Chapter 146
"Will these spirit cranes be affected?" Lu Xuan asked worriedly from the side.
"There will definitely be an impact. Judging by their condition, there might even be extreme situations," Xu Yi said, his expression grave, as he looked at the remaining two hundred or so spirit cranes.
Following his gaze, Lu Xuan saw the spirit cranes staying obediently within the fenced area, but their appearance didn't reflect tranquility.
Many of them had red eyes, and upon careful observation, there was a hint of violence lurking within them.
"It seems these spirit cranes, under Zhou Zhengqing's violent nurturing, are on the verge of eruption."
"However, due to their domestication, they haven't developed the consciousness to retaliate."
"Plus, the spirit beast card contains their essence. Their lives are entirely in the hands of the cultivator who controls the spirit beast card with a single thought."
"So, that crane just now chose self-harm rather than confronting Zhou Zhengqing. Self-harm only damages the body, but confronting a cultivator would be entirely different; they'd almost certainly lose their lives."
Lu Xuan thought to himself, observing the restless spirit cranes.
Not far away, Zhou Zhengqing, previously proud and self-assured, now appeared panicked, standing helplessly on the side.
Before long, a practitioner skilled in healing arts arrived at the camp.
A pure white light fell on the crane's abdomen. Instantly, the previously bleeding wounds slowly healed, and though the crane softly mourned, its head remained held high.
"Junior Zhou, today's incident of the crane's self-harm indicates that your nurturing method isn't appropriate. It's extreme. Moving forward, I hope you'll handle these cranes in a more gentle manner. If a similar event happens again, neither of us will have an easy time," Xu Yi said sternly to Zhou Zhengqing.
The drastic reduction in the number of cranes was a significant problem, but if there were large-scale self-harming incidents, the issue of breeding would pale in comparison.
"Yes, Senior Xu, I'll remember," Zhou Zhengqing replied, pursing his lips. He felt greatly troubled by this occurrence and had no objections to Xu Yi's advice, which served as both a warning and a reminder. He silently resolved to immediately change his nurturing methods.
"Brother Lu, how are the hundred cranes you're raising? Keep a close watch. If a similar incident occurs, it might require intervention from the Beast Taming Hall senior uncle," Xu Yi asked Lu Xuan quietly, his expression slightly eased.
"Senior Xu, I've been adjusting the mental and physical state of those hundred cranes these days, and the results seem fairly good," Lu Xuan replied.
"That's good. We look forward to your success, Brother Lu," Xu Yi said, feeling somewhat relieved.
Lu Xuan returned to his camp, and the many spirit cranes, upon seeing him, flew over lazily, chirping softly with a hint of fondness in their tones.
In these days, Lu Xuan had made them feel a long-forgotten sense of relaxation. They didn't have to toil daily carrying cultivators or worry about being underfed.
They could play freely every day, frolicking in the water, soaring low in the sky, enjoying a comfortable and carefree life.
Lu Xuan looked at the several small crane heads that had come closer, chuckled lightly, and reached out to playfully ruffle their heads.
The pure white feathers on the crane's heads immediately became disheveled.
"Squawk!"
The crane tilted its head, dodging Lu Xuan's hand, grumbling discontentedly.
"Oh, are you afraid I'll mess up your hairstyle? Is spring stirring your heart, making you conscious of your appearance?" Lu Xuan chuckled, grabbing the crane's long neck.
The crane struggled to break free, flapping its large wings at Lu Xuan. A gust of wind blew, making Lu Xuan's hair dance wildly.
Lu Xuan made his rounds in the camp, greeting each crane.
Among the hundred cranes, some were affectionate, some indifferent, and a few mischievous ones played pranks on Lu Xuan.
"Dinner's ready, dinner's ready!" After the cranes had their playtime, Lu Xuan called out loudly in the camp.
As soon as he spoke, over a hundred cranes swiftly flew towards him.
On the ground lay many prepared meats from spiritual clams and snails, along with some spiritual fish and shrimp specially caught from the water, meant to improve their diet.
In these past days, Lu Xuan had done all this for one purpose: to relax these cranes.
To forget their duties of carrying cultivators, to live in a way that was more natural to their instincts, disregarding the daily grind from dawn to dusk.
Among these, eating was a crucial part. Previously, most of the cranes spent their time in the water searching for spiritual plants, roots, and tender leaves, often returning exhausted and hungry, unable to enjoy various delicious foods.
In these days, Lu Xuan adjusted the crane's diet according to their detailed conditions, ensuring a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, meeting their physical needs while also satisfying their appetites.
The effect was considerable; these hundred cranes now had brighter eyes, and their feathers shimmered with a hidden brilliance, more glossy and vibrant than before.
"After eating, it's time for some exercise to aid digestion."
Pointing at the azure sky, Lu Xuan's lips curled up as he spoke loudly:
"Forget all worries and soar freely!"
"Ready... Go!"
At Lu Xuan's command, the hundred cranes vigorously flapped their wings like arrows shot from a bow, soaring rapidly towards the sky.
Their crisp and melodious calls filled the air as the cranes flew faster and higher, quickly turning into tiny white dots.
Under the setting sun's glow, the cranes radiated a golden aura, presenting a picturesque and harmonious scene.
"The mother cranes we chased together..."
Lu Xuan murmured softly, watching the cranes frolic and play without constraints.
After a while, the many cranes gradually returned to the camp.
"Huh? Isn't that regretful youth? You've really managed to court her, huh?" Finally, as the last two cranes descended, their long necks entwined, displaying a romantic and sentimental scene.
Seeing Lu Xuan, the two cranes reluctantly parted, their eyes lingering, as if connected by an invisible thread.
"With so many cranes now, they'll probably dive into the water grass at night," Lu Xuan sighed inwardly.
He called the male crane over, carefully grooming its feathers.
"We're approaching a crucial moment in the crane's life. I must spruce you up to ensure an unforgettable night," Lu Xuan said, teasingly combing the feathers on the crane's head to resemble a great crane.
"Seems like an old friend has arrived," he said, gazing at the crane's divided hairstyle, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The crane shifted slightly, breaking free from Lu Xuan's grasp.
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