To Robin’s questioning, the people present burst into laughter after a brief silence, some even shedding tears of mirth!
The man named Yahan was also amused by Robin’s question, his mouth wide open, revealing large front teeth in a grin that looked almost predatory.
Seeing Yahan offered no reply, Robin ceased her inquiries and instead scurried over to Zhong Shenxiu’s side, immediately exclaiming, “Master!”
One could see an unmistakable excitement radiating from Robin’s face. Having followed Zhong Shenxiu for so long, she had developed a keen sense of what constituted a treasure versus what was merely ordinary; the cool sensation transmitted through the object in her hand told her this was absolutely no common item!
“Put it away!” Zhong Shenxiu was equally thrilled, though he managed to keep his composure.
Robin nodded hastily and tucked the ‘Ghost Wood Nail’ into her storage bracelet.
“Why do you need that thing?” Xin Sha, standing nearby, could no longer contain her curiosity and asked.
Instead of answering, Zhong Shenxiu posed a question back to her: “Do people often trade items here?”
Although Lisa didn't understand the reason for Zhong Shenxiu’s query, she nodded nonetheless. “Yes, it’s how mercenaries negotiate. When they have something they don’t need, they can offer it up for trade with others’ belongings. If no immediate exchange is possible, they can register the item’s description in the Association’s manual. Anyone wishing to trade can request this manual from the Association to see what others have.”
Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes lit up, and he immediately inquired, “Then where does one request that manual?”
Lisa paused, then couldn't help but laugh. “That manual is only open to mercenaries, and you can only view it in person. You won’t get access without mercenary credentials!”
She genuinely couldn't fathom why Zhong Shenxiu was interested in such trivialities. If he wanted to buy something, he could simply go to any of the shops, which stocked everything. This exchange point was merely an interactive platform established among mercenaries!
Little did she know that the things Zhong Shenxiu sought were often not found in conventional stores; unexpected treasures frequently surfaced in the most inconspicuous places, just like this ‘Ghost Wood Nail,’ which they had acquired for nothing!
After hearing Lisa’s explanation, Zhong Shenxiu fell into contemplation, and then, with Robin in tow, he walked directly toward the counter!
Lisa was taken aback again by Zhong Shenxiu’s abrupt departure without a word. What was he up to? Did he disbelieve her account?
This time, Lisa did not follow. It was an unwritten rule, common knowledge among the regulars, that one should not hover near someone conducting business at the counter.
At that moment, Zhong Shenxiu encountered an awkward predicament: he and Robin were both too short to see over the counter. If they stood too close, they wouldn't be able to see anything at all!
“Little friends, can we help you with something?” A clerk smiled kindly at Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, who stood about two meters away from the counter.
“I wish to apply for mercenary status,” Zhong Shenxiu stated flatly.
Uh...
The clerk paused, surprised. It was the first time she had ever seen someone so young applying for mercenary status!
“Little brother, applying for mercenary status requires joining a mercenary group. Which group are you looking to join?” Out of professional duty, the clerk still asked, though the smile on her face grew wider.
Seeing Zhong Shenxiu remain silent, the clerk continued, “Little brother, even if you have a group in mind, you cannot be approved without the consent of that group’s leader!”
As the clerk finished speaking, a thought flashed through Zhong Shenxiu’s mind: he could apply to join Charlotte’s mercenary group. He was 200% certain Charlotte would raise no objections. But then he thought again: why should he join someone else’s group? He had always been a lone wolf; must he now take orders from others?
Even if Charlotte dared not order him to do anything, he would still feel uncomfortable!
After careful consideration, he finally spoke again, “I wish to apply to form a mercenary group!”
“What?” The clerk was stunned for a long moment this time. He had just said he wanted to become a mercenary, and now he wanted to establish a mercenary group. Did he think this was some kind of game?
“Little brother, forming a mercenary group isn't simple. You have to pay a considerable fee, and there are headcount restrictions. Why don't you wait until you’re older?” This clerk was clearly a patient sort; she showed no impatience despite Zhong Shenxiu being a child!
“Is there an age restriction?” This was the question that concerned Zhong Shenxiu the most.
“There isn't one for age, but you need a minimum of five people to establish a group,” the clerk explained.
“Five people is enough?” A mischievous smile suddenly curved Zhong Shenxiu’s lips; he instantly had several candidates in mind!
“Well, yes, five people are required, and they must all be present at the same time!”
...But...
Zhong Shenxiu blinked. He had assumed that including Keni, Angelia, and Rhys would suffice; he hadn't realized they would all need to show up in person!
“Are there any other requirements?” Zhong Shenxiu looked up and asked again.
“Little brother, if you listen to your big sister, come back when you’re older to form your own mercenary group. Then, little brother?” Before she could finish, Zhong Shenxiu turned and left with Robin!
“Wait a moment!” Lisa called out as she saw Zhong Shenxiu and Robin turning toward the exit, and she hurried to catch up with them again.
“What is it?” This time, Zhong Shenxiu surprisingly paused to listen to Lisa.
“Um, if you two are looking to join a mercenary group, you could consider our ‘Cross Sword Mercenary Group’!” Lisa said with great sincerity.
They had witnessed the uncanny movements of Zhong Shenxiu and Robin earlier and knew these two children were far from ordinary. Their ability to survive alone in the dense forest was further proof.
“Not interested!” Zhong Shenxiu replied curtly, then walked away decisively!
...
Upon returning to the ‘Dark Commerce Guild,’ Zhong Shenxiu first examined the ‘Ghost Wood Nail’ he had obtained. The more he looked, the more impatient he became, yet he would not refine it now. His current strength was too weak—at least, that’s what he thought. Refining it now would be a blatant waste of a heavenly artifact!
More importantly, Zhong Shenxiu had focused exclusively on cultivating the ‘Xuanwu Jue.’ He rarely practiced his other techniques unless the situation demanded it. Refining this ‘Ghost Wood Nail’ required extremely potent Ghost Power. Therefore, Zhong Shenxiu could only shelve this marvelous item for now. Once his strength recovered to his peak former realm, he could refine it without hesitation!
Afterward, Zhong Shenxiu asked Robin to summon Charlotte and the others, as well as Gandalf and the rest.
Keni smiled sweetly at Zhong Shenxiu and naturally settled between him and Robin.
The others followed suit, all looking at Zhong Shenxiu with curiosity, wondering what important matter required gathering them all.
Zhong Shenxiu disliked beating around the bush and got straight to the point: “I want to establish a mercenary group. Who wants to join?”
This statement carried a second meaning: I’m giving you another opportunity; who among you will seize it?
Those who had followed Zhong Shenxiu for more than a day or two immediately grasped the implication. Stanley and Faraday were the first to shout, “I’ll join!”
For them, this was a rare opportunity. They had long wished to stay constantly by Zhong Shenxiu’s side; it was the fastest shortcut to improving their strength! Now that the ‘Dark Commerce Guild’ was on solid footing, many matters no longer required their personal attention. If they could now stay close to Zhong Shenxiu, they would willingly resign their positions as leaders of the ‘Undead Association’!
“I’ll join too!” Gandalf was the third to react. He had benefited greatly from Zhong Shenxiu, and the single magical artifact gifted to him would sustain him for life!
Moreover, he was increasingly aware of Zhong Shenxiu’s formidable power; the mere merchandise at the ‘Dark Commerce Guild’ often left him awestruck. Following someone like this guaranteed success!
Most importantly, he had become ‘best buddies’ with Stanley and Faraday. This iron triangle was almost inseparable; they often met up during their free time to discuss magic, always parting ways in high spirits!
Rhys reacted next. From the day he left ‘Gulu City’ with Zhong Shenxiu, he had been prepared for this journey of tempering alongside him. Hearing Zhong Shenxiu ask this question now merely provided the guarantee for his readiness!
Finally, Angelia reacted. She had been momentarily distracted, thinking again about that incident that made her heart race and cheeks flush. Although she hadn't fully processed that event yet, she was starting to know how to face it.
“I’ll join too!” Angelia’s voice was a little shaky, and she dared not look at Zhong Shenxiu, fearing his sharp eyes would see right through her turmoil!
Among the group, only Charlotte remained silent. It wasn't that she didn't want to speak; she simply didn't have the right. She had her own mercenary group, and regulations stated she could not join another. Every mercenary could only belong to one group; this was an unbendable rule!
Truthfully, how she wished she could continue adventuring alongside Zhong Shenxiu. Then, no matter how perilous the situation, Zhong Shenxiu would shield them; even if the sky fell, they wouldn't need to fear!
Furthermore, adventuring with Zhong Shenxiu would undoubtedly be thrilling, allowing them to experience things otherwise impossible, perhaps even smoothly completing some 'SSS-class' highest difficulty missions!
However, all this was destined to be out of her reach!
Keni didn't need to state her position like the others; it was a foregone conclusion that she would stand with Zhong Shenxiu—that was an undeniable fact!
“Alright, wait for me outside,” Zhong Shenxiu told Gandalf and the others. But as the group rose to leave, he called out to Charlotte, “Woman, you stay!”