There are five in total.
Three Ironback Gray Wolf crystal cores (Warrior Realm 1 & 2), and two Shadow Leopard crystal cores (Martial Apprentice Realm Peak).
Yes, just these five, and they're of pitifully low quality; they're probably only worth a few hundred credits in total.
When these five meager crystal cores were placed on the recycling table, not only did the instructor in charge of registration twitch slightly, but even Qin Zhen, who had maintained an icy expression, showed a clear hint of astonishment and... disbelief in his eyes.
A genius student who could instantly defeat Lei Ming with a single punch in the entrance test, was specially recruited into Zero Class by Instructor Lin Qingxia, and displayed astonishing combat power in the previous warm-up mission, after so many days of trials in the secret realm, what has he ultimately gained...?
This is even more outrageous than going home empty-handed!
The registration mentor opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to ask something, but after glancing at Xiao Han's expressionless face and then at the imposing Qin Zhen beside him, he swallowed his words. He simply wrote "Five Crystal Cores (Low-Tier)" on the registration form, hesitated for a moment in the remarks column, and then wrote "Evaluation: Qualified"
"Alright, you can leave now," the tutor said somewhat stiffly.
"Thank you, mentor." Xiao Han retrieved his identity token, nodded to Qin Zhen again, seemingly oblivious to the other's almost tangible gaze, and turned to leave.
Xiao Han.
Just as he turned around, Qin Zhen finally spoke, his voice deep and carrying an undeniable authority.
Xiao Han paused, turned around, and calmly looked at the instructor of Zero Class: "Instructor Qin, is there something you need?"
Qin Zhen's sharp gaze was fixed on him, as if trying to find even the slightest flaw in his face. "What did you encounter in the secret realm?"
This is a very skillful question. It doesn't directly question his achievements, but rather inquires about his experiences.
Xiao Han's face revealed a perfectly timed "bitter smile," carrying a hint of "unbearable memories" and a touch of "survivor's relief."
"I wasn't very lucky. I got separated from the team shortly after we went in, and then I accidentally wandered into a rather dangerous area. I barely escaped with my life on the line. Most of the time was spent hiding and running for my life. I'm already very lucky to have come out alive. There wasn't anything particularly special to gain."
His tone was sincere, his expression natural, and coupled with his "carefully dressed" disheveled appearance, he was highly credible.
Qin Zhen gave him a deep look, his eyes shifting uncertainly. Xiao Han's explanation sounded reasonable; getting separated and encountering danger in the secret realm was a common occurrence.
Moreover, the aura that Xiao Han was exhibiting at this moment was indeed only at the Peak Ninth Level of the Warrior Realm. Although he was slightly stronger than when he entered, it was still consistent with the logic of "a slight breakthrough after a hard battle".
However... Qin Zhen felt that something was amiss. His intuition told him that this young man seemed to be hiding something. But no matter how he investigated, he couldn't sense any stronger power fluctuations from Xiao Han, nor could he see any trace of disguise.
Finally, Qin Zhen slowly nodded, his tone unreadable. "It's good that you're alive. Go back and rest first."
"Yes, thank you for your concern, mentor." Xiao Han nodded again, then turned and merged into the crowd, quickly disappearing at the end of the square.
Watching Xiao Han's departing figure, Qin Zhen frowned, remaining silent for a long time. The instructor in charge of registration leaned over and whispered, "Instructor Qin, is this really all Xiao Han gained? Could it be...?"
"His breathing is fine, and his mental state is consistent with someone who has just experienced danger." Qin Zhen interrupted him, his voice still low, "Perhaps... we had too high expectations of him. Even geniuses don't always have smooth sailing."
Even so, the lingering doubt in Qin Zhen's heart did not dissipate. He always felt that this young man named Xiao Han was far more complex than he had imagined.
Meanwhile, Xiao Han, who had already left the square, was leisurely walking back to the dormitory area, feeling the surging power within his body and the vast inheritance in his sea of consciousness. The smile on his lips could no longer be completely concealed.
"Yeah, as expected, keeping a low profile is the key. The feeling of playing dumb to outsmart others... it's really great."
This trip to the secret realm has yielded far more than I imagined. It's time to digest it properly. As for the "surprise" of my "comrades" from Zero Class and my mentors, let them guess.
The real excitement is just beginning.
When Xiao Han appeared at the entrance to the Zero Class's exclusive rest area, the previously noisy atmosphere instantly quieted down.
Dozens of gazes were simultaneously cast upon them, a complex mix of emotions swirling within them. There was astonishment, surprise, curiosity, and of course, a few undisguised expressions of contempt and disdain.
"Xiao Han? You... you're back?!" A surprised voice rang out, tinged with disbelief.
It's Xia Yubing.
The girl with the soft, sweet voice, her large, watery eyes wide, hurried towards us, her face full of concern. "Thank goodness! We all thought you... Are you alright? Did you encounter any danger in the secret realm?"
Her concern was sincere and pure, like a clear stream that diluted the slight discomfort caused by the unfriendly stares around her.
Seeing her anxious expression, Xiao Han felt a warmth in his heart and gave her a reassuring smile, "Well, luck was alright. I ran into a little trouble, but it's all resolved. I'm sorry to have worried you."
"It's alright, it's alright..." Xia Yubing patted her chest, letting out a long sigh of relief, her eyes slightly red. Clearly, she had been genuinely worried about Xiao Han.
However, not everyone is as friendly as Xia Yubing.
"Ha, you're really tough." A cold voice rang out, carrying undisguised sarcasm.
It was Luo Bing who spoke.
This undisputed strongest genius of Zero Class, a peerless prodigy with the cultivation of the Fifth Level of the Martial Master Realm and an SS-level ice-type Martial Soul, was currently leaning against the wall not far away with his arms crossed. His handsome face was covered with a layer of frost, and his eyes were sharp as knives, coldly slicing over Xiao Han.
He couldn't understand it, nor could he accept it.
How could a transfer student who was only at the Sixth Level of the Warrior Realm (in his opinion), someone who was practically a "connection" in his eyes, have managed to walk out unscathed after disappearing for so many days in the Trial Secret Realm fraught with danger, where even veteran Zero Class students like himself had suffered losses?
This was practically a silent mockery of Zero Class, and even of Luo Bing's own strength!
Although the other students in Zero Class weren't as direct as Luo Bing, the meaning in their eyes was mostly similar. After the initial shock came a deeper level of suspicion and scrutiny.
Just then, a powerful aura descended.
Instructor Qin Zhen appeared at the entrance of the rest area at some point. His expression was calm, his eyes were deep, and he walked over slowly, his gaze immediately falling on Xiao Han.