Qingbao looked up at him.
Indeed, this was a figure of great influence... Qiao Sang thought to herself, noting that it was no surprise someone like him, comparable to Teacher Mikaela, could move freely in the air without relying on a Pet Beast.
Ever since Qingbao appeared in public and participated in the strongest High Level Pet Beast competition, there hadn’t been any audience mumbles recognizing Qingbao’s identity by legend.
People searched online and used the Pet Beast Identifier without success, yet this elder recognized Qingbao at a glance without any tools — a testament to his vast knowledge.
Qingbao’s identity isn’t widely recognized on Blue Star, apart from within the Zhongkong Region of Dragon Country, as it doesn’t resemble the Wind God Cloud.
Qiao Sang feigned a surprised face, asking:
"How do you know?"
After a pause, she inquired, "Could you be from Blue Star?"
"No," the elder chuckled, "I just once read books on legendary interstellar Pet Beasts and have an impression of them."
He glanced at Qingbao, then Yaobao, and turned to the black-haired, black-eyed girl beside him, asking: "Are you from Blue Star?"
When would she also get such books to read... Qiao Sang nodded a "Hmm."
The elder, with a probing tone, said, "And this Qingyin Fairy?"
"Is my Pet Beast," Qiao Sang admitted openly.
The elder’s expression immediately turned complex once more.
He had encountered Beast Tamers who had made contracts with legendary Pet Beasts, but they were always individuals at the peak of power and strength. Yet this young girl radiated the spirit fitting her age, not someone older pretending to be young.
Though he had speculated upon seeing the Identity Bracelet’s color on the Qingyin Fairy’s claw, it was still hard to believe when confirmed.
How did this young child manage to form a contract with a legendary Pet Beast...
The elder collected his thoughts, managed his expression, and remarked:
"I once wanted to find a legendary Pet Beast to contract with, but never encountered a suitable one."
Realizing he might have said too much, he changed the topic, asking:
"Are you here to study?"
Qiao Sang thought for a moment and nodded, saying:
"Sort of."
Although her way of schooling differed from classmates at school, essentially it was all about gaining knowledge and becoming stronger. So long Teacher Mikaela accompanied her, it didn’t really matter where she studied.
The elder queried further:
"Are you a student of Flame Heaven University?"
Flame Heaven University, the top Interstellar institution and one of Flame Sky Star’s oldest educational establishments, was said to have been founded when humans officially settled on Flame Sky Star. Known for its excellent academics and annually producing students capable of serving in the Beast Taming Alliance, it was renowned across the interstellar.
Moreover, many Interstellar Cup champions had hailed from Flame Heaven University, thus its ranking went unquestioned.
In the past, if asked, Qiao Sang would have been flattered, but now she merely smiled serenely and said:
"I’m not."
Pointing at a plate of chicken wings in front of her, she said:
"These are delicious, try one."
Seeing she didn’t wish to continue the topic, the elder also dropped it, picking up a wing as she recommended, and while chewing he said:
"These wings have a fragrant essence added, enhancing their savory taste completely."
Qiao Sang looked at him, "Are you a regular here?"
The elder laughed, "Maybe not a regular, just been here a few times."
With that, he rose and said:
"Thank you for the meal, I’ll be going first. Hope we meet again someday."
Without waiting for Qiao Sang to respond, he turned, walking seemingly in air towards the ground.
Such a mysterious master... thought Qiao Sang, watching the elder’s gracefully departing silhouette.
There was an aura of carefree elegance in his figure.
"Dodge!"
But at this moment, a Dodge Fruit leaped down, landing in front of the elder, angrily pointing at his previous seat, and let out a cry.
The masterful aura around the elder dispersed instantly. From his pocket, he hastily pulled out cash, apologizing: "Sorry, sorry, I forgot."
The Dodge Fruit took the money, coldly huffed, and bounced back into the tree.
The elder straightened up, regaining his masterful demeanor, and strode away.
Qiao Sang: "..."
So even someone who can walk on air forgets to pay, why does he suddenly seem less mysterious...
Fertile Forest huh... Qiao Sang collected her thoughts, turning to the Dodge Fruit marked with "16" above, calling out:
"Check out."
...
The elder moved through the dense woods. Upon reaching a secluded spot devoid of Pet Beasts, his face abruptly twisted and transformed.
A few seconds later, a man with deep-set features, a smiling mouth, appearing youthful but with an aura shaped by time’s passage emerged.
If Qiao Sang stood here now, she’d instantly recognize him as the previous Interstellar Cup champion, Igor.

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