Museum of Deadly Beasts

Unable to dodge the attack, several slash wounds appeared on the black snake’s body, which withered in pain. After spraying out a jet of inky water, it slithered away, disappearing down the well.

It goes without saying that the well was the black snake’s hiding place.

Lin Jin stopped Xiao Huo, who was about to dive into the well with the snake.

They could battle freely on dry land, but once inside the well, the odds would be different. There was water inside this well, and if Xiao Huo went down there, not only would his movements be limited, but he might even be overcome by the enemy. Lin Jin would never let his pet beast take such risks.

Needless to say, the black snake’s abilities far exceeded Lin Jin’s expectations.

Noticing the pieces of snake scales on the ground, Lin Jin went over to pick one up.

The dark silhouette within the Museum of Deadly Beasts instantly dispersed to reveal the corresponding specimen.

A large black snake.

“Rank 2 monster, black anaconda.”

“A monster-type beast. Unable to form blood pact. Intelligence level similar to humans!”

“Status: Heavily injured. Burns and slash wounds. The treatment methods are…”

“The evolution methods are…”

“Currently recorded monsters, 1/4.”

After reading the museum’s description, Lin Jin felt a mix of joy and concern.

The only thing worth rejoicing was the fact that he could get a reward after recording all four monsters. The black snake would be this series’ first reward. But there were tons of other reasons that made him feel miserable.

Firstly, this monster is a Rank 2 who could put up a fight against a Rank 3 like Xiao Huo. That’s basically cheating!

On what basis?

If this creature managed to advance to Rank 3, wouldn’t it be able to defeat Xiao Huo easily?

Lin Jin started getting increasingly paranoid.

Also, what did it mean by ‘unable to form blood pact’?

Being such powerful creatures, it’d be great if humans could form a blood contract with monsters. But they couldn’t. So what was the purpose of having monsters around? And ‘intelligence level similar to humans’. Is it implying that monsters were terribly smart?

Perhaps it was so smart that humans couldn’t form blood pacts with it.

Lin Jin recalled how the black snake had conveyed its intentions earlier through its gaze. It was the moment right before it slithered into the well, that black snake had shot a malicious look at Lin Jin.

It looked like it was saying, ‘Just you wait. I’ll get my revenge.’

“I’m not the one who hurt you. Why would you target me?” Lin Jin complained.

Anyhow, he was annoyed right now. When he first came in contact with Lan Xiu’e, Lin Jin was only aware that she was stained by a monster’s aura. According to the museum’s information, she was being eyed by a ‘monster’.

Lin Jin only came over to help for this reason. But now, not only was it still alive, but he had invoked the creature’s wrath instead.

That being said, there was no benefit in this mission other than accumulating a monster’s record for the reward.

With Xiao Huo beside him, Lin Jin peeked into the pitch-black well and heard only faint sounds of water.

If he didn’t go down there, no one would know the situation below.

But if he did?

Lin Jin would never do it. Ever. Who knows what might happen down there? What if there was a nest?

“This beast is now heavily injured so it won’t come back out for the time being. We don’t have to fear it for now. When I get Part two of the Beast Energy Formation in a few days, I’ll let Xiao Huo power up. Right, I still have Goldy. I’ll just carry him around wherever I go. This monster will just be heading for suicide if it attacks us, so there’s no need to fear it.”

Thinking he had analyzed the situation thoroughly, Lin Jin felt more at ease.

After another glance down the well, he said, “Why don’t I seal up this well to prevent the black snake from harming anyone else?”

He had Xiao Huo drag a boulder over to cover up the well’s opening. One didn’t seem enough so he added a few more until the well was completely sealed off.

“Let’s go!” After glancing up at the sky, Lin Jin led Xiao Huo away.

As it was getting bright out, it didn’t make sense to sleep at home so Lin Jin simply returned to the association’s emergency hall to get some shut eye. Zhao Ying came in first thing in the morning and Lin Jin briefly explained the situation to her. When she heard it had something to do with a monster, Zhao Ying immediately said, “If it’s a monster, we must report it to the local authorities to have them slay it.”

Lin Jin was surprised he hadn’t thought about letting someone else handle it when he didn’t have the courage to. Moreover, there were tons of experts in the city government. If they defeated the black anaconda, his worries would be solved.

He immediately went to report this to the authorities with Zhao Ying.

At Maple City’s government hall.

Since it was an official institution, the place naturally had a domineering atmosphere. There were two large lion beasts standing guard on either side of the entrance, adding to the intimidation.

Lin Jin was speechless.

In his world, the lions guarding entrances were merely stone statues, but here, they used real lions.

“Halt! Who are you?” the guard at the door interrogated.

Lin Jin and Zhao Ying stated their reason for visiting the building.

“A monster?” The guard seemed hesitant, obviously skeptical. But when he saw the one-ring pattern on Lin Jin’s sleeve, he realized that he was speaking to a certified beast appraiser, so he quickly escorted them into a parlor.

Soon, someone dressed like a military officer came in.

“How could there be monsters in Maple City? This is downright ridiculous. How could you lot believe such a thing?” the officer could be heard lecturing his subordinates in the hallway before entering the room.

At this, Lin Jin shook his head.

Here comes another arrogant and conceited idiot.

Although he wasn’t hopeful, he still elaborated on what needed to be said. Sure enough, the military officer didn’t seem to believe him. After a few more questions, Lin Jin merely said he was just helping out when he coincidentally came across traces of the monster. That’s why he came here to report it.

As for that fight to the death with the monster, Lin Jin would never tell him that.

The officer scoffed and shot Lin Jin a glance. “You’re Lin Jin of the Beast Appraisal Association, aren’t you? I’ve heard about you. That will be all. I got this. You can go back now.”

Zhao Ying added, “That monster is dangerous. If you’re going to lay siege to it, be careful and bring more men with you.”

It was just a piece of advice out of goodwill, but the officer looked annoyed instead. “Do you seriously think the government needs an inexperienced lass like you to teach us how to do our work?”

Lin Jin smiled, gave a salute, and dragged Zhao Ying away.

“Master Lin, they…” Zhao Ying wanted to say more but Lin Jin shook his head instead. “They hold prejudice and don’t believe us at all. If we keep pressing the matter, it’ll just give us trouble. Since that’s the case, just let them be.”

Lin Jin couldn’t be bothered with how the city government will take care of this issue.

However, a new idea sprang up in his mind. That monster, the black anaconda, probably would not appear in the city without rhyme or reason. It was also extremely familiar with the well at the abandoned temple.

Thus, Lin Jin inquired about that temple instead.

Zhao Ying had some information about it. That temple had been there for quite a while now. It was there when she was born and it seemed to have at least a hundred years’ worth of history.

Yet, when it was still intact, barely anyone went there to pray. After it was burned down, it was practically left deserted.

Lin Jin then asked when the temple was burned down.

“Just a few days ago. I think it was after the temple burned down that Xiu’e started getting nightmares. Master Lin, do you think these two incidents are linked?”

Zhao Ying sure knew how to let her mind wander.

Lin Jin waved his hand dismissively. There was that possibility but they couldn’t be a hundred percent sure.

But anyway, if there ever was a chance to record monsters, he would take it, but he wouldn’t go searching for it by himself. After all, monsters were too terrifying. If that black snake didn’t seek revenge on him, all was well. But if it did, Lin Jin decided that he would have to slay the creature once and for all.

Otherwise, allowing a disaster like that to live would no doubt bring about calamity.