Chapter 297 - Leader of the Crows, Familiar Legion

After Lu Ran finished speaking, Manager Ying’s eyes widened. As it thought Lu Ran was bragging, it immediately extended its claws and scratched him. Manager Ying was utterly shocked.

What kind of joke is this? Did this kid really find an Epic-rank space artifact?

He must be the illegitimate son of Limitless City. If not, I would eat Gu Qingyi.

“

Ahem,

Manager Ying, calm down.”

After Manager Ying pulled out its cat claws, Lu Ran quickly said, “I wasn’t trying to show off. I just wanted to share my joy.”

“I only feel like you’re flaunting, not joy,” Manager Ying retorted.

“Oh come on, it's not a bad thing that I made a great find.”

“Hmm... that’s true.” Manager Ying said as it fell into thought.

But why did it still feel so annoying? Hmm, it must be because Lu Ran’s tone is so infuriating.

Next, Lu Ran shared the details about his experience in the ascension realm to Manager Ying. Throughout his story, Manager Ying’s expression constantly changed. It initially thought that if Lu Ran wanted to obtain an Epic Space artifact, he would have to go to Imperial Beast City at the very least.

But who would have thought Limitless City would treat Lu Ran so well by directly sending him to a world with an ancient Legacy Ruin? Although Manager Ying didn’t know much about the Tree Monarch, ittrusted his combat ability when fighting opponents of the same rank. So in summary, Limitless City was clearly favoring Lu Ran.

“This isn’t favoritism. You know that every time we enter an ascension realm, the voice always says, ‘Matching you with a suitable ascension realm.’ This means the realm is tailored for every trial participant, ensuring they have fitting opportunities.

“It's just that some people have the ability to claim them, while others don’t.

Ahem,

and I just happen to be one of those capable ones,” Lu Ran said.

“Alright, alright, I get it, you’re amazing.”

“That’s about it. I’ve shared my intel... Oh, by the way, I’ve reached level 3. From now on, you’re free. You can leave baby cloud to me. Also, based on the value of the intel we exchanged just now, mine was obviously worth more, right? What you said could be found with a simple online search. So, since that’s the case, why don’t you help me find some other information?”

Manager Ying was taken aback.

“What do you want?” It licked its paw and shook its head slightly.

Lu Ran was definitely not the well-behaved kid it liked. He was way too particular about everything.

“I want intel on speed traits, specifically those suited for long-distance travel. In this ascension realm, I wasted half my time just traveling. If not for that, my gains could have been even greater. Help me find a Unique speed trait!”

“Got it. That shouldn’t be too hard to find, and it won’t be too valuable either.” Manager Ying nodded.

After all, compared to traits that enhance combat strength, most beastmasters prioritized power over travel efficiency. But for this lunatic Lu Ran, efficiency in ascension realms was indeed important.

With Captain Doofus, Sudden Death King, and Dark Crow, Lu Ran wasn’t exactly lacking in combat strength. What he truly needed was a functional familiar.

“We can talk about other things later. I need to check on Baby Cloud and the others first.” Lu Ran stretched and yawned.

Truthfully, he had been itching to leave. He couldn't wait to contract kins for Captain Doofus and merge the Legion Domination Trait with Dark Crow. A beastmaster’s greatest anticipation was always the growth of their familiars. Moreover, with the current world changes, accelerating the formation of a Familiar Legion was becoming a necessity.

Those ancient beasts that not even the first-generation beastmasters could handle were far beyond imagination. To rapidly achieve strength comparable to such monsters and ensure some degree of security, the Familiar Legion was the only shortcut.

“Off you go.”

Manager Ying, who was clearly eager to get rid of Lu Ran, didn’t hesitate. With a single move, it flung him out of the room and into the back mountain of Red Leaf Park, right at the entrance of Green Sea Secret Realm.

At this moment, the secret realm entrance was open, and numerous crows perched on the surrounding tree branches, standing guard. When these crows saw Lu Ran suddenly appear, they were alarmed. However, as soon as Dark Crow emerged beside him, they instantly let out delighted cries.

“My king!”

Two words echoed repeatedly. This wasn’t because they had gained Dark Crow’s linguistic talent, but it was just mimicry. They didn’t know many words.

Crows, much like parrots, had a natural ability for mimicry. Having evolved to their current Transcendent stage, and under Dark Crow’s guidance, mimicry had even become an established group characteristic.

“Good, good,” Dark Crow appeared and praised them after sensing the strength of these crows.

“Good, good.” The entire tree of crows mimicked in response.

“That’s good enough,” Lu Ran said as he stepped into the secret realm, with Dark Crow following closely behind.

***

Crow’s Secret Realm was now the official name of the secret realm. Upon entering, it felt like stepping into a dark forest. Everywhere, tall trees stood with black trunks and black leaves. On the ground, twisted black grass, black mushrooms, and black stones littered the landscape.

The entire secret realm was monochromatic. It was pure black. Before Lu Ran and Dark Crow had ventured far inside, a chilling wind swept through, making them involuntarily shudder.

“

Caw!

Caw!

”

At that moment, countless white lights flickered in the darkness. Those were eyes. Hundreds of crows perched on the trees, their piercing gazes making the forest feel even more eerie.

“Holy shit.”

Lu Ran nodded approvingly after seeing how that botanist had transformed this secret realm. It was quite the sight.

“Not bad,

caw

.” Dark Crow nodded in satisfaction.

To it, this environment was extremely comfortable. If it was happy here, then its crow army would definitely find it a perfect home.

“

Drip!

”

“

Woof!

”

Upon their arrival, the crows remained still. But soon, two other creatures emerged. It was a black cloud and a blue sword spirit. They both rushed over eagerly.

Lu Ran smiled. “You’re both full of energy. Baby cloud, stop going dark. Turn back to white.”

It quickly switched from its dark cloud form to its normal state.

Lu Ran glanced at their levels, then said, “Looks like Manager Ying didn’t starve you guys.”

“

Drip!

(Evil cat!)”

“

Woof!

(Evil cat!)”

“Alright, it must have tortured you guys then. You can hold a grudge for now. Once you’re stronger, you can get back at it. First, let me show you Dark Crow leading the crow murder! Dark Crow, this is for you.”

Lu Ran took out a Treasure Spirit-attribute plant resource, the Divine Form Grass, which he had obtained from the ascension realm. Upon seeing it, Dark Crow let out a gulp and swiftly took it. It then devoured it in one go. The Divine Form Grass was a Spirit-attribute resource with remarkable effects on forming spirit energy.

After savoring the meal with satisfaction, Dark Crow’s bottleneck, where it had been stuck at level 39 for over half a month, loosened instantly. Under Lu Ran’s watchful gaze, it broke through to level 40. Then, Lu Ran took out a Legion Domination Trait Crystal.

[Legion Domination Trait Crystal: A familiar that fuses with this trait crystal can awaken the dominion power, granting it immense control over creatures that share its bloodline or are of a similar species. After establishing the bond, the familiar can temporarily lend a portion of its power to its subordinates or temporarily draw power from its subordinates to enhance itself.]

“

Caw.

”

After receiving the crystal, Dark Crow trembled with excitement as it was far ahead of the others. While Captain Doofus and Sudden Death King were still stuck in level 30s, it had already reached level 40.

As Dark Crow called out, crows from all across Green Sea flew toward the Crow’s Secret Realm in an endless stream. Death Crow and Curse Crow stood guard at its sides. Meanwhile, the huge crow army took flight from the trees, spiraling into the sky.

The crows cawed non-stop. With a flap of its wings, Dark Crow’s many Evil God’s Eyes opened once more, and droplets of blood trickled from them. These blood droplets were split into countless tiny drops that were almost imperceptible to the naked eye, before dispersing toward the crow army.

Ever since its evolution, Dark Crow had been rewarding its flock with a minuscule portion of its Evil God Blood. But it never handed out anything too precious. The reason was because there were too many crows.

The vast majority couldn’t withstand the Evil God’s Power and had to be nurtured gradually. Even so, Dark Crow had been slowly forging a bond with them, one even closer than that of a mere species connection.

“My king, I’m going for it!”

Having completed another reward cycle, Dark Crow grew serious. Receiving Lu Ran’s approving nod, it immediately swallowed the Legion Domination Trait Crystal.

“Urgh...”

Perhaps it was too excited because it choked this time. Fortunately, the trait crystal quickly emitted a radiant glow, dissolving and fusing into its body, allowing it to recover.

“Eating everything recklessly will only harm you,” Lu Ran remarked.

“

Caw!

”

Though feeling a bit guilty, Dark Crow was too thrilled about its impending mini-evolution to care.

In the next instant, a surge of black energy swirled around it. Not only around Dark Crow but also around every Transcendent crow in the army.

“

Ahhh!

Ahhh!

”

The crows shrieked wildly.

The link is already forming?

Lu Ran realized that among them, crows that had awakened Spirit or Dark attributes had the strongest reactions, while those of other attributes showed comparatively weaker responses. But despite this, every single one of them was now resonating with Dark Crow.

“A Legion-wide evolution... This really is a Legion Trait Crystal.” Lu Ran muttered to himself.

Nearby, Weather Sprite and Corpse Dog, who were buzzing around like a headless fly, were both visibly astonished.

Dark Crow is incredible!

As their senior, Dark Crow basked in the admiration of its juniors, reveling in their reverence. Although fusing with the trait crystal hadn’t directly strengthened itself, the crow army’s power had increased slightly.

Even as Dark Crow remained shrouded in black energy, its large eyes remained wide open in excitement. It may not have gained power itself, but it had truly experienced the overwhelming potential of the Legion Domination Trait Crystal.

Its connection with the crow army had become tighter than ever before. Even if it remained weak, that didn’t matter. The power of the army could now be borrowed.

Meanwhile, Lu Ran inspected his contract card and noticed Dark Crow had awakened a new species talent.

[Species Talent: Legion Transformation]

[Description: When the legion reaches a sufficient number, the familiar can temporarily fuse with its subordinates to assume a powerful Legion Form, increasing its level!]

“What...” Lu Ran’s heart trembled.

It wasn’t a species rank enhancement, but rather a talent that increased its level?

While Lu Ran was still in shock, the crow army had already begun flying toward Dark Crow. As Dark Crow let out a maniacal cackle, its body started expanding. It was growing larger and larger.

Finally, amid the collective astonishment of Lu Ran, Baby Cloud, and the sword spirit, a colossal shadow tore through the dense forest canopy. A black storm raged, engulfing the entire forest in its howling winds. Without any obstacles to obstruct their view, a massive silhouette emerged.

It still retained the shape of a crow. But now, it possessed three pairs of colossal wings, spanning over 100 meters. The sheer size of the black giant bird was breathtaking.

Lu Ran hadn’t even gotten a good look at its full form yet. His first impression was just thinking that it was huge.