Chapter 5: Attracting Flies
Chapter 5: Attracting Flies
Based on what they knew about this horse, it would be surprising enough if it allowed someone to pet it. But lying down, letting people ride it, and obeying a groom's command seemed a bit much.
"Could it be that Su Shang has really become friends with you and can understand your words?" Steward Feng couldn't help but ask.
Yesterday, this horse played dead following Zhang Xuan's order, causing him to lose the bet.
"Of course!" Zhang Xuan nodded.
"What's going on?" Mo Yanxue asked.
"Well..." Steward Feng hurriedly recounted the events of yesterday, mentioning Su Shang's cooperation with Zhang Xuan but omitting the bet.
"Su Shang not only didn't resist but also obeyed every command..."
Surprised, Mo Yanxue looked at Zhang Xuan with a hint of doubt in her eyes. "Do you have beast-taming skills?"
In this world, there is indeed the skill of beast taming, but it requires Knowing Fate, Recognizing Fate, and ultimately Establishing Fate before displaying various supernatural abilities. Such individuals are extremely rare and powerful, not just any random groom.Unaware of her thoughts, Zhang Xuan scratched his head and replied honestly, "I don't know how it works either. It just seems very easy for me to make these Source Beasts feel close to me..."
If the Library of Heaven's Path were operational, he could use the energy of Heaven's Path to excel in beast taming. But for now, it had nothing to do with beast taming.
If he truly were proficient, he wouldn't have been beaten into a panda-eyed state these past few days...
Of course, he couldn't say these things out loud. Otherwise, not only would he lose the chance to go to White Rock Academy, but he might also be seen as a monster and killed. So, he had to go along with their assumptions.
Mo Yanxue was taken aback. "Very simple? Is there really someone naturally gifted with this ability? I've never heard of such a thing..."
"Who cares if you've heard of it or not? Isn't it a good thing to have such an ability?"
Yu Xiaoyu, excited, jumped up, her bells jingling. "My father just captured a Cangback Eagle. It's been almost half a month, and we still haven't tamed it. You can lend me this groom after my Source Pool Assessment to make that stubborn bird obey!"
"Well..."
Zhang Xuan looked towards Mo Yanxue.
As a groom, he couldn't leave at will.
Understanding his concern, Mo Yanxue nodded, "If you can do it, helping Xiaoyu would be fine."
Apart from friendship, assisting the city lord's family would greatly benefit the Mo family.
Zhang Xuan cupped his fists. "Yes, Miss!"
Since burning the new world allowed him to use the Spirit Awakening Technique, his beast-taming abilities should also be usable. If he couldn't refuse, he might as well take advantage of it. Of course, he had to secure the benefits first.
"Time is running out. If we don't hurry, we might miss the Source Pool Assessment. Xiaoyu, stop dawdling and get on the horse!"
Glancing at the sun, Mo Yanxue urged.
Yu Xiaoyu nodded and climbed onto the horse. With a soft neigh, Su Shang stood up and walked out of the yard.
Seeing this horse's drastically changed demeanor, Mo Yanxue followed closely. After a few steps, she turned to Zhang Xuan. "You follow us too!"
"Yes!"
Zhang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.
The first step was accomplished.
Although Steward Feng had said he'd take him along, having the young lady personally invite him was much better. It left a stronger impression, making future actions smoother.
Outside the Mo residence, a luxurious carriage awaited. Made entirely of solid wood, it was very sturdy and adorned with various decorations that jingled in the wind. It undoubtedly belonged to Yu Xiaoyu.
Sitting upright on Su Shang's back, Yu Xiaoyu turned to Mo Yanxue. "You can take my carriage!"
Mo Yanxue nodded and stopped beside the carriage.
Zhang Xuan glanced at Steward Feng, smirking, "Steward Feng, will you kneel and serve as a step for the young lady?"
A carriage step is used for getting onto the carriage, similar to a mounting block for horses. Given Steward Feng's earlier attempt to humiliate him, he wouldn't miss the chance to retaliate.
Making him suffer? Not happening!
Understanding his intent, Steward Feng's face turned sour. As the chief steward of the Mo family, kneeling in front of everyone would ruin his dignity.
Just as he was hesitating, Zhang Xuan's voice rang out again, "You said it was an honor for Miss Yu to step on you. Now that the young lady needs to board the carriage, why hesitate?"
"You... Of course, I'll be a step. I just hadn't gotten here yet."
Fearing further embarrassment, Steward Feng suppressed his anger, stepped to the vehicle, and knelt down, his body jiggling with the motion.
Mo Yanxue, uninterested in their bickering, glanced at Zhang Xuan once more before stepping on Steward Feng to enter the carriage.
"You, groom, are quite amusing!"
Seeing the tension between the two, Yu Xiaoyu smiled at Zhang Xuan, revealing dimples. "Come and lead the horse for me. I'm afraid I'll lose control if it gets startled!"
"Yes!"
Zhang Xuan stepped forward.
He had already tamed this horse; there was almost zero chance of him being startled. But he understood her intent, showing some favor towards him, and he was happy to oblige to increase his presence.
The impressive thoroughbred led the way, with Yu Xiaoyu's bells jingling, attracting many gazes.
Seeing Su Shang's imposing demeanor and the luxurious carriage, people knew better than to provoke them.
After walking for about half an hour, a massive building appeared. The tall outer walls couldn't hide the lush greenery inside. The plaque above the entrance shone with four large characters—White Rock Academy!
A crowd had already gathered outside, mostly teenagers around sixteen or seventeen.
"Xiaoyu, you're here..."
Hearing the bells, a young man approached.
About twenty years old, dressed in a gray-blue outfit, his face slightly resembled Yu Xiaoyu's.
"Brother..."
Yu Xiaoyu waved excitedly.
This was Yu Feng, the city lord's eldest son, and Yu Xiaoyu's brother.
"Didn't I arrange a carriage for you? Why are you on horseback?" Yu Feng asked in confusion.
"This is a thoroughbred. Most people don't even get the chance to ride one!" Yu Xiaoyu pouted, seeing her brother didn't recognize the value.
"A thoroughbred?"
Yu Feng examined the horse.
Indeed, it had a magnificent build, with chestnut-red fur and a majestic presence, making it look impressive. Just as he was about to speak, his eyes fell on something that made him freeze.
"What's this... attracting flies?"
Following the city lord's son's gaze, they saw dozens of flies buzzing around Su Shang's belly, drawn by the smell.
Zhang Xuan's eyebrows twitched. "I forgot about this. Flowers can mask some odors, but they can't hide this..."
Bees or butterflies would be fine, but attracting flies... It was too pronounced to notice something was off!