14: Dancing in my field?

Once unified like this, everything became clear.

The key material for Little Green Worm's evolution lies in the silkworm stone; other conditions are merely differences based on varying potential and attributes.

After analyzing this far, the system finally responded.

Contracted Pet: Qingyan

...Pseudo-Evolution Ritual ①: attribute Unification

Ritual Introduction:

Complete eight different attribute evolution rituals, excluding the silkworm stone.

Progress 0/8

A truly massive undertaking. Li Wen instantly felt as if the sky was falling. This meant that the cost of Qingyan's evolution materials would be eight times higher.

Looking helplessly at his 2,000 balance and two adorable, hungry little ones, he went to sleep, feeling "happy"... The next day, Li Wen took Yabao and Qingyan to Evergreen Dojo. Their activities would take place inside the dojo.

Stepping through the main gate of Evergreen Dojo, Li Wen still felt a hint of nervousness.

The dojo's interior was adorned in an ancient style, and the air was filled with a faint scent of grass and wood, making one feel refreshed and invigorated.

Today, the trial event held here attracted many new generation Beastmasters to participate.

As he followed the crowd into the designated venue, he was surprised to find several professionals in researcher uniforms sitting on the stage.

"Could it be that this 'Dao Inquiry' really has people with true talent and knowledge?" Li Wen muttered to himself, his curiosity piqued.

A voice from nearby answered his unspoken question: "Of course! Master Lin, a Master Breeder from Shanghe City, just happened to return and, on a whim, decided he wanted to take on disciples again."

"So he discussed it with his friend, Gym Leader Lin, and they organized this trial event."

"All the rewards for the Dao Inquiry project are personally funded by Master Lin, just to attract more people."

"This time, I must win first place and become the Master's disciple."

Seeing how familiar this person was, Li Wen no longer felt reserved.

"Brother, how did you know about this?"

The man immediately puffed out his chest and said, "My grandfather is also a researcher. Although he didn't become a Master-level like Master Lin, he still has this kind of information."

As the host introduced him, Master Lin, a man of about forty with a calm demeanor, stood up, looked around, and slowly began: "Beastmasters, welcome to the Evergreen Dojo's trial event. Before we officially begin, I'd like to ask you all a question—what are your views on pet evolution?"

As soon as this question was posed, the venue fell silent. Everyone looked at each other, clearly not expecting such a profound and professional question.

Someone impatient immediately blurted out an answer: "Pet evolution, I believe, is a change in form."

"When pets reach different Growth stages, they change into different forms, just like humans, who dress differently at different ages."

"Although it only touched on the subject, it was self-consistent and somewhat plausible."

Clearly, Master Lin was not very satisfied with this answer.

"Are there any better answers?"

Many people in the audience successively stood up to answer, but none could satisfy the Master.

Just as silence fell and no one else responded, the person who had previously spoken to Li Wen confidently stood up.

"Master Lin, I believe that for pets, evolution means the release of potential."

Master Lin on the stage did not interrupt this time, waiting for him to continue.

"When a pet grows to a certain point, its Growth rate will decrease because its current form restricts its Growth."

"And the change in form after evolution releases the pet's potential, allowing the pet to continue to Grow."

His words made the other people present nod in agreement, but Li Wen, sitting next to him, frowned slightly.

This small action was also noticed by Master Lin. "I see this student next to me seems to have a different opinion. Why don't you answer?" He said, reaching out to point at Li Wen.

Li Wen was also stunned. He had originally planned to speak later, but he didn't expect to be called upon.

He took a deep breath and began to answer.

"I believe that pet evolution is a leap in the level of life, and it is also a complex and subtle process."

Li Wen's voice was clear and firm, attracting everyone's attention. "It not only involves the pet's own genes and potential but is also inextricably linked to breeding methods, environmental adaptation, and the pet's mentality."

"An excellent Breeder should be able to discern the pet's needs and formulate the most suitable evolution plan for it."

As soon as Li Wen finished speaking, the venue fell silent.

The researcher also nodded slightly, a glint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.

"Very good, your answer has great depth," the researcher said. "Then, what do you think is most important in the process of pet evolution?"

Li Wen pondered for a moment and replied, "I believe the most important thing is balance."

"Pet evolution requires balancing its various abilities such as strength, speed, and defense, and also requires balancing the relationship between the pet and the Beastmaster."

"Only by finding this balance point can the pet gain higher benefits during evolution."

Upon hearing this, the researcher's face showed a satisfied smile. He nodded, signaling Li Wen that he could sit down.

Although not explicitly stated, from Master Lin's demeanor, everyone present knew that the first place was already Li Wen's, without any suspense.

The previous person, however, thought Li Wen was going to compete with him for the spot and became a bit anxious.

"Master Lin, I don't think such theoretical questions can demonstrate a Breeder's skill level."

"How about we two, him and I, compete on the true level of pet evolution?"

"You're Lu Chen, Teacher Lu's grandson, aren't you?"

"I remember you're already a Beginner Breeder. To ask someone else to compete with you, you should at least offer some stakes yourself."

Lin Yan said this with a hint of helplessness. If he had just told his grandfather, he definitely wouldn't have refused him.

But he insisted on proving himself, having resources but not using them. Who knows what he was thinking, it made people envious!

Seeing the Qingyan on Li Wen's shoulder, Lu Chen immediately had an idea.

"I'll bet a set of Rain Butterfly evolution materials with you. If you win, they're yours. How about that?"

Although Little Green Worm's evolution was his grandfather's main research topic, there were plenty of Little Green Worm evolution materials in the lab.

However, apart from the first three pathways, the evolution plans for other pathways were not fully public, and a Beginner Breeder was not qualified to disseminate them.

"First, tell me what the problem is?" Li Wen still chose to be cautious, even though he indeed needed these materials.

"Since you've contracted a Little Green Worm, we'll compete on our understanding of the Little Green Worm's evolved forms."

Lin Yan was a bit speechless; this was a bit unfair. Not only was his grandfather's main research topic the evolution of the Little Green Worm,

but he had also, through genetic comparison, determined the light and dark pathways for his teacher, and seemed to have already researched the second-stage forms.

He immediately spoke up, "This isn't very fair..."

"Okay, I accept."

Before Lin Yan could finish speaking, Li Wen had already agreed, so he said no more, turning to Li Wen.

"Since you insist on competing, then compete. Even if you lose, the reward will still be reserved."

At this moment, Li Wen was actually beaming with joy inside. "Buddy, are you dancing in my territory?"