My child, Mako Xin was stunned. "Even Donald and Ansier consented right then and there. If it hadn't been broad daylight, the three of them might have thought they’d seen a ghost!"
They had just been discussing Old Danny’s family, and now they ran right into them. If that was coincidence, it was far too precise!
Soon enough, Old Danny’s trio noticed Donald and his companions. After a brief pause, they quickly walked over!
“Uncle Donald, what are you doing here?” Laurent was the first to rush over.
“Aren’t you still in ‘Gulu City’?” Donald was the most surprised. He remembered Old Danny was busy arranging his move when he left. How could he have arrived here just after he did?
“We just got here too!” Laurent replied with a smile.
To save time, they loaded their valuables into magic rings and rushed back without stopping.
“Sister Lina, how could you leave without even saying goodbye!” Mako Xin pouted as she ran up to Elina.
Elina had already anticipated this and wasn't surprised; instead, she was composed. “It was such a rush at the time. Didn't I come back immediately after I finished? I even brought you a gift!”
Saying this, she actually pulled out a delicately wrapped box from her magic ring!
Mako Xin’s attention was immediately drawn to the box, and she asked curiously, “Sister Lina, what’s inside?”
“You’ll know when you open it!” Elina feigned mystery.
“Then I’ll wait to open it later!” Mako Xin, while speaking, carefully set the gift aside.
Meanwhile, Donald and Old Danny had already started chatting, both wearing mysterious smiles, as if each believed they had gained the upper hand over the other.
“Weren’t you moving? You finished so quickly?” Donald inquired, though inwardly he was planning, When we go back, we’ll move here too. We’ll see what expression you have then.
“Most of what needed moving is here; the rest is being handled by the steward! What, will you feel lonely without such a powerful competitor around?” Old Danny chuckled.
“I wouldn’t say you’re that powerful!”
“Oh, right, why are you here?” Old Danny asked, quite puzzled.
“Is it only you who’s allowed to visit your daughter, but I’m forbidden from visiting mine!” Donald struck a smug pose.
“What? Brother Cecil, you mean you’re moving too?” At that moment, Laurent’s surprised shout suddenly cut in.
Donald felt utterly deflated. He had planned to give Old Danny a pleasant surprise upon their return, but his son had blurted it out!
“What, Donald, you’re moving as well?” Old Danny looked at Donald in disbelief.
“Hehe, is it only you allowed to move, but not me!” Donald took great satisfaction in Old Danny’s shocked expression.
“Where are you moving to?” Old Danny pressed.
“That’s a secret; you’ll know when the time comes!” Donald finished, then turned toward Mako Xin, who was still lingering near Elina. “Girl, hurry up and ask for leave; we don't have much time!”
Hearing her father’s voice, Mako Xin suddenly remembered the initial matter and offered Elina an apologetic look. “Sister Lina, I have to rush back now too. Let’s have a good long chat when I get back!”
Without waiting for Elina to reply, she darted away, looking very hurried.
That afternoon, Old Danny reported to the ‘Dark Guild’ and unexpectedly learned something that took him a while to process: Donald had also become a member, just like him.
Thinking back, he finally understood the meaning behind the smile Donald wore when he left!
The day Old Danny reported for duty marked his official start at work. The tasks assigned were those he excelled at: real estate acquisition!
Thanks to Old Danny’s efforts, the small shops surrounding the ‘Dark Guild’ were quickly purchased, and now efforts were extending outwards!
The finer details of this matter will not be elaborated upon. Let us turn to Zhong Shenxiu, who was not studying scrolls twenty-four hours a day. Occasionally, he would stop by to guide the trio of Xia Luo, or simply wander around the guild premises!
At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin were walking outside under the setting sun. Illuminated by the afterglow, their shadows stretched long, making them look like a very sweet young couple from a distance.
Zhong Shenxiu walked slowly, looking as if he were either strolling or contemplating a problem. Robin, beside him, wore a happy smile, skipping along, indistinguishable from any other young girl at that moment!
This should have been a perfectly pleasant moment for the two of them, but just then, Zhong Shenxiu’s brow suddenly furrowed, and he said in a deep voice to Robin, “Robin, let’s go back!”
With that, he transformed into a streak of shadow and bolted towards the ‘Dark Guild.’
This was not because something had happened to the ‘Dark Guild,’ but rather because Zhong Shenxiu himself was experiencing some signs.
Perhaps due to his return to simplicity, Zhong Shenxiu could now clearly sense that the two wondrous worlds were about to activate again—something he wouldn't have sensed in advance before!
Although Robin didn't know what had occurred, she also became a streak of shadow, following Zhong Shenxiu.
Upon reaching the guild, Zhong Shenxiu went directly to his private laboratory, instructing Robin not to let anyone disturb him, regardless of who called.
Shortly after Zhong Shenxiu entered his meditative state, the two profound worlds finally manifested. Surges of inspiration erupted like a volcano, and solutions to various difficult problems began to appear one by one! Previous insights and creations underwent a qualitative leap!
At this moment, Zhong Shenxiu was fully engrossed in exploring two issues: the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ which he had comprehended earlier but not fully implemented, and control over that strange space!
Regarding the power of the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ as it was briefly mentioned before, we will not reiterate it here. As long as Zhong Shenxiu could master this technique, it was essentially equivalent to holding the key to changing the laws of nature!
Through deep contemplation, the cultivation method for this ‘Heavenly Thunder Art’ became increasingly clear, and some of its previously vague and difficult connotations now sharpened.
Zhong Shenxiu was beside himself with excitement. This was far more exhilarating than obtaining any treasure, because treasures were external objects, whereas strengthening one’s own abilities was a lifelong benefit!
Of course, while contemplating the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ Zhong Shenxiu did not neglect the study of that space. During this period, he had read a vast amount of literature on spatial magic, which gave him much inspiration. Now, under the stimulus of this illusory environment, he actually grasped a method of control, even feeling a profound epiphany that made his heart itch with anticipation!
As time slowly passed, Zhong Shenxiu finally grasped the key. Though it was only a tiny bit, it filled him with delirious joy!
Now, all he wished for was the appearance of the second illusion, because he intended to conduct an experiment!
An unknown amount of time passed before the world before Zhong Shenxiu finally shifted, transforming into the space that was pitch-black yet punctuated by countless strands of multi-colored light lines moving irregularly!
This was precisely the second illusion Zhong Shenxiu had been waiting for!
Zhong Shenxiu knew time was precious and swiftly mobilized his mental waves to test the idea that had just occurred to him!
It was unclear how Zhong Shenxiu managed it, but the irregularly moving, multi-colored light lines suddenly altered their behavior. Driven by his will, they began to converge, first moving slowly in a circular path, then accelerating until they resembled a giant, rapidly spinning, multi-colored disc!
Perhaps readers are curious about what Zhong Shenxiu was attempting; fear not, the answer will be revealed shortly!
Amidst Zhong Shenxiu’s relentless effort, a slight ripple appeared at the center of the multi-colored disc, much like a stone tossed onto the surface of a calm lake, the ripples instantly spreading outwards!
Then, something bizarre occurred. After this ripple, blurred phantoms began to emerge—some large, some indistinct, seemingly like chunks of celestial debris slowly floating in outer space.
Zhong Shenxiu grew more excited, yet he dared not relax, for he was only one step away from the result he envisioned!
Time ticked by. Zhong Shenxiu seemed locked in a struggle with this multi-colored disc, controlling more and more strands of colored light to gather there.
Strangely enough, as these colored light strands were added, the previously vague phantoms sharpened. Finally, their true forms could be discerned!
And what they saw made everyone gasp in astonishment!
These things were none other than rare treasures and fully forged magic artifacts, countless in number! Looking through the disc, one could see countless more tiny dots in the distance, which must also be artifacts of this kind!
Zhong Shenxiu was so thrilled he almost cried out!
These artifacts displayed before his eyes were none other than the items he had previously stored in the ‘Qiankun Domain’! These were the fruits of his past sweat and effort, especially the peerless magic artifacts, which were the crystallization of his wisdom and strength!
Knowing these things were safe brought immense relief to Zhong Shenxiu’s heart. However, he still couldn't relax; he had one more attempt to make: to see if he could pull these things out!
Zhong Shenxiu pushed his mental waves to their maximum, first locking onto a piece of ore closest to him and smallest in size—one of the indispensable materials for forging a Medium Pouch!
It moved! Under the guidance of his mental waves, the piece of ore visibly began to drift slowly outward!
No words could adequately describe Zhong Shenxiu’s ecstatic state now. If he succeeded, it would mean he wouldn't have to wait to activate the ‘Qiankun Domain’ again to retrieve items from within!
However, just as the ore neared the exit of the multi-colored disc, the illusion suddenly shook violently. Then, the scene before Zhong Shenxiu changed, and he was abruptly pulled out of the illusion!
This feeling of nearly succeeding only to fail at the last moment was deeply frustrating. Zhong Shenxiu was profoundly depressed, but there was no use dwelling on it now; he would have to wait for the next time!
Although the conclusion was unsatisfactory, overall, Zhong Shenxiu’s gains were substantial. Not only had he refined the cultivation method for the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ but he also knew his powerful artifacts were unharmed—that was enough to make him happy!
Gently pushing the door open, Robin was still waiting outside.
“Master, you’re awake,” Robin’s voice held clear delight.
“How long was I meditating?” Zhong Shenxiu asked in a very soft tone.
“Seventeen days!” Robin replied crisply.
Seventeen days had passed already? Zhong Shenxiu felt it had only been a few hours. He hadn’t realized such a long time had elapsed!
This time, when Zhong Shenxiu awoke, he felt different, surprisingly fatigued—perhaps a result of overusing his mental waves!
Because of this, Zhong Shenxiu went to bed early that day, as many more tasks awaited him tomorrow!
The night passed quietly. Zhong Shenxiu was up bright and early the next morning, his spirit already recovered to its peak condition.
Without even stopping for a meal, Zhong Shenxiu entered a meditative state again to cultivate the newly grasped ‘Heavenly Thunder Art’! Since he was unsure if there were dangers or side effects, Zhong Shenxiu didn't ask Robin to cultivate alongside him, merely having her watch nearby, perhaps hoping she might gain some insight!
Mobilizing the spiritual energy within his body, he circulated it through the major acupoints for one full cycle. Then, Zhong Shenxiu commanded the lightning-elemental magic energy to flood into his body. In just a moment, streaks of blue light emanated from him, accompanied by crackling sounds!
Whether it was due to Zhong Shenxiu’s exceptional comprehension or the fact that his body had previously been tempered by heavenly thunder, his progress in mastering the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art’ was astonishingly smooth. In just over three hours, he had cultivated the technique to the third layer!
If he continued at this pace, reaching the highest level, the ninth layer, wouldn't take long! However, Zhong Shenxiu stopped there, because he understood the principle of haste making waste better than anyone!
Although he had broken through to the third layer of the ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ it required continuous integration and study to become truly proficient. Moreover, only through constant refinement could he perfect this ‘Heavenly Thunder Art’ even further!
Because Zhong Shenxiu had weathered one heavenly tribulation, his upper Dantian had already formed a Nascent Soul; he could be considered a master in the ‘Nascent Soul Stage.’ But with his current strength, especially the power of this ‘Heavenly Thunder Art,’ he could undoubtedly obliterate a master in the ‘Soul Leaving Stage’ with ease, perhaps even a master in the ‘Spirit Division Stage’ wouldn't escape immediate annihilation!
Cultivation realms, from lowest to highest, are sequentially: Foundation Establishment, Illumination, Fusion, Heart Movement, Spirit Peace, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Soul Leaving, Spirit Division, Integration, Tribulation Crossing, Great Ascension!
This once again proves the monstrous nature of Zhong Shenxiu; to put it crudely: this kid is simply too freakishly powerful; he cannot be measured by common standards!!!