Chapter 143: Entering the Secret Realm

Wang Chen led Tang Ruotong toward Luzhou No. 2 High School, where Long Wushuang was waiting.

From a distance, Wang Chen spotted Long Wushuang. His stature and the uniquely shaped Wind-Hunting Bow slung across his back made him quite eye-catching.

"Fatty!" Wang Chen called out.

Long Wushuang, who had been looking around, beamed and headed toward them.

"Chenzi!" Long Wushuang stood before them with a wide grin.

Wang Chen was pleased to see his friend and turned to make introductions. "This is Tang Ruotong. She is a level 15 Holy Shield Knight."

Long Wushuang greeted Tang Ruotong with a smile. "I’ve heard Chenzi mention you before. It’s a pity this guy is a complete blockhead; all he ever talked about were professional matters. He didn’t mention at all that you were such a spirited and impressive young lady."

Tang Ruotong blushed and gave a shy smile.

Wang Chen nudged Long Wushuang with his elbow and laughed, "Tang Ruotong is a bit introverted, so you’d better tone down that mouth of yours. And you, hurry up and introduce yourself."

"Right, I’ll be more careful from now on." Long Wushuang scratched his head, then straightened up. "I’m Long Wushuang, Chenzi’s best friend. My class is Speed Archer, and as for my level..." He chuckled, "I’m level 21!"

Wang Chen said in surprise, "Not bad, kid! You managed to hit level 21 already!"

Since they had been at separate testing sites previously, Wang Chen hadn’t known Long Wushuang’s level.

Long Wushuang boasted, "I’ve been grinding levels from dawn till dusk these past few days. Plus, my dad hired a Platinum-ranked professional to watch over me, so I could grind at high intensity. Of course, I leveled up fast."

Tang Ruotong was somewhat stunned. Lu Shiyu was only level 24, so Long Wushuang wasn't far behind. She hadn't expected this seemingly easygoing and friendly little guy to be so formidable; he was truly more than met the eye.

Tang Ruotong glanced at Wang Chen, thinking to herself that he had such a capable friend but had rarely spoken of him. Wang Chen was truly mature; he never thought to use the strength of his friends to highlight his own success.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Chen explained to Long Wushuang why he had arrived late, offering a similar explanation to the one he had given Tang Ruotong. They then began discussing tactical coordination for the upcoming test.

"Our current team composition is one ranged attacker, one melee fighter, and one support. We have both firepower and damage mitigation covered, but our mid-row defense seems a bit weak," Long Wushuang suggested. "How about we find a Swordsman or someone similar to guard the mid-row and protect you, Chenzi?"

Wang Chen smiled. "Don't worry, I don't need protection. I’ve always leveled up on my own. I think our current setup is perfect. Just listen to my commands later, and I guarantee the two of you will see your points soar effortlessly."

He was joking; why would he need another Swordsman when Tang Ruotong was already one? Wang Chen never needed anyone to specifically tank damage; he cast his protective magic as if it cost nothing, making human shields unnecessary.

Long Wushuang nodded, accepting Wang Chen’s logic. Years of friendship had built a strong rapport between them; he knew Wang Chen never spoke idly and was completely trustworthy.

Tang Ruotong had no objections to Wang Chen’s arrangements. When she had been on Meng Liwen’s team, she was just a member who followed orders. With Wang Chen as the team leader, things were already much better, and there would be no risk of being unfairly blamed for failures.

The three formed their team and, with plenty of time remaining before the thirty-minute mark, stood before the secret realm entrance. They were among the first to organize.

Once the thirty minutes were up, the organizer announced that team formation had ended.

"Before entering the secret realm, I have a few more words," the organizer said loudly. "I know some of you may have leveled up quite easily in the past, accompanied by your parents. The most realistic experience of casualties usually happens in the Void Realms. Others, from less fortunate backgrounds, have tried to stay within their comfort zones, grinding levels by relying on quantity."

Many students’ eyes drifted, clearly hit by the truth of his words.

"During today’s competition, you might decide to make a desperate stand. In pursuit of more points, you might make poor decisions inconsistent with your actual strength, challenging beasts you cannot possibly handle. That won’t do! Although there are respawn points in the secret realm, I don’t want you to be left with psychological trauma, developing a permanent fear of these realms—that would be a loss that outweighs any gain."

"Please do your best, but if you encounter a situation you truly cannot handle, call for help from the teachers. The competition is important, but your life is more than just this competition!"

"Thank you." The organizer bowed to the students and stepped aside.

The students wore mixed expressions; some were inspired and spirited, some were comforted and let out a sigh of relief, while others looked dejected, clearly lacking confidence in their own abilities. Wang Chen simply felt the organizer was sincere, which caught him off guard.

He watched the middle-aged man’s retreating figure, thinking to himself, "So, not everyone in the public service system is trash like those security officers."

...

After the organizer finished his speech, the gates to the secret realm finally opened, and the students flooded into the warm, white light.

Because Wang Chen's team had lined up early, they were among the first to enter.

As the light faded, Wang Chen surveyed his surroundings. It was an open grassland, dotted sparsely with low-growing trees. In the distance, creatures could be seen moving about.

This secret realm had no name, as it was custom-made by the Student Committee for the competition, featuring a mix of terrains and beasts from various other realms. The entire space was divided into Bronze, Silver, and Gold zones. The higher the zone, the more dangerous the beasts, but the greater the points earned.

The grassland before them was the Bronze zone.

"Chenzi, let's proceed according to plan," Long Wushuang said.

Wang Chen nodded and waved his staff, "Forest Storm."

A gentle radiance bloomed from the tip of his staff, and a wave of energy swept over the three. They immediately felt their bodies grow much lighter.

"Let's go!" Tang Ruotong, acting as the front line, took the lead.

They intended to cross the Bronze zone as quickly as possible and head straight to the more challenging Silver zone; otherwise, it would be a waste of time.

Just then, a booming voice echoed across the secret realm, "From this moment, any beast killed within three hours will count toward your score. Once the time is up, points will no longer be awarded for kills. Please hurry, candidates."

Many students, who had been busy observing the terrain, were jolted into action. They swarmed out like a tide, charging toward the scattered beasts on the grassland.