Chapter 187 - Even Villains Find This Absurd

After Gao Li finished speaking, he glanced at the beastmasters below him. Noticing the fervent admiration in their eyes, he nodded in satisfaction.

This group had been carefully selected from Ming An City and was deemed the most suitable to join. Now, it was time to assess their familiars’ spiritual talents.

“Next, summon your familiars.”

“Yes, Master Gao Li.” The black-robed beastmasters responded in unison and began summoning their familiars.

Soon, more than a dozen familiars appeared nearby. Lu Ran scanned them and found they were all creatures below level 20 with unimpressive species ranks—weak by all accounts.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Ran summoned Captain Doofus, his wolf-like familiar. Blending in with the weaker familiars, Captain Doofus didn’t attract any attention. Without its usual sword in its mouth and relying only on its intelligent eyes, it appeared utterly unremarkable.

“

Woof.

”

Captain Doofus barked softly, turning to Lu Ran with a questioning look.

“Nothing big. They’re just testing your spiritual talent. No battles for now,” Lu Ran replied inwardly.

Oh

.

Captain Doofus looked disdainful.

Testing? As if my talents could be lacking! Wait...what do you mean by spiritual talents, though?

Captain Doofus gave Lu Ran a puzzled, contemplative gaze.

“Focus.”

Lu Ran was speechless.

At that moment, the beastmaster closest to Gao Li stepped forward. His familiar was a Rock-attribute boar.

Gao Li handed him the Soul Calming Stone and explained, “During the process, your familiar must not resist or use energy to shield itself, or its soul cannot be drawn out. Communicate with your familiar and test it yourself. I won’t intervene to avoid overreaction.”

“Alright, alright.”

The beastmaster accepted the Soul Calming Stone like a treasure and turned to his familiar, the Rock-attribute boar.

“

Huff, huff...

”

Moments later, he struck the boar on the head with the Soul Calming Stone like a brick. To everyone’s astonishment, a large and gray pig-shaped spiritual body was forcibly ejected, wobbling unsteadily beside its body.

Captain Doofus was confused. At this moment, the Rock-attribute boar’s physical body appeared lifeless, standing frozen in place, while its boar-shaped spiritual body inherited its original expression, frantically shaking its head with panic and shock. At the same time, Lu Ran’s Eye of Detection scanned it quickly.

[Name: Unstable Rock Boar Soul]

[Species Rank: None]

[Level: None]

“

Wuuu!!!

”

Within a few seconds, the spiritual body of the Rock boar let out a suffocating cry and swiftly returned to its body. Only then did the frozen Rock-attribute boar revive, gasping heavily with a look of lingering fear in its eyes.

“This won’t work.”

Gao Li frowned at the sight.

Rubbish talent. It was the type of beast that, after consuming a few souls, would inevitably go mad and lose all reason.

“Master Gao Li, is its talent very bad?” the beastmaster of the Rock-attribute boar asked.

Gao Li replied, “In theory, any familiar can be transformed into an Undead-attribute familiar. However, the same issue persists. Only familiars with sufficiently strong spiritual talent can maintain their sense of self while growing in their undead form.

“My suggestion is to continue raising this familiar through regular means. Later, if it unfortunately dies in battle, you can then consider transitioning it to an undead form.

“For now, step aside. Later, I’ll lead you all near Ming An City to look for familiars with strong spiritual talent. At that time, you may decide whether to form a contract with a new familiar. As for this one, there’s not much hope left. Pass the Soul Calming Stone to the next person.”

The beastmaster walked away disappointed, and the next beastmaster presented a cat-shaped familiar. This one had relatively decent talent, with its spiritual body lasting a minute outside its physical body before showing discomfort. This result earned Gao Li’s approving nod.

Although it still didn’t qualify as strong spiritual talent, it was sufficient for a beastmaster of this level to potentially develop into a devout follower.

“Next one... Next...”

Soon, it was Lu Ran’s turn. Although he had no intention of cultivating Captain Doofus into an Undead-attribute familiar, he was still curious about its spiritual talent. Holding the brick-like Soul Calming Stone, Lu Ran glanced at Captain Doofus, who appeared completely clueless.

“Your turn, give it a try,” Gao Li said, looking at Lu Ran and Captain Doofus.

Compared to the previous familiars, Captain Doofus seemed quite imposing and appeared to be well-trained. However, the scene that followed left the necromancer and the onlookers utterly speechless.

Lu Ran repeatedly smacked the Soul Calming Stone against Captain Doofus’s head, yet the dog merely widened its eyes without showing any reaction.

“What’s going on?”

The surrounding beastmasters eager to join the cult were bewildered. While this dog might seem a bit dull, who had ever heard of a creature lacking a soul entirely?

“What’s going on?” Lu Ran was equally perplexed.

“

Woof!

”

Captain Doofus, clearly irritated after being repeatedly hit on the head, finally showed a displeased expression.

So, Soul Calming Stone, was it? Just you wait. I’ll remember this grudge.

“Could it be—”

At this moment, noticing that the Soul Calming Stone had no effect on the dog, Gao Li’s expression turned contemplative as he murmured in surprise.

“Incredible. This is the first time I’ve seen such a case. I had only heard of it before. It’s said that if a familiar’s spiritual talent is exceedingly strong, Common Soul Calming Stones will have no effect on it. Your familiar’s talent might be exceptionally high!”

Gao Li’s eyes lit up as he looked at Lu Ran.

“What’s your name?”

“Sudden Death King,” Lu Ran replied.

“Excellent name. It fits perfectly with the Undead attribute,” Gao Li said approvingly.

“Even if it can’t be tested, this already proves that your familiar’s spiritual talent is outstanding. I imagine its rank and level aren’t low either, are they?”

“Mhm.” Lu Ran nodded.

“Does it also have exceptional comprehension?”

“Is spiritual talent related to comprehension?” Lu Ran asked in surprise.

“Strong spiritual talent doesn’t necessarily equate to exceptional comprehension, but exceptional comprehension always corresponds to a strong and profound spiritual talent,” Gao Li explained.

Gao Li grew increasingly enthusiastic, thinking that the decaying empire’s dissatisfaction was becoming more widespread. Now, it wasn’t just low-level beastmasters who sought to join the Cult of Death in pursuit of immortality. Even talented individuals were gradually being drawn to its cause.

Indeed, the Cult of Death was highly appealing. By specializing in undead techniques, the cult openly declared to beastmasters that even if their familiars fell in battle, there was still a chance for resurrection.

At the pinnacle of undead cultivation, even beastmasters themselves could transform into spiritual bodies upon death, potentially extending their lifespan indefinitely. This promise alone was enough to inspire longing in many. Such allure was irresistibly tempting in this war-torn era.

“You can wait for a bit,” Gao Li said excitedly, realizing he might have stumbled upon a prodigy.

Soon, the rest of the beastmasters completed their familiar’s spiritual talent assessments. Afterward, another black-robed necromancer appeared to lead them away. Gao Li, however, called Lu Ran aside.

“Sudden Death King, your familiar’s talent is exceptional. The basic undead techniques we possess might not be suitable for you. Your case will have to wait until the divine emissary arrives in a month.”

“What?” Lu Ran was perplexed.

“A month?”

Lu Ran had waited so long, thinking they would provide some specialized guidance, only to hear this?

I specifically chose the Undead Faction to gain some knowledge about undead techniques, and now you’re telling me to wait a month? If I had another chance, I’d join the Empire Faction and wipe you out instead.

“A month...?” Lu Ran frowned and said, “I joined you because I’m genuinely interested in undead techniques. A month is too long. The empire is hunting down undead forces everywhere. Are we going to stay in Ming An City for a month? Half a month. I can wait for half a month.”

“You’re quite exceptional,” Gao Li replied, though he added, “But it can’t be helped. We have no way of contacting the headquarters. We can only rely on their periodic communication with us. You’ll have to wait.”

Most of the previous candidates were people who had turned to the Cult of Death out of desperation, unable to survive in the chaos of the times. Lu Ran, however, seemed different. He had his own ideas and was clearly ambitious. But this didn’t surprise Gao Li.

The empire had become so corrupt that countless beastmaster factions had risen in rebellion. Many talented beastmasters had chosen to join the opposition. In Gao Li’s view, Lu Ran was one of these people.

“This one-month wait will be worth it. With your talent, once you reach the headquarters, you’ll undoubtedly receive focused training. We’re merely ordinary missionaries of the cult and cannot provide you with the best guidance.

“However, if you’re truly interested in undead techniques, I can teach you the most basic undead skills in the meantime,” Gao Li offered.

“Still, your familiar is undoubtedly powerful even without transforming into an undead. Are you truly willing to sacrifice its body to cultivate it as an undead using basic techniques?”

“What do you mean?” Lu Ran asked, puzzled.

“If you wait until you reach the headquarters, you might have access to advanced undead techniques. Advanced undead techniques allow familiars to retain their physical form while cultivating their spiritual strength. Basic undead techniques, on the other hand, require the complete abandonment of the body to cultivate the soul.”

Lu Ran’s mouth opened slightly in surprise. “It does seem like advanced undead techniques are more intriguing. Even so, I’d still like to learn the basics of undead techniques. Can you teach me?”

Lu Ran suspected that his Undead Resurrection skill book was a typical example of basic undead techniques. But the existence of advanced undead techniques, which simultaneously preserved the body while strengthening the soul, surprised him.

Could such a beastmaster skill really exist???

Lu Ran marveled inwardly. However, given the circumstances, obtaining this skill seemed quite difficult, both in terms of time and effort.

“Forget it.”

Gao Li shook his head, realizing he couldn’t dissuade Lu Ran. Having explained the pros and cons, he assumed Lu Ran wouldn’t recklessly practice basic undead techniques.

In Gao Li’s eyes, Lu Ran was a rare talent. Recommending him to the headquarters would yield substantial rewards. However, if Lu Ran rashly cultivated his familiar with basic undead techniques, much of his potential would be wasted.

Gao Li reached into his robe and retrieved a gray notebook, tossing it to Lu Ran. “This is my personal training journal. You can take a look. I’ll also lend you this.”

He handed Lu Ran a Soul Calming Stone and continued, “You can experiment with some wild beasts in the city and study their souls. Black Feather!”

At Gao Li’s command, another black-robed woman emerged. She appeared to be one of Gao Li’s subordinates.

“Black Feather, you’ll guide Sudden Death King for the time being and teach him the relevant knowledge about undead techniques. Additionally, prepare a quiet room for him,” Gao Li instructed.

“Yes, Master Gao Li,” the black-robed woman replied with a nod.

“Brother Sudden Death King, your familiar’s talent is the best I’ve seen after visiting multiple cities. If you genuinely wish to master undead techniques, don’t act recklessly. Wait until we return to the headquarters,” Gao Li advised earnestly.

“Understood,” Lu Ran responded, nodding at his advice.

In truth, he didn’t need Gao Li to say this. He wouldn’t have been able to master these techniques anyway.

This must be a beastmaster skill

.

In the Stellar Moon Continent, beastmasters learned beastmaster skills by building on their beastmaster space. However, humans from the Blue Planet lacked such spaces.

They couldn’t learn beastmaster skills using the same methods as the beastmasters of the Stellar Moon Continent. Instead, they could only acquire skills through skill cards created by Limitless City.

Lu Ran had come here purely out of academic curiosity, hoping to study undead techniques from a different perspective and understand their principles. That said, the fact that the other party was willing to lend him the Soul Calming Stone was a pleasant surprise, something completely unexpected.

He then turned his gaze toward the person Gao Li had assigned to assist him. While this was normally called guidance, it was more likely meant to serve as surveillance. After all, if a talent like Lu Ran escaped, it would represent a significant loss in performance metrics for Gao Li.

To ensure Lu Ran stayed, Gao Li had gone so far as to lend his personal training journal and the Soul Calming Stone, showing just how valuable Captain Doofus’ talent must have been.

However, Lu Ran had never planned on running away. Having chosen the Undead Faction, he intended to remain here for the full 14 days to assist the Undead Faction in resisting the imperial army and other participants’ attacks.

***

After Black Feather escorted Lu Ran away, Gao Li stood in place, lost in thought.

Moments later, another black-robed necromancer approached and reported, “Master Gao Li, we’ve received the latest intel. It appears a remnant unit of the Beastmaster Corps is moving toward Ming An City.”

“I understand. Continue to monitor them, and send two more people to keep an eye on Sudden Death King. If we end up in a conflict with the imperial army, don’t let him escape,” Gao Li instructed.

Due to the identity provided by Limitless City, Gao Li didn’t harbor much suspicion regarding Lu Ran’s motives for joining the Cult of Death. Lu Ran and the others in this batch had undergone extensive background checks.

However, Gao Li also knew that if the Beastmaster Corps engaged them in battle, even someone like Lu Ran, who seemed intent on joining the cult, might consider fleeing or betraying them when the situation turned unfavorable.

To prevent such a talent from slipping away, Gao Li ensured he assigned people to watch over Lu Ran. As for the imperial army, Gao Li didn’t believe they would mobilize significant resources just for a minor city like Ming An.

After all, the war-torn Ming An City was now rich with undead resources. Unless absolutely necessary, Gao Li was unwilling to relinquish control over this valuable area.

***

At the same time, as Black Feather led Lu Ran toward his designated room, Lu Ran lowered his head and suddenly asked, “I have a question I’m very curious about. Could you answer it for me?”

“What is it?” Black Feather turned to look at him.

“You see, Undead-attribute familiars feed on souls, don’t they? Then, fundamentally speaking, souls are just a type of food, right?” Lu Ran continued in a slow, contemplative tone.

“Do you think it’s possible to cook souls? Like ordinary ingredients, adding seasonings and combining them with other ingredients to make a dish?”

Black Feather’s face changed dramatically. She couldn’t help but feel that Lu Ran was a lunatic. It was bad enough that Undead-attribute familiars consumed souls, something already deemed unacceptable by societal norms.

But this guy... he was actually considering turning souls into cuisine?

If Lu Ran had known her thoughts, he would have loudly declared his innocence. His musings weren’t for anything so extreme. He was merely considering whether cooking souls could remove the side effects of consuming them, much like how one removes the fishy odor of seafood.

This could potentially make the practice of soul consumption more acceptable and safer. After all, Dr. Gu still had a pile of Undead Resurrection skill books lying around.

If Xia wanted to develop its own undead army, it couldn’t afford to cultivate an unstable force. Similarly, Lu Ran had to consider the dietary needs of his own Undead-attribute familiars.

“I’ll have to experiment with this later,” Lu Ran murmured, holding the Soul Calming Stone and musing to himself.

Becoming a Soul Chef might turn out to be even rarer than becoming a Dragon Chef.

As Lu Ran continued muttering, Black Feather became increasingly uneasy.

Master Gao Li, I must report this! This guy seems to be genuinely obsessed with undead techniques, more extreme than even the high-ranking members at the headquarters!