Since a decision had been reached, all that remained was for Zhong Shenxiu to spend the following few days making preparations. He assigned Robin and Kaini to take turns instructing the group on the fundamentals of "Cultivation," while he immersed himself in designing blueprints! These weren't plans for magical artifacts, but for a grand hall!
Given the large number of cultivators and the necessity of tailoring instruction to individual aptitude, a suitable place for practice was paramount. Zhong Shenxiu had already decided: he would erect a colossal main hall on the territory granted to him by Mount Alistair. This hall would be exclusively for his team members to cultivate!
A week flew by, and Zhong Shenxiu finally completed his grand undertaking!
The next step was transforming these blueprints into reality. Fortunately, this world possessed magical construction materials, which drastically reduced building time and offered considerable convenience to Zhong Shenxiu!
Zhong Shenxiu first took Robin to inspect the site. The primary objective was to prepare for the eventual deployment of array formations. Once he had a concrete plan, Zhong Shenxiu handed the blueprints to the butler, Clyde, instructing him to commence the work immediately, with a strict deadline of one month. Cost was irrelevant; quality and execution were the only metrics!
With these matters settled, Zhong Shenxiu began using the waiting period to guide the group in simple breathing exercises and sensing spiritual energy! While they enjoyed a leisurely time here, the construction of the grand hall ignited a significant stir within the "Winter Moon Empire." After all, this was a major undertaking by the "Dark Guild," making it impossible to ignore!
This news reached Mount Alistair immediately!
After hearing the report from Patrick, the head of the Royal Guard, Mount Alistair's eyes lit up. Finally, something is happening! he thought. He had never ceased searching for Zhong Shenxiu's whereabouts, and hearing that the "Dark Guild" was constructing something had made him considerably excited.
"Do you know what they are building?" Young Mount Alistair asked, feigning nonchalance.
"Not yet, Sire. We only know the scale of the construction is immense. All the famous construction teams in the kingdom have been hired, and an incalculable amount of building materials are being continuously transported there," Patrick reported.
Such a large-scale operation was comparable to building a fortress. Conservative estimates suggested the "Dark Guild" was spending at least one billion drill coins daily—truly a display of immense wealth!
Unlike Patrick's reaction, Mount Alistair showed no sign of worry. He did not fear the "Dark Guild" rebelling. If the "Dark Guild" truly intended to seize his throne, they wouldn't need such elaborate measures. More importantly, he had met Zhong Shenxiu and knew that a person of his caliber held no interest in kingship; otherwise, the Four Great Empires might already be his spoils!
Mount Alistair was simply curious about Zhong Shenxiu's ultimate goal for such a spectacle! In truth, he wasn't the only one wondering; discussions about the matter permeated every corner of the "Winter Moon Empire"!
"Hey, did you hear? The 'Dark Guild' is apparently building something extraordinary!"
"The rumors outside say that with such a grand display of wealth, the 'Dark Guild' is likely planning to monopolize another industry."
"Another industry? What is that? I heard they are trying to expand their influence?"
"Rumors are unreliable now; everyone has a different story. But the world seems to be growing unstable. First, the 'Cunbujiu Kingdom' was mysteriously annihilated, and now the 'Dark Guild' is causing such a ruckus. Who knows what major event will happen next?"
Similar discussions were frequent. Although speculation varied, they hadn't triggered any panic. After all, the reputation of the "Dark Guild" preceded them!
Time rushed on, and nearly a month passed in a blink.
A magnificent hall was finally completed by the deadline Zhong Shenxiu had set. When the hall was revealed to the world, the entire nation was stunned!
It was enormous; its total footprint was several times larger than Mount Alistair’s own imperial palace, and its height demanded that onlookers crane their necks!
To complete a structure of this magnitude in just one month defied common imagination—truly, money could move mountains!
The members of the "Dark Guild" were ecstatic. They had anticipated being able to enter the hall to admire it, but the result was crushing disappointment: the site was placed under strict martial law the very day construction finished.
Not only could ordinary folk not enter for a look, but they weren't even permitted to approach!
This secrecy only draped the hall in a deeper veil of mystery, leading to countless different versions of speculation about its purpose!
Meanwhile, Zhong Shenxiu announced that the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" would officially depart in three days. While the members were thrilled, they were also somewhat perplexed, unsure where their next journey would take them.
As they prepared for departure, Zhong Shenxiu brought Robin to the hall’s location. The first reason was to inspect the quality of the construction; the second was far more crucial, and it was the true reason for setting the three-day departure window. He needed to lay array formations around the hall to prevent unauthorized entry, as well as set up crucial arrays such as the "Spirit Gathering Array," the "Gravity Array," and the "Simulation Array"—no small task!
However, Zhong Shenxiu didn't intend to handle all this alone this time. Robin shouldered nearly half the work, and the now physically manifested Paji also pitched in, significantly accelerating the progress!
They finished the modifications in just over two days.
Zhong Shenxiu finally named this grand hall the "Zhongluo Grand Hall"!
As was customary, before every departure, the members of the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" engaged in a massive shopping spree. If not for the limited space in their magic rings, they likely would have bought out the entire commercial street!
After tearful farewells, the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" was finally ready to embark on the journey that would redefine their destinies.
It is worth noting that before leaving, Zhong Shenxiu gifted Angelina’s parents a vial of medicine beneficial for producing noble sons. This delighted Angelina's parents so much that they were nearly ready to gift Angelina herself to Zhong Shenxiu!
Since their mode of transport was, once again, the "Dragon," it took Zhong Shenxiu and the others only about a day to reach the "Zhongluo Grand Hall"!
When they saw the hall soaring toward the heavens, every member was too astonished for words.
But their astonishment was premature; it wasn't until they entered the hall that they were truly dumbfounded.
The interior was like a miniature world—there was nothing they couldn't imagine, nothing they couldn't see! Moreover, the interior seemed even larger than it appeared from the outside, as it contained ten full subterranean levels. It was unbelievable how such a massive project had been constructed!
"As you can see, this is where you will spend the next few years cultivating," Zhong Shenxiu's calm voice broke the silence of their observation.
"Years?"
Everyone started, their expressions blank as they stared at Zhong Shenxiu!
Zhong Shenxiu ignored their shock and continued, "Once you are here, you must be resolute! I have personally designed a cultivation method tailored for each of you. If you can meet the requirements I set, you can leave this place sooner!"
The group fell silent, not because they were losing heart, but because they were silently steeling themselves internally!
"Furthermore," Zhong Shenxiu surveyed the assembled group, then announced, "If your strength reaches the 'Illumination Stage' within the time I designate, I will reward you with a pill to enhance spiritual power!"
(Cultivation realms are ranked from lowest to highest as follows: Foundation Establishment, Illumination, Fusion, Heart Stirring, Spirit Isolation, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Spirit Outing, Soul Splitting, Integration Tribulation Crossing, Great Ascension!)
As soon as Zhong Shenxiu finished speaking, the members erupted into discussion. This offer was like a pie falling from the sky. If they could obtain a pill refined by Zhong Shenxiu, they were certain it could instantly multiply their strength several times over, potentially allowing them to leap into the ranks of the "Monsters" alongside the top four! (The first four "Monsters" were Zhong Shenxiu, Robin, Kaini, and Paji!)
Now, the group had not only motivation but a powerful drive. They didn't need to surpass others; they only needed to surpass themselves!
A path leading to greatness awaited them!
Having ignited the ambition in everyone, Zhong Shenxiu began his detailed introduction. He first explained the layout of the facility, the characteristics and usage of each section, and finally, all relevant points of caution.
Finally, the most exciting moment arrived for the group! Zhong Shenxiu started distributing the cultivation manuals, offering personalized advice as he handed each one out!
Once everyone held a cultivation manual, Zhong Shenxiu stated, "In a moment, you will each find the optimal location suited for your individual practice. This is also a test for you. You may cultivate alone or in companionship. I trust you have committed the necessary precautions for cultivation to memory! I will personally mentor you once every two months, and you may use the magic communicator to contact me if you encounter problems."
The path of cultivation officially began!!! (To be continued) **H