It was early morning when Zhong Shenxiu and Robin rose, their sole purpose being to check on the fish and shrimp traps they had set out.
As expected, Zhong Shenxiu was not disappointed; every basket yielded a good catch, and the contents were remarkably plump.
Robin could hardly believe her eyes. She hadn't expected such a small basket to hold half a basketful of fish. Could it be that fish and shrimp were truly that dim-witted to be caught so easily?
“See?” Zhong Shenxiu said calmly, lifting one of the fish baskets and heading toward the shore.
“Master, what about these?” Robin pointed to the remaining traps.
“Let them be for now; we can’t eat that much at once,” Zhong Shenxiu replied.
Robin reluctantly placed the basket she was holding back into the water before stepping onto the shore, one pace at a time.
“Master, can we sell these fish and shrimp for a lot of money?” Robin asked curiously.
Zhong Shenxiu glanced back at Robin, his expression suddenly brightening, and he praised her, “Excellent idea!”
And so, the two set to work. They brought the cart over and then began pouring the fish and shrimp from the baskets into the wagon. Despite the strong, fishy smell, Robin’s smile showed how genuinely happy she was. She especially giggled aloud when a large fish struggled in her hands, splashing water onto her face.
It was clear that since following Zhong Shenxiu, Robin had changed considerably, no longer withdrawn as she once was.
Before long, the entire cart was packed full, leaving a good amount of fish and shrimp that would have to wait for the next time.
Driving the cart, Zhong Shenxiu also loaded the ‘herbs’ he had gathered over the past few days, and together with Robin, they slowly made their way toward the small town.
Because it had rained, the road was somewhat muddy, making their progress very slow. Since there was nothing else to do, Zhong Shenxiu began to intensively tutor Robin on various subjects.
He first passed on the chant for the 'Turtle Breath Technique,' along with some key points for caution, instructing Robin to memorize it carefully so she could practice when she had time later.
Subsequently, Zhong Shenxiu began an introductory lesson in Qimen Dunjia for Robin. Chatting and laughing made the time pass quickly, and soon they arrived in the city.
They first sold the medicinal herbs, earning a considerable sum—about a hundred silver coins. Then, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin headed toward the marketplace with their cart full of fish and shrimp. However, before they even reached the marketplace, a fast-food restaurant bought their entire stock of fish, netting them around thirty silver coins.
Zhong Shenxiu was not entirely pleased, though. He hadn't expected a whole cartload of fish, after all their hard work, to be worth less than the herbs they casually picked up. This was quite frustrating for him.
He concluded that developing a fishing business had no market prospects, he thought.
“Robin, this is for you.” Zhong Shenxiu took out a small bag of silver coins—about thirty or forty—and handed it to her. “Buy whatever you like.”
“Master, Robin doesn’t want any. Robin is content just following Master; there is nothing Robin needs to buy,” Robin murmured softly.
“To enjoy life, you must learn how to spend money. Only by truly learning how to spend it can you earn it better,” Zhong Shenxiu said, forcefully placing the money pouch into her hand with a line of profound philosophy.
After all, Zhong Shenxiu had once been the wealthiest man in the cultivation world, so his understanding of money was naturally quite deep.
Robin looked at the pouch in her hand, her emotions a tumultuous tide, utterly moved.
Because the fishy smell from the cart was too overwhelming, Zhong Shenxiu sold it off cheaply and purchased a new one.
This time, Zhong Shenxiu didn't make large purchases of goods; instead, he drove the cart, taking Robin toward the “Necromancer Exchange Meet.”
As before, there were still many people gathered there.
Relying on the advanced VIP token given to him by Faraday, Zhong Shenxiu led Robin directly into a private room.
Zhong Shenxiu’s arrival was met with extremely warm hospitality from Faraday, though Zhong Shenxiu remained outwardly calm.
“I wonder how the research on the antidote is progressing, Master?” Faraday asked nervously.
“I’m starting to get some leads. The data I currently possess is somewhat lacking, so I came this time hoping to acquire more information,” Zhong Shenxiu stated.
In truth, he had completely forgotten about crafting the antidote for Faraday these past few days; he wouldn't have remembered if he hadn't come here for this meeting.
“No problem at all, Master. Just tell me what you need,” Faraday assured him emphatically.
“I just need some books,” Zhong Shenxiu said without any change in expression or falter in his voice.
“That is absolutely no issue. Master, please look at whatever you find useful and take it,” Faraday immediately offered, gesturing toward the bookshelves.
“Indeed. Rest assured! We certainly won't have you exerting yourself for nothing,” Zhong Shenxiu replied.
“Master, what are you saying? You are doing this for our benefit; we should be the ones feeling indebted to you.”
“Very well. My time is precious; I shall begin moving books now.” Zhong Shenxiu finished, signaling Robin with a gesture.
Having been with Zhong Shenxiu for so long, Robin knew the meaning of the signal instantly. Without a word, she walked directly toward the bookshelves.
“Master, do you require any assistance moving them?” Faraday asked tentatively.
“That would be best,” Zhong Shenxiu agreed.
“Which books exactly does the Master need? I can have someone help you move them?” Faraday asked, bowing slightly.
“Move all of these books. I have a cart waiting outside; just move them onto that one,” Zhong Shenxiu stated without any pretense of politeness, his tone suggesting that everything in the room was rightfully his.
Creeeak—Faraday had clearly not anticipated Zhong Shenxiu demanding all the books in the room. However, since the words were already spoken, it was awkward to retract them, so he could only order his men to help move the books.
Many hands make light work; many hands make for high efficiency. In no time, the contents of the private room were completely emptied.
“What are they doing?” one necromancer asked a nearby colleague.
“I don’t know either. Perhaps our stronghold is relocating?”
“Ah, I recognize that young boy! Heavens above, you all weren’t here last time; you didn’t see his miraculous technique!” one necromancer suddenly interjected. “You won’t believe it, but this young boy can actually cure the ‘Dark Backlash.’”
“You must be pulling our leg; it’s impossible for anyone to cure the ‘Dark Backlash.’ I think you’ve been drinking too much again today.” Another necromancer retorted.
“I swear by the name of the God of Death, every word I speak is true. Didn't you see the Guild Master personally escorting those two children out just now?”
“Speaking of those two children, I do have a question,” another necromancer chimed in. Seeing everyone looking at him, he quickly continued, “You all, what about the little girl beside the boy? Could it be…?”
This necromancer did not finish his sentence, instead looking toward the necromancer who had just sworn by the God of Death.
The one being looked at first paused, then suddenly gasped, “Heavens above! Is that… is that… is that Little Robin who was fostered here?! Unbelievable! How is that possible? How could her appearance be restored? God of Death above, please grant guidance to your servant!”