As Anjilia stepped into the small courtyard, she froze, utterly stunned by the scene before her. Her eyes remained fixed ahead, wide and unblinking.

Following her gaze, she saw Robin cultivating the esoteric cultivation techniques taught by Zhong Shenxiu within the "Spirit Gathering Array."

This would have been ordinary enough, but what Anjilia found utterly unacceptable was the soft, ethereal white light shimmering around Robin, much like fireflies on a summer night.

Even more bizarre was the fact that Robin, who should have been sitting cross-legged, was actually suspended in the air, fully a meter above the ground!

Anjilia had never witnessed such a world-shaking sight and stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. Though she had spent considerable time with Zhong Shenxiu, she had never once heard of "Cultivation" before!

What in the world was happening? Was this a hallucination?

Anjilia began to suspect that she had simply been overthinking things today, causing her mind to conjure illusions.

Just as she was convinced this must be the case, the white light surrounding Robin abruptly vanished, and she drifted softly back down to the ground, her beautiful eyes opening at that very moment.

In stark contrast to Anjilia’s shock, Robin remained perfectly composed, not uttering a single word.

The silence between them was finally broken by Anjilia, who asked in a somewhat bewildered tone, "What... what was that just now?"

Robin’s expression remained placid. She simply replied with two words: "Practice!"

Anjilia’s doubts did not lessen; rather, they intensified! She looked at Robin as if she were staring at a complete stranger.

"Prac... practice what kind of technique?"

Anjilia could no longer contain her surging curiosity. Normally, she would never pry into matters that didn't concern her!

Robin studied her for a moment before responding, again with just two words: "Secret!"

Anjilia was left somewhat flustered by Robin’s aloofness. She understood Robin’s nature; if she didn't wish to speak, all her curiosity would be in vain.

At that moment, a wave of envy washed over Anjilia once more. She knew that this strange technique Robin had just practiced must have been taught by Zhong Shenxiu, and if she hadn't stumbled upon it, she might never have known.

How many more secrets were there between them that she was unaware of? How could she truly integrate herself into their world?

It wasn't her fault for thinking this way. Since encountering Zhong Shenxiu, she had discovered how vibrant and colorful the world truly was, filled with so many magical things she never knew existed! More importantly, she felt herself progressing every single day!

While Anjilia was lost in thought, Robin had already approached her.

"Have you made up your mind?" Robin asked Anjilia, a rare query from her.

Anjilia blinked again before snapping back to attention and nodding. "I brought the money."

"The Master is busy right now. Don't disturb him," Robin’s tone was still measured, but her voice was melodious, easily sparking the imagination.

Anjilia knew Robin shared a trait with Zhong Shenxiu: their words were final. Thus, she decided not to press the matter and waited quietly nearby.

However, Robin didn't wait with her. Instead, she walked to the side to practice her "Tai Chi."

Anjilia waited, mentally rehearsing how she would approach Zhong Shenxiu, but as she waited and waited, Zhong Shenxiu never emerged. By now, night had fully descended.

"The Master probably won't come out today," Robin appeared again, seemingly out of nowhere.

Anjilia looked somewhat blank, unsure if Robin was telling her to give up waiting.

Fortunately, Robin followed up immediately: "Wait here in your original spot. Do not disturb him until he comes out."

Anjilia was surprisingly touched, not expecting Robin would offer her a place to stay for the night.

The next morning, Anjilia awoke early. But when she stepped out of her room, she found Zhong Shenxiu and Robin already having breakfast.

"Oh, girl," Zhong Shenxiu was in good spirits and greeted her first, before adding, "Want some?"

Anjilia didn't want to slight Zhong Shenxiu, so she sat down next to Robin. But just as she picked up a steamed bun, Zhong Shenxiu's next sentence left her utterly dumbfounded.

"Oops, I forgot to mention, if you eat breakfast here again today, it’ll cost you!"

Anjilia froze like a statue, the bun suspended between her fingers, unsure whether to put it down or raise it to her mouth.

"But I’m in a good mood today, so consider this one free!" Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile.

Yet, Anjilia remained hesitant, her expression suggesting she was waiting for Zhong Shenxiu to reveal the rest of his unspoken terms.

Thankfully, Zhong Shenxiu didn't press her further, and Anjilia finally managed to finish the meal in a state of nervous apprehension.

Once the utensils were cleared, Zhong Shenxiu asked Anjilia, "Girl, I heard you brought the money. Have you decided to stay here after all?"

Anjilia nodded and stated her intentions clearly.

"Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s skip the pleasantries and get to business!" Zhong Shenxiu said, smiling broadly. Anjilia felt a knot of tension in her stomach, worried Zhong Shenxiu would impose some "unequal" contracts.

"First, let’s talk about the accommodation fee. How about 'one hundred Diamond Coins a month?'" Zhong Shenxiu asked, his eyes narrowed, seemingly anticipating her reaction.

Anjilia was indeed shocked; she nearly spat out the breakfast she had just eaten!

One hundred Diamond Coins a month? That was far too expensive. She was only a student, with no job. Her meager savings consisted only of her academy scholarship and what her parents had left her before they passed. Beyond that, she had no income whatsoever. Suddenly producing a hundred Diamond Coins was no small sum for her!

Seeing Anjilia's face pale slightly, Zhong Shenxiu asked with extreme calmness, "Is that a bit pricey?"

Anjilia nodded rapidly as if granted a great pardon, her excited expression nearly urging Zhong Shenxiu to accept her gratitude immediately.

However, after waiting a long time, Zhong Shenxiu said nothing more, which caused Anjilia's heart to rise again.

"Girl, how about this then..." Zhong Shenxiu finally spoke again. "I see you're a student, so I won't make things difficult. How about one Silver Coin a month?"

Anjilia’s eyes widened. She began to wonder if her ears were malfunctioning and she had misheard him.

One Silver Coin a month? That was incredibly cheap! How could the contrast between the two offers be so drastic?

Was there some kind of scheme involved?

Anjilia grew even more tense, beginning to doubt whether her decision to come here was truly correct!

"Hey, girl, you don't think that’s too expensive, do you? Should I start paying you to stay here?" Zhong Shenxiu suddenly asked.

What a joke. Even if he offered to pay her, Anjilia wouldn't dare accept; she would probably be begging him to take the money!

Anjilia seemed terrified of making Zhong Shenxiu angry—though she was even more afraid of that sly smile of his. She quickly asked, "Is it really just one Silver Coin a month?"

"Absolutely!"

"Then... then I can accept!" Anjilia whispered meekly.

"However, I do have one condition!" Zhong Shenxiu's words immediately made Anjilia’s heart jump again.

"Wha... what condition?" Anjilia asked foolishly.

"You will be responsible for all the cleaning work in the courtyard, and you must also cook meals for Robin and me."

The conditions Zhong Shenxiu set were not harsh, so Anjilia finally agreed. She signed and sealed a contract Zhong Shenxiu produced.

To be honest, Zhong Shenxiu had no intention of making things difficult for Anjilia from the start. His words yesterday were purely a test to see if Anjilia could seize an opportunity.

"Remember to have lunch ready. Robin and I will be back to eat," Zhong Shenxiu said after they reached an understanding, then led Robin out the door.

Anjilia found it incredibly unbelievable. None of the arguments she had prepared, none of the scenarios she had mentally rehearsed, had materialized!

This perfectly proved the old saying: Man proposes, God disposes!

Arriving at the "Dublai Magic and Martial Arts Academy," Zhong Shenxiu and Robin headed straight for the library. First, they returned the books they had checked out the day before, and then they entered Room Number Three on the first floor.

This time, Zhong Shenxiu selected books on Wind Magic. Having previously learned some basics from Gandalf, he made swift progress this time, mastering the principles of Wind Magic quickly.

To his slight disappointment, he found no connection between Wind Magic and any esoteric cultivation methods.

Next, Zhong Shenxiu intended to look at texts on "Spatial Magic," but to his great surprise, he couldn't find a single one after searching for a long time. Upon inquiry, he learned that the library held no books on that subject; to study "Spatial Magic," one needed to attend a renowned major institution!

Although being unable to research "Spatial Magic" disappointed Zhong Shenxiu, one book caught his attention while he was searching. The title of the book was Encyclopedia of Magic Circles!

Zhong Shenxiu casually flipped through a few pages and was immediately captivated by the contents!

This Encyclopedia of Magic Circles listed magic circles of every conceivable shape and design. While it couldn't guarantee inclusion of every single magic circle in this world, it covered all the most common ones.

The beginning of the book featured an index arranged alphabetically, making it easy to look up specific entries—it had the feel of a reference tool!

It was worth noting that the Encyclopedia of Magic Circles only described the characteristics, shapes, and functions of various magic circles, offering no instruction whatsoever on how to construct them.

Even so, Zhong Shenxiu couldn't put it down, as it sparked a new idea in his mind: What would happen if he utilized magic circles for artifact refinement?