Before dawn, Lu Nianjiao fled in distress.

When Luo Xiu woke up, it was already past nine in the morning.

After washing up, Luo Xiu headed to the grand courtyard exclusively for Dou Dou. Luo Ying and Yaya also lived there.

"I'll be leaving for Lop Nor soon, Ying'er. You two just wait for me here in the Imperial Palace."

"Mhm, Young Master, please be careful."

Dou Dou patted her chest, swearing earnestly, "Chen Shuisheng, you can go compete with peace of mind. The Imperial Palace is my turf, Dou Dou's! I'll take good care of them."

"In a bit, I'll go find Junior Sister to get some money and treat Sister Luo Ying and Yaya to a big meal!"

As she spoke, she suddenly remembered something and hastily handed her Kun-stewing Divine Cauldron to Luo Xiu.

"Oh right, Chen Shuisheng, take this and use it. But don't you dare break it! If you do, it will cost a lot of money to replace!"

Afterward, Yaya also generously took out her Acne-Removing Divine Hoe.

"And here's my hoe! I'm lending it to you as well!"

Luo Xiu was bewildered. "What in the world am I supposed to do with this stuff?"

Just then, Luo Ying spoke up. "Young Master, it was actually Ying'er who asked them to lend these to you. I've studied them carefully these last few days and discovered that both Magical Treasures have extraordinary effects."

"This Kun-stewing Divine Cauldron contains the spiritual energy of the Great Dao and can refine and cook all things. Its uses are endless, but you'll have to discover its specific functions yourself."

"And this Acne-Removing Divine Hoe should also have the marvelous ability to break through Barriers."

"In any case, you should take them with you. They might come in handy."

After some thought, Luo Xiu decided to accept them.

Yaya placed her hands on her hips, instructing seriously, "Remember, you're not allowed to break it, got it?"

Luo Xiu reached out and ruffled her hair. "These two Magical Treasures were junk to begin with, okay? If I hadn't used the Indestructible Divine Flame to reforge them, they'd just be two pieces of scrap metal."

"..."

***

Deep within the Imperial Palace, Luo Xiu walked into a spacious secret chamber. The center of the room flickered with the distinctive glow of a Formation.

At that moment, Lu Nianjiao, Lin Jianlong, Di Jiao, and several formidable-looking elders in black robes were standing there quietly.

Seeing Lu Nianjiao again, Luo Xiu felt as if she had transformed into someone else. It wasn't that her demeanor had become colder, but her complexion was much improved.

Ever since Di Xuanji had left, Lu Nianjiao had been buried under various affairs day after day, leaving her haggard and exhausted. But after last night's nourishment, she was rejuvenated. All weariness had been wiped away, and she was satisfied in both body and soul.

Seeing Luo Xiu approach, Lu Nianjiao glared at him with resentment. Thinking about how it was still painful to even use the restroom today, with the swelling refusing to go down, she wished she could go up and give this little scoundrel a sound beating.

However, she instantly reverted to her cool composure, becoming once again that seemingly unworldly White Skirt Medical Immortal.

"Dr. Chen, please step into the Formation."

"Alright, Manager Lu."

Luo Xiu complied, stepping into the center of the Formation. At that moment, Lin Jianlong also walked over to stand beside him.

"Long Shuai, you're going too?"

Lin Jianlong said, "As the coach, naturally I have to be there."

Before long, the elders in black robes activated the Formation. A light flashed and then faded, and Luo Xiu and Lin Jianlong disappeared as if they had evaporated.

In the secret chamber, Lu Nianjiao looked at the now empty Formation, her lips slightly pursed and a look of pride on her face.

Little Mule, your senior sister is waiting for your good news.

However, she didn't know that Luo Xiu's departure would not bring good news, but would instead trigger an upheaval.

***

A hot, dry breeze with a hint of something exotic washed over them, inducing an inexplicable sense of irritability. Before their eyes stretched a boundless wasteland of endless yellow sand—a desolate, yet magnificent, vista.

Low hills rose and fell like a series of fortresses, standing guard over the territory of Hua Country on this barren land.

Luo Xiu and Lin Jianlong walked side by side, their feet treading on the crumbly salt crust as they headed deeper into the wilderness.

"A long time ago, this place used to be a salt lake. It took on this appearance after it dried up," Lin Jianlong said, seeming to want to start a conversation.

"I know," Luo Xiu replied. "It's my first time here, but I've read about it in books."

Suddenly, Lin Jianlong said, "Thank you."

Luo Xiu tilted his head to look at Lin Jianlong's profile. There were still several bruises on his face, and his left eye was still black from yesterday's beating. His resolute and handsome face was set in a serious expression. However, with the black eye, the overall look was somehow comical.

Luo Xiu asked, "You don't hate me?"

Lin Jianlong gently shook his head and repeated, "Thank you."

Luo Xiu thought that Lin Xiyue probably wouldn't hate Lin Jianlong either. He realized he was the one being narrow-minded.

But if he could do it all over again, he would still teach Lin Jianlong the same lesson he had yesterday. When he heard that Lin Xiyue had been beaten, he had been truly furious.

After their brief exchange, neither of them spoke again.

After about ten minutes, Luo Xiu finally broke the silence. "Where are we going?"

"The dormitory area," Lin Jianlong replied.

Another ten minutes passed. In the distance, Luo Xiu saw an area surrounded by hills where many tents were set up. People were bustling about, making it as lively as a town market.

Luo Xiu remarked, "Looks like plenty of people are here for the Shi Wu Great Reef."

Lin Jianlong, however, clarified, "Actually, not that many. Most of those people are from the martial artist community here to watch the excitement, or they're friends and relatives accompanying the competing martial artists."

"..."

Upon arriving at the dormitory area, Lin Jianlong led Luo Xiu directly into a large tent.

Instantly, Luo Xiu spotted five familiar faces. Although he already knew they would be here, seeing them in person still thrilled him, and he was eager to reunite with them.

So *these* were the girls Lu Nianjiao meant.

At that moment, Lin Xiyue and the other women, who were drinking mare's milk tea and chatting, began to size up Luo Xiu. Several staff members also looked over, and upon seeing Lin Jianlong, they hurriedly bowed their heads in greeting.

Zhang Yi stared at Luo Xiu with her large, watery eyes. "Is this our substitute?" she asked curiously.

Everyone's gaze fell on Luo Xiu's face. Handsome, bespectacled, with an ordinary aura and a refined look... that was their first impression.

In the crowd, however, Xu Qianqing's beautiful eyes fluttered, her heart racing with excitement. She had seen Luo Xiu after he had transformed into "Chen Shuisheng." But she knew the name "Luo Xiu" was sensitive right now, so she didn't acknowledge him publicly.

Luo Xiu scanned the crowd and said with a smile, "Hello everyone. I'm Chen Shuisheng, a substitute member for the Hua Country team. I look forward to working with you all."

"Hello, Chen Shuisheng."

"Hello."

"Nice to meet you."

The group responded politely in turn.

"Hey, Long Shuai, why is your face so swollen?" Zhang Yi suddenly exclaimed.

Hearing this, Lin Jianlong's expression turned grim. He sighed inwardly; this girl really knew how to bring up the most awkward subjects. In truth, Zhang Yi was just showing genuine concern.

Elsewhere in the group, Xu Qianqing covered her mouth to hide a smile, sneaking a glance at Luo Xiu. In her mind, Long Shuai had probably tried to train Luo Xiu, only to get beaten up by him instead.

"Is everyone here? It's time to start the meeting!"

Just then, a tall, graceful figure walked into the tent, holding a folder.

Luo Xiu turned to look and was surprised to see it was Sun Li. With her hair in a ponytail and dressed in a black, form-fitting outfit, she exuded an air of sharp competence—both beautiful and badass.

When she saw Luo Xiu, Sun Li couldn't help but freeze for a moment, as she too had seen him after his transformation into "Chen Shuisheng." But she kept her composure, not showing any surprise. She already knew that "Chen Shuisheng" was the substitute.

Hmph, you wretched Xiu! I'll deal with you tonight! Sun Li cursed inwardly, then spoke aloud. "This is the Rule Manual. Each of the six of you gets a copy."

"Also, Chen Shuisheng, as a substitute, do you know what your duties are?"

Luo Xiu shook his head. "What do I need to do?"

Sun Li stared at him, her face expressionless. "To put it simply, your job is to run errands for the five main team members. You'll assist them in every way possible, such as carrying their things, finding supplies, or even undertaking dangerous tasks in their place."

Hearing this, Luo Xiu was left speechless. So *this* is what Lu Nianjiao meant by 'bringing the girls'? I really am just here to 'bring' them things!

Zhang Yi couldn't help but cover her mouth to stifle her giggles. "Dr. Chen, it looks like you'll have your work cut out for you."

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