King of Beasts

Chapter 203: Netherworld

“No…”

Bai Qi’s heart shattered as he said, “We can’t do this…”

“Don’t you know the dangers of necromancy?”

“A pet beast resurrected through necromancy is no longer the same creature.”

“When the time comes, not only the pet beasts, but even we ourselves will become something neither human nor ghost.”

“I admit, this world isn’t perfect, but there’s no need to overturn or destroy anything, right?”

Fearing that today might be his last, Bai Qi urgently spoke out.

If resurrection meant using necromancy, then he would rather not resurrect any pet beast.

He didn’t want his pet beasts to become puppets of death, nor did he want to end up as something neither human nor ghost.

It must be said, the International Alliance did a very thorough job of publicizing the evils of necromancy.

As Bai Qi was passionately trying to persuade, he saw Lu Ran suddenly strip off his necromancy robe and revert to wearing an Erha T-shirt, drastically changing the mood.

Bai Qi: “…”

His mouth full of retorts, Bai Qi didn’t even know where to begin.

“It was just a joke, why so serious?” Lu Ran quipped. He didn’t probe any deeper, knowing well that human nature could not withstand such tests; enough was enough.

He said, “All that was nonsense, actually, the Alliance is intentionally studying necromancy, and I’m one of the project leaders.”

“Apart from me, there’s also Dr. Gu Qingyi and oh, the former guild leader knows about this too.”

Bai Qi: “What???”

“Do you need me to call Dr. Gu so you can chat with her?”

“Also, your concerns are unnecessary.”

“My second time entering the breakthrough secret realm, I went undercover and infiltrated the Cult of Necromancy on the Star-Moon Continent, and I obtained quite a few useful things.”

“For example, how to preserve and restore the memories and consciousness of a pet beast turned into a necromantic creature.”

“So, by resurrecting your pet beast through necromancy, your pet beast will still be your pet beast.”

“But…” Bai Qi said.

“Are you apprehensive about the drawbacks of necromantic beasts consuming souls?” Lu Ran asked.

Bai Qi’s expression kept changing, and his heart continued to race uncontrollably. He had indeed been scared just now. If research into necromancy was a state-supported project, that would make sense.

However, he was genuinely concerned about the drawbacks of necromancy consuming souls, something the Alliance always emphasized.

“Forget it, to gain something, one must inevitably give something in return.”

“I am willing to join this organization.”

“I am also willing to bear all the drawbacks of necromancy.”

“As long as my pet beast has a chance at rebirth, I am willing to assist you in researching necromancy.”

“There must be pioneers who make sacrifices. If this research can find a solution to the drawbacks of necromancy, then I would be…”

Lu Ran said, “Hey, hey, hey, aren’t you being a bit too dramatic?”

Bai Qi looked at Lu Ran blankly.

Am I being too dramatic, when I am so determined?

Lu Ran said, “After infiltrating the Cult of Necromancy, I’ve already found a solution to the drawbacks of necromancy. That is, after becoming a necromancer, apart from the differences in pet beast attributes and food from other beastmasters, there is no other difference.”

Bai Qi was stunned: “???”

“Solved??” His eyes widened in disbelief again.

“Solved. Otherwise, why do you think the Xia Country Beast Taming Alliance established the Department of Necromancy?” Lu Ran spoke indifferently, “Of course, currently only I can handle the food for necromancy.”

“Alright, I’ve explained everything to you. Make your decision.”

“Do you want to class change to become a necromancer?”

“Moreover, I believe it won’t be long before necromancy can make a legitimate appearance on the world stage.”

“You won’t have to endure the pressure from necromancy for too long.”

Bai Qi swallowed hard. This Lu Ran, was he a deity? Not only had he evolved an overlord dragon, but now he even claimed to have solved the drawbacks of necromancy.

He could hardly imagine how Lu Ran’s mind worked.

“Having drifted through life, I only regret not having met a true leader earlier…” Bai Qi immediately spoke up: “Boss, what’s our organization called? I guess I’ve been recruited now. From today onwards, I will dissolve the Four Saints Guild and follow you.”

What use is the Four Saints Guild? Better off without it, Bai Qi realized. Mixing with someone like Lu Ran, a chosen one, holds a future with far greater prospects.

If what Lu Ran said is true, then the necromancy department holds immense potential. He’s among the first to delve into this uncharted territory.

If even death can be reversed, what’s there to fear?

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Ran said, “There’s a necromantic force overseas called The Other Shore.”

“Then let’s call our organization ‘Netherworld,’ deriving from ‘realm of the dead.’”

…

Atop Emerald Mountain.

Lu Ran casually established the necromancy department exclusive to Xia Country-Netherworld.

Though currently, the department has only two members.

And between them, they couldn’t muster a single necromantic pet beast.

But that was about to change.

After Bai Qi learned the death revival skill, Lu Ran shared the experiences from the missionary’s necromantic notes with him.

Killing God Bai Qi immediately began transforming the life form of his pet beasts.

He wore a black suit, surrounded by a mist of greyish-black, connecting himself with several pet beasts.

Time gradually passed.

The bodies of the four pet beasts began to decompose naturally, as if turning into some kind of nutrient. As the outlines of the corpses nearly vanished, they were replaced by a dark grey mist, constructing a new life form.

It didn’t take much time for the four pet beasts-jiao snakes, White Tigers… Bai Qi’s deceased pet beasts-to start redeveloping consciousness in their ethereal, spirit forms.

“Having just transformed into necromantic beings, their strength will definitely have diminished somewhat.”

“However, once they get accustomed to the unique traits of necromancy and begin harnessing their soul power, their strength will rapidly undergo a profound transformation.”

Lu Ran spoke, while Bai Qi, since the start, might not have been listening.

He watched as the pet beasts, in their necromantic forms, reopened their eyes, displaying familiar gazes, and his eyes reddened.

“This is wonderful…” Bai Qi’s emotions surged.

Knowing Bai Qi’s complex feelings at the moment, Lu Ran didn’t disturb him and leaned against a tree, quietly observing.

[This is the greatness of necromancy.]

[Once necromancy is rightfully recognized, more beastmasters and pet beasts will be able to avoid regrets.]

[It’s the Death Revival skill card-it’s too rare, inevitably making it impossible for everyone to undergo a smooth class change.]

[How does The Other Shore manage to obtain Death Revival in bulk?]

[I don’t understand. If only I were stronger, I would definitely visit The Other Shore headquarters.]

Moments later.

Bai Qi had regained his spirits.

Behind him, four necromantic pet beasts, each over level 40, followed.

“Do not discuss necromancy matters with anyone, not even Bai Ling or other relatives,” Lu Ran cautioned.

“Understood, thank you,” Bai Qi replied, smiling.

“As for the pet beast food issue, although I’ve resolved it, there’s still no good portable food. If you need, you can bring over the ferocious beasts you’ve hunted, and I will handle them for you.”

“Necromantic pets are different from other pet beasts; they only need to feed extensively once and can then be active for a long time.”

“Then, Lord Lu Ran…”

“Drop that title, just call me ‘Minister’. Our organization will be known as the Netherworld Department.”

“Minister, once I return, I’ll make arrangements for the Four Saints Guild. What should I do next?” asked Bai Qi.

He shouldn’t be exploring secret realms within the country anymore.

If necromantic pet beasts get listed, that would be a big problem.

Of course, changing his Infinite City ID might be an option…

But everything still depends on Lu Ran’s arrangements.

Lu Ran thought for a moment: “For now, you don’t need to tackle the Infinite City secret realms. There are still many dangerous areas within Xia Country that haven’t been fully cleared. Operate solo and deal with those uncontrollable ferocious beasts.”

“Then collect the carcasses of the ferocious beasts and bring them to me; I’ll handle the souls.”

“Since we don’t have a suitable partner yet, I’ll choose a teammate for you later. Eventually, everyone in the Netherworld Department will operate in pairs, ensuring mutual support.”

“OK, no problem.” Bai Qi is now full of motivation, feeling that his life has a new direction. His life’s ambition is no longer to expand and strengthen the Four Saints Guild, but to promote necromancy alongside Lu Ran.

After all, his fate is now tied to necromancy, for better or for worse.

“Oh right, you should contact Dr. Gu later on your own to register and back up your information to avoid being targeted by some of the First Generation as an evil necromancer back in the country.”

“After all, there are only a few among the First Generation who know about the Netherworld…” To be precise, just two.

…

“Netherworld…”

“You, the Holy Son of the Cult of Necromancy, are really stepping up,” Lu Ran said, after settling Bai Qi’s affairs. Manager Ying approached with a smile and said:

“I wonder what it would look like when The Other Shore encounters the Netherworld.”

“Cough cough,” Lu Ran said. “That’s a matter for the future. Let’s talk about it later.”

Now, Lu Ran’s role for the Netherworld is simple: it helps him hunt ferocious beasts.

The Netherworld provides the corpses of the beasts, and Lu Ran provides the soul food.

Take Bai Qi, for example, as a standout among the second generation, he can hunt sovereign species ferocious beasts of level 50, a feat comparable to the elder brother from Pluto.

Such capability places him in the Second echelon on the blue star.

Eventually, when he hunts 100 powerful ferocious beasts, Lu Ran will store the souls in the “Soul Capturing Bottle,” returning 50 portions and keeping 50 for himself. Soon, his side will no longer lack soul-based resources.

The more members of the Netherworld there are, the faster he can collect souls.

At the same time, Bai Qi’s process of hunting ferocious beasts around Xia Country also helps eliminate safety hazards for the country, killing three birds with one stone!

A triple win!

For instance, Bai Qi is now heading to a desert area to hunt fire-type ferocious beasts for Lu Ran. The area is harsh, resources are scarce, and numerous beasts are stirring.

Bai Qi’s covert hunting also helps alleviate the pressure on the local military and the Beast Taming Association.

Of course, Lu Ran will also expedite the research to forge a lower-grade rare-level Soul Capturing Bottle to provide other necromancers a means to store food. He has studied all these techniques at the Cult of Necromancy.

“What’s the matter? Is there something you need?” Lu Ran looked at Manager Ying.

“The mineral resources you requested have been sourced from the sellers,” Manager Ying said:

“Exquisite-level ore, Ten-thousand-year Ice Heart.”

“Exquisite-level ore, Storm Eye.”

With the Ten-thousand-year Ice Heart, weapons forged from this type of ice crystal yield a special effect of maximally enhancing the ice power of pet beasts. Even if the pet beast is not of the ice type, as long as it possesses an artistic conception of ice and snow, the skills it performs can be stronger than those of a normal ice-type pet beast. Even if the pet beast has no innate ice-related abilities, carrying this item will endow its skills with certain ice effects.

It’s akin to installing an ice heart in a weapon, allowing it to breathe together with the user’s skills, as if it were an ice and snow creature.

The Storm Eye, on the other hand, is an ore that maximally enhances the user’s affinity and control over wind powers. It is said that merely wearing the Storm Eye allows a pet beast to become like a monarch of the wind, clearly seeing the flow of wind in nature through its eyes.

Lu Ran sought these two pieces of ore, of course, to forge new weapons for General Ha. Although their effects are basic, the enhancements they provide are substantial.

Combining the Ten-thousand-year Ice Heart, the Storm Eye, a thousand of General Ha’s teeth, along with the Soul Forging Method and rare auxiliary materials borrowed from Elder Shanggong, Lu Ran is determined to forge a new exquisite-level weapon similar to the Bone Sword Thousand Blades for General Ha.

The uniqueness of the weapon will naturally be entrusted to the Soul Forging Method and those rare materials obtained from the secret realm of Blue Star.

If the forging is successful, this weapon also has the potential to evolve into an artifact spirit weapon, possibly becoming a retainer alongside sword grass with the potential to develop consciousness, for General Ha.

The biggest problem now, aside from Lu Ran not having successfully developed the Soul Fire, is…

“Where’s the money?” Manager Ying stretched out its paw. Buying ore requires cash.

Lu Ran said, “I don’t have any cash. How about I give you a queen ant egg instead? You sell it, and with the money from the sale, buy these two ores for me. Then, give me whatever is left.”

“Hmm, we could also trade in goods, if you have a trait crystal suitable for my pet beast.”

“As for the commission, you can take a cut from the sale.”

In Lu Ran’s view, the value of a single queen ant egg was at least equivalent to two ordinary exquisite resources plus a unique trait crystal.

Lu Ran wasn’t concerned about letting Manager Ying take a cut. Investing in Manager Ying was a transaction in itself; it worked hard to earn money, which was also aimed at gathering resources to awaken its main body. Once its main body awakened, Lu Ran’s bodyguard would become even stronger.

Manager Ying fell into deep thought.

From the current situation.

A Legendary Secret Realm with a perfect rating almost certainly yielded a pet beast egg from a sovereign species.

And Lu Ran, this guy, seemed not to need these pet beast eggs, always having to trade them away.

Over time, it appeared that this intelligence dealer was becoming a professional egg seller.