Chapter 15 Is There a Dragon in the Secret Realm?

"What the hell?! This shield can reflect damage? I've never heard of equipment like that before!"

"I've heard of it, but that's a platinum-grade item! The price would make your heart stop!"

"This shield is practically a divine artifact for knights or heavy shield warriors! Even an ordinary fighter could become a top-tier frontline with this shield!"

"You have no idea—I'm already level four, and my Constitution is only thirty! This shield alone adds thirty points to Constitution, that's outrageous!"

The crowd bustled with excitement.

Xu Han's little stall instantly became the center of attention. Many people pressed in, eager to see what was happening.

A muscular man snatched up the Bramble Shield and declared, "I'll pay twenty thousand! Sell me the shield!"

The young man who had been eyeing it first protested, "I saw it first!"

The burly man scoffed, "So what? If you want it, outbid me!"

He then picked up the Iron Crocodile Armor. "I'll take this, too. Forty thousand for both—how about it?"

The others hesitated. Forty thousand for two bronze-grade items was a steep price.

Just as Xu Han was about to agree, the crowd suddenly parted. Several young men entered, led by someone who looked like a human tower, easily over two meters tall, holding a massive shield in his hand.

He spoke in a deep, booming voice, "Fifty thousand for both. I want them."

The muscular man looked as if he wanted to keep bidding, but when he saw the newcomer, his expression changed instantly.

"Tie Shan?! What are you doing here?"

The faces in the crowd shifted.

"No way, that’s Tie Shan from Second High! Didn’t think he’d come to the marketplace too!"

"He’s awakened an A-level Shield Master class, I hear—crazy strong!"

"Plus, his family’s loaded. There’s no way we’re getting those items. Let’s go."

As people began to disperse, the muscular man gritted his teeth, threw the items down, and stormed off in frustration.

Tie Shan turned to Xu Han, a hint of a smile on his face. "How about that price, brother?"

Xu Han nodded. "No problem, let’s make the deal."

Tie Shan grinned. "Straightforward—I like that."

He pulled out his communicator and entered Xu Han's bank account number. In just a few seconds, fifty thousand was transferred.

"Thank you for your business." Xu Han stood, ready to leave.

Tie Shan called after him, "You look unfamiliar. Which high school are you from?"

Xu Han replied casually, "Third High—just an unknown nobody. No wonder you don’t recognize me."

But Tie Shan shook his head. "To get gear like this, I’d bet you took down a boss, didn’t you?"

Xu Han narrowed his eyes, regarding him for a moment. "What are you getting at?"

Tie Shan smiled broadly. "Relax, I’m not one to pry. Everyone has their secrets. I just wanted to make your acquaintance. Who knows, we might end up at the same university. No harm in meeting early."

Xu Han responded offhandedly, "No need. If we become classmates, we’ll talk then."

With that, he turned and left.

Someone behind Tie Shan muttered discontentedly, "Who does that guy think he is, acting so cocky in front of Boss Tie Shan?"

"I bet he just got lucky!"

Tie Shan shook his head. "No, I can sense it—he’s dangerous. A real expert. If any of you meet him again, don’t provoke him. If you do, don’t expect me to back you up."

The group felt a chill and nodded in agreement.

Xu Han had just left the marketplace when someone called out behind him, "Please wait!"

He turned to see the girl who had earlier been seeking teammates at her stall hurrying over.

"Is there something you need?" Xu Han asked, puzzled.

The girl came up to him, a delicate fragrance wafting over, making his heart skip a beat.

"Hello, my name is Xia Ling, from First High," she introduced herself. "I wanted to ask—would you be interested in joining me to clear the Freshman Secret Realm?"

Xia Ling looked at him with hopeful eyes.

The name sounded familiar. Xu Han quickly recalled—a genius student from First High, Xia Ling. She had taken up the Sword Spirit class, an A-level combat profession, renowned for her swordsmanship. Not only was she First High’s belle, she was also its brightest star—like Tie Shan, a leading candidate for Dragon Country University.

"Do you know what level I am?" Xu Han asked.

Xia Ling shook her head. "I don’t know your level, but if you could slay the Steel-Armored Crocodile boss in the Shadow Marsh, you must be quite strong."

Xu Han frowned. "How do you know that?"

She smiled. "From the gear you were selling—those items only drop from the Steel-Armored Crocodile boss, and even then, rarely. So I figure you’re not only strong, but also very lucky."

Xu Han pondered for a moment before answering, "The Freshman Secret Realm does have some decent equipment, but the level is too low—it won’t be useful for long. I’m not interested; you should find someone else."

Xia Ling wasn’t surprised. She kept smiling. "I know ordinary gear wouldn’t attract you. But what if I told you there’s a dragon in the Secret Realm?"

Xu Han’s eyebrows rose. "A dragon?"

She nodded. "Yes, though it’s a sub-dragon. Level unknown, skills unknown. Are you interested in checking it out with me? If we’re lucky, we might get something good."

Xu Han stroked his chin. If there really was a dragon, it was worth a trip. Last time he’d eaten a bite of dragon hatchling meat, his attributes had soared. If he could get sub-dragon meat, the gains would be substantial. And if fortune favored him, he might obtain a sub-dragon skill—far more valuable than any equipment.

He nodded. "In that case, let’s go. When?"

Xia Ling’s face lit up with delight. "Tomorrow morning at seven, North City Gate!"

Xu Han nodded. "Alright."

They exchanged contact information, and Xu Han departed.

He intended to buy some exotic beast meat to cook at home, continuing to unlock the bestiary rewards. He still needed five types of meat for the next reward—perhaps he could unlock something extraordinary.

He strolled leisurely out of the marketplace, unhurried, as all the shops wouldn’t close until midnight and it was only eight o’clock.

As he reached the entrance, he spotted two familiar figures approaching—the ones heading to the market were Li Bin and Tian Fangchao.

They sneered at him as they passed. "Well, if it isn’t useless Xu Han! Haven’t seen you in two days and you’re still the same. What, coming to the marketplace looking for a carry?"

"If you get on your knees and call me grandpa, I might let you back in the team. How about it?"

Xu Han walked straight past without looking back. "Idiots," he said.