This approach wouldn't work. Ling An dropped back to the ground.
Suddenly, a voice came from nearby.
"If I remember right, it should be here..."
The voice drew closer, and Ling An transformed back into his cat form.
It sounded like a local resident. Better not scare him and start some urban legend.
Before long, a man wearing a research uniform emerged.
His eyes lit up when he saw Ling An, only to dim again almost immediately.
"No, it wasn't a cat."
"What are you looking for?" Ling An asked.
"Huh? A talking cat!" The man looked at Ling An curiously.
"Wait, wait, that appearance, and you're a cat-you must be Patroller Ling An, who's been so popular lately!" the man exclaimed in delight.
"That's right. You've got a good eye for cats."
"Hello, hello!" Without another word, the man stepped forward, took Ling An's paw, and shook it as a handshake.
"Hello, Patroller Ling An. I'm a researcher at the nearby research station. My name is September. Did you happen to see a will-o'-the-wisp pass this way just now?"
September, the researcher, looked at him with admiration and respect.
Word of Ling An's exploits in the battle against the Threnodian had already spread.
Apart from citizens who had been away from Jinzhou during that time, everyone knew of his illustrious reputation.
Ling An found the man's reaction deeply gratifying.
That was how it ought to be.
He was powerful, had defeated their greatest enemy, the Threnodian, head-on and protected Jinzhou, and had also accomplished so much as a Patroller.
Of course he deserved recognition and admiration.
Even anyone who needed his help should ask politely, rather than summon and dismiss him at will.
Their first reaction upon seeing him ought to be delighted admiration, not, "Hey, cat, go pick