42: An invitation from my alma mater to a hidden gem

“A new Secret Realm?”

Bai Ye was stunned for a moment, then sat up from the bed.

A brand new Secret Realm represented too many benefits.

The reason Xiao Lan was able to obtain Night Demon Strike was precisely because he cleared a new Secret Realm.

“Exactly! A Secret Realm that has not yet been explored!”

Zhang Feng's voice was filled with irrepressible excitement.

The principal of their Second High School still held some influence within the Association. If they could negotiate successfully, this Secret Realm could even be used as a training ground for the students of Second High School.

Many universities did not have this kind of privilege.

“After preliminary detection by the Association, it was confirmed to be a Second-Tier Secret Realm! And it is very stable!”

A Second-Tier Secret Realm?

Bai Ye's heart stirred. A Second-Tier Secret Realm meant that the highest level Demonic Beasts inside were Elite Intermediate.

For him now, it was practically a novice village.

“Teacher, you're telling me this because...”

Bai Ye roughly guessed Zhang Feng's intention.

“Bai Ye, I know you must be very tired after just finishing the competition. Logically, I shouldn't be disturbing you.”

Zhang Feng's tone suddenly became solemn.

“But this matter is too important for our school.”

“You should be clear about what a stable Second-Tier Secret Realm means.”

“An endless stream of resources and numerous internship opportunities are enough to raise the overall quality of teachers and students at our Second High School by one or even several levels.”

“But the Association said that if the school wants to obtain this Secret Realm, we have to figure out a way ourselves; they can only offer some assistance.”

Bai Ye fell silent.

Of course, he understood the value of a permanent Secret Realm.

It wasn't just resources; it was the Foundation for a city's development.

A large part of the reason Luoxue City was constantly suppressed by Huanglong City was the scarcity of Secret Realm resources.

A Phantom Cat with outstanding Aptitude was actually nothing remarkable in Huanglong City.

“The Principal said that as long as you can clear this Secret Realm and make it the permanent Secret Realm for our Second High School, the school can offer ten percent of the revenue rights as your reward.”

Zhang Feng dropped a bombshell: ten percent of the revenue rights.

Lin Anan, listening nearby, gasped.

Ten percent of the annual revenue from a Second-Tier Secret Realm was definitely an astronomical figure.

The school was truly going all out this time.

Bai Ye narrowed his eyes.

This condition was indeed tempting, but he was more concerned about something else.

“Teacher, what do I get for clearing the Secret Realm?”

“Of course there is.”

Zhang Feng immediately replied.

“Clearing an unexplored Secret Realm is itself a great honor, and the Association will grant generous merit rewards.”

“Moreover, after the Secret Realm Master is killed, the 'secret realm core' will drop. You can choose to become the new Secret Realm Master, or you can choose to hand it over to the Association in exchange for resources of equal value.”

“Most importantly, if you achieve a high evaluation upon the first clearance of the Secret Realm, you will receive a special reward granted by the Secret Realm itself.”

“According to the Association's prediction, this first clearance of the Secret Realm will yield a special item capable of directly advancing a Beast Tamer from Tier One to Tier Two.”

Bai Ye glanced at the Phantom Cat resting on the bed and immediately agreed.

Since the Huanglong Cup was over, he didn't need to remain at Tier One anymore.

The sooner he could open the second beast taming space, the better.

“Alright, I agree.”

“That's great!”

Zhang Feng finally felt relieved.

Since he could knock out a Transcendent Limit creature with one punch, Bai Ye's strength must be at least Elite Beginner.

This was an incredible feat in the entire history of Second High School.

Second High School could only rely on him.

“Don't worry, Bai Ye, the Association won't let you fight this mission alone.”

“The Association has already dispatched several experienced Second-Tier Beast Tamers. They will fully assist you; you only need to be responsible for the final assault.”

“I understand, Teacher.”

Bai Ye nodded.

Hanging up the phone, Bai Ye let out a long sigh of relief.

It seemed there would be no rest for the next few days.

However, to quickly open the second beast taming space, enduring some hardship was worth it.

Even for a Genius Beast Tamer, opening the second beast taming space without using Heaven And Earth Treasure would take at least a year.

Bai Ye hadn't contracted a human, so speeding up the opening of his beast taming space had to be done slowly by himself.

“Bai Ye, are you really going?”

Lin Anan leaned closer, a hint of worry on her face.

She had previously fallen into a Secret Realm with Bai Ye—even though it was a relatively safe group Secret Realm—so she naturally knew how dangerous the inside could be.

“That's a brand new Secret Realm; no one knows what dangers lurk inside.”

Bai Ye flexed his biceps, smiling confidently at Lin Anan as he spoke.

As long as he didn't run into a Lord-level Demonic Beast, he could basically walk sideways.

How could there be a Lord-level creature in a Second-Tier Secret Realm?

“Alright, then be careful.”

Lin Anan knew she couldn't persuade him, so she could only instruct him.

“Oh right, here.”

She pulled a palm-sized drone out of her backpack.

“This is the latest reconnaissance drone developed by my dad's company. It can fly silently at ultra-low altitudes and block most energy detection. Take it; you might need it.”

“I originally brought it to film your battle footage from high altitude, but unfortunately, the arena had a no-fly zone and wouldn't let it in. Thankfully, it can be put to use now.”

Whenever she mentioned the no-fly zone, Lin Anan felt a little annoyed.

If she had been able to film with the drone, she definitely would have been the person with the most likes on Bai Ye's battle compilation video.

“Thanks.”

Bai Ye didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the drone.

This thing could indeed be very useful when exploring unknown environments.

“Should we return to Luoxue City now?” Lin Anan asked.

Since the teacher was in a hurry, there was no point in staying in Huanglong City any longer.

“Mhm, let's go now.” Bai Ye nodded.

He also wanted to go back early and properly settle the Green Leaf Bug's egg.

This was a rare Aptitude treasure that could potentially evolve into an Emerald Dragon in the future, and he didn't feel safe leaving it in the hotel.

He wasn't worried about being unable to make the Green Leaf Bug evolve; with the illustrated compendium, evolution wasn't a particularly difficult matter.

“Got it, I'll have Uncle Wang buy the high-speed rail tickets—Business Class.”

Lin Anan immediately beamed, taking out her phone and shaking it.

Bai Ye looked at her prepared demeanor, feeling somewhat amused and exasperated.

This girl probably booked the return tickets the moment she knew he was going to participate in the Sacred Dragon Cup.

The two quickly packed their belongings. Bai Ye specifically found a sturdy box and carefully placed the Green Leaf Bug's egg inside, surrounding it with soft towels for cushioning.

Only after finishing the protective measures did he put the box into his backpack.

At the hotel entrance, Butler Uncle Wang had already arranged a dedicated car to take them to the Huanglong City high-speed rail station.

Huanglong City truly deserved its reputation as a much more prosperous city than Luoxue City; the high-speed rail station was magnificent and bustling with people.

“Bai Ye, look over there.”

Lin Anan pointed to a huge billboard not far away.

The billboard showed the exact scene of Bai Ye punching the Ironclad Steel Dragon away during the finals, accompanied by a line of eye-catching large text:

“Sacred Dragon Cup Rookie King, Bai Ye, the Pride of Luoxue City.”

Bai Ye: “...”

The speed of this promotion was too fast; the Luoxue City Beast Tamer Association must have played a part.

He felt like he might be recognized if he walked on the street now.

“That's why I don't like being famous.”

Bai Ye couldn't help but sigh, pulling a mask out of his backpack and placing the bewildered Xiao Hei on his shoulder.

Without his signature beast pet, ordinary people wouldn't associate him with the Rookie King.

Under Uncle Wang's arrangements, they took the VIP passage and boarded the train without queuing.

There weren't many people in the Business Class carriage, and it was very quiet.

The two found their seats and sat down. The soft, spacious seating finally allowed Bai Ye, who had been traveling for days, to feel some relaxation.

Lin Anan, meanwhile, was full of excitement, constantly scrolling through posts on the Sacred Dragon Cup official forum on her phone.

“Bai Ye, look quickly, the entire forum is filled with posts discussing you.”

““Humanoid Vicious Beast! Just how terrifying is the strength of Rookie King Bai Ye?””

““In-Depth Analysis: Why is the Ghost Orchid able to use Undead System Skills?””

“Someone even created a fan club for you. Guess who the president is?”

“That's right, it's me!”

Bai Ye listened to her chatter, shaking his head helplessly.

He hugged his backpack, closed his eyes, and prepared to take a short nap.

Just then, he keenly sensed two strange gazes being cast from the other end of the carriage.