: The Succubus Turns on Her Master at the Start?

Lin Yuan City.

In front of the Beast Taming Summoning Altar, the scene was bustling with shadows of people.

The summoning array on the altar flickered with white light, reflecting on the tense and expectant faces of every student.

"Excellent! It's Excellent Level!"

"Why is my guardian beast Ordinary Level... It's over..."

Some students exclaimed with surprise, others rejoiced, while some were lost and disappointed...

The teacher responsible for the ceremony maintained a calm expression as he glanced at each student.

"The beast summoning is completely random, and the probability of a high-quality beast is less than one in ten thousand. Even if the result is not ideal, you still have a chance to become stronger through effort."​

His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached everyone's ears.

Amid the crowd, a handsome young man looked around in confusion.

Unfamiliar world, unfamiliar vocabulary, unfamiliar rules!​

He lowered his head to look at his palm, then raised his head to gaze at the altar emitting mysterious energy, finally confirming one thing—

He, Gu Xing... had crossed over!

Fortunately, as a traveler from another world, he quickly accepted the memories of this body.

However.

After sorting through the information in his mind, he couldn't help but twitch his mouth.

"Alternate Space invasion? Everyone makes beast contracts? Parents deceased?"​

While he was poor in his previous life, at least he wasn't in life-threatening danger.

But in this world...

A single mistake could see him turned to ashes by monsters from the Alternate Space!​

"Next, Gu Xing!"

The teacher's call from the altar suddenly pulled him back to reality.

Gu Xing took a deep breath and stepped onto the altar.

The teacher ticked a box next to his name on the list and nodded at him as a gesture.

At this moment, Gu Xing stood before the array, his heart pounding.

This altar, capable of connecting to the Alternate Space to summon guardian beasts. ​

This is the only chance for ordinary Beast Masters to overturn their destiny!​

As long as he summoned a high-talented beast, he could soar to the skies!

"Place your hand on the summoning array, and relax."

Following the teacher's guidance, Gu Xing slowly raised his hand, placing his palm on the array.

In an instant, a purple beam shot towards the sky.

The crowd was instantly silent.

The next second—

​"Purple... Purple?! Damn! An Epic Talent beast?!"​

​"The last time an Epic Talent beast appeared in Lin Yuan City was a year ago, wasn't it?!"​

​"Gu Xing... What kind of luck does this guy have?!"​

Even the teacher who had been calm suddenly widened his pupils.

—An Epic Level beast!​

What does this mean?

This means that his summoning ceremony record will be written into Lin Yuan City's history!

His reputation will echo throughout the city with the birth of this beast!

He abruptly raised his head, his eyes fixed firmly on the center of the altar.

However, a scene that even shook him appeared—

A humanoid beast pet?!​

​"How... How is this possible?!"​

The forms of beast pets are varied, but humanoid pets are the rarest and most precious among them!

Because humanoid means higher intelligence, stronger potential, and more perfect battle adaptability!

—This is a beast only the true talents of the heavens can obtain!​

As the purple light gradually faded, a slender figure slowly walked out.

It was a girl. ​

Her skin was as white as snow, and a pair of small bat wings gently fluttered behind her, each step she took radiating an enchanting charm.

—Succubus!​

The teacher immediately recognized the species of this beast in his mind.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and explained in a deep voice:

"Succubus, a Dark Element Epic Level beast, although its direct combat ability is slightly inferior to those of the same tier, its intelligence far surpasses ordinary beast pets, and its growth potential is immense!"​

​"Cultivate it well, and you can easily rank among the top ten talents in Lin Yuan City!"​

However, at this moment, Gu Xing was not in the mood to listen to the teacher's analysis.

Because—

A semi-transparent attributes panel suddenly appeared before his eyes!​

[Succubus (Unnamed)]

[Status: Uncontracted]

[Talent: Epic Two Stars]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Attributes: Dark Element, Spiritual Type]

[Skills: Desire Absorption, Enchanting Eyes]

[Cultivation Suggestion: Use Dark Night Crystal, Fallen Feather... to enhance the beast's talent]

Gu Xing stared at the attributes panel in front of him, feeling waves of shock within his heart.

Is this... a cheat?!​

As far as he knows, no one in this world can directly see the detailed data of beasts, let alone have a clear cultivation plan!

What does this mean?

This means that as long as he follows the guidance of the panel, he could very possibly cultivate this Succubus's talent to Epic Nine Stars, or even... Legendary Level!

As his emotions surged, the Succubus gently walked up to him, obediently nestling beside him.

The teacher beside him seemed to realize something and immediately reminded in a deep voice:

"Gu Xing, quickly sign a contract with the beast! Lest you dream too long!"

Gu Xing was about to nod—

​"Sharp—!"​

A sharp bird cry tore through the sky!

Everyone looked up to see a cyan giant bird with a wingspan exceeding five meters diving, the whirlwind it brought blowing the flags around the altar into a frenzy.

The giant bird landed, and a middle-aged man in luxurious robes leapt lightly down.

His face bore a false smile, yet his eyes were fixed firmly on the Succubus beside Gu Xing.

"Congratulations, Teacher Wang! Hosting a ceremony that summoned an Epic Talent beast is big news for Lin Yuan City!"​

Chen Shan clasped his hands, speaking in a warm tone as if they were old friends.

Teacher Wang sneered: ​​"Boss Chen, busy as you are, how do you have time for this little altar?"​

​"Ah, the altar is the foundation of Lin Yuan City, so I must frequently visit and care."​

Chen Shan smiled carefree and perfunctory, yet his steps didn't halt as he walked straight toward Gu Xing.

​"This student—"​

He feigned amicably as he patted Gu Xing's shoulder,​​"My son is also in his final year of high school this year, and he's in need of a strong beast. Your Epic Level one... Why not transfer it to me?"​

The dagger reveals itself!​

Gu Xing's pupils contracted, instantly understanding Chen Shan's intention.

Chen Shan, the controller of Lin Yuan City's largest trade guild!

​He actually intends to seize his Succubus!

Gu Xing instinctively looked towards Teacher Wang.

"The law of Longxia states that without the Beast Master's consent, no one may forcibly seize the summoned beast."

"So as long as you refuse, no one today can take your beast."

With the teacher's assurance, Gu Xing felt slightly calmer.

He took a deep breath and stared directly at Chen Shan:

​"Sorry, I refuse."​

Chen Shan's smile remained unchanged, as if he had expected such an answer.

​"Don't be so quick to refuse."​

He leisurely raised a finger,​​"Ten million. This amount is enough for you to buy an Excellent Talent beast, with resources left over to cultivate it."​

He squinted, his tone tempting:​​

"Cultivating an Epic Talent beast consumes a huge amount. You're just an ordinary student, why bear the burden? Why not take the money and get more?"​

If it were someone else, perhaps they'd be tempted by these conditions.

But Gu Xing only sneered.

—What kind of joke is this!​

He has the system in hand, the growth route for the Succubus clearly laid out, and they can even break through to Legendary in the future!

A mere ten million?

It can't even buy a single feather!

He was about to firmly refuse once again—

"I... I think he's right."​

A weak voice suddenly sounded from his side.

Gu Xing stiffened all over, turning his head in disbelief.

—The one speaking turned out to be the Succubus snuggling beside him!​

...

...

: 20 Million! No Haggling!

As soon as the succubus finished speaking, the entire altar plunged into silence.

The gaze of the three pierced straight into her.

Under such scrutiny, a hint of embarrassment emerged on the succubus's face...

Yet her body discreetly shifted away from Gu Xing, even quietly moving half a step towards Chen Shan.

Betrayal!!!

Gu Xing was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place.

In this world, for a guardian beast to betray its master is more absurd than the sun rising from the west!

Summoners are, after all, akin to the "parents" who grant them life.

The vast majority of guardian beasts would rather die in battle than forsake their master.

But this succubus before him...

Gu Xing stared at her relentlessly.

That innocent and charming face remained seemingly harmless.

Yet at this moment in his eyes, it seemed like a cleverly disguised façade...

Concealing nothing but calculation and greed underneath!

But in the next second, Gu Xing suddenly smiled.

A blessing in disguise?

Rather than keeping a time bomb around, it's better to see her true colors sooner!

What of an epic-level guardian beast?

His golden finger can cultivate more than just this one!

Even a normal guardian beast can reach the peak under his cultivation in due time!

"Interesting."

Gu Xing chuckled softly and shook his head:

"It seems that some people... No, some beasts, don't even understand basic loyalty."

On the other side.

Chen Shan was first taken aback, then his smile grew even brighter.

"I've long heard of the intelligence of the succubus clan, and today proves it was no exaggeration!"

"Dear succubus, as long as you're willing to follow my son, my Chen Family will devote all resources to cultivate you!"

He didn't forget to deliberately look at Gu Xing:

"Dear student, given your guardian beast's stance, you won't... make it difficult for her, right?"

"Bullshit!"

Wang Yi, who had witnessed everything, stepped forward fiercely, cursing angrily.

As a retiree of the battlefield, Wang Yi was extremely disgusted by Chen Shan's oppressive behavior.

"The 'Longxia Beast Taming Technique' clearly states that guardian beast transactions must be approved by the summoner! When did guardian beasts start making decisions on their own?"

He turned his eyes to Gu Xing, his gaze piercing:

"Today, as long as you shake your head, no one will take her!"

With these words, everyone's gaze once again locked onto Gu Xing.

The wind on the altar suddenly stopped.

Gu Xing slowly turned, looking at the succubus who had eyes filled with pleading and a desire for freedom.

Does this guardian beast... really wish to leave him so urgently?

He suddenly laughed, a laugh filled with irony and relief.

"Mr. Chen," Gu Xing's voice was chillingly calm, "I agree to this deal."

A look of joy arose simultaneously on the faces of Chen Shan and the succubus, but before they could relax—

"However..."

These two words instantly raised their hearts to their throats.

"The price doubles, twenty million."

—Boom!​

That number exploded like a bolt of lightning, changing Chen Shan's expression drastically.

The market price for an ordinary epic-level guardian beast is merely around eight million.

He had offered ten million, already a purchase at a premium, but he didn't expect this youngster to dare raise the price on the spot!

"Young man, this price..."

Chen Shan forced down his anger, trying to negotiate.

"No negotiations."

Gu Xing directly interrupted him, his voice as cold as ice:

"If Mr. Chen isn't willing to pay this price..."

"I'd rather send her away for destruction!"

Crack!​

The succubus's façade instantly crumbled.

As a spiritual type guardian beast, she could distinctly sense the killing intent in Gu Xing's words—

This man is serious!

"Ugh..."

Facing imminent death, she could no longer maintain that pitiful image.

She looked at Chen Shan in terror, eyes full of supplication.

This was her only chance of survival!

While Chen Shan's expression was unpredictable.

Twenty million wasn't much to him, but being held on a string by a fledgling young man felt like a blockage in his chest.

He squinted to evaluate the youth before him; the adversary's readiness to bet everything further stoked his ire.

Yet, remembering his son, he forcibly swallowed his anger.

First, acquire this guardian beast, and as for the rest...

The days ahead are long.

"Alright, I agree with you!"

Chen Shan almost gritted these words out.

Gu Xing said no more, swiftly severing the temporary contract with the succubus.

Once saved, the succubus immediately cast a grateful glance at Chen Shan, her voice sickeningly sweet:

"I will certainly aid your son well~"

With his objective achieved, Chen Shan snorted coldly and walked away with the succubus.

Meanwhile, as Wang Yi looked at the somewhat dazed Gu Xing, he sighed softly while patting his shoulder:

"I've seen this happen many times, but a guardian beast betraying a master..."

He shook his head, "That's certainly a rarity."

"However, this might not be a bad thing."

"At least you've seen her true colors. With this money, you can totally choose an exceptional guardian beast for cultivation."

"Thank you, Mr. Wang."

After bidding farewell to Wang Yi, Gu Xing walked out of the summoning altar alone.

The sunset stretched his shadow long; the strange buildings lining the streets and the various guardian beasts walking about reminded him that this was no longer his original world.

Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the complex emotions in his heart.

Currently, the most urgent concern was to swiftly contract a guardian beast—

No matter the talent!

"Without a guardian beast, I won't be able to participate in the school's selection in ten days..."

Gu Xing muttered to himself, his brows furrowing unconsciously.

The "college entrance exam" system of this world is vastly different from his previous world.

The ruthless three-round elimination system, with the first round being the school's selection in ten days.

Only the top hundred of each academy can advance, and his qualification to compete is at risk.

Thinking of this, Gu Xing couldn't help but clench his fist.

If that succubus hadn't betrayed him, ten days would have been enough to gather materials for the first cultivation...

With an epic-level succubus further enhanced, even if unable to take the top spot in the school's assessment, he could still enter the top ten.

But now...

His knuckles whitened due to force; he compelled himself to calm down.

"At least there's twenty million..."

This fortune is sufficient for him to buy an exceptional talent guardian beast at the Beast Taming Shop.

Although not comparable to epic talent succubus, he had no other choice now.

Gu Xing hailed a taxi drawn by a bipedal land dragon, entered the cabin, and spoke in a deep voice:

"Driver, to the largest Beast Taming Shop in Lin Yuan City!"

...

...

: Fallen Angel

The Beast Taming Shop is the largest merchant house in Lin Yuan City, overseeing the distribution of resources from the Alternate Space.

Here, not only are all kinds of Guardian Beasts captured from the Alternate Space sold, but also rare materials, Evolution Potions, and even strange treasures.

Gu Xing stood before the grand entrance of the Beast Taming Association, looking up.

The whole building was pyramid-shaped, divided into five layers, each corresponding to a different rank—

Common, Elite, Excellent, Epic, Legendary.

Of course, the "Legendary Level" area at the very top was usually vacant, with only a few rare materials from the Alternate Space occasionally displayed for admiration.

And the "Epic Level" area on the fourth floor had only a handful of Epic materials, priced so high it was jaw-dropping.

Gu Xing didn't linger on the first floor, heading straight up to the third—

Excellent-level Guardian Beast Zone.

In the spacious hall, dozens of Guardian Beasts of various shapes were locked in specially designed Energy Cages, each accompanied by detailed information and pricing.

Gu Xing's gaze swept over, their attribute panels automatically popping up before his eyes—

[Mystic Snake]

[Talent: Excellent Three Stars]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Skills: Poisonous Fang Bite]

[Spirit Cat]

[Talent: Excellent One Star]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Skills: Agile Evasion]

...

The prices of these Guardian Beasts generally ranged from five hundred thousand to one million, with talent increasing the price.

Gu Xing finally stopped before a wolf-type Guardian Beast.

This was the highest talent on the third floor—

[Gray Wolf]

[Talent: Excellent Three Stars]

[Attribute: Wind Element]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Skills: Gale Claw Strike]

[Cultivation Suggestions: Wind Spirit Grass, Hurricane Crystal...]

Looking at these single-skill Guardian Beasts, Gu Xing frowned slightly.

Although Excellent-level beasts were already a decent choice, they were nothing compared to the Epic-level Succubus.

Moreover, he had twenty million in funds, enough to aim much higher!

"Excuse me, does the Beast Taming Association have any other guardian beasts?"

He stopped a staff member, still not giving up.

"Hello, sir. What's on display is all the guardian beasts we acquired this year."

Excellent talent...

He stared at the Gray Wolf; three stars of talent was rare for an ordinary Beast Master.

But after seeing the Epic-level Succubus's panel, this talent held no appeal in his eyes.

Besides, cultivating a beast like this to the level of the Succubus would probably cost far more than twenty million.

However, just as he was turning away in disappointment...

The staff member suddenly called out to him.

"Wait! There's another place..."

Gu Xing spun around so quickly the staff member instinctively stepped back.

"Where?"

The staff member was startled by Gu Xing.

"It's like this—we only display the latest guardian beasts acquired each year."

"The ones we didn't sell from past years are managed together in the back office."

"But...don't get your hopes up, sir. Those are all the leftover rejects."

Hearing this, the hope just sparked in Gu Xing's heart was snuffed out again.

Leftover rejects—how could any of them be worth anything?

Yet, holding to the 'since I'm here anyway' mindset, Gu Xing hesitated for a bit, then still decided to check out the back office.

If he found nothing there, he could always come back to the third floor and contract with the Gray Wolf.

"But you'll have to hurry; wait any longer and they'll be sent off to be destroyed."

...

Back Office.

The lighting was dim and oppressive.

A silver-haired girl curled up in a corner, hugging her knees tightly, burying her face deep in her arms.

Around her, several guardian beasts of different shapes also quietly awaited judgment from fate.

The Shadow Leopard missing a leg, the Spirit Fox born blind...

They were the rejects, left unchosen for an entire year.

"Time's up."

The metal door hinge screeched, and a young man in uniform entered.

Today was Beast Summoning Day in Lin Yuan City, and also these beasts' final day.

The merchant house wasn't a charity; they'd kept them for a year already, that was mercy enough.

Destroying them could at least reclaim some materials—waste not, want not.

Hearing footsteps, the beasts rose numbly.

But the one most eye-catching was the silver-haired girl.

When she lifted her head, her silver hair fell like a waterfall, her delicate face set with amber eyes, she looked like an angel fallen to earth.

No—

She was an Angel!

The staff member sighed.

A year ago, when this Epic-level Angel descended upon Lin Yuan City, she caused a sensation.

Unfortunately, her congenital disability left her worse off than even a Common beast, unable to contract or upgrade.

A "reject" like this had almost no recycling value left.

"Let's go!"

Just as he was about to lead the way, hurried footsteps echoed from the distance.

"Wait!"

Gu Xing rushed in, panting, his bangs soaked with sweat.

He'd spent half an hour searching the maze-like Beast Taming Shop, finally finding his way to the secluded back office.

His gaze swept the room and instantly locked onto that flicker of silver.

The attribute panel popped up:

[Angel (Liu Li)]

[Status: Uncontracted (Disabled Wing—unable to contract)]

[Talent: Epic Nine Stars]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Skills: Holy Light Judgment, Wings of Heaven, Divine Lament]

[Special State: Congenitally Damaged (Disabled Wing) (Negative State: Cannot level up)]

[Cultivation Suggestions: Use Angel's Feather, Radiant Star Dust, Holy Spirit Stone (to heal injuries)]

Gu Xing's pupils shrank sharply.

A Guardian Beast with Epic Nine Star talent?!

This was the highest talent he'd ever seen...

Just a step away from Legendary Level!

And Epic-level beasts usually only had two skills, but Liu Li...

Had three!

Only...

His gaze involuntarily moved to her back.

Where there should have been a pair of holy wings, it was now empty.

This was the reason nobody cared about her!

But the system had given a restoration plan:

Angel's Feather*1, Radiant Star Dust*3, Holy Spirit Stone*1.

And the merchant house just happened to have all three!

Gu Xing's heart pounded wildly.

She's the one!

This was the Guardian Beast he'd been searching for!

If he healed her wounds, her talent would utterly eclipse that Succubus!

Gu Xing took a deep breath and slowly walked over to the staff member.

"Hello, I'd like to buy that Angel. How much is she?"

At these words...

Liu Li's pupils contracted sharply.

She slowly lifted her head, amber eyes reflecting the figure standing in the light.

Was... he talking about her?

Three hundred days and nights, she'd curled up in this dark corner, hoping again and again, only to be disappointed each time.

In the end, she grew numb, not daring to hope anyone would ever look her way again.

But at this moment—

The stranger was actually pointing at her.

Her heart felt like it was gripped by an invisible hand, even breathing became difficult.

Did he really understand what he was choosing?

A reject who couldn't even fly...

Her nails dug deep into her palms, but she felt no pain.

Liu Li dropped her head, silver hair hovering down, hiding the faint flush in her eyes.

She clearly... shouldn't expect anything anymore.

But why... did it still hurt?

....

...