"My theory of ecosystem cycling isn't entirely new. For instance, many wizards have discovered that raising Walking Grass alongside Turtle-back Mountain Goats simultaneously increases the yield of both by more than thirty percent!"
Leilin sat on the sofa and began to elaborate on his theory.
"What I've done is simply amplify these mutually beneficial links, weaving in many additional chains so that the gains spread from two species to a dozen or even several hundred. In this way, a vast ecosystem is formed, boosting the output of all kinds of resources within the secret realm…"
Thomas's eyes seemed to sparkle with stars. "What a novel theory! And to select suitable species from millions found in nature to build an ecosystem—your knowledge and foundation truly leave me in awe!"
Leilin smiled faintly. He naturally couldn't carry out such a massive data analysis on his own; a large part of it was the Chip's doing.
Moreover, the research he had released to the outside was merely peripheral. Many of the core experiments and configurations he planned to implement only within his own secret realm in the future. After all, he wasn't about to help the Four Seasons Garden boost its production for free—Leilin was no bleeding heart.
"I'm also quite curious about your Lava Goldfish cultivation technique, Thomas?" Leilin added, casting an expectant glance at Thomas after he finished speaking.
Lava Goldfish were a peculiar creature of the wizard world, typically dwelling in magma and extremely difficult to raise artificially. However, their scales were an essential ingredient in many alchemical products, and their oil and flesh served as excellent nutritional supplements. They could rapidly restore a wizard's stamina and help them recover from the fatigue of meditation. As such, they had always been highly sought after and commanded great value.
"It's nothing special, really. Lava Goldfish have very simple habits—once you understand them, you can make targeted arrangements within the secret realm…"
Thomas then gave a brief explanation.
"Finally, I'd like to exchange this Lava Goldfish cultivation data for your ecological cycling research, Leilin. And since your material is worth more than mine, I'm willing to pay an additional five thousand Magic Stones!"
Thomas made this earnest proposal in the end.
"Of course!" Leilin nodded with a smile. He had released this information precisely to exchange resources and knowledge with other wizards.
Through over a year of effort, he had already gained a thorough understanding of the general operation of secret realms and the habits of many high-value magical flora and fauna. Even if someone handed him a secret realm to manage independently right now, he would never lose money and could turn a profit.
Though Leilin was a Dark Wizard who frequently followed his organization on raids for resources, he had no objections to using the methods of Light Wizards to earn Magic Stones.
"Speaking of which, you've already finished this month's tasks, Leilin. Any plans? A friend of mine needs a skilled apothecary master for his laboratory, and if you were to go…"
Thomas extended an invitation.
Many of the Four Seasons Garden's wizards, apart from holding positions here, often found additional work in friendly organizations to earn extra Magic Stones and resources. Of course, some did it purely out of interest and hobby, or simply to help a friend.
"I'm sorry! The secret realm tasks alone have been extremely demanding this month. I've got a rare chance, and I'd like to go back to Polar Night City and get some proper rest!"
Leilin politely declined Thomas's invitation.
He had little use for the resources and favors of those smaller organizations now, and more importantly, he was at a critical stage of strength advancement. He simply didn't have the time to deal with other matters.
"That's a real shame…" Thomas's face showed undisguised disappointment. He chatted with Leilin a bit longer, and after they exchanged their unique knowledge, they parted ways.
"Lord Leilin!"
After bidding farewell to Thomas, Leilin made his way to the large landing platform at the entrance of the Four Seasons Garden. All the apprentices here recognized Leilin and bowed in greeting.
"How has Halk been doing lately?"
Leilin walked over to a large beast cage. Immediately, a pair of enormous red eyes appeared within. The massive shadow opened its enormous maw, revealing rows of snow-white teeth as sharp as swords and a vivid red tongue lined with barbs.
"Reporting, my lord. Your mount has had a fine appetite lately. Yesterday he ate an entire Red Bread Pig, though his temper has been a bit irritable—probably because he's been caged for too long…"
The apprentice in charge of this mount clearly had extensive experience and took his duties very seriously. He reported everything dutifully behind Leilin.
"Squeak!"
From Leilin's finger, a crimson symbol emerged and slid like a key into a recess on the front of the iron cage.
"ROAR!"
With a thunderous roar, a creature resembling a green pterosaur burst out. It bore sharp claws and fangs, its body covered in dense, dark-green scales. A pair of enormous green wings sprouted from its back, their membranous surfaces shimmering with a pale green luminescence under the light.
"Venom Wyvern. Strength: 13.5, Agility: 19.8, Constitution: 11.2, Spirit: 9.8. Special abilities: 1. Acid Spit—expels highly corrosive venomous acid from its mouth, covering an area of twenty meters. Average power: 16 degrees. 2. Toxic Bite—the Venom Wyvern's sharp teeth and claws carry a lethal toxin with a potent paralytic effect on the spirit."