Beast Taming: Starting From Zero Chapter 1008: Zidia Region

Tianan City, Central Hollow Region.

Tianwang Hotel.

Sunlight from the early morning poured in through the large windows. Qiao Sang gazed out from beside the glass, observing the swarm of reporters hovering in the sky aboard their bird-type pets. A slight tingle crept up her scalp.

Reporters were everywhere. To an outsider, it might seem like a massive scandal had erupted inside the hotel. Luckily, the Tianwang Hotel ensured top-notch privacy; visibility went one way, allowing her to watch without being watched in return.

Ye Xiangting folded clothes into the suitcase close by, issuing reminders: "When you arrive in the Zidia Region, follow your teacher's guidance. If tough Ghost-type pets cause trouble, release Little Treasure to chat with them."

She'd never visited the Zidia Region herself, but she understood that nearly all supernatural events there stemmed from Ghost-type pets. With Little Treasure being one himself, negotiations would go smoother.

With that in mind, Ye Xiangting added: "Make sure Little Treasure stays visible and doesn't hide."

"Xun xun!"

Little Treasure, fully grasping the important role he'd play in the coming area, straightened up proudly and called out with determination, promising to safeguard his tamer no matter what!

Qiao Sang replied with a helpless tone: "Mom, I'm already a B-rank Tamer. Plus, invisibility doesn't hide Little Treasure from other Ghost-type pets anyway."

Ye Xiangting let out a soft chuckle. "I nearly overlooked that you're a B-rank Tamer now."

Qiao Sang silently teased her mother in her thoughts.

"Oh, and I grabbed some pet treats from downstairs earlier—they're packed in the suitcase. Share them with Yabao and the rest during the trip." As Ye Xiangting finished speaking, she snapped the suitcase shut.

"Qing qing~"

Right before she could zip it up, Qingbao's call echoed from nearby. Ye Xiangting spun around to find Qingbao gazing at her with eyes clear as a summer sky. Her resolve softened in an instant.

"What's Qingbao asking for?" She inquired.

"She wants to snack on them immediately," Qiao Sang explained.

Ye Xiangting promptly flipped the suitcase open again. "Help yourself to anything you like."

"Qing qing~"

Qingbao snatched a pouch of sweets, flashed a charming grin, and headed off. Ye Xiangting lost track of her scolding, lost in the glow of that grin. Moments later, she shook it off and continued with the packing.

In short order, preparations wrapped up. Little Treasure slipped off his ring, expanded it, and neatly stowed the luggage within. Ye Xiangting's attention shifted to the pet egg perched on the coffee table.

"How about this pet egg? Planning to leave it exposed like that?"

Qiao Sang traced her mother's line of sight and confirmed with a nod. "Little Treasure's ring isn't ideal for pet eggs. Storing it there means I might miss the hatching moment."

"Is that safe?" Ye Xiangting voiced her concern. Running a pet breeding shop these days, she was aware that certain eggs proved delicate. Mishandling could lead to growth issues or death before emerging.

"No problem," Qiao Sang assured.

"Teacher Mikayla mentioned this protector is the finest egg-nurturing gear out there. It supplies essentials and absorbs shocks. Kept inside, the egg faces no risks."

"That's reassuring..." Ye Xiangting eased up, only for fresh anxiety to surface.

"Could it get taken?"

She recalled Liu Yao's words from the day before about it being a Dragon-type egg, specifically a Little Thunder Dragon. Unfamiliar with the breed, she still grasped the immense worth of any Dragon-type egg. Her search online yielded scant details.

Regrettably, post-victory, Liu Yao had gotten pulled away by an urgent call. Funding came through, demanding his swift return to study post-Blazing Hound evolutions. Otherwise, she might've pressed him for more on the Little Thunder Dragon egg.

"Not a chance," Qiao Sang answered, smiling.

"Even without my presence scaring them off, Teacher Mikayla's right beside me."

Frankly, as a B-rank Tamer, she wouldn't risk parading a Dragon-Electric dual-attribute egg openly. Yet, accompanied by an S-rank Tamer, one egg—or even a dozen—would remain secure.

Before Ye Xiangting could respond further, Mikayla materialized in the room.

"All set?" She questioned.

"Yes," Qiao Sang affirmed with a nod.

"Excellent, time to head out," Mikayla declared.

Qiao Sang slung on her backpack with Lubao inside and lifted Yabao into her arms.

"Xun xun~" Little Treasure drifted over to the coffee table and grasped the holder for the pet egg.

"Obey your teacher, and ring me once you're in the Zidia Region," Ye Xiangting instructed, aware of the schedule yet unable to mask her parting sorrow.

"Got it."

Qiao Sang paused briefly before saying, "Mom, since you're in the Central Hollow Region at last, squeeze in some sightseeing before returning home."

Ye Xiangting chuckled warmly.

"When would I possibly have the chance? Since your championship win, my phone's been nonstop. Fire Fang Dog prices at rival shops and bases have skyrocketed over twice as high, but I haven't adjusted mine. The store's swamped, with everyone pushing for my return. Duties pile up. I'll explore properly once it calms down."

Yabao, cradled in his tamer's hold, suddenly brightened his gaze.

"Fine then," Qiao Sang yielded. Though her earnings could sustain her mother luxuriously forever, she recognized her mom's commitment to her profession.

"Teacher, Qiao Sang's in your care," Ye Xiangting stated solemnly to Mikayla.

Mikayla nodded faintly. "Rest easy—I've got it covered."

With those words, she, Qiao Sang, and the pets faded from the room. Ye Xiangting fixed her eyes on the vacant spot, a wave of quiet sadness washing over her.

Out front at the Tianwang Hotel, media crews persisted in their reports: "This regional competition's champion, Qiao Sang, is lodged at the Tianwang Hotel. No sign of her since last night. We'll keep our vigil."

"We're hovering over Qiao Sang's hotel airspace, eager for that exclusive interview."

"It's 8:43 AM now. One wonders if Qiao Sang's risen yet. Following yesterday's intense battles, she surely rested deeply."

"History's youngest regional champion rests in the hotel you see behind me... Though, I'm a tad concerned. Everyone knows of her Teleportation-wielding Ghost Ring King. Perhaps Qiao Sang slipped out already."

---

One hour later.

Aboard a flight to the Zidia Region.

First class.

Qiao Sang, decked in sunglasses and a cap, fixed her gaze on the purple-streaked pet egg positioned before her. Mikayla peered across from her seat.

"Half an hour you've been eyeing it," Mikayla observed.

"Staring won't speed up the hatching process."

Qiao Sang sighed in amazement: "Never imagined the regional championship reward would turn out to be a Little Thunder Dragon egg."

The Little Thunder Dragon, a Dragon-Electric dual-attribute pet, gathered external electricity to fuel itself. Its potential capped at Emperor level, rendering its worth beyond measure.

Without the Vice Principal's—a researcher and breeder—verification, she would've doubted the competition organizers' generosity.

Mikayla responded evenly: "Certain breeds gravitate toward powerhouses. You and that rival Yuan Tianlong both shone brightly. Whichever of you claimed this egg, the originating pet wouldn't protest."

Qiao Sang blinked in surprise. "So the regional competition organizers have a Little Thunder Dragon ancestor supporting them?"

"Ancestor?"

Mikayla hesitated, then elaborated: "Not the organization itself. More likely, an official struck a deal with one of that breed's forebears, say, by scouting top-tier Tamers for them."

She halted, then noted: "It mirrors the partnership between the Flaming Star and its beasts."

Qiao Sang's face showed contemplation. In truth, she began suspecting Yuan Tianlong might've gotten wind of the Little Thunder Dragon egg as the prize, prompting his entry.

Mikayla eyed the egg within its safeguard.

"Keep your ambitions in sight. The Little Thunder Dragon impresses, but aim for the Interstellar Cup. Emperor-level ceiling sounds grand, yet this egg's occupant might not attain it. Should it lack pure lineage, I'd suggest rethinking."

In her opinion, Qiao Sang's aptitude opened doors to superior contracts. Targeting the Interstellar Cup demanded scrutinizing every pet trait, purity included.

Qiao Sang regarded the egg. "Understood. Still, I choose pets based on destined bonds. If it doesn't fit, I'll match it with the right Tamer."

At B-rank, authorities and the Beast Taming Alliance permitted carrying unbound pets. Hearing this, Mikayla held her tongue. Time spent together built her trust in Qiao Sang's instincts.

Qiao Sang had clinched the regional title solo, sans data aid or special training—surpassing Mikayla's early forecasts.

Suddenly, a thought struck Qiao Sang. "Oh, when's Teacher Floridan arriving?"

"I directed him to join us straight in the Zidia Region," Mikayla replied.

"I first suggested the Central Hollow Region, but..." She grinned.

"Too much attention on you there. Wiser to depart promptly."

Qiao Sang remembered the morning's aerial frenzy outside and nodded in full accord.

---

8:30 PM.

Zidia Region, Youzhou.

Qiao Sang stepped from the airport, hat on and Yabao in her grasp. Surveying the area, she spotted unfamiliar Ghost-type pets everywhere, accompanying almost every person. Curious stares converged on her, flickering with doubt.

"Xun xun..."

Just then, Little Treasure materialized clutching the pet egg, peering around in confusion.

Abruptly, an excited yell pierced the air: "That's Qiao Sang for sure! With the mutated Ghost Ring King!"

The surrounding crowd's eyes ignited with fervor. Thrilled and stirred, they stretched to glimpse the sunglassed, hatted girl beside the Ghost Ring King.

The Dragon Nation boasted 13 regions, each with its competition. Truth be told, barring frequent cross-region pros, famous figures, or later big-league contenders, folks typically recalled only their local victor.

Qiao Sang stood apart. Her uniqueness dazzled.

At 17, she'd cultivated a fresh evolution line, owned rare endangered, mutated, extraterrestrial, and even mythic pets. Several boasted Super-tier moves, and she'd toppled two-time champ Yuan Tianlong.

Impossible to forget after browsing headlines. Initial uncertainty vanished at the sight of the Ghost Ring King—they recognized Qiao Sang instantly!

The airport exit erupted into chaos.

"Xun xun?"

Little Treasure caught on and beamed, posing dramatically.

As the throng swelled, Mikayla interjected: "Time to move."

Her words barely landed before they both disappeared.

A kilometer off, by a roadside, Qiao Sang and Mikayla popped into view.

"Li li!"

An elderly woman, ambling with a cane, startled and yelped. The cane clattered as she shifted into a mere 30-centimeter Ghost-type pet, fading from sight.

Qiao Sang and Yabao gaped at the spectacle. Abruptly, the pet rematerialized, retrieved the cane, and slipped invisible once more.

Qiao Sang: ...

Yabao: ...

Mikayla chuckled. "Ghost-type pets in this place sure are fascinating."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure, gripping the pet egg, sighed appreciatively, signaling his fondness for the location.

Qiao Sang shot him a look. "You've barely arrived and already you're a fan?"

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure bobbed his head earnestly.

"Any destination in mind?" Mikayla prompted, steering back to business.

Qiao Sang pondered momentarily.

"The You City Market. Word is, it stocks tons of Ghost-type gear. Little Treasure's next evolution needs just the Underworld Bamboo Flower. I'd like to check availability."

You City actually named a market within Youzhou's bounds, not a proper city.

"Xun xun!"

Catching mention of his evolution material, Little Treasure lit up eagerly and yipped, inquiring if they'd head there straightaway. Qiao Sang grinned and confirmed with a nod.

"Xun xun!"

"Xun xun!"

Little Treasure buzzed with greater energy, orbiting while clasping the pet egg.

Witnessing Little Treasure's enthusiasm, Qiao Sang felt a mix of exasperation and delight.

Mikayla considered briefly.

"I know of it. Reputed as the Zidia Region's biggest hub for Ghost-type supplies. Shall we proceed? Plenty of those items come alive under night skies."

"Sure," Qiao Sang consented. She shared the sentiment.

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