【Skill Highlights: Requires extremely high energy control precision; the doppelganger's energy fluctuation must be identical to the main body, otherwise it will be seen through. It also requires a rapid main body concealment ability; both must work together to achieve maximum effect.】
Liu Yi saved the information, intending to study it carefully once they returned to the hotel.
Putting away her phone and looking up, Liu Yi met Ziyue's expectant gaze.
"We'll study it thoroughly when we get back," she promised softly, and Ziyue contentedly rubbed against her palm.
Li Chengying was still debating with Gao Xue whether to order another dessert, while Ouyang Qin leisurely sipped her coffee, her gaze fixed on the floating island nightscape gradually lighting up outside the window.
Just then, a commotion erupted at the restaurant entrance.
"Move aside, move aside! My maglev skateboard is out of control—!"
A boy's panicked voice rang out, followed by a screech of metal scraping.
Everyone turned to look, seeing a boy in a dark blue uniform frantically trying to balance on a maglev skateboard, wobbling precariously as he hurtled towards the battle platform in the center of the restaurant.
Abnormal electric sparks flew from the tail of his skateboard, clearly indicating a malfunction.
"Get out of the way!" someone cried out.
But even worse, a mother and daughter stood at the edge of the battle platform, the little girl cradling a fluffy young pet in her arms, completely oblivious to the danger behind them.
Liu Yi shot to her feet.
"Chiying!"
Chiying instantly transformed into a black blur, moving so fast its trajectory was almost invisible. It swept directly over the booth, shielding the little girl at the last possible second.
At the same time, Ziyue, treading on her Frost Path, charged to the side of the skateboard and unleashed a precise Frost Breath from her mouth.
The extremely cold mist enveloped the out-of-control maglev skateboard. The energy circuits on the skateboard's surface instantly froze, the electric sparks ceased, and the entire board lost power, freezing in place along with the boy on it.
The boy remained in his panicked posture, solidified into an ice sculpture along with the skateboard.
The restaurant was silent for a second, then erupted in laughter.
"Are you... alright?" the boy's muffled voice came from within the ice sculpture.
Ziyue flicked her tail gently, and the ice shattered instantly.
The boy stumbled off the skateboard, landing on the ground and gasping for breath.
"I'm so sorry! So sorry!" He quickly scrambled to his feet and bowed to the little girl and her mother. "My skateboard suddenly went out of control, I'm truly sorry!"
In the little girl's arms, the fluffy young pet poked its head out, curiously observing Ziyue.
It was a palm-sized creature, covered in pale purple fluff, with a pair of large, round eyes that took up almost half its face. It was currently tilting its head, letting out "meow-meow" sounds.
"So cute..." Li Chengying's eyes went wide.
Liu Yi looked at the little girl. "Are you alright?"
The little girl shook her head, looking up at Ziyue with stars in her eyes. "Big sister's pet is amazing! It froze the skateboard in an instant!"
Ziyue subtly raised her head, her two tails swaying gracefully.
The mother quickly thanked them, while the little girl, holding her own pet, edged closer to Ziyue and cautiously asked, "Can I pet it?"
Ziyue looked at Liu Yi, and after receiving permission, lowered her head slightly.
The little girl reached out and gently stroked the fur on Ziyue's forehead, exclaiming, "Wow, it's so cool and comfortable!"
The pale purple little pet also poked out from the girl's arms, extending a tiny paw to touch Ziyue, but Ziyue gently tapped its head with the tip of her tail, making it immediately retreat into the girl's embrace, letting out "meow-meow" sounds.
"That's a Luminous Beast," a voice came from nearby.
Liu Yi turned her head to find the boy who had almost caused trouble standing awkwardly nearby, clutching his completely wrecked maglev skateboard.
"It's a pet unique to the Monte Region, Psychic-type, and very popular with children," he explained, then bowed deeply. "I'm truly sorry! I'm a first-year from Monte Beast Taming Academy, my name is Huo Yan. My skateboard went out of control just now, and I'm really grateful for your help..."
Monte Beast Taming Academy.
Liu Yi noticed the school emblem on his chest; it was identical to what she had seen in the information.
"It's nothing," she replied simply.
Huo Yan looked up, his gaze sweeping between Liu Yi, Ziyue, and Chiying, then his eyes suddenly widened. "Wait, you're... you're Liu Yi from the Longwu Region? The Beast Tamer of Silver Snow Fox and Moling Dragon? I saw you on the Beast Tamer Association's announcement!"
His voice unconsciously rose, drawing glances from many onlookers.
"Beast Tamer Association announcement?" The onlookers gathered closer. "What announcement?"
"It's the announcement about newly recorded pets!" Huo Yan said excitedly. "Silver Snow Fox and Moling Dragon are both brand new forms recently added, and the discoverer and contractor are the same person—her!"
He pointed at Liu Yi, his eyes full of admiration. "I can't believe I'd meet you in person here! Your Silver Snow Fox's Frost Breath just now was so precise, your Energy Control is incredible!"
Liu Yi took a slight step back.
"Um, your skateboard...?" she reminded him.
Huo Yan then remembered he was still holding the wrecked skateboard, scratching his head awkwardly. "Oh, right, I need to go fix my skateboard. Anyway, thank you! If we meet during the competition, please guide me!"
With that, he hurried away, clutching his skateboard. After a few steps, he turned back and shouted, "My name is Huo Yan! Remember my name! See you at the competition!"
Li Chengying watched his retreating figure, murmuring, "Are all people from Monte Beast Taming Academy this... enthusiastic?"
Gao Xue said expressionlessly, "Probably just him."
Ouyang Qin set down her coffee cup and stood up. "It's getting late, we should head back."
Everyone paid their bill and left the Cloud Arena.
The four took a maglev sightseeing vehicle back to the hotel. Outside the window, the Monte Region's nightscape resembled a flowing river of stars, with the scattered lights of the floating islands reflecting the stars in the night sky.
Li Chengying leaned back in her seat, contentedly rubbing her belly. "Today was so blissful! Delicious food, beautiful sights, and fun activities—this is what life is all about!"
Gao Xue glanced at her. "Are you sure you'll be able to get up for training tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Li Chengying declared indignantly. "For good food, I can endure any hardship!"
Ouyang Qin chuckled softly, not exposing her.
Liu Yi sat by the window, Ziyue sprawled at her feet, her head resting on Liu Yi's lap, her two tails gently draped over the edge of the seat.
Chiying hovered beside the seat, its crimson eyes half-closed, seemingly dozing.
But Liu Yi knew Ziyue wasn't truly asleep.
Its ears twitched occasionally, and the tip of its tail swayed unconsciously, clearly still replaying the Ice Crystal Deer's battle it had witnessed that evening.
"Still thinking about the Ice Crystal Doppelganger?" Liu Yi asked softly, her fingers gently stroking the fur behind Ziyue's ears.
"Bingbing..."
Ziyue lifted her head, her purple eyes glinting faintly in the dim carriage. She let out a soft cry and nudged Liu Yi's palm with her head.
Rate on N.U.
