Before dawn broke, the entrance to the "Necromancer's Guild" was already thronged with undead mages, all drawn by hearsay, and all with the singular purpose of acquiring those two miraculous potions.
Among them were those who had succeeded in their purchase before, and those who had not; regardless of their prior fortune, their expressions were identical—a constant, anxious peering into the Guild's interior.
It would be no exaggeration to say that the moment the gates of the "Guild" opened, these individuals would surge inside in a single, unstoppable tide!
Logically, an organization like the "Guild" should operate twenty-four hours a day, but because this particular "Necromancer's Guild" had only just been established, many systems were still rudimentary, compounded by limited staff, so operations were temporarily restricted to twelve hours.
Ashburn and Barnett had thought themselves remarkably early arrivals, but upon reaching the location, they discovered scores of people had beaten them there! Furthermore, shortly after their own arrival, more "Necromancers" continued to converge from various directions, their audible discussions carrying clearly on the air.
"That’s the place, I know the Vice President inside!"
"So many people—are they all here to buy the medicine too?"
"Looks like everyone had the same idea!"
Their exchanges quickly ceased, as the surrounding "Necromancers" turned their gazes upon them, causing the newcomers profound discomfort.
Meanwhile, inside the "Necromancer's Guild," Stanley and Faraday had barely slept all night, consumed by deciphering the cultivation method given to them by Zhong Shenxiu.
They didn't realize the depth until they began to practice; they were astounded that these few pages of instruction held such infinite mystery, the true essence proving elusive without deep contemplation.
Their reverence for Zhong Shenxiu had now reached the point of absolute prostration, and they resolved firmly to follow the Elder, certain that immense benefits awaited them in the future!
As the two were lost in their studies, a knock sounded on the door.
"What is it?" Faraday asked with marked impatience. He was at a critical juncture in his research and most loathed any interruption.
"President, there are countless 'Necromancers' gathered outside our Guild!"
"Fine, I know!" Faraday dismissed him curtly.
He had predicted exactly this sort of scene; in fact, he and Stanley had orchestrated it to build hype for those two potions and maximize publicity!
The two returned to their studies, neither sparing another thought for the commotion outside.
Time ticked by, and as the scheduled opening hour neared, the crowd of "Necromancers" outside had swelled to the point of complete immobility.
"President, should we open the doors?" At that moment, the same Necromancer who had delivered the first report returned.
"Inform everyone: business is suspended for today. Furthermore, send out an immediate decree: no one leaves the Guild premises today for any reason. Violators will be expelled." Faraday spoke with severe gravity.
"Yes!" The Necromancer departed.
Faraday and Stanley exchanged a knowing glance, then plunged back into the complexities of the cultivation method.
Outside, the desperate crowd of "Necromancers" pressed against the door, waiting for the precise moment it would swing open so they could rush in first.
But what greeted their long vigil was an utterly deflating announcement: "BUSINESS SUSPENDED"!
"What gives? Why the sudden closure?"
"Are they doing this on purpose to keep us out?"
"Call your President out here!"
A cacophony of agitated voices rose, each one radiating righteous indignation. Yet, strangely, not a single person dared force entry. This wasn't necessarily fear of the "Necromancer's Guild" organization, but rather the risk of antagonizing those inside and being denied the potions altogether—a loss far outweighing the small risk of confrontation!
As the saying goes, when under someone else's roof, one must bow one's head.
After a brief period of uproar, the crowd settled, yet not a soul dispersed. Their stance suggested an intense fear that the moment they left, the doors would open, and all the potions would be snapped up by others.
The number of "Necromancers" did not dwindle; instead, it increased, threatening to fill the entire street.
Those who hadn't initially appreciated the sheer number of "Necromancers" now realized, seeing them massed here, that this profession held considerable promise!
The sun began to rise. The Necromancers who had successfully purchased the potions earlier each swallowed a "Sunscreen Pill" and, under the envious stares of the others, began to bask in the sun’s warmth.
With these established customers as living proof, the newly arrived Necromancers, who had only heard rumors, became even more frantic, swearing they would wait until opening, no matter the cost, to secure a few bottles.
This large-scale congregation of Necromancers drew the attention of many ordinary citizens, who, unaware of the cause, began gossiping and spreading the news rapidly throughout the lanes and alleys.
Some of the curious even made special trips to witness the spectacular scene, resulting in a bizarre tableau: Necromancers packed inside the structure, surrounded by an outer ring of onlookers dressed in a riot of red, yellow, and green attire...
"What's happening? Why are there so many Necromancers here?"
"I just got here too. Some say they're waiting for the 'Necromancer's Guild' to open!"
"Didn't this 'Necromancer's Guild' just open recently? How can it draw so many people?"
"Someone just checked; apparently, they want to buy some kind of medicine inside—some very magical potions!"
"Magical potions? How magical?"
The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, yet none were willing to leave.
In an instant, the "Necromancer's Guild" became famous, and the "Sunscreen Pill" and "Skin Refining Cream" became the most frequently mentioned terms. Now, it wasn't just Necromancers eager to buy the two items; even ordinary people were intensely curious and desired to acquire a bottle or two for their own study.
Scattered within the crowd were several merchants who clearly saw a massive business opportunity; they waited with expectant looks, obviously planning to hoard the goods and resell them at exorbitant prices!
Regardless of motive, the crowd continued to swell, its spectacle far overshadowing even the "Mage Association," drawing in some of the Mages from that very association to watch the excitement.
It could be said that this single event had successfully branded the names "Sunscreen Pill" and "Skin Refining Cream." Future sales would undoubtedly be much smoother!
Inside the rooms, Stanley and Faraday listened to their subordinates' reports from outside, their faces splitting into relieved smiles. The current level of fervor far exceeded their wildest projections. They felt immensely confident in selling the two products now, filled with greater anticipation than ever!
...
Within the "Fenghao Courtyard," Cheri arrived early that morning, bursting into chatter the moment she crossed the threshold.
"Big news, big news! I have major news!" Cheri shouted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Charlotte and the others, who had been engaged in their morning practice in the courtyard, stopped when they heard Cheri's voice.
"What's the matter?" Charlotte asked casually.
Cheri didn't answer immediately; instead, she scanned the surroundings, asking curiously, "Huh? Where’s Sister Kaini?"
"She hasn't come out yet," Rhys replied.
"Ah? It's this late and she's still not up?" A flicker of disappointment crossed Cheri’s eyes. She had intended to share the breaking news with Kaini first, but unexpectedly, Kaini was still inside.
Though disappointed, Cheri dared not enter the room to wake Kaini, fearing Zhong Shenxiu or Robin might throw her out.
"What's the big news?" Rhys couldn't help but ask now.
Cheri had no choice but to divulge, "You guys don't know yet? A massive crowd of Necromancers has gathered outside the 'Necromancer's Guild'—reportedly several thousand people!"
"Is that really so strange?" Rhys asked, puzzled.
"Why wouldn't it be strange? We've never seen so many Necromancers congregated in our 'City of Evening Dreams,' especially all gathered unanimously at the 'Necromancer's Guild' entrance! I heard they traveled hundreds of miles overnight just to buy some kind of item!" Cheri recounted what the servants had described.
Charlotte smiled, showing little outward curiosity. Spending time around Zhong Shenxiu seemed to have instilled a certain equanimity regarding events.
However, Cheri’s next sentence finally piqued Charlotte’s interest.
"Sister Charlotte," Cheri lowered her voice significantly, "do you think this has anything to do with the landlord? Those two elders arrived yesterday, and they are both 'Necromancers.'"
As soon as she spoke, Charlotte and the other two fell into deep thought.
Just then, with a soft click, the door opened, and Zhong Shenxiu and the other two emerged from the room.
Puzzlingly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile played on the corner of Zhong Shenxiu’s lips.
Zhong Shenxiu had heard every word of Cheri's gossip. With his analytical ability, he had already deduced that Faraday and his associate were behind the ruckus and understood their intentions, leaving him quite satisfied with their efficiency!
"Sister Kaini, you're up!" Cheri quickly halted her previous discussion.
Kaini smiled and nodded, then uttered a phrase that stunned the other three: "You wait here. We are going out for a while; we don't know when we'll return!"
W-what, going out again?
The question flashed simultaneously in the minds of the three, yet none dared to ask where they were headed.
"We aren't going out to play this time; we have serious business. You all guard the house well!" Kaini added, her expression shifting to that of an older sister promising to bring back candy.
"Let's go," Zhong Shenxiu’s words were, as always, sparse.
Their excursion this time was not toward the "Necromancer's Guild," but a return trip to the "Damp Forest"! As for the purpose of their visit, well, the intelligent among them had probably already guessed...