You have to get research up for each of the elders, or whichever elder you want specifically. The higher your research level you get, the more likely it is that you get an investigation for that monster.

Once you have that, reroll the hr49 kirin quest and bring a farcaster. Go smack him in the head, pop your farcaster, then go make pizza rolls or something for 20 minutes.

Then come back and go on a track gathering spree. When you're satisfied, return from quest (ie not abandon)

Some things that may help with the boredom is stocking up on green bounties before starting, then wear your king beetle/ladybug gathering set and clear them all in one fell swoop, stock up on research points, etc