Chapter 174: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Hearing Wang Xiao’s request, Lin Xiang almost did not react. After all, this was something they had long discussed.

However, before Lin Xiang could nod in agreement, Zhou Xiruo revealed a surprised expression. She nudged Wang Xiao with her elbow and asked softly, “When did you decide this? Why didn’t I know?”

Lin Xiang did not hear Zhou Xiruo’s words clearly, but he could tell that the two of them needed to discuss. He turned his gaze away and said that he would pour water. Then, he tactfully picked up the teapot and left.

Without outsiders listening, Zhou Xiruo’s voice became louder. “Wang Xiao, there’s a reason why those secret realms are sealed. I’m not afraid of danger, but the academy’s ranking assessment is about to begin. What if we’re injured?”

“I’ve thought about what you said, but this is our only chance.”

Wang Xiao sighed and replied helplessly, “I calculated just now. In addition to the resources Ma Yunle helped buy, there are basically enough materials for the Blazing Golden Crow to break through. The only things I haven’t gathered are the Black Gold Ore and the Breakthrough Stone.”

“It’s easy to obtain the [Black Gold Ore]. At most, I’ll spend some time going to a few more secret realms. But what about the [Breakthrough Stone]?”

Zhou Xiruo was speechless for a moment. The [Breakthrough Stone] was a rare high-level strategic resource. Even if Wang Xiao mobilized his connections to buy it, he could only buy three in a month. It was far from the quantity needed for the [Blazing Golden Crow] to break through.

Seeing that Zhou Xiruo was silent, Wang Xiao softened his tone and continued, “You also know that the fewer times a secret realm is entered, the higher the drop rate of the [Breakthrough Stone].”

“Those sealed secret realms have only been explored by the military once. In terms of the drop rate alone, which secret realm can be higher than those sealed secret realms?”

“But those sealed secret realms are also more dangerous!”

Zhou Xiruo was still a little resistant. After thinking for a moment, she suggested, “If there’s really no other way, let’s put aside breaking through for now. Didn’t you subdue the [Volcano Melting Lizard]? We’re already very strong. It should be more than enough to deal with the academy’s ranking assessment.”

“I originally thought so too, but the situation has changed.”

Wang Xiao smiled bitterly and roughly explained Gao Lixuan’s situation.

Zhou Xiruo did not Imow Gao Lixuan, but after being in Yuheng Academy for so long, she had more or less heard some rumors.

Especially when she heard that Gao Lixuan’s lord talent had been kept a secret, Zhou Xiruo’s expression gradually became complicated.

This was not as simple as “keeping a tight lid”. Geniuses like Wang Xiao, Yi Han, and Gao Lixuan would attract the attention of many people no matter where they were.

Gao Lixuan had already awakened for a few months. Even if the relevant personnel deliberately kept it a secret, he would still reveal some clues in the secret realm.

As if knowing what Zhou Xiruo was thinking, Wang Xiao continued with a solemn expression, “But until now, I don’t even know what his lord talent is.”

“If I was too busy training to pay attention, it would still be fine. But Yi Han and Xu Junrou are with him all day and still didn’t find out anything, there’s only one explanation for this situation—”

“Gao Lixuan has never attacked in the secret realm.”

Zhou Xiruo knew what Wang Xiao wanted to say and understood tacitly. Then, she revealed a puzzled expression. “But how is this possible? If he doesn’t attack in the secret realm, where did he get the resources he usually uses”‘

“Three possibilities.”

Wang Xiao extended three fingers. “First of all, it’s the reward he obtained when he helped the military. However, the appearance of a new secret realm is irregular, so this is at most considered extra income. It’s definitely not a long-term source.”

“The second possibility is that he has been exploring alone, but this possibility is not very high. Unless he only goes to a medium-sized secret realm or above, he will definitely be encountered by others.”

“Thirdly, and also the possibility that I’m most worried about—I‘

At this point, Wang Xiao suddenly glanced at the door and whispered into Zhou Xiruo’s ear, “Someone wants to focus on nurturing Gao Lixuan. Even if he doesn’t go to any secret realm, he can still steadily obtain a large number of resources!”

Wang Xiao’s voice was very soft, but this guess was simply like a thunderclap in Zhou Xiruo’s ears!

It had to be known that even with Yi Han’s [Elemental Overlord] talent, the

“focused nurturing” given by the academy only provided some convenience.

If Gao Lixuan really did not have to worry about resources and focus on leveling up, how terrifying would his talent be?

Sensing Zhou Xiruo’s shock, Wang Xiao gently patted the back of her hand and said, “Prevention is better than cure. This internal selection of the academy is the best opportunity for us to find out his background.”

‘You know me. I don’t have to compete with him. I can accept failure, but if I fail because I didn’t grasp the chance to prepare, I won’t accept it no matter what.”

Looking at Wang Xiao’s serious gaze, Zhou Xiruo hesitated for a long time before finally nodding. “Alright, but you have to promise me! If the situation is dangerous, leave immediately. You’re definitely not allowed to force yourself anymore!”

“Don’t worry!”

Wang Xiao laughed. “I have to watch Teacher Tian throw away the battle comprehension I wrote every morning. After more than a month, I’m no longer as impulsive as before!”

Zhou Xiruo looked surprised when she heard this. “You go and get humiliated by him every day. So it’s to polish your patience?”

Wang Xiao chuckled. Before he could say anything, the office door suddenly opened and Lin Xiang walked in with a teapot.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I was entertaining a client just now and was delayed.”

As soon as Lin Xiang entered, he apologized repeatedly. However, Wang Xiao and Zhou Xiruo had just finished discussing serious matters when he entered. It was obvious that he had been eavesdropping at the door.

However, Lin Xiang chose to play dumb. Wang Xiao could not be bothered to expose him. He changed the topic and waved his hand with a smile, “I’ll pass on the tea. Take us to the secret realm first.”

“No problem. Please follow me!”

The three of them went up to the seventh floor. After passing through the [Ancient Teleportation Gate], they arrived at the headquarters of the Lord’s Shop more than 30,000 kilometers away.

“I wonder what resources Mr. Wang values?”

When they passed through the round field, Lin Xiang looked at Wang Xiao and asked, “We’ve grasped many secret realms. Among them, there are many spirit grasses and mineral resources.”

“I want the [Breakthrough Stone].”

Wang Xiao went straight to the point. This involved the drop rate, so there was no need to hide it. If he played dumb here and Lin Xiang found him a secret realm that others had been to 800 times, it would be troubling.

“[Breakthrough Stone]? Then I have to find a new secret realm…”

Lin Xiang rubbed his chin and pondered for a moment. He suddenly thought of something and clapped. “Got it! A few days ago, a new small secret realm was sealed by the military. We originally planned to send people to explore it tomorrow. There will definitely be [Breakthrough Stones] there!”

“Really?”

Wang Xiao’s eyes lit up. Fortunately, he had come to look for Lin Xiang today.. If he had delayed it until tomorrow, the [Breakthrough Stones] would most likely have been obtained by someone else!