Zhong Shenxiu was unusually absent from the Jingshan Library today. Instead, he headed straight to the classroom where he taught the 'Blade Class.' His students were startled to see him arrive.

"Has anything been going on recently?" Zhong Shenxiu asked, sitting down at the teacher's desk with an indifferent tone.

His appearance hardly suggested he was a teacher, yet his students feared him, especially after witnessing how he interrogated Yoruzhiji and the others that day. They dared not show the slightest disobedience.

Wayne nervously stood up, his voice trembling slightly, "Teach—Teacher Zhong, nothing much has been happening lately, just that the Military Drill is coming up in a week. The director said all homeroom teachers must be present!"

Lately, Wayne, as class monitor, had been exceedingly diligent. In Zhong Shenxiu’s absence, he had guided everyone through self-study sessions and led them to the training grounds, showing significant improvement compared to before.

"Military Drill?" Zhong Shenxiu frowned. It was the first time he had heard that term.

"This time of year, every university and college successively holds the 'Military Drill,'" Wayne quickly explained.

This was practically a decree of the Winter Moon Empire. One of its aims was to boost the students' physical fitness, but the true purpose was to instill patriotic sentiment and a sense of military honor, ensuring they prioritized serving the nation after graduation.

The content of the "Military Drill" was experiencing how regular military troops trained daily. Of course, considering the students' lower fitness levels, the training wouldn't be as harsh. Nevertheless, even so, it wasn't easy, and those lacking willpower would find it difficult to persevere.

However, these nobles had no need to worry. The "Military Drill" was merely a formality for them. No one held them to strict standards because of their noble background, which commanded deference. Furthermore, in a sense, nobles were inherently meant to serve the state.

"Military Drills" were generally instructed by soldiers who had demonstrated outstanding performance, serving as drill sergeants.

Zhong Shenxiu listened patiently to Wayne's narration and unconsciously broke into a smile. He thought this "Drill" might be quite entertaining!

After learning a bit more about the situation, Zhong Shenxiu departed.

Due to the establishment of the "Dark Guild," Zhong Shenxiu and the others had moved out of Cherie's house and taken residence within the Guild headquarters. Angelia and Rhys, wanting to remain by Zhong Shenxiu's side constantly, did not stay in the dorms and moved into the "Dark Guild" as well. During their free time, the two could help out with chores like sweeping floors or taking out the trash, tasks they were already quite accustomed to doing anyway.

In the evening, Kaine briefed Zhong Shenxiu on the results of the committee meeting, and she specifically sought his decision regarding the "Product Insignia."

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at Kaine and said, "Just use your family's insignia."

Upon hearing this, Kaine’s delicate body trembled, and she looked at Zhong Shenxiu with a complicated expression.

If they used the "Claudius Family" insignia, it would undoubtedly signify the Claudius Family's resurgence. Even though Zhong Shenxiu would ultimately remain the proprietor, this held profound meaning for Kaine and the others who belonged to the Claudius lineage.

Fallen leaves must always return to their roots! Kaine had always hoped to rebuild her family through her own efforts; she wanted the name "Claudius" to echo once more in the world!

Zhong Shenxiu’s decision irrevocably bound the "Dark Guild" and the "Claudius Family" together.

Kaine said nothing further, but she made a silent resolution deep within her heart. As for what that decision was, only she knew. However, one thing was abundantly clear: Kaine's loyalty to Zhong Shenxiu was drawing ever closer to Robin’s level!

The next day, perhaps deep in thought, Zhong Shenxiu summoned Yaster, who was currently busy with tasks.

As Clyde's son, Yaster possessed considerable administrative capability. Although he had lost an arm, reducing his combat strength by more than half, he was exceptionally skilled at personnel deployment!

Approaching Zhong Shenxiu, Yaster bowed with deep reverence. He knew that the boy before him was not only his savior but also the savior of the entire "Claudius Family!"

Kaine had already informed him of Zhong Shenxiu’s decision from the previous day, a revelation that had left him exhilarated for a long time before he could calm down.

Zhong Shenxiu disliked beating around the bush and stated directly, "I called you here for only one matter!"

Yaster looked up at Zhong Shenxiu, remaining silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I can reattach an arm for you. Do you desire a normal, conventional one, or one that is bizarre yet powerful?" Zhong Shenxiu asked, his gaze meaningful.

Yaster’s expression clearly froze. Although he didn't fully grasp the implication of Zhong Shenxiu's words, he immediately declared, "I desire the 'bizarre and powerful' one!"

His expression radiated absolute resolve. The suffering he had endured over the years had taught him a fundamental truth: one must possess formidable strength to protect oneself and one's loved ones!

As the former captain of the Claudius Family guard, he had always blamed himself for failing to protect the clan. Now that heaven had offered him such a choice... he would naturally choose power without hesitation!

Zhong Shenxiu smiled, as if he had anticipated this answer, yet he pressed again, "Are you mentally prepared? Although your strength will increase several tens of times, you might be called a monster by others. Do you not care about that?"

Yaster’s body shook once more. It wasn't the word "monster" that registered, but the phrase "several tens of times"—he was obsessively pondering the magnitude of that multiplier!

"I am willing!" Yaster affirmed with renewed, ironclad determination.

He understood Zhong Shenxiu was a man of capability. Since he claimed he could make him powerful, he surely could deliver—Kaine was a living testament to that. As for the opinions of others, he cared not; having lived for so many years in that lightless prison, he had long since let go of such trivialities!

"Very well, let us begin," Zhong Shenxiu’s lips curled into another wicked smile.

The moment the words left his mouth, Yaster felt his vision darken, and then consciousness slipped away!

When he awoke, he was still in the same room. Zhong Shenxiu had not left and was watching him with that same meaningful gaze.

Yaster still felt somewhat dizzy, unable to recall precisely what had just transpired, only feeling as if he had taken a short nap.

Using his hand to support himself, Yaster tried to rise, but instantly, a mysterious sensation flowed from his right arm. When he looked down, his entire being froze in astonishment!

Where his right arm should have been empty, there was now something attached, and that profound, subtle feeling originated from it!

"This... this is...?" Yaster’s eyes widened like bronze bells; his face was a mask of pure terror and shock!

"How is it? How do you feel about this starter arm?" Zhong Shenxiu asked with a smile, looking at the result as if admiring his masterpiece.

Indeed, Zhong Shenxiu had fitted Yaster with an arm—an incredibly potent one!

Looking closely, it was an arm crafted from pitch-black metal, emanating a chilling coldness. Its five fingers resembled powerful steel clamps, leaving no doubt about its ability to crush stone and cleave metal.

However, its true marvel lay not in its brute strength but in its specialized functions!

Strictly speaking, this arm could be classified as a 'Low-Grade Magical Artifact,' meaning its power was naturally extraordinary.

Zhong Shenxiu had layered over twenty magic formations within it, granting it capabilities others could scarcely imagine. Firstly, it could instantly conjure a defensive array capable of warding off strikes from a Sword Saint level combatant! Secondly, through internal energy conversion formations, it could transform Dou Qi into energy that resonated with magical elements, thereby casting spells. The level and affinity of the magic cast depended on the user's comprehension! Furthermore, this arm could shift into several configurations, transforming into integrated tools—some suited for close combat like blades, swords, or spikes, others for ranged engagement like bows and crossbows, and still others for battling multiple opponents simultaneously, such as needle projectiles! Finally, when employed with specific techniques, this arm could unleash destructive power beyond ordinary comprehension! Anything classified as a 'Magical Artifact' naturally possessed formidable destructive force!

Yaster, already stunned, went utterly dumbfounded after hearing Zhong Shenxiu's explanation of the arm's capabilities. It took him a good while to regain his senses!

He touched the large, black mechanism with his other hand; not only did he feel no discomfort, but he sensed a connection as if it were flesh and blood. Yaster tested it out and found he could effortlessly command the hand to perform any action!

Subsequently, Zhong Shenxiu instructed Yaster on the arm’s usage, even detailing how to maintain and repair it thoroughly! Good heavens!

Following that, Zhong Shenxiu imparted a secret technique to him, named the "Tusk Grasping Claw," consisting of only eight forms, yet possessing terrifying power. If mastered fully, one could easily subdue even a Sword Saint!

Having completed these tasks, Zhong Shenxiu departed, leaving Yaster alone to immerse himself in testing his new appendage!

Time flew by quickly, and three days passed in a flash. Finally, it was the official opening day for the "Dark Guild."

During these few days, although Zhong Shenxiu appeared leisurely, he had accomplished significant work. Firstly, he had completed the installation of the Teleportation Array. Various finished products would now be transported directly back! This was a one-way array, capable only of sending items to the "Dark Guild." No one could use this array to locate his manufacturing facility! Secondly, Zhong Shenxiu had offered minor assistance to those individuals fiercely loyal to him, much like he had done for Yaster. Thirdly, he had placed a unified barrier over all merchandise displayed on the shelves, allowing outsiders to look but not touch! Beyond these, there were numerous other trivial matters too tedious to list here.

The "Dark Guild" finally commenced operations. The change in the world had thus begun. To discover what happens next, please log on to Chapter Jī for more. Support the author!