Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"Nothing. I just feel that it will be interesting to join the Xiao Clan," Zachary replied with a cryptic smile.

"Have you really made up your mind? You know there is bad blood between you and the young master of the Xiao Clan. I'm afraid that you would suffer if you join them," Polly said, her voice laced thick with concern.

"Are you worried about me?" Zachary asked with a slightly teasing smile on his face, as he peered closer at Polly.

"No! I just wanted to give you a heads up," she denied, as she looked away, flustered from his words. They were standing so close now that she could feel his breath warm on her skin.

"Really? Then, why are you blushing?" Zachary asked insistently, while he fought down the grin that was struggling to escape his lips.

"Enough! I don't want to talk to you anymore," Polly huffed. She was annoyed that he wasn't taking her seriously, so she turned her back on him and walked away.

"If you don't talk to me now, you will regret it when you miss me!" Zachary hollered after her retreating back. When he couldn't see her anymore, the smile on his face was replaced by a sigh, and he left in a pensive mood.

Three days later, someone informed Zachary on behalf of Celestial College that he was allowed to quit the college. But at the same time, the college also required the other nine disciples to end their exchange learning in Shura College, and they were asked to return as soon as possible.

It was understandable, of course, for the Celestial College to exercise such precautions. They were just worried that the other nine disciples would quit the college and join the Devil Kingdom forces as Zachary had done.

The next day, Queenie and the other three that had stayed in the Pilgrimage Space for half a month finally exited the system. As they stepped out, they found Zachary waiting for them outside.

Although they trained for only half a month, Queenie and Scott had successfully reached the Imperial Level without Zachary's help. It was another evidence of the two disciples' exceptional talent compared to the skills shown by average warriors of their college.

Meanwhile, Rebecca almost made a breakthrough, but Nelson didn't make any progress.

"Harley, the place that you sent me to was fantastic. I met a treasure beast that I'd never seen before!" Nelson exclaimed excitedly the moment he saw Zachary.

"I sent you there for training, but you studied the treasure beast instead." Zachary shook his head at Nelson, who was more passionate to learn about treasure beasts than make a breakthrough.

Nelson scratched his head and

ntial. Above all else, the Xiao Clan shouldn't find out about this." Zachary's face turned somber as he explained. If the Xiao Clan knew that he was working with the Phoenix House, they would be suspicious, and that could cause unnecessary trouble.

"Don't worry about that." Riley nodded in agreement. Of course, she also didn't want the Xiao Clan to know since it could just create more trouble for her.

"The second condition is that you have to offer me ten Imperial Level treasures per month. If you agree to these two conditions, we can continue to cooperate," Zachary continued.

"No problem. I agree with all of your conditions. Anyway, our leader ordered us to keep in touch with you. She said that although you turned us down this time, there was still the possibility of working with you in the future, so she wanted us to treat you well," Riley replied sincerely.

"Please pass on my thanks to her for being so understanding," Zachary said gratefully with his hands cupped in respect. "You can ask Billy to go to the Xiao Clan Castle to fetch the goods every month."

"Okay," Riley answered, but she couldn't say anything more as he was about to leave.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go now. It's about time for me to go to the Xiao Clan Castle." She nodded at him, and without anything more to say, Zachary stood up and left.

As soon as he returned to Shura College, he happened to see Queenie and the other eight disciples, as they were zapped across the sky by the Wind Turtle.

As he watched their receding figures, he was suddenly touched by nostalgia and loneliness. He watched as his friends disappeared until his eyes couldn't bear to keep open anymore. Finally, he blinked, and they were gone. "See you."