After two or three consecutive trials here, the realm's mineral deposits, spiritual plants, population, and Dragon Clan life resources had been harvested batch after batch. Coupled with the scorching sun of the World Annihilation Spirit Boat and the widespread destruction caused by the black mist invasion from the Dark Mist Realm, there was hardly any profit left to be made in the Demon Dragon Minor Realm. Thus, not many Academy elders competed for this assignment.
Lin Yi had not known these inside details at first, but Zhou Huan had perhaps just gained quite a few benefits thanks to Lin Yi and was in high spirits. He leaned over and lowered his voice, explaining all the hidden intricacies to Lin Yi in detail. He even laid bare the methods elders from previous years had used to "smuggle goods through the border" and reap benefits.
"By the way, Elder, during your search-and-rescue mission in the Dark Mist Realm, did you find Shen Jinghong?"
Thinking of that Prodigy New Student with whom he had gotten along fairly well, Lin Yi asked.
At those words, the ease on Zhou Huan's face faded somewhat. He shook his head and sighed. "That girl... what a pity. I searched all around the secret realm's outskirts but couldn't find her. The other elders expanded the search area as well, yet there was still no sign of her. However, the Great Elder once said in private that Shen Jinghong would encounter a great opportunity in the Dark Mist Realm and that her life was not in danger. You needn't worry too much."
Lin Yi said nothing more after hearing that.
With the Academy's methods, as long as Shen Jinghong was still alive, they would most likely be able to bring her back.
The meeting quickly advanced to its second