The comments said I was deeply affectionate, I just added points by using an alternate account.

"It's definitely not ordinary spiritual power..." Chen Guan pondered. "It's more like a manifestation of rules?"

He recalled Dean Situ Ming's words. Perhaps, this gray energy was a power unique to him, a path completely different from traditional spiritual power, full of unknown thorns.

After exploring for a while, Chen Guan felt somewhat mentally exhausted. It seemed that controlling the gray energy was consuming more mental energy than he had imagined.

He stopped trying and turned his attention to the 11257 popularity points.

A little over 10,000 can do a lot of things.

First, he looked at the [Power Surge] talent fragment he had noticed before, but unfortunately, it hadn't been refreshed in the shop, so it seemed he would have to wait.

He browsed the other options.

Attribute points? Strength is sufficient for now, and stamina is also acceptable. Agility is a clear weakness. Although 15.3 spirit is high, controlling gray energy seems to be very mentally taxing. The more the better, but attribute points become more expensive as you progress. Once a single attribute exceeds 10 points, the price starts to rise, so there's no rush to improve it for now.

Skills? [Concealing Breath] 2500 points, still worth considering. [Basic Meditation] can be exchanged now, it might help stabilize mental strength and gray energy. There are also some more advanced physical skills or weapon techniques, but they are all expensive and could easily cost you back to square one.

Items? The defensive shield still has two uses left, so we don't need it for now. As for attacks, the scythe is still sufficient, so we don't need to consider it before Tier 2.

After much deliberation, Chen Guan made a decision.

"Exchange for [Concealment Technique]".

"Exchange for [Basic Meditation (White)]".

Tongzi quickly replied: "Exchange successful! Remaining popularity points: 8257 points."

"The skill has been integrated into the host's consciousness."

Techniques on how to control one's breath and even vital signs, as well as more systematic and effective basic meditation methods, flooded my mind.

The [Concealing Breath Technique], combined with the natural isolating effect of his gray energy, might produce unexpected results, while [Basic Meditation] can help him better stabilize and restore his mental energy, laying the foundation for exploring gray energy.

Chen Guan had clearly made Hui Neng a key person to be cultivated.

Next, he looked at the attribute points.

"Increase Agility to 3."

"Exchange successful! Remaining popularity points: 6757."

Chen Guan decided to keep the rest for the time being.

After dealing with all of this, a deep sense of exhaustion finally overwhelmed him. His injuries, the recent attribute upgrades, and the subtle adjustments brought about by the skill fusion all required his body to adapt.

He closed his eyes and quickly drifted into a dreamless sleep.

This sleep lasted for a full day and night.

When he woke up again, he felt much better. The medical center's treatment was very effective, and with his own special abilities, his external wounds had scabbed over, and his internal injuries had recovered to about 70-80%.

He had just finished washing up and changed into clean clothes when An Changqing and Su Yuehe knocked on the door and came in.

Both of them looked much better. An Changqing had changed into a clean school uniform and had a gentle demeanor, showing no signs of yesterday's bloody battle. Su Yuehe was wearing an elegant dress, her eyes were still a little red, but she was in good spirits.

"How are you feeling, Chen Guan?" An Changqing asked with concern.

"Much better, thank you." Chen Guan nodded.

"We owe you so much for this mission." An Changqing said earnestly, "Not only did you save Yuehe, but you also... In short, Yuehe and I will remember this favor."

An Changqing had already learned from Su Yuehe about Chen Guan's resurrection, and coupled with his strange power, An Changqing was now convinced that Chen Guan was a hidden master.

In his view, Chen Guan was probably also a mythology user; otherwise, he wouldn't be so well-rounded, possessing characteristics of both enhancement and life systems.

Su Yuehe nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with gratitude as she looked at Chen Guan.

Regardless, she remembered the kindness of being rescued at such a great risk.

"It's just part of my job, don't worry about it." Chen Guan waved his hand, changing the subject: "Have the mission rewards arrived yet?"

"Just received a notification." An Changqing pulled up his terminal: "Final rating: S-level. Rewards are as follows: 200 base points, 900 bonus points, totaling 1100 points have been distributed, 500 contribution points per person, one B-level resource exchange privilege, Wolf King Demon Core and materials. As previously agreed, the value will be split equally among the three of us, and I will be responsible for the sale."

With 1100 points, 500 contribution points, and B-level privileges, Chen Guan was satisfied.

Contribution points are harder to obtain than regular points, but they have a wider range of uses. They can be exchanged for special resources or privileges that cannot be bought with regular points. This is probably compensation from the academy because of the accident.

Chen Guan nodded: "Then I'll trouble you."

In this way, he will gain a total of 1100 points, 500 contribution points, and a B-level exchange privilege for this mission, which is a huge reward for him.

"In addition," An Changqing paused, his expression becoming slightly solemn.

"Chen Guan, after this mission, Yuehe and I both believe you are fully qualified to be our trustworthy companion. We have a long-term team dedicated to exploring ruins and secret realms outside the academy curriculum to obtain rarer resources and training opportunities. Would you be interested in joining us?"

Long-term team? Exploring ruins and secret realms?

Chen Guan's heart skipped a beat. This was undoubtedly a great opportunity to gain more screen time, popularity, practical experience, and rare resources.

Moreover, teaming up with An Changqing and Su Yuehe would guarantee both safety and success rate. Putting aside everything else, both of them are of excellent character and ability, which would put him at ease. He had absolutely no reason to refuse.

"I'm very interested," Chen Guan replied without hesitation.

An Changqing smiled and said, "Then, welcome to Squad 49." He extended his hand.

Chen Guan reached out and shook his hand, then asked curiously, "Why is it called Squad 49?"

An Changqing explained, "The Great Dao is fifty, the Heavenly Dao is forty-nine, and humanity escapes one of them, hence the name 'Forty-Nine Squad'."

"I see." Chen Guan nodded, then asked, "May I ask who else?"

"Currently, besides Yuehe and me, the only other members in the team are Long Ao and you," An Changqing said frankly. "Although Long Ao is arrogant, his strength is undeniable, and he is clear about his grudges and favors. He is a reliable partner. We originally wanted to invite Zhao Qingyin, who is both strong and kind, but she seems to have other plans and has not responded to me yet."

Long Ao? Chen Guan was slightly surprised, but also felt it made sense.

Given Long Ao's pursuit of ultimate power, the only person he would be willing to cooperate with is probably someone like An Changqing.

However, since the comments say that Long Ao will be the villain later, that means... there will be a scene where they turn against each other?