--
The alliance membership and the ownership of a solar system weren't the only things that Cedric got from the trade.
He also got a unique secret realm. It doesn't sound impressive, yes, since Cedric himself could create secret realms, but the one he got from the trade isn't something anybody could create on a whim.
It's called the Nine-Layer Heaven Island, and as the name suggests, this secret realm contains nine heavens/worlds stacked on top of each other.
The island doesn't contain anything heaven-defying, at least not yet. But each layered heaven serves a unique purpose and bolsters existing concept laws in its surroundings, making them richer and more attainable.
According to its description, the Nine Layered Heaven Island was an infant secret realm that has been born prematurely. It could've easily reached the cosmic-level treasure if it weren't for that. But due to some accidents, it's value dropped to the peak Grand Solar level.
It's still a rare treasure, all things considered, but there are tons of Grand Solar level treasures available in the alliance, and most were more useful than this one, so it was kind of discarded just like that.
Cedric took it because he found it useful.
Although it could only enhance the vibrancy of concept laws in its surroundings, this function alone was just what Solaris Prime needed.
Yes, Cedric didn't just plan on using this to Prime Earth; he intends to let it affect the whole Solaris Prime to increase its quality. Since it's a peak Grand Solar Treasure, it should easily be able to do that. Moreover, as he leaves it there to naturally do its thing, he's also nurturing it.
Who knows, maybe in the future, this secret realm will grow into a real cosmic-level treasure. And if an artifact spirit were to emerge from it, it would unhesitatingly treat Solaris Prime as its home and humans as its people.
Of course, the nine-layered heavens will be put to use. Cedric already thought of how he's going to use it, but first, he needs to send it back to his home so that it could begin elevating the quality of their solar system.
He asked Acala to do it for him. She knows what to do, and he told her his plans. Of course she's on board with this. After all, this island will also help her evolve, so how can she refuse it?
With that out of the way, Cedric gazed at the final item he exchanged for, and this one was for his personal use.
Of course, anybody who applies to be its governor would have a trial. The idea that his application could've failed brought shivers to his spine, but it's all good now since he was backed by two important people whom he never thought would help him.
He could somewhat understand Big Han helping him out. After all, he was the one who scouted him and introduced the Tower of Prodigies to him, including the real vastness of the cosmos.
Cedric hasn't seen him nor heard of him since, but Big Han struck him as a nice guy, which made it somewhat believable that the titan would support him in this.
As for the Tower Master, whom he only heard of today, it's really unexpected. He never met him nor even seen his shadow. Hell, this was the first time he heard of him, and apparently, he already helped him out. All he knew of the Tower Master so far is that he's a Fey.
If it was due to him being a challanger of the tower or because of something entirely else, Cedric had no idea. But he's grateful nonetheless. With his and Big Han's support, his application was readily approved, and he received the title of Solaris Prime's First Governor.
This title isn't an empty one. It comes with a unique status that could give him some advantages. His title was also especially powerful once he's at his place.
It isn't just a status either, because as its governor, the luck and fortune of Solaris Prime as a whole also affect him. This element aids with his cultivation and elightenment. And of course, the more prosperous Solaris Prime was, the better luck and fortune Cedric could receive from it.
So, in a sense, this was a mutual growth pack. He helps his home become more prosperous, and in turn, his home helps him grow stronger.
Cedric could also pass down this status to someone else. But of course, the alliance has to be notified of it first. No, they wouldn't interfere much on his decision, but if they see that Solaris Prime's well-being is plummeting, they will start investigating. This also applies during his reign as governor, so he had to do a decent job at the very least.
And thus now, Cedric's status has experienced a huge change. He was no longer just a lucky native who stumbled upon the tower. He's now a bona fide prodigy who had decent achievements within the tower in a rather short period of time. He's also a new member of the Scarlet Dust Alliance and the first governor of his home world, the Solaris Prime.
Things were truly looking up for him, and it will only get better from this.
Truthfully, Cedric could just stop here. Like Hermit, he could also leave the tower with a light heart and focus on developing his world. He doesn't have to stay here and go through more trials; he could explore the virtual universe to seek opportunities there. He could build his career up, gather merits, and upgrade his citizenship while making his home more prosperous.
But even with this, he didn't plan on leaving the tower soon.
The trials were difficult, but it's good for his personal growth. He could still harvest some wool from it, so why leave right away? He's no longer in a rush. He's guaranteed to live long, so he could afford to postpone something to focus on himself for now.
That said, visiting the virtual universe as soon as possible is a must.