After Zi Ming used Teleportation magic, Aiersi and the others only saw a flash before them and then arrived at a valley.
“Don't worry, everyone here in the valley is one of us. As for the academy, you'll have to find it yourselves; the City is near this valley.”
After Zi Ming dropped that sentence, he disappeared.
“One of us?”
Aiersi was confused. She looked around and saw that many things seemed to be hidden. The next second, the rock wall beside her exploded with a boom, and a several-hundred-meter-tall Stone Giant walked out, its eyes glowing red. Its massive size gave off an immense sense of fear.
But when the Stone Giant's gaze fell on the group, its murderous eyes gradually faded, though a hint of wariness remained in its tone: “Are you sent by Zi Ming?”
Xiao Huang said helplessly, “Who else could it be besides him? And after so many times, you still can’t remember his Teleportation magic circle?”
“My apologies, I just saw an extra human. Better to be careful!”
Aiersi was already used to the Stone Giant's words; after all, these people had never seen her before.
“Since you are his people, you can enjoy all the rights here. Whatever you ask for, we will provide.”
As the Stone Giant spoke, a purple mark suddenly lit up on its forehead. It paused, seemingly sensing something, then nodded to itself and looked at Aiersi with a more polite expression.
“So it's Zi Ming's Master. A pleasure to meet you, a pleasure. I apologize for the offense just now. Although we knew Zi Ming's Master was human, we had never seen her.”
The Stone Giant spoke truthfully. It had just received a message from Zi Ming that the person he sent was indeed the Master, but it truly didn't know before receiving the message.
“It's fine, I'm already used to it.”
“Are you looking for the academy? I'll lead the way, but I can only take you to the edge of the valley; the rest is up to you.”
As it spoke, its giant hand reached out to them, placing it before them, gesturing for them to get on.
From the giant's shoulder, the entire valley was visible. Looking at the distant scenery, the lush green mountains and fields made one feel refreshed, and from time to time, birds flew by, circling them, forming a unique picture.
“Master, it's so beautiful!” Yin Lin, in Aiersi's arms, looked into the distance, her eyes filled with joy, and reached out her hand to touch the beautiful scenery, as if wanting to grasp it.
“Master, I can't imagine how many people like you there are? You are the most special person among humans, the only one,” the Stone Giant said as it walked.
“What do you mean?”
“Everyone else hunts us for profit, but you do the opposite, and you even create such powerful magical beasts, like Zi Ming…”
“Don't praise me to the heavens. You can see me however you want; I just do what I want to do.”
“Alright, alright, alright. But recently, adventurers and hunters have been appearing much more frequently. The reason is that a Tian Ling Grass has grown here, which cures all diseases. The pressure is a bit high.”
As it was speaking, a distant rumble was suddenly heard, dust rose everywhere, and birds and beasts scattered. Clearly, a fight had broken out there again.
“If they want it, let them have it. We don't lack this thing. But I can use it to fish.”
“Fishing? You're not going to…”
“Exactly. I plan to go in as a normal person, try not to expose myself, and keep a very low profile. So, you two will have to act with me.”
“That… isn't impossible. Although I know some people from that academy, I'm not sure if they will come.”
“We'll know in a few days, won't we?”
“There's nothing needed here, really. If anything, only teachers would come; students wouldn't, because this place has already been designated as a medium-level location, so students are best not to come.”
“Not enough temptation? I can add a bit more…”
“You really are a big spender…” The Stone Giant was at a loss for words at this moment.
As they walked forward, a figure appeared in the distance to their left. The person wore armor and a black cloak, their face covered by a black mask, observing them with a telescope. His position was extremely hidden. The Stone Giant used its detection ability, but because he had concealed himself with magic and had a faint golden aura around him, which seemed to block his presence, he was not discovered.
He was seen observing Aiersi and the others, and he seemed to be communicating with someone: “My Lord, target found. What should I do?”
“Did you overhear anything they said?” A golden mark on his head glowed, and a deep voice came from it.
“No, if it were true as you said, I wouldn't dare to eavesdrop.”
“It's fine, I heard everything. Retreat for now, and do as I say.”
“Understood…” The man cut off the connection but felt a chill down his spine. Turning around, he saw over a dozen pairs of crimson eyes staring at him. There were multiple tentacle monsters like octopuses, as well as monkeys, goblins, and even giant lions and squirrels among them.
“Hiss~ This lineup is a bit…”
The man broke out in a cold sweat. The moment all the magical beasts pounced, he was sent away by a mysterious golden light, leaving only some residual energy scattered in the air…
However, Aiersi was completely unaware of this. And Ye Feng and Xiao Huang, to be less conspicuous, directly transformed into streaks of light and rushed into Aiersi's arm, forming a mark on it.
“I say… aren't you two a bit too early? You haven't even seen anyone yet and you're already hiding?”
“Better safe than sorry. Yin Lin is fine, but it's better for us to hide. And nothing will happen inside the Communication Realm.”
Xiao Huang's voice directly reached Aiersi's mind. As long as Aiersi willed it, she could converse with her. As for the Communication Realm she mentioned, it was another dimension. Beings who had formed a contract with Aiersi could transform into marks and enter her body, allowing them to hide better and not reveal their aura.
For those in the Communication Realm, everything they saw around them was a sea of stars, but they could also see everything Aiersi saw and could help her with many things.
“Whatever you want. By the way, why is this place also Zi Ming's territory? He never told me.” Aiersi suddenly asked the Stone Giant.
“Well, he… he doesn't really consider this his territory, but we always listen to him. Although he's only been here a few times, we follow all his guidance. After all, his reputation is widespread. And speaking of which, human invasions have become fewer, but stronger…”
“There's no helping it. This must be hard on you.”
“We can't help it, but Zi Ming's great name has already spread throughout the magical beast world, so wherever he goes, it causes a huge welcome. Some are taken back. He said he couldn't save everyone, so he takes some small or weak ones.”
“I can't help it either. The main reason is that there isn't enough territory.” Aiersi said with a bitter smile. Indeed, if the population increased, there wouldn't be enough territory, not enough food, and certainly not enough living space.
“Why don't you just directly lead all the magical beasts? With Zi Ming's command, no magical beast dares to disobey. You are also his Master, so many people should listen to you too.” The Stone Giant affirmed.
“Listen… but how many times would they have to die before they listen? Don't forget I'm human. You naturally hate humans, and gaining trust isn't that easy, so…”
“Alright, I understand.” The Stone Giant also understood something and interrupted Aiersi's words. Her trust with the magical beasts was bought with blood, and it was hard to imagine how she endured it.
“You've suffered so much. Our suffering is nothing compared to yours.”
“All things purify my soul. Every living being has a purpose in existing. I am merely walking my own path, different from others.”
“Everything in the valley will temporarily follow my command, as I am the strongest here. But how should I cooperate with you? And those academy people might not even come here, because I just drove away several teams a few days ago.”
“Have you heard that the rarer something is, the more it attracts others? If this isn't enough, then add a bit more; there will always be some.” Aiersi smiled.
“How do we do that?”
“Just take me to see where the Tian Ling Grass is, but you might have to work a little harder next.”
“Okay, no problem.”
As the Stone Giant spoke, it turned and walked towards the other side…