Jia Yangping gave a simple, honest laugh, while Jin Yan nodded at Liu Yi. "I hear you're this year's champion of the Longwu High School Entrance Tournament? We'll be relying on you."
Liu Yi responded politely, all the while observing the temporary team.
Although Jia Yangping and Jin Yan were Trainee Beast Tamers, their pets were all at the Intermediate stage, and everyone seemed experienced.
"It's getting late, let's talk as we go," Wan Yulian said, pulling several documents from her backpack and distributing them. "These are a simple map of the Misty Wetland and a description of the Mist Shadow Flower's characteristics."
Liu Yi took the documents and quickly skimmed them as she walked.
The Mist Shadow Flower was a plant that grew deep within the wetland, blooming only when the morning fog was densest. Its petals were semi-transparent and had a mild hallucinogenic effect, making them a raw material for certain mental-type potions.
"What should we be careful of when collecting them?" Liu Yi asked.
Wan Yulian explained, "Mist Shadow Flowers are usually guarded by wild pets, mostly Water-type or Grass-type. We need to collect the flowers without disturbing them."
"Also, the petals are very fragile and must be picked with special tools."
She took out several small silver tweezers and glass bottles, handing them to everyone. "These are my specially made collection tools. The bottles contain a preservative solution that can maintain the petals' vitality for 72 hours."
The group arrived at the Secret Realm entrance. After the staff member checked their Beast Tamer credentials, they were granted entry.
"Remember, while the Misty Wetland is relatively low-risk, don't let your guard down," the staff member sternly reminded them. "If you encounter anything unusual, contact us immediately via your communication device, and we will send support."
Everyone received a small communication device, pinned it to their collar, and then walked towards the shimmering Secret Realm entrance.
"Are you ready?" Wan Yulian asked, looking back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Ready."
With a slight dizzy spell, they stepped through the Secret Realm entrance.
The scene before them changed instantly.
The clear sky was replaced by thick fog, and visibility was less than ten meters.
The air was thick with the scent of damp vegetation, and the ground beneath their feet was soft, requiring careful steps.
"Stay close, everyone, don't get separated," Wan Yulian whispered. "Jin Yan, have your Swiftwind Falcon scout above."
Jin Yan nodded, and her Swiftwind Falcon flapped its wings, circling in the low air.
Jia Yangping's Steel-Armored Rhinoceros walked at the very front of the team, its heavy body leaving deep footprints in the wetland.
"Mist Shadow Flowers usually grow near water sources," Wan Yulian said, pointing to a mark on the map. "We'll follow this route and reach the first collection point in about half an hour."
Liu Yi had Ziyue walk on the team's flank, while Chiying coiled on her shoulder, its crimson eyes warily scanning the surroundings.
As they ventured deeper into the Secret Realm, the fog grew thicker, further reducing visibility.
"Watch out!" Jin Yan suddenly called out. "The Swiftwind Falcon detected movement on the right!"
Everyone stopped, cautiously looking to their right.
In the dense fog, several blurry figures slowly approached.
"It's a group of wetland frogs," Wan Yulian sighed in relief. "They usually don't attack people unless provoked."
Sure enough, several large wetland frogs hopped out of the fog, puffed out their cheeks, glanced at them, and then bounced away.
"Let's keep going," Wan Yulian gestured.
The team continued deeper into the wetland. The ground became increasingly soft, with some areas even forming small puddles.
"The first collection point is just ahead," Wan Yulian said, pointing to a small, fog-shrouded pond in front of them. "There should be several mature Mist Shadow Flowers there."
"Bingbing."
Suddenly, Ziyue's ears twitched, and she let out a low warning growl.
Liu Yi raised a hand, signaling the team to stop. "Something's wrong."
Chiying also lifted its head from her shoulder, its crimson eyes fixed on the direction of the pond.
"What is it?" Jia Yangping asked nervously, his Steel-Armored Rhinoceros immediately entering a defensive stance.
"There's something in the pond," she whispered. "It's not a wetland frog."
No sooner had she spoken than the surface of the pond began to churn violently, and a huge dark shadow emerged from the water.
"It's a Swamp Crocodilian!" Jin Yan exclaimed. "An Intermediate stage Water-type pet!"
The nearly three-meter-long crocodilian slowly crawled onto the bank, its yellow vertical pupils coldly staring at the intruders.
"Don't make any sudden moves," Wan Yulian said tensely. "Swamp Crocodilians usually don't attack unless their territory feels threatened."
However, the crocodilian suddenly opened its massive jaws and let out a deafening roar.
The Swamp Crocodilian's roar echoed through the thick fog, causing ripples to spread across the pond's surface.
Liu Yi quickly stepped in front of Wan Yulian. Ziyue had already adopted a combat stance, ice crystals condensing around her body.
"Something's off," Liu Yi whispered. "It looks like a layer of purple mist is covering its eyes."
Chiying straightened up from Liu Yi's shoulder, its crimson eyes locked on the crocodilian.
"Fall back," Liu Yi told the three behind her. "It's being influenced by something and might attack indiscriminately."
Jia Yangping's Steel-Armored Rhinoceros immediately moved to block the group, its heavy body like an iron wall.
Jin Yan's Swiftwind Falcon circled in the air, ready to dive at any moment.
The Swamp Crocodilian roared again, its thick tail violently slapping the water's surface, sending splashes everywhere.
Unlike a normal Swamp Crocodilian, it didn't cautiously probe; instead, it charged directly at them, its massive jaws revealing menacing fangs.
"Ziyue, Frost Path."
Ziyue slammed her front paw onto the ground, and an ice-blue path instantly spread across the wetland's surface, extending to the Swamp Crocodilian's feet.
The Swamp Crocodilian's massive body slipped on the ice, its attack trajectory shifting, causing it to crash heavily into a nearby tree trunk.
"Now's your chance, collect the Mist Shadow Flowers," Liu Yi called to Wan Yulian. "We'll hold it off."
Wan Yulian bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, but quickly nodded. "Be careful!"
She pulled Jin Yan, moving quickly to the other side of the pond, where several translucent flowers shimmered faintly in the fog.
The Swamp Crocodilian shook its head, recovering from the impact.
It opened its mouth wide, and a stream of dark green liquid sprayed out.
Jia Yangping: "Venom! Dodge!"
Liu Yi dodged sideways, the venom brushing past her sleeve and landing on a tree trunk behind her, instantly corroding a large hole.
"Bingbing!"
"Moling!"
Ziyue blasted a Frost Breath, restricting the Swamp Crocodilian's movements, while Chiying flicked its tail, precisely hitting the Swamp Crocodilian's eyes with purple venom.
The Swamp Crocodilian thrashed in pain, but quickly got back up, as if its sense of pain was suppressed by some force.
"Its state is abnormal," Liu Yi frowned. "Wild pets usually choose to flee after taking an attack like that."
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