The school administrators said nothing more to reprimand Zhong Shenxiu; after all, the person directly involved had spoken as he did. They were powerless and eventually left as well.
Looking back at Wayne and the others present, they all stared at Zhong Shenxiu with sheer admiration.
This was the first time they had witnessed someone achieve this level of mastery. Today had truly opened their eyes!
In their hearts, Zhong Shenxiu’s prestige had surpassed even Robin’s, and their feelings toward him were no longer just fear, but layered with deep respect!
This lesson had benefited these young people immensely; as for what specific insights they each gained, only they themselves knew!
This incident concluded just like that, and it was assumed that Yor’s group would not dare to bully Wade again anytime soon.
Zhong Shenxiu lingered no longer, turning to leave with Robin, but before exiting, he called out to Wade!
Wade, unsure what was happening, reluctantly followed along.
No one spoke during the journey until they arrived at a deserted patch of lawn and stopped.
“Extend your hand!” Zhong Shenxiu commanded Wade.
Wade startled, but still hesitantly stretched out his hand.
After a thorough examination by Zhong Shenxiu, he had gained a decent understanding of Wade’s physique. To put it plainly, the reason Wade could not learn Dou Qi or magic was because his meridians were severely blocked from birth!
Wade stared intently at Zhong Shenxiu, unable to comprehend why Zhong Shenxiu merely held his wrist without speaking, yet he dared not ask any further questions.
At this moment, a faint smile touched the corner of Zhong Shenxiu’s mouth. He suddenly asked Wade, “Boy, do you want to learn Dou Qi and magic?”
Wade blinked, then seemed to realize something, nodding vigorously. “I do! I dream about it constantly!”
“I have a way to solve this problem with your physique!” Zhong Shenxiu said, still unhurriedly.
The light flickering in Wade’s eyes brightened even more; he nearly embraced Zhong Shenxiu in excitement. This was his dream spanning years, and simultaneously the source of his deepest inferiority.
If he could truly learn Dou Qi or magic like everyone else, he wouldn't be branded a waste by others, and his mother wouldn't have to endure their constant scorn!
“However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch!” Zhong Shenxiu’s tone abruptly shifted. “Kid, do you want to strike a deal with me?” When Wade heard the first part of Zhong Shenxiu’s statement, he was already startled; now, he asked blankly, “What deal!”
Zhong Shenxiu wasn't in a hurry to state the terms of the transaction, instead asking, “I heard those four mention you have a mother, and it seems she isn’t doing very well, is that right?”
Through the earlier interrogation, Zhong Shenxiu had learned everything he wanted from Yor’s group, including Wade’s circumstances.
With Zhong Shenxiu’s intellect, he didn't need to ask many questions; a brief analysis was enough to understand why Wade endured the bullying from those four—it was all for his mother!
Mentioning his mother cast a shadow over Wade’s expression; he felt utterly useless, already grown yet unable to provide his mother with a comfortable life. Seeing his mother ordered around by common folk felt like a knife twisting in his heart, yet he himself was a failure, unable to practice either Dou Qi or magic!
Zhong Shenxiu smiled, unbothered by Wade’s silence, and threw out a massive lure: “Now, let’s discuss the deal. I can ensure a good life for you and your mother, and I can make you stronger, but there must be a prerequisite!”
Wade looked up sharply. “What prerequisite?”
As long as he could ensure his mother lived well, no longer facing scorn or being treated like a servant to be ordered about, Wade was willing to do anything!
“The prerequisite is that you must work for me, and never betray me!” Zhong Shenxiu fixed his gaze on Wade, eyes sharp as burning embers.
This was a time when he needed people, and the reason Zhong Shenxiu approached Wade was because he knew that someone who had experienced such hardships, once helped, would pledge absolute loyalty!
“I agree!” Wade declared decisively.
He genuinely could not stand living under such humiliation any longer. He wanted to live with dignity, and he wanted his mother to know that her son was not a waste!
Although Zhong Shenxiu knew Wade would say this, he still smiled.
“Stand still and don't move!” Zhong Shenxiu commanded again.
In just the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Zhong Shenxiu withdrew his hands and stood back, addressing Wade. “It’s done. I’ve resolved the issues with your body. From now on, you can learn Dou Qi and magic!”
So fast? Wade was clearly stunned; he only felt a stream of warmth flowing constantly through his body and hadn't even processed what was happening before Zhong Shenxiu let go!
Seeing Wade’s unconvinced look, Zhong Shenxiu couldn't be bothered to explain and continued, “Follow me, I’ll take you somewhere!”
Wade nodded quickly and followed him eagerly, practically skipping. Along the way, he couldn't help but examine his body, checking for any differences from before, but other than feeling lighter, he perceived no real change, and doubt crept into his heart: Could he really learn Dou Qi now?
When they finally stopped, Wade looked up and his jaw dropped.
Before him stood a massive, pyramid-shaped structure. Numerous construction workers were diligently applying finishing touches to its exterior.
This was precisely the “Dark Commerce Guild” that Zhong Shenxiu was having built; it was only a few days away from final completion.
Perhaps readers might find it strange: this “Dark Commerce Guild” is so vast, yet construction only began recently—how could it be built so fast?
This is the benefit of wealth; with enough money, one can utilize high-grade magical construction materials, allowing buildings to be erected in a very short time!
As Wade gazed blankly at the magnificent structure, a small, elderly man came running from a distance toward them, bowing deeply and respectfully to Zhong Shenxiu. “Master, you have arrived!”
This man was none other than Gandalf, who was overseeing the construction!
Zhong Shenxiu briefly introduced the two, then asked Gandalf, “How many more days until official completion?”
“It should be ready for use in about another week!” Gandalf replied after a moment’s thought.
Zhong Shenxiu ignored Gandalf and turned to the stunned Wade. “See this place? This is where you will work from now on. In a couple of days, I need to attend that auction held by your family; you can bring your mother here then!”
Wade was now beyond shock; the continuous stream of surprises had completely overloaded his brain!
He simply could not fathom why a person capable of constructing such a massive guild would still bother teaching in a classroom?
Yet, there were many more things he wouldn’t be able to fathom.