The school administrators said nothing further to accuse Zhong Shenxiu; after all, even the involved parties had spoken as they did. With no other recourse, they eventually departed as well.
Looking at Wayne and the others from Ci Xuan, they all regarded Zhong Shenxiu with looks of sheer admiration.
They had never witnessed anyone achieve such a state before. Today was truly an eye-opener!
In their hearts, Zhong Shenxiu’s prestige had surpassed that of Robin, and their feelings toward him were no longer just fear, but mixed with a healthy dose of awe!
These individuals gained a great deal from this single class; as for the specific insights they gleaned, only they themselves knew!
The matter was thus concluded, and it was likely that the four from Yelu would not dare bully Wade again in the near future.
Zhong Shenxiu did not linger, turning to leave with Robin, but before exiting, he motioned for Wade to follow.
Wade, unsure what was required, had no choice but to trail after them.
None of them spoke, stopping only when they reached a deserted patch of lawn.
“Extend your hand!” Zhong Shenxiu commanded Wade.
Wade startled, but hesitantly stretched out his hand.
After a careful examination by Zhong Shenxiu, he had gained a certain understanding of Wade’s constitution. Simply put, the reason Wade could not learn Dou Qi or magic was due to severe congenital blockages in his meridians!
Wade stared fixedly at Zhong Shenxiu, not understanding why the man merely held his wrist without speaking, yet he dared not ask.
At this moment, a faint smile touched the corner of Zhong Shenxiu’s lips, and he suddenly asked Wade, “Boy, do you wish to learn Dou Qi and magic?”
Wade froze, then seemed to realize something, nodding vigorously. “I do. I dream of it!”
“I have a way to solve the problem with your constitution!” Zhong Shenxiu replied calmly.
The light in Wade’s eyes brightened immensely; he nearly threw his arms around Zhong Shenxiu in excitement. This was his lifelong dream, and simultaneously, the root of his inferiority complex.
If he could truly learn Dou Qi or magic like everyone else, he wouldn't be called trash by others, and his mother wouldn't have to endure their constant ridicule!
“However, there’s no such thing as a free lunch!” Zhong Shenxiu’s tone shifted abruptly. “Kid, want to make a deal with me?” When Wade heard the first half of Zhong Shenxiu’s statement, he was startled; now he was utterly dumbfounded. “What kind of deal?”
Zhong Shenxiu was in no hurry to state the terms, instead inquiring, “I heard those four mention you have a mother, and that things aren’t going very well for her, is that right?”
Through the previous interrogation, Zhong Shenxiu had extracted everything he needed to know from the four from Yelu, including Wade’s situation.
With Zhong Shenxiu’s intelligence, he needed no further questioning; a moment of contemplation revealed why Wade tolerated the bullying—it was all for his mother!
Mentioning his mother cast a shadow over Wade’s expression. He felt utterly useless; he was already this old and still couldn't give his mother a good life. Watching her being ordered about by common folk felt like a knife twisting in his heart, yet he was a failure who couldn't practice Dou Qi or magic!
Zhong Shenxiu smiled, unperturbed by Wade’s silence, and threw out a massive bait: “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 is a prerequisite!”
Wade looked up sharply. “What prerequisite?”
As long as he could secure a good life for his mother, so she wouldn’t face disdain or be treated like a servant, Wade would do anything!
“The prerequisite is that you must work for me, and never betray me!” Zhong Shenxiu fixed Wade with an intense gaze.
He needed capable people now, and the reason Zhong Shenxiu sought out Wade was his knowledge that someone who had experienced such hardship, once helped, would be absolutely loyal!
“I agree!” Wade declared firmly.
He genuinely could not bear to live this constrained life any longer. He wanted to stand tall as a man, and he wanted his mother to know that her son was not trash!
Although Zhong Shenxiu knew Wade would agree, he smiled nonetheless.
“Stand still and don’t move!” Zhong Shenxiu commanded again.
In the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, Zhong Shenxiu withdrew his hand and stood back, announcing to Wade, “It’s done. I’ve fixed the issue with your body. From this moment on, you can begin learning Dou Qi and magic!”
So fast? Wade was clearly stunned. He only felt a warm current flowing constantly through his body and hadn't even registered what was happening before Zhong Shenxiu let go.
Seeing Wade’s look of disbelief, Zhong Shenxiu saw no need to explain, instead continuing, “Come with me, I’ll take you somewhere!”
Wade quickly nodded and scrambled to follow behind. He kept examining his body, checking for any differences, but aside from feeling lighter than before, he noticed no physical changes, leading him to doubt: could he really learn Dou Qi?
When they stopped, Wade looked up and nearly fainted.
Before him stood a massive, pyramid-shaped structure, with numerous construction workers diligently working on its exterior ornamentation.
This was the “Darkness Guild” that Zhong Shenxiu was building; it was now only days from final completion.
Perhaps readers might wonder why the “Darkness Guild,” being so large and recently started, was being built so quickly.
This was the benefit of wealth; with enough money, one could employ high-grade magical construction materials, allowing buildings to be erected in a very short time!
As Wade stared blankly at the magnificent structure, a little old man came hurrying over from a distance, addressing Zhong Shenxiu with utmost respect. “Master, you’ve 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 will be ready for use in about a week,” Gandalf estimated.
Zhong Shenxiu paid Gandalf no further mind, turning instead to the still-stunned Wade. “See this? This is where you will work from now on. In a couple of days, I will attend the auction your family is hosting; you can bring your mother here then!”
Wade was now beyond comprehension; the continuous shock had overloaded his brain!
He truly could not fathom why someone capable of building such a grand guild would bother with teaching!
Yet, there were many more things he couldn't fathom.