After Gao Li finished speaking, he glanced at the beastmasters below him. Noticing the fervent admiration in their eyes, he nodded in satisfaction.0

This group had been carefully selected from Ming An City and was deemed the most suitable to join. Now, it was time to assess their familiars’ spiritual talents.0

“Next, summon your familiars.”0

“Yes, Master Gao Li.” The black-robed beastmasters responded in unison and began summoning their familiars.0

Soon, more than a dozen familiars appeared nearby. Lu Ran scanned them and found they were all creatures below level 20 with unimpressive species ranks—weak by all accounts.0

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Ran summoned Captain Doofus, his wolf-like familiar. Blending in with the weaker familiars, Captain Doofus didn’t attract any attention. Without its usual sword in its mouth and relying only on its intelligent eyes, it appeared utterly unremarkable.0

“Woof.” 0

Captain Doofus barked softly, turning to Lu Ran with a questioning look.0

“Nothing big. They’re just testing your spiritual talent. No battles for now,” Lu Ran replied inwardly.0

Oh. 0

Captain Doofus looked disdainful. 0

Testing? As if my talents could be lacking! Wait…what do you mean by spiritual talents, though? 0

Captain Doofus gave Lu Ran a puzzled, contemplative gaze.0

“Focus.” 0

Lu Ran was speechless.0

At that moment, the beastmaster closest to Gao Li stepped forward. His familiar was a Rock-attribute boar. 0

Gao Li handed him the Soul Calming Stone and explained, “During the process, your familiar must not resist or use energy to shield itself, or its soul cannot be drawn out. Communicate with your familiar and test it yourself. I won’t intervene to avoid...0