Chapter 6 Dragon Cavalry (Part 1)_1

Ye Yinzhu didn't know what politeness was, nor did he understand the relationship between an employer and a mercenary. Acting on impulse was the true essence of an Innocent Child's Heart. After riding the unicorn for half a day, the novelty had worn off, and he had long since grown bored with the monotony. The mercenaries of the Iron Thorn Mercenary Group were very serious about their tasks, rarely engaging in conversation or chat.

The carriage was spacious, as Anya was the only person in it, making it seem emptier. Inside, various foods and beverages were laid out, and the seats were wide and fitted with thick, soft cushions, which were much more comfortable than the back of a horse.

Anya was still dressed in a white long gown, leaning lazily on the cushion, and as she faced him, a fresh scent wafted over from the opposite side. Yinzhu couldn't help but take a deep breath, finding the refreshing fragrance very comforting. He sincerely said, "Sister Anya, you are truly beautiful."

Anya had heard plenty of compliments, but to hear one from the simple Yinzhu gave it a different flavor. She smiled slightly and said, "Yinzhu, how did you come to join the Iron Thorn Mercenary Group?"

Yinzhu didn't hide anything and recounted the events of the previous day. He remembered the admonition Zi Lin had given him as she left and did not mention the Five Ancient Zithers inside the Space Ring.

"I see. You're really too kind. Yinzhu, in this world, sometimes you can't afford to be too kind, otherwise, you'll only end up being bullied by others."

Listening to Anya's consoling words, Yinzhu couldn't help but think of that detestable little beggar and said resentfully, "I definitely won't next time." Being simple did not mean he couldn't get angry.

Anya glanced at the Magic Emblem on Yinzhu's chest. Ge'en and those mercenaries unfamiliar with magic wouldn't notice, but how could she fail to see the uniqueness of Yinzhu's emblem? "Yinzhu, the pattern on your emblem is very strange. What kind of mage are you?"

"I am a Divine Music Master. The pattern engraved on the emblem is of my instrument."

"Ah? A Divine Music Master?" Anya was momentarily stunned, and her gaze at Yinzhu turned somewhat odd.

"What is it? Sister Anya, is there something strange about that?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm just surprised that a boy like you would choose to be a Divine Music Master. I know some Divine Music Masters, but they are all female. So, you don't have a Magical Beast of your own then?"

Yinzhu asked, "Does a mage necessarily need a Magical Beast?"

Anya's surprise disappeared without a trace as she calmly responded, "Of course, a Magical Beast is the best protection for a mage's safety. A mage without a Magical Beast is very vulnerable. After all, mages are not good at close combat. As the most noble profession on the continent, mages are respected not just for their rarity, but even more for their inherent power. It's not obvious at lower ranks. But once you reach the Yellow rank, a mage can easily deal with several warriors of the same level. A Magical Beast is the best protection for a mage. It acts like a shield, as long as it can block the enemy's attack before the mage finishes chanting. A strong Magical Beast can even attack the enemy together with the mage. With a Magical Beast, a mage's ability to fight alone becomes the strongest. Didn't you know that?"

"Grandfather seemed to have mentioned Magical Beasts, but he said I wasn't ready to have one yet." Qin Shang didn't talk much with Yinzhu about anything beyond the zither, so he could concentrate on cultivating the Pure Qinxin.

Anya exclaimed, "Then your grandfather must be a powerful mage. Any mage has only one chance in their life to sign a contract with a Magical Beast. He hopes that when you become stronger, you can contract with a powerful Magical Beast. Unfortunately, you are a Divine Music Master." Saying this, her gaze softened when she looked at Yinzhu, who could clearly feel that Anya's look seemed somewhat similar to that of his mother.

"Sister, tell me a story about the Magical Beasts. Do you have your own Magical Beast?"

Anya smiled slightly and said, "Of course I do, otherwise how would I dare to travel alone to such a distant place? Magical Beasts are the best companions for a Mage. Generally speaking, Mages choose to make contracts with Magical Beasts that are good at close combat and have strong defensive power to protect themselves to the greatest extent. Among Magical Beasts, flying ones are the most precious because they can provide Mages with more time. Once a master-servant contract is established between a Mage and a Magical Beast, for the rest of its life, the Magical Beast cannot betray its master. Nor can the Mage abandon their Magical Beast. Therefore, this single opportunity to make a contract becomes extremely valuable. Yin Zhu, today before we set off, I heard Captain Ge'en say that you're going to Milan Magic Martial Academy to study, right? You've called me 'sister,' and I can't accept that title for nothing. If you're willing, I can give you a Magical Beast, how about that?"

Upon hearing Anya's words, Yin Zhu immediately showed an excited look, but soon, the excitement in his eyes disappeared, and he shook his head and said, "Sister Anya, thank you for your kindness, but Grandpa said that I shouldn't casually accept things from others."

"You've already called me 'sister,' am I still a stranger to you? I'm giving it to you, so of course you should accept it." Anya's fondness for the handsome and innocent Yin Zhu increased a bit more. The main reason she wanted to give Yin Zhu a Magical Beast was because of his profession as a Divine Music Master. As a branch of Spirit Mages, Divine Music Masters' offensive power is often ignored. And to make a contract with a Magical Beast, you must first defeat it. Relying on his own strength alone, it would be very difficult for a Divine Music Master to obtain a Magical Beast contract. It was because of her fondness for Yin Zhu that she wanted to give him a Magical Beast, to give him some power to protect himself so that this pure-hearted little brother would not be bullied at the Milan Magic Martial Arts Academy.

"Can I really have one?"

"Of course. However, I have to think about which Magical Beast to give you. After all, this is the only chance in your life. If there is a growth-type beast, that would be best. I'll help you look for one after we get to Milan."

Ye Yinzhu did not know what Anya's casual mention of a growth-type Magical Beast meant. Even among Wisdom-type Demon Beasts above the seventh rank, growth-type beasts were extremely rare. And any Wisdom-type Demon Beast was incredibly expensive on the market, often priceless. Not to mention how difficult it would be to subdue one.

"Sister, can I see your Magical Beast?" Yin Zhu asked Anya with hopeful eyes.

Anya smiled and shook her head, "Not here, let's wait until we reach a deserted place. Oh, Yin Zhu, your hand..."

Yin Zhu stretched out his hands in front of Anya, "I was born like this, Grandpa said that being born with eight fingers means there will be no interference when I play the zither. Sister Anya, what rank are you as a Mage? Yesterday when you tested me, I felt a very strong Water Elemental Fluctuation from you."

Anya was taken aback, "You could feel the Water Elemental Fluctuation from me?"

Yin Zhu nodded, "Yes!"

Anya said earnestly, "Yin Zhu, are you really just a Divine Music Master? Why is your spiritual power so sensitive?"

Yin Zhu scratched his head, looking somewhat bewildered, "I don't know, I just said what I felt."

Anya sighed lightly and said, "You silly boy, you shouldn't ask others the same question in the future. Mages often have strange temperaments, and it's easy to provoke taboos in others."