Jiliya never imagined that Zhong Shenxiu would suddenly accuse her like that. She stood there, completely speechless.

In truth, the reason Zhong Shenxiu said that was twofold: partly to tease Angeliya, and partly because he was unhappy that Angeliya had just betrayed him. Now, things were evened out!

Fortunately, Gandalf had some insight; seeing Angeliya’s expression, he knew the situation wasn't as Zhong Shenxiu described, and there must be some hidden story.

"Um, can you untie me first?" Gandalf asked tentatively. The most important thing now wasn't recovering his lost items, but figuring out how to escape.

Originally, Gandalf had intended to use wind magic to cut the ropes binding him, but to his shock, he couldn't sense any magical elements, as if something was blocking him.

This realization was staggering. For a mage, being unable to sense magical elements meant he couldn't cast spells, rendering his title of Archmage completely hollow!

What could be the reason? Why had the sensing suddenly cut off? Gandalf was utterly perplexed, yet he didn't dare ask. He was afraid Zhong Shenxiu might strike him on the head again.

"It wasn't me who gave it, it was him..." Angeliya finally managed to react and started to defend herself, but when her eyes met Zhong Shenxiu's smiling gaze, her voice abruptly cut off, as if the power had been suddenly pulled.

Zhong Shenxiu withdrew his gaze from Angeliya and began to examine the contents of the magic ring.

Since this magic ring lacked fingerprint recognition or blood-binding features, anyone could use it without any special authorization.

Gandalf, being a man who enjoyed research, had stored many strange things in his magic ring, most of which were related to magic.

Things like Mana Stones or Magic Crystal Cores—Zhong Shenxiu had little interest in these. What truly captivated him were the books and several thick diaries inside.

Zhong Shenxiu was currently most eager to study magic, and these books perfectly suited his need, as they were all explanations and overviews of magical theory.

"Girl, you stay here and watch him; don't let him run off!" Without waiting for Angeliya's reply, Zhong Shenxiu carried the books he had picked up and went into the room.

Zhong Shenxiu had a habit: he preferred a quiet place when studying so he wouldn't be distracted.

Angeliya once again stood there, frozen and utterly unsure what to do.

Glancing at Gandalf, she saw he was also looking at her. After hesitating for a long moment, Angeliya walked a few steps forward and lowered her voice to explain, "The things on you really weren't given by me; he took them himself!"

Gandalf smiled softly and said, "Miss, I believe you. I know you wouldn't do such a thing!"

Angeliya paused, and then the agitation in her heart subsided considerably, though a sliver of guilt arose. After all, she had gone to help Zhong Shenxiu earlier. Even though she had turned back, it still made her feel somewhat apologetic toward Gandalf.

If one were to assign a crime to her action, it might be termed: Accomplice Attempted!

"Miss, I have something deeply puzzling. Why does it seem like you are very afraid of that little boy?" Gandalf’s curiosity was understandable; anyone in his position would wonder.

Hearing this question, Angeliya immediately showed an expression that suggested a long, complicated story. She had stepped onto a pirate ship; it was easy to get on, but hard to get off!

Seeing Angeliya look so troubled, Gandalf did not press the matter further.

"Miss, can you tell me where this place is?" Gandalf still had no idea where they were. He even entertained a thought: perhaps he hadn't controlled the proximity well, turning a short-range teleport into a long-range one?

Angeliya furtively glanced behind her. Seeing that Zhong Shenxiu was not nearby, she whispered, "This is 'Gulu City,' Nineteenth Street!"

Gandalf’s expression turned contemplative. Since this was "Gulu City," it meant his teleportation had only been slightly off target. But why had he suddenly fainted?

Seeing Gandalf silent, Angeliya didn't know what else to say, and the surroundings grew quiet.

Just then, footsteps sounded from behind Angeliya. Turning around, she saw Zhong Shenxiu walking toward them, looking somewhat frustrated.

Did he overhear our conversation? Angeliya was startled.

But she quickly relaxed, as Zhong Shenxiu walked straight to Gandalf and didn't even spare her a glance.

"Hey, old man!" Zhong Shenxiu shook a notebook in front of Gandalf. "Did you write this?"

Gandalf took a look. It was indeed the draft he was currently studying on the principles of "Spatial Magic," so he quickly nodded in affirmation.

"This is your handwriting? Even a spider crawling would be neater! Could you please write more clearly next time?" Zhong Shenxiu said irritably.

Although Zhong Shenxiu possessed extraordinary wisdom and comprehension, after reading ten lines of Gandalf's notes, he could barely decipher nine and a half of them. How could he not be angry?

Gandalf was about to retort, something like, I only need to understand it myself, who knew you'd check it!

After nagging for a while, Zhong Shenxiu returned to the room. Angeliya and Gandalf exchanged glances, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Miss, can you let me go?" Gandalf was feeling quite uncomfortable all over now.

Angeliya jumped in fright. Even if she were given ten times the courage, she wouldn't dare! She was certain that the moment she untied Gandalf, Zhong Shenxiu would devour her!

Angeliya pouted, looking extremely conflicted. She was living under someone else’s roof now and simply couldn't make executive decisions.

"I really am not a bad person," Gandalf said earnestly.

"I believe you!" Angeliya said, which made Gandalf's face brighten, but the latter half of her statement dashed his hopes. "But I truly cannot release you. Talking to me is useless; only when he agrees will it work!"

Gandalf naturally knew that the "he" Angeliya referred to was Zhong Shenxiu, and a look of despair crossed his face. He had experienced Zhong Shenxiu firsthand; this child was absolutely comparable to a little demon!

Gandalf couldn't fathom how such a child could exist in this world.

About half an hour later, Zhong Shenxiu emerged from the inner room again. However, this time he was different; a sly smile played on his face.

Angeliya, having some understanding of Zhong Shenxiu, felt a tremor in her heart, because every time she saw him with that expression, it heralded that something was about to happen.

"What are you two chatting about?" Zhong Shenxiu asked casually. It really was just a casual remark.

But Angeliya, unaware of his intent, thought she must have done something to anger him and quickly explained, "I didn't promise him anything!"

That simple sentence betrayed Gandalf!

Zhong Shenxiu, being who he was, naturally caught the implicit meaning. He immediately smiled and said, "Mm, very good!"

Angeliya did not relax even after Zhong Shenxiu spoke; her heart remained unsettled.

Zhong Shenxiu now stood close to Gandalf, first letting out a light chuckle that made Gandalf slightly uneasy, before slowly asking, "Were you just inciting her to let you go?"

Gandalf swallowed, suddenly nervous, and said, "The weather is quite nice today!"

"I am in a very good mood too!" Zhong Shenxiu wasn't angered by Gandalf's attempt to change the subject; rather, he smiled again.

Gandalf felt he understood the little boy even less. On the surface, this child looked so innocent and ignorant, but upon interacting with him, one discovered a soul that was deep and rational!

Though it was just a faint smile, it gave off an air of inscrutable mystery. Could such a child truly only be a few years old?

Gandalf chose silence, feeling that the more he spoke, the more likely he was to be seen through by Zhong Shenxiu.

This feeling became even stronger when his gaze met Zhong Shenxiu’s deep eyes!

"Hey, old man, do you want to leave this place?" Zhong Shenxiu looked at Gandalf with a half-smile, and anyone who knew him could guess he was plotting something mischievous again.

However, Gandalf apparently didn't know Zhong Shenxiu well enough. Hearing this, his eyes immediately lit up, and he asked excitedly, "Really? Are you really planning to let me go?"

"Of course!" Zhong Shenxiu smiled again, but then paused, deliberately trying to keep Gandalf in suspense.

"But what?" Gandalf immediately grew tense, sensing that Zhong Shenxiu wouldn't let him go so easily.

"But there are conditions!" Zhong Shenxiu finally showed his true colors.

"Wh-what conditions?"

"Do you want to strike a deal with me?" Zhong Shenxiu appraised Gandalf with a deceptively sweet expression, looking every bit the unblemished child.

But for some reason, when Angeliya heard those four words—strike a deal—she instinctively felt goosebumps rise all over her body!

"What deal?" Gandalf raised his guard slightly.

A shrewd, calculating glint flashed in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes. "I’m interested in magic right now. You teach me some fundamental knowledge of magic. Once I learn it, I'll let you go. How does that sound as a deal?"

(Attention readers: Zhong Shenxiu didn't specify a concrete time limit or an objective standard for judging his learning progress. This means whether he releases the man later is entirely up to him, and he won't even be considered in breach of contract! Brilliant, truly brilliant!)

Gandalf didn't consider these deeper implications. He felt that as a respectable Archmage, imparting some basic knowledge shouldn't be an issue, so he readily agreed: "It's a deal!"

As the saying goes, the bystander sees clearest. Angeliya, watching from the side, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. Why did Gandalf look so much like her past self?

Alas, what fate awaits Gandalf?