Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

As they followed Ryder and entered a small door at the right side of the barn, Zachary, Jimmy and Henry found that it was a completely different scene. There was a small, straight road, and both sides were lined with stalls. There were six disciples diligently cleaning the stalls. It didn't smell bad at all and the environment was much better than the stalls they had just seen moments ago. In addition, there were at least ten treasure beasts here.

"Listen to me carefully. The beast barn is separated into two parts: outer barn and inner barn. Before, you were looking at the outer barn. And here's the inner barn," Ryder introduced the three of them to the new area, with a wide gesture of his arm.

"Ah, that's good to know. But what's the difference between the two, exactly?" Zachary asked, honestly wondering.

"Good question. The outer barn hosts the ordinary beasts. Most of them are owned by King Level warriors, and a few of them haven't even been tamed yet. They are considered rubbish beasts. The inner barn hosts treasure beasts owned by Imperial Level warriors. All we have to do is care for the beasts within the inner barn, just like you would take care of your babies. If anything is found to be wrong with these treasure beasts, then the consequences would be unimaginable," Ryder cautioned them, placing as much emphasis as he could on his last sentences.

"Hmm. I didn't really notice any differences between the beasts outside and the beasts inside. I mean, not by the looks of them, at least. I'm guessing because their masters are different, they receive different treatment. Am I right? You know, these treasure beasts aren't that great, in the end. They're all rubbish, one just as much as the next," Zachary said disapprovingly, glancing at the treasure beasts within the inner barn.

"Stop right there! What's wrong with you? How dare you say these treasure beasts are rubbish! They are highly valued by their owners. If the Imperial Level warriors hear you, they'll have you killed without ever giving it a second thought!" Ryder commanded, pointing at Zachary accusingly. "Now, you listen to me carefully! From this point on, you'll have to take extremely good care of the beasts in the inner barn! Do you understand me?"

"Master Ryder, can you tell us how you normally take care of the beasts?" Zachary asked as he tried to appear curious.

"Another good question. The water they drink must be from the Cloud Spring w

become much more experienced in how he should take care of them. So much so in fact, that he considered himself a half-professional.

Jimmy and Henry shared a confused look. Of course, they didn't understand what Zachary was even talking about.

The trio took immediate action, walking toward the first beast stall and ready to clear the excrement. However, before they could get too close, a fierce treasure beast in the shape of a tiger began growling ferociously at them. It was so frighteningly that Jimmy and Henry dared not approach it. Zachary was the only one to get close like there was no danger whatsoever.

As Zachary reached out his hand to touch the treasure beast's head, the once aggressive beast suddenly bowed down obediently like a little sheep, allowing him to pet it freely.

Jimmy, Henry and the other disciples watching gasped in surprise. They held their mouths wide open in awe. Zachary was so brave!

Once the beast calmed, Zachary opened the gate and walked straight into the stall. He wanted to check the excrement's odor. Needless to say, it was smelly, but he had often came into contact with his own three treasure beasts, and he had thus already become accustomed to it. After his verification, he stood up and patted the beast, saying, "Hey, dude. You should eat less meat and more vegetable in the future. Your nutrition is unbalanced." As soon as he was finished, he nodded to both Jimmy and Henry. They immediately picked up their tools and walked into the stall in turn to clean the pile of stinky excrement.

After the first stall was cleaned, the three of them entered the next one together.