Beastmaster King

Dormitory.

After returning, Lu Ran continued to modify his beastmaster space, not wasting a single second. The main reason was that this mission was quite time-sensitive. Seeing the dumbfounded "Huh?" "Huh?" "Huh?" expressions of #18, Lu Ran felt that even with Six Flower's Time Hell, it might not be possible to create an invention that would allow him to enter the Divine Research Institute.

Although his desire to enter the Divine Research Institute was driven by his pursuit of extreme exploration, which was perhaps a bit too greedy, the thought of being involved in the research and development of the Mechanical God made his heart itch. According to the Divine Deer, this thing was even more dangerous than the Chaos Dragon God and the Divine Tree.

I really want to be its daddy...

Lu Ran continued his meditation, but soon, someone came knocking due to the recent commotion.

"Who is it?" He opened his eyes.

"Student Lu, I am Fu Zhengnan, the vice principal of National Mechanical University."

Lu Ran was taken aback. He had considered that after the battle, some mentors would likely seek him out. After all, Overlord familiars were quite rare. However, he hadn't expected the university's vice principal to personally visit.

Lu Ran hurried to open the door. "Hello, Vice Principal, may I ask why you're here?"

Fu Zhengnan looked at Lu Ran with a smile.

"Haha.Student Lu, I observed your battle against Ji's Thunderstrike Mecha in the arena earlier. You're quite impressive. It's hard to believe you're just a freshman."

Then, his expression shifted. "I've already contacted Mentor Shen. She mentioned that she only admitted you due to some connection with your deceased parents. I never expected you to be this capable. But on second thought, it makes sense. Your parents were renowned figures close to Legendary beastmasters. How could you be anything less? And that dog familiar of yours..."

"It was left to me by my parents," Lu Ran said.

Fu Zhengnan nodded. "It seems your parents, though gone, left you a rather precious legacy. They must have loved you dearly. Have you already decided to pursue the path of mechanical modification for your familiar? With the innate potential of that dog familiar, it could become incredibly strong even without mechanical modification."

Although the Mechanical attribute is mainstream now, modifying an Overlord familiar carries high risks. If successful, it could lead to a qualitative leap in strength, but if it fails, its power might regress, hindering its growth."

"I..."

Lu Ran naturally didn't want to modify it. He was also worried about the risks.

Fu Zhengnan said, "Don't rush your decision. The university places great importance on talented students like you. I know the current support for mechanics is unprecedented, and many beastmasters want to transition into this field. You must have accepted the admission offer for the same reason. I have a suggestion for you. Would you like to hear it?"

"Sure." Lu Ran nodded.

"I'd like to recommend a mentor to you! She's a Legendary mechanic!"

Lu Ran shook his head inwardly.

Seriously? Another mentor? Forget it. With the mechanical angel around, why bother finding another mentor?

An Epic-Legendary mechanic might still be worth considering. After all, even in this Mechanical Era, only Epic-Legendary mechanics might have Overlord research-type mechanical assistants. Legendary mechanics don't get such privileges. Research-type mechanicals are far more valuable than combat-type mechanicals.

"Speaking of which, this person shares some connection with you. The mentor I want to recommend is the owner of the Orange Sky Research Institute, the one you applied to challenge. Dr. Cheng is a highly talented researcher. Her focus is on mechanical armored evolution. However, her approach to mechanical armored evolution differs significantly from the mainstream methods.

"Current mechanical armored evolution is irreversible. Once the mechanical components fuse with the familiar's body for evolution, they cannot be separated without severe consequences, kind of like an amputation. The side effects are severe, and further upgrades can only build upon this foundation. If the evolutionary path is flawed, it's hard to correct.

"However, Dr. Cheng is researching something groundbreaking. She's working on free-wear mechanical armor. This means the mechanical armor would function like an evolutionary tool, allowing the familiar to undergo temporary mechanical armored evolution.

"When the familiar wishes to revert to its original form, the two can separate naturally. It's similar to a semi-mechanical modified familiar, but far stronger, capable of gaining the Mechanical attribute and greater power amplification!

"So far, Dr. Cheng has already developed two evolutionary tools that support free-wear armored evolution for specific Overlords, proving this path is feasible. Modifying an Overlord species with machinery carries significant risks.

"Once a wrong path is taken, it's hard to correct. But if it's a free-wear armored evolution path that allows reversible evolution and devolution, the cost of trial and error is much lower. Her research aims to reduce the risks of mechanical armored evolution.

"In the field of mechanical armored evolution research, Dr. Cheng is undoubtedly a top scholar. If you study under her, even if you pursue the Mechanical attribute, your future safety will be well guaranteed.

"You don't have to rush into modifying your familiar. It's better to delve deeper into mechanical knowledge first, and learning from Dr. Cheng is the best choice. Besides, you're still young. According to your records, you just turned 19 this year, right?"

"Yes." Lu Ran nodded.

Meanwhile, his heart had already defected. Lu Ran felt like he was being repeatedly slapped in the face.

If Dr. Cheng is willing to teach me, I'd gladly learn from her! Dr. Cheng is actually researching free-wear mechanical evolution and devolution? Damn. This technology sounds incredibly appealing. It's very similar to the artificial soul evolution I had envisioned! I have to get this mentorship!

From what Lu Ran knew, the Stellar Moon Federation currently had no such free-wear evolution and devolution mechanical armored evolution technology. In other words, this was a black technology of the Mechanical Era—something he couldn't afford to miss!

"Hehe,as long as you're willing, Dr. Cheng won't refuse either." Vice Principal Fu smiled.

After all, Lu Ran's dog familiar seemed to be a Superior Overlord. Otherwise, it wouldn't have defeated the Thunderstrike Mecha. A beastmaster contracted with a Superior-Overlord familiar willing to serve as a research subject would surely delight Dr. Cheng. Even as a Legendary mechanic, finding a Superior-Overlord familiar for research was extremely difficult.

In Vice Principal Fu's eyes, the collaboration between Lu Ran and Dr. Cheng was the most cost-effective approach. Not only would it drastically reduce the risks of mechanical evolution for Lu Ran's familiar, preventing this genius from falling, but it would also provide Dr. Cheng with the opportunity to invent new free-wear evolution and devolution tools.

"Since you agree, that settles it. However, Dr. Cheng isn't currently at the university. I'll contact her and arrange for her to return as soon as possible."

"Alright." Lu Ran nodded.

This overwhelming fortune... If #18 really can't handle the Elemental Life Creation Device or Soul Evolution Device, it can collaborate with Dr. Cheng to research the temporary mechanical armored evolution tools for Captain Doofus, Sudden Death King, or Dark Crow.

This could serve as a transitional project for the invention competition. Since there are already successful cases, it should have a chance, right? And it sounds impressive too. Let's tentatively label this the "Last Resort Backup Plan."

Lu Ran made up his mind. He couldn't pin all his hopes on the two research projects he had casually mentioned.

Vice Principal Fu soon left. Not long after his departure, Lu Ran resumed his cultivation and suddenly realized he had already successfully modified his Mechanical Space.

"Took me only half a day. I'm truly a genius."

After confirming the completion of the modification, Lu Ran grinned and immediately entered the ruin space. Perhaps due to a shared intuition, at the same moment, a mentally exhausted mechanical angel flew out of the Time Hell, clutching a black sword hilt.

"M-Master..."

[Level: 40]

"You leveled up 10 times this quickly?" Lu Ran was shocked.

"It's because crafting the Starlight Sword gave me a lot of research experience." #18 wiped away its sweat.

I'm so exhausted.

[Name: Starlight Sword]

[Grade: Epic]

[Description: A sword that devours light, capable of plundering the power of luminous stars and unleashing bursts of energy several times stronger than the absorbed light. The wielder temporarily gains the Light attribute and top-tier Light element control.]

Lu Ran's eyes lit up.

"This is an excellent sword! Was this made from Star Iron?"

"No, this is something I made," #18 corrected.

Lu Ran was dumbfounded.

"Good, good, it's very impressive."

He hadn't expected to be outperformed by a newborn. After all, even he couldn't yet forge Epic weapons or equipment from Epic materials, but #18 had managed it.

This is so disheartening.

"Captain Doofus will be thrilled. Well, Captain Doofus doesn't lack a lightsaber anyway. I'll use it for now."

Lu Ran took the sleek starlight sword, activated its light blade, and in the next instant, a dazzling starlight blade erupted. He felt his power surge, as if he could slash through anything.

"This is a great sword..." He murmured praises while swinging it repeatedly, growing more delighted.

Upon seeing Lu Ran's reaction, #18 wiped its sweat again.

At least now, even if I can't create that Elemental Life Creation Device or Soul Evolution Device, I won't seem completely useless.

"Although I can't use Epic mechanical materials to create a Mechanical starlight sword lifeform, I can forge a pure Mechanical starlight sword. Master, we still have another piece of Star Iron. Should I make another one?"

Lu Ran shook his head. "No. One is enough. Next, focus on researching the Elemental Life Creation Device and Soul Evolution Device."

"Ah..." #18 froze.

"But before that, my Mechanical Space is ready. Let's formalize our contract first." Lu Ran snapped his fingers, and a contract halo appeared above #18's head.

***

Meanwhile, on Blue Planet.

After traveling day and night, Manager Ying finally returned to Blue Planet via the cross-world teleportation array. Seeing its frequent crossings, Squirrel God, the guardian of the array, was growing annoyed.

Xia.

Instead of calling, Manager Ying personally visited Beastmaster University to deliver the good news. Shi Zhen and the old president had been chosen as messengers by Legendary lifeforms. It planned to tell them face-to-face.

When Manager Ying teleported into Shi Zhen's room and saw the black-dressed beautiful Shi Xia applying lipstick, it blurted out in shock.

"The fuck? You've... transcended crossdressing now?"

Shi Zhen also exclaimed. "The fuck? You damn cat, barging in without knocking again! You're looking for trou—"

He suddenly remembered that after Manager Ying's true form emerged, he was no match for it.

Shi Zhen set down the lipstick calmly. "What do you want? Also, what you see isn't necessarily the truth. This is just to better control the curse power and make it serve me. In a few days, my combat strength might break into the top five of Xia."

"I know, I understand. No need to explain. I have good news. Want to hear it?" Manager Ying asked.

Shi Zhen grew wary. "What good news?"

"Actually, when Lu Ran drew your blood earlier, it wasn't to research cultivation methods. Instead, Lu Ran encountered a Legendary divine beast. That Legendary divine beast wanted to select an exceptional human as its messenger. It used blood testing to determine the candidate. And the one-in-a-hundred-thousand person it chose... was you!"

"Huh?" Shi Zhen's beautiful eyes widened, his red lips parting slightly. "You're... you're not messing with me, are you? This is nonsense."

Manager Ying teleported and patted its fragrant shoulder with a paw. "I'd be a dog if I'm lying. Why else would I rush here to tell you? Remember to give me a red packet after you reap the benefits from the Legendary being. You've truly been noticed by a deity, and not just any deity—it's the kin of the Supreme Divine Dragon of Death, the God of the Abyss.

"Lin Nian, Gu Qingyi—none of them got this chance. Seize this opportunity. Becoming a Mythical beastmaster in the future isn't just a dream. There might even be a place for you in the World War. There's still time! When the moment comes, give the Stellar Moon Federation a little surprise from the witches."

"R-Really?" He still couldn't believe it.

"I swear."

Shi Zhen was so excited he could barely speak. "I-I... This overwhelming fortune... You and Lu Ran are the best! Red packets for sure! However, am I really suitable in this condition? Wait! The God of the Abyss is Legendary. It must have a way to lift this curse.

"The reason I haven't removed it yet is because I've adapted to it—it gives me some power, and removing it would mean losing that advantage. But if I become a divine messenger, the curse's boost would be negligible. I could finally return to normal!"

Manager Ying responded ominously, "No. The God of the Abyss chose you precisely because of this. You must maintain it! And you must go even further! Make your familiars undergo similar curses and adapt. Hate the witch's curse, accept the witch's curse, adapt to the witch's curse, understand the witch's curse, and surpass the witch's curse!"