The robed elder was left speechless by Robin’s barrage of words, only then realizing that the person before him was just a little girl, perhaps ten years old. He couldn't converse with her using the mindset reserved for adults.
“May we come in to talk?” Alexander inquired. Having an Emperor standing at the doorway was quite improper, though fortunately, the area was under lockdown, preventing others from witnessing it.
“What is it?” Robin turned to face Alexander.
Ugh!
Alexander hadn't expected Robin to possess such a strong personality. Ordinarily, a young girl of this age should be easily reasoned with; why did this child before him exude no such feeling whatsoever?
Luckily, Alexander had steeled himself before arriving. He knew that reclusive masters always had their peculiarities, much like the two standing beside him. Thus, instead of getting angry, he adopted an even friendlier tone: “We are here to discuss matters with Zhong Shenxiu. Could you please inform him on our behalf?”
For an Emperor to display such restraint spoke volumes of his magnanimity. It was precisely because of this open-mindedness that the two elders accompanying him were willing to follow him closely as his personal bodyguards.
A brief introduction was necessary for the two accompanying him: the elder in the green robe who had just spoken was named Charlie Feng, a "Beginner God-Demon Mentor," specializing in wind magic. The gray-robed elder standing next to him was Charlie Yun, an "Advanced Sword God," arguably the strongest figure in the Winter Moon Empire (though, naturally, one couldn't compare him to monstrous existences like Zhong Shenxiu or Robin!).
"Charlie Feng" and "Charlie Yun" were not their real names; no one knew what their original names were, not even Alexander.
It was only because of their unwavering protection that Alexander dared to leave the palace to seek out Zhong Shenxiu. It was no exaggeration to say that with these two present, Alexander could retreat unharmed even if faced with an army of a thousand men.
Robin stared at Alexander for over ten seconds before finally saying, “Wait!”
Then, with a sharp bang, she shut the door. Alexander was utterly dumbfounded. He never imagined a day would come when he, an Emperor, would be kept waiting outside a door.
After waiting for about three minutes, Robin finally emerged again.
“You may enter now!” Robin stated flatly. “Right!” Alexander managed an awkward smile. He couldn’t believe that as an Emperor, he had to wait for someone to announce his entry into a room—he was truly living past his prime!
The three followed Robin inside, while the few guards stationed outside the courtyard remained on standby.
Upon entering, the trio immediately spotted Zhong Shenxiu seated in a soft armchair. Besides the two children, the room was empty of anyone else.
“You are Zhong Shenxiu?” Alexander confirmed. It seemed he had done his research, knowing Zhong Shenxiu was a child, but he hadn’t expected him to be this young.
Zhong Shenxiu nodded slightly and asked plainly, “What business do you have with me?”
While Zhong Shenxiu was scrutinizing the three, they were equally observing him. The two elders, in particular, were astonished. They couldn't fathom that Alexander had made this journey solely to see a child—wasn’t that laughable?
“Seeing is indeed believing. You are much, much younger than I imagined,” Alexander said, a hint of surprise in his tone.
He genuinely struggled to believe that someone as young as Zhong Shenxiu could produce such formidable students. Even child prodigies had limits; so, what method had this boy employed?
Just as Alexander began to drift into thought, Zhong Shenxiu’s voice cut through: “Get to the point. Don’t waste my time!”
Unbelievable!
Alexander and the two elders beside him hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to be even more arrogant than Robin—utterly beyond measure!
“I wonder if you are interested in joining our royal…” Alexander began, but his words were cut off by Zhong Shenxiu’s voice.
“Not interested! Anything else?” A flicker of impatience crossed Zhong Shenxiu’s face. He detested interruptions when his thoughts were engaged. Clearly, Alexander had arrived at an inopportune moment.
“Little brat, do you know who you are speaking to? This is the Emperor of the Winter Moon Empire!” Charlie Feng couldn’t help but interject.
He was short-tempered and always spoke his mind. He absolutely despised Zhong Shenxiu’s dismissive attitude. To be so presumptuous at such a young age—what will he be like when he grows up! Alexander had patience, but Charlie Feng did not. If not for the fact that Zhong Shenxiu was a child, this attitude alone would have warranted a lesson.
Zhong Shenxiu shifted his gaze from Alexander, studying Charlie Feng from head to toe, then glancing at Charlie Yun, and remarked, “Old man, do you look down on children?”
“Hmph, don't think you’re all that just because you have a tiny bit of ability. I tell you, the Winter Moon Empire is teeming with experts, many stronger than you. It’s better to be humble!” Charlie Feng avoided a direct answer, instead rebuking sharply with an unpleasant tone.
Alexander said nothing to restrain him, standing quietly to observe Zhong Shenxiu’s reaction, seemingly unconcerned.
Although Charlie Yun remained silent, his expression indicated his support for Charlie Feng. Dealing with the arrogant required delivering a proper check, otherwise, they would only push their luck further!
Instead of becoming angry at Charlie Feng’s harsh words, Zhong Shenxiu merely smiled. He found the elder’s words amusing—to claim there were countless people stronger than him!
Zhong Shenxiu had long been searching for worthy opponents who could engage him in a proper fight, but he hadn't found one yet. He had accepted this reality: his wish might never be fulfilled. As time passed, his power would only grow more terrifying, making it exponentially harder to find a satisfying match.
“What’s so funny?” Charlie Feng felt mocked and couldn’t help but shout in anger. “Hey, old man, do you really think you’re something special just because you’re a ‘God-Demon Mentor’?” Zhong Shenxiu paused before continuing, “You said there are plenty stronger than me. Why don’t you introduce me to one?”
Charlie Feng’s face flushed crimson; he was clearly furious.
Zhong Shenxiu ignored him, turning instead to Alexander with a slightly serious expression: “Are you planning to test me?”
Alexander started in surprise. He hadn't anticipated this child's mind was sharp enough to see through his intention—he had intended to use Charlie Feng to gauge Zhong Shenxiu’s true capabilities!
Because his secret motive had been exposed, Alexander momentarily didn't know how to respond.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If I make a move, you will all have to pay the price,” Zhong Shenxiu’s expression returned to its placid state.
“Hmph, what arrogance,” at this point, Charlie Yun, who had remained silent, finally couldn't bear it any longer.
The atmosphere grew tense, both sides possessing absolute confidence in themselves!
The two elders focused entirely on Zhong Shenxiu, failing to notice Robin watching them with a pair of piercing gazes!
“Master!”
Robin could no longer tolerate the elders' blatant arrogance. She stepped forward. This was her seeking Zhong Shenxiu’s permission, asking if she could engage them.
“Wait a moment longer!” Zhong Shenxiu smiled, a hint of playful amusement in the expression.
The three of Alexander’s party didn't understand the cryptic exchange between Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, but they didn't pay much heed, as none of them believed the pair could actually challenge them. Whether by numbers or sheer strength, they felt they held the absolute advantage!
“Hey, old man, want to strike a deal with me?” Zhong Shenxiu stared directly at Alexander, the smile on his lips widening.
“What kind of deal?” Alexander felt a knot of apprehension tighten in his stomach.
“No rush on that. Before that, I need to settle another matter!” Zhong Shenxiu began to examine Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun again.
The two elders felt an unsettling sensation under Zhong Shenxiu’s scrutiny, unsure of his intentions! But one thing was certain: it wouldn’t be anything good!
“Hey, old men, the next thing we discuss is highly confidential. Do you two choose to leave voluntarily, or do you prefer to be thrown out?” Zhong Shenxiu inquired with an almost kind tone.
Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun certainly weren't accepting such faux kindness; this was clearly a direct challenge!
“If you truly have the ability, then throw us out,” Charlie Yun snorted again.
“Brat, arrogance has its limits! Do you really think you can handle both of us?” Charlie Feng chimed in.
“If I have to act myself, you two don’t even pique my interest.”
Zhong Shenxiu flashed a devilish grin, then turned to Robin and said, “Robin, the rest of the work is up to you!”
Robin’s eyes lit up—she had been waiting for this exact command!
Alexander and his two companions stared blankly as Robin began to move her wrists. Was she really planning to fight? Alexander had only heard rumors about Zhong Shenxiu; Robin was a complete unknown to him. He couldn't fathom how Robin could possibly deal with his two super-powerful bodyguards!
It wasn’t just him who was confused; Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun also looked at Robin with surprise.
Just then, Robin uttered a sentence that nearly sent the two elders over the edge!
“Don’t say I’m bullying you two; I’ll give you thirty seconds to prepare!” Robin stated calmly.
At this point, Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun were completely speechless. They finally understood how frustrating it was to negotiate with children.
“Thirty seconds are up,” Robin’s voice sounded again.
Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun were about to retort, So what if time’s up? But in the very next instant, their eyes widened in shock, because the Robin who had been standing right beside them had inexplicably vanished.