Chapter 145 - 144: Pointing at the Secret Realm, Preordering Magic Skill

A Secret Realm Passage reappeared?

Li Jing hesitated, furrowing his brows with suspicion.

He didn’t know what 107 small-sized Secret Realm was.

But the broadcast clearly mentioned that the Spatial Passage to the 107 small-sized Secret Realm had recently been closed over half a month ago. The timing matched, it was obviously the one near the coastline in North City.

This matter...

Something’s not right!

It’s possible for the Secret Realm Passage to reopen, but it’s impossible for it to open again after just half a month.

In recorded cases, the fastest a Secret Realm Passage has reopened has always been after more than ten years.

Is it related to the unknown Wisdom Civilization within the Secret Realm?

Li Jing made a guess quietly, pulling out his tablet to search for related information.

Soon, his guess was confirmed.

Indeed, it was the small Secret Realm by the coast in North City where the passage had reappeared.

Two hours ago, the Research Institute had conducted routine detection on the location where the Secret Realm Passage had previously appeared. They discovered spatial fluctuations and found that the Spatial Passage to the small Secret Realm had reopened.

The passage is currently unstable. The Blue Sky Sea Bathing Pool, freshly reopened after nearly a month’s closure, has already been sealed off by the Management Bureau.

After browsing through various pieces of related information, Li Jing propped his chin up to ponder.

Regarding the reason for the reopening of the Secret Realm, honestly, he didn’t care.

The matter at hand, really, had nothing to do with him at all.

The Patrol Branch didn’t handle this.

The ones who should be bothered by this are the Management Bureau and the Research Institute.

But if he can get in and stir around the Secret Realm...

The reopening of the Secret Realm, without a doubt, was an opportunity for him.

As long as he can enter the Secret Realm, his Yearning for the Four Realm is basically secured.

In the past, Li Jing wouldn’t have been so daring.

But now, he had no choice but to consider it.

Not only was his personal growth limited, but as his level and power increased, it was becoming more difficult for him to level up. He couldn’t easily miss any opportunity to farm experience.

He must seize the opportunity himself.

After thinking for a while, Li Jing murmured instructions.

"Xia Ai, look up for the Senior Investigator of Xiang City Management Bureau, Su Qiong. No matter what method you use, get me her private number."

"Noted."

Xia Ai responded.

In less than two seconds, a number appeared on the screen.

"Master, this is the number, it was quite easy to find. I hacked their phones through the publicly listed numbers of the top executives in the Xiang City Management Bureau. I easily found it from their contact list."

"Well done."

Li Jing praised Xia Ai before dialing the number on the screen.

The call connected and was picked up after a while.

Then, a puzzled voice from Su Qiong came from the other end of the call.

"Hello, who is this?"

"It’s me, Lu Yangcheng."

Li Jing responded.

"..."

Su Qiong was silent, then asked.

"How did you get my number?"

"A wise man has his ways."

Li Jing responded mysteriously before saying,

"I need to talk to you about something, are you free now?"

"No."

Su Qiong replied indifferently, then continued with a hint of melancholy.

"Did you think that I would be the last to know that you’re not actually Lu Yangcheng?"

"Ahem."

Li Jing cleared his throat and said,

"So, do we need to get reacquainted?"

"No need."

Su Qiong responded impatiently,

"Hurry up and say whatever you need to, I’m quite busy here."

"You’re busy?"

Li Jing raised his eyebrow, eagerly asked.

"The secret realm of North City has reopened, have you received the order?"

"Yes, we’re currently preparing personnel. I will head to Jianghai early tomorrow morning."

Su Qiong responded, deducing a hint from the enthusiasm in someone’s voice.

"Are you looking for me because of the Secret Realm?"

"Yes."

Li Jing responded straightforwardly.

"Could you help me secure a position so I can enter the Secret Realm as part of your Xiang City Management Bureau team?"

"Ah?"

Su Qiong on the other end of the phone was obviously taken aback before responding.

"The Secret Realm just opened, the passage isn’t even stable yet. What does your patrol branch need to..."

She stopped her sentence midway, muttering a "That’s not right" and then continued.

"Your patrol branch has its own ways to handle investigations. There’s no reason for you to specially find me. Are you planning on participating in the Secret Realm exploration?"

"We haven’t seen each other for a while, you seem to be more clever."

Li Jing chuckled, responding.

"Can you arrange this for me? Consider it as me owing you a favor."

"This..."

Su Qiong hesitated, then replied.

"Nevermind the favor, I should be thanking you for getting so much done last time. If you want to enter the Secret Realm, I can arrange it. It’s very simple, after my promotion to the Exploration Team Leader last time, I am now in charge of a team of a thousand explorers. I will recommend you, you can register as a temporary staff member of the Xiang City Management Bureau and join my jurisdiction."

"That’s it?"

Li Jing was surprised.

"There are a lot of temporary workers in the Management Bureau, especially for high-risk tasks like exploring the Secret Realm, we’re often understaffed."

Su Qiong explained casually.

"As long as they are capable and have connections, temporary staff often comes in through recommendations. The related personnel are usually selected from the civilian exploration team who participate in exploring actions. I’m just making this process easier for you."

She then continued.

"However, I must make two things clear; temporary staff members do not accumulate merit points. However, there are no limits on what they can take away. The second thing is that when you enter the Secret Realm, you cannot act on your own, but follow the instructions and arrangements of the Management Bureau. If you act recklessly, not only will you be expelled, but you will also put me in a difficult position."

After hearing Su Qiong’s explanation, Li Jing was elated.

He had originally thought that he would need to persuade Su Qiong with a lot of effort, but he didn’t expect things to be this easy.

Being temporary staff was fine, he just wanted to go into the Secret Realm to look around, he couldn’t care less about the merit points.

He could even forgo any spoils from the exploration as long as he could enter the Secret Realm.

"Fine, I’ll listen to your arrangements."

Li Jing casually responded.

"Since you’re coming tomorrow, should we reconnect then?"

"Alright, I’ll arrange everything in Jianghai tomorrow morning and contact you when it’s done."

Su Qiong agreed and hung up the phone.

Noticing the silence on the other end of the line, Li Jing leaned back on the sofa, feeling slightly emotional.

Indeed, having more friends provided him with more opportunities.

If it weren’t for knowing someone like Su Qiong, even with the existence of temporary staff positions, he would probably have a very hard time getting involved.

Now that he had a way in, he needed to arrange other things as well.

Li Jing got up and knocked on the guest room door.

"Sisi, I have something to tell you."

"Oh, coming!"

Liu Sisi responded from inside the room and quickly opened the door.

After facing Li Jing, she asked in confusion.

"What’s up?"

"I just found out from the news that the secret realm that opened in the North City area a while ago has reopened. I managed to get a position as a temporary worker in the Management Bureau and I’m planning to go in and take a look. I probably won’t be back for about a week."

Li Jing told her the truth.

There was no need to hide this.

Upon hearing Li Jing was suddenly going to the Secret Realm, Liu Sisi was slightly startled and then asked.

"What about your work at the patrol branch?"

"I could take a short leave, I’m still in my newcomer period anyway, I don’t even have my own jurisdiction."

Li Jing smiled.

"Okay, be careful when you go to the Secret Realm."

Liu Sisi nodded, saying.

"I’ll study my magic skills on my own while you’re not here. Once you’re back, I’ll seclude myself."

"Mm."

Li Jing responded with a gentle smile.

"Don’t worry, I will take good care of myself, when..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Liu Sisi clicked her tongue, seemingly annoyed.

"I won’t stop you from going to the Secret Realm, but please don’t overpromise. I know the dangers of the Secret Realm. Just stay safe."

"..."

Li Jing was speechless.

Flags shouldn’t be planted on oneself, indeed.

"I have to go on the night shift soon, probably won’t be back by tomorrow morning."

"Alright."

...

As time passed, midnight rolled around.

Li Jing bid farewell to Liu Sisi and flew on his sword to the North City Patrol Branch in time to check-in at his post.

The alleyways were quiet in the middle of the night.

He landed on a tall building and contacted Chen Yuran through his communication headset.

"Yuran, can we talk for a bit?"

Chen Yuran, who was in her jurisdiction, quickly responded to his communication.

"What’s up?"

"Let’s discuss this in person, it’s not convenient over the communication device."

Li Jing spoke, then sent his location to her through a small device.

Soon, Chen Yuran arrived on her own sword.

She landed on the rooftop, voice filled with confusion.

"What’s up with all your secrecy?"

"I would like to request some time off, around seven days."

Li Jing spoke up, telling her about his plan to explore the Secret Realm.

Upon hearing his explanation, Chen Yuran fell silent for a while before responding.

"I am aware of the reemergence of the Secret Realm Passage. A lot of uncertainties come with its reopening every fortnight. Are you sure you want to go?"

"Since I can’t do much out here, I might as well try my luck in the Secret Realm."

Li Jing shrugged.

Chen Yuran frowned at this, asking peculiarly.

"Could I interpret this as you complaining to me?"

"Not at all, I am just finding a way out for myself."

Li Jing exhaled, continuing.

"I am not too interested in my uncle’s affairs, but I can’t deny they are affecting me significantly. I need to find a way to develop, else I just can’t move forward."

Hearing his words, Chen Yuran silently nodded in agreement.

There were some unspoken understandings between the two of them.

There was a faint sense of guilt in Chen Yuran towards Li Jing.

"I will report for your time off to Minister Lu tomorrow morning."

She spoke softly, saying.

"The Secret Realm is not like the outside world. Be careful."

"Mm."

Li Jing nodded and continued.

"Sisi just utilized the effects of the elixir tonight. She will go into retreat after a while. She will continue to prepare the meals. You may stop by as usual to mooch off her cooking."

Chen Yuran’s eyes lit up upon hearing she could still get free meals. She nodded enthusiastically.

She had already learned that Liu Sisi was no longer trapped by her special physique, and had tasted her cooking before.

Although Liu Sisi’s cooking was not as tasty as Li Jing’s, it was palatable and better than any takeaway food by a mile.

More importantly...

With Liu Sisi around, there was always Spirit Chicken to enjoy.

...

Before long, the night ended.

It was peaceful.

At exactly eight in the morning, Li Jing clocked out of work. After changing his clothes in the patrol bureau’s locker room, he went to a nearby grocery store to do some shopping.

He couldn’t be careless when preparing for a trip to the Secret Realm, like before.

He had to be fully prepared.

Essentials such as oil and salt should not be overlooked, and cooking utensils must be prepared.

The Management Bureau will surely provide food within the Secret Realm, but the taste could not be guaranteed.

Moreover, when exploring outside in the Secret Realm, there will not always be an opportunity to return to the base camp.

When need arises, one will have to fend for oneself.

After picking up various supplies and tools from the general store, Li Jing also paid a visit to the market, buying some fresh fruits, vegetables and meats to stuff into his storage space.

After all the fuss, it was almost ten in the morning.

Su Qiong had yet to call, but Li Jing was not in a hurry.

Using Sky Control, he arrived near the blocked Blue Sky Seawater Bathing Beach, carrying his tablet to visit the Immortal Learning website.

Once he joins the exploration of the Secret Realm, he will certainly step into the Four Realm.

At that time, without internet, it would be troublesome if he could not access the Immortal Learning website, so he needed to purchase a few Four Realm magic skills in advance.

First, he purchased the Four Realm attack spell, Five Thunder Righteous Method, which he had already decided to learn. Li Jing saved the spell formula screenshot, then instructed his AI.

"AI, search for a defense spell similar to Clothing Protection Spirit from the Four Realm defense arts for me, then search the Four Realm support arts, select one which specifically states an enhancement of magic skill’s effectiveness."

"Received."

The AI responded.

Shortly after, two overlapping purchase windows popped up on the phone screen.

According to Li Jing’s request, the AI filtered out the Heavenly Saint Xuan Yi from the Four Realm’s defense spells.

Its mode of operation was similar to that of the Clothing Protection Spirit.

However, the difference is that Heavenly Saint Xuan Yi needs to be driven with a seal and is not instant in nature, making it a delay spell that requires preparation time.

Li Jing was not surprised by this.

He did not learn the Three Realm’s defense spells because they all required time to cast and would certainly turn into Active Skills upon learning.

Such non-passive defense spells wouldn’t hold much significance to him.

But in Four Realm, it was necessary to learn.

The reason being, the spells sold on the Immortal Learning website only go up to Four Realm.

It’s not that Hua Country was hiding some, but rather there were no more advanced divided spells.

Once you reach the Four Realm and form the golden core, you basically meet the learning threshold for all spells.

You can learn anything you want.

Of course, the Four Realm spells were not the end.

Furthermore, there were Forbidden Spells with far superior power.

These spell levels were not only unavailable for sale on the Immortal Learning website, but also not taught in the academy of Immortal Learning.

To learn, one must step into the Fifth Boundary, become a super-strong one, make outstanding contributions to Hua Country, swear never to betray Hua Country in their lifetime, and only then can they potentially gain contact with such spells at the headquarter of the Immortal Learning Research Association in the capital city.

Putting these thoughts aside, Li Jing roughly skimmed over the introduction of Heavenly Saint Xuan Yi, decided to purchase it and saved a screenshot.

Moving on to the support spell, his AI had selected out the Consonance Skill.

After a cursory glance at the introduction, Li Jing frowned.

The increase in spell effectiveness by Consonance Skill was only about 10% even when it had reached Great Perfection.

This kind of gain could only be said to be somewhat insignificant, incomparable to Spirit Control Skill and Returning to Origin Skill.

However, according to the introduction on the page, after learning the Consonance Skill, there was a chance that it would trigger naturally existing Heavenly and Earthly Spiritual energy during casting, causing the Power of Magic Skill to multiply.

Multiply...

Isn’t this called critical strike?

Which senior expert researched it out?

This man is a genius!

After admiring for a while, Li Jing hastened to make the purchase without hesitation.

It was clearly stated in the introduction of Consonance Skill that the higher the proficiency, the higher the probability and multiplier of the critical strike.

How could he possibly miss out on such a God Skill?

After buying three Four Realm spells in a row, Li Jing spent a total of 26 million from the bank at one go.

Four Realm Spells were indeed very expensive with an average cost of about 8 million.

Among the three spells Li Jing bought, Five Thunder Righteous Method was the most expensive with a cost of 10 million, Heavenly Saint Xuan Yi cost 9 million, while Consonance Skill was relatively cheaper at only 7 million.

Looking at the remaining 17.55 million in his account, Li Jing didn’t feel any heartache.

Having invested in spiritual weapon care, this amount of "small money" really doesn’t count for much.

After saving the three spell formula screenshots and double-checking them, Li Jing waited for a while before the AI suddenly vibrated.

He lit up the screen to find a message from Su Qiong.

"Come to the main entrance of the Blue Sky Seawater Bathing Beach, I am waiting for you at the door."

"On my way."

Li Jing immediately replied, then, took off using Sky Control.