The situation with Jiang was utterly bizarre. After all, the two of them hadn't taken their eyes off Robin for a second—how on earth had he vanished?

What in the world was going on?

This question slammed into the minds of both men simultaneously. Suddenly, their entire heads felt like they were ringing with a deafening boom, and then they simply collapsed, unconscious.

The very moment they fell, Robin’s small silhouette materialized behind them.

Robin skillfully tugged at the collars of their robes, dragging them toward the exit. His expression was so utterly detached, it seemed less like he was hauling two heavy men and more like he was handling weightless balloons.

How could this be?

Alexander stared, his jaw slack with a look of utter idiocy. He had likely never experienced such shock in his entire life.

He now doubted if everything he was seeing was a mere hallucination. How else could his two supremely powerful bodyguards have dropped unconscious in the blink of an eye?

Furthermore, these two were no ordinary men. One was a Sword God, the other, a Divine Demon Mentor. Good heavens, how had she managed this?

With his heart hammering violently against his ribs, Alexander felt as if he couldn't draw a full breath.

A sharp thud signaled the closing of the door, and moments later, Robin reappeared, seemingly unaffected by the preceding events.

The casual glance Robin threw his way startled Alexander so profoundly that he stumbled backward two or three paces before regaining his composure. Only now did he truly grasp why Zhong Shenxiu carried such arrogance and why he held the Emperor in such open disregard. With the ability to fell two unrivaled masters in an instant, their strength was enough to look down upon the entire world.

This power was terrifying—so absolute that it left the victims no chance to even raise a defense. Who were these people, and how could they possess such monstrous capabilities?

As Alexander’s face grew increasingly pale, Zhong Shenxiu finally spoke again: "No need to be so tense. Now, let's discuss our arrangement."

As he spoke, a wicked smile curved his lips. To Alexander’s eyes, this grin was indistinguishable from the smile of a demon. He was beginning to seriously question if his visit had been the most disastrous choice of his reign.

Forget negotiating a deal; his very life was now held in their hands. He had zero doubt that Robin could render him unconscious just as easily as Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun, and perhaps that slumber would prove eternal.

Bringing only two escorts had not been carelessness on his part. His true oversight was drastically underestimating the power of these two children. Existences this aberrant meant that even if he mobilized the entire military might of the 'Winter Moon Empire,' it would be futile; they could annihilate his forces effortlessly if they chose to.

Alexander desperately struggled to comprehend: When had the 'Winter Moon Empire' unearthed two such monsters? Why had there been absolutely no prior rumor of their existence? Logically, people this formidable should be impossible to overlook.

In truth, it was largely because Zhong Shenxiu and Robin acted with such ruthless efficiency, and those they had dealt with previously were so paralyzed by fear that they dared not spread word, lest they invite further retribution. Moreover, coupled with the fact that Zhong Shenxiu and Robin did not generally seek public attention (which, frankly, was ridiculous!), few people were even aware of their existence.

Alexander needn't have worried so much. If Zhong Shenxiu had intended him harm, he would have acted long ago. Furthermore, past precedents demonstrated that any trade Zhong Shenxiu proposed invariably offered the other party tremendous, unparalleled benefits. Setting aside the intricacies of Zhong Shenxiu’s negotiation with Alexander for a moment, let’s turn to the two old men Robin had tossed outside.

They still hadn't stirred, lying prone on the ground like two discarded pieces of dried fish.

The guards stationed outside, hearing the commotion, looked up and froze instantly. In that initial moment, they all assumed their eyes were playing tricks on them. But no matter how many times they rubbed their eyes, the reality remained the reality.

These guards recognized Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun, and they knew the unfathomable strength these two elders possessed. Yet, the scene before them was incomprehensible: how could they have been thrown out by a mere little girl?

What in the world had transpired? What had happened inside?

A torrent of questions began churning in the guards' minds. Because Alexander had given explicit orders forbidding anyone from entering the courtyard without his command, the guards found themselves in a terrible dilemma—should they obey the King's standing order, or rush in to investigate?

"Hey, I’m not mistaken, are those the two elders who attend His Majesty?" one guard whispered.

"Their robes certainly look similar. If only we could see their faces!" another craned his neck, trying desperately to peer through the distance, but Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun were positioned sideways, allowing them only a vague outline.

"That can't be right. I heard these elders command the respect of even Chief Commander Patrick. How could they be lying out there? I say it’s a coincidence—just people wearing identical outfits!"

"Stop the idle chatter. Those are the Emperor's elders!" a guard stated with grim certainty. He had clearly seen the faces of both men when Robin emerged, which cemented his conviction.

"This... this is impossible!"

In truth, they already suspected these were the elders; it was just that they were mentally refusing to accept the shocking reality, scrambling for excuses to rationalize it away.

"What puzzles me is that there wasn't any sound of fighting coming from inside. How could—"

"Hey, maybe His Majesty is in danger?" another guard suddenly exclaimed in alarm.

That single sentence struck home, jolting everyone from their shock. They had been so preoccupied with astonishment that they completely forgot Alexander was still inside!

Instantly, all discussion ceased. Every eye fixed upon the door, and they held their breath, straining to catch the slightest sound from within.

But long moments passed, and they heard nothing. Had His Majesty already met with misfortune?

"Captain, what should we do?"

All attention shifted to a stern-faced middle-aged man.

This man was their captain, and he had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, though his brow had been deeply furrowed the whole time. He grasped the gravity of the situation perfectly. If the Emperor suffered any harm here, none of them would survive. Yet, to barge in without orders was an act of blatant disobedience, an offense equally severe!

The choice was agonizingly difficult.

"I'll go in first. If you hear my signal, then you all charge in together. If you hear nothing, do not move rashly," the captain stated, his expression grave.

His decision was made to protect the others; he would scout ahead, and if Emperor Alexander chose to assign blame, he would bear it alone.

"Captain, I'll go with you."

"Yes, and me too!"

The others immediately chimed in, fully understanding the captain’s intent and unwilling to let him face it alone.

"No more discussion. This is settled. That's an order!" the captain clipped out, his face hard.

The moment the word "order" was uttered, the others fell silent.

Finally, the resolute captain cautiously entered the courtyard. He first crouched down to examine the condition of the two elders, then quietly approached the main door.

He pressed his ear against the wood to listen, still hearing no sound, before gently turning the knob and slipping inside with soft, stealthy steps.

The remaining guards held their breath, ready to burst through the door at the slightest alarm from their captain.

However, only a short time passed before the door opened, revealing their captain backing out with a look of utter panic.

"Captain, what's the situation?" the guards asked immediately upon seeing him emerge.

"Ask nothing. His Majesty is completely safe inside!" the captain managed to say, his expression still unsettled.

As soon as he stepped inside, he witnessed a scene that would be burned into his memory forever: their supreme Emperor, Alexander, showing profound respect to two children, seemingly engaged in a discussion of the utmost secrecy. He had retreated instantly, his heart still racing.

The guards exchanged bewildered glances. Though deeply curious, they asked no further questions, for they understood a cardinal rule: sometimes, knowing too much is perilous.

About half an hour later, the door opened again, and Alexander finally emerged, his face alight with excitement.

Seeing their Emperor unharmed, the guards, whose eyes could not lie, breathed a collective sigh of relief.

When Alexander noticed Charlie Feng and Charlie Yun still sprawled on the ground, the smile momentarily faded from his face, and he quickly instructed the guards to help the elders rise.

In truth, the gains from his negotiation with Zhong Shenxiu were immense—benefits he could scarcely have imagined.

He had only just learned that Zhong Shenxiu was, in fact, the true proprietor of the 'Dark Commerce Guild.' Previously, he would have dismissed such a claim outright, but after witnessing Robin’s power, he accepted it without question.

Zhong Shenxiu had agreed to sell the Royal Family certain ‘non-sale’ equipment annually. Alexander knew precisely how formidable 'non-sale equipment' was—it was the absolute apex of power, the strongest of the strong. With these armaments, Alexander was confident that the military strength of the 'Winter Moon Empire' would escalate dramatically.

Furthermore, in the event of a war, Zhong Shenxiu pledged to sell limitless equipment to the Royal Family, offering them a significant discount!

But what truly electrified Alexander was the pill Zhong Shenxiu gave him—a draught capable of extending his life by thirty years while simultaneously reversing his age by a decade! (This pill was also one of the 'Dark Commerce Guild’s' non-sale items!)

This was the ultimate treasure. Who among rulers would not desire longevity and eternal youth?

Only the 'Dark Commerce Guild' possessed the capability to develop such a pill. Alexander trusted its efficacy implicitly, not solely because it bore the Guild's hallmark, but far more so because he trusted that Zhong Shenxiu would never deceive him.

And in exchange for such staggering benefits, Alexander had offered Zhong Shenxiu benefits of equal measure.

Firstly, twenty percent of the 'Winter Moon Empire’s' annual treasury revenue would be transferred unconditionally to Zhong Shenxiu’s account. Secondly, Alexander agreed to cede a substantial portion of territory to become Zhong Shenxiu's private domain. Thirdly, the 'Dark Commerce Guild' would not only enjoy all welfare policies afforded to the Empire but would also receive direct Royal protection. Finally, Alexander would issue Zhong Shenxiu a 'Superior Command Token,' granting him the authority to execute first and ask questions later, along with the power to mobilize troops from various regions and cities!

Beyond these listed concessions, there were numerous other provisions, too extensive to enumerate here.

Perhaps the reader wonders: by granting Zhong Shenxiu such an influential token, was Alexander not risking a coup d'état?

The answer becomes clear upon reflection. With the monstrous power wielded by Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, why would they need such a token? Removing Alexander’s life would be as simple as plucking an object from one's pocket—effortless.

If Zhong Shenxiu truly desired to usurp the throne of the 'Winter Moon Empire,' with his capabilities, he could ascend within half a month, and the entire realm would submit without a single voice of dissent.

It was precisely because this reality was accepted that Alexander could afford such magnanimity in bestowing the token. It served, firstly, as a genuine testament to his sincerity; and secondly, if some regional officer dared to cross these two young devils, Zhong Shenxiu would not direct his displeasure toward the Crown.

Moreover, the token carried a deeper significance. It signaled to Zhong Shenxiu that the 'Winter Moon Empire' could be his at any time, encouraging him to safeguard the Imperial lineage as if it were his own assets. Secondly, Alexander hoped to leverage this opportunity to forge an inextricable bond between the Royal House and the 'Dark Commerce Guild,' promising immense future advantages for the Empire.

Alexander and his guards departed, slipping away silently. No outsider knew he had even visited.

The awards ceremony for the 'Royal Tournament' had finally concluded. This year's competition was nothing short of spectacular. Countless people would remember the names of Angelina and the others, whose achievements had etched a legendary tale for generations to come.

Many witnesses during the 'Royal Tournament' had also seen the dawn of an entirely new style of combat. A revolution concerning magic and swordsmanship had quietly begun its ascent.

The influence of Zhong Shenxiu and his companions upon this world was gradually becoming manifest.

Since the competition was over, Zhong Shenxiu granted everyone seven days of leave to relax and recuperate, while he busied himself studying various forms of knowledge and awaiting Alexander’s fulfillment of his promises.

Approximately three days later, Alexander finally sent an envoy, who presented Zhong Shenxiu with both the promised 'Territory Deed' and the 'Superior Command Token.'

Zhong Shenxiu showed little interest in the 'Superior Command Token,' tossing it carelessly into his magic ring. His attention was fixed instead on the deeds.

He examined them closely, realizing Alexander was far more generous than he had anticipated; the territory granted was larger than the entire 'Capital City,' and that did not even account for the undeveloped wastelands in the border regions.

When all the assigned territories were tallied, the area amounted to at least ten cities in size.

Since Alexander had shown such generosity, Zhong Shenxiu was not inclined to be stingy. He casually retrieved several pieces of his discarded, yet still potent, equipment from his ring and instructed the official to deliver them to Alexander! (Upon receiving these items, Alexander was so thrilled he barely slept soundly for over a month!)