"An interstellar exchange program?!"

Qiao Sang froze in place, her expression going blank, as if she’d turned into a statue.

Research ships, space pirates, space construction, interstellar companion animals, all these elements she’d only seen on the news raced through her mind.

If she didn't consider the entire interstellar domain, just the three habitable planets where humanity had settled, then Dragon Country was tiny.

Dragon Country had 13 regions. The Yuhua region, where she lived, contained 11 provinces, and Hanggang City was only one of 12 prefecture-level cities in the Zhejiang Province.

It sounded like Dragon Country was pretty big.

But in reality, Dragon Country was just one of hundreds of countries on Blue Planet.

Though interstellar tourism had become very mature, its high cost meant it was still only accessible to billionaires.

This was one of the reasons Qiao Sang had wanted to compete in the Interstellar Cup in the first place.

Once selected for the Interstellar Cup, she’d have all travel, food, and accommodations covered to visit other planets.

Having traveled to a world with an interstellar setting, who would be content to stay on one planet?

To Qiao Sang’s surprise, even though she hadn’t left her province yet, she now had a chance to go to another planet!

Not seizing this opportunity would be against all reason!

Watching Qiao Sang’s expression shift from surprise to excitement, Liu Yao couldn’t help but smile.

He’d already said it.

Even if Qiao Sang met the requirements to participate in the competition for the senior year and ended up losing, he’d just wait another year.

Next year, when Qiao Sang took first place in the entire province, he could still return to his own research.

With this thought, Liu Yao’s regret vanished completely.

Smiling, he said, “Every year, the country has a few spots for interstellar exchange students, but those spots are hard to get.”

“This year, our Interstellar Cup ranking wasn’t high, so the number of exchange spots decreased from five to three.”

Qiao Sang snapped out of her daze and asked in surprise, “The Interstellar Cup ranking affects the number of exchange spots?”

“You think exchange student resources are easy to come by? The interstellar resources our country gets are earned through our own efforts.” Liu Yao said calmly.

“The strong get stronger, and the weak get weaker, that’s the rule.”

“But don’t think three spots is too few. Some countries don’t even get one. The vast majority of interstellar exchange spots are actually selected from university students. For high school students, three is already pretty good.”

“So what do I need to do to get one of those spots?” Qiao Sang asked.

Liu Yao smiled.

“Generally, interstellar exchange students are selected from top sophomores and juniors nationwide, focusing on students with excellent academic performance or outstanding companion pet skills. You’re clearly in the latter category.”

Qiao Sang: ...

You didn’t need to say that last part, Qiao Sang thought, wanting to retort but feeling she had no face to do so considering her current standing in class.

Liu Yao continued, “Among these students, the country mainly selects from the National Campus Beasts Mastering League. A provincial champion is impressive, but on a national scale, it doesn’t count for much. Just in the Yuhua region, there are 11 provinces, let alone champions from every grade level.”

“Even if you make it to the national finals in the freshman division, with limited spots, the country will still prioritize sophomores and juniors.”

As he spoke, Liu Yao straightened his back, staring intently at Qiao Sang with a serious look.

“But you’re different. Your Beast Codex has reached the third page. In my memory, I’ve never heard of a 15-year-old with brain development at this level.”

Qiao Sang listened silently. Was she really that impressive?

“For a sophomore competition, if you don’t take the national championship, it’s likely no deal. But if you compete in the junior division, reach the regional finals on your own merit, and with your three-page Beast Codex, you’ll absolutely catch the country’s attention. At that point, you’d have a solid chance to earn that exchange spot.” Liu Yao said.

He wasn’t entirely without confidence that Qiao Sang could eventually earn a spot as an interstellar exchange student.

But now, there were only three spots, and the number of slots allocated to students with strong companion animal skills was unknown.

If there was only one slot, it would likely go to a junior.

Qiao Sang would have to wait until her junior year to have a chance.

A 15-year-old with a three-page Beast Codex and a 17-year-old just reaching the third page were worlds apart.

Ultimately, he couldn’t bear to see a talented student like her stagnate in such a small place like Hanggang.

Although Hanggang City was a provincial capital, compared to the wider world, it was pitifully small.

After listening for a while, Qiao Sang finally understood.

She needed to compete in the junior division and reach the regional finals to have a chance at this spot.

In other words, the spot wasn’t guaranteed to be hers.

“Do you understand?” Liu Yao asked.

“I understand.” Qiao Sang said seriously.

“Just reaching the regional finals in the junior division isn’t secure enough. I need to make it to the national finals and win the championship to ensure that spot is mine!”

Liu Yao: ???

As soon as she left the school, Qiao Sang went straight to the companion animal training facility she’d visited before.

“Boss, I’d like you to make a month’s supply of energy pills based on this recipe.” Qiao Sang placed the training plan in front of the man.

Many bought energy pills, but it was rare to see someone custom-order them based on a recipe.

As a wealthy regular, the young girl was immediately greeted with enthusiasm as the man abandoned his soon-to-win hand.

The two sand rats sitting at the table exchanged a sly glance and secretly swapped cards with each other.

By the time Qiao Sang got home, it was already 6:43 PM.

In the living room.

Looking at her three companion animals, Qiao Sang said seriously, “Plans have changed. Over the next month, we’ll be training hard because we’re going to compete against opponents with two more years of experience than us!”

Qiao Sang was completely confident in her ability to qualify for the junior division competition.

Little Treasure’s evolution was bound to happen within the next few days.

As for Water Lubao, even without heartbreak, based on her current Beast Codex level, she would naturally evolve within the month under her golden finger’s influence.

“Yal!”

Yabao wagged his tail, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

He loved competitions!

“Lu lu!” Lubao glanced at Yabao and quickly nodded in agreement.

“Xun…”

Little Treasure, however, responded a bit absent-mindedly.

A competition… Would there be golden gloves involved? He still preferred the tile-breaking match coming up soon.

Qiao Sang immediately noticed Little Treasure’s distracted state.

With a quick thought, she smiled. “Weren’t you always watching the stars at night? If we win, we might get a chance to see space up close.”

“Xun! Xun!”

Little Treasure’s face went blank for a moment before quickly floating toward the training yard.

What are we waiting for? Let’s get to training!