With a final, thousand-strike surge, Zhong Shenxiu burst forth. Everyone took a deep breath, the cool breeze a balm against the sweat.

Gazing up at the stars in the night sky, they were breathtakingly beautiful; even the surrounding grass and trees seemed infused with poetry.

They were out. Finally, they were out!

These mercenaries were so ecstatic they felt like weeping. The strange things they had encountered in the ancient tomb were enough to serve as tales for their grandchildren.

However, at this moment, some people emerged to spoil the mood—the "Shark Hunters Mercenary Group."

When they saw that the exiting party consisted mostly of old men, women, and children, they instantly rejoiced, thinking they had truly struck gold. What an opportunity handed to them!

"Hold it right there!" the bearded man shouted first. His subordinates sprang out with a whoosh, surrounding Zhong Shenxiu’s group entirely.

Zhong Shenxiu did indeed stop. But he merely regarded them with an amused, speculative look, clearly pondering something.

"What is it?" Charlotte stepped forward. As a vice-captain, her primary role was negotiation with other mercenary groups.

The bearded man scrutinized Charlotte from head to toe, smacking his lips, thinking what a striking woman she was.

Charlotte frowned. She knew immediately from his expression that the brute was entertaining vulgar thoughts.

"Leave all the money you have, and any treasures you found in the tomb!" the bearded man stated bluntly.

Although Charlotte and the other women, like Kenny, were tempting, this time he dared not act on his desires; even a cornered rat will bite, and he didn't want to push them to a desperate last stand.

"On what grounds?" Rhys interjected, his eyes flashing.

"Kid, this isn't your place to speak. Get lost!" one of the bearded man's subordinates roared abruptly.

"You want what we have?" Zhong Shenxiu suddenly spoke, a smile playing on his lips—a smile that made one’s skin crawl.

The members of the "Shark Hunters Mercenary Group" were momentarily stunned. They glanced down at Zhong Shenxiu, feeling a sudden urge to laugh. Such a small child dared to venture into this tomb and actually survive? He was incredibly lucky!

The bearded man retracted his gaze, focusing once more on Charlotte. "Leave everything valuable you’re carrying, or don't blame us for being discourteous!"

With that, he brandished the greatsword in his hand.

This time, Charlotte remained silent, instead looking toward Zhong Shenxiu, as all the valuables were held by him, Robin, and Kenny.

"Do you truly want it?" Zhong Shenxiu grinned wickedly.

"Boy, you don't belong in this conversation. Don't interrupt, or else..." The bearded man’s unfinished threat was cut off by Charlotte.

"Show some respect when addressing our Captain!" A chill had entered Charlotte’s eyes. At some point, Zhong Shenxiu had come to occupy a profoundly important place in her heart.

The bearded man stared at Charlotte blankly, clearly not grasping the implication of her words.

But his subordinate next to him was sharp. He realized the situation immediately and asked with immense surprise, "Y-you said he’s your Captain?"

His mouth gaped as if he intended to swallow Zhong Shenxiu whole!

"Precisely!" Charlotte’s gaze had sharpened significantly.

"Stop joking around. Don't waste our time; hand over your things now!" After a moment of confusion, the bearded man snapped.

"Robin!" Just then, Zhong Shenxiu called out softly, then added with a mischievous smirk, "Give them something. Let’s see if they dare take it!"

The bearded man looked curiously as Robin approached, wondering what item he possessed that they wouldn't dare accept. Could it be some sort of demonic horror?

Yet, he had guessed correctly; Robin actually produced a monster.

Oh my god!

In that instant, every member of the "Shark Hunters Mercenary Group," including the leader, was utterly paralyzed with fear. Their eyes were bulging, and their hearts seemed to stop beating entirely.

Never mind them; even the mercenaries behind Gandalf felt their legs turn to jelly upon seeing the creature again. They had never imagined Robin would unleash this thing.

This was the other terrifying behemoth they had encountered in the "Tomb Center," whose strength was indisputably formidable!

"Alright, if you want it, take it," Zhong Shenxiu said again, smiling pleasantly.

But at this moment, his voice had turned into a nightmare to the ears of the "Shark Hunters." They hadn't expected the child to be serious. What the hell kind of monster was this?

"ROAR!" A deafening sound suddenly erupted from the monster’s maw, as if it too were exhilarated.

This single roar was enough to instantly paralyze several "Shark Hunters." Their legs trembled uncontrollably. Whenever their eyes met the monster’s great, bell-like green eyes, they felt their scalps tingle and a cold sweat break out across their backs. People who possessed no skill yet dared to rob—they should check their reflection in a latrine before attempting such folly. It was no exaggeration to say that if Zhong Shenxiu wished it, he could torment them until death.

"Spare us, young master! We, we won’t dare again!" The bearded man suddenly dropped to his knees with a thud.

The others quickly followed suit. In front of this creature, they lacked the courage even to flee. Their only option was to beg this little ancestor for mercy, hoping an adult would overlook the follies of children and spare their miserable lives!

Zhong Shenxiu shot them a look of mild disdain. He had actually planned to play with them a bit longer, but he hadn't expected them to break so quickly. Useless!

In truth, few could withstand such psychological torment; it could easily induce heart failure!

Because Zhong Shenxiu had gained many treasures in the tomb, he was in a good mood and had no intention of making things difficult for them. He merely placed a restriction on them, sealing their powers, and then let them go.

Ironically, after receiving Zhong Shenxiu’s clemency, the "Shark Hunters Mercenary Group" scrambled away, shouting as they ran, terrified that Zhong Shenxiu might change his mind. Their speed was comparable to 'Bolt' himself!

Securing the monster, the group continued on their way. But not far along, Zhong Shenxiu stopped and turned to the other mercenaries. "Now that you are out, you no longer need to follow us."

After a moment of surprise, the mercenaries reacted, their faces instantly blooming with joy. They had long wanted to part ways with Zhong Shenxiu's group but had never dared to say so!

After exchanging a few parting words like "Take care," the mercenaries left one by one. At first, they walked slowly, but soon transitioned into a hundred-meter dash, vanishing quickly into the night.

"Why aren't you two leaving?" Zhong Shenxiu turned to look at Harimanfu and Frank.

The two looked as if they wanted to speak but hesitated. Finally, Frank broke the silence first. "I want to join your 'Misty Mercenary Group'!"

Though his voice was soft, the declaration was resolute.

"Me too!" Harimanfu added from beside him.

This idea wasn't new to them; it had first taken root back in the ancient tomb. After interacting with the "Misty Mercenary Group," they truly understood what was miraculous and what was powerful.

The continuous visual impact, the domineering aura of one man prevailing over ten thousand obstacles—it had deeply impressed them both!

More importantly, by staying near the "Misty Mercenary Group," they had broadened their horizons and learned knowledge they could never have accessed before!

Moreover, they were convinced that even though this "Misty Mercenary Group" was small now, it was destined for greatness; its fame would surely spread across the entire continent someday! To fail to seize the opportunity to follow such an overwhelmingly capable group would lead to endless regret!

They were different from the mercenaries who had left. They looked beyond immediate gains or losses, focusing instead on long-term prospects. This was a chance that could alter their destiny, and they had to take it!

Zhong Shenxiu looked back and forth between the two, as if observing and contemplating. After a long pause, he said, "Once you join my 'Misty Mercenary Group,' there is no turning back. Have you two thought this through?"

Zhong Shenxiu disliked fickle people, and he especially disliked traitors, so he needed to lay down the ground rules first!

Harimanfu and Frank exchanged a look, seemingly reaching a mutual understanding, and nodded. Their eyes shone with unwavering determination.

"We have thought it through. If we join the 'Misty Mercenary Group,' we absolutely will not leave!"

"There’s still time to back out now. Once you join my 'Misty Mercenary Group,' you must obey my arrangements!" A smile began to crease Zhong Shenxiu's lips, much like a cunning merchant tricking employees into signing a contract.

"We don't regret it!"

"Although your attitude is sincere, joining my 'Misty Mercenary Group' is no simple matter. I will tentatively approve you both as reserve members. Are you willing?" Zhong Shenxiu believed everyone required a probationary period, and these two were no exception.

The two looked at each other again. Well, reserve members are better than nothing, they thought, and quickly nodded.

Then, Zhong Shenxiu broke into a smile of a scheme well-executed!

The group walked for several hours before finally finding an inn to settle down.

The women, like Angelia, most desperately wanted a hot bath; the grime of the past few days had left them smelling stale.

Rhys and the others most desired a deep sleep, and they immediately began putting that plan into action!

The night passed without incident, but Zhong Shenxiu did not allow them the luxury of sleeping in, rousing them early. He rented a carriage and they set off toward the 'City of Dreaming Dusk'!

However, upon arriving at the 'City of Dreaming Dusk,' Zhong Shenxiu received some very unexpected news:

This year's 'Academy Ranking Tournament' would be held ahead of schedule!