Beast Taming: Starting From Zero

Qiao Sang was a little dumbfounded.
Qiao Sang thought in a daze.
The immunity of the girl before her was simply abnormal. Elma hesitated for a moment but couldn’t help asking:
"Do you have a healing-type pet beast?"
Qiao Sang snapped back to reality and responded with a simple "Mm":
"I have a water-and-ice-type pet beast that knows healing skills."
Elma looked at the girl with great anticipation.
Qiao Sang was confused for a moment, then suddenly thought of something and asked:
"What about my defense? How is it?"
Elma's expression shifted slightly before she replied:
"It’s normal, just slightly better than an average person. For example, if you fall, you won’t scrape your skin."
Qiao Sang felt that wasn’t bad, stronger than she had expected. After all, Gangbao was only a mid-level pet beast, and she hadn’t originally expected her to significantly enhance her defense.
As a well-regarded coach, Elma managed to suppress her curiosity. Steadying her emotions, she said:
"There are many ways to strengthen your defense. First, you can have a pet beast that specializes in defensive abilities, which can shield you in battle."
"Second, you can form a contract with a fighting-type pet beast and evolve it to receive its feedback effect."
At this point, she looked at Gangbao:
"Of course, your Steel Guardian Falcon is an option too. Since it's a steel-type, if it evolves, your own defense will improve as well."
Hearing this, Gangbao showed a thoughtful expression.
Elma continued: "The third way is to train your own defensive abilities. I just tested you, you can't fully withstand even a beginner-level pet beast’s attack. In game terms, your skin is still the default equipment, has one or two points in defense, but that's about it."
Qiao Sang joked inwardly but kept a serious expression.
"How do I start training?" She asked.
"You’re not ready to train just yet." Elma said with a smile.
"You need to prepare first. Otherwise, with your current physique, you might get injured after just a few sessions."
Qiao Sang pouted.
"I have a suggestion." Elma said.
"You can train your defense alongside your Steel Guardian Falcon. When a Beast master trains with a pet beast that provides defensive feedback, the results improve significantly."
"Then let’s start quickly." Qiao Sang said, not forgetting that this place charged by the hour.
"Alright." Elma nodded before forming hand seals.
An orange-yellow star formation lit up, and a pet beast about three meters tall appeared within it. Its body was primarily green, with white tusks slightly protruding from its mouth. Its lower body and paws were cream-colored, and it had a short tail.
"Stinky~"
The pet beast let out a call, as if greeting them.
Elma introduced it:
"This is a Skunk. Its venom can temporarily harden human skin. Apply the venom, let it absorb, and then we’ll begin training."
Qiao Sang hesitated: "Is it safe to put venom on my body?"
Elma laughed: "Relax, we just tested you, didn’t we? Even a general-level poison-type pet beast wouldn't be able to kill you immediately."
"Skunk is only an advanced poison-type pet beast. Its venom won’t harm you. The hardening effect is temporary and will fade after some time."
"Plus, the venom has benefits, if the body can withstand the toxicity, it leaves behind substances that strengthen the subcutaneous tissue."
"This material enhances a person’s defense, and many people with loose skin even apply Skunk venom for cosmetic reasons."
"Since firm subcutaneous tissue increases skin elasticity, such skin tends to look younger."
Qiao Sang was surprised.
Elma suddenly thought of something and added:
"Even if some people can’t endure it, we have antidotes prepared."
… Qiao Sang couldn't help but admire those unknown warriors who had braved it.
An advanced poison-type pet beast’s venom!
Qiao Sang nodded slightly and said, "I’m ready."
Elma looked at the Skunk:
"Begin."
"Stinky~"
The Skunk called out, stepped forward, and grabbed Qiao Sang’s hand with its paw. Then, it lowered its head, bringing its tusks close.
When it was just 0.1 centimeters away, a drop of dark purple venom slowly dripped from the tip of its tusk and landed on Qiao Sang’s hand.
Elma explained:
"Usually, one drop is enough. It spreads throughout the body and hardens the skin entirely."
"Xun~"
Little Treasure suddenly appeared, curiously approaching to take a closer look.
Elma was startled and leaped back, shouting:
"Spike Fist Kid!"
"Fist!"
Spike Fist Kid immediately assumed a defensive stance, clenching its fist and raising it high.
Qiao Sang quickly said:
"This is my pet beast."
Elma and Spike Fist Kid both visibly relaxed.
"Xun~"
Little Treasure showed an innocent expression.
"Sorry, I was too tense, I thought it was a wild pet beast." Elma apologized
"No problem, that's a normal reaction." Qiao Sang replied with a smile.
"Xun?"
Little Treasure poked his Beast master’s cheek with his paw.
… Elma glanced at the small ghost-type pet beast that had suddenly appeared. Though curious, she didn't forget her task.
"Normally, besides hardening the skin, Skunk’s venom also causes intense full-body pain." Elma continued.
"The fact that you don’t feel anything is proof of your extraordinary immunity."
… Qiao Sang thought to herself.
Elma checked the time on her phone.
"It should be done. Your skin should be hardened now."
"Xun…"
Little Treasure immediately poked Qiao Sang’s cheek again.
"Xun!"
Upon feeling the change, Little Treasure’s eyes widened in shock.
It really had hardened!
"Gang Guardian."
Gangbao silently stepped forward and tapped her cheek with her wing, then withdrew her wing and nodded.
Qiao Sang wanted to laugh, but she found that she couldn’t move her mouth.
She sighed internally-