Feng Haotian stared at Yue Nongying, completely astonished. While he knew his close friend and the two children had extraordinary backgrounds, he never imagined it reached this level!

The name "Dark Chamber of Commerce" had become the most resounding in this world, and rumors about its mastermind were endless and varied. Yet, no one ever suspected it would be the little boy, barely a few years old—this truly tested one's capacity for acceptance!

Yue Nongying seemed to sense Feng Haotian's current state of mind. After a long silence, she continued, "Brother, if you wish to know about my or Big Sister’s whereabouts in the future, you can write to us. With this token, any branch of the 'Dark Chamber of Commerce' can deliver the letter to us. Big Sister and I will also write to you often, so you don't need to worry!"

As she spoke, Yue Nongying handed over the token that Zhong Shenxiu had given her. In truth, she revealed this vital secret to Feng Haotian only with Zhong Shenxiu's authorization, a necessary step so that she and Wu Feiyan could depart without ties weighing them down.

Feng Haotian merely glanced at the token in his hand before asking, "Sister, should we have Fifth Uncle follow you? I’m worried..."

"You don't need to worry. Fifth Uncle should stay by your side; it will put us and your Second Sister at ease. Don't fret over our affairs; the people around us are incredibly capable, and there will be no danger!" Wu Feiyan interrupted him.

Feng Haotian remained uneasy, but knowing his sister's temperament—once a decision was made, it was nearly impossible to change—he said no more.

"Brother, this token in your hand has another use. You can use it to work for the 'Dark Chamber of Commerce,' or you can introduce Fifth Uncle and the others to join as well!" Wu Feiyan added.

"No, I want to continue managing the 'Wind Snow Pavilion'!" Feng Haotian’s expression was resolute.

With only five days remaining until the end of the "Magic Exchange Fair," the final days brought a small surge of activity. The streets and alleys bustled once more as all mages rushed to seize this last opportunity!

That morning, after finishing his guidance for Merceris and the others, Zhong Shenxiu brought Robin to the "Dream Star Magic and Martial Arts Academy."

Upon arrival, Zhong Shenxiu and Robin spent the morning touring the designated area for the "Magic Exchange Fair." During this time, Zhong Shenxiu would point out which stalls held treasures, then send Robin to appraise them!

Though this was a form of knowledge transfer, for Robin, it felt more like an engaging game. Consequently, smiles frequently graced Robin’s face throughout the morning, especially when he successfully unearthed a hidden gem!

Once the treasure hunting yielded no more finds, the pair headed toward the teaching buildings!

In reality, Zhong Shenxiu had another purpose for being there, beyond the relaxation of browsing and finding treasures!

...

"Rojeriel, someone is looking for you outside!" a student said to Rojeriel, who was engrossed in a book.

"Me?" Rojeriel looked surprised. She thought only Amyrida or Betty would seek her out. But Amyrida and Betty were both currently in the classroom; so who could be looking for her?

Rojeriel glanced toward the classroom door but saw no one. Just then, Betty, sitting behind her, suddenly asked, "Rojeriel, who is it?"

"I don't know!" Rojeriel replied as she stood up.

"Could it be Tia?" Amyrida guessed.

Since all three were curious, they walked out together. When they saw Zhong Shenxiu and Robin, they all froze!

"R-Robin?" Betty's eyes widened, and she immediately began to speculate on their purpose in seeking out Rojeriel.

Robin merely spared Betty a glance and remained silent. In moments like these, she stood quietly beside Zhong Shenxiu, never speaking out of turn unless asked. "Girl, come with me for a moment!" Zhong Shenxiu spoke directly to Rojeriel.

Rojeriel grew even more perplexed, utterly unable to fathom why Zhong Shenxiu would approach her.

Amyrida and Betty had intended to follow, but a single look from Zhong Shenxiu made them reluctantly abandon the idea.

Zhong Shenxiu walked until they reached a secluded spot before stopping. When his gaze fixed intently on Rojeriel behind him, a flicker of panic crossed her usually calm face.

This unspoken silence caused Rojeriel’s heart rate to quicken until she finally couldn't bear the quiet anymore, attempting to break the stillness, but Zhong Shenxiu spoke first.

"Just ask whatever questions you have!" Zhong Shenxiu’s voice was still even, yet his eyes never left Rojeriel’s face.

Huh?

Rojeriel felt adrift, called out here just so she could ask questions?

"Don't you have many things you want to know? I can answer them for you!" Zhong Shenxiu said again.

"You came to find me just for this?" Rojeriel asked tentatively.

Zhong Shenxiu nodded. In truth, he had more reasons for being there than just this, but he wouldn't share those with Rojeriel!

It related back to Robin. Ever since Robin had recovered, Zhong Shenxiu had been pondering how the Moon Spring Water could possess such potent effects; logically, it shouldn't have exceeded his expected yield. To uncover this secret, Zhong Shenxiu had frequently visited the vicinity of the "Moonlight Spring" to observe, yet he found nothing suspicious.

If the Moonlight Spring itself held no clues, could the cause be external? This thought sparked an insight in Zhong Shenxiu. He suspected everything might be connected to Rojeriel, this elf! Beyond that, he truly couldn't conceive of any other reason!

Zhong Shenxiu still lacked any direct clues as to what method Rojeriel employed. His primary goal in seeking her out now was to see if he could glean any information!

Regardless, Rojeriel had been a benefactor to Robin, and for that, Zhong Shenxiu certainly wouldn't treat her poorly—this explained his current demeanor!

However, Rojeriel was unaware of these considerations. She only felt a sense of dizziness. While she had always known Zhong Shenxiu was hard to read, she now realized the man was utterly inscrutable! One could never guess what was truly brewing inside his mind!

The atmosphere settled back into a heavy silence. Zhong Shenxiu seemed in no hurry, just quietly observing Rojeriel.

"Um... may I ask what you were doing near the 'Moonlight Spring' earlier?" Rojeriel finally ventured a hesitant question—one that often occupied her thoughts.

"Initially, it was to help Robin face her tribulation. Later, it was to heal Robin's injuries!" Zhong Shenxiu hid nothing.

Tribulation? What in the world was that?

A look of brief blankness crossed Rojeriel’s face. But she quickly recovered and asked again, "What about that flying sword last time?"

"That is a flying sword. It is driven by infusing spiritual power into it." Zhong Shenxiu summoned the "Squid" sword, which circled them at high speed before stopping close to Rojeriel!

Spiritual power? What was that? Rojeriel stared blankly at the sword, her mind momentarily short-circuiting. When she first saw the "Squid" sword, the moonlight reflection combined with the suddenness of the event prevented her from seeing clearly. Observing it this closely now, she realized the sword was indeed peculiar!

With her elven sensory abilities regarding energy, she could clearly feel an immense power contained within the blade!

Subsequently, Rojeriel posed many more questions. Although Zhong Shenxiu answered truthfully, each answer only brought forth a fresh wave of doubt. The specialized terminology, in particular, left her feeling lost in a fog!

Rojeriel considered herself well-read, yet she understood nothing of Zhong Shenxiu’s talk of "tribulation, spiritual power, or cultivation (Xiu Zhen)"!

Still, she gained something. At least she knew Zhong Shenxiu was a "Cultivator," and she learned that "Spiritual Power" was a new force distinct from magic or battle qi—a power whose destructive capacity was beyond ordinary comprehension!

"Do you have any more questions?" Zhong Shenxiu asked as Rojeriel fell silent for a long time.

It wasn't that Rojeriel had run out of questions; rather, she had asked so many that her mind was reeling, unable to process it all immediately. These bizarre concepts were too fantastic for her, something she had never encountered before!

"None for now!" Rojeriel replied cutely.

"Do you want to learn Cultivation?" Zhong Shenxiu suddenly posed a question that shocked Rojeriel profoundly.

Cultivation?

Rojeriel frantically searched her memory for everything related to "Cultivation." Though her mind remained muddled, she understood the transformations that practicing cultivation would bring about in her life!

The weight of that single question was enormous. Rojeriel found herself unable to answer, her confusion intensifying!

"You don't have to answer me right now. I'll give you three days to consider," Zhong Shenxiu added as he turned to leave. "You will only get this chance once!"

Alas, Rojeriel was unlikely to sleep well over the next three days!

Only two days later, Rojeriel proactively sought him out. Although her expression showed excitement when facing Zhong Shenxiu, the earlier confusion was gone!

Before answering him, she asked one question—a question concerning the entire elven realm. (As for what that question was, it will be revealed later; consider it foreshadowing!)

Zhong Shenxiu’s answer left Rojeriel stunned for a full minute. Finally, she wholeheartedly and eagerly agreed to cultivate with Zhong Shenxiu and join the "Ethereal Mercenary Group"!

Two days after that, when the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" reassembled, every single member, without exception, agreed to cultivate alongside Zhong Shenxiu.

Even though the path of cultivation was arduous and dangerous, they were willing to entrust their lives to their leader!

Thus, Zhong Shenxiu, the "prodigy," was finally ready to begin his impact upon this world!

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