Zhong Shenxiu’s melody had played on for an indeterminate time, and the others had no idea when the ethereal sound of the Qin Fei Shi ceased. They only knew their very souls felt they had been soaring in a mysterious realm and were reluctant to return!

However, this peaceful stillness did not last long. Screams erupted in rapid succession from every small courtyard across the entire estate.

“Ah!”

The sound was so distinct in the quiet night that it was impossible to ignore, instantly plunging the estate into chaos.

The cause of this sudden pandemonium was simple: upon waking from their trance induced by the music, those present realized their bodies were coated in grime, sticky residue, and foul odors.

For the men, this was not a catastrophe—at most, it was a strange discovery of the filth on their skin. But for the women, it was entirely different. They could not tolerate the clinging, dirty substances, and those piercing screams emanated directly from them.

At that moment, Luo Jie’ai stared blankly at her own body. The pungent odor made her instantly dizzy, but this dizziness was nothing compared to the shock of the situation itself!

How could this happen? What on earth transpired?

Luo Jie’ai’s mind was nearly short-circuiting. Her current state was utterly humiliating; to arrive as a guest for the first time only to be covered in filth—how could she face anyone now?

Fortunately, Aimi Rui’da and Betty, standing beside her, had suffered the same fate, perhaps even worse, and were currently shouting and wailing. The shrieks that had just sliced through the night sky belonged mostly to them.

“Why is there this disgusting stuff all over me, Sister Betty? What is this? What should we do?” Aimi Rui’da asked, completely disoriented.

In reality, this grime was the waste expelled from their internal systems. Due to their differing constitutions, the extent of the expelled impurities varied. Luo Jie’ai, being an elf, had fewer internal impurities, so the residue she shed was lighter than that of Aimi Rui’da and Betty.

Yet, this was precisely the gift Zhong Shenxiu had bestowed upon them. After purging these impurities, their physical bodies would undergo a qualitative leap; their spiritual power, physical strength, endurance, and all other capabilities would increase dramatically!

These deposits were not just accumulated filth within their bodies; they also included all negative emotions and pessimistic thoughts.

This was the magic of the Tian Mo Yin (Heavenly Demon Sound): it not only purified the mind but also provided a degree of marrow-cleansing and tendon-changing. Of course, the effect depended entirely on who played; if someone else had performed, the results would never have been so profound!

Compared to them, Ange Feiya and the others fared much better. Having followed Zhong Shenxiu for so long, they had long experienced similar purifications. What was expelled from their bodies was merely a thin layer of oily sweat, making them look as if they had just finished a heavy workout!

Soon, some people began to realize the changes within themselves, the first being Gesgai’er, who was in the research laboratory.

He stared with wide, astonished eyes, completely oblivious to the grime coating him, muttering incessantly, “How is this possible? How is this possible?”

Just moments ago, he had suddenly discovered that his spiritual power had increased significantly. His perception of magical elements had ascended to a new, subtle height. But what made him ecstatic was that his cultivation, which had long stagnated, had actually broken through to a new level!

This night was destined to be restless!

The following day, discussions about the previous night’s events filled the entire estate. Although few of them had slept well, everyone felt vibrant and energetic.

Zhong Shenxiu merely smiled at these discussions. He did not seek gratitude; he had always acted according to his own will, never expecting reciprocation. If he desired something, he would demand it himself! It seemed contradictory! After a night of reflection, Zhong Shenxiu had finalized the production plan for the Magic Communication Device, so he summoned Mercedes and Roland Roger early that morning.

This time, Zhong Shenxiu decided to delegate the main responsibilities of construction to Mercedes and Roland Roger, offering only guidance from the sidelines. This served two purposes: firstly, to temper and train the two, and secondly, to allow them to learn new skills. The third, and perhaps most crucial, reason was that Zhong Shenxiu needed time to focus on Robin’s situation.

Though research was important, Robin was more vital to Zhong Shenxiu. To effectively prepare for the impending Heavenly Tribulation, Zhong Shenxiu needed all bases covered!

Therefore, in the coming days, Zhong Shenxiu would be simultaneously supervising and guiding the research of Mercedes and Roland Roger, while also instructing Robin on how to utilize the several Dharma artifacts intended for tribulation crossing. Furthermore, he had to visit the vicinity of the Moonlit Spring at the “Dream Star Martial Arts Academy” to arrange protective formations. His schedule was packed tight!

Despite the time constraints, Zhong Shenxiu still carved out a portion of each day to wander the streets. This wasn't for leisure; his primary objective was treasure hunting!

This period coincided with the liveliest time of the “Magic Exchange Fair,” where numerous mages possessed all manner of bizarre and rare items. Zhong Shenxiu never returned empty-handed from his daily excursions, always yielding unexpected gains!

Time flew quickly, and in a blink, a month and a half had passed.

On this day, Mercedes and Roland Roger rushed to the research institute with joyous news: after overcoming various obstacles, they had finally succeeded in manufacturing the Magic Communication Device!

Although its appearance was rather crude—resembling a large brick—the joy surging within them was indescribable.

Over a month of relentless, round-the-clock research had finally paid off. The sense of accomplishment, the sheer excitement, nearly brought them to tears!

The story splits in two. Zhong Shenxiu’s preparations for the tribulation were also nearly complete. He had successfully established a grand formation centered around the “Moonlit Spring.” This formation possessed formidable defensive capabilities, and with him guarding the perimeter, Robin’s crossing of the Heavenly Tribulation would be as effortless as play!

Because the preparations for the tribulation were largely finished, Zhong Shenxiu had more free time in recent days. While Mercedes and Roland Roger were still finalizing the Magic Communication Device, he had already succeeded in refining a Dharma artifact capable of amplifying the power of “Spirit Waves,” which he named the “Wave Sense Amplifier”!

This “Wave Sense Amplifier” was shaped like a perfect triangular prism, entirely silvery-white, and would rotate irregularly during use. Its operating principle involved expanding the amplitude of the “Spirit Wave” to enhance its destructive power!

As it had only recently been completed, the artifact still possessed numerous flaws. Zhong Shenxiu was currently conducting various calibrations, confident that one day it would become one of his ultimate tools!

While testing the maximum intensity of the “Wave Sense Amplifier,” Zhong Shenxiu sensed the arrival of Mercedes and Roland Roger. A faint smile touched his lips; he already guessed the reason for their visit!

“Come in!” Hearing Zhong Shenxiu’s voice, Mercedes and Roland Roger, who had been hovering outside, unsure whether to knock, rejoiced and quickly pushed the door open.

Upon entering, Mercedes could not contain herself: “We did it! The Magic Communication Device has been invented!”

Saying this, she and Roland Roger presented their research findings. In truth, the device had been finished several days prior, but it had been unstable then. After a few more days of fine-tuning, they dared to bring it to Zhong Shenxiu for inspection!

On the streets of “Ivy Fortress,” although the flow of traffic was lighter than during the height of the “Magic Exchange Fair,” the avenue remained somewhat crowded.

Currently, Caine was shopping with Robin, accompanied by Sylvia, Anjifeiya’s mother. Niu Niu and Helen Fei, the two younger children, had not come along, presumably being watched over by their older sister, Anjifeiya.

The three walked aimlessly forward, the clamor from the sides barely affecting their leisurely mood.

“Robin, if you see something you like, buy it. Little Xiu specifically told you to relax and ease your mind. You can’t keep wearing that stern face,” Caine teased Robin.

Since Robin’s tribulation date was only a few months away, further intense cultivation offered little benefit. The most critical factor now was her state of mind. Therefore, Zhong Shenxiu’s directive for Robin was simple: stroll the streets every day, or go listen to Wu Feiyan play the Qin—do whatever cultivates sentiment, and he repeatedly warned her to control her emotions!

Robin nodded, but her expression barely shifted; it remained as calm as still water! This wasn't intentional; it was simply her nature.

Caine sighed inwardly, thinking how this would never achieve the effect Little Xiu desired. She had intended to accompany Robin shopping, but now she felt like she was merely accompanying them instead.

Caine suddenly stopped, leaning toward Robin. “How about this, Robin? Why don’t you wander around on your own for a bit? Aunt Sylvia and I still have a few things to buy!”

Perhaps this approach would prompt Robin to explore places that genuinely interested her!

Caine held no fear of Robin getting lost or encountering villains; with Robin’s strength, no one could lose her!

Robin nodded again, still showing little outward enthusiasm.

Finally, Caine and Sylvia walked away. Robin stood still for a moment before finally choosing a direction and moving forward.

Caine’s decision proved effective. Once alone, Robin gradually developed a slight interest in her surroundings. She occasionally paused to watch performances by mages and would squeeze into crowded areas for a better look!

After emerging from a crowd this time, Robin had not walked far when a small hand suddenly grasped the fabric of her clothes, and a soft voice whispered, “Sister, would you like to buy a newspaper?”

Robin turned and saw a little girl, even smaller than herself, holding a substantial bundle of newspapers.

Robin was generous. Although the newspaper was worth next to nothing, she gave the little girl a gold coin. The child was overjoyed and, before scampering away, stuffed the entire stack of papers into Robin’s arms!

Robin had no interest in the paper itself; she bought it purely to help the girl. Just as she was about to discard the bundle, a headline arrested her attention:

“The Brilliant Kingdom” Has Fallen, Two Palace Lords Dead, Two Surrendered!!! For the rest of the story, please log in to… More chapters, support the author, support genuine reading! <>H