Chapter 725 - 316: Setting Out Into the Depths of the Sea!

Li Zhen ultimately didn’t get the chance to battle Zhang Bai’s important friend.

The pressing matter now is to treat the injuries of the Wave Fist Water Ape, have a good rest, and face tomorrow’s expulsion event in the best condition.

This expulsion event has lavish rewards, and all of Binhai City’s renowned Beastmasters will participate, Li Zhen included, of course.

But before leaving, Li Zhen earnestly looked at Zhang Bai and said his last words: "After tomorrow’s event ends, remember to introduce me to your friend. If there’s a chance, I’d really like to have a Pet Beast battle with him."

"I’m off, see you tomorrow."

Watching Li Zhen’s figure quickly disappear, Zhang Bai’s expression turned peculiar, murmuring, "First time seeing someone so eager to be beaten."

Breaking away from the deafening cheers, leaving the spotlighted area, Zhang Bai was like a drop of ink merging into the night, silently returning to Chen Yuan and his companions.

"Advisor Chen, sorry for keeping you waiting."

Victorious before his idol, Zhang Bai was visibly in a good mood, his face showing an undisguised smile as he waved to the three opposite him: "Let’s go, seafood stall, my treat."

Half an hour later,

The palm trees rustled in the evening breeze as Chen Yuan and the others squeezed into the bustling seafood stall, plastic tables and chairs nearly covering the entire outdoor area, the boiling voices mixed with the crashing waves, the air filled with smoke and the salty sea smell.

Zhang Bai, familiar with the owner, chatted proficiently, then glanced at Chen Yuan and smiled: "Advisor Chen, don’t let the unassuming appearance fool you, we locals know this place tastes far better than the trendy spots."

Chen Yuan nodded in understanding.

Trendy spots are more about the atmosphere; for genuine culinary enjoyment, it’s the old locals’ favorite places.

The group sat by a table close to the sea, gazing ahead at the boundless darkness—inky night sky pressing down on the pitch-black ocean, the two almost indistinguishable, only relying on the continuous, deep sound of waves crashing to sense the sea’s presence.

A small sandy path faintly lit by a dim bulb angled into the darkness, now and then tourists, along with various Pet Beasts, emerged walking through the hazy glow, then disappeared into the darker shadow of the rocks beside.

This scene was quite curious to Chen Yuan from Qin Province; he watched intently for a while until the sea breeze stirred his thoughts, causing him to smile and say, "I truly envy you, getting to see the sea every day."

"It’s truly pleasant."

Meanwhile, Tian, reporting his safety to his family, raised his head, his deep voice blended with the wind from the seaside: "The same scenery gets dull after a while; people always romanticize paths not taken and views not seen."

Chen Yuan nodded in agreement: "Indeed, that’s true."

During their casual conversation, the waiter brought over two huge enamel plates, setting them down with a "bang."

Steam mingled with the aroma of seafood wafted across their faces, the plates piled like little mountains, all seafood rarely seen by Chen Yuan inland: palm-width bow shrimp curved like bows, five-pointed starfish only seen in animations, dark blue-shelled crabs filled to the brim, a layer of twisted small gray octopuses at the bottom, all drenched in rich, glistening garlic sauce and bright, red chili flakes.

Being a kid from the mountains, Chen Yuan usually only had small lobsters, oysters, crabs, and such.

A while later, the waiter brought over a Spirit Fish, introducing it as: "This is a level three Spirit Fish, Thunder-stripe Puffer, good for kidneys..."

Zhang Bai lightly coughed, waving to interrupt the waiter, then explaining to Chen Yuan: "Advisor Chen, sometimes the harvest at sea exceeds expectations, so we store the Spirit Fish we wish to eat here, when we’re in the mood, we simply ask the owner to cook them, we only pay a little processing fee."

Chen Yuan hesitated in tone: "This is too extravagant."

A level three Spirit Fish is very expensive, sufficient for a sumptuous meal at a luxury restaurant.

Zhang Bai waved nonchalantly, his smile broadening: "We’re celebrating, besides, I was planning to feast here after winning the match."

"Didn’t expect Advisor Chen to visit Binhai City, this Spirit Fish has certainly met a fitting end."

Chen Yuan was momentarily speechless.

The warmth of the food, the coolness of the waves, the boiling voices, the clinking of beer glasses, and the distant unfathomable darkness all mixed together, flooding into Chen Yuan’s senses, making him feel a strange satisfaction.

With beer in their bellies, Chen Yuan quickly bonded with the three, and Zhang Bai started introducing the specific roles within their small team.

He patted his chest, speaking loudly: "Advisor Chen, I’m the captain of this small team, mainly responsible for Pet Beast battles and business dealings."

Then, he turned to the calm-looking Tian and introduced him seriously once more: "This is my uncle, Li Tianhao, everyone usually calls him Tian, he’s responsible for piloting the ship in our team."

After a pause, he added: "Tian has navigated these waters for decades, he can predict the weather just by looking, and even find the return route smoothly when signals fail."

"Tian is our Sea God, as long as he’s here, going to sea is sure to be smooth!"

Tian raised his glass and clinked it with Chen Yuan, taking a small sip: "Old folk don’t have much skill, just earn my keep with my big nephew here."

Zhang Bai pointed to Nan, a smile on his face: "Nan, the team’s scout, responsible for surveying the surroundings and identifying targets."

Perhaps due to drinking a little, Nan’s charming face was tinged with a light blush; she gave Chen Yuan a somewhat modest smile: "My Pet Beast is the Sea Patrol Shouting Seagull, not very combative, but it’s quite useful for reconnaissance."