Midnight, Ancient Guwu Region, Haicheng

“Ladies and gentlemen, our flight has arrived at Yiguang International Airport in Haicheng.”

“Explore the wonders of Haicheng and experience its breathtaking underwater world. Thank you for choosing this flight. We wish you a memorable stay in Haicheng and look forward to seeing you again on your next journey.”

The gentle voice of the flight attendant came through the speakers.

Qiao Sang opened her eyes and glanced out the window. The plane had successfully landed.

Taking out her phone, she turned off airplane mode. Knowing it was too late for a call, she sent her mother a message instead, letting her know she had arrived.

Sun Boyi stood up and turned to remind them:

“Put on an extra layer of clothing. The Ancient Guwu Region is colder than where we’re from, and the temperature difference between day and night is significant. Don’t catch a cold.”

“Finally! Good thing we were in first class and could lie down. If we’d been in economy, I’d be done for.” Xu Yixuan muttered while putting on a thick coat she had prepared earlier.

Qiao Sang put away her phone, clasped her hands to summon Little Treasure.

“Xun~”

The little creature happily nuzzled against her cheek, wiping away her lingering drowsiness. Qiao Sang laughed and said, “Bring out a warm coat for me.”

Since she hadn’t checked any luggage, her belongings were stored in Little Treasure’s ring.

Once the three of them had put on their coats and exited the airport, they spotted a tall, handsome man with blond hair waving excitedly at them.

Qiao Sang’s first thought was that the hotel’s pickup service had arrived. Since the school had arranged their accommodations, it made sense for a hotel with such services to send someone.

Sun Boyi walked straight toward the blond man and asked, “Are you Professor Jiang?”

Professor?

Qiao Sang blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected the stylish, blond man before them to be a professor.

“Yes, that’s me,” Jiang Xiu replied before turning his gaze toward the young girl with a ghostly pet on her head. He smiled brightly.

“You must be Qiao Sang, right? Liu Yao showed me your picture.”

Without waiting for her reply, he continued, “I’ll be accompanying you in place of the vice principal, who had other commitments.”

Sun Boyi added, “This is Professor Jiang Xiu from the Ancient Guwu Region. He’s also an A-level breeder. Originally, the vice principal was supposed to come, but due to a last-minute project, he asked Professor Jiang to take over.”

“Hello, Professor Jiang.” Qiao Sang greeted him politely.

She recalled that the vice principal was busy with a newly approved project studying the evolution of Fire Fang Dogs into Flame Hounds. She had even visited the lab, where everyone was too preoccupied to leave.

“Professor, you look so young!” Xu Yixuan exclaimed sincerely.

Jiang Xiu chuckled.

“I’m actually two years older than your vice principal.”

Two years older?

Qiao Sang’s thoughts raced. If she remembered correctly, the vice principal was the same age as the principal, who was 48. That would make Professor Jiang… 50?!

She stared at the blond man before her, whose trendy appearance could easily pass for a university student, and found herself at a loss for words.

“You’re kidding! You look like you could be his son!” Xu Yixuan blurted out, her face full of astonishment.

Thank goodness the vice principal isn’t here… Sun Boyi thought, silently giving Xu Yixuan a look.

Thank you for saying what I was thinking… Qiao Sang mused.

Jiang Xiu paused before bursting into laughter.

“Let’s keep that between us. If Liu Yao hears this, he’ll quietly fume. Now, let’s get you to the hotel so you can rest.”

After a few more exchanges, the four quickly became acquainted.

Haicheng was crisscrossed with waterways, making boats and water-type beasts the primary modes of transportation.

Outside the airport, just across a narrow street, lay a waterway. Despite the late hour, several medium-sized aquatic beasts waited by the water’s edge. Their backs were fitted with seats that could accommodate two to five passengers.

Jiang Xiu led them to the water’s edge and formed a hand seal. A red star array lit up beneath his feet, drawing attention from nearby onlookers.

Haicheng, as a bustling city and the Ancient Guwu Region’s hub, attracted countless travelers. While unusual beasts or people weren’t rare sights, a red star array was something extraordinary.

Under the warm glow of streetlights, a five-meter-long beast appeared within the array. Its body was a dark gray with blue, circular spots along its back, and a distinctive bump on its head.

“This is a Sea Salt Lizard.” Jiang Xiu explained.

“Salt.” The lizard called out politely.

A mechanical voice chimed in:

“Sea Salt Lizard, King-tier water-type beast. While clumsy on land, it enjoys seawater, seaweed, and other aquatic plants. Known for its salt-excreting trait, its nasal glands separate excess salt from its food, which is then expelled as solid crystals. Occasionally, people may see it sneeze white crystals, which are actually expelled salt.”

Someone used a beast identifier… Qiao Sang turned to see everyone staring at her head.

It clicked. She picked up Little Treasure and found him holding the device.

“Xun~” The little creature blinked innocently.

So that’s what h was doing in the store, trying out gadgets. Without saying a word, Qiao Sang placed him back on her head.

“Xun~”

From his perch, Little Treasure scanned the unfamiliar aquatic beasts in the waterway, identifying them one by one.

Jiang Xiu observed the little creature for a moment and commented, “Your Treasure-Seeking Demon is quite interesting. If you go into research, it would make an excellent assistant.”

“I agree.” Qiao Sang replied.

“He’s naturally curious about everything, which makes him perfect for scientific work.”

Jiang Xiu’s eyes gleamed.

“You should consider moving to the Ancient Guwu Region after graduation. I could mentor you personally. With Ice Qiya as your partner, it would thrive in this environment.”

Is he seriously trying to recruit her right in front of me? Sun Boyi coughed to break the tension and said, “Professor Jiang, shall we get going?”