Yes, the winds of change were coming.
Su Zhan frowned, silently calculating in his mind.
The Aberrants—those monsters hiding within human society—possessed power yet remained like rats in the sewers.
They distrusted each other, constantly on guard, fearing betrayal from their own kind.
This was precisely why Daxia had maintained superficial peace at relatively low cost.
But now...
He recalled the image of that Aberrant shouting slogans before self-destructing.
When monsters develop faith.
When beasts learn unity.
The situation was about to change...
The plane slowly descended onto Lan City Airport's runway.
The roar of engines gradually faded.
The cabin door opened.
"Finally arrived!"
Liu Ziming stretched dramatically and was first to jump down the stairs: "Listen up, Lan City's seafood is unbeatable. My expertise surpasses all of yours. Tonight I'll recommend some excellent dishes—"
"Food, food, always food."
Xie Xi walked past him: "Remember we're here for the exchange event."
Su Zhan had grown accustomed to their bickering.
Well... less bickering and more Liu Ziming constantly getting roasted.
It had become their team's daily routine.
His thoughts drifted.
Come to think of it, he'd never tried seafood since transmigrating to this world.
Before the Mist descended, oceans were humanity's treasure trove.
Now that azure expanse was permanently shrouded by Mist.
Any ship attempting to cross vanished without trace.
Humankind had been forced to relocate marine life to massive terrestrial farms for preservation.
"They say Lan City leads the nation in seafood farming technology."
Xu Hao whispered as he approached: "They simulate marine environments with spiritual energy—rumor says their shrimp are identical to wild-caught."
Su Zhan nodded.
In Jiang City, seafood was a luxury ordinary students couldn't afford.
But Lan City differed.
The entire city resembled a giant seafood factory.
Ubiquitous farms made prices far more affordable here.
Feng Jue silently scanned their surroundings, eyes alert.
Following his gaze, they noticed crowds gathering beyond the airport perimeter holding welcome banners.
Some wore standardized academy uniforms while others were clearly curious civilians.
"Seems we're popular."
Liu Ziming preened, straightening his collar and winking at the crowd, eliciting screams from some girls.
Wang Mingyuan cleared his throat: "Mind your decorum. You represent Vermilion Bird Academy."
Su Zhan brought up the rear, surveying the crowd.
Several figures lurking in corners caught his attention.
Unlike the excited masses, they seemed to be observing something covertly.
But when he tried focusing, they suddenly blended in, matching the crowd's enthusiasm.
"What's wrong?"
Xu Hao noticed his distraction.
"Nothing."
Su Zhan withdrew his gaze, adopting a relaxed expression: "Just thinking about the exchange."
He felt slightly tense.
Wang Mingyuan had said Transcendence Cult Aberrants primarily hunted talented awakened ones.
And he possessed an SSS-ranked Life Soul with mere Dew Realm cultivation—strong enough to draw enemy attention yet too weak for self-defense.
Someone like him would undoubtedly be prime prey.
Liu Ziming slung arms around both their shoulders: "Relax! With Young Master Liu here, we'll show those other academies what real genius looks like!"
Laughing, they exited the airport.
Temporarily setting aside the plane's harrowing incident and the dangerous Transcendence Cult.
"Professor Wang, where's our welcome committee? Where's Vermilion Bird Academy's prestige?"
Liu Ziming craned his neck.
Only scattered onlookers stood beyond the airport—not a single welcome banner in sight.
While people noticed them, it was clearly just casual curiosity.
No organized reception whatsoever.
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses: "You think other academies get red carpets? Daxia's five top awakened academies—all the same."
"What do you mean 'all the same'?"
Liu Ziming looked confused.
Wang Mingyuan stopped walking: "Why are we here?"
"For the exchange event? Obviously?"
Liu Ziming's bewilderment deepened.
"And recruitment."
Xie Xi interjected: "This is our year's final external enrollment opportunity for Vermilion Bird Academy."
"Correct."
Wang Mingyuan nodded approvingly: "Consider—if we poached prized students from those old foxes, they'd be lucky not to chase us out of Lan City, let alone provide airport welcomes."
Liu Ziming's eyes widened: "That extreme?"
"Young Master Liu, what were you doing in class?"
Su Zhan lifted an eyelid: "Professor Wang covered this during lectures."
"Hahaha... busy lately, forgot, forgot."
Liu Ziming scratched his head sheepishly.
Unsaid but understood—he'd clearly spaced out during class.
Wang Mingyuan shook his head helplessly, checking the sky: "Let's secure lodgings first. We'll visit Lan City's awakened academy tomorrow."
"All expenses covered by the academy—within reasonable limits."
Su Zhan blinked.
Wang Mingyuan's tone implied: public funds, spend freely, just don't go overboard.
Perfectly aligned with his preferences.
Public money spent most comfortably, without burden.
"No need to search!"
Liu Ziming snapped his fingers: "Lan City Oceanview Grand Hotel—my family's property. Already arranged."
Wang Mingyuan raised an eyebrow: "Yours?"
Liu Ziming smugly straightened his collar: "National chain, personally designed by my father. Absolutely befitting Vermilion Bird Academy's stature."
Xie Xi snorted: "Showoff."
Unfazed, Liu Ziming smiled: "Miss Xie, if this proves inadequate, I can arrange superior accommodations."
"Young Master Liu, since your family has businesses here, why no entourage?"
Xu Hao asked pointedly.
"Tch—"
Liu Ziming sighed: "Expected Lan City to send representatives. Who knew?"
Wang Mingyuan waved it off: "Oceanview Grand Hotel it is."
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived.
The hotel lobby radiated opulence.
An enormous crystal chandelier hung overhead.
Deep blue carpeting with subtle wave patterns covered the floor.
Upon entry.
A crisply suited middle-aged manager hurried forward, flanked by two rows of bowing attendants: "Young Master Liu, welcome home!"
Liu Ziming nodded casually: "Rooms prepared?"
"Naturally!"
The manager beamed: "The chairman specifically instructed—when you bring guests, only our finest suites."
He presented six black-gold keycards: "Penthouse oceanview suites, all six facing the farms with spectacular views."
Liu Ziming passed one to Wang Mingyuan: "Professor, take the center suite—best vantage point. We'll choose randomly."
Wang Mingyuan accepted without ceremony: "Considerate."