This guy is so clueless... Jiang Xiu grumbled inwardly.

Despite being an A-rank breeder, the competition in the Guwu District for cultivating talents like the contracted Ice Qiya was intense.

The sheer number of researchers vying for the opportunity to work with such a beast, even as unpaid labor, was staggering. Jiang Xiu only managed to secure this opportunity because of his prior connection with Liu Yao from their university days.

Forget it. There's still over ten days. Let her enjoy the unique scenery of the Guwu District first. Jiang Xiu turned to his Sea Salt Lizard and commanded, "Let’s go."

"Salt."

The Sea Salt Lizard nodded and slowly slipped into the water, pausing at the edge of the canal.

"You can just hop on,." Jiang Xiu said as he climbed onto its back.

Unlike other aquatic beasts waiting along the waterway with seats for passengers, the Sea Salt Lizard's massive frame and natural ridges served as perfect backrests.

The group of four quickly settled on its back. Jiang Xiu, sitting at the front, patted the lizard's head.

The next moment, the Sea Salt Lizard opened its mouth and exhaled a giant, translucent bubble that encapsulated its entire body.

Wait, are we going underwater?

Before Qiao Sang could process the thought, the lizard dove headfirst into the canal.

The scenery changed instantly.

Though it was late at night, the underwater world glowed with ethereal beauty. The waterway shimmered in hues of blue, illuminated by bioluminescent aquatic extraordinary creatures, turning the scene into something out of a dream.

Wow! This is amazing! And so many unique beasts... Qiao Sang stared in awe.

Clusters of unfamiliar water-element beasts swam around, their forms dazzling under the faint glow.

"Xun~"

Little Treasure’s eyes sparkled as he pressed his paws eagerly against the bubble’s interior, staring outside.

"This is so going on my social media!" Xu Yixuan exclaimed, snapping photo after photo with her phone.

Even Sun Boyi, despite his usual reserved demeanor, couldn’t resist taking a few pictures.

Jiang Xiu turned back and grinned at Qiao Sang’s stunned expression.

I knew it, no one can resist the underwater scenery of Guwu District.

"Are all these wild extraordinary creatures?" Qiao Sang asked.

Jiang Xiu’s charming smile didn’t waver.

"Unlike the Yuhua District, Guwu District is built atop waterways. It’s impossible to drive out all the wild aquatic creatures, so we’ve learned to coexist. As long as they aren’t disturbed, they won’t cause any trouble."

No sooner had he spoken than a delicate, translucent creature with wing-like side fins swam up to their bubble and playfully blew a kiss toward Little Treasure.

"Xun~!"

Little Treasure grew ecstatic and tried to leap out of the bubble.

Qiao Sang quickly pulled him back into her arms.

Jiang Xiu laughed.

"That’s a Kissing Wima. They love to blow kisses, and their targets are countless. Tell your Treasure-Seeking Demon not to take it too seriously."

Little Treasure heard him and froze, his hopeful expression dimming as he watched the Kissing Wima move on to its next target.

"Xun..."

His heart of friendship shattered, but he quickly moved on, pressing himself against the bubble again to marvel at the underwater scenery.

The Sea Salt Lizard continued to dive deeper into the water, bypassing the surface entirely.

Half an hour later, the group arrived at a massive structure encased in an enormous bubble. The luxurious underwater hotel gleamed under faint, filtered light, exuding opulence.

Xu Yixuan stared in shock.

"The school’s actually footing the bill for this?!"

Having endured budget accommodations for two consecutive competitions, she was overwhelmed by the sight of a clear five-star hotel.

Sun Boyi hesitated.

"Professor Jiang, I don’t think this is the hotel I booked."

So we’re at the wrong place… Xu Yixuan deflated internally.

Jiang Xiu chuckled.

"I checked your reservation, and the rooms were small and inconvenient for training. Since you’ve come all this way, you should be comfortable.

"This hotel is directly above the Haicheng Pet Beast Arena. It’ll save you time traveling to the competition.

"The rooms I booked for you all come with floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the underwater scenery while you rest. I think your water-element beasts will like it too."

He glanced at Qiao Sang, clearly hinting that the arrangements were made for her Ice Qiya.

Xu Yixuan’s excitement surged as she eagerly looked forward to staying in such a luxurious place.

Sun Boyi thanked Jiang Xiu, though his gaze toward Qiao Sang hinted he knew exactly why the arrangements had been made.

Each of them received a private room, complete with exquisite furnishings and breathtaking views of underwater life.

Summoning her sleeping Lubao and Yabao, Qiao Sang settled into bed, her eyelids growing heavy as she fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Qiao Sang awoke to a cacophony of chirping sounds: "Yap! Xun! Lu!"

Opening her eyes, she found her beasts pressed against the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing outside in fascination.

Yabao and Lubao wagged their tails in unison, a rare display of camaraderie.

"Have you two made up?" Qiao Sang asked in surprise.

"Yap!"

Yabao turned and bounded toward her, nuzzling against her.

"Lu."

Lubao, on the other hand, remained aloof, glancing away with a haughty expression as if to say, Who said I’ve reconciled with that guy?

Qiao Sang seized the moment.

"Since we’re in the Guwu District, you’ll need to watch over Yabao when we explore the waterways."

"Xun!" Little Treasure chimed in from atop her head.

"And Little Treasure too." Qiao Sang added with a smile.

Lubao hesitated, then stiffly nodded, agreeing to the task.