The Han people nodded upon hearing Zhong Shenxiu's query; they too had initially been puzzled as to why they were being made to learn "Dark Magic." It turned out to be for this very day!
Now, everyone was deeply grateful they had applied themselves to their studies back then, otherwise, they would surely be filled with regret now!
"The techniques I am about to teach you involve utilizing 'Dark Magic' in conjunction with your ultimate skills. If you concentrate, every one of you can master them!" Zhong Shenxiu announced again.
During this year and a half, his research had never paused. He had gained entirely new understandings concerning many established concepts. Initially, Zhong Shenxiu had Stanley and Faraday instruct everyone in the tenets of "Dark Magic" because he intended to gift each of them a Skeleton Beast. To control a Skeleton Beast, one needed at least a rudimentary grasp of "Dark Magic"!
However, through a year and a half of intensive study, Zhong Shenxiu had made further breakthroughs. He discovered that if "Dark Magic" underwent a specific, sophisticated refinement, its effects were utterly marvelous. Not only was its compatibility unbelievably high, but it also possessed numerous other supplementary functions!
For instance, by applying the "Refined Dark Magic," a practitioner could convert their yellow Dou Qi into "Black Dou Qi"! Although this offered no material change, the destructive power and defensive capabilities would multiply several times over!
As for Mages, by using the "Refined Dark Magic," they could induce attribute shifts in their spells. A Mage proficient in only one elemental magic could potentially invoke spells from other elements! Of course, the extent to which one could master these transformations depended entirely on individual comprehension!
These were merely the most conspicuous advantages; there were many other minor functions that need not be detailed here!
After Zhong Shenxiu gave a brief demonstration, everyone’s eyes widened, their expressions conveying an intense yearning to master it immediately!
Thus, over the following few days, the group's intensive training regimen incorporated a new focus: practicing the "Dark Magic."
Naturally, this was the refined version of "Dark Magic" developed by Zhong Shenxiu, and the training methods for Swordsmen and Mages exhibited clear divergences! These differences were significant in the broad strokes, and even the nuances varied from person to person, as each individual's optimal execution method differed based on their unique ultimate skills. However, Zhong Shenxiu planned to personally fine-tune these methods for each of them only after they had achieved a general mastery of the fundamentals of "Dark Magic."
Time flew by in the midst of their rigorous practice sessions.
While elevating the strength of Angelia and the others, Zhong Shenxiu had not forgotten Faraday and his group. Muran had already decided to embark on adventures across the world, meaning every member of his team must possess formidable abilities. When facing powerful adversaries from all sides, they needed sufficient self-preservation capabilities to confidently and boldly execute their exploration plans!
On this occasion, while guiding Faraday and the others, Zhong Shenxiu personally refined several medicinal pills for them. These pills possessed a synergistic effect that would dramatically accelerate their power advancements!
Zhong Shenxiu’s personal strength was already anomalous, but his ability to cultivate experts was even more staggering. In just one month, he had forged Faraday and those loyal to him into peerless masters; across all continents, the number of individuals capable of defeating them would be countable on one hand.
Moreover, their growth had not plateaued; their strength advanced at astonishing daily rates. It was anticipated that before long, they would become the next generation of anomalies, following in the wake of Zhong Shenxiu and Robin!
Another month passed, and once everyone’s strength reached Zhong Shenxiu’s initial required benchmark, this phase of concentrated training concluded.
On this day, Zhong Shenxiu gathered the entire membership of the "Misty Mercenary Group."
Since many members did not recognize Hariman and Fulanke, he introduced them first. Subsequently, Zhong Shenxiu laid out the established rules and regulations for the group, implementing a clear system of rewards and punishments!
With that, the "Misty Mercenary Group" finally began to take definite shape. Following this, Zhong Shenxiu granted everyone three days of leave to rest and prepare; three days later, they would embark on their journey of adventure. As for their destination, Zhong Shenxiu kept that undisclosed!
.
Three months later, when Zhong Shenxiu and his group reappeared, they had arrived at the "Capital City"!
With only a little over two months remaining until the "Royal Tournament," Zhong Shenxiu and the others had arrived early to ensure the schedule wasn't too compressed!
Through their trials over these past three months, everyone had made significant strides in power!
It was worth mentioning that during these three-plus months, the "Misty Mercenary Group" had completed numerous challenging missions: seven C-rank missions, eight B-rank missions, and even one A-rank mission! The "Misty Mercenary Group" had now been promoted to a B-rank mercenary group—a rate of advancement that surely set a new record!
In certain regions, the "Misty Mercenary Group" was already gaining some renown, having successfully taken their first significant step into the wider world!
Furthermore, during these three months, Elena was promoted to Vice-Commander due to her outstanding performance. Fulanke also performed well and was promoted to Squad Leader due to his exceptional individual capabilities!
When the group reached the "Capital City," it was already noon. Since this was everyone’s first visit to the "Capital City," they were entirely unfamiliar with it, meaning they had to search slowly for an eatery!
Fortunately, the "Capital City" was immensely prosperous, boasting countless restaurants and inns. However, this happened to be the peak dining hour, and every establishment was already packed!
Not wishing to jostle with crowds, Zhong Shenxiu and his company continued onward—
The "Capital City" was enormous. In terms of sheer area, it was fifteen times the size of "Dream Evening City," and even the width of the main avenues was five or six times greater than in ordinary cities!
The public security here was excellent; not a single street vendor could be seen along the thoroughfares. Both sides of the streets were lined with all manner of luxurious shops selling everything imaginable—an absolute haven for the wealthy clientele!
The group walked forward like this for a solid half hour before finally spotting an ultra-luxurious grand hotel. Those dining inside were exclusively the rich and noble; a single meal there often cost as much as an average family earned in a year.
A magnificent hotel of this caliber would certainly be spacious; they decided on this one!
Zhong Shenxiu led the group inside without hesitation!
He was flush with money now and cared little for the expense. The "Misty Mercenary Group" had already earned substantial commissions just from their missions, not counting the untold benefits they acquired during those tasks!
Despite the extravagant cost of this grand hotel, the "Misty Mercenary Group" paid it no mind!
The entry of Zhong Shenxiu and his party immediately drew the attention of those already inside. It was the first time they had ever witnessed a mercenary group dining in such a place!
"Hey, look, a mercenary group eating here. Have they gotten lost?"
"Just one meal here probably wipes out months of their hard-earned mission pay!"
"I don't think they're here for food. They look more like they're on a mission, perhaps looking for someone inside!" "In this day and age, you see all sorts of strange things. Look, there are children inside, and they even have mercenary badges!"
The patrons dining here generally possessed some decorum; their discussions remained low enough that other diners were completely unaware of what was being said.
Zhong Shenxiu scanned the room, unconcerned by the scrutiny, and headed directly toward the service counter.
At that moment, a member of the service staff approached. Though appearing outwardly calm and composed, they were internally just as surprised as the diners to see a mercenary group arrive here.
"May I ask what you require?"
"Dining," Zhong Shenxiu replied succinctly!
The server gave Zhong Shenxiu a startled glance before looking up again, directing the question to Keni and the others: "Are you here to eat?"
Before Keni and the others could reply, Zhong Shenxiu interjected, "Do you have private rooms?"
The server glanced at Zhong Shenxiu once more, then looked up again, pointedly ignoring him. In their mind, they dismissed Zhong Shenxiu’s words as a child’s mere theatrics!
Zhong Shenxiu also had a temper. If you won't acknowledge me, I'll find someone who will!
With that, Zhong Shenxiu continued toward the service counter without looking back. The others naturally followed, leaving the first server standing awkwardly to the side!
The server blinked, surprised that this seemingly unimpressive mercenary group possessed such arrogance. They pegged them instantly as country bumpkins who had never seen the world! The server was merely seeking internal equilibrium—any slighted person would naturally feel displeased!
"May I inquire what assistance you need?" a female server behind the counter asked with a pleasant smile, her demeanor a stark contrast to the male server just moments before.
"We need to eat!" Zhong Shenxiu answered again.
The female server leaned over the counter and, upon seeing the very cute boy that was Zhong Shenxiu, smiled knowingly: "Certainly. How many are there in your party?"
The female server looked up, smiling warmly at Keni and the others.
"All of us!" Keni responded with a smile.
"And do you have private rooms?" Zhong Shenxiu pressed.
"I sincerely apologize, but all private rooms are occupied. However, the lounge on the seventh floor is very quiet and nearly empty. If you don't mind, you could go there; you can also enjoy the outside scenery in your leisure time!" the female server replied cheerfully.
It was evident that this server possessed excellent capability and adaptability, most notably her strong affinity for people. Just looking at her was pleasant, making one naturally inclined to spend money!
There was just one puzzling thought: such a capable person was only serving as a mere attendant. This hotel clearly didn't know how to utilize its talent!
"What is your name?" Zhong Shenxiu suddenly asked.
The female server paused, then covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Rinobiri! I hope you all have a pleasant time!"
Zhong Shenxiu quietly noted the name and led his group upstairs. Moments later, however, Keni returned alone to the counter.
"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Rinobiri asked with a smile.
"Could I speak with you privately for a moment?" Keni inquired.
When the two reached a deserted corner, Keni took out a card and offered it, asking very earnestly, "I wonder if you’d be interested in working for our chamber of commerce?"
Rinobiri took the card and looked at it, freezing instantly—08 Shan Xun Shu Shai Ji San