Such a planet, when compared to his initial small and barren one, was far more challenging to develop.
After all, his original planet was merely tiny and desolate essentially starting from scratch.
But this one was entirely withered, in a state of negative value. Pulling it back on track would not be easy.
However, when it came to developing a planet, Bai Ze wasn't just confident he was an expert.
Others might struggle, but with his simulator and the power of spiritual energy revival, making this planet thrive again wouldn't be too difficult.
"But if I can only choose one species..."
The restriction made Bai Ze pause and think carefully.
In the end, he decided to send the treant species led by Aurora essentially the entire Kingdom of Wood.
Since the rule stated that he couldn't reveal himself or guide the development of his creations, nor allow them to discover his existence, the species he sent to lead them had to possess both intelligence and strength.
The treants were undoubtedly the most developed and robust among his creations, far superior and more intelligent than other species under his command.
The meteor bugs led by Hyper Zetton were also a possibility, but they were still tasked with exploring the universe. Besides, a withered planet like this couldn't sustain them; they'd likely end up competing with the local creatures for resources.
With that decided, Bai Ze briefly reviewed the world before withdrawing his consciousness.
When he returned to the present, Zhong Peng was already prepared.
After surveying his assigned world, Zhong Peng still exuded unshakable confidence.
"Both of you have now reviewed the worlds you'll be modifying, correct?"
The principal stepped forward, smiling as he addressed them.
Both nodded in agreement. With a wave of the principal's hand, a series of cards appeared in front of each of them.
Each set consisted of approximately one hundred B-grade cards.
"In that case, it's time to make your selections," the principal instructed.
"From these cards, choose one creature card, three resource cards, and three tool cards to aid in saving your respective planets."
The principal gestured toward the cards.
Outside the glass chamber, the students grew restless.
"Move aside! Let me see!"
"I can't see clearly! Let me get closer!"
The noise outside was completely muffled by the transparent glass walls.
Inside, Bai Ze calmly waved his hand, causing the cards to spread out before him.
To win this competition, it would come down to the prosperity of the creatures.
While resource cards were supplementary, the choice of the creature card was crucial!
"Hm..."
After examining a dozen creature cards, Bai Ze found himself momentarily at a crossroads.
But then, his eyes lit up as if struck by a revelation. After a brief pause, he smiled knowingly.
"Well, I never expected to see these familiar faces again. How nostalgic..."
His gaze gleamed, and a clear strategy began to form in his mind.
"I've made my selection. I'm ready, Principal."
While Bai Ze was still deliberating, Zhong Peng had already finalized his choices.
With a confident flourish, Zhong Peng revealed his selected card to the onlookers.
[Nanobots (B-grade creature card)]: Upon use, deploy a small batch of nanobots at a specified location.
Description: Nanobots are microscopic, starting at just one micron in size. However, they can grow exponentially in strength through continuous consumption.
"Nanobots with devouring abilities!"
The students outside turned pale at the sight of the card.
"These creatures are extremely weak at first, barely able to fight anything."
"But if they survive the early stages and develop, they become unstoppable later on!"
Zhong Peng was playing the long game. His approach meant that the outcome would either be a total loss for him or an undeniable victory.
After all, nanobots had far greater potential than any other creature.
"What about Bai Ze?"
Now it was Bai Ze's turn.
Having finalized his choice, he calmly flipped over his creature card.
A radiant light emerged, revealing its contents to the audience.
[Ancient Apes (B-grade creature card)]: Upon use, deploy a large group of ancient apes in a specified area.
Description: Ancient apes are small and physically weak, but they are intelligent and adept at developing their tribes and forming alliances with other species.
Yes, Bai Ze had chosen the ancient apes the very creatures from his first simulation.
This time, however, he intended to explore a path of wisdom, a strategy he hadn't attempted before.
Outside, the students were instantly filled with concern.
"Why would he choose this card?!"
"I thought Bai Ze's creations leaned toward superhuman strength. He should have picked a more combat-oriented creature!"
"Ancient apes are standard intelligent beings, following a developmental path similar to humans. Can Bai Ze manage this approach?"
Even senior students outside shook their heads skeptically.
But Bai Ze paid no attention to their doubts. He simply retrieved the card, unfazed.
"All right. The resource cards need not be displayed," the principal said.
"Now, place your hands on the crystal balls to connect yourselves to your respective worlds."
"When the connection is complete, a timer will appear beside you. Once the time is up, the level of development achieved in your worlds will be visualized and scored here on this glass panel."
As the principal explained the process, everyone in the chamber understood.
Meanwhile, Zhong Peng shot Bai Ze a smug glance.
"Hmph. Competing with me will go down as the greatest mistake of your life."
"I'll show you what a true genius is capable of."
With that, Zhong Peng closed his eyes and placed his hand on the crystal ball, letting his consciousness dive into his world first.
Bai Ze remained composed despite the taunt. He knew that the best response would be a decisive victory.
Without further delay, he followed suit, gripping the crystal ball and sending his consciousness into his world.
[Ding! The primary world is connecting to the proxy planet...]
[Ding! Connection successful. Creatures may now be transported at any time.]
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 450+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader