As the rescue helicopter gradually flew away, the scenery within the Shenlongjia Forest Region began to blur. The experiences they had just gone through seemed like a dream. By the time the helicopter landed at the base camp, everyone felt as if they were waking up.
The moment they disembarked, a crowd surged forward, surrounding Yang Lin and the others. Among them were representatives from television stations and various media outlets, as well as the families of Teacher Xiaoliang and the others. The scene was simultaneously warm and chaotic. Yang Lin was not surprised by this situation; the only thing he found somewhat troublesome were the questions from the media reporters.
"Director Yang, did you encounter any wildmen in Shenlongjia this time?"
"No, no, there are no wildmen in this world."
"Director Yang, can you briefly tell us where you found Teacher Xiaoliang and the others?"
"We found them in a mountain gully; they just got lost."
"Director Yang, why have you returned empty-handed this time?"
"My dear reporter, if you continue to speak like that, I will sue you for defamation."
"Director Yang, don't run away..."
..."Hoo... This wasn't easy. It turns out humans are the most troublesome animals in the world." Half an hour later, at the Shenlongjia Wildlife Research Station, Yang Lin panted as he watched Teacher Xiaoliang and the others, still surrounded by reporters outside.
"But that reporter just now made a good point. I really did come back empty-handed this time."
"A loss, a loss. I should have brought that bamboo rat out."
After saying this, Yang Lin seemed to remember something and quickly opened the nearby window. In the next second, a golden figure flew in from outside. It was Peng Baobao, who had been responsible for reconnaissance from the sky. The moment it flew into the room, Peng Baobao landed directly on Yang Lin's shoulder.
"Director, Director, you need to come with me quickly. I met an opponent over there, and I can't beat it. You have to help me."
Hearing Peng Baobao's words, Yang Lin, who was about to rest, suddenly became energized.
"Oh? There's something you can't beat here?" In his mind, even though Peng Baobao was young, its terrifying flying abilities meant that even fierce beasts like lions and tigers might not be able to defeat it.
"That guy has thick skin and can even spray water. I don't know what to do with it," Peng Baobao seemed very troubled.
"Can spray water? What is that thing?" If he was merely curious moments ago, upon hearing about the water-spraying ability, Yang Lin was now filled with shock. "Could it be another relic species?"
"Hmm? I don't recognize it specifically, I only know it's a four-legged creature, a very big one."
"Director, hurry and come with me. If we're too late, it'll sink to the bottom of the water."
After saying this, Peng Baobao flapped its wings again and transformed into a golden light, flying out of the window once more. Although Yang Lin had many questions, he couldn't afford to delay. He immediately chased after Peng Baobao.
However, as soon as he stepped out, Teacher Xiaoliang appeared before him.
"Director Yang, I was just looking for you. Where are you going now?"
Hearing Teacher Xiaoliang's question, Yang Lin answered without thinking:
"To see a water monster."
"A water monster? Where? I'll go too!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the two headed towards the scenic spot Changtan on the east side of the research station, one after the other. The media reporters who had failed to get a big scoop earlier also followed, carrying their equipment. Even though they didn't know where Yang Lin and the other were going or what they were doing.
Just over ten minutes later, a mountain lake, shrouded in thick mist, appeared before Yang Lin. Although Shenlongjia was covered in snow at this time, this lake had not frozen over. It appeared mysterious and serene amidst the vast white snowscape.
"Does the four-legged creature you mentioned live in this lake?" Yang Lin asked, looking at the calm, mirror-like surface of the lake with a puzzled expression.
As soon as the question was out, Peng Baobao, flying in the air, stated with certainty:
"Yes, it's here. That guy is lurking in the water. When I came here to drink water before, it suddenly rushed out and attacked me."
Seeing that Peng Baobao didn't seem to be lying, Yang Lin began to speculate. "It lives in a lake and has four legs. Could it be a crocodile?"
"No, no. Crocodiles don't spray water, and this high-mountain region isn't suitable for crocodiles to live in."
Before he could think of other possibilities, a panting Teacher Xiaoliang arrived with a group of reporters.
"Director Yang, is this where you said the water monster is?"
"There have indeed been rumors of a water monster here in the past. It's said that the water monster comes out every June or July, but no one has ever seen what it looks like."
Hearing this, a hint of surprise appeared on Yang Lin's face.
"It really exists? Then what did the water monster seen by others look like?"
As soon as this question was asked, a gasp of surprise came from the side.
"There's a huge dark shadow over there."
With the sudden exclamation, everyone's gaze was instantly drawn to that direction, including Yang Lin's. It was just one glance that widened everyone's eyes. About a dozen meters away on the lake surface, a massive dark shadow was swimming beneath the water. From a distance, it looked like it was at least four to five meters long. Although it couldn't be seen clearly, its slender body and the four limbs on either side were visible.
After the shock, everyone began to speculate.
"What is that thing? Is it a crocodile?"
"I don't think so."
"Then, could it be a plesiosaur?"
"It does look quite similar."
"Don't talk nonsense. Do you think this is a sci-fi movie, talking about dinosaurs?"
"Look, it's swimming away!"
While everyone was still guessing, a golden figure swooped down from the sky towards the dark shadow in the lake. But before it could reach the shadow, a water column as thick as a thumb shot straight out from the lake. The speed was so fast it was almost like a high-pressure water gun. Seeing the water column, everyone exclaimed again. Yang Lin took this opportunity to activate his animal exploration radar.
In the next second, a lone giant light spot appeared in his vicinity. Clicking on the light spot, a line of information then appeared.
[Cryptobranchus (Healthy) 23 years old Indifferent]
Upon seeing this information, Yang Lin was stunned. As an animal professional with some research background in ancient creatures, he was at least basically familiar with this species, if not intimately knowledgeable. If he remembered correctly, this creature called Cryptobranchus was a prehistoric animal that lived in the Triassic period, 200 million years ago. It was the largest amphibian during the age of dinosaurs.
"Good heavens, the natural science world is going to explode again!"