Chapter 951: Qualification for Early Entry into the Expansion Realm
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 951: Qualification for Early Entry into the Expansion Realm
I had already reviewed the entire experimental process for the Purification Method.
They had added more steps and preliminary research foundations to my original work. They had even managed to obtain data regarding the statistical analysis of basic nightmare components from somewhere and were performing cross-verifications against it.
After all, they couldn't achieve the kind of "brute-force success" my version of the Purification Method allowed; they had no choice but to keep their feet on the ground.
Research into nightmares had begun as early as the birth of the Great Soul Subject, or perhaps even earlier—back when the Primal Dream was "refined" by the Primal Witch, they had already come into contact with dream creatures.
However, for entities like nightmares and dream creatures that had absolutely no contact with reality, research progress had been glacial.
Essentially, there were no means to interact with the subjects. If you couldn't touch them, you naturally couldn't conduct further research. At that time, research was almost entirely based on observation.
Of course, a small number of witches who possessed Great Spellbooks might have had the foundation to study them, but that knowledge never spread on a large scale—nor could it have.
Even now, the publicly available data that could be unearthed could only slightly nudge the progress of the Purification Method forward. It was nowhere near enough to directly perfect it.
After all, before this, the very concept of Dream State Soul Essence didn't even exist!
In recent times, there had been conjectures similar to Dream State Soul Essence, but because those theories lacked physical evidence, they were completely supplanted by my tangible results. The concept of "Dream State Soul Essence" had become the new benchmark established by the witches!
The reason it seemed like only a few witches in the Main World were currently researching the Purification Method was that the visionary ones were already looking toward the coming Era of Dream State Soul Essence.
The Purification Method had already established a clear, viable path for preparing Dream State Soul Essence. This proved the concept was feasible, meaning other paths would likely be fully mapped out within a few years.
Was the era of mass-producing Dream State Soul Essence really that far off?
In truth, sometimes "following" is a form of gambling. Without theoretical support, the probability of successfully following a lead is slim.
Furthermore, now that this Purification Method had appeared, any subsequent methods would eventually be ruthlessly phased out unless they could achieve large-scale production.
Moreover, the little witch who created the Purification Method had already conducted Dream Life Experiments ahead of time—namely, that group of Fool's Dream creatures.
No one knew what the final result would be. Worn down by their long lifespans, these witches had lost their competitive edge; they were willing to relinquish their status as pioneers in exchange for a glimmer of hope and a viable template for success.
But more importantly, it was Xiao Han’s reputation.
She commanded the witches' trust!
She truly loved to share whatever she had, even if it was a Great Spellbook.
As for those who wanted to chase after her?
Almost every Truth Witch of the witch race used facts to teach them a single lesson: geniuses cannot be overtaken. As the saying goes, "To learn from me is to thrive; to merely mimic me is to perish."
* * *
Leaving the constant dream laboratory for the Purification Method, Sister Bai, who had been by my side the whole time, finally spoke.
"Xiao Han, I saw you lost in thought earlier. You don't actually think that suggestion is feasible, do you?"
"Huh? Oh..." Startled by Sister Bai’s question, I suddenly snapped back to reality. "Yeah, I was actually verifying its feasibility."
"Isn't the research on the Purification Method progressing steadily? If you really go to all this trouble, Xiao Han, wouldn't handing over the project have been for nothing?"
"Actually... approaching the Purification Method research with a conventional preparation mindset was a mistake on my part. If I hadn't offloaded this project, even in my hands, it might have taken several years of endless trial and error."
"Are you serious? Even a Great Spellbook isn't that difficult, is it?" Sister Bai’s first reaction was pure shock. This was the first time she had heard the phrase "several years" come out of Xiao Han’s mouth!
One had to remember, how many years had it been since Xiao Han first encountered the transcendent?
Even a Great Spellbook hadn't made Xiao Han struggle like this, right?
"It’s different. I acknowledge the difficulty of a Great Spellbook," I explained, sensing Sister Bai’s shock. "I still don't have a single complete Great Spellbook. The Tree of Great Knowledge doesn't count; it’s still in the stage of needing perfection. Even the future Holy Relic, or the Great Glacial Throne Technique I’m so confident in—those are all built on the foundation of the Tree of Great Knowledge’s simulations and calculations."
"But the Purification Method... how should I put it? It’s like materials science; it depends on luck. Boring, repetitive attempts consume a massive amount of time. That is something I absolutely loathe."
"So, the fact that the Purification Method is time-consuming and labor-intensive is... reasonable?"
"Reality doesn't care about what’s 'reasonable.' Any problem that can stonewall a researcher is a problem of the century, even if it looks harmless and simple."
"It seems... you’ve given this some serious thought, Xiao Han?"
"Mhm, of course. I don't do work for nothing. You know me, Sister Bai~" After all, this was how I had made it this far.
I chatted with Sister Bai as we walked, eventually arriving at the core area of the laboratory.
Dean Mei hadn't left yet; she and the others seemed to be discussing something outside of laboratory topics.
When they saw us, they paused for a moment, ceasing whatever outrageous topic they were on.
"Is Xiao Han finished with her inspection?" Dean Mei asked teasingly.
"Inspection? What inspection? Sister Mei, don't talk nonsense, okay?" I quickly replied.
"This is no joke. The Nightmare Purification Method project is being closely watched by many witches right now. If they didn't lack the clearance to enter this place, they’d be glued to the glass, staring at every bit of progress."
"Isn't that an exaggeration?"
"It’s an exaggeration, but in a way, it shows how much importance they place on it. Xiao Han, are you planning to rest for a few days?"
"Um... I haven't decided..." I shook my head. I didn't refute Dean Mei’s assumption that I would be taking a break.
"It’s fine~ You can think about it while you rest. Maybe by the time you’ve had enough sleep, you’ll have figured it out."
"Huh?" Who thinks about how many days they need to rest while they're resting?
"Anyway~ Sister Mei, I wanted to ask—can I go to the Expansion Realm to play?" I suddenly asked.
"Go to the Expansion Realm to play? Theoretically, it’s not impossible," Dean Mei said after a moment of thought.
After all, while the Expansion Realm wasn't open to students yet, it was open to Transcendent Witches. As a Little Witch, Xiao Han certainly counted as one.
"Then, can I bring people with me?" I pushed my luck further.
"Hmm? What are you going to the Expansion Realm for? And bringing people?" Dean Mei immediately became alert.
"Uh... to play."
"Then who are you bringing? It’s not Bai Yu, is it? If it’s her, you don't need to ask me."
"Oh~ no. Just... some friends."
"Students?"
"Yes." I nodded immediately.
"You look like you’re going there to cause trouble." Dean Mei turned around and scrutinized me from head to toe.
"Give me the truth. What are you really up to? Last time you went to the Expansion Realm, you turned the place upside down."
"Uh... mostly I just want to hang out there with Sister Bai... and handle some business on the side."
"And the people you’re bringing? What are they for?" Dean Mei pressed.
"Just... to talk business? Like, opening a factory or something..."
"Opening a factory? Why would you do that?"
"Just... to do something meaningful! Besides, Dean Mei, you don't pay me a salary... I have to earn a little pocket change somehow..."
"..."
"Is that so..."
Dean Mei wiped some imaginary sweat from her brow. If I was using that excuse, she really couldn't say much.
To the students in the Academy, the Expansion Realm was indeed a massive, untapped blue ocean waiting to be developed.
The reason the Academy restricted it so heavily was to prevent the "family tumors" of the Core World from polluting the Expansion Realm. Even if such a thing was inevitable, it was better than letting the Core World families launch a direct "dimensional strike" on the new realm.
Furthermore, the Core World suppressed transcendent power, but the Expansion Realm did not. Not only that, but transcendent materials were everywhere in the beginning, extraordinary systems were constantly flourishing, and power networks already spanned the entire Expansion Realm.
If the families entered, it would be like wolves among sheep. They had too many ways to funnel transcendent power back into their clans.
In reality, the various races of the Main World didn't object to transcendence spreading to every corner of the world; they just didn't want anyone outside their own systems to master that power.
"Fine... but you are not allowed to bring too many people. Understand?"
Ultimately, Dean Mei relented. She had already agreed to let Xiao Han go; even if she caused a stir, what difference would a few more students make?
Besides, when she thought about Xiao Han’s grasp of business models... well, it would be a miracle if she didn't lose money.
"Mhm! Mhm! Understood!" With Dean Mei’s approval, I was suddenly full of energy!
After saying goodbye to the other witches and Dean Mei, I left the Primitive Dream Laboratory with Sister Bai.
"Xiao Han, are you really planning to do that?" Sister Bai asked directly, no longer hiding her curiosity. "You plan to set up the experimental site for preparing Dream State Soul Essence in the Expansion Realm?"
"Exactly~ The dreams in the Expansion Realm are still in an active state, so there’s plenty of raw material. Let’s go~ we have new things to do~"
"Goodness... you really can't stay still, can you?" Sister Bai sighed with emotion, but she still followed after me.
"Xiao Han, what are we doing next?"
"Going to the Expansion Realm to play, of course~ I plan to leave the factory business to Millian and the others. We just need to enjoy our own trip. Isn't that what you were looking forward to, Sister Bai?"
"Yes!" Hearing my words, a glint of excitement flashed in Sister Bai’s eyes.
"But first, let’s get the necessary things done. I’ll also give Millian the data you gave me regarding the Expansion Realm in person."
"I understand. Speaking of which, can Millian handle all that work?" Sister Bai asked with some concern. If Millian was overwhelmed, it might interfere with Xiao Han’s leisure time.
"Don't worry~ Millian is my best assistant now. She’s already built her own team. Many hands make light work; their efficiency is quite good."
As I spoke, I sent a message to Millian, asking to meet up.
Before long, Sister Bai and I were waiting in a cafe when a familiar figure arrived.
Millian arrived in a bit of a rush. She had been coordinating some matters with the Jack-of-all-trades Club, but she never expected to receive a message from Sister Xiao Han!
This wasn't a message from a clone, but from Xiao Han herself!
The meeting place was within the Academy, which meant Xiao Han had finished her experiments and come out.
Upon her arrival, she saw me—and Bai Yu.
"Sister Xiao Han, I’m not sure what urgent matter you needed me for?"
"There are indeed a few things." I handed over a Shared Rune and continued, "I hope I didn't interrupt anything you were doing?"
"Not at all. Dealing with those people is nowhere near as important as meeting you, Sister Xiao Han," Millian said, skillfully accepting the Shared Rune.
However, after she received the rune and skimmed through its contents, she found many things that seemed quite baffling.
But upon closer inspection, she was suddenly struck with shock!
"This... this is!"
"Data on the Expansion Realm," I said with a smile. "I got the Dean to be a bit flexible. We can now enter the Expansion Realm early to start laying out our plans."
"What! Really?!"
Millian’s eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe such an important move was happening so soon!
Entering the Expansion Realm meant the Baking House was about to take off!
Even though Ming Xueming was currently leading the charge and many collaborations within the Academy were shifting to their side, none of those partners were the type to settle for a loss!
"There are restrictions," I said succinctly.
"Restrictions? May I ask what they are?" Millian was already prepared to handle various developmental restrictions. Regardless, as long as they were given the chance, even with restrictions, they would still be ahead of the curve!
"Well, she restricted the number of people I can bring in."
"Huh?" Millian was stunned for a moment. A limit on the number of people... what was the point of that? Even without a limit, how many people did the Baking House even have?
They hadn't even established a firm foundation yet; entering the Expansion Realm was meant to be a "start from scratch" endeavor.
"Is... is there nothing else? Then, if I may ask, roughly how many people are allowed to enter the Expansion Realm?" Millian asked cautiously.
"Mhm, no other restrictions. She didn't specify the exact number, either. It probably depends on how thick-skinned I am. By my rough estimate... if I bring about ten, the Dean shouldn't say anything."
"Isn't ten a bit too conservative?" Sister Bai chimed in from the side.
She didn't think ten people was a lot. Besides... what could ten people even accomplish?
"Fine, then maybe around fifteen or twenty. If the Dean complains, I’ll just stop."
"Fifteen to twenty..." Millian repeated softly.
"Is that enough?" I asked.
Actually, the number of people wasn't the urgent issue. My main goal was to have Millian get in touch with Ninglan Qiuyue and build a factory on the vacant land in the Ninglan territory, fulfilling my idea for the "Pseudo-Mass Production of Dream State Soul Essence."