Days passed in the blink of an eye. Finally, Zhong Shenxiu emerged, and with him came Paige, reborn!

Though Paige's appearance remained the same, her entire aura had undergone a massive transformation. Her skin now glowed like flawless jade, her figure exquisitely curved—she looked less like the mother of Robin and Diya and more like their elder sister! "Mother!" Diya immediately threw herself into Paige’s embrace.

While Robin wasn't as outwardly emotional as Diya, the light in her eyes betrayed her profound joy; she was simply less adept at showing it!

They weren't the only ones rejoicing. A wave of elation washed over the entire "Glimmering Mercenary Group." Even without a physical body, Paige, as a 'Ghost Cultivator,' could manifest and interact with everyone, so the group already held deep affection for her. "Brother Xiu, thank you!" Wei Ya suddenly turned to Huang Zhong Shenxiu and offered a smile as radiant as a hibiscus flower.

To celebrate Paige's new life, Zhong Shenxiu generously declared a three-day carnival, with all expenses covered by the guild funds!

During these days of revelry, Bennett, the patriarch of the "Tilar Family," was deeply troubled by a single issue! South of "Golden Harvest City" lay a private forest, maintained by the Tilar Family for raising their magical beasts.

As a prominent beast-taming family that also managed a "Magical Beast Shop," having a wild environment for their creatures was essential. Yet, in this very private preserve, a deeply vexing problem had surfaced—the infestation of Demon Bugs!

Disciples had reported only a few juvenile Demon Bugs two days prior, but today, dozens of mature specimens had materialized out of nowhere. After a thorough, sweeping search, they finally located an "Access Point" situated right in the heart of the forest!

This was akin to a bolt from the clear sky. They had prayed incessantly that the Demon Bugs would not attack too soon, yet within days, they had appeared in their private domain! The immediate concern wasn't the safety of the beasts within the forest, but the possibility that these bugs might venture out; the private forest was barely tens of kilometers from human settlements.

This event jeopardized the safety of all "Golden Harvest City." It was no exaggeration to say that if this news leaked, the entire city would plunge into panic. What might follow in that scenario was utterly unpredictable!

Due to the gravity of the situation, Bennett had ordered a complete blackout on the "Demon Bug Appearance" news, knowing this was only a temporary measure—paper simply couldn't wrap up fire! What should he do? Bennett's brow was severely furrowed; he hadn't slept well for two consecutive days over this matter!

Just then, a servant's voice drifted in from outside the study: "Master, a guest awaits!"

A guest? Bennett was visibly startled. He couldn't imagine who would call upon him at this hour, so he asked casually, "Do you know who it is?" "They claim to be from the 'Tornado Mercenary Group,' Sir!" the servant replied.

Hearing the name "Tornado Mercenary Group," Bennett froze. He had heard whispers of this group many times; they were rumored to be the ones who annihilated the second-ranked "Dragon Slaying Mercenary Group"!

The outside world held a terrible opinion of them—a faction known to kill indiscriminately based purely on whim. Though many disliked them, no one dared provoke them, as every member possessed terrifying strength! Bennett frowned, puzzled. I don't know them; why would they seek me out? "Tell them I am unavailable!" Bennett wanted no dealings with these people; he was troubled enough without inviting further complications. "Sir, those men said they know you are within the manor, and furthermore, they threatened to spread news of the great crisis facing 'Golden Harvest City' if you refuse to see them!"

"What?" Bennett was profoundly shocked, taking a long moment to recover. Did they already know about the Demon Bugs? How could they possibly know? What was their objective in coming here?

A string of questions flashed through Bennett's mind. After weighing the pros and cons, he reluctantly conceded, "Invite them to the main hall; I shall join them shortly!"

Upon reaching the hall and seeing the visitors, Bennett’s frown deepened. Based on their appearances, they truly did not look like decent people! "What business brings you to seek out an old man like me?" Bennett had no desire to waste time with these individuals and cut straight to the chase. "We wish to discuss a transaction with you!" stated a middle-aged man who was currently fiddling with a skeletal staff.

His name was Adonis, an "Necromancer" and concurrently the leader of the "Tornado Mercenary Group"! "What kind of business?" Bennett asked guardedly. "We will help you eradicate the Demon Bugs infesting your family forest, and in return, you will pay us a fee!" Adonis spoke slowly, without hurry. "You... how did you know?" Bennett widened his eyes, staring at Adonis. "That is not for you to know!" Adonis flashed a cunning smile. Bennett fell silent, only speaking after a long pause: "How much are you demanding?"

"Two billion Diamond Coins!" Adonis replied, his casual demeanor suggesting he placed no great value on that colossal sum.

Bennett nearly exploded with anger. Had these thugs arrived here just to extort him? Demanding two billion Diamond Coins! Did they take him for a three-year-old child? "And what if I refuse?" Bennett asked, his face darkening.

"That's fine too; a failed deal doesn't ruin friendship!" Adonis's cunning smile grew more pronounced. He paused, then continued, "However, in that case, we will disseminate the news of the Demon Bug infestation. At that point, all of 'Golden Harvest City' will descend into chaos, and countless people will be submerged in boundless panic."

As he spoke those words, he even displayed a hint of longing, making one wonder what truly occupied his mind! "You... you..." Bennett's entire face began to change color. "Why would you do such a thing? What benefit is there for you?"

"There are benefits, naturally! Once the situation spirals out of control, I imagine your 'Autumn Cloud Empire' sovereign will be frantic. When he realizes he cannot manage the situation, he will undoubtedly issue quests offering hefty rewards. Then, it won't just be twenty billion Diamond Coins, and our 'Tornado Mercenary Group' can legitimately collect the commission!" Adonis looked smugly at Bennett.

Bennett stared blankly at Adonis. Only at that moment did he clearly grasp how truly wicked the man before him was, gambling the entirety of "Golden Harvest City" for his own gain. How many people would perish in the ensuing chaos? Did he possess no humanity at all? "Well? Can you give us a definitive answer? We have many important matters to attend to shortly!" Adonis pressed somewhat impatiently.

Bennett felt the pressure on him multiply tenfold. After a long silence, he managed to squeeze out, "Can you give me some time to consider?" "No problem, we will return in three hours! Brothers, let's go grab something to eat!" Adonis said, rising to his feet. "Can I have three days to consider?" Bennett hastily interjected. "You only have three hours to consider!" Adonis showed absolutely no flexibility. After delivering this final ultimatum, he left with his men, ignoring Bennett's deepening misery.

As for the departing "Tornado Mercenary Group," one man, whose face was covered in pockmarks, asked curiously, "Leader, do you think that old fool will take the bait?"

"Andre, don't be anxious. You will have your chance to shine when the time comes!" Adonis glanced back.

"Heh heh, that old man has no idea. Once an 'Access Point' emerges, no one can stop the Demon Bug invasion. This city is destined for doom soon enough!" Andre chuckled. "Just know this, don't let it slip out!" Adonis glared at him.

Three hours passed quickly. The "Tornado Mercenary Group" did indeed return, but Bennett's answer to them was a firm refusal!

Though Bennett was elderly, he was hardly senile. He understood perfectly that he could not yield to the likes of the "Tornado Mercenary Group"; they were the type to press their advantage relentlessly, and clinging to them would only bring misfortune!

Bennett had prepared for the worst. He had considered everything and knew this matter could not be concealed indefinitely. Rather than letting the "Tornado Mercenary Group" leak the news, it was better for him to announce it to everyone beforehand; at least that way, the reported facts wouldn't be embellished!

An hour earlier, he had already instructed his confidants to report the Demon Bug appearance to the Emperor, requesting the Emperor to make early preparations. On the other front, he had ordered the elite disciples of his clan to guard the perimeter of the forest, allowing not a single Demon Bug to escape!

Upon receiving the Emperor's command, the armies of the "Autumn Cloud Empire" swiftly mobilized, locking down all major entry and exit points with extreme speed, and dispatching heavy forces alongside the Tilar Family disciples to guard the forest vigilantly! As the saying goes, good news never travels far, but bad news spreads a thousand miles!

The news of the Demon Bugs’ emergence instantly swept through every street and alley. Though panic initially gripped the populace, no major disorder erupted under the tight control of the military.

Adonis, upon being rejected by Bennett, did not show anger. Back at the inn, he began plotting how to embellish and spread the news of the Demon Bugs. However, just as he finalized his strategy, he was surprised to find that the outside world already knew the details. Furthermore, guided by certain intentional actions, the general reaction displayed little panic; most people adopted a wait-and-see attitude! What in the world was happening?

Adonis grasped the whole situation with a brief moment of thought, realizing this was all Bennett's doing!

Old man, you think this can ruin my plan? Humph, pitting yourself against me, you are still far too green!

In that instant, a treacherous scheme began to form within Bennett's mind!