: 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?

....

...

: He Is Like a God!

Gu Xing's move to choose a Guardian Beast from the defective products section left the staff momentarily stunned.

"E-excuse me, are you talking about that Angel Guardian Beast?"

"Yes. How much is it?"

Gu Xing repeated his question.

The staff member nervously wrung his hands. "I'm sorry, sir, I can't make that decision..."

He quickly contacted his supervisor and soon received a reply.

"All it takes is 10,000 Longxia Coins, and you can take this Guardian Beast."

"Although it's a defective product, it is still Epic Quality…"

Gu Xing paid decisively and without hesitation.

Soon, the two of them arrived at the Contract Room.

Liu Li stood at the edge of the Contract Array, her silver hair hanging down, hiding her slightly trembling shoulders.

Was this really going to be a contract?

Her fingertips unconsciously twisted the edge of her clothes, the fabric bunching tightly in her palm.

A Guardian Beast like herself...

Liu Li bit her lower lip, her amber eyes clouded with tears.

"I'm sorry! I can't make a contract with you. I am an incomplete Guardian Beast."

Her voice was choked with sobs, sounding like a hurt little animal.

Gu Xing, who was preparing the Contract Array, looked up in surprise.

Seeing Liu Li's tear-streaked face, only then did he realize he had ignored the Guardian Beast's feelings.

"Don't put yourself down. You are an incredibly outstanding Guardian Beast."

Gu Xing looked at Liu Li with determination, trying to pass on some faith to this despairing girl.

"No, I'm not..."

Liu Li broke down, covering her face. "I can't even do the most basic Leveling Up!"

"I know what your problem is."

Gu Xing stepped forward, holding her trembling shoulders in both hands. "But I have a way to fix it."

"R-really?"

Liu Li froze for a moment, looking up at him through her tears.

"If I wasn't confident, why would I choose you?"

Gu Xing pointed at the calendar on the wall. "The assessment is in ten days. No one would gamble their future."

Just as Gu Xing finished speaking, there was a knock at the door.

The staff came in with the materials he had just ordered...almost completely wiping out his entire 20 million!

"I've got the materials. Want to try?"

Upon hearing this, the little angel's body trembled slightly, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

Although she knew the chances of recovering from her injuries were incredibly slim...

But still...

What if?

Under Gu Xing's encouraging gaze, Liu Li followed his instructions and used all three materials one by one.

The next moment...

A dense violet light suddenly erupted from Liu Li's wounds.

This glow was even deeper than what he had seen when summoning the Succubus on the altar—almost solid, as if about to swallow up the whole room.

And, even more astonishing—

In the surging violet light, there was a faint trace of brilliant golden radiance!

"This is..."

Gu Xing's pupils shrank, but before he could think further, that gold spread like wildfire!

Gold… Legendary Talent!

"How is that possible?!"

Gu Xing's breath caught in his chest.

The system's materials were clearly for healing injuries, so why did it trigger a Talent Evolution?

Unless...

Liu Li's wounds themselves were the shackles limiting her potential!

As that thought flashed through his mind, the golden light completely filled the room.

From Liu Li's back, a pair of pure white wings unfurled—

Pure as snow, spotless and pristine.

The wings gently folded in, softly wrapping around Liu Li, finally transforming into a huge Light Cocoon.

"Boom—!"

An invisible energy shockwave erupted, piercing through the roof and shooting straight into the sky!

Inside the City Lord's Mansion

City Lord of Lin Yuan, Xia Xiu, was reclining in a sandalwood chair, his fingertips tapping the rim of a cup, savoring a rare moment of leisure.

On days without Alternate Space invasions, even the tea tasted fresher and crisper.

Yet, in the next second—

"Clatter!"

The porcelain teacup suddenly slipped from his fingers, shattering on the stone floor!

Xia Xiu didn't even notice, his pupils contracting in an instant as he shot to his feet and looked out the window!

Just now, he had felt a vast, abyssal aura descend from the heavens, covering the entire Lin Yuan City!

That aura was sacred and majestic, like a god's downward glance—yet it vanished as swiftly as it appeared.

"Someone!"

Xia Xiu's voice turned sharp. "Immediately investigate all nearby Alternate Space rifts!"

The guards hurried off to carry out the order, but Xia Xiu's brows only furrowed deeper.

There were only two things that could trigger such a phenomenon—

Either the barriers of Alternate Space had weakened, letting out a terrifying aura;

Or... a Legendary Talent Guardian Beast had been born!

"As for a Legendary Talent Guardian Beast, heh, how could that possibly…"

Xia Xiu shook his head in self-mockery, dismissing the second possibility outright.

In a border city like Lin Yuan, even Guardian Beasts with Epic Talent were treasured like pearls, let alone those of Legendary status!

....

But what he did not know was that right now, inside the Contract Room of the Beast Taming Shop...

Gu Xing stared dumbfounded at the light-screen before him, his throat rolling involuntarily.

[Holy Angel (Liu Li)]

[Status: Not Contracted]

[Talent: Legendary One Star]

[Level: Tier Zero]

[Skills: Judgment (deals bonus damage to Demon Race creatures), Divine Protection (immune to one fatal attack), Blazing Angel Form (All Attributes increased by 200%), Song of the End (forces the angel into slumber after use)]

[Cultivation Suggestions: Use Light Crystal, Holy Spirit Marrow Liquid...]

Legendary Level…

It really succeeded!

Gu Xing took a deep breath, trying to calm his wildly pounding heart.

Legendary Level and Epic Level are entirely different things!

But if this angel turned out like that Succubus before… then…

A trace of coldness flashed in Gu Xing's eyes.

The only reason he dared spend 20 million to heal this angel's wounds was that the Beast Taming Shop had means of preventing Guardian Beasts from betraying their master.

However…

"Swish!"

A silver-white figure suddenly dropped to one knee, wings half spread, scattering fragments of light beneath the lamp.

Liu Li looked up, pure amber pupils filled with unshakable resolve.

"Holy Angel Liu Li, requests to become your Guardian Beast!"

As that firm voice rang out, Gu Xing finally let out the breath he'd been holding.

He slowly curved his lips, a smile spreading from the bottom of his eyes.

Utter relief!

After all, not all Guardian Beasts in this world were as cold and callous as that Succubus.

The girl kneeling on one knee raised her head, pure white wings shimmering with pearly luster under the light, golden eyes brimming with determination tinged with cautious hopefulness.

Watching the girl, nerves tense and heart full of expectation for his answer, he took a slow breath and solemnly extended his hand.

"Liu Li, welcome to being my very first Guardian Beast!"

As Gu Xing spoke, a single crystalline teardrop silently slid down the girl's porcelain cheek.

This moment, she had waited for so, so long.

For countless days and nights, she curled up in the cold corners of the shop, ears echoing with "defective product", "worthless reject", "failure with crippled wings"...

But now, at last, she had waited long enough.

All those lonely, unspoken pains, the despair nobody knew...

At this very moment, they all became the most precious gifts.

It turns out, the gods truly do pity an angel forgotten by the world.

...

...

: Novice Trial

By the time the two completed their contract and left the Beast Taming Shop to go home, it was already dusk.

Gu Xing pushed open the door, a familiar figure made him freeze in place.

"Sis?"

Gu Qianqian turned around at the sound, her chestnut ponytail tracing a graceful arc in the air.

"Xing is back? Hurry and come eat," she waved, smiling warmly.

Since Gu Qianqian enrolled in the National Academy, the siblings hadn't seen each other for half a year.

At the dinner table.

"Sis, why did you come back suddenly?"

"I accepted a task for Lin Yuan City, and since I was passing by, I decided to drop in and see you."

Her gaze fell on Liu Li, who was sitting upright, her eyes showing a hint of curiosity, "Is this your Guardian Beast?"

The young girl straightened her spine and properly placed her hands on her knees.

Upon hearing Gu Qianqian's question, she suddenly bowed at a 90-degree angle, her forehead bumping against the table with a thud.

"Greetings to the big sister!"

Gu Qianqian was initially stunned, but quickly found herself amused by the adorable reaction, "No need to be so restrained; we are family now."

Only then did Liu Li lift her head, her face flushed red, nodding repeatedly like a little chicken pecking at rice.

As the laughter faded, Gu Qianqian's expression grew serious.

She put down her chopsticks, staring straight into Gu Xing's eyes:

"Xing, you must seize the opportunity in the Newbie Trial Space tomorrow."

"The military has cordoned off a safe zone in the Alternate Space, the highest Level magic beast is only Level 5, making it the best opportunity for newcomers."

"And the Newbie Trial can only be entered once, it's the only buffer period the military provides."

Gu Xing silently nodded.

Once you enter the real Alternate Space, even a Commander Level Beast Master could face unexpected dangers.

The levels in this world are divided into:

Awakening, Extraordinary, Commander, Monarch... each major level further divides into ten sub-levels.

Currently, he stood at the very bottom, merely at the Awakening Level, requiring utmost caution.

His primary task at present was to seize every opportunity to grow quickly.

With Gu Qianqian's instructions, the meal ended hurriedly.

With tasks at hand, Gu Qianqian didn't stay long, taking only a few hours off just to check on him.

Seeing her younger brother's well-being, she felt reassured.

...

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

The entrance to the Newbie Trial Space was bustling.

Countless students gathered here, either seeking teams or looking for someone strong to latch onto.

Though it was a Newbie Trial Space, a small error could still cost one's life.

Thus, for civilians, teaming up was deemed the best choice.

"We need a Guardian Beast specializing in output, our team is four looking for one!"

"Any pros willing to take me along? I have a healing-type Guardian Beast and I'm a sweet girl with 36D, promise to obey in the Trial Space!"

"Whoa! A humanoid Guardian Beast... Where did this big shot come from? Quick, seeking team-up!"

A humanoid Guardian Beast signified formidable combat power, attracting countless gazes as Gu Xing entered with Liu Li.

But quickly, everyone understood the identity of the humanoid Guardian Beast.

"Isn't that Gu Xing? Didn't he sell the humanoid Guardian Beast he summoned to the Chen Family? Where did this humanoid Guardian Beast come from now?"

"I remember now, this Guardian Beast was summoned from the altar last year; I heard she's useless!"

"Contracting a Guardian Beast that can't level up, has he completely given up?"

Now, no one dared to team up with him, keeping their distance.

Carrying a useless Guardian Beast in the team would spell pure disaster, wouldn't it?

Now Gu Xing was actually pleased.

There were many people at the entrance of the Newbie Trial, those who arrived later had difficulty squeezing in.

But now, the crowd parted naturally, clearing his path.

Under the gaze of all, Gu Xing calmly walked to the entrance.

"He really is a strange person..."

"Looking at him, is he planning to enter the Trial Space alone, without forming a team?"

"Isn't he asking for trouble?"

Gu Xing completely disregarded these murmurs, just as he was about to register with Liu Li to enter the Trial Space.

A suddenly odd voice rang from behind:

"Yo~ isn't it you?"

Chen Ziming walked close, holding a Succubus, deliberately rubbing his temples as if pondering.

"Gu... what Gu again?"

The Succubus in his arms immediately caught on, replying in a sweet voice:

"Master, he's called Gu Xing~"

"Ah yes, right, Gu Xing!"

Chen Ziming dramatically smacked his forehead, displaying disdain in his eyes.

"I should thank you; without your 'generous offer', how would I have contracted such an outstanding Guardian Beast?" He said, pinching hard at the Succubus' waist.

"Oh... master..."

The Succubus let out a coquettish moan, although she rolled her eyes subtly, her face quickly adorned with a fawning smile.

"Only by following a genius like you can I fully realize my value."

Those around them also chimed in:

"How could a civilian compare to Young Master Chen? An Epic Level Guardian Beast surely has to be in his hands to demonstrate immense function."

"Moreover, with him now contracting a useless Guardian Beast, he is even less able to compare to Young Master Chen!"

"That's right, in this trial, Young Master Chen is sure to outshine everyone, securing the first place in this trial."

The Newbie Trial Space, backed by a significant investment by the military, held greater value than a mere upgrade ground.

All magic beasts released within were implanted with special markers, allowing points to automatically accumulate upon successful kills by a Trial Taker.

Outside the Trial Space, the military had set up a sophisticated monitoring system, tracking each Trial Taker's points in real-time.

This system not only recorded final scores but also evaluated the Trial Taker's combat talent and growth potential based on points acquisition speed.

Ultimately, all the information was recorded in the system for the final evaluation of entrance exams.

Gu Xing looked at Chen Ziming and others' antics with a calm demeanor, even flashing a slight, indistinct smile.

When one's strength far surpasses others, faced with ridicule, one remains composed.

Only the weak get angry over such mockery.

Clearly, Gu Xing, who contracted a Legendary Level Guardian Beast, was not the weak.

However.

Beside him, the little girl trembled with anger, clenched her silver teeth, and balled her fists tight enough to blanch the knuckles, ready to rush forward to argue...

"Liu Li," Gu Xing timely stretched a hand to stop her.

"What matters most now is the Newbie Trial, don't let them affect your mindset."

Liu Li gazed up at Gu Xing's calm, crystal-clear eyes; the seething anger in her chest slowly subsided.

She took a deep breath, nodding heavily.

However, deep down, she silently vowed to exert all of her strength in the coming Trial.

To ensure everyone understands that her master is the real number one.

The true number one!

...

...