After a very comfortable night, Zhou Haoyu headed early in the morning to the Clocktower Magic Association.
"Feel free to speak up, young friend. Whether you need cultivation resources or magical gear—the Ancient Capital will make arrangements."
Han Ji smiled, full of warmth.
Without Zhou Haoyu's intervention during this battle, even if they had managed to hold the city, losses would have been catastrophic—bodies piling the streets would not have been an exaggeration.
Although there were still casualties, compared to what could have happened, this was insignificant.
[Activation Condition: Complete]
[Reward Obtained — Thousand-Year Willow Heart]
Han Ji's treasure chest.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Zhou Haoyu smiled and said, "Senior Han is too kind. I only did what I ought to."
Truthfully, neither magic gear nor resources were things he lacked at the moment.
Han Ji shook his head insistently. "Credit must be given where it's due. If I didn't reward you, even the citizens might revolt against me."
Zhou Haoyu gave a helpless look. After thinking for a moment, he tentatively asked:
"Then… could I request a Star Ocean Vain?"
It wasn't that Zhou wanted to exploit them—it was just that he genuinely didn't lack anything else, and the meridian would help with future breakthroughs.
Han Ji froze momentarily, before instantly understanding his intention.
Although a Star Ocean Vain was rare and precious, compared to what Zhou Haoyu had achieved, it was nothing.
The Li Clan in the Ancient Capital had such vains and there were many clans like the Li's. For someone of Zhou's merit, it was more than appropriate.
"Of course. When do you plan to leave the capital?"
Han Ji sighed. "I had hoped to keep you longer, but given the rebuilding… it's difficult to entertain guests properly."
"Very well. When you depart the Clocktower, I'll have someone escort you to pick up the Star Ocean Vain."
Zhu Meng slapped him heartily on the shoulder. "Kid! The World Tournament is right around the corner. Got confidence to take your team to the championship?"
"Piece of cake," Zhou answered casually.
That afternoon, after collecting the Star Ocean Vain, Zhou flew straight back to Magic City.
As soon as he landed, he sent a message to Xu Zhaoting.
Xu arrived in a hurry to a small late-night BBQ stall... only to find Zhou Haoyu enjoying skewers casually.
"Bro Yu, did you need something important?" Xu asked nervously, it was already past 6 pm.
[Activation Condition: Complete]
[Reward Obtained — Natural Fire Element Soul-Seed: Void Whiteflame]
"...Another Soul-Seed." Zhou Haoyu grinned.
Looking up at Xu Zhaoting, he said, "Sit and have a drink."
Xu Zhaoting froze. That's it?
"Don't want to give me face?"
"O-of course I do… I was just about to eat anyway…" Xu sat down with a bitter smile — he was supposed to be meeting Zhang Lulu(his girlfriend), but had to cancel as soon as Zhou called. If not for Zhou saving his life back in the capital and gifting him that valuable magic tool—he would never dare refuse.
"How's your cultivation been lately?" Zhou asked shallowly.
Truth be told, Xu was talented—but beside Zhou Haoyu, he felt utterly insignificant.
"When you graduate, consider joining the Zhou family. I'll make sure you get the resources you deserve."
Xu Zhaoting was startled. For more chapters visit NoveI★Fire.net
He knew Zhou wasn't short on money or resources — if he joined, it would be a true opportunity.
"I'll… think about it seriously," Xu replied.
"Good. No need to rush big decisions. It's getting late—I'll head off. Let me know when you decide."
Watching Zhou's figure walk away into the distance, Xu's thoughts were tangled. A mage like him… only by joining a force could he hope to touch greater magic in the future.
Imperial Capital. Mu Family Villa.
"When did that bastard Mu He join the Black Vatican?!!"
Mu Zhuoyun slammed his fist onto the tea table. A porcelain teacup shattered to pieces with a sharp crack, yet his fury showed no sign of easing—only growing more intense.
Mu He had joined the Black Vatican, and as his biological elder brother… Mu Zhuoyun had no clue?!
Just yesterday the Tribunal had sent special personnel to investigate the entire Mu household.
Mu He had been a high-ranking deacon under Hu Jin—the situation was dire. No one knew whether the Mu Family might harbor other Black Vatican members.
They found nothing incriminating in the end… but the Mu Family's reputation was ruined. All of their business partnerships collapsed overnight, simply because Mu Zhuoyun was Mu He's brother.
The Mu Clan reacted instantly, cutting all public ties with Mu Zhuoyun's family — Mu Ningxue included.
If it weren't for Mu Yu'ang's identity still being safely concealed, the Mu Family might've already fallen even further from grace.
Now Mu Zhuoyun wore a face full of grief — Without business income… how was he supposed to maintain this massive household?
Even their in-laws, the Zhou Family, were forced to keep their distance lest they be implicated.
Just then—Mu Linsheng burst into the living room, shouting at the top of his lungs:
"Uncle—it's good news! Monumental good news!!"
Mu Zhuoyun frowned. In this situation, what "good news" could possibly exist?
…Well, when you've fallen far enough, anything can count as good news.
"It's Zhou Haoyu—he's been in the Ancient Capital these past days!"
Mu Zhuoyun blinked, confused. "What's he doing there?"
Even if Zhou was in the Ancient Capital, how could that be considered good news for them?
"He's done something huge! According to official reports from the Ancient Capital—he was the one who saved millions of civilians! If he steps forward for us, our family's current crisis could be completely reversed!!"
Excitement beamed from Mu Linsheng's face—it bordered on frenzy.
"…Really?" Mu Zhuoyun's first reaction was disbelief.
"It's true! Totally true! Right now the entire internet is flooded with news about Zhou Haoyu."
Seeing his uncle still unconvinced, Mu Linsheng hurriedly handed him a phone.
Mu Zhuoyun read through the headlines carefully—his expression shifted from skepticism, to shock…to eagerness and ecstasy.
T-the Mu Family is saved!!
Upstairs, Mu Ningxue sat alone… also reading the headlines pouring from every news site.
She pressed a slim hand gently to her chest — the worry on her beautiful face finally easing just a little.
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