Luo Yu had just returned to the school on a battle aircraft when he was approached by the principal.
"Hello, Principal!"
Cheng Jinjin and the Kongwu Squad had just disembarked from the aircraft when they saw the principal waiting there, and their hearts suddenly skipped a beat. The students at the school naturally held a sense of awe towards the principal, not to mention Shi Kai, who was a genuine First Rank Summit powerhouse, a man standing at the pinnacle of the hierarchy.
"You did well this time, go to the academic affairs office to collect your points reward," Principal Shi Kai nodded as he spoke.
"Yes."
Kongwu Squad members all wore pleased expressions.
Defending the city was a matter of righteousness, but if on top of that came a well-timed reward, it made everything perfect.
"Principal, you are..." Kong Wu was very puzzled why the principal was waiting there so early in the morning, seemingly for their return.
"I'm not looking for you," Shi Kai said.
Kong Wu instantly realized what he had almost forgotten; another big BOSS hadn't come down from the aircraft yet.
An eighteen-year-old who could kill a Second Rank was a peerless talent, so it wasn't strange that the principal would personally come to receive him.
He quickly stepped aside with understanding.
Luo Yu just stepped off the battle aircraft and greeted Shi Kai, "Principal, what brings you here?"
"I have something to discuss with you," Shi Kai's normally solemn face squeezed out a rare smile. Facing such an exceptional prodigy, even the most melancholic mood seemed somewhat alleviated.
Kongwu Squad and Cheng Jinjin were taken aback, their keen senses picking up on Shi Kai's choice of words.
As a domineering First Rank Summit powerhouse of Sichuan Province Martial University, if something needed to be done, he would have just issued an order. There was no need for him to personally meet a student and use a tone of request or discussion—it was utterly fantastical, completely impossible.
Yet, this scene was unfolding before their eyes.
"Regarding the incident in Jiang City?" Luo Yu speculated.
"Not Jiang City. A broad investigation has already been launched there. The culprit behind such a heinous crime must be above First Rank, something you are not yet capable of dealing with. It would be dangerous for you. Once the mastermind behind the scenes is found, I will take action personally," Shi Kai shook his head as he explained.
"I'm looking for you because of the newly reawakened Tiger-Dwelling Mountain Secret Realm."
"Secret Realm?" Luo Yu certainly had received the message when he was on his way to Jiang City. He just hadn't had the time to delve into it before he went out to provide support.
Shi Kai's expression became grave, "The sudden reawakening of the Tiger-Dwelling Mountain Secret Realm caused an earthquake, which triggered a beast tide. This beast tide then indirectly led to the tragedy in Jiang City. Perhaps all this is just a coincidence, but if not, then there may be great dangers hidden within the Secret Realm."
"That's why I want you to enter the Tiger-Dwelling Mountain Secret Realm."
Um...
Luo Yu really wanted to ask, so it wouldn't be dangerous for me?
With the Azure Stone Lotus in his Dantian and the Hundred-Path Divine Origin inside it, he could now rapidly increase his strength without relying on any heavenly materials and treasures. As for taking risks, he was instinctively averse to it.
"Must I go?" Luo Yu asked.
"Ah?"
This question caught Shi Kai completely off guard, and the nearby Kongwu Squad also showed looks of surprise.
Because, although a reawakened Secret Realm was fraught with risks, it was also filled with ancient fortunes that could rapidly enhance one's strength and propel one beyond their peers.
Thus, countless people were eagerly vying for a chance to enter a Secret Realm, as most reawakened Secret Realms were controlled by the authorities and not just anyone could enter at will.
Yet here was an opportunity presented to Luo Yu on a silver platter, and he seemed less than keen on it?
Shi Kai quickly adjusted his mood and said:
"At Sichuan Province Martial University, you are free."
Luo Yu's brows relaxed, appreciating Shi Kai's approach. He inquired, "Could you tell me the specific details about the Secret Realm, Principal Shi?"
The Kongwu Squad perked up their ears to listen upon hearing there was intel.
Shi Kai shook his head as he replied:
"A Third-Grade Secret Realm. I, as a First Rank Martial Artist, am repelled by the world force of the Secret Realm and can't enter at all."
"The entrance to the Secret Realm is a temple with a Black Tiger statue standing outside. Clearly, the temple does not venerate a heavenly deity or Buddha. I've consulted ancient texts and found that the architectural style can be traced back to the Pre-Qin period, resembling a Mountain God Temple."
"That's all I know."
"Quite interesting," Luo Yu's lips curled into a smile, "I've always heard others talk about bringing back this and that treasure from Secret Realms, but I myself have yet to experience it."
Shi Kai said, "This time, each Martial University from various provinces will send Third-Grade Martial Artists from within their schools..."
Luo Yu guessed, "Principal, are you worried that they'll pick the Secret Realm clean of treasures, and the students of Sichuan Province Martial University won't be able to compete, so you're asking me..."
Shi Kai shook his head.
"No."
"The treasures, whether found, will ultimately be in the hands of the sons of Our Great Xia, no matter the cost. It's not a matter of great concern."
"The main issue is that all those entering are Third-Grade Martial Artists from the schools, they are the future pillars of Great Xia. Should anything dangerous arise within the Secret Realm, and they perish there, the entire future of Great Xia could face a concerning gap in its leadership."
"So, I would like to ask for your help, to go in and take a look..." saying this, Shi Kai seemed a bit embarrassed.
"Hahaha."
Luo Yu laughed, "Principal Shi has such vision; it seems my earlier guess was too narrow-minded."
"But with so many Third-Grade talents entering, if they can't withstand it, how can I?"
"You're being too modest," Shi Kai gazed at Luo Yu earnestly, "As far as I know, apart from those top monsters cultivated by the great Zhao, Qin, Cao, Zhu... families with their entire clan's resources, nobody can kill several Second Rank while still in Third Rank."
"Also, others might not know, but am I not aware that you didn't even use your full..."
At this point, Shi Kai abruptly halted his words, remembering that Kong Wu and Cheng Jinjin were still nearby, and promptly shooed them away.