Mercesi’s body trembled, and she froze right there!

She had just discussed this very idea with Belidanti. Zhong Shenxiu’s profound erudition had deeply impressed her; she knew that following someone like him would undoubtedly lead to learning vast amounts of knowledge she had never encountered. If nothing else, what he had taught her these past two days alone had benefited her immensely.

However, she also knew that people like Zhong Shenxiu were usually solitary wanderers. The thought of staying by his side to watch him conduct research was absolutely impossible. Thus, it had only ever been casual talk between her and Belidanti, never a genuine hope. But now, Zhong Shenxiu himself was making such a request—how could this not shock her?

Mercesi even wondered if she had been overheard talking with her sister.

Thinking of this, her cheeks flushed, because some parts of her recent conversation with her sister involved personal privacy she hadn't wanted others to hear!

Zhong Shenxiu seemed in no hurry, offering no prompt, instead wearing an expression of absolute confidence.

“Do you truly want me to be your assistant?” Mercesi finally spoke after a long silence.

“Of course!” Zhong Shenxiu flashed a cunning smile. Then he continued, “As my assistant, you will witness things you cannot even imagine. You’d best be psychologically prepared before deciding!”

While this seemed like a kindly warning from Zhong Shenxiu, it was actually a subtle challenge to Mercesi, the implied meaning being: Stay by my side, and you will learn far more than you can possibly fathom!

After another stretch of silence, Mercesi looked profoundly troubled as she said, “Could you give me some time to consider?”

“I will give you one day. I hope to receive a definite answer from you tomorrow!” Zhong Shenxiu smiled again, then stood up and walked toward the door.

If not for the many surprises Mercesi had given him these past few days, Zhong Shenxiu wouldn't have made such an offer! His defining trait was his dislike of owing favors.

.

The next day.

“What, you’re saying you’re leaving?” Ming Ji looked at Kaini in astonishment, feeling as if her very soul had been struck.

“En,” Kaini nodded, a look of reluctance crossing her features as well. Although her time with Paji had been short, their bond had become very strong!

“Why the rush to leave?” Paji looked at Kaini, puzzled as to why she hadn't heard the slightest inkling of this before.

“This is Xiao Xiu’s decision, and we have lingered here for quite some time already,” Kaini said softly.

Paji immediately grasped Kaini’s hand and asked, a little anxiously, “Then what about Robin? Will... will she be able to stay?”

Her eyes clearly held a plea—the unmistakable reluctance of a mother for her daughter.

Kaini smiled helplessly, then said, “Robin will likely be leaving with us too!”

Hearing this, Paji felt as if something vital had been drawn out of her body; an indescribable unease settled over her.

Kaini, unable to bear it, added, “It’s not that we aren't allowing Robin to stay. You know the bond between Robin and Xiao Xiu; no one can separate them!”

In Robin’s heart, no one could ever replace Zhong Shenxiu.

“Could I ask you to stay a few more days? I truly haven’t had a proper talk with Robin yet,” Paji pleaded, her eyes beginning to redden as she tugged at Kaini’s sleeve.

Kaini sighed internally, then said, “Then I will speak with Xiao Xiu about it!”

After Kaini’s earnest effort, Zhong Shenxiu agreed to depart a week later. Paji cherished this time, setting aside all palace affairs to spend every day with her two daughters.

Meanwhile, the other members of the “Ethereal Mercenary Group” began procuring supplies for the new journey. It seemed they spent money like water every time they prepared for a long trip—they clearly didn't value money!

Mercesi had formally joined the “Ethereal Mercenary Group” and spent the last two days focusing on building rapport with the other members.

The week passed swiftly, and the time for parting finally arrived. To repay Paji’s hospitality over these days, Zhong Shenxiu gifted her a crystal-clear jade pendant and helped her perform the blood-binding ritual.

“Child, come back whenever you wish. This is your home, and Mother will be waiting for you!” Paji said, her voice choked with tears. Robin, though silent, nodded gently. She was not heartless; she felt Paji’s care and affection, only struggled to express it.

“Sister, you must come back to visit me! We’ll still go out and play together then!” Diya had already dissolved into tears.

The send-off is long, but the parting is inevitable. Zhong Shenxiu and his group set off toward their new destination!

※

After nearly a month of arduous travel, the “Ethereal Mercenary Group” finally arrived within the borders of the “Summer Star Empire.”

The change in clothing among the people they encountered was noticeable; most favored long robes here, and mages were visible everywhere. It was indeed an empire that vigorously developed magic, showing a stark difference from the “Winter Moon Empire”!

“Angelia, I recall you mentioning that your sister attends school in this empire, right?” Kaini inquired.

Kaini’s mention jogged Xialuo’s memory as well. She could still picture the somewhat precocious little girl, whose name she thought was Emireida!

However, it was better left unmentioned. As soon as her sister was brought up, anger flared in Angelia. Her sister’s decision to study abroad in the “Summer Star Empire” had been made without prior consent, and what angered her most was that she hadn't disclosed the exact location, making it impossible for Angelia to search for her!

Seeing Angelia’s puffed-up face, Kaini found it amusing and asked again, “I’ve never met your sister. Does she look much like you?”

“Not at all!” Angelia replied curtly. She and her sister possessed completely opposite personalities, and Angelia certainly wasn't as prematurely mature as her sibling.

“Oh?” A flicker of insight crossed Kaini’s eyes, as if she had grasped something. She pressed further, “You and your sister don't have a good relationship?”

Angelia remained silent, unsure how to answer. She was currently wondering if her journey would coincidentally lead her to her sister, and she also longed to know how her parents were—had they given her a younger brother or sister?

Just as she was lost in thought, Liss let out a sudden cry: “Look, what is that?”

Everyone followed the direction of his pointing finger and saw a colossal shape flying toward them from the distance in the sky.

“That’s a dragon!” the knowledgeable Harimanfu exclaimed in shock.

Hearing the word "dragon," Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes immediately lit up. He had always wanted to know what these so-called dragons were truly like. To see one so soon after entering the territory of the “Summer Star Empire” was quite unexpected; this trip was clearly worthwhile!

“Strange, why would a dragon appear here?” Harimanfu murmured.

As far as he knew, dragons were incredibly proud magical beasts. They rarely ventured onto human territories, preferring to hide deep within vast forests. Yet, this dragon was clearly flying in the direction of a densely populated area, which was highly unusual!

While he was puzzled, Mercesi offered the answer, speaking softly, “That is the magical beast of Divine Magic Mentor Gusgeir. Look closely; the person standing on the dragon’s back is Divine Magic Mentor Gusgeir himself!”

As she said this, a look of pure reverence colored Mercesi’s face!

“Divine Magic Mentor Gusgeir?” Everyone paused, hastily scrutinizing the dragon. Indeed, an old man stood upon it.

“Divine Magic Mentor Gusgeir is very famous in the ‘Summer Star Empire.’ He often lectures at the major academies. He might just be returning from an outing this time,” Mercesi added.

The others paid little attention to her words, their focus entirely captivated by the colossal dragon whistling through the sky.

It was truly magnificent—was this the legendary dragon?

Those who had never seen a dragon before, like Liss and Angelia, wore expressions of intense excitement!

Unbeknownst to them, the dragon they saw was merely a juvenile. A true adult dragon would be many times larger, comparable to a small mountain!

Watching the dragon draw nearer, a wicked, knowing smile reappeared on Zhong Shenxiu’s lips. No one knew what scheme he was formulating now.

As for Divine Magic Mentor Gusgeir, he was indeed returning from an expedition, just as Mercesi had said. He was heading directly toward his residence, which was also the capital of the “Summer Star Empire”—“Ivy Castle”!

Gusgeir was in good spirits. He loved the feeling of soaring above the earth with the wind rushing past.

It is worth explaining that the dragon beneath him was both his magical pet and his companion. He named the dragon “Manlangea,” a small, injured creature he had rescued ten years prior.

To tell the truth, despite Gusgeir being a Divine Magic Mentor, conquering a dragon would be tantamount to suicide for him. Even this small dragon beneath him could cost him half his life. Mages today are not like those of the past; their current power level is insufficient to contend with truly powerful magical beasts!

This is somewhat a tragedy of the current era. In the past, there were Dragon Slayers and Dragon Vanquishers. Now, even a group of people struggles to defeat a single dragon—the extent of the regression is evident!

Perhaps readers have noticed that the power structure in this world is rather weak, mainly due to the impact of the ‘War.’ However, readers need not worry; soon, Zhong Shenxiu will bring about earth-shattering changes to this world!

Though the dragon under Gusgeir was small, its flight speed was incredible. In the blink of an eye, it was directly above Zhong Shenxiu’s group.

Gusgeir paid little attention to Zhong Shenxiu and his party. He was accustomed to seeing gazes of envy and expressions of awe; he was eager to return quickly and rest properly.

“Manlangea, no need to rush. It’s fine even if we go a little slower!” Gusgeir spoke, not wanting to exhaust the small dragon beneath him.

The dragon let out a low roar, as if responding to something.

Gusgeir chuckled, “You want to get back quickly too, don’t you? Are you eager to play with that little girl, Lisa, again?”

Lisa was his granddaughter, who often played with the little dragon. They had formed a bond since the dragon was young, and Lisa was always reluctant to see him go when Gusgeir traveled.

The little dragon roared again, sounding quite excited.

Just as Gusgeir was smiling to himself, something completely unexpected occurred: a strange voice sounded directly behind him!

“Hey, old man, who are you talking to?”

Gusgeir jolted violently, nearly falling off the dragon. The voice was so astonishing and bizarre—it was like driving a motorcycle at top speed only to have someone tap you on the shoulder from behind; the feeling was indescribable!

Gusgeir whipped his head around. The figure that greeted his eyes was small and youthful. This person was none other than Zhong Shenxiu!

Zhong Shenxiu was looking at Gusgeir with a cunning gleam in his eyes. His method of arrival was indeed quite special!

“You… you…” Gusgeir stammered, unable to form a complete sentence after several attempts.

He hadn't sensed someone approaching him from behind, and the shock was compounded by the fact that he was moving at high speed. How did this person get up here?

Gusgeir’s mind was a blank slate. No matter how learned or experienced he was, at this moment, he was utterly stunned!

Zhong Shenxiu ignored Gusgeir’s horrified gaze and crouched down to examine the small dragon, murmuring to himself as he observed.

“The hide is thick, but its resistance is limited. Decent magical power, but the spiritual energy is pitifully scarce.”

“Who… who are you?” Gusgeir finally managed to voice the question burning in his mind.

Zhong Shenxiu glanced at him, then countered with a question instead: “Old man, where did you acquire this big fellow?”

In Zhong Shenxiu’s eyes, this creature barely qualified as a dragon; its power didn't measure up to even one percent of ‘Windbeak.’ It was merely a massive, flying mechanism!

However, as a mode of transport, it wouldn’t be bad. With such a magical beast, the speed of their “Ethereal Mercenary Group’s” progress would increase dramatically!

Gusgeir had now regained his composure. He paid no heed to Zhong Shenxiu’s inquiry, instead adopting a wary stance and barking, “Who exactly are you? If you don't answer, don't blame me for being impolite!” As a “Divine Magic Mentor,” he held considerable confidence in his abilities. Even if he didn't know how the child got up here, subduing him should be no problem!

“Oh? Impolite? And how exactly do you intend to be impolite to me?” A wicked smile curled the corner of Zhong Shenxiu’s mouth.