As Zhong Shenxiu examined the array of magic circles, he found they possessed a striking similarity to the workings of spiritual power incantations; a little dedicated research might reveal the links between them.
This was an exhilarating new discovery, one that heralded the imminent opening of yet another new door for Zhong Shenxiu!
Speaking of "artifact refinement," a brief explanation is due: generally, it involves superimposing various formations onto the object being refined—that is the simplistic description. While Zhong Shenxiu could currently lay down arrays, he was dependent on the use of Immortal Stones, and moreover, he was limited to deploying only minor formations. This very limitation was why he was unable to refine artifacts right now!
If he could truly utilize magic circles for artifact refinement, it would represent a monumental revolution, solving the problem of insufficient spiritual power preventing him from refining. Simultaneously, it might foreshadow the possibility that Zhong Shenxiu could cast arrays and refine artifacts using only his mental power!
What an incredibly exciting prospect!
Zhong Shenxiu hadn't engaged in artifact refinement for a long time; he was already itching to try, but he was hindered by his strength not yet reaching the requisite level. It was akin to possessing a bank card loaded with a colossal sum, yet lacking the PIN—leaving him sighing in frustration!
According to Zhong Shenxiu’s original plan, he would need to break through the second layer of the "Black Tortoise Secret Art" before he could even attempt artifact refinement. Once he surpassed the second layer of the "Black Tortoise Secret Art," he would not only be able to unleash the "True Samadhi Fire" but also command considerable spiritual power!
But things were better now; a seemingly shortcut had appeared before him, so how could he not be excited!
And so, a new research subject presented itself. Zhong Shenxiu began rummaging through every book he possessed concerning "Magic Circles."
Time flew swiftly, and soon it was noon, yet Zhong Shenxiu had only just begun the serious part of his study on magic circles. By "serious part," he merely meant he had identified the direction in which his research needed to proceed!
He had initially intended to skip lunch to continue his research, but catching sight of Robin’s expression, he knew if he didn't return, Robin would surely stay behind with him.
When the two returned to the small courtyard, Angélia had indeed already prepared the meal!
Because Zhong Shenxiu’s entire focus was consumed by the magic circles, he ate only a little and stopped. Robin ate quickly, sweeping clean every dish Angélia had made in a matter of moments.
The task of clearing the mess inevitably fell to Angélia once more, yet she showed no resentment, appearing completely accustomed to the chore.
“Hey, girl, do you know when the 'Academy Ranking Tournament' is scheduled?” Zhong Shenxiu suddenly asked Angélia.
In truth, Zhong Shenxiu had only overheard a discussion among students at the "Dublai Magic and Martial Academy," seemingly a topic of great excitement for everyone!
Angélia visibly started, not expecting Zhong Shenxiu to ask such a question out of the blue. Could it be that he truly intended to participate in the "Academy Ranking Tournament"?
Angélia had considered many reasons why Zhong Shenxiu and Robin might attend school, and one of them was precisely to participate in this "Academy Ranking Tournament"!
If that were the case, it was almost unimaginable. Given their immense power, they would surely slice through every obstacle and seize the championship!
Moreover, any opponent who crossed their path would receive a profound lesson in what it meant to be "instantly defeated"!
Forget one-on-one matches where they couldn't possibly defeat either Zhong Shenxiu or Robin; even if all the other contestants united to face the pair, they wouldn't stand the slightest chance!
Angélia knew very well that the strength possessed by Zhong Shenxiu and Robin had reached an inhuman level. Every time she recalled the ease and nonchalance with which they had wiped out the "Twin Axes Mercenary Group" that day, a shiver would involuntarily run down her spine.
“There are two months and seven days left!” Angélia replied somewhat weakly.
“Will there be any truly formidable participants?” Zhong Shenxiu continued to press, his thoughts unreadable.
This question stumped Angélia, as she couldn't discern whether Zhong Shenxiu meant "formidable" from her perspective, or formidable relative to him and Robin!
Fortunately, Zhong Shenxiu shifted his focus just then.
“What rank do you genuinely think Robin could achieve if she participated?” Zhong Shenxiu looked meaningfully at Angélia.
Angélia’s body tensed. The implication behind Zhong Shenxiu’s words was becoming quite clear: he was contemplating having Robin enter this "Academy Ranking Tournament"!
Just as she suspected, Zhong Shenxiu did have this idea in mind, and it was a recent development—he hadn't considered it before today, at least! However, the thought was still tentative, as he hadn't yet determined if sending Robin in was necessary.
Robin’s strength was now barely sufficient, at least in Zhong Shenxiu’s view; to others, she was already a monstrous presence. He felt she should gain more practical combat experience. Yet, Zhong Shenxiu found it strange: in all his time in this other world, why had everyone he encountered seemed so weak?
Perhaps some readers might wonder, wasn't sparring with Zhong Shenxiu enough for Robin?
The reason was quite simple: all the skills Robin possessed, Zhong Shenxiu had taught her. Although Robin fought fiercely during their practice bouts, subconsciously, she could never fully bring herself to treat Zhong Shenxiu as a true opponent. This mental block severely hampered the effectiveness of their spar!
The best training partner is one who matches your skill level, where both parties exhaust every trick they have, yet the fight remains deadlocked—that exhilarating back-and-forth is what truly drives advancement! What Robin lacked was precisely this kind of crucible.
Angélia turned to look at Robin, who was also looking at her. Although Angélia already knew the answer in her heart, for some reason, she couldn't bring herself to say it!
Zhong Shenxiu seemed to catch something in Angélia’s expression, and he smiled, changing his line of questioning: “What gap do you estimate between yourself and the first-place competitor?”
This question was subtle; by using Angélia as a benchmark, he could accurately gauge the general standard of the "Academy Ranking Tournament" and the caliber of the enrolled participants!
However, this question stumped Angélia again. If Zhong Shenxiu had asked about the difference between her and the second-place contender, she could have answered quickly, but estimating the gap between herself and the top seed, Austin, was genuinely difficult because she had never fought him.
Though she had witnessed Austin’s bout against Laurent, she clearly knew that Austin had not displayed his true strength during that match, yet he had still managed to keep Laurent flustered and overwhelmed.
It could be said that this Austin was a deeply reserved individual; if possible, Angélia too wished to know just how powerful he truly was!
Zhong Shenxiu felt genuinely speechless; he hadn't expected Angélia to be unaware of this matter either.
“Robin, let’s go!” Zhong Shenxiu said to Robin; he still needed to return to his study of those magic circles!
Only after Zhong Shenxiu and Robin had both left the small courtyard did Angélia realize she hadn't answered Zhong Shenxiu’s questions. A flicker of worry crossed her mind: would he be angry with her because of it?
This thought troubled Angélia throughout the entire afternoon, leaving her restless. The more she replayed her behavior from moments ago, the more certain she became that Zhong Shenxiu might have been angered!
Should she go and explain?
In reality, her concern was misplaced. Zhong Shenxiu would hardly be angry with the girl. The haste with which he left was purely because he was eager to resume his research on the magic circles.
Troubled by her anxiety, Angélia lost the focus needed for her practice and decided to take a walk downtown!
Since the small courtyard was situated in a somewhat remote area, the streets were deserted.
Angélia walked aimlessly. Although she wanted to apologize to Zhong Shenxiu, she didn't know where his academy was located! Finally, after some thought, she decided to head back to the "Buzhadi Magic and Martial Academy."
But on the way, she ran into someone—it was Sheryl, returning from the "One Furnace Fire Weapon Shop" after buying a sword!
Those with good memories should recall that Sheryl was the one who had previously led Monica and the others on an expedition into the Magic Beast Forest. He was also a student at the "Dublai Magic and Martial Academy," making him, technically, a senior to both Zhong Shenxiu and Robin!
Sheryl also saw Angélia, and his expression visibly froze. He hadn't expected to run into a key figure from the "Academy Ranking Tournament" in this location.
He knew of Angélia; she was someone who had consistently made it into the top four every year. Her strength was beyond reproach, and what was even rarer, she was a female swordswoman!
Though he recognized Angélia, she did not recognize him, as Sheryl had never managed to advance to the finals.
Admittedly, with his skill level, Sheryl should have been capable of reaching the finals, but he had been quite unlucky. In his first tournament, he met Harrison during the elimination rounds and suffered a glorious defeat. In his second attempt, he ran into Laurent during the eliminations, and the result was predictable. This year would be his third attempt; who knew what fate held for him now?
Angélia hadn't paid Sheryl any mind initially, but as they drew closer, her expression shifted markedly because she noticed something—a badge, the very same type of badge worn by Zhong Shenxiu and Robin!
“Hold on!” As Sheryl walked past her, Angélia suddenly called out.
Sheryl was clearly startled; he never imagined Angélia would actively greet him.
“What is it?” Sheryl managed to ask, feigning composure. Many gentlemen adopt this manner when facing a beautiful woman, attempting to appear profound.
“May I ask which academy you belong to?” Angélia asked, a hint of expectation in her voice. This was a question she dared not ask Zhong Shenxiu directly, but she felt no such constraint around others!
Sheryl’s expression flickered slightly; he couldn't quite grasp Angélia’s motive.
“Dublai Magic and Martial Academy.”
“Thank you,” Angélia replied in a tone even more placid than Sheryl’s, then turned and walked away.
Sheryl stared blankly at Angélia’s retreating back; he was truly bewildered. To find out what happens next, please log on to [Website address], for more chapters and support.