For the past couple of days, Anjilixia and the others truly allowed themselves a good period of rest, having visited every major scenic spot in the "Capital City."

During the final two days of their break, Zhong Shenxiu urged everyone to hurry with their shopping, as they were about to depart for a new location for adventure!

Everyone was wealthy now and understood that once they embarked on an expedition, they wouldn't have the luxury of strolling through shops like this. More importantly, it was uncertain if they would even have opportunities to spend money in the future, as the places they were heading often lay desolate—forget about shops, even encountering a few living souls would be a feat!

And so, everyone began shopping wildly, especially the women, who had numerous items to acquire.

Whether for eating, using, or playing... if it seemed even slightly useful, they bought it without a second thought. The group didn't spare any expense because they possessed an astronomical amount of money. More critically, earning it had become far too easy; the treasures alone obtained from that ancient tomb were enough for them to live extravagantly for several lifetimes!

While they were procuring goods, Zhong Shenxiu was not idle. He purchased massive quantities of grain, vegetables, and fruits, alongside many other daily necessities. Furthermore, he specifically commissioned a large amount of canvas and personally crafted several portable tents, designed particularly for Niuniu.

Two days passed, and everyone's storage spaces were packed to the brim. Several people even bought multiple high-grade magic rings just to accommodate the haul from this shopping spree!

The two days finally concluded, and the group was ready to set off on a new journey.

The primary destination this time was the "Radiant Nation"! However, deciding on the exact route became a problem that needed consideration.

The "Capital City" boasted highly developed transportation, with no fewer than six routes leading directly to the "Radiant Nation," not even counting the waterways.

"Captain, can we take this route?" Xia Luo asked, pointing at a path she had marked on the map with her pen, her expression slightly peculiar.

She suggested this route out of personal desire, as it passed directly through her hometown, a place she hadn't visited in a long time. She wondered how her parents and older brothers were doing.

If Zhong Shenxiu hadn't brought up the route selection, she might not have thought much of it, but the mere thought of visiting home made her heart restless.

At this moment, Xia Luo was somewhat nervous, unsure if Zhong Shenxiu would agree to her suggestion. If he didn't, there was nothing she could do, as Zhong Shenxiu ultimately held the authority in this team!

Zhong Shenxiu did not reply immediately. Instead, he tilted his head up to gaze at Xia Luo, his deep eyes seeming capable of penetrating the secrets of her heart.

After a brief silence, Zhong Shenxiu finally spoke: "Let's take this road!"

Hearing that Zhong Shenxiu had actually agreed, Xia Luo was overjoyed, and her face bloomed with a lily-like smile.

Having spent so much time together, they had all discovered that Zhong Shenxiu was actually quite easy to talk to, provided, of course, that they were very obedient!

Before officially setting off, Zhong Shenxiu's party first visited the "Mercenary Association" intending to find a mission along their path.

Surprisingly, they found one that wasn't out of the way: escorting a few individuals to the "Stonewood Forest"!

The "Stonewood Forest" happened to be directly on their path. Traveling at a normal pace, it would take about a day and a half to reach!

This mission had just been posted. Although it was only a ""-grade mission, Zhong Shenxiu accepted it without hesitation. He took on missions not for the money, but purely on a whim!

After completing the paperwork, upon meeting the employer, Zhong Shenxiu couldn't help but be startled, muttering inwardly about how small the world was. He recognized this employer—it was Yale, the owner of the "Iron Hammer Iron Weapons Shop," and Andrew, the owner of the "One Forge Sharp Weapons Shop"! Beside them stood two dwarves of similar height, whom Zhong Shenxiu did not recognize!

Yale and Andrew were equally surprised that the ones accepting the mission were Zhong Shenxiu's group. Never mind the fact that they had dealt with Zhong Shenxiu before; they certainly couldn't fail to recognize Anjilixia and the others from the "Royal Tournament"!

"It's you?" Andrew exclaimed, eyes wide.

Zhong Shenxiu merely smiled without saying anything.

Subsequently, the group set off. The dwarves, Andrew and the others, consistently maintained a certain distance from the members of the "Misty Mercenary Group," remaining taciturn and disinclined to speak throughout the journey. The reason these dwarves were heading to the "Stonewood Forest" was that their tribe resided there!

Because the "Royal Tournament" had just concluded, many visitors had departed, causing business in the "Capital City" to enter a downturn. The weapon shops, which already struggled for business, appeared even more desolate, leading Andrew and the other dwarves to decide on staying with their tribe for a period, which is why they posted this mission.

Running weapon shops has become exceedingly difficult now. Due to the establishment of the "Dark Merchant Guild," many similar establishments have faced severe impact, especially concerning magical equipment.

The weapon shops owned by Andrew and Yale were slightly better off, not yet forced to close entirely, because some established patrons would still visit their stores. Meanwhile, many remaining shops had started focusing primarily on affordable, lower-end weaponry and equipment. This was because the gear from the "Dark Merchant Guild" was prohibitively expensive, leaving those who couldn't afford it as their potential clientele!

If the day ever came when the "Dark Merchant Guild" started rolling out high-quality, low-priced entry-level weapons and gear, virtually all other weapon shops would likely have to shut down!

"Sister Robin, are you tired? Niuniu can walk by herself!" Niuniu, held by Robin, asked with wide eyes.

"Not tired!" Robin's reply was concise. Niuniu's weight was no more than a feather to her; she was the strongest person present besides Zhong Shenxiu, so how could she possibly tire from carrying her?

"Niuniu wants to get down and walk!" Niuniu stated again after a brief silence. She was still concerned about tiring Robin!

Robin couldn't fathom Niuniu's thoughts, so she gently set her down, though she kept hold of Niuniu's small hand.

The group's pace was not fast; after walking the entire day, they hadn't even covered half the distance!

The sky had darkened by this time, and the group found a secluded spot to rest.

Andrew and the other dwarves continued to keep their distance from the "Misty Mercenary Group." A full day spent together had done nothing to bridge the gap between the two parties.

Perhaps this was the so-called racial divide! Afterwards, both sides began preparing their own evening meals. Andrew’s group merely boiled some hot water and took out pre-prepared dry rations. The "Misty Mercenary Group," however, was different; several pots were already set up, preparing a lavish dinner, and within moments, rich aromas drifted out.

Dwarves are notoriously greedy eaters. Upon suddenly smelling these scents, their mouths immediately began to water, and their eyes darted frequently towards Anjilixia and the others.

"So fragrant! What are they cooking?" Yale asked, somewhat entranced.

The other dwarves couldn't answer him, as it was their first time smelling food this enticing! Even without tasting it, the aroma alone indicated the meal must be delicious!

By now, Anjilixia and the others had mastered Zhong Shenxiu's true culinary techniques, amplified by his specially developed seasonings. The resulting dishes smelled exponentially better than those served in famous grand restaurants.

Cherie, in fact, had become addicted after tasting Zhong Shenxiu's cooking once; subsequent meals tasted bland and flavorless in comparison. If one asked her the most direct motivation for following Zhong Shenxiu, it would absolutely be this food! Capturing a woman's heart can indeed start by first capturing her stomach! Sweat drop!

Yale finally succumbed to the temptation. He walked over, offered a polite greeting first, and then immediately got to the point, inquiring about the secret to the meal.

Zhong Shenxiu looked at Yale, a suggestive smile forming on his face—it seemed he was plotting something again.

As expected, he unexpectedly invited Yale to sit down and dine with them, offering the meal completely free of charge, asking for nothing in return!

By common sense, as a dwarf, Yale would not easily accept an invitation from an outsider, as it would give him a feeling of being "indebted"! However, the lure of the food was simply too powerful. If Zhong Shenxiu hadn't extended the offer, he might have held back, but now he could no longer control his appetite. So, he truly sat down to eat with the group!

"Mmm, fragrant, it is truly fragrant!" When Yale took his first bite, his tongue nearly retreated down his throat. He swore on his height that this was absolutely the most delicious food he had ever eaten in his life!

As a result, Yale ate even more heartily, without reservation. While chewing, he continuously praised the taste—his eating posture was truly beyond description!

The other dwarves watching from afar couldn't help but smack their lips, finding the dry biscuits in their hands utterly inedible! Although they longed to taste this earthly delicacy like Yale, their inherent reserve prevented them from discarding their dignity!

"Hey, old man, eat your fill without worry, we have plenty of food here!" Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile.

Yale nodded repeatedly. Even if Zhong Shenxiu hadn't said so, he would have done the same; it was just too incredibly delicious—being able to eat like this every day would make anything worthwhile!

Perhaps just eating the food wasn't satisfying enough. Yale reached out and pulled down the wine gourd hanging at his waist. Dwarves are known to be particularly fond of alcohol. The liquor inside this gourd was something Yale cherished greatly, usually only taking a few sips!

"Does anyone want a taste?" Yale showed rare generosity.

Among the group, only Frank knew how to drink, and the next in line would be Kaini!

At this moment, Kaini smiled meaningfully at the wine gourd in Yale's hand, yet she reached into her storage bracelet and produced an exquisite bottle instead.

"Mr. Yale, I also have a pot of wine here. Would you care to try some?" Kaini displayed a smile almost identical to Zhong Shenxiu's!