The more he studied it, the more he realized the book's immense value. To others, it might appear as nothing more than an ordinary read, but in Zhong Shenxiu’s hands, it held the potential to unlock significant power.

Through the book's explanations, Zhong Shenxiu gained a rational understanding of the Four Great Empires. He learned that each empire possessed its own distinct military system, reliant upon entirely different foundations!

The "Winter Moon Empire" relied on Swordsmen. The "Autumn Cloud Empire" depended on Mages. These were details already introduced earlier. Now, let’s delve into the "Spring Dew Empire" and the "Summer Star Empire."

While the "Spring Dew Empire" also cultivated Swordsmen and Mages, it was the birthplace of Necromancers. Super-tier beings like the "Holy Magic Necromancer God" and the "Demon God Necromancer" could only be found within this empire. Furthermore, it was the headquarters of the "Undead Association"!

Besides Necromancers, the "Spring Dew Empire" harbored a little-known profession: the Summoner!

The reason few know of this profession is that Summoning has fallen into complete disrepute. To this day, the number of those capable of true summoning arts is pitifully small, and the summoned beasts they manage to conjure are of extremely low levels, often possessing negligible combat ability! Consequently, many Summoners have switched professions, causing the art of Summoning to fade further into obscurity, sustained only by a few ancient families preserving this fragment of civilization.

Next, let’s discuss the "Summer Star Empire."

This was the cradle of the Berserkers.

Berserkers possess formidable overall combat prowess. Once they enter a state of 'Frenzy,' they become incredibly strong, fight relentlessly, and fear no death! They hold a vital position within the military structure of the "Summer Star Empire."

In addition to the Berserkers, the "Summer Star Empire" also has a unique profession: the Beastmaster!

A "Beastmaster" is someone possessing the ability to tame magical beasts. This differs from contracting with beasts, which is limited by number; a Beastmaster can command a large host of magical beasts simultaneously in battle, representing a formidable force not to be underestimated.

However, the art of "Beastmastery" is exclusive to the "Tilarri Family," and the secrets of "Beast-Taming Arts" are guarded with extreme secrecy; outsiders know absolutely nothing about it. Moreover, even within the family, the mastery of these arts is highly restricted, as the deepest essence of the knowledge is held solely by the direct lineage heads.

It is precisely for this reason that the "Tilarri Family" stands as the foremost power in the "Summer Star Empire," its influence unmatched by any other house.

After this comparison, it is likely evident to everyone that among the Four Great Empires, the "Winter Moon Empire" possesses the weakest military strength!

As for why the empires have maintained a state of uneasy peace until now, the reasons are threefold: Firstly, the recent "War" concluded with all empires significantly depleted; secondly, the Four Great Empires serve as mutual deterrents—none wishes to give the others an opening; and thirdly, the empires are separated by vast distances, requiring extensive travel for any potential conflict!

There are other contributing factors as well. It is the existence of these various elements that keeps the world in a temporary state of peace.

But how long can this situation endure?

Only time will provide the answer to that question!

Zhong Shenxiu found himself most intrigued by the Summoner profession in the "Spring Dew Empire." Although the book only touched upon it in a few fleeting lines, Zhong Shenxiu was undeniably captivated!

What occupied his mind now was the potential connection between the "Summoner" and the "Necromancer," given that Necromancers also possess a form of summoning capability!

He lamented the text's brevity. If the details had been even slightly more extensive, Zhong Shenxiu might have been able to deduce some valuable leads!

Though slightly frustrated, Zhong Shenxiu quickly composed himself. After all, he intended to visit that place eventually. By then, he wouldn't have to worry about missing the information he sought!

At this point, Zhong Shenxiu’s interest shifted toward the peculiar races. Through his studies, he learned that the "Dwarves" were predominantly scattered throughout the mountain ranges surrounding the Winter Moon Empire, and they excelled at artifact forging. This finally explained why he had seen so many dwarves in the weapon shops!

Furthermore, the book mentioned that the "Elves" mostly inhabited the dense forests near the "Summer Star Empire," while the "Orcs" were found mostly in the desolate regions of the "Summer Star Empire."

In this manner, Zhong Shenxiu read until the following dawn before finishing the book. He finally grasped a degree of understanding about this world. And, just as Lyander had previously indicated, this volume was merely the first part; he had no idea how many subsequent volumes existed!

Time flew quickly, and in the blink of an eye, three days had passed!

The "Newcomer Tournament" had concluded. Although Class Omega had failed to break into the top eight, their achievements were still reason enough for immense pride!

In the Swordsman competition, Leng Xiangxue only managed to secure the runner-up position, defeated by another freshman, a remarkably talented young man named Tuo Yaye.

This Tuo Yaye, after defeating Leng Xiangxue, went on to defeat Li Si, proving his formidable strength. He was already hailed as the future hope of the 'Stay-at-Home Magic and Martial Academy'!

As for the Magic competition, Leng Xiangxue’s run ended in the quarterfinals, where she was bested by Marco Xin!

Today, Shao Yue and Xiu arrived at the academy early with Robin, as Zhong Shenxiu was scheduled to meet with those selected from the new cohort.

Lyander paced back and forth in the lecture hall, frequently glancing out the window. Seated below were fifty to sixty individuals, all appearing to be students. These were the members of the "Virtual Class." He hadn't expected that, besides the top scholars, members of Class Omega, like Wayne, would also be present.

This arrangement was made at Zhong Shenxiu’s request, granting Wayne and the others the qualification to attend lectures in this "Virtual Class"!

At this moment, Wayne and his companions looked rather constrained. Compared to the elite students surrounding them, they seemed utterly ordinary, incapable of comparison!

Angelica and Li Si were also among this group; they had been specifically designated by Zhong Shenxiu—essentially, pre-selected invitees!

In addition to them, there were several other familiar faces: Solomon, Cherry, Thomas, and Marco Xin, alongside Leng Xiangxue. Each exhibited a distinct expression:

Solomon was vibrating with barely contained excitement and anticipation; he had eagerly awaited this day. The mere thought of being mentored by Zhong Shenxiu made the blood in his veins rush. He desperately wanted to know how Zhong Shenxiu had managed to cultivate Angelica to such strength and if he, too, could achieve progress as rapid as hers. Cherry attended with a spirit of amusement. Having spent significant time with Zhong Shenxiu, she was no longer intimidated; rather, she felt a sense of reliance. Being near Zhong Shenxiu and his group meant she had company, someone to talk and play with, plus delicious meals to satisfy her appetite!

Thomas scanned the room with wide-eyed curiosity, inwardly astonished. He hadn't expected the academy to invest so heavily, gathering nearly all the strongest students from every current year level here!

Marco Xin, however, looked deeply disgruntled. Truthfully, she hadn't wanted to come at all, knowing that Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were arriving to take on the role of instructors. She couldn't believe how fortunes had turned—a former student was about to become her teacher! If this got out, wouldn't she be ridiculed mercilessly?

Yet, if she didn't attend, Marco Xin feared forfeiting the prize money she had painstakingly earned by placing second in the "Newcomer Tournament." Coupled with her recent financial strain, she absolutely could not afford to let that prize money slip away! She resolved that this meeting would be brief; attending future classes would be entirely her choice. She just needed to endure this one hurdle!

Over in her solitary seat, Leng Xiangxue stared unblinkingly at Angelica. She hadn't anticipated meeting this person she cared about so soon, let alone sharing a classroom with her! The prospect of sparring during lessons brought a faint, almost imperceptible smile to her otherwise ice-cold, indifferent face!

Although Zhong Shenxiu arrived early, compared to the assembled group, he was somewhat late; these individuals had already been waiting for well over half an hour!

The appearance of Zhong Shenxiu and Robin immediately drew everyone’s attention. Lyander rushed forward excitedly, but before discussing serious matters, he retrieved an ancient book from his magic ring, remarkably similar to the one he had given Zhong Shenxiu previously.

"Teacher Zhong, I found another one. Keep this for now!"

This was the essence of his shrewdness: smoothing things over with Zhong Shenxiu before the formal proceedings began. Given Zhong Shenxiu’s temperament, Lyander couldn't risk offending him, especially in front of so many students.

Zhong Shenxiu gave Lyander an appreciative glance, said nothing further, and tucked the book away.

Those who knew a little about the situation reacted to the arrival of Zhong Shenxiu and Robin with mere curiosity, not shock. But for freshmen like Leng Xiangxue, who preferred isolation, discovering that their future teachers were two young men, one seeming even younger than the other, was startling!

Leng Xiangxue rarely opened her striking lips, staring at Zhong Shenxiu in genuine surprise. She had clearly heard Lyander address him as "Teacher Zhong"!

"Everyone, please settle down. I will now introduce your future instructor—Teacher Zhong!" Lyander announced with a smile. He had intended to prompt a round of applause, but not a single person responded!

"Ahem," Lyander coughed twice to mask his awkwardness, then continued, "Your Teacher Zhong is an extraordinary educator. I’m sure the students from Class Omega are well aware of this!"

Wayne and the others were cooperative, nodding in unison as if they had prearranged it.

"From now on, if you have any questions, feel free to seek guidance from Teacher Zhong. As long as you can manage..." Lyander’s sentence was abruptly cut off by an extremely cold voice!

"Stop joking around!" Tuo Yaye suddenly shot to his feet with a sharp hiss, walking directly toward Zhong Shenxiu.