34: Chapter 34 Storm Griffin

Not long after hanging up, Su Chen waited where he was, pondering the details of the secret realm cooperation in his mind.

He was well aware that this secret realm labeled 'Ancient' held value far beyond its surface veins of ore and materials.

Sure enough, before long, Jiang Yu's voice came through the communicator again, his tone still tinged with unconcealable excitement: "Su Chen, you might not yet realize the weight of this secret realm.

"It not only contains vast primitive resources and expandable territory, but is also the sole source of several rare medicinal herbs. Those herbs can be refined into high-grade pills and are national-level strategic resources."

After a pause, Jiang Yu added: "Moreover, any secret realm labeled 'Ancient' or 'Primordial' experiences a geometric increase in resource richness, making them at least ten times more potent than ordinary secret realms.

"More crucially, its entry threshold is only level 40. It offers high safety, strong general applicability, and can attract a massive number of low to mid-tier professionals. In time, it can form a complete economic ecosystem, driving the development of professionals across all of Yunlan."

Su Chen nodded upon hearing this. It aligned with his own assessment and further solidified his decision to cooperate.

Moments later, a sharp cry pierced the sky. Su Chen looked up to see a snow-white griffin with a wingspan of over ten meters descending from above.

The griffin was wreathed in pale blue wind elements, its gaze sharp, radiating the terrifying aura of a Level 120 Dark Gold BOSS—this was Jiang Yu's mount, the Storm Griffin.

Jiang Yu landed steadily before Su Chen. His eyes swept over the prominent red name above Su Chen's head, but instead of reproach, his tone was gentle, advising like an elder: "I know you're a fierce one, having slain many monsters and enemies. But a bright red name tends to attract trouble. You're still in your early growth phase; you need to develop cautiously. If conflict truly becomes unavoidable, use your tianxiang wings to escape first. There's no need to confront everything head-on."

Su Chen raised an eyebrow, surprised by Jiang Yu's protective attitude. He responded calmly, "Understood, Mayor Jiang."

"Come on, I'll take you to the secret realm entrance. I'll also lead a team to clear the BOSS inside, helping you complete the clearance thoroughly." Jiang Yu mounted the griffin and waved to Su Chen. "No matter how strong that secret realm BOSS is, it won't withstand our combined efforts. We'll resolve this quickly."

Hearing this, Su Chen spoke with casual ease: "No need for the trouble. The secret realm's final BOSS has already been solo-killed by me."

Jiang Yu's movements froze instantly. The smile vanished completely from his face as he stared at Su Chen in disbelief. "What did you say? Solo-killed? Su Chen, you haven't undergone your second class advancement, your level isn't even 40 yet. That was a level 40 secret realm overlord. How could you possibly solo-kill it across a 20-level gap?"

"Just killed it casually. It wasn't difficult." Su Chen's tone was flat, offering no extra explanation, yet it carried undeniable confidence.

Jiang Yu stood rooted to the spot, taking a full dozen seconds to process the information before finally snapping back to reality. The look in his eyes when he regarded Su Chen had completely changed.

It was no longer the appreciation reserved for a top-tier genius, but a reverence for a potential national champion.

"You rascal, you're truly a monster!" Jiang Yu couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. "To solo-kill a secret realm king across a 20-level gap before your second advancement... With this potential, you absolutely can contend for the title of National Professional Champion!"

After his emotional outburst, Jiang Yu composed himself, his tone turning serious. "Let's talk business, about the distribution of the secret realm's profits. According to official standards, for a large secret realm like this, the discoverer and the developing city each get 25%, with the remaining 50% going to the state."

Su Chen's heart stirred; he knew Jiang Yu was getting to the core of the interests.

"But you're different." Jiang Yu pivoted, his tone firm. "In light of your heaven-defying potential, and to retain a talent like you, I've decided: the Yunlan government will only take 20%. The remaining 30% is all yours!"

Su Chen was somewhat surprised. He originally thought securing 25% would be good enough; he hadn't expected Jiang Yu to voluntarily offer more.

Jiang Yu seemed to see through his thoughts, smiling faintly. "Don't be surprised. You deserve this treatment. Moreover, the fact that you discovered this secret realm is your credit alone. Taking an extra share is perfectly reasonable."

Su Chen understood clearly: for Jiang Yu to decide on such a large-scale profit distribution without seeking approval from higher-ups was no simple feat for an ordinary mayor.

He likely possessed deep connections within Jiang Province or even higher political echelons.

"Thank you, Mayor Jiang." Su Chen didn't refuse, accepting it openly. "I will provide the secret realm entrance coordinates as soon as possible and cooperate with the official development."

"Excellent!" Jiang Yu laughed heartily, patting the Storm Griffin's back. "Hop on. Ride my griffin back. Walking from here to Yunlan would take hours; the griffin can get us there in half an hour. Let's save some time so you can complete your second advancement as soon as possible."

Su Chen didn't refuse. He leaped up, landing on the Storm Griffin's back and seating himself beside Jiang Yu.

The Storm Griffin let out a cry, beat its wings, and soared into the air, flying towards Yunlan.

The fierce wind roared past their ears as the wilderness below rapidly receded. Su Chen looked down at the scenery beneath his feet, quickly summarizing the gains from this journey in his mind.

His second advancement mission was perfectly accomplished. His experience pool had accumulated to the cap, awaiting only his visit to the Class Advancement Hall to complete the process;

He had stolen the SS-grade talent Royal Supremacy, gathering six major domains, and also obtained the epic-grade armor of the fallen king, maximizing both defense and offense;

His backpack was filled with Dark Gold, Epic, and even Legendary-grade materials, along with two Epic-grade gems, providing ample reserves for equipment;

More importantly, he had stolen a Thunder Wyvern dragon egg. In 24 hours, he would possess his own Epic-grade pet and soon become a Dragon Rider;

And there was the cooperation with the Yunlan authorities, granting him exclusive rights to 30% of the secret realm's profits.