"I heard from Ouyang that your partner's level was 9 before the exchange competition. Now that she has defeated the level 17 Molten Dragon Lizard and had a hearty meal, she likely has broken through to One-Star. This mild Tier Two Potential Potion is just right for her."

The Grade A Potential Potion from the Great Xia Military Pharmaceutical Research is even the perfect version, which cannot be simply measured by money. It's like the curator's badge, representing a kind of exchange of interests and expectations.

If you really put it on the black market, there might be a wealthy person who would throw millions of credit points just to get it.

Vishdair was able to break through to One-Star so quickly, mastering the Explosion Fist in such a short time, with such a significant increase in various attributes, which is inseparable from the ten bottles of Tier One Potential Potions previously provided by the school.

Lin Guang had originally been pondering that the school's limit might be the military pharmaceutical research's Tier One perfect Potential Potion. They could also provide Tier Two but couldn't offer the perfect grade. He was planning to wait for the results from the Swaying Lily or the White Phoenix Parrot to make his first pot of gold, then find some other things to supplement her.

But he didn't expect the school—or rather Principal Liu—to have such connections and resources, and such a formidable vision, willing to bet on him.

"Hehe."

Clearly seeing the surprise in Lin Guang's eyes, Principal Liu raised his chin, saying proudly, "Though I haven't attained 'True Man,' I haven't lived these one hundred and thirty years in vain. I can be said to have watched Zhen Sheng City being established step by step. Even some 'True Men' had received my favor and called me 'senior' at the time, so naturally, I have my avenues."

"Thank you, Principal." Lin Guang smiled and nodded, closing the suitcase and setting it aside. "This is exactly the reward I need right now."

"Oh, this is nothing."

Principal Liu waved his hand grandly. "This is not a 'reward.' You signed that training program contract with the school; this is what you were entitled to anyway. I just advanced it because you performed so excellently."

This statement made Lin Guang's eyes widen.

Even the Tier Two Grade A perfect Potential Potion produced by the military pharmaceutical research is not considered a reward. Then what truly is the reward...

Principal Liu's mouth curled up slightly, seemingly satisfied with his reaction, deliberately leaving a mystery: "What do you think is the most suitable reward for you now?"

Once the phrase "most suitable" was out, the options became very narrow.

After a flash of thought, Lin Guang suddenly grew serious and realized something: "Could it be... time?"

"Ah!" Principal Liu appeared a bit surprised as well, but then was full of delight, "You, kid, are indeed clever."

He already has a Spirit Beast, foundational Potential Potions, skills, and Spirit Patterns; even equipment which are external items are all covered.

If you ask what Lin Guang currently lacks the most... isn't it developmental time?

Indeed.

Lin Guang and Vishdair's contract has not even been two months in total. Not to mention those noble children who cultivate relationships with Spirit Beasts from a young age, even with Wu Jie, there is a six-month difference in training time.

This is also the main reason why, before the exchange competition, the classmates, class teacher Ouyang Wei, and even the principal did not believe Lin Guang could win by normal means.

In this world, there are indeed skills and talents related to time, but the Spirit Beasts and Spirit Masters that can manipulate them are at least Purple grade. The relevant spiritual materials or opportunities are extremely rare. Principal Liu obviously could not produce something like a "House of Time and Spirit" for Lin Guang to cultivate.

Aside from this point, the answer is very simple.

Principal Liu no longer kept it a secret, stating directly: "In a month, a One-Star Fire Attribute 'Upgrade Secret Realm' will open. One spot is absolutely yours!"

Indeed.

A trace of fervor flashed in Lin Guang's eyes.

The Upgrade Secret Realm is not the specific name of any secret realm, but a generic term for a special type of realm. It can enhance a person or Spirit Beast's level and can often be used periodically. For example, the famous "Elf Spring" in Celestial Province is formed from dew gathered from the Tier Seven Beast King "Elven Mother Tree," maturing every ten years, which can enhance the level of water/wood attribute Spirit Beasts below Tier Five.

In a sense, it is also a special "wonder," but with a more peaceful release of energy. Under the dual influence of the Spirit Rune Array and time-related spiritual materials (mostly human-provided), it can be absorbed by people or Spirit Beasts. As long as you don't go there too often, return only to train hard after using it, such a level increase is without the side effects of rushing growth.

Excluding those even more unrealistic serendipities, natural treasures, system enhancements, etc., the spot in the Tier One Upgrade Secret Realm that the principal provided is indeed the fastest combat power boost Lin Guang can currently access.

After all, even with the Potential Potion, Lin Guang and Vishdair still need to train diligently. Skill development and tactical system establishment need to be explored practically or find a way to seek guidance from powerful Spirit Masters.

Although this slot is not in the rarest Upgrade Secret Realm, rich in Spiritual Element ether — the only Upgrade Secret Realm humans can use — Lin Guang's current Spirit Master level and Spiritual Power are higher than his peers and can even compete with children from noble families. At this point, what he lacks is just Vishdair's level.

Lin Guang had no intention of declining: "This slot is extremely valuable to me. Thank you, Principal."

For Lin Guang, having a slot in the Tier One Upgrade Secret Realm now is worth more than getting a Tier Two or Three slot a few years later.

After all, in his self-planning, there is no need to rush into the wilderness too early but instead, develop well within human territories. One fast step leads to another; by leveraging that leading level to win high-value competitions or battles, he can gain more attention and resources, establish a competitive advantage, and quickly realize his value as a gaming domain dignitary.

"Hahaha, I'm glad you understand what I mean."

"Speaking of which, this slot is really hard to get."

Principal Liu lamented, "This Upgrade Secret Realm matures once every five years, the optimal number for usage is three people, and the Great Xia official only has one slot. If I rely solely on myself to figure it out, even if I talk until my mouth is dry, searching through every connection, I wouldn't dare to say I can secure it solidly."

"So how did you..."

"Of course, it's because of your performance."

Principal Liu smiled at Lin Guang, clearly in a great mood: "Your outstanding performance in the exchange competition even garnered praise from Curator Hua Bo, so the leaders of the Education Bureau certainly took notice. Yesterday, I attended a meeting at the Education Bureau, and more than two-thirds of the leaders agreed to give this slot to you."

"So this matter is settled."

"Ah?" Lin Guang was stunned for a moment, do they really have such high hopes for him?

"In our view, the value of a One-Star Upgrade Secret Realm is not that high, nor that low, it's mainly because it's rare."

"Honestly, if you want to be economical, it might just save a few months at most, and frankly, for second-year or even third-year students, the effect is limited, it's just the icing on the cake, even if used for benefits distribution, everyone won't get much."

Principal Liu looked at Lin Guang, then at Vishdair beside him: "But for you, this is like sending charcoal in snowy weather."

"Since that's the case, we old folks are happy to share it with you, and by the way, set an example among the commoners."

Lin Guang's heart stirred: "So, the Education Bureau of Zhen Sheng City is on the side of the commoners? Then what exactly is the relationship with the aristocratic families..."

"You know too early the specific situation." Principal Liu snorted coldly, but did not explain, "In the end, us old folks with a military background have long been fed up with them too."

"Zhen Sheng City, this place… it's deeply rooted and complicated, not just the aristocratic families, but also a lot of messy individuals. The fact that we can maintain the lives of commoners without much impact is already the result of the authorities' strenuous effort to balance."

"But this has nothing to do with you, you don't have to feel too much pressure. In my view, you're already excellent, just continue at your own pace. If there's something lacking, just contact me or Dr. Kaiwen directly, and we'll think of a way."

"To be frank, there is something."

Lin Guang seemed a bit embarrassed, "I hope to use your connections to buy a few Tier Two Spirit Pattern Crystals."

"Such a small matter, just say it directly."

Principal Liu waved broadly, "We already have Spirit Pattern Crystal rewards for outstanding students, with your skills, it wouldn't be difficult to bag all those rewards, just consider it as an advance for you."

"What Spirit Pattern do you want to learn?"

"Tier Two [Ethereum Charging]."

"Hmm... Tier Two [Ethereum Charging] crystals, these aren't in high demand, and indeed they are relatively scarce in the market. After all, most schools teach it, and very few people are willing to spend extra money just to shorten that little time."

"But that makes sense too."

Principal Liu nodded, "This thing can indeed save you a lot of time, it's something you need."

"I'll make a call later, and have the logistics department send a few from the warehouse to you."

"To be on the safe side, two pieces should be enough."

Lin Guang thought for a moment and said, "I learned Tier One [Ethereum Charging], it won't take long to advance."

"Alright, then two pieces." Principal Liu chuckled, "Any other Spirit Patterns you want to learn?"

"No more."

"You're not just being polite, right?"

Lin Guang shook his head: "I want to leave some reserves for myself for unforeseen circumstances."

"Ah, I meant save it for learning after you reach Two-Star."

The principal was stunned: "But from what you're saying, after drawing two Two-Star Spirit Patterns, you still have quite a bit of reserve left?"

Lin Guang said vaguely, "Hmm, it's alright, I'm just preparing for a rainy day."

Fortunately, Liu Feifan didn't know about [Burning Water].

Otherwise, he might've marveled that a One-Star Spirit Master with a Blue Talent, not only has drawn a full three Tier Two Spirit Patterns in his Sea of Spirit but still has considerable space left, which is unheard of.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.