed Demon Dragon toward Cloud-Gathering City.
  • A plump white creature frightened away a Hunting Squad’s attackers with a majestic roar, then hid in a hunter’s backpack to enter Qingzhou City.
  • While flying, Xu Ran considered contracting a bird Beast so he could travel through the air.
  • Gu Wu explained that wild regions were called Beast Domains, that Qingzhou City lay in Beast Domain No. 97, and that Cloud-Gathering City lay in Beast Domain No. 47.

Ch. 152Darknight Demon Dragon horn, gotcha!

Xu Ran and the others reached Cloud-Gathering City, a powerful stronghold, and exchanged their points for resources to help Starlight, Can Can, and Purple Cloud grow stronger. After heading downstairs to eat, Xu Ran reunited with Xu Jiujiu and Lü Huang and met Xu Jiujiu’s new Rock-Fighting Badger.

  • Gu Wu explained the ranks of Beast Domains and reassured the group that Beast Tamers would protect them as they traveled through Beast Domain No. 47.
  • The group entered Cloud-Gathering City, where Zhou He described its powerful Beast Tamers and confirmed that the association had Darknight Demon Dragon horns brought back by Lin Gong.
  • Xu Ran verified his identity on the association site and exchanged Starlight’s points for a Marshal Rank Darknight Demon Dragon horn and other Dark Element resources.
  • Xu Ran used Purple Cloud’s points and a loan from Purple Cloud to buy Can Can’s evolution materials, then spent the remaining points on a Marshal Rank Resonance Bone Bead for Purple Cloud.
  • Xu Ran and his three contract beasts went downstairs for food and found Xu Jiujiu and Lü Huang; Xu Jiujiu introduced her Rock-Fighting Badger, which bristled when Can Can wondered if it was going bald.

Ch. 153Emperor's Crown!

Xu Ran and the Qingzhou City group arrived at the intercity sparring exchange, where they learned its rules and saw the immense power of Vice President You Shengjiang’s Overlord Rank Four-Winged Mystic Tiger. As the matches began, Xu Ran chose to wait for Commander Level Beast Tamers before entering the stage.

  • Xu Jiujiu kept her Rock-Fighting Badger from challenging Can Can, and Xu Ran talked with the group about evolution and the resources he had prepared for his second Contract Beast.
  • Gu Wu led the Qingzhou City group to the exchange venue and explained that each Beast Tamer could earn one Association reward, with additional wagers allowed between competitors.
  • The Beast Tamers from Cloud-Gathering City, Cangxue City, and Gale-Spirit City took prominent seats, and Vice President You Shengjiang arrived on his Overlord Rank Four-Winged Mystic Tiger, demonstrating its Emperor's Crown skill.
  • You Shengjiang announced rewards for defeating Elite and Commander Level Beast Tamers and offered a Heavenly Spirit Stone to everyone who took the stage.
  • Zhao Yi of Green-Wutong City challenged an opponent, Xu Jiujiu said she wanted to compete, and Xu Ran decided to wait until Commander Level Beast Tamers entered the matches.

Ch. 154Starlight's evolution!

Xu Ran entered the sparring exchange and Purple Cloud defeated Ye Haoming’s three Commander Rank Contract Beasts, earning Xu Ran a reward before he returned to the hotel. There, Xu Ran received the exchanged resources and prepared to help Starlight evolve.

  • You Shengjiang rewarded the Beast Tamers who sparred, and Ye Haoming of Cloud-Gathering City challenged the assembled towns as a Commander Level Beast Tamer.
  • Xu Ran accepted Ye Haoming’s challenge and let Purple Cloud fight alone against his three Contract Beasts.
  • Purple Cloud used its full moon level skills to defeat all three opponents, and Xu Ran claimed a fighting element resource and a Heavenly Spirit Stone.
  • Xu Ran declined another match, returned to his seat, and then left for the hotel.
  • Xu Ran received the resources he had exchanged for and told the excited Starlight that they would prepare for its evolution.

Ch. 155A mad dash beneath the moon

Xu Ran gathered the evolution resources, bought a storefront in Cloud-Gathering City, and took Starlight to a dark mountain road to begin its evolution. When Starlight’s energy turned violent and would not merge with its body, Xu Ran realized what the ritual’s “pure darkness” might require and told Starlight to close its eyes and keep running.

  • Starlight spotted the Darknight Demon Dragon horn among the resources, while Xu Ran checked the materials for Can Can and Purple Cloud.
  • Ye Haoming hired Qin Can to challenge Xu Ran in a wager match, and Qin Can talked him into offering an extra Marshal Rank resource.
  • Xu Ran bought a storefront in Cloud-Gathering City and registered it under his name, leaving Main Quest 2 halfway complete.
  • Xu Ran brought Starlight, Purple Cloud, and Can Can to a mountain road at night, where Starlight swallowed its evolution resources and began galloping with the Darknight Demon Dragon horn around its neck.
  • Starlight’s energy grew increasingly violent and painful without merging into its body, so Xu Ran realized darkness might mean being unable to see and told Starlight to close its eyes and run.

Ch. 156Darker than night! Brighter than stars!

Xu Ran guided Starlight through a painful evolution in the darkness, where the white mark on its forehead overcame the Darknight Demon Dragon's horn and became part of its new form. Starlight evolved into a Star Divine Horse, reached commander rank, and tested its new skill before continuing to gallop with Xu Ran, Purple Cloud, and Can Can.

  • Xu Ran urged Starlight to charge ahead with its eyes closed as it absorbed the evolution resources, but the Darknight Demon Dragon's horn remained inactive.
  • Xu Ran pressed the horn to Starlight's forehead, awakening its dark power and provoking a struggle with the glowing white mark between Starlight's brows.
  • Starlight's white mark overcame the horn's darkness and moved onto it, turning the horn into Starlight's own; Starlight then followed the light through memories of its father, Xu Ran, Purple Cloud, and Can Can.
  • Starlight completed its evolution into a Star Divine Horse, advanced to commander rank, and gained Monarch's Might and Undying Star Guidance.
  • Xu Ran had Starlight use Undying Star Guidance and learned that it dispelled illusions and falsehoods, then Starlight asked him to add points.

Ch. 157Purple Cloud, please lash me to your heart's content!

Starlight evolved to Commander Rank and trained its Undying Star Guidance, while Xu Ran's group prepared for the second day of the exchange, which introduced wager matches. The exchange began with Xu Ran drawing attention, and You Shengjiang hoped a golden-haired Cloud-Gathering City Beast Tamer would help restore the city's pride.

  • Starlight's strength surged after evolving, and Xu Ran advised it to train Undying Star Guidance before spending Skill Points; Purple Cloud agreed to use Monarch's Might on Starlight for 100 Value Points a day.
  • Starlight trained through the night and reached Crescent Level in Undying Star Guidance, while its excitement kept Purple Cloud and Can Can awake.
  • Gu Ling resolved to prepare her Dark-Scaled Dragon for evolution after seeing Starlight's progress, and Gu Wu explained that the day's exchange would include wager matches with stakes.
  • The Qingzhou City group received better seats after Xu Ran's performance, and Xu Jiujiu embarrassed him by loudly suggesting that he wanted a wife and men.
  • You Shengjiang opened the exchange and spotted a golden-haired young Beast Tamer from Cloud-Gathering City, hoping he could help the city reclaim its pride.

Ch. 158A genius grew stronger every day!

Qin Can challenged Xu Ran to a wagered battle, confident that his three Monarch Species Contract Beasts would win. Xu Ran and his companions defeated all three with Purple Cloud’s amplified Full Moon Level lightning attack, leaving Qin Can stunned.

  • Qin Can challenged Xu Ran and wagered a Bamboo-Shoot Stalagmite Root against Starlight’s Starforged Netherstone and Purple Cloud’s Resonance Bone Bead.
  • Qin Can summoned the Mist-Song Envoy, Earth-Rumbling Rhino, and Wind-Listening Ambusher, which launched a coordinated assault on Xu Ran and his companions.
  • Xu Ran called on Purple Cloud and Starlight to fight back as Qin Can’s beasts’ attacks surrounded them.
  • Starlight used Heart of Eternal Night, Undying Star Guidance, and Dusk Night Emblem to amplify Purple Cloud’s power and break through the enemy beasts’ illusions and Monarch’s Might.
  • Purple Cloud unleashed its Full Moon Level Thunder-Shaking Heavenly Sound across the arena, striking down all three of Qin Can’s Contract Beasts.
  • Xu Ran smiled at the bewildered Qin Can and repeated his boast that a genius grew stronger every day.

Ch. 159Boss Xu stayed true to his roots

Xu Ran defeated Qin Can, claimed the Bamboo-Shoot Stalagmite Root, and advertised the upcoming Starfire Foster Shop Cloud-Gathering City Branch before planning to return to Qingzhou City. Meanwhile, Cat Boss befriended a hidden Beast Domain creature, and Qin Can talked Ye Haoming out of demanding his resources back.

  • Xu Ran waved a flag advertising the Starfire Foster Shop Cloud-Gathering City Branch, then accepted the Bamboo-Shoot Stalagmite Root from Qin Can after their battle.
  • Can Can cried because it felt it had held the others back, but Xu Ran reminded it that Starlight had once been an ordinary creature, encouraging Can Can to work hard and grow.
  • Xu Ran said he and his Beast Companions would explore Cloud-Gathering City before returning home the next day.
  • A hidden Beast Domain creature watched a food stall, but Cat Boss discovered it, bought food for it, and heard it call him a good cat through Telepathy.
  • Ye Haoming confronted Qin Can over the resources he had given him, but Qin Can persuaded him that losing had helped distract everyone from Ye Haoming's own failure.
  • After Qin Can sent Ye Haoming away, Ye Haoming realized he had been fooled again and angrily complained outside Qin Can's house.

Ch. 160Cat Boss's promise

Cat Boss brought a little Velvet Sparrow to Xu Ran for free grooming after the bird agreed to follow Cat Boss and learn to live in the human city. Xu Ran returned to Qingzhou City, reopened the Starfire Foster Shop, and discovered the new visitor’s identity through the system appraisal.

  • The little creature agreed to follow Cat Boss, learned that the Starfire Foster Shop groomed stray contract beasts for free, and decided to repay the twenty yuan she owed for food.
  • Xu Ran told Su Xiaoxiao and Gu Ling that he planned to develop the Cloud-Gathering City branch and would likely move there, while hiring two clerks to run the Qingzhou City shop with Mr. Tony.
  • Xu Ran and the others returned to Qingzhou City, where Mr. Tony welcomed him with a heart-shaped cake, and Xu Ran reopened the Starfire Foster Shop after four days away.
  • Purple Cloud, Starlight, and Can Can resumed training with renewed determination while Xu Ran waited for customers.
  • Cat Boss arrived carrying the little bird, and Xu Ran used the system to identify her as an Elite Rank Psychic Velvet Sparrow in need of grooming.

Ch. 161Cat Boss's new life

Xu Ran gave the Velvet Sparrow a sand bath and conditioning treatment, leaving it beautifully groomed. Cat Boss asked Xu Ran to let the Velvet Sparrow stay at the Starfire Foster Shop while Cat Boss began a new life, and the Velvet Sparrow offered Xu Ran a secret about Supernatural Creature evolution in exchange.

  • Xu Ran explained how a sand bath would clean the Velvet Sparrow's unusual down, and the Velvet Sparrow tried it and eagerly rolled in the bath sand.
  • Xu Ran conditioned the Velvet Sparrow's dry down, and the grooming left it clean, soft, and pure white.
  • The Velvet Sparrow refused to seek a Beast Tamer and told Xu Ran it wanted to return for grooming every day, but Xu Ran said once every twenty days was enough.
  • Cat Boss asked Xu Ran to let the Velvet Sparrow stay at the shop while Cat Boss tried a different way of life, and Xu Ran agreed.
  • The Velvet Sparrow refused to let Cat Boss pay its boarding costs and offered Xu Ran a secret about Supernatural Creature evolution instead.

Ch. 162The mysterious Velvet Sparrow

Xu Ran welcomed the mysterious Velvet Sparrow into his shop after it claimed to know about evolution, and helped Cat Boss join the Fierce Tiger Hunting Squad. A boy then asked Xu Ran to groom Huo Huo, an ancient Contract Beast nearing the end of its life, and Xu Ran agreed to do it for free seven days later.

  • The Velvet Sparrow told Xu Ran that a transcendence flower helped commander species evolve into monarch species, then hid its true identity behind a story about being abandoned.
  • Xu Ran believed the Velvet Sparrow's story, gave it a place to live, and allowed it to explore the city as long as it returned for meals.
  • Cat Boss decided to join a Hunting Squad, and Xu Ran arranged for it to join Zhang Yun's Fierce Tiger Hunting Squad.
  • A teenage boy told Xu Ran that Huo Huo, a commander-rank Contract Beast that had protected his family for nine generations, would die of old age within a week.
  • Xu Ran agreed to groom Huo Huo for free seven days later so it could look dignified before its death.

Ch. 163The Four Little Ones Meet for the First Time

Can Can, Purple Cloud, and Starlight met the newly arrived Velvet Sparrow, whose secret about evolution turned out to be old news to them. After Xu Ran learned about their encounter, he said they would attend the funeral of a long-serving Contract Beast in a week.

  • After training, Can Can anticipated evolving soon, while Purple Cloud and Starlight lamented how much longer their own preparations had taken.
  • The Velvet Sparrow visited Boarding Area residents and used Command Without Sign to influence the unfriendly Flame Monkey.
  • Can Can, Purple Cloud, and Starlight approached the Velvet Sparrow, which learned they were Xu Ran's Contract Beasts and that two of them were monarch species.
  • The Velvet Sparrow proudly revealed its evolution secret, but Can Can said they already knew about the Transcendence Flower, leaving the bird embarrassed and distressed.
  • Xu Ran learned that the three little ones had met the Velvet Sparrow and said they should look for it a suitable Beast Tamer.
  • Xu Ran told the three little ones they would attend the funeral in a week of a Contract Beast that had protected one family for nine generations.

Ch. 164A Guardian's Funeral

Xu Ran groomed the elderly Contract Beast Huo Huo, restoring its appearance as it briefly regained the vigor of its prime. Huo Huo then went to its former master's grave and died there, leaving the Velvet Sparrow with an answer to its question about a life spent in service.

  • Xu Ran welcomed Huo Huo, Du Ziyu, and Du Long to the closed Starfire Foster Shop, while the Velvet Sparrow translated Huo Huo's request for grooming.
  • Xu Ran groomed Huo Huo, making its coat and flames appear youthful again, though he knew the change could not restore its life.
  • Huo Huo left the shop, and Xu Ran and the others followed it toward the cemetery where its former master was buried.
  • Huo Huo curled around its master's grave as the Velvet Sparrow asked whether guarding a human at the cost of its freedom had been worthwhile.
  • Huo Huo answered that the Velvet Sparrow would know when it met the right person, then closed its eyes and died.

Ch. 165The Crafty Human and Four Beasts

Xu Ran attended Huo Huo’s funeral at the Du Family Courtyard, where his Contract Beasts schemed to get Liu Gu’s Wind Lion Dog back to the Starfire Foster Shop. The Velvet Sparrow used Command Without Sign to persuade the dog to request grooming the next day, while Xu Ran greeted Liu Gu and prepared to borrow his luck for a draw.

  • Du Long and Du Ziyu arranged to bury Huo Huo in the cemetery and hold a funeral that night at the Du Family Courtyard, which Xu Ran agreed to attend.
  • At the funeral, Purple Cloud, Starlight, and Can Can planned to persuade Liu Gu’s Wind Lion Dog to visit the Starfire Foster Shop for grooming so they could receive another resource allocation.
  • The three Contract Beasts tried to convince the Wind Lion Dog, but it refused until the Velvet Sparrow offered to help with Command Without Sign in exchange for learning what resource allocation meant.
  • Purple Cloud explained resource allocation, and the Velvet Sparrow used Command Without Sign to make the Wind Lion Dog decide to ask Liu Gu for grooming the next day.
  • Xu Ran greeted Liu Gu and, after noticing him, began to ask whether he knew Cat Boss.

Ch. 166A fourth Contract Beast?

Xu Ran allocated the team’s rewards and guided Can Can through several skill fusions, bringing its Innate Skills to Three-Star and upgrading Dragon Might into Dragonblood Horn. Can Can endured the painful upgrade and met its evolution conditions, leaving only one step before evolution.

  • Liu Gu thanked Xu Ran for helping Cat Boss join his team as a Commander Rank Contract Beast, then went to the Wind Lion Dog as Huo Huo’s memorial ceremony began.
  • Xu Ran discovered an Innate Skill Fusion Stone among his rewards and learned that only emperor species could use it; the three little ones chose to save it for later.
  • Xu Ran divided 22,701 Value Points among Purple Cloud, Starlight, and Can Can, then prioritized Can Can’s skill fusions.
  • Can Can fused Earth Collapse with Shockwave to create Earth-Splitting Heaven-Shattering, and fused Wall of Solid Rock with Regenerative Power to create Eternal Iron Wall.
  • Xu Ran fused Dragon Might with Fervor and Taunt, creating Dragonblood Horn; Can Can endured the painful upgrade and announced that its evolution conditions were met.

Ch. 167The Goal: Evolution!

Xu Ran and the Contract Beasts distributed their resources after Can Can unlocked Dragonblood Horn and met all its evolution requirements. Purple Cloud upgraded Blood Rage into Crimson Fighting Spirit, while the team prepared to leave the city to find a suitable evolution site for Can Can.

  • Can Can learned that Dragonblood Horn could grow stronger by consuming dragon Contract Beasts' blood essence, and Xu Ran raised its skills to Crescent Level while putting its remaining Skill Points into Earth Vein Resonance.
  • Can Can repaid Purple Cloud and Starlight, then gave up priority on the remaining resources so they could strengthen themselves.
  • Purple Cloud used a Three-Star Skill Scroll to upgrade Blood Rage into Crimson Fighting Spirit, which enhanced its abilities and Fighting Element skills while replacing its old side effects.
  • Purple Cloud and Starlight divided the remaining Skill Fusion Stones and resources, and Can Can spent its remaining Value Points on Skill Points for Earth Vein Resonance.
  • Xu Ran finished the distribution and announced that they would leave the city the next day to find the buried remains of an Earth Element dragon and help Can Can evolve.

Ch. 168Why didn't you ask me sooner?

Xu Ran and his pets searched Beast Domain No. 97 for buried Earth Element Dragon remains that Can Can needed to evolve, but found none across dozens of mapped locations. Back at the shop, the Velvet Sparrow revealed it might know a suitable site.

  • Xu Ran closed the Starfire Foster Shop and took Can Can, Purple Cloud, and Starlight outside Qingzhou City to search for an evolution site.
  • Can Can used Earth Vein Resonance, boosted by Starlight, to survey a wide area and discovered buried resources but could not reach a commander-rank one.
  • Xu Ran and the pets searched dozens of mapped detection points over two days without finding Earth Element Dragon remains.
  • Xu Ran encouraged the disappointed Can Can and decided they should return to Qingzhou City to gather more maps before exploring unknown areas.
  • The Velvet Sparrow asked what kind of location Can Can needed, then said, “Why didn't you ask me sooner?”

Ch. 169Xu Ran's suspicions

Velvet Sparrow led Xu Ran and his Contract Beasts to the monarch-rank remains of an Earth Element Dragon so Can Can could evolve. The Nightmare Beast King learned of their destination and sent a marshal-rank subordinate to test whether Xu Ran would protect Little Twelve; Can Can began its evolution beneath the remains.

  • Velvet Sparrow offered to guide Xu Ran to Earth Element Dragon remains in exchange for being taken outside Qingzhou City, and Xu Ran agreed.
  • Velvet Sparrow guided Xu Ran and his Contract Beasts out of the city while the Nightmare Beast King discovered their destination and ordered a subordinate to test Xu Ran’s loyalty to Little Twelve.
  • Xu Ran’s group reached the valley, where Can Can confirmed the remains were monarch-rank and found them buried underground.
  • Xu Ran and the others encouraged Can Can, which descended beneath the valley to begin evolving beside the dragon remains.

Ch. 170Can Can evolved!

Can Can used the dragon's aura to control the chaotic forces in its body and completed its evolution into a Coiling Dragon Tortoise, then broke through to Commander Rank. It emerged from underground at an enormous size, eager to show its new form to Xu Ran, Purple Cloud, Starlight, and the Velvet Sparrow.

  • Can Can combined its evolution materials beside the Monarch Rank Earth Element Giant Dragon's remains, but the resulting power caused painful, uncontrolled mutations.
  • Can Can sensed the dragon's aura in its blood-soaked surroundings and separated the dragon and tortoise powers within itself.
  • Can Can chose to reunite the two powers in a new order, taming them as its body transformed into a dragon-like form and grew to thirty-six meters.
  • Can Can completed its evolution and began advancing in rank as it rose through the rock toward the surface.
  • Xu Ran sensed Can Can's evolution and rank advancement, then Can Can emerged at a length of one hundred and eight meters, astonishing Xu Ran, Purple Cloud, Starlight, and the Velvet Sparrow.

Ch. 171The Coiling Dragon Tortoise's Power!

After Can Can evolved into a Coiling Dragon Tortoise, Xu Ran learned that Dragonblood Horn and Monarch's Might had fused into Dragon Tortoise's Might, while Can Can gained the ability to burrow underground. A Marshal Rank Thunderhowl Sky Tiger attacked the group, and Can Can and Starlight combined their powers to block its strike before Can Can restrained it and Purple Cloud prepared to attack.

  • Xu Ran saw that Can Can had gained Burrowing and Dragon Tortoise's Might, a fusion of Dragonblood Horn and Monarch's Might.
  • Can Can explained that Burrowing would let it gather resources buried underground, but a roar carrying powerful Monarch's Might interrupted them.
  • Xu Ran mounted Starlight with Purple Cloud and the Velvet Sparrow while Can Can followed underground, but they stopped when a Marshal Rank presence caught up with them.
  • The Marshal Rank Thunderhowl Sky Tiger, a subordinate of the Velvet Sparrow's father, attacked the Velvet Sparrow, which urged Xu Ran and the others to flee.
  • Can Can enlarged itself and used Earth Vein Resonance with Starlight and Xu Ran's Fate-Binding Star-Link to block the Thunderhowl Sky Tiger's strike.
  • Can Can used Dragon Tortoise's Might to pin the Thunderhowl Sky Tiger, and Purple Cloud confronted it with a deep-purple energy ball as it tried to retreat.

Ch. 172I hate Daddy the most!

Xu Ran and his Contract Beasts returned to Qingzhou City after the Thunderhowl Sky Tiger retreated, carrying a powerful Monarch Rank resource for Can Can. The Nightmare Beast King learned about Xu Ran’s strength and grew wary, while Xu Ran reached his shop and was greeted by Tony’s loud celebration.

  • The Thunderhowl Sky Tiger fled after clashing with Xu Ran and his Contract Beasts, and Can Can retrieved an earth-type Monarch Rank resource before they hurried toward Qingzhou City.
  • The Velvet Sparrow realized the Nightmare Beast King had marked her with Dormant Seed and suspected the Thunderhowl Sky Tiger had been testing Xu Ran, though she decided she liked Xu Ran’s loyalty.
  • The Thunderhowl Sky Tiger reported that Xu Ran’s three Contract Beasts had challenged its Marshal Rank strength, prompting the Nightmare Beast King to reconsider his assumptions about humans and Xu Ran’s background.
  • Xu Ran reached Qingzhou City and called Gu Wu to report the encounter, but Gu Wu hung up in shock after learning Can Can had evolved and helped face a Marshal Rank creature.
  • Xu Ran arrived at the Starfire Foster Shop, where Tony greeted him in a Sao Pink suit with music, party cannons, and a request for promotion.

Ch. 173The final push for Main Quest 2

Xu Ran halted resource distributions while he gathered the points and Skill Fragments needed to promote Mr. Tony to System Shop Manager and open a branch in Cloud-Gathering City. Mr. Tony proposed a fifty-percent grooming discount to speed up the savings, drawing customers to the Starfire Foster Shop as the news of its possible move spread.

  • Xu Ran told The Four Little Ones that resource distributions would stop while they saved up the requirements for Mr. Tony's promotion, and Can Can offered to gather resources while Purple Cloud and Starlight asked to borrow points and money.
  • The Velvet Sparrow returned to the Boarding Area, feeling lonely at the thought that Xu Ran and the others might leave and wondering whether forming a contract with a human would bring the warmth it wanted.
  • Mr. Tony suggested a limited-time grooming discount to attract more customers and make up for Qingzhou City's shortage of mid-level Beast Tamers, and Xu Ran agreed to try it.
  • Lin Yue told Su Xiaoxiao that the Starfire Foster Shop was offering grooming at half price, and Su Xiaoxiao revealed that Xu Ran might be going to Cloud-Gathering City to open a branch.
  • Aji reported the discount to Lü Hong, who led Lü Huang and the Bamboo Leaf Martial Arts School's Contract Beasts to the shop to take advantage of it.
  • The Fierce Tiger Hunting Squad returned from an outing with Cat Boss and decided to visit the shop for discounted grooming, while Zhou Hao planned to take the Shadow-Hunting Lizard and Brilliant Dragon Sparrow there after training.

Ch. 174Two New Clerks

Xu Ran finished gathering the resources to promote Tony to System Shop Manager, then claimed the reward for completing his quest and received two new clerks. The chapter ended with Xu Ran meeting the unusual Green Frog and Black-Clothes clerks and questioning whether they were really his new staff.

  • Qi He brought his Blaze Wind Eagle to Starfire Foster Shop for grooming and was impressed by the results.
  • Xu Ran told Liu Yu and Qi He that he planned to open another Starfire Foster Shop in Cloud-Gathering City and that Tony would help run the original shop.
  • Xu Ran used the final Skill Fragments from Qi He's Contract Beast to complete the resources needed for Tony's promotion.
  • Xu Ran promoted Tony to System Shop Manager and claimed the completed Main Quest reward for two new System Clerks.
  • A Green-Skinned Frog clerk emerged from the vortex, followed by a black-clad clerk named Mr. Black-Clothes.

Ch. 175Main Quest 3, an unexpected feature

Xu Ran unlocked teleportation between Starfire Foster Shop branches and opened the Cloud-Gathering City shop, while Tony explained that managers could call him between cities. Back in Qingzhou City, the new clerks began their duties, and Ye Haoming recruited Qin Can to visit Xu Ran’s shop and cause trouble.

  • Xu Ran learned that Main Quest 3 required him to open a branch in a Second-Tier Stronghold and raise local name recognition to 70%, and he saw that the Cloud-Gathering City shop had been renovated.
  • Xu Ran discovered the teleportation feature, spent 10,000 happiness points to travel to Cloud-Gathering City, and summoned his three Contract Beasts to join him.
  • Tony called Xu Ran and explained that shop managers could contact him across cities by landline, with calls costing happiness points.
  • Xu Ran opened the Cloud-Gathering City branch, while Tony, the Green-Skinned Frog, and the man in black began running the Qingzhou City shop.
  • Ye Haoming told Qin Can that Xu Ran had registered the Starfire Foster Shop in Cloud-Gathering City and invited him to make trouble there, and Qin Can agreed on the condition that Ye Haoming paid.
Arc 7 of 16