Charlotte's nose almost touched the floor after hearing Lis’s narration. She didn't even need to wonder who had said those things!

If it had been any other joke, she could have tolerated it. After all, she had spent so much time with her subordinates; she knew each of their personalities well enough. What she truly couldn't accept was the suggestion that she had been conquered by Zhong Shenxiu—that was simply beyond tolerance!

She was still pure and untouched, and no matter how bold she usually was, she was still a woman. How could she put up with such a joke? What bothered her even more was the absolute necessity of keeping these words from reaching Zhong Shenxiu’s ears!

“Uh…” Lis looked genuinely worried. “Sister Charlotte, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, perfectly fine, nothing’s wrong!” Charlotte forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. In reality, she desperately wanted to teach those guys a lesson right then and there!

Lis didn't know what to say and could only manage a strained smile to follow suit.

Angelifia, who hadn't been in a good mood to begin with, was amused by their behavior and couldn't help letting out a light chuckle, appearing as captivating as a snow lotus blooming in a glacier!

Although Charlotte remained silent outwardly, she had already secretly resolved: she would definitely give those few a good reckoning when she had the time. She had only been away from them for a few days, and they had already forgotten what pain felt like—this simply wouldn't do!

Lis, not wanting to dwell on the topic any longer, quickly switched gears. “Sister Charlotte, why did the Landlord ask you to come out?”

Hearing this question instantly cleared the clouds in Charlotte’s mood. She smiled at Lis and Angelifia. “Let me tell you, you absolutely won’t guess it. The Landlord actually made another deal with me today!” With that, she flashed a mysterious smile!

Her statement successfully piqued the curiosity of Lis and Angelifia, who both stared at her intently!

Charlotte didn't intend to play games with them for long. She stated directly, “The content of the deal isn't important. I want you two to see something!” Saying this, she drew the sword Zhong Shenxiu had given her out of her ring.

The moment the sword appeared, Lis and Angelifia froze, their gazes fixed entirely on it, unable to look away for a long time!

“Well, surprised, aren’t you!” Charlotte laughed triumphantly. In front of Lis and Angelifia, she could truly open her heart and share her joy with them!

“Th-This isn’t the Landlord’s sword?” Lis’s eyes widened.

“Heh heh, it’s mine now. I’ve already named it—‘Phoenix Plum.’ What do you think?” Charlotte smiled again.

Since Lis and Angelifia had both seen this sword before, Charlotte didn't hide anything from them.

“Sister Charlotte, you mean… the Landlord gave you this sword?” Lis still couldn't quite process the reality. He knew how extraordinary this sword was; forget about giving it away, one couldn't even buy one like it!

Unlike Lis, Angelifia quickly recovered after the initial shock. After all, Zhong Shenxiu had previously given her a wrist guard, compared to which this was hardly anything!

After a burst of elation, Charlotte’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Hey, have you two noticed anything lately? I keep feeling like the Landlord is different from before, but I can’t quite put my finger on what’s changed!”

“No! I think the Landlord is just the same as always!” Lis was truly puzzled by Charlotte’s comment.

It was clear that he was a man of simple observations; his level of perception lagged far behind that of a woman like Charlotte!

However, the main focus of Charlotte’s question wasn't him, but Angelifia, because the two shared surprising similarities in certain aspects. She wanted to know if Angelifia felt the same way she did!

Angelifia was silent for a moment before suddenly saying, “Although the Landlord’s demeanor is the same as before, his actions in certain matters are different. Sometimes he even calls me by my name directly!”

Hearing Angelifia’s response, Charlotte smiled, for Angelifia had indeed noticed it too.

“By the way, what are your plans for the future?” After a brief silence, Charlotte abruptly changed the topic.

This question made it difficult for Lis and Angelifia to answer. The "Academy Ranking Tournament" was over, and the one-and-a-half-month summer vacation was fast approaching. If they didn't have any special plans, they might end up attending the "Stay-at-Home Magic and Martial Arts Academy" after the break.

Seeing that neither of them spoke, Charlotte tentatively asked, “Do you two want to join my mercenary group?”

Lis looked up at Charlotte, then shook his head. “Thank you, Sister Charlotte, but I plan to study for a few more years before considering joining a mercenary group. The ‘Academy Ranking Tournament’ showed me how weak I still am; joining any mercenary group in my current state would only make me a burden!”

Angelifia, standing beside him, felt much the same as Lis; neither of them was considering joining a mercenary group in the short term!

Seeing that neither was willing, Charlotte didn't press the issue, knowing that forcing things never worked out well.

“Actually, my ideal is to follow the Landlord always,” Lis said with a look of genuine awe. “I’ve realized that since following the Landlord, not only has my strength grown incredibly fast, but I’ve also learned so much that the academy couldn't teach me.”

Although Angelifia remained silent, the expression on her face betrayed her inner thoughts.

She was the first among them to meet Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, and her heart had long been captivated by the strength they displayed. If possible, she also wanted to continue learning under Zhong Shenxiu. She wasn't afraid of any hardship or fatigue because she truly was much stronger than before!

But could such a dream ever come true? Would Zhong Shenxiu take her along?

Angelifia lacked confidence in herself and grew increasingly envious of Robin, who was always by Zhong Shenxiu’s side!

“Lis, you don’t need to be so down,” Charlotte encouraged, unable to bear seeing Lis look disheartened. “I think you should try asking again. The Landlord has changed a lot more than before; perhaps he’ll agree to take you too.” Little did she know, her words had also encouraged Angelifia!

In the Vice Principal's office.

“What—say that again?” Vice Principal Edwin’s eyes widened as he stared at Disciplinary Director Wu Ruide.

“Teacher Ma Kexin just submitted her resignation letter and has already left the academy!” the Disciplinary Director repeated emotionlessly. In his view, one teacher leaving was hardly cause for alarm!

Edwin still couldn't believe it. He didn't understand why Ma Kexin had suddenly chosen to resign. Wasn't she doing perfectly well? And she was about to be rated as a Special Grade Teacher; why would she give up such an honor?

He couldn't figure it out, not at all!

“She’s already gone?” Edwin asked with a sigh. What a wonderful teacher, gone just like that!

“She just moved her things out!” Wu Ruide’s tone remained level, without much fluctuation.

Edwin sighed again. He had genuinely hoped to achieve a good ranking in this year's "Academy Ranking Tournament," but unexpectedly, Robin had vanished from the arena, causing their academy to lose its chance to advance to the Top 32.

Now, another capable and ambitious teacher had resigned. This truly felt like one disaster after another for their academy!

Let her go, then. What’s done is done. Nothing more could be said!

Edwin was now focusing his thoughts on next year's "Academy Ranking Tournament," aiming for the Top Eight! This wasn't wishful thinking; he truly believed their academy possessed the potential.

Because of Robin, anything was possible!

Just as Edwin sank into his contemplation, his office door was knocked upon again!

“Come in!” Edwin called out calmly.

Pushing the door open was Nastar, the homeroom teacher for Class One! Nastar clearly hadn't expected the Disciplinary Director to be present and paused slightly.

“Teacher Nastar, what is it you need?” Edwin had already regained his usual composure.

“Principal,” Nastar looked like he was struggling to speak.

“Has something happened?” Edwin guessed.

“It’s not a major issue,” Nastar managed an awkward laugh. “It’s just that the little boy named Zhong Shenxiu and that little girl named Robin just completed their withdrawal procedures!”

“What?!” Edwin shot up from his chair, his expression suggesting he was about to swallow Nastar whole!

The departure of Ma Kexin was shocking enough. Now, the future star of their academy—Robin—was also leaving. Wasn't this going to kill him?

At that moment, he desperately wanted to ask Nastar what would constitute a major issue if this didn't!

However, he was already so enraged that he couldn't utter a word, and managing not to faint was the limit of his capability. He had just been planning how to achieve victory next year, and now, everything was ruined!

When Zhong Shenxiu and Robin returned to the small courtyard, it seemed Charlotte, Lis, and Angelifia were waiting for them.

“Landlord!” Lis was the first to step forward. As a man, he naturally had to claim the dangerous task of greeting first.

Zhong Shenxiu stopped and looked at him. Although he didn't ask a question, his gaze conveyed everything.

“Landlord, when you leave, can you take me with you? I want to go out and gain experience with you!” Lis finally mustered the greatest courage to voice his deepest desire.

Angelifia watched tensely from the side, unsure what answer Zhong Shenxiu would give.

Zhong Shenxiu shifted his gaze from Lis’s face and said, “We’ll discuss it when I return!”

Lis was confused by the statement. He couldn't decipher what Zhong Shenxiu meant by “return.”

Zhong Shenxiu paid Lis no further attention and walked over to Charlotte. Looking up, he stated again, “Robin and I will be gone for a few days. Prepare for a journey to the ‘Wet Forest’!”

With that, he took Robin’s hand and left the premises again, leaving the three standing there looking at each other, bewildered and at a loss!

So where exactly did Zhong Shenxiu take Robin, and what was he going to do?

Heh heh, you absolutely won’t guess it. He was going to retrieve something, and that something was none other than the “Phosphor King Stone”!