Zhong Shenxiu barely slept the entire night, consumed with studying the four skeletal roosters. As his research delved deeper, he began to grasp certain essentials, drawing ever closer to touching the fundamental principles.

The next day, Cherie was again tasked with purifying the four skeletal roosters, but before she started, Zhong Shenxiu assigned tasks to Robin and Angelia.

Firstly, since Robin was soon to undergo the Yijin Xisui (Tendon Cleansing and Marrow Washing), he first had to teach her necessary precautions and theoretical knowledge, and instruct her on how to handle any unexpected occurrences. Following that, he passed on a spiritual energy circulation technique (Tuna Xinfa) to Robin, telling her to begin comprehending it immediately, as it would be required during the Yijin Xisui.

Secondly, having promised to teach Angelia something, he needed to fulfill that commitment. Zhong Shenxiu handed her a meticulously copied, supremely simple "Introductory Internal Cultivation Method" (a technique he had personally adapted specifically for beginners like Angelia) and instructed her to memorize its contents thoroughly. If any part remained unclear, she was to tentatively mark it for a comprehensive explanation later.

It could be said that everyone had something to do, yet Cherie had the easiest task. Her job was straightforward: casting low-level light magic, nothing beyond a minor illumination spell. Unlike Zhong Shenxiu and the others, who were constantly straining their minds with thinking and memorizing!

Cherie had already adjusted her mindset, shaking off her prior gloom, and now treated the 'purification' work entirely as a game.

Moreover, Cherie had actually grown somewhat fond of the place. The biggest reason was the utterly delicious food, which gave her a feeling of being so content she couldn't bear to leave.

One other thing was worth noting: Elena had stopped by early that morning, clearly concerned about Cherie’s safety.

What frustrated Elena immensely, however, was that after exchanging only a few words, Cherie had sent her away with a single sentence.

Cherie’s actual words were something like this: "Teacher Elena, you can go back now, I’m doing great here! Not only is the food good, but I’m learning new skills too!"

Elena, naturally curious, couldn't help but ask, "Cherie, what new skills have you learned?"

"I learned how to make a fire, and I learned how to wash dishes!"

And so, Elena returned in a daze!

The research on the skeletal mutation continued. As the skeletal roosters grew stronger from the continuous purification, Zhong Shenxiu finally discovered a crucial clue.

A faint, almost illusory yellow light had begun to appear on the bones of these skeletal roosters.

What was this? Zhong Shenxiu was clearly startled. He remembered that these hadn't been there before; why were they emerging now?

Driven by curiosity and excitement, Zhong Shenxiu began a meticulous study and finally found the anomaly. These yellow glows were actually condensations of Cherie’s light magic, adhering tightly to the bones, with some even permeating deep within.

Zhong Shenxiu grew increasingly animated; a bold hypothesis was forming in his mind. If this hypothesis proved true, it would mean he had completely grasped the essential nature of the phenomenon.

He now shifted his gaze toward Cherie’s light magic, his eyes like an owl hunting in the deep night.

Finally, a smile touched his lips.

It turned out that a certain ray within light magic had undergone a transformative chemical reaction with the Dark Sorcery power, fundamentally altering the properties of the dark energy—much like a patch being applied to a flawed system, making the Dark Sorcery even more perfect.

At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu gained a deeper level of understanding regarding his own Dark Sorcery, and he also began to take an interest in what was termed 'magic.' Not because magic was inherently powerful, but because it had provided him with inspiration and novel insights!

Another day passed. Finally, there was nothing left to research, so Zhong Shenxiu called Cherie over.

"Little girl," Zhong Shenxiu said with an easy smile, "You can go back today!"

Cherie froze, looking at Zhong Shenxiu in confusion.

"Your task is complete; you are free to leave!" Zhong Shenxiu added with another smile.

He was eager for the girl to leave; this little sprite had already shattered countless plates and bowls in his possession.

"So soon?" Cherie said something that left Zhong Shenxiu momentarily speechless, suggesting she hadn't had her fill of staying.

Zhong Shenxiu nodded and then stated, "The debt between us is settled!"

"Weren't I supposed to be the experiment?" Cherie still couldn't comprehend.

"That's finished!"

"Perhaps you could let me do a few more experiments?" Cherie asked timidly.

Good grief, he hadn't expected she would want to linger!

Zhong Shenxiu was speechless concerning her, too weary for more debate. Instead, he summoned Angelia.

Angelia, thinking Zhong Shenxiu was about to instruct her in swordsmanship, scampered over eagerly, wearing an expression that clearly said, "Tell me what to do."

"You take her back," Zhong Shenxiu stated succinctly.

The reason he needed someone to escort her was that he didn't fully trust Cherie; who could guarantee the little girl would obediently return on her own? To prevent Elena from demanding the girl back later, sending someone along was the safer option!

The reason he didn't send Robin was that he needed to begin the Yijing Xisui procedure for her immediately!

Cherie had initially planned to dawdle a bit longer, but after receiving a sharp glare from Zhong Shenxiu, she immediately ceased any further fuss and quietly left with Angelia!

Watching Cherie depart, Zhong Shenxiu exhaled with an expression of immense relief.

As for Cherie, walking back toward Old Danny’s house with Angelia, she carried a demeanor reminiscent of the ancient verse, "The peacock flies southeast, pausing every five li," constantly glancing over her shoulder!

Farewell, my little courtyard! Farewell, my delectable feasts!

After seeing Cherie home, Angelia made a quick stop back at the school to retrieve some change of clothes.

Upon reaching the school gates, she noticed colorful flags everywhere, with conspicuous banners hung along both sides: Heartily Celebrating the Nth Annual 'Academy Ranking Tournament' Hosted by Our School!

Angelia paid it no mind and walked straight in. But after only a couple of steps, she stopped, spotting a newly erected notice board placed right in the middle of the path.

Curiously, she approached and glanced at the postings. Only one item piqued her interest:

...This academy’s esteemed guests this time include: the Arch-Magus Gandalf, holder of the title "Doctor of Research"; Teacher Elena, holding the title of "Special Grade Instructor" at the 'Homebody Martial Arts Academy'; ... (omitted thereafter)

Angelia was clearly taken aback. She hadn't expected the school to secure the attendance of Arch-Magus Gandalf; it was truly surprising.

Yet, she could never have imagined that in a short time, she would meet this Arch-Magus Gandalf at a moment neither of them could have anticipated!