Zouwu

Dongfang, Zouwu Protection Base.

Surrounded by green mountains, shrouded in clouds and mist.

"A perfect score on the written test on Zouwu breeding knowledge," a base worker in a dark green uniform looked up at Lucien, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Haven't seen one in years. No wonder Mr. Scamander vouched for you. Just one 'drive' with Zouwu is enough to qualify."

Lucien nodded and said, "Thank you, you've worked hard. Are there any time limits or restrictions on the scope of the 'drive-around'?"

Although he had already heard it when they met, the staff were still surprised by the boy's fluent Chinese. If it weren't for his distinctly Western appearance, they would have doubted that the boy was a native of the area.

"Zouwu loves to fly, and their activity area can't be limited to just one park; even a mountain range seems too small for Zouwu. The so-called 'flying around' simply means that the zookeeper needs to be able to keep up with the Zouwu and ensure Zouwu returns. Sometimes accidents happen because the Zouwu gets too carried away flying, shakes off its zookeeper, and runs off and gets lost itself..."

Lucien silently memorized this key point. Thankfully, he hadn't forgotten his true mother tongue; surely he wouldn't have an accent when he spoke now?

This entire Zouwu) care and training process is so thorough that you could easily obtain a zookeeper's license.

I wonder if I'll ever have the chance to get a panda license and raise a panda. In my past life, I really didn't have the chance. Even locals in Sichuan can't raise pandas, let alone someone from out of town like me.

As the staff explained the situation, they led the two through a low fence to a more open grassy area.

In the middle of the meadow, a giant feline was lying quietly.

It was as large as an elephant, with striped fur like a tiger, and a tangled but shimmering multicolored mane around its neck that changed luster in the afternoon light.

Four curved fangs protrude from the sides of his mouth, clearly visible even when his mouth is closed.

What is most eye-catching is its tail, a brightly colored long tail that is longer than its body, with rich layers and a slightly curled end, like a flag woven from silk.

Zouwu.

They appear fierce and menacing, but are actually gentle in nature.

The Zouwu is a "benevolent beast" in the Wizarding World, and it only eats animals that die of natural causes.

In essence, it's more like a giant cat—completely powerless against noisy cat toys and easily soothed.

Sensing someone approaching, the Zouwu suddenly raised its head. Its large eyes looked in the direction of the three, its gaze landing on Lucien in the middle.

Newt and the staff simultaneously stopped, leaving Lucien to continue forward alone.

As Lucien approached, Zouwu showed no instinctive wariness, neither retreating nor growling.

Instead, it took the initiative to come over, strolling leisurely for a few steps to reach Lucien, and then—lowered its head and gently nestled its big, furry head into Lucien's arms.

The whole process was very natural, like old friends greeting each other.

The staff watched as Lucien rubbed the Zouwu's head a few times. Then, a gentle breeze rose around the Zouwu, gently lifting Lucien onto its back.

The staff who had been involved in raising Zouwu for many years were puzzled by this scene.

This process seems incorrect.

On their first meeting, the Zouwu allowed a stranger to ride it—no, not even allowed, but rather actively invited him?

The first encounter between a zookeeper and Zouwu always requires patient interaction.

He was still thinking that Lucien might need to first take out a bell or a cat toy, something that suits the Zouwu's habits, to make a good impression. Only after some interaction could he win the Zouwu's favor. That's how everyone had gone through it back then.

The staff naturally had no idea how pure the wind element emanating from this human boy was in the perception of Zouwu, a creature that flew on the wind year-round. The air around him flowed naturally in a comfortable and smooth manner, as if the wind itself liked to stay by his side.

The Zouwu suddenly let out a low roar, and the surrounding air currents surged violently, causing it to rise into the air.

The figures of the man and the beast vanished from sight in the blink of an eye, like a leaf swept away by the wind.

Watching the man and beast vanish in an instant, the staff member's mouth gaped open. He couldn't help but turn to look at Newt beside him, instinctively wanting to ask: Did they just run away?

The staff member took a while to finish speaking, "Truly, a hero emerges from among the young." He shook his head, his tone tinged with regret, "It's a pity that someone like him wouldn't be confined to a small place, otherwise I really wanted to recruit him to our base."

Newt: "You're the world's largest sanctuary for Zouwu, how can you call it a small place?"

The staff member sighed helplessly, "There's nothing we can do. All the Magical Creatures keepers here who become zookeepers like to major in pandas. Of course, I think the Zouwu is the cutest Magical Creatures!"

Newt was speechless. Pandas are the national treasure of this country and are very popular in both the wizarding and Muggle World.

Although they are Magical Creatures, when it comes to magical abilities—well, it's eating. Pandas can even eat metal; they have a huge appetite and excellent digestion, their stomachs are practically made of iron, or rather, they're practically made of blacksmith's steel.

Moreover, it's convenient to open these Magical Creatures to Muggle for exhibition, since their cute appearance makes them almost indistinguishable from ordinary animals, so there's no need to deliberately hide them.

Newt looked in the direction where the Zouwu had disappeared, and a distant, low growl echoed from the sky, like a sound carried away by the wind.