Fedler Tiramifdin truly lived up to his reputation as a god who had walked among mortals. He knew that he had something to ask of Dean Bruce, so he made sure to reward Dean Bruce's disciples handsomely in return.
Prolo Hawthorne and the others saw a significant increase in their magic power—most of them had risen by one or even two levels!
Their magic now churned within them like boiling water, their aura intense and almost overwhelming.
Of course, Dean Bruce, being at the center of the magic gathering, experienced an even more remarkable improvement. Despite his average cultivation talent, the influx of magic caused his growth to skyrocket, and he gained a total of 3,000 magic points—double his previous gain!
This increase brought his magic rank to the level of a Tier 5 Great Magician, and he was now just one step away from reaching Tier 6!
Unfortunately, this trip through the Flowing Sand Secret Realm had not been as perilous for Prolo Hawthorne and Lucy Michelle. They had failed to comprehend any new magic during the journey, so their gains had been limited.
"Dean Elder, Dean Elder?"
Nelson Paprik chuckled as he spoke, his eyes narrowed with amusement. "Our Alchemist Guild has plenty of treasures, and many beautiful women as well. If you come, we'll make sure to give you a grand reception!"
Dean Bruce took a moment to collect his thoughts, then glanced at Nelson Paprik before answering indifferently, "If I have time, I'll come pay a visit."
He paused, then continued, "Now that the Flowing Sand Secret Realm trip is over, I must return and report in. I don't have time for more conversation."
At that moment, there were far too many things Dean Bruce needed to do. He wasn't in the mood to chat with someone like Nelson Paprik.
Furthermore, this old man had been quite arrogant earlier, and now that Dean Bruce had stepped into the Ninth Level, Paprik had suddenly approached him. Dean Bruce had no intention of giving him a friendly reception.
In front of the crowd, Dean Bruce didn't speak much to Hannah Fields either. He simply waved his hand, signaling for Prolo Hawthorne, Lucy Michelle, and the others to follow as he left amidst the excited discussions of the gathered crowd about the rewards of the Secret Realm journey.
As for taking Lucy Michelle along, it was a necessary decision.
Madrid Haru had fled, but Alyosha Gode was still around. Dean Bruce had already exposed Lucy Michelle's identity when he brought her into the Ninth Level earlier.
At this point, leaving her behind would be like sending a lamb into the tiger's den—voluntarily walking into danger.
After all, she was his disciple, and Dean Bruce couldn't just stand by and watch her die.
At the same time, a group of guards gathered around them, surrounding Dean Bruce and his companions like a star with its planets, escorting them as they left.
"How much time has passed?" Dean Bruce asked curiously. Knowing the exact time would help him plan his next steps.
One of the guards respectfully answered, "Reporting, Elder. It has been five days since you entered the Flowing Sand Secret Realm."
Upon hearing this, both Dean Bruce and Prolo Hawthorne, along with the others, showed looks of surprise.
After all, based on their own experiences, the battles they'd faced hadn't been that numerous. How could five whole days have passed?
After the surprise, came a surge of excitement and joy!
In just five days, they had gained over a thousand magic points, and their magic ranks had risen by one or even more tiers—such an improvement was almost unimaginable!
Of course, this was all thanks to Dean Bruce. Without his guidance in reaching the Ninth Level, their improvements would have been nowhere near as great.
It was good wine—why not drink it?
Tia Nars chuckled, "You're not being shy about it, drinking right away."
As she spoke, Tia Nars studied Dean Bruce carefully. After a while, she sighed, "You carry the aura of a deity! I wasn't wrong. The Flowing Sand Secret Realm has been maintained for so many years without any signs of weakening. Even if it's not dangerous, it's certainly unusual."
"I never would have imagined there were divine-related elements inside."
Tia Nars' eyes gleamed as she asked, "So, you entered the Ninth Level? How did you manage that?"
In all of history, only two people had been documented as entering the Ninth Level of the Flowing Sand Secret Realm.
Now, Dean Bruce had become the third, which naturally piqued Tia Nars' curiosity.
"I just solved the corresponding mechanism, and I was able to enter," Dean Bruce replied with a smile. "I brought all seven of them back safely, even took them into the Ninth Level. By the way, how did I do on this mission? Any rewards for me?"
Dean Bruce wasn't like the lowly figures in the magical world. He didn't see any class distinctions. To him, Tia Nars was the boss, plain and simple!
This mission was a project.
Since the project was completed, asking the boss for a share was only natural.
Tia Nars smiled, "Of course, there are rewards. This cup of wine is brewed especially for you."
"As for the other rewards, they might take a little time."
Dean Bruce furrowed his brow upon hearing that.
What kind of reward would require a few days before it could be given?
Tia Nars laughed, "Don't worry, it will be a pleasant surprise. By the way, one of your friends has arrived. Once you finish your drink, you can go see them. I won't keep you, and you'll have some time to catch up."
"Friend?"
Dean Bruce paused for a moment. Did he have any friends in this world?
After finishing his drink in one gulp, Dean Bruce quickly figured out who Tia Nars meant by "friend"—Claire Raymond!
Tia Nars must have thought that the Soul Blood Oath she had given was tied to Claire Raymond, so the connection between them was likely quite strong.
Dean Bruce nodded slightly, set the empty cup down, stood up, and said, "In that case, I won't bother you any longer, Guild Master. Farewell."
Having received his reward, Dean Bruce had no reason to stay longer. He left the treehouse without delay.
Before he had even exited the elders' residence area, a familiar figure caught his eye, causing him to stop in his tracks.
The last two times he had encountered Claire Raymond, they had been on opposing sides, and the atmosphere had been tense. But now, as allies, their meeting felt different, and Dean Bruce couldn't help but be struck by how stunning she looked.
She truly was beautiful!
Claire Raymond smiled, but her voice carried a hint of wistfulness. "It wasn't easy, huh? Finally, I get to see you again. If I hadn't received news that you were quite busy, I would've thought you had forgotten about me!"