Chapter 14: The Lone Ranger

"A five-star rating is a must," Lu Ran chuckled.

He hadn't expected the second-largest intelligence agency to be so down-to-earth.

"Do you need any other information? For a newcomer like you, I highly recommend exchanging for some advanced cultivation intelligence," Xiao Ling's cat ears twitched, causing Lu Ran to pause.

"Advanced cultivation intelligence?" Lu Ran inquired.

"Yes, for instance, the optimal resources required for your beast's development, the secret realms where such resources can be obtained, or locations that offer effective training with minimal risk. These all fall under advanced intelligence."

"Additionally, monster data, expedition strategies—these too are considered advanced information, highly beneficial for a rookie like you."

"And of course, the most crucial... the best evolutionary pathways! But that belongs to an even higher tier of intelligence."

Lu Ran turned his gaze toward Xiao Bailong.

Stroking his chin, Xiao Bailong nodded and said, "After joining an official organization, basic intelligence is available for free. However, high-level intelligence still comes at a price."

Xiao Ling added, "After all, much of this intelligence was obtained at great cost—sometimes even at the price of lives."

Lu Ran nodded in understanding. However...

"I'll need some time to think about it," he said.

"No rush! In the meantime, I'll get in touch with the people from the Medicine Pavilion," Xiao Ling replied.

"Alright. Wait—actually, there's one more piece of information I need." A sudden thought struck Lu Ran—he had almost forgotten!

"Oh? And what might that be?" Xiao Ling asked curiously.

"If I want to buy weapons, armor, or other equipment—or if I need materials to commission a custom-forged weapon—where should I go?" Lu Ran asked.

Xiao Ling chuckled. "That's a rather basic inquiry. Even Mr. Xiao Bailong beside you could answer that. But since you asked, I'll give you a recommendation free of charge—a reputable shop here in Infinite City."

"Coordinates 8766, 1273. The owner of this forge is one of the top-tier blacksmiths among the third-generation beastmasters. Their pricing is reasonable, and whether you're buying equipment or commissioning a weapon, you won't go wrong there."

Lu Ran memorized the coordinates but soon asked another question, his curiosity piqued. "By the way, what exactly is a 'lifestyle-type beastmaster'?"

He had a vague idea but wanted confirmation.

"Haven't I told you before?" Xiao Bailong interjected, rubbing his chin. "Both myself and Xiao Ling here are lifestyle-type beastmasters."

"A lifestyle-type beastmaster," he continued, "is someone who doesn't focus on combat or secret realm expeditions. Instead, they specialize in other areas."

"The most direct way for a beastmaster to grow stronger is by venturing into secret realms, but as you've experienced, those places are extremely dangerous. Many people only enter once before swearing never to go back."

"So instead, they develop specialized skills—cooking, blacksmithing, alchemy—to earn crystal coins from combat-oriented beastmasters."

"Then, using those earnings, they purchase resources to level up safely. When the time comes for breakthroughs, they can hire combat beastmasters for protection. It's simply another path to growth."

"Have you given up on becoming a combat-type beastmaster?" Lu Ran asked.

"I have," Xiao Bailong admitted with a wry smile. "I have a wife and child. After thinking it over, I decided that taking unnecessary risks wasn't worth it. Even as an ordinary lifestyle-type beastmaster, I earn more than most so-called elites."

"To be honest, if you'd asked me, I would have recommended that you take this path as well—it's often the most comfortable. But now..." He glanced at Lu Ran, recalling that even his husky had earned at least a D-rank evaluation. Clearly, Lu Ran had his own path in mind.

"Everything Xiao Bailong said is correct. I took this job because I dislike fighting," Xiao Ling added with a grin. "But I do enjoy working here. The seniors in the shop have taken great care of me, giving me plenty of learning and training opportunities."

"Look at me—I'm just an intern, yet I'm managing such a massive establishment all on my own!" Xiao Ling's eyes sparkled with pride. After all, this intelligence center was famous even in Infinite City!

Lu Ran: "..."

Are you sure they're not just overworking you?

This café's owner must be truly ruthless to exploit interns like this.

A lifestyle-type beastmaster...

Lu Ran pondered. It didn't seem entirely at odds with a combat-oriented path.

A beastmaster who could craft their own beast's equipment and prepare specialized meals would undoubtedly have an advantage. But ultimately, it boiled down to talent and dedication.

"小路, if you're looking for weapons, let me take you! I know Infinite City well and can offer some advice," Xiao Bailong offered, growing increasingly invested in Lu Ran's potential. After all, Lu Ran was a walking prize bounty!

"Hmm... I'm not planning to go just yet. I'll check it out myself later," Lu Ran declined, not wanting to trouble him.

"Alright then." Xiao Bailong sighed.

"You two keep talking—I'll be back soon," Xiao Ling said. "But before that, let's add each other as friends."

Lu Ran nodded and added her to his contacts.

With that, Xiao Ling left to contact the Medicine Pavilion through the maid café's exclusive channels.

Meanwhile, Xiao Bailong turned back to Lu Ran, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Xiao Lu, what's your rating?"

"If it's high enough, joining an official institution or a major guild would grant you exceptional training. If you're interested, I can introduce you."

Lu Ran grinned, showing his teeth. "Not that high. I rank below that pig farmer. As for joining an organization... I'm not in a rush. I want to learn more first."

Xiao Bailong sighed. This kid is impossible to persuade.

"The beastmaster community can be roughly divided into four generations. The first-generation beastmasters emerged three years ago, the second-generation two years ago, the third one year ago, and we are the fourth generation."

"In the Xia Nation, only thirteen of the first-generation beastmasters are still active at the highest level, all holding prestigious positions within the alliance."

"The second and third generations, however, are far more numerous. Whether it's the founder of this cat-eared maid café or the guild master of the Medicine Pavilion, they're all second-generation beastmasters. They are now the backbone of our nation's beastmaster community."

"Organizations like the maid café and the Medicine Pavilion may be privately owned, but they are still part of the national Beastmaster Alliance. They simply operate with regulatory oversight rather than direct command."

"In short, there's a distinction between fully official beastmasters like me and semi-official ones like Xiao Ling. But in the end, true 'freedom' is just an illusion."

"If you want stability and job security, join the official ranks. If you prefer more freedom, join a guild or business—it's like working for a private company. But all of these are part of the alliance."

"The Beastmaster Alliance is the largest beastmaster organization in the Xia Nation, composed of both official agencies and various guilds."

Xiao Bailong was upfront—he could have just recruited Lu Ran for the sake of the bonus, but he preferred laying out the facts honestly.

"At the end of the day, almost every secret realm expedition requires a team. Going in solo is dangerous. Finding a reliable group usually means joining an official raid team or a guild expedition."

"Can't I go solo?" Lu Ran asked.

"Solo?" Xiao Bailong nearly groaned. You reckless fool.

"Do you know why so few first-generation beastmasters are still around?"

"Some retired, switching to lifestyle-type professions. The rest… died in secret realms."

"And that's in teams. Soloing a secret realm? That's almost unheard of."

Lu Ran fell silent, deep in thought.

In truth, he favored soloing. He had the Divine Deer Pendant and didn't want to reveal it.

If he joined an official agency or a guild, he'd lose autonomy. That was what made him hesitate to accept Xiao Bailong's offers.

Perhaps, at least in the beginning, he should walk this path alone.