Dr. Xu gave Jiang Xing some instruction on how to properly apply for research funding.
At the end, looking at Jiang Xing—who had suddenly come to a realization—he spoke: "For researchers, money is indispensable. Without sufficient funding, even raising one or two Pet Beasts requires a tremendous amount of effort, let alone conducting large-scale research."
"But at the same time, it is also the least important thing."
"Compared to money, knowledge, ideas, a love for Pet Beasts, and an unceasing drive to think—those are what matter most."
Jiang Xing nodded, indicating he had taken it to heart.
Dr. Xu then picked up the draft of the paper and asked: "Jiang Xing, what do you think is the most critical element in this paper?"
The most critical element?
Was it the "wild imagination" of inspiration? The concept of combining mythology with Pet Beasts? The carefully designed process? Or perhaps the favor of Lady Luck?
Dr. Xu's question couldn't be that simple.
Jiang Xing recalled the evolution process of the Golden-Patterned Koi. Combining it with the knowledge in his memory, he suddenly understood something.
"Personality."
Hearing this answer, Dr. Xu nodded in satisfaction.
"Correct. Personality—or more precisely, the 'Mind-Selection Theory.'"
"For a long time, in the field of Beast Taming, discussions surrounding this theory have never ceased."
"It has already been proven that a Pet Beast's thoughts can influence its evolution path, causing it to evolve into different forms."
"Extending from this theory, it's easy to infer that personality may also be a condition that influences evolution."
"For example, gentle-natured Pet Beasts tend to evolve into water-type or plant-type forms, while aggressive ones tend to evolve into fire-type or lightning-type forms…"
"This is the 'Personality Hypothesis' proposed by the psychic-type researcher Dr. Ail."
"However, because personality is too closely tied to thought—and due to the lack of concrete examples as evidence—"
"People have been unable to determine whether personality influences evolution, or whether thought determines the future."
"As a result, the relationship between personality and evolution has remained at the level of a hypothesis."
Like a normal lecture, Dr. Xu slowly explained knowledge about Pet Beasts.
Jiang Xing listened quietly. Thinking about how the brave Golden-Patterned Koi had evolved into the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling, he felt a spark of realization.
Sure enough, Dr. Xu continued: "Your paper mentions that you speculate that a brave Golden-Patterned Koi is more likely to undergo a transformation of will when leaping over the Dragon Gate, thereby evolving into a Rainbow Dragon Hatchling—"
"That's not precise enough, and your data isn't sufficient."
"You need more rigorous experiments to prove this hypothesis."
"If you can successfully prove that 'a brave personality is a necessary condition for the Golden-Patterned Koi's evolution, rather than merely an influencing factor'—"
"Then this research will not just represent a simple Pet Beast evolution form—"
"It will also provide the strongest evidence for Dr. Ail's 'Personality Hypothesis,' elevating it from a hypothesis to a theory!"
"That would be an academic achievement worthy of going down in history!"
In the Beast Taming world, a Pet Beast's personality was not merely descriptive—it was a real, extraordinary force.
It didn't just influence behavior; it could also affect growth potential, aptitude, and more.
For example, a brave personality would increase a Pet Beast's attack potential, making its strength easier to improve.
A timid personality, on the other hand, would enhance evasion potential, making speed easier to develop.
Because of this, personality-related research had always been a hot topic.
At this moment, if Jiang Xing could prove that personality was also a necessary condition for evolution—
Then many researchers and doctors would gain inspiration.
It could very well lead to the emergence of numerous potential Pet Beast evolution forms in this world!
At this point, after receiving Dr. Xu's guidance—Jiang Xing finally recognized its importance.
'This result is far more valuable than the evolution conditions of the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling!'
'If I had overlooked this and rashly published the paper… it's very likely someone else would have identified the key point, completed the theory first, and taken the results…'
'I'd end up losing the bigger prize for the sake of something trivial.'
Jiang Xing felt fortunate and said gratefully: "Thank you, Teacher!"
Seeing his student come to his senses, Dr. Xu nodded in satisfaction.
He set down the paper and spoke seriously: "Don't become immersed in success. Even if you achieve academic results, you must maintain curiosity—"
"Why do different personalities cause Pet Beasts to evolve into different forms?"
"Why can a brave Golden-Patterned Koi complete a sublimation of will?"
"Why don't other Pet Beasts have this kind of evolution method?"
"How does personality influence evolution? Are there other similar hidden conditions we have yet to discover?"
"Our understanding of Pet Beasts is still far too limited. We must always remain humble and curious. Ask more 'why,' and patiently verify them. Only then can you go further on the path of research."
At this moment, Jiang Xing finally understood why Dr. Xu could become a respected Beast Taming researcher.
It wasn't merely due to the identity shift brought by changes in the world line.
At least within the Beast Taming world, his mindset and ability alone were enough to determine his achievements.
Jiang Xing said respectfully: "I understand, Teacher."
…
After leaving Xu Hai Research Institute, Jiang Xing felt the trip had been worthwhile.
It wasn't just about the research funding—Dr. Xu's guidance had benefited him greatly.
'The evolution conditions of the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling and Dr. Ail's Personality Hypothesis are actually part of the same topic.'
'They can be published together.'
A thought stirred in Jiang Xing's mind.
The system task was to publish academic results, and the reward depended on performance.
So what kind of result could be more important than "perfecting the Pet Beast evolution theory and adding a new evolution condition"?
If he used this result to complete the task, wouldn't the reward be maximized?
Thinking of that, Jiang Xing hummed in anticipation.
When he returned to the lab and thought about the seventy million in funding that was about to arrive, his posture straightened. He directly summoned the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling and waved his hand.
"Rainbow Dragon Hatchling, go on—your favorite Dragon Cubes. Today, eat as much as you want!"
"Mu!"
Yay!
The Rainbow Dragon Hatchling spun happily, turning into a streak of rainbow light. In the blink of an eye, it arrived beside the box storing the energy cubes.
With a flick of its tail, seven-colored light lifted the lid.
The next moment, its expression froze. Tears turned into two small rainbows hanging at the corners of its eyes.
"Mu!!!"
Where are my cubes?!
"What?"
Jiang Xing was startled. He hurried over to the Rainbow Dragon Hatchling and looked into the box.
The Dragon Cubes—of which nearly half a box had remained—had completely disappeared.
Inside the box, there was only a small clump of pink fluff the size of an apple.
It seemed to be fur from some kind of Pet Beast, as soft as cotton.
…Had they run into a cube thief?
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