The sprites who had just entered the "Medium Pouch" froze instantly upon seeing the scene before them—even Allison, who had been here once before, was no exception!

Though the surrounding trees remained dense and the flowers just as vibrant, one crucial element had changed: a massive river, its destination unknown, had suddenly appeared beside them! This in itself wouldn't be extraordinary, just another waterway, but if the entirety of that river were composed of "Water of Life," the situation became entirely different!

Such a surge of surprise was electrifying. These sprites had never, in all their years, witnessed such an abundance of "Water of Life." Even during the peak of the elven race, the total collected amounted to barely a single well! Compared to the colossal river before them, it was like comparing a tiny trickle to the ocean!

This fact alone proved that Zhong Shen () was incredibly generous. Knowing how vital this water was to the elves, he had provided them with a seemingly inexhaustible supply—enough for generations upon generations to draw from without ever depleting it! (Though, admittedly, it was a terrifying amount!)

The elven race certainly lived up to its reputation for discipline. A monumental undertaking like "relocating the entire clan" was completed in a mere few hours, and that wasn't even their absolute fastest pace! Naturally, this efficiency was inseparable from the guerilla warfare they had waged against the Demon Bugs over the past few years!

Thus, we can say the Elven race had pledged its allegiance to Zhong Shenxiu () in a unique manner. They would live happily ever after within the "Medium Pouch," and Zhong Shenxiu's "Planting Base," under their care, would only flourish further! (Future research and invention projects could now be entirely self-sufficient! Hooray!)

In the days that followed, Zhong Shenxiu and his party did not rush to leave the "Evergreen Forest." Although it differed from the "Forest of No Return," it too harbored various treasures well worth exploring!

Of course, even while gathering these treasures, Zhong Shenxiu never forgot his quest to find materials for Pi Ji () to reconstruct her physical body. To date, only two components remained missing: one was the "Soul-Fixing Stone" (), and the other was the "Water-Tooth Float" (). Once both were secured, the reconstruction process could begin immediately!

However, these two were also the most difficult to locate. The former was buried deep underground, resembling ordinary rock, making it nearly impossible for common folk to discern. The latter was even harder to find; it was a living creature that dwelt in water, possessing a soft body. At times, Zhong Shenxiu even doubted whether such a creature truly existed in this world!

Naturally, even if the "Water-Tooth Float" didn't exist, it wouldn't be catastrophic, as Zhong Shenxiu had already found a biological substitute: the transparent jellyfish discovered long ago! So, strictly speaking, only the "Soul-Fixing Stone" remained the sole missing piece! Although the "Soul-Fixing Stone" was elusive, it couldn't baffle Zhong Shenxiu. To locate this specific ore, he specially forged a magical artifact, which he vividly dubbed the "Stone-Seeking Disc" ()!

Using this "Stone-Seeking Disc," if a "Soul-Fixing Stone" existed within a five-hundred-mile radius, the disc would react and indicate the general direction. Upon reaching the precise location of the "Soul-Fixing Stone," the very center of the disc would glow red as a warning—absolutely convenient and effective!

In truth, the working principle of this "Stone-Seeking Disc" was modeled after Luo Jie'ai Er's () "Stone of Life." It was through that very "Stone of Life" that Luo Jie'ai Er had originally located the elven tribe! "It seems there's no 'Soul-Fixing Stone' here," Zhong Shenxiu sighed inwardly, putting away the "Stone-Seeking Disc" in his hand!

After spending over a month in the "Evergreen Forest," the "Misty Mercenary Group" () finally embarked on a new journey. Their destination this time was the "Autumn Cloud Empire" ()!

The reason for choosing the "Autumn Cloud Empire" over the "Spring Dew Empire" () was simple: it was geographically closer to the "Evergreen Forest"!

The "Autumn Cloud Empire" is the birthplace of the Berserker (). Berserkers possess formidable overall combat capabilities; when they go berserk, not only do they gain immense strength, but they charge forward heedless of death! (It seems there was a slip of the pen earlier, where it was written as the "Summer Star Empire" ()—my apologies to the readers! sweat)

Besides the Berserker, the "Autumn Cloud Empire" boasts another unique profession: the Beast Tamer ()!

A "Beast Tamer" possesses the ability to subdue magical beasts. Unlike contracting with beasts, which has quantity limits, a Tamer can command large swarms of magical beasts into battle simultaneously, making them a force not to be underestimated.

Those with exceptional memories might recall the "Tilarri Family" () mentioned previously. This family is renowned for its "Beast Tamers" and is a considerably ancient lineage. Their status within the "Autumn Cloud Empire" is unparalleled! What unexpected events await Zhong Shenxiu and his company on their visit to the "Autumn Cloud Empire"? "Pila Qiu Er" () is a small city situated on the furthest edge of the "Autumn Cloud Empire." Though small, it is remarkably prosperous, serving as the shortest shortcut from the "Summer Star Empire" to the "Autumn Cloud Empire." Many trade caravans opt for this route, necessitating passage through "Pila Qiu Er," which in turn fuels the city's economic growth!

Inside a "Mercenary Association" in "Pila Qiu Er," Zhong Shenxiu was poring over mercenary quests leading toward the capital of the "Autumn Cloud Empire."

It had been a long time since the "Misty Mercenary Group" had taken on a formal mission. The reason for selecting quests heading towards the capital was that Zhong Shenxiu's "Stone-Seeking Disc" had reacted, pointing directly toward the capital city of the "Autumn Cloud Empire."

Although the quest board listed numerous missions concerning the capital, none suited Zhong Shenxiu's group. They sought something efficient, requiring minimal time and effort—ideally something that could be completed incidentally. As for the commission fee or the mission grade, those were secondary concerns! "Aha, this one!" Zhong Shenxiu's eyes lit up; he had finally found a suitable assignment that perfectly matched their criteria. "Young Master, what mission is it?" Charlotte () leaned in curiously.

Taking a closer look, it turned out to be a caravan escort mission, scheduled for one month, offering 500 Gold Coins as a reward—an "E-Rank" mission!

There was an addendum noted after the mission description: Selection based on merit!

After completing the necessary paperwork, Zhong Shenxiu and his group were led by an attendant into the main hall.

The hall's interior layout was simple, furnished only with numerous tables and chairs. Many mercenaries could be seen gathered around chatting, while others sat idly sipping tea, giving the impression of entering a bustling teahouse!

Perhaps because Zhong Shenxiu's party drew too much attention (mainly due to the presence of so many beautiful women), a brief silence fell over the hall. All eyes turned toward them with expressions of curiosity! "Hey, who are these people? I've never seen them before," one mercenary whispered. "Look at their clothing; it's so distinctive. They probably aren't locals!" replied another.

This initial discussion was relatively mild. However, in the subsequent chatter, the main focus shifted entirely to the women. "Hey, look at those twins; they are stunningly fair, probably not older than eighteen!" "Look at the woman with the beauty mark; she is incredibly sexy. Are they really mercenaries?"

"Quick, look at the woman with the blue bird on her shoulder; she must be a Beastkin, right? Her eyes are so unusual. Aren't Beastkin people usually depicted as rather crude in appearance? How is this woman..."

Suddenly, the entire hall erupted into chatter, the volume rising steadily, seemingly unconcerned that Zhong Shenxiu's group could overhear!

In the eyes of these mercenaries, Zhong Shenxiu's group appeared nothing more than a collection of the old, the weak, women, and children—a group utterly devoid of apparent combat capability! "Mr. John, this 'Misty Mercenary Group' has come to accept the mission you posted!" The attendant stopped beside a table where an elderly man sat quietly drinking tea.

This elder, named John, had noticed them the moment Zhong Shenxiu's group approached, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, though he kept it hidden. "Greetings, I am John, the person in charge of this caravan escort mission!" John stood up and offered a brief introduction. "Hello, I am Charlotte. We wish to take this mission. Are there any special requirements?" Charlotte spoke up, as handling diplomatic matters generally fell to her. "No special requirements, any mercenary group with proven strength will suffice. May I ask if you..." John trailed off, looking at Charlotte and the others with hesitation.

Charlotte knew he was likely inquiring about the "Misty Mercenary Group's" official rank. So, she quickly pulled out a small booklet, opened it, and displayed it for John. "Rest assured, our Misty Mercenary Group is currently a D-Rank mercenary group!" The underlying message was clear: a D-Rank group accepting an E-Rank mission was more than qualified!

When John saw the booklet in Charlotte's hand, his face immediately broke into a smile. Securing a D-Rank mercenary group for an E-Rank mission's commission was exceptionally good value! He now harbored no more doubts about the "Misty Mercenary Group" and promptly agreed!

"This is the location of our caravan! Please arrive before five in the morning tomorrow!" John said, handing Charlotte a map detailing the route and marking the caravan's rendezvous point!

Just as Zhong Shenxiu's group concluded their negotiation and prepared to leave, more than ten large, burly men approached with ill intentions.

Their gazes lingered incessantly on the female members of the "Misty Mercenary Group," and even a blind man could guess the nature of their thoughts! (To be continued. To find out what happens next, please log on to... more chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)