Elina was furious, never expecting Zhong Shenxiu's demand to be taking Cherie away for research. That was a living person, and moreover, her student—how could she allow such a thing to happen!

Zhong Shenxiu, however, wasn't angry, but maintained an air of composed confidence as he continued, "Don't worry, I'll only study her temporarily, and I'll return her to you soon enough!"

"Th-that's still not acceptable!" Elina's stance was resolute.

Cherie, standing beside them, wore an expression on the verge of tears, silently screaming in her heart: Teacher, please, whatever you do, don't agree!

"Rest assured, I won't harm her. I just need to take her back for a few experiments!" Zhong Shenxiu pressed his case with Elina once more.

Experiments? What in the world were 'experiments'? Elina didn't quite grasp the meaning of Zhong Shenxiu's words, but her attitude remained stubbornly firm, giving the impression that this matter was non-negotiable.

"Then there is nothing more to be said!" Zhong Shenxiu displayed a look of deep regret. "Since you are so resolute, I will have no choice but to turn you all into Skeleton Warriors!"

With a sudden jolt, Elina almost forgot the precarious situation they were in—they were currently fish on the chopping block!

"You... you must propose another condition!" Elina said, a tremor of fear in her voice.

However, Zhong Shenxiu’s expression was utterly indifferent; it was clear he also believed this matter was non-negotiable!

Elina swallowed hard, as if wrestling with a profound internal struggle. Finally, she raised her head again, her tone hardening slightly, "I will substitute for Cherie. If you must conduct research, then research me instead!"

As she finished, she adopted a look that seemed to say, If I don't descend into hell, who will? (Ah~ what a dedicated teacher!)

"You?"

Zhong Shenxiu nearly burst out laughing, his face clearly conveying the impression, Sister, are you joking?

Elina nodded, then continued, "As long as you agree to let them go, I will leave with you right now!"

This time, Zhong Shenxiu did laugh, as he truly couldn't hold it in, surprised that this woman was being so absurdly comical. After his laughter subsided, Zhong Shenxiu calmly stated, "Hey, woman, did you not hear me clearly? I have only one condition: to take her away to study for a few days!"

Instantly, Elina was stunned again; she hadn't anticipated that Zhong Shenxiu would refuse her offer!

"My time is limited, give me an answer quickly. This is your last chance!" A hint of impatience colored Zhong Shenxiu's expression.

What should I do? What can I possibly do now? Elina was nearly breaking down, her gaze finally locking onto Cherie, who was looking back at her at that very moment.

As the two met each other's eyes, Zhong Shenxiu surprisingly walked towards Cherie.

Cherie flinched, instinctively retreating a few steps, but the next moment, Zhong Shenxiu materialized behind her, causing her to nearly collide with him.

"Ah!" Another cry escaped Cherie's lips, and she stumbled backward, collapsing onto the ground.

Zhong Shenxiu gave her a dark, knowing smile that, in Cherie's eyes, seemed more terrifying than anything else.

"Hey, little girl," Zhong Shenxiu suddenly addressed Cherie, "I need an answer from you now. Will you accept my condition, or choose to become a Skeleton Warrior?"

Cherie stared blankly at Zhong Shenxiu; she wanted to choose neither option, yet dared not voice it.

Women are so long-winded!

Zhong Shenxiu was growing impatient; it seemed necessary to help them make up their minds!

"Since it is thus, then do not blame me!" As Zhong Shenxiu’s words faded, a massive plume of black gas erupted from his body.

What is this?

Both Cherie and Elina wore expressions of sheer horror. Before either of them could react, the black gas accelerated, enveloping them both separately.

In that instant, the two felt an indescribable exhaustion, as if their strength was constantly draining away, a sense of impending death enveloping their hearts.

This black gas was utterly bizarre; their struggles proved utterly futile, and what terrified them more was that they couldn't even muster a single spell—it seemed the gas possessed the ability to sever connection with magical elements!

"I agree! I don't want to become a skeleton!" Cherie cried out loudly, her face etched with panic and despair.

Zhong Shenxiu paused, surprised that Cherie had agreed so readily now. His intention had been to frighten them both a little longer; it seemed that wouldn't be necessary after all!

"You agree?" Zhong Shenxiu casually waved his hand, and the black gas vanished from their bodies.

Cherie nodded, looking thoroughly aggrieved. In her heart, she swore that when she had children someday, she would never allow them to study Light Magic!

Zhong Shenxiu let out a triumphant smile, realizing he shouldn't have wasted so much time talking to them both!

"Since you've agreed, I will also uphold my promise and let you go!" Zhong Shenxiu said casually, though inwardly he was ecstatic. He couldn't wait to see what 'Skeleton Mutation' truly entailed.

As they prepared to leave, Cherie looked like someone being led to an execution ground, while Elina clung tightly to Cherie’s hand, barely refraining from bursting into tears of shared misery!

Zhong Shenxiu displayed a look of exasperation, but thankfully, he was in a good mood. Seeing how reluctant they were to part, he conceded, "Woman, I permit you to visit her once every day!"

Elina looked up in stunned surprise; she hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to show such kindness!

Watching Cherie gradually walk away beside Zhong Shenxiu, Elina’s emotions surged violently... (N words omitted). Suddenly, she remembered something critically important: she didn't know where Zhong Shenxiu was staying—how was she supposed to visit?

So, she ran a few frantic steps, managing to catch up to the proximity of Zhong Shenxiu and his group once more.

"Hey, you... you haven't told me the location yet?" Elina gasped, out of breath.

Zhong Shenxiu was utterly defeated by her. He simply stated flatly, "Go ask your brother when you get back!" Then, he led his group and vanished down the street.

The departing Zhong Shenxiu didn't head straight back to his lodging; instead, he took a detour and stopped at a food store, purchasing four plucked roosters.

What was he planning? A roasted chicken feast?

The answer would soon be revealed. As soon as he returned home, Zhong Shenxiu performed his "Dark Sorcery." Instantly, the four newly bought roosters transformed into four skeletal roosters.

Cherie, standing nearby, was completely dumbfounded, frozen where she was, lost in thought.

Angelica, in contrast, appeared relatively calm, having witnessed Zhong Shenxiu employ this technique once before!

But the very next moment, she too was left speechless, because Zhong Shenxiu suddenly attacked the skeletal roosters, stomping them into several pieces!

"Alright, now it's your turn to perform!" Zhong Shenxiu turned to face the stunned Cherie, his tone laced with anticipation.