Chapter 427: Muzhen Auction (three-in-one)

“Such a beautiful creature?”

Qiao Sang recalled the scene just now and was speechless for a long time after realizing who Bao Yanzhu Fish was referring to.

At this moment, the green light on the Sea Salt Lizard’s body had brightened again, clearly illuminating Bao Yanzhu Fish’s bashful and awkward appearance.

A ridiculous thought suddenly popped into her mind:

This guy, he couldn’t have fallen for Lu Bao, could he…

“What did it say?” Jiang Xiu asked curiously.

Qiao Sang translated, “It’s looking for Lu Bao. Maybe Lu Bao provoked it when she picked up the dark nether crystal next to it just now.”

“What?!” Jiang Xiu’s expression changed, and he shouted at the Sea Salt Lizard, “Full speed ahead!”

“Sea Salt!”

The Sea Salt Lizard cried out, then suddenly accelerated.

“Zhu Zhu!”

Bao Yanzhu Fish was startled at first, then showed an annoyed expression and also sped up.

Along the way, small and medium-sized Water-type Pets were scared and fled in all directions.

“Xiao Xunbao!” Xiao Xunbao held the microphone, looking excited.

It’s been chasing for so long and is still chasing. What exactly does it want to do… Qiao Sang muttered to herself.

If Bao Yanzhu Fish’s goal was Lu Bao, it would be better for them not to interact. Although she wasn’t someone who judged a Pet by its appearance, Lu Bao had liked Ya Bao, which meant her aesthetic sense was normal.

A Pet with such a peculiar appearance as Bao Yanzhu Fish was definitely not Lu Bao’s type. Professor Jiang also said that Bao Yanzhu Fish was a troublemaker, which meant its temper wasn’t very good. Lu Bao’s temper wasn’t very good either. What if they got into a fight over a disagreement?

Not good-looking, and a bad temper.

No, absolutely not…

After continuing the chase for a while, Jiang Xiu looked at the relentlessly pursuing Bao Yanzhu Fish, his face already as dark as it could be. He finally couldn’t help but open his backpack and start searching inside.

“What are you looking for?” Qiao Sang asked.

“An underwater signal device,” Jiang Xiu replied while searching.

The underwater signal devices in the Ancient Mist region are different from those in other regions. Because the Ancient Mist region is entirely underwater, the communication and safety measures underwater are far more advanced than in other regions.

Underwater signal devices are broadly divided into two types.

One type transmits to a safety tower on the surface, where professionals will conduct a rescue.

The other type transmits to people who also carry underwater signal devices. This is also the more popular method of seeking help in the Ancient Mist region currently.

Nowadays, almost everyone who goes underwater in the Ancient Mist region carries an underwater signal device.

People carrying this type of signal device can receive distress signals from others within a certain distance and can also see the approximate distance between themselves and the other party.

Whether or not to help is purely up to one’s conscience.

In the early days, most people were enthusiastic; they would come to help as soon as a signal was sent out.

But later on, some ill-intentioned people would deliberately use the signals from underwater signal devices to lure people over and rob them.

There were also some people whose own strength wasn’t great but whose hearts were kind. They would go as soon as they received a signal, only to end up being cannon fodder.

This also led to a period where, although everyone carried underwater signal devices, no one would come to help when a signal was sent out, resulting in tragic situations.

So, in the later stages, underwater signal devices were improved. They were sold under real-name registration, with a limit of one per person, and the severity of dangerous situations was classified into levels, allowing those who received the signal to more clearly understand the degree of danger faced by the person sending the distress signal.

Therefore, the underwater signal device is now considered one of the most common communication tools in the Ancient Mist region.

“Found it!” Jiang Xiu said, taking out a white device with a screen from his backpack, similar to a mobile phone but much thicker.

He operated it for a moment.

A green signal point quickly flashed on the screen.

After the signal was sent, Jiang Xiu’s expression improved slightly.

It actually wanted to cause trouble for Ice Kexilu. If Qiao Sang wasn’t next to him right now, he would definitely have to give this Bao Yanzhu Fish a lecture.

Now he could only wait for others to arrive.

“Zhu Zhu!”

At this moment, Bao Yanzhu Fish let out a loud cry.

“Ya Ya!”

Ya Bao translated in a timely manner.

What? It’s still making us wait for it even now. What is it thinking? Can’t it tell we don’t want to bother with it… After complaining to herself, Qiao Sang asked:

“It’s been chasing us relentlessly. Does it know Lu Bao is here?”

Jiang Xiu pondered for a moment and said:

“Probably. Although Ice Kexilu disappeared before its eyes, its aura was still there at that time, otherwise it wouldn’t have kept chasing us. Moreover, it had contact with members who participated in the Water-type Wild Pet Beast Exchange Meeting before and knows about the existence of Yu Beast Masters.”

No wonder… Qiao Sang thought.

Seeing that Qiao Sang was silent for a moment, Jiang Xiu said worriedly:

“You absolutely must not summon Ice Kexilu. This Bao Yanzhu Fish is clearly looking for trouble with Ice Kexilu.”

No, it’s fallen for Lu Bao… Qiao Sang nodded, and before she could speak, Jiang Xiu said again:

“Last time, the members who participated in the Water-type Wild Pet Beast Exchange Meeting specifically brought some rare gems to get on its good side, but this guy took the gems and then turned hostile.”

“Zhu Zhu!”

At this moment, Bao Yanzhu Fish cried out again.

“Ya Ya!”

Ya Bao continued to translate.

What? It said Lu Bao forgot to take her things and wants to return them when it sees her… Qiao Sang looked at Bao Yanzhu Fish.

However, the seabed was too dark. Although the Sea Salt Lizard was emitting green light, for Bao Yanzhu Fish a hundred meters away, only a rough outline and expression could be seen, no details.

On the other side, Jiang Xiu continued to speak:

“Bao Yanzhu Fish is particularly obsessed with crystal and gem-like objects and has a癖好 for collecting them. I estimate it wants to cause trouble for Ice Kexilu because it saw the gem on Ice Kexilu’s forehead.”

Lu Bao had just gone to pick up the dark nether crystal, so Bao Yanzhu Fish, despite being obsessed with crystal-like things, still wanted to return the dark nether crystal to Lu Bao. It really must like her…

However, the behavior of wild Pets is too unpredictable, and the grade of that dark nether crystal is also unknown.

Forget it, if it’s gone, it’s gone… Qiao Sang restrained her urge to summon Lu Bao.

“The Bao Yanzhu Fish species only has a chance to improve its temper when it finds its beloved other half, and it will also hand over all the things it has collected,” Jiang Xiu continued:

“Looking at this Bao Yanzhu Fish’s irritable demeanor, it’s clearly still a single Pet without a partner.”

Temper improves, and it will hand over all collected items?! Why didn’t you say so earlier… Qiao Sang quickly formed a hand seal.

Jiang Xiu: “!!!”

Jiang Xiu was dumbfounded; all his talking just now was for nothing!

“Ice Ke.” Lu Bao appeared in the water.

“Stop! Stop quickly!” Jiang Xiu shouted desperately.

The Sea Salt Lizard came to a sudden halt.

“Xiao Xunbao?” Xiao Xunbao was stunned for a moment. Why did it stop running?

Jiang Xiu took a deep breath:

“Why did you summon Ice Kexilu?!”

Of course, it was to see if Bao Yanzhu Fish would hand over its collected items… Qiao Sang said earnestly, “For the smooth progress of the Water-type Wild Pet Beast Exchange Meeting.”

To hell with the Water-type Wild Pet Beast Exchange Meeting! This exchange meeting was held early for Ice Kexilu! Jiang Xiu said anxiously:

“None of that is as important as Ice Kexilu! Quickly summon her back!”

Qiao Sang calmly said, “Don’t worry, look.”

Jiang Xiu looked with red eyes, then his whole body froze.

He saw Bao Yanzhu Fish already in front of Ice Kexilu, and with an awkwardness that made one avert their gaze, it handed over something it was holding with its pectoral fin.

Jiang Xiu squinted and looked closely.

He suddenly realized it was the dark nether crystal he had thrown out!

Jiang Xiu was utterly bewildered, completely unable to understand the situation.

Qiao Sang sighed at this moment:

“Bao Yanzhu Fish really likes Lu Bao.”

Likes Ice Kexilu? Jiang Xiu’s expression froze, then he almost instinctively roared:

“I don’t agree to this marriage!”

I don’t agree either… Qiao Sang coughed and said, “I only summoned Lu Bao after listening to you. Since Bao Yanzhu Fish likes Lu Bao, it shouldn’t attack. We can take this opportunity to communicate properly; maybe we can get Bao Yanzhu Fish not to randomly attack people who come here in the future. Otherwise, letting it chase us all the time isn’t a solution.”

Jiang Xiu hesitated, but still couldn’t help but say:

“It’s not that simple. Even if Bao Yanzhu Fish likes Ice Kexilu, it will still revert to its usual self after Ice Kexilu leaves.”

Qiao Sang thought, it doesn’t matter, I just want to see that pile of crystal gems…

“Zhu Zhu~”

On the other side, after Bao Yanzhu Fish handed over the dark nether crystal, its body twisted awkwardly, and it let out a shy cry.

“Ice Ke.”

Lu Bao looked aloof and turned to leave.

“Zhu Zhu!”

Seeing this, Bao Yanzhu Fish anxiously pulled at Lu Bao with its pectoral fin.

“Ice Ke!”

Lu Bao mercilessly shook it off.

At this moment, the seawater surged, and a water column, a meter thick, suddenly attacked the location of Bao Yanzhu Fish from afar.

At this moment, Bao Yanzhu Fish’s eyes were solely on Lu Bao, and its vigilance was plummeting. It didn’t notice this at all.

“Ice Ke!”

Lu Bao noticed it. It leaped up, and water instantly swept its tail.

Then, it fiercely struck the incoming water column.

The water column instantly dispersed, turning into a large amount of spray and merging with the surrounding water.

“Zhu Zhu…”

Bao Yanzhu Fish looked at Lu Bao, covering its mouth with its long pectoral fin, showing an expression of being so moved it almost cried.

It’s protecting it!

“Zhu Zhu!”

The next second, Bao Yanzhu Fish turned its head and immediately bared its teeth, putting on a fierce expression.

Who was attacking it!

“Old Jiang! You two quickly take Ice Kexilu and leave! Leave this to me!” A deep male voice echoed in the dim water.

Qiao Sang looked in the direction of the voice and saw the shark-like Pet with glowing teeth that had left a deep impression on her.

Jiang Xiu’s heart filled with joy when he saw the newcomer:

“Old Xu is here!”

“Old Xu?” Qiao Sang asked.

“He’s the one who organized this underwater wild Pet Beast exchange activity,” Jiang Xiu said. “It seems he received the signal I sent out.”

Now was a critical period for friendly communication, so how could Qiao Sang let others disrupt it? She took the microphone from Xiao Xunbao’s hand and loudly said:

“Don’t attack! It’s fine here! We’re just having a discussion!”

The sudden voice made Xu Mingqing freeze.

Holy crap, what the hell? Is someone talking into a microphone?!

Discussing what?

Discussing with whom?

It couldn’t be Bao Yanzhu Fish, could it?!

“Zhu Zhu!”

On this side, Bao Yanzhu Fish had already seen the glowing-toothed Tooth-Fighting Shark.

It opened its mouth, and a nearly dark blue water energy instantly condensed.

“Ice Ke.”

Just as it was about to spray it out, Lu Bao called out from beside it, indicating not to attack.

Bao Yanzhu Fish immediately obediently dispersed the energy, looking docile.

Sure enough, whether it’s people or Pets, they all put on an act to pick up girls, thinking that Ice Kexilu would fancy them that way. Bah! Jiang Xiu’s fists clenched hard at the sight of the Bao Yanzhu Fish.

Xu Mingqing sat on the Toothed Shark and effortlessly approached the Sea Salt Lizard.

“What’s going on?” Xu Mingqing couldn’t help but ask, seeing the Bao Yanzhu Fish fawning over Ice Kexilu.

Jiang Xiu remained silent.

“It’s like this…” Qiao Sang briefly summarized what had just happened for Xu Mingqing.

Xu Mingqing: “…”

He paused for more than ten seconds to process the news.

So the Bao Yanzhu Fish had a crush on Ice Kexilu?

He didn’t expect this guy’s big eyes weren’t for nothing; he actually had such good taste…

“Zhuzhu~” Seeing that Xiao Xunbao ignored it, the Bao Yanzhu Fish used its side fin to take off the super-large dark red orb from its tail and break it in half.

A pile of gem crystals immediately appeared inside.

“This thing can actually be taken off. I thought all the collected gem crystals were hidden elsewhere. I didn’t expect it to carry them around. And this is only the first time they’ve met, and the Bao Yanzhu Fish already gave them away. This must be true love…” Qiao Sang sighed inwardly.

To be honest, she wasn’t short on money now, and summoning Xiao Xunbao wasn’t to take all the gem crystals collected by the Bao Yanzhu Fish.

The main thing was, she wanted to see the Bao Yanzhu Fish’s behavior.

That is, the special behavior exclusive to a certain Pet.

For example, when a Sword-Winged Bird encounters someone or a Pet it dislikes, it will pluck a sword-shaped feather and stick it on the other party’s head.

The Paper Phantom Spirit’s body color changes due to different emotions.

The Cleanse-All Treasure cannot stand any dirty things and can’t help but clean them as soon as it sees them.

The behaviors of these Pets made her feel very interesting.

The Bao Yanzhu Fish’s behavior of giving its collected gem crystals to a Pet it likes was also very interesting.

So she wanted to see it.

Qiao Sang silently moved her gaze away from the pile of gem crystals. To stick to her original intention, it was better not to look…

“Xiao Xunbao!”

“Xiao Xunbao!”

Xiao Xunbao lay on the inner wall of the bubble, its eyes shining as it stared at the pile of gem crystals, wishing it could stuff them all into its own ring.

“Don’t even think about it,” Qiao Sang said beside it. “Those are for Xiao Xunbao.”

“Xiao Xunbao!”

Xiao Xunbao barked excitedly.

Xiao Xunbao had nowhere to put them, so they would still end up in its own ring.

Qiao Sang: “…”

“Xiao Xunbao won’t take them,” Qiao Sang said.

“Xiao Xunbao?” Xiao Xunbao was anxious.

Why not take them?

“You’re still young, you don’t understand,” Qiao Sang chuckled.

“Xiao Xunbao!”

“Xiao Xunbao!”

Xiao Xunbao pointed at the Bao Yanzhu Fish and gestured.

It understood! This big guy liked Xiao Xunbao, so it was giving it things!

Qiao Sang was shocked: “How do you understand?”

“Xiao Xunbao!”

Xiao Xunbao showed an expression that said, “This is too simple.”

It’s always shown like this in TV dramas.

Qiao Sang: “…”

What kind of TV dramas does it watch… Qiao Sang complained, then looked at the aloof Xiao Xunbao, understanding in her heart that it wouldn’t take anything from the Bao Yanzhu Fish, and she wouldn’t let Xiao Xunbao take it either.

Xiao Xunbao would leave with her soon.

Taking the gem crystals collected by the Bao Yanzhu Fish and then leaving, what’s the difference from a scumbag?

At this moment, Xu Mingqing suddenly exclaimed in surprise:

“Oh? Isn’t that an invitation card for the Mu Zhen Auction?”

Qiao Sang also saw the invitation card he mentioned.

The card made of crystal was placed on top of a pile of gem crystals, particularly conspicuous.

Jiang Xiu seemed to have thought of something and immediately asked, “Is your upcoming National Competition going to be held in the Mid-Air Region?”

Qiao Sang didn’t expect the topic to change so quickly.

She hummed and nodded.

After confirming that she was first in her group and directly qualified for the National Competition, Professor Sun Boyi had told her the location of the National Competition.

Jiang Xiu suddenly said, “Try to get that invitation card.”

Qiao Sang was stunned for a moment: “Why?”

Before Jiang Xiu could speak, Xu Mingqing on the side had already begun to explain:

“The Mu Zhen Auction is a top-tier auction held only in the Mid-Air Region. The invitation cards there are issued in limited quantities each year and are not tied to a name; anyone with an invitation card can go.”

“Invitation cards are issued once a year, and those who have attended the Mu Zhen Auction have their invitation cards collected. This invitation card being here means it hasn’t been used yet.”

“The Mu Zhen Auction seems to be held next month, and you’ll be in the Mid-Air Region at that time, so maybe you can go take a look.”

Qiao Sang chuckled twice, tactfully saying, “I’m not interested in auctions or anything like that.”

She would be participating in the National Competition in the Mid-Air Region, which would be the most crucial stage, with High-level Pet opponents increasing linearly. How could she have the energy to go to an auction?

Jiang Xiu said, “The Mu Zhen Auction sells things that aren’t available on the market. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can go to broaden your horizons. If you see something you like and your parents won’t let you buy it, just call me.”

Brilliant! He subtly showed her the extravagance of us Ancient Mist people, and also built a relationship with Qiao Sang. If Qiao Sang really buys something and doesn’t have money, she can ask to come to our Ancient Mist Region. As expected, the older ginger is spicier… Xu Mingqing silently gave Jiang Xiu a thumbs-up.

Jiang Xiu remained calm, pretending not to see Xu Mingqing’s actions.

Qiao Sang asked, “Are there also items and potions above S-grade?”

Jiang Xiu and Xu Mingqing were clearly stunned for a moment. They thought Qiao Sang would be too shy and say something like “No, no,” but she actually directly asked about items and potions above S-grade?

You know, those are things above S-grade!

Above S-grade!

Is it really okay to just ask like that?!

Xu Mingqing glanced at Jiang Xiu; he was a little worried about this guy’s wallet.

“Of course!” Jiang Xiu said, “Last year, this auction produced an SSS-grade Thunder Stone.”

An SSS-grade Thunder Stone, that’s something you usually can’t buy with money… Qiao Sang immediately turned and shouted, “Xiao Xunbao! Xiao Xunbao!”

Under her Yu Beast Master’s subtle hint, Xiao Xunbao extended its paw and picked up the crystal invitation card.

“Zhuzhu!”

The Bao Yanzhu Fish wagged its tail happily at the sight.

In its opinion, taking the item meant the beautiful creature in front of it was willing to have further interaction with it.

“Ice Ke.”

Xiao Xunbao’s expression was aloof; it was just about to explain that its Yu Beast Master had simply told it to take it.

At this moment, a Water-type Pet, whose entire body was covered in scales like red gems, slowly passed by.

“Zhuzhu…”

The Bao Yanzhu Fish’s eyes instantly went wide.

After the Pet, whose entire body seemed to be covered in jewels, swam a certain distance, the Bao Yanzhu Fish showed a flustered expression, quickly closed the dark red orb that was still in two halves, and chased after it.

“Zhuzhu!”

Wait for it!

Xiao Xunbao: “???”

Qiao Sang: “???”

Xiao Xunbao: “???”

Jiang Xiu was even more furious at this scene than if he had been dumped. He spat and cursed:

“Scumbag fish!”

Xu Mingqing thought to himself that the Bao Yanzhu Fish was truly blind.

Ya looked at its Yu Beast Master, then at Xiao Xunbao, completely bewildered throughout.

It had originally thought Xiao Xunbao would fight that large Pet, but this was it?

…

At 7:30 PM, the Water-type wild Pet exchange event concluded.

Qiao Sang followed the navigation to the Appraisal Center to appraise the dark nether crystal she had picked up in the water today.

The appraiser quickly finished the appraisal.

“It’s a C-grade dark nether crystal.”

Qiao Sang was silent for a few seconds: “Can it be resold?”

The appraiser glanced at her: “This is an Appraisal Center.”

Qiao Sang was silent again for a moment, then said, “This is a dark nether crystal that Ice Kexilu touched.”

The appraiser was stunned for a moment.

Qiao Sang continued, “Do I look familiar to you?”

The appraiser carefully scrutinized the young girl in front of her. A few seconds later, she was so excited and shocked that she covered her mouth.

“Can it be resold?” Qiao Sang asked again.

“Yes!” The appraiser nodded firmly.

…

Over the next few days, Qiao Sang took Ya and the others to visit several famous scenic spots in Hai City.

Some small stalls didn’t accept cards, so she used the cash she got from selling the dark nether crystal.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the battle for the top eight rankings in the regional qualifiers of the National Campus Pet Beast League.

The Hai City Pet Beast Battle Arena was once again packed with spectators after a week.

Discussions rose and fell.

“I feel like it’s been half a lifetime since I last saw Ice Kexilu…”

“I feel that way too; these days have passed so slowly.”

“Do you think Qiao Sang will summon Ice Kexilu today?”

“I don’t know; I can’t figure out her thoughts at all…”

“Qiao Sang has two High-level Pets; there’s no suspense about her winning first place in the competition.”

“I checked last time, Qiao Sang’s Liao Xing Hound is actually a brand new evolved form! There’s only one of them in the Yuhua region right now!”

“Oh, I want to see Ice Kexilu.”

Player area.

Qiao Sang looked at the information on her phone about the other seven players who had directly qualified for the National Competition, excluding herself.

Xu Yixuan said with a smile, “You’re already guaranteed first place and still working so hard. How are others supposed to live?”

Qiao Sang looked at her and asked, “Are you really okay not going back?”

Just yesterday, the results of the points competition came out, and Xu Yixuan ranked 49th, stopping at the regional qualifiers.

“It’s fine,” Xu Yixuan shrugged nonchalantly. “This is already my best result in three years. With this result and my cultural score, getting into a key university shouldn’t be a problem.”

Speaking of this, her tone shifted, and she smiled, “I have to watch your competition. You’re the first person in our school’s history to have a chance to win first place in the regional qualifiers. So many people from school wanted to come but couldn’t. I’m witnessing school history here.”

She must still be sad, even though she was so close to the National Competition… Qiao Sang moved her lips but ultimately said nothing more.

At such a time, some comfort was unnecessary.

Others had achieved unprecedented results through their own efforts; what she needed should be praise.

Yi Ao stepped onto the blue board and ascended into the sky.

“Friends! This is the National Campus Pet Beast League Regional Qualifiers! I believe everyone already knows the list of the top eight. Today, the top eight matches will be held here to determine the top four!”

“Which players will face each other?!”

“Please look at the big screen!”

Three-in-one means three chapters’ worth of words. Don’t ask me why there’s only one chapter now.