After listening for a long while, Zhong Shenxiu found himself completely uninterested and decided to check out the so-called armor in the back room. Stepping inside, he realized this inner room was actually larger than the outer space, and surprisingly, it was much more crowded. It seemed to have wonders hidden within! As soon as he entered, Zhong Shenxiu was struck by the sight: the entire back room was filled exclusively with armor, helmets, and other protective gear. Some pieces were neatly placed on shelves, while the majority hung along the surrounding walls.

At that moment, Laurent was just receiving an exquisitely carved wooden box handed to him by Iluno. His face was alight with excitement as he eagerly pried the box open. Inside rested a suit of silver-white armor inlaid with golden patterns, which shimmered with a formidable glow under the refracted sunlight.

Zhong Shenxiu’s gaze was drawn over as well. After just a brief look, he had a general assessment: the color was passable, the style somewhat adequate, but ultimately, it was all show and no substance.

“Master Iluno, here is the remaining 1800 Diamond Coins. Please count them,” Laurent said, handing Iluno a pouch filled with money. Iluno took the money but didn't even bother to count it, passing it directly to a dwarf standing nearby. It was clear Iluno held a position of authority here.

1800 Diamond Coins? Hearing that amount, Zhong Shenxiu nearly reeled. Was this even currency? What kind of profligate heir was spending so much on this shoddy armor? He felt like a sneeze could punch a hole right through it.

What was trash in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes, however, was a treasure to its owner. Laurent held up the armor, examining it thoroughly, clearly very satisfied. No wonder, Laurent thought, money talks, and you truly get what you pay for! He knew this money wasn't easily acquired; it was the culmination of years of saved allowance and New Year’s money! Nearly all his savings were invested here. He had longed for a decent suit of armor for many years, and today his dream was realized—could anyone blame him for being overjoyed? We can fully appreciate his sentiment at this moment.

“Master Iluno—” Laurent called out as Iluno turned to leave. “My father asked me to pass along a message.” Iluno turned back, asking expressionlessly, “What is it?” Laurent stared at Iluno’s blank face, hesitating for a long moment, unsure how to begin. “Well? What is the matter?” “My father asked me to convey this: he wants to offer 200,000 Diamond Coins for that suit of battle armor. I wonder if the Master would be willing to sell?” Laurent pointed nervously toward the most conspicuous, battered suit hanging on the west wall, his tone laced with unease.

200,000? Diamond Coins?? Zhong Shenxiu started questioning whether his ears had deceived him—that was a staggering 200,000 Diamond Coins! Mechanically, Zhong Shenxiu turned his head to look at Robin, hoping to confirm if he had misheard, but Robin remained perfectly composed, offering no clue.

“That is not for me to decide!” Iluno’s voice carried a trace of emotion this time—a slight hint of anger. He continued, “However—I doubt my master would ever sell it. It is a testament to history; its historical and metallurgical research value simply cannot be bought with mere money. You should advise your father to stop coveting it.” Laurent offered an awkward chuckle. He had expected to anger Iluno, so he wasn't overly surprised and offered no further comment.

Almost in a daze, Zhong Shenxiu walked toward that dilapidated battle armor, needing to understand what made this junk worth such an astronomical sum. The armor they spoke of was not only utterly worn out but also covered in grime and rust. Historical value? Metallurgical research? Zhong Shenxiu was almost ready to laugh out loud in exasperation. What was so good about this thing that it remained so valuable, even in this state?

“That piece predates the Z War. Its value is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people,” Iluno said coolly, perhaps sensing the disdain in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes, feeling compelled to add an extra comment. The Z War? What in the world was that? Just as Zhong Shenxiu was about to interrupt with, Old man, finish your explanation, Iluno had already turned and walked out to the outer room.

While Zhong Shenxiu was puzzling over the situation, a man who looked like an uncle suddenly leaned close and asked, “Little friend, from your look, you must be a first-timer here, right?” Seeing Zhong Shenxiu nod mechanically, the man continued, “Do you realize this artifact is the pride and joy of the ‘One Furnace Fire Weapon Shop’? If you show such contempt for this work, Iluno would be right to throw you out.” Perhaps being small has its advantages!

“What is the Z War?” This was the only question currently occupying Zhong Shenxiu’s mind. “The Z War, I can’t explain it clearly myself, only that it was a global conflict that erupted several centuries ago. I don’t know the specifics, but all the magic and martial academies should have records of it,” the uncle mused thoughtfully. After the helpful man departed, Zhong Shenxiu returned to examining the broken armor that looked as if it had been salvaged from a scrap heap.

“Sorry, this item is for viewing only, no touching,” a dwarf rushed over to stop him as Zhong Shenxiu reached out to touch the battle armor. Unbelievable! When had Zhong Shenxiu ever been treated like this? Back in the cultivation world, everyone begged him like desperate grandchildren to help authenticate magical treasures. Now, he wasn't even allowed to touch a piece of junk armor. If they won't let him touch it, fine; it’s no great loss anyway.

Just as Zhong Shenxiu was preparing to leave, he suddenly detected a faint wisp of Yin energy clinging to the armor—an aura so subtle he might have missed it had he not been scrutinizing it so intently. He paused for a beat, and then Zhong Shenxiu smiled. Not for any other reason, but because he had instantly conceived a way to make money fast.

What was this method? Whether it would work required practical proof. Leaving the weapon shop, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin headed toward the Magical Beast Forest almost without pause. It turned out that the faint Yin energy Zhong Shenxiu sensed on the armor could be traced using the sorcerous art of 'Thousand Mile Tracking.' If he could follow that trace of Yin energy, wouldn't that mean he could locate the ruins left behind by the supposed Z War?

Zhong Shenxiu knew the theory was sound, but he also understood that putting it into practice was far from easy—this was honest, hard manual labor. This was because the Yin energy was incredibly weak; Zhong Shenxiu would have to crank the power of 'Thousand Mile Tracking' to its absolute maximum? And furthermore, it wouldn't be found overnight.

Even so, Zhong Shenxiu was willing to try, because this represented glittering, tangible money! If he could find even one relic, the money issue would be solved. If the money issue was solved, the magic ring problem would also be resolved. If the magic ring was resolved, then the spatial storage problem was solved. Heh heh~ Zhong Shenxiu felt ecstatic just contemplating it. In his entire life, he had never loved anything as much as this concept of 'money' today.