19: Registered apprentice?

“I want a set of evolution materials for the Fire Fluff Worm path.”

Although he felt that Lin Yan had been guiding him to choose the Little Green Worm's evolution materials, Li Wen still didn't change his mind.

He chose a plan that wasn't too excessive but also wouldn't leave him at too much of a disadvantage.

Lin Yan was a bit disappointed. He was indeed guiding Li Wen, but he hoped Li Wen would choose the light and dark dual-attribute paths.

The evolution directions for the light and dark dual-attributes were handled by his teacher and couldn't be found on the forum.

This way, he would have a reason to take him as a student.

“Alright, send me your home address, and it'll arrive tonight.” Lin Yan agreed readily, even without being asked for guidance.

But it didn't matter; he could ask others for guidance just the same.

“However… I have a question for you now.” Lin Yan's tone suddenly became serious. “How exactly is that last gene triggered?”

Li Wen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He thought it was something serious, but it turned out he was still thinking about this.

“Master, actually, I'm just guessing; I don't really understand it.”

He couldn't just say it directly. Li Wen's mind was as clear as a mirror.

It was fine if he guessed the evolution direction correctly, but if he knew even this, wouldn't he be treated as a monster?

Such an explanation couldn't convince Lin Yan at all.

“So far, your guesses have been completely correct.”

“Therefore, don't have any reservations; be bolder.”

“Make a deduction about the final gene.”

After such a string of words, Lin Yan was clearly getting a bit eager.

Since the atmosphere was already here, Li Wen could only brace himself and make it sound more reasonable.

“Then I'll make a bold hypothesis: actually, the gene set of each path also possesses the characteristics of its attribute.”

“For example, the light and dark dual-attributes have light and dark coexistence, and the trait of this last one is illusory existence. To be even bolder, one could judge it to be an illusion-type path.”

“Therefore, an illusion-type material is needed to activate its gene.”

“My personal guess is that the phantom spirit flower should be a good choice.”

If this were explained with modern science, it would actually be very simple: genes always exist; it's just a matter of expression or not.

The role of the phantom spirit flower is to influence its expression through epigenetics.

However, since it was a completely different tech tree, there were also many things Li Wen didn't understand here.

“A phantom spirit flower, huh…”

Lin Yan pondered its possibility almost obsessively. “Its effect is…”

“To enhance spiritual power… it can provide energy replenishment for a pet's evolution.”

“To purify the mind… perhaps this gene itself possesses a psychological suggestive effect.”

“To stimulate potential… under specific conditions, the phantom spirit flower can also stimulate the potential within a pet, unlocking hidden spiritual energy, allowing the pet to gain powerful strength and wisdom.”

“It can work.”

Lin Yan excitedly slapped his thigh. On one hand, he was amazed at how well the phantom spirit flower matched this potentially hidden path, and on the other hand, he was surprised by Li Wen's sensitivity in breeding.

Lin Yan's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He knew that Li Wen's talent in Beastmaster breeding was extraordinary, and this conversation further confirmed his belief.

Thus, he made an even bolder proposal: “Li Wen, how about this: I'll provide all the evolution materials, including that precious phantom spirit flower, for your Little Green Worm to attempt evolution.”

“However, I have a condition.”

Upon hearing this, Li Wen's heart stirred slightly. He knew Lin Yan's condition would certainly not be simple, but his curiosity and desire to explore the unknown (materials) made him willing to listen: “What condition, Master Lin Yan?”

“I want you to meticulously record the entire evolution process, every detail from preparing the materials to the completion of evolution, and then compile it into a complete evolution plan.”

“This plan must not only include all your previous deductions but also practical operational steps, the Little Green Worm's reactions, and its performance after evolution.”

“What I need is a practical guide that can instruct other Beastmasters in similar evolutions.” Lin Yan's tone was full of seriousness.

“Then quickly write a paper and submit it to the Breeding Department forum for review.”

“As long as it passes, you can use this article to be recommended for the Breeding Department at Tiannan University.”

Lin Yan was full of confidence in the bargaining chip he presented, unable to imagine anyone refusing such terms.

Lu Chen, who had been silent for a long time, looked bewildered, but in reality, his heart was already roaring.

“No way, I've just started preparing for the College Entrance Examination, and you're already getting a recommendation?”

Li Wen, on the other hand, looked troubled. He was actually a bit conflicted; while he wanted his pets to grow, he really didn't want to immerse himself in scientific research.

After some internal struggle, he ultimately chose to follow his true feelings.

“Actually, I'm not interested in breeding research. I just want to be able to properly raise my own pets, so I won't be applying to the Breeding Department.”

Upon hearing this, a flicker of imperceptible disappointment flashed in Lin Yan's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

“Li Wen, your intuition and judgment in Beastmaster breeding are very rare.”

“I originally thought you had a deeper love and pursuit for breeding, but it seems that's not the case.” Lin Yan said slowly, a hint of regret in his tone.

Li Wen bowed his head slightly in apology: “Master Lin Yan, I am very grateful for your recognition.”

“But my dream is to become an excellent Beastmaster, fighting alongside my pets, not focusing on breeding. I hope you can understand.”

Lin Yan tried to convince himself to lower his expectations, purely out of cherishing talent, and definitely not because he was curious about the new path.

“That's easy then. You can be my registered apprentice. If you have any questions, you can come to me for guidance, and it won't hinder you from applying to other departments.”

Li Wen: ???

Lu Chen: ???

Lin Yan: What's wrong? I also made a huge decision, okay? ￣へ￣

“If that's not good enough, an apprentice by name will do too.”

Lu Chen spoke up at an inopportune moment: “Uncle, that joke isn't funny.”

“Just kidding, just kidding.”

…The scene fell into a prolonged silence. Li Wen was the first to break the deadlock with an even colder joke.

“Although I am dedicated to becoming a Heavenly King Level Beastmaster, doing a little research occasionally is also good.”

Seeing Li Wen's quick change of expression, Lu Chen exerted himself again.

“You're making Uncle Lin's cold jokes not so cold anymore.”

And so, the half-awkward Lin Yan, the completely awkward Li Wen, and the completely out-of-the-loop Lu Chen formed an unusually harmonious scene.

Unable to bear it any longer, Li Wen used the excuse of a stomachache to prepare to escape, when he heard Curator Lin Xian's call.

“Wait a moment before you leave; I need to talk to you.”

Li Wen thought, finally, someone came to save the day, and he didn't hesitate at all.

After Li Wen left, Lin Yan lightly patted Lu Chen's shoulder and said with the kindest smile and the most unfriendly tone.

“You, kid, come be my registered apprentice too. You're different; you'll come to help me every weekend.”

“Refusal is useless; I'll tell your grandpa.”

“As for when it ends, we'll talk about it when you get into Tiannan University.”