Chapter 30: Why Is There Such a Vast Difference Between People?

This assessment was being broadcast live across the entire internet.

For the truly powerful, a first-level secret realm held no allure whatsoever.

But for ordinary people, it was a different story—after all, they might never get the chance to enter a secret realm in their entire lives.

So, as the broadcast began, a huge crowd flocked into the livestream.

There was no other reason—everyone simply wanted to broaden their horizons.

“It’s finally starting. I’ve been looking forward to this for ages.”

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen a secret realm broadcast. I need to savor this one.”

“It’s a pity it’s only a first-level secret realm, but I’m content. A fifth-level one is far too distant for us.”

“Newcomer here—where are all the participants who entered the realm?”

“It hasn’t started yet, right? But at least now, even someone like me can catch a glimpse of the secret realm.”

…

The viewers chatted idly as they waited. The broadcast was divided into numerous camera feeds, so they could select any viewpoint to watch as they pleased.

The feed showed the situation inside the first-level secret realm.

With the drones capturing everything from every angle, even ordinary viewers could see many of the spirit beasts within.

Spirit beasts at the first level weren’t large.

They appeared rather docile—most of them resembled ordinary animals.

The most dangerous-looking were probably the wolf-like spirit beasts.

While the bullet chat scrolled with ongoing discussions, the first student finally appeared in the realm.

Shen Yao emerged without warning, immediately drawing the crowd’s attention.

The drone zoomed in for a close-up on her.

Shen Yao was strikingly attractive—short hair, sun-kissed skin, and delicate features gave her an androgynous air, but on closer inspection, there was an unusual beauty about her.

“She’s here, she’s here! Looks like the assessment is about to begin.”

“What are you all focusing on? Who cares if the assessment starts? Don’t you see the first to appear is such a stunning beauty?”

“Fools are still spamming the chat while smart people like me have already cleared the screen and started drooling.”

“You’re shameless!”

“Typing with both hands to show I’m innocent!”

“Innocent, my foot! Even now you’re getting excited?”

…

Meanwhile, more and more students entered the secret realm, looking around curiously as they did.

For all of them, it was their first time inside, and they were filled with curiosity.

There were no spirit beasts at the entrance, so everyone remained fairly calm.

Soon, Lin Xiao and Zhou Zhi also entered. Lin Xiao’s arrival was immediately noticed by the viewers.

It was impossible not to—he was carrying a huge snakeskin bag, making him stand out from everyone else, who had come lightly equipped.

Many of the female viewers, however, had their attention elsewhere.

“Has no one noticed how handsome this guy is?”

“He’s exactly my type—ladies, hands off, he’s mine!”

“Girls, as a man, let me give you some advice: don’t be fooled by his looks. That snakeskin bag he’s carrying screams ‘commoner’.”

“What do you know? That’s called fashion!”

“Girls are talking here—boys, just leave! Out! Out! Out!”

…

Lin Xiao had no idea he was the center of attention, and even if he knew, there was nothing he could do about it.

Right after Lin Xiao, a middle-aged man entered as well.

He cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Students, I am your chief examiner, Wang Qing. The assessment is about to begin, and I have a few words of advice. First, do not be deceived by appearances—some things may look harmless but could cost you your life.”

“Second, you should all be aware of the requirements. To earn the final reward, it’s not enough to simply survive for three days. You’ll need to put in real effort.”

“Third, your opponents in this assessment are not just the spirit beasts within—you must also beware of those at your side. This means you are permitted to act against each other, and if you do, you will gain the points your opponent has accumulated. However, maliciously harming others is strictly forbidden. Violators will be disqualified and severely punished.”

“That’s all I have to say. What happens next is up to you. Whether you act alone or form teams, we won’t interfere. The assessment begins now!”

As Wang Qing’s words fell, the students immediately cast wary glances at those around them.

Just as he’d said, anyone nearby could be a competitor.

Yet, most were hesitant to act alone—not knowing what kinds of spirit beasts they might encounter made them uneasy.

In no time, acquaintances among the students began to form teams of their own accord.

Naturally, Lin Xiao teamed up with Zhou Zhi—he trusted Zhou Zhi completely.

“Hey, Old Zhou, there are rewards for this assessment? Why didn’t you mention that earlier?”

“There are rewards, but nothing special. I didn’t think it was worth bringing up. Since you’re asking, I’ll tell you: first place gets two million in cash plus a spirit pearl of their profession; second to tenth get five hundred thousand and a professional spirit pearl. Beyond that, just small cash prizes.”

Lin Xiao’s eyes lit up. He’d originally planned to just muddle through, but now he suddenly changed his mind.

He knew about spirit pearls—they were the essence found in spirit beasts, and defeating one gave a chance to obtain a pearl.

But the odds were extremely low, which kept the price of spirit pearls high.

Even a first-level pearl sold for tens of thousands on the market.

Spirit pearls allowed Awakened individuals to absorb one matching their own attribute, granting a new spirit skill.

Each level allowed one absorption, so in theory, a ninth-level powerhouse could have eighteen spirit skills.

Of course, the actual price depended on the type of pearl and the skill it contained.

Lin Xiao wasn’t interested in spirit pearls—his own ability was fairly useless.

What caught his eye was the two million in cash!

He’d spent all his money moving into the retirement home, and though he’d robbed those thugs, that pocket change couldn’t give him any sense of security.

Two million was a timely fortune!

But Lin Xiao knew it wouldn’t be easy. There was Shen Yao, and even Ji Boxiao was probably stronger than him—he’d have to play the long game.

“You should have told me sooner—two million!”

“What’s two million? It’s nothing. As for spirit pearls, my family’s already set me up.”

Lin Xiao: (╬￣皿￣)

Damn! He’d forgotten this guy was a super-rich second-generation heir.

Why was the gap between people always so vast?