Yet, Zhong Shenxiu didn't look up, his gaze still fixed intently on the volume.

It was evident that the book in Li Si’s hands was quite old, as the script on the cover was blurred, and there were noticeable signs of damage.

Li Si smoothed his slightly ragged breathing and then spoke, "I have a book here about 'Barriers' (Jie Jie)." With that, he offered the book he held toward Zhong Shenxiu.

Zhong Shenxiu didn't reach out to take it; instead, he raised his head to look at Li Si, his expression seemingly asking, "What is the meaning of this?"

As the saying goes, "Unsolicited favors often mask ulterior motives!" Zhong Shenxiu needed to ascertain Li Si's intentions first.

In truth, the reason Li Si brought this book was purely to express his gratitude for Zhong Shenxiu helping him break through to the "Intern Swordsman" rank—nothing more.

Although Zhong Shenxiu had framed it as a transaction at the time, Li Si knew that Zhong Shenxiu was helping him, as all he asked in return was for Li Si to leave.

Li Si felt a little indebted, and seeing that Zhong Shenxiu seemed interested in these "Barriers," he decided to offer this ancient book to him.

As it happened, Li Si had stumbled upon this ancient volume accidentally while organizing his family's storeroom one time. He had been tidying things up when he suddenly noticed a corner sticking out from behind a dilapidated cabinet, revealing a hidden room. Upon entering, he discovered it contained many books, along with miscellaneous items.

However, what greatly frustrated Li Si was that all these books explained magic, which was utterly useless to him as a swordsman.

"I want to give this book to you. I don't know if it will be useful to you, but consider it thanks for helping me break through to 'Intern Swordsman'!" Li Si said with sincerity.

Zhong Shenxiu was quite surprised. He hadn't expected such an unexpected gain from his casual action.

He accepted it casually, neither explicitly agreeing nor refusing—he decided to examine the contents first.

"This... what is this?" Zhong Shenxiu's expression suddenly shifted. Although he had only skimmed a few pages, he understood the immense value of this book, far surpassing all the books on "Magic Formations" (Mo Fa Zhen) he had read in the past few days!

Li Si’s description hadn't been accurate. This wasn't just a book about "Barriers"; it was a compilation of the essence of "Magic Formations"! The profound insights appearing within were like guiding lamps, offering Zhong Shenxiu new enlightenment. The previously unclear connections suddenly became crystal clear.

Zhong Shenxiu had a premonition: if he could study this book properly, he would find a way to use Magic Formations for artifact refining!

It was truly a case of "searching high and low for something, only to find it right under one's nose!"

Li Si, observing Zhong Shenxiu's fluctuating expression, couldn't fathom what he was thinking. To be honest, he didn't know the book’s true worth because he couldn't understand its content. He only thought it was very old and perhaps a rare, lost edition, which Zhong Shenxiu might find interesting.

But now, Li Si felt a little uneasy. He worried that Zhong Shenxiu might be angry because he offered such a dilapidated book!

"Um, I should head back now." Li Si contemplated slipping away; after all, his sentiment had been delivered, whether it was liked or not was no longer his concern.

"Boy, wait a moment!" Zhong Shenxiu's voice rang out suddenly, startling Li Si.

"Wh-what is it?" Li Si turned back nervously.

Zhong Shenxiu didn't speak immediately but instead offered a smile. Anyone who knew him knew this smile belonged to the "wicked" sort!

"Where did you get this book?" Light flickered unusually in Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes.

Li Si looked momentarily stunned. Though he didn't grasp the meaning behind the question, he answered honestly, "I brought it from home!"

"Oh? Are you certain you want to give it to me?"

Only then did Li Si begin to understand why Zhong Shenxiu asked, and he quickly nodded, "There are only the butler and me at home. Once I give you this book, I won't be asking for it back!"

He paused, perhaps fearing Zhong Shenxiu still didn't believe him, and added, "If you like it, just keep it. Books like this are useless to me anyway, and we have many more like it at home!"

His intent was clear: gifting one book was no big deal. However, he had forgotten a crucial maxim: Do not flaunt your wealth!

Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes suddenly lit up at the last sentence, exactly like a falcon spotting its prey!

"Boy, you're saying you have many more books like this at your place?" Zhong Shenxiu asked, his tone deceptively calm.

Li Si, unaware of the scheme Zhong Shenxiu was hatching, paid no mind and nodded honestly.

At this, the smile on Zhong Shenxiu's face grew wider, and he said meaningfully, "Boy, how about we make another... transaction?"

Another transaction?

Li Si was momentarily (stunned), then delighted, quickly asking, "What transaction?"

"I promise to help you train; in return, you lend me those books at your home to look at."

Zhong Shenxiu didn't say "take," only "lend"—this was his caveat.

"You really promise to help me train?" Li Si asked, overjoyed, almost unable to believe his ears.

"Of course, and I guarantee to at least double your strength within two months!" Zhong Shenxiu once again tossed out an almost irresistible lure. "How about it? Want to strike this deal with me?"

"I... I accept!" Li Si nodded frantically with excitement. This deal was simply too massive for him; promising to at least double his strength in two months! If that were true, he might truly make a name for himself in the upcoming "Academy Ranking Tournament."

Zhong Shenxiu’s expression became one of profound inscrutability, as if he already knew Li Si would agree!

"Since you've agreed, are you planning to start training immediately, or would you like some time to prepare mentally first?" Zhong Shenxiu suddenly asked.

Li Si didn't grasp the full meaning of Zhong Shenxiu's words, especially misunderstanding the phrase "mentally prepared."

"Of course, the sooner the better!" Li Si replied impatiently.

"Since you say so, then alright!" Zhong Shenxiu then turned and instructed Robin, "Robin, go with him and help move all those books over."

Though phrased as "help," the more accurate term was "supervise"—ensure every single book was moved! Of course, this didn't need to be explicitly stated; Robin understood perfectly.

Then, Zhong Shenxiu told Li Si, "You two go now, and I'll arrange your training when you return."

"Uh!" Li Si was somewhat flustered by Zhong Shenxiu's rapid-fire instructions but said nothing further, simply leading Robin away.

The reason Zhong Shenxiu didn't go along was that he still needed to study this Barrier here; a small matter like moving books was sufficient for Robin to handle!

Setting aside Zhong Shenxiu’s research, let’s focus on Robin, who left with Li Si.

The two hadn't even left the academy grounds when the class bell rang.

A horde of students began pouring out of the various training grounds. Li Si was free because he had no afternoon classes. He glanced at Robin beside him, worried she might get lost, but hesitated to take her hand, as Robin's expression clearly communicated the words, "Strangers Keep Out!"

Because of this, he had to slow his pace, which only resulted in more people crowding around them.

"Yo, isn't this Li Si!" A smug voice suddenly cut through the air; it was none other than Jellatin.

Jellatin had just finished class and spotted Li Si from afar. The man had few hobbies other than arguing with Li Si because he derived satisfaction from Li Si’s frustrated expression—the simple reason being that his power surpassed Li Si's; he was a "High-Rank Swordsman"!

However, he was completely unaware that Li Si was now fundamentally different; he had already reached the "High-Rank Swordsman" level as well!

Li Si stopped. The first thing he wanted to do after gaining strength was to deflate this guy's arrogance.

"You really are quite idle. No wonder you’re always an 'Intern Swordsman.' But that actually suits you perfectly!" Jellatin grinned triumphantly again.

"Do you think I’m still weaker than you now?" Li Si smiled back.

"Oh really? Then do you dare step into the training ground for a spar?" Jellatin always proposed this suggestion whenever they bickered because he knew Li Si was self-aware enough to refuse.

This time, however, he was surprised, as Li Si smiled again and readily agreed, "What's there to fear? Do you think I'm afraid of you!"

Jellatin paused, then immediately brightened, "I'll show you the vast difference between an 'Intern Swordsman' and a 'High-Rank Swordsman'!"

But just as the two were about to step into the training ground to prepare for a spar, Robin, whom both had ignored, spoke up.

"Don't waste my time here!"

Though few words, it conveyed that Robin was in a foul mood!

Only then did Jellatin notice Robin and asked idiotically, "Who is she?"

He had a poor memory, so forgetting Robin was understandable.

Robin didn't answer him, and Li Si remained silent. Li Si stared at Robin in surprise; he could clearly sense that Robin was very angry, and the consequences would be severe!

Of course, what Li Si truly feared was Robin reporting him to Zhong Shenxiu, which might jeopardize this entire deal, leaving him with nothing but regret. Thinking of this, he shot Jellatin a glare, his meaning seeming to say: I'll let you off this time!

When Jellatin saw Li Si, who had just been boasting, suddenly attempting to leave, he objected, flashing to block their path, his tone teasing, "Why the rush to leave? Are you scared already?"

Li Si was about to retort, but Robin cut him off.

"Move aside if you don't want to die!"

Robin tilted her delicate face up, staring directly at the bewildered Jellatin. If Angelia had been nearby, she would probably be trembling by now.