Gu Pingchuan intended to find a secluded spot to meticulously digest the hard-won insights he had gained. If luck was on his side, he might even reach a new breakthrough in his cultivation.

  "Safe travels, Dean. I won't see you out," Kael said with a nod, glancing toward the shop's entrance where the last rays of twilight still lingered.

  As he watched Gu Pingchuan depart, Kael leaned back into the premium leather sofa of his booth. "The temperature seems to be rising lately. Is summer already around the corner?" he muttered to himself.

  This world followed the same cycle of four seasons, though the temperature fluctuations were far more extreme. Because cultivators possessed much stronger physiques than ordinary people, their resistance to heat and cold was significantly higher. Furthermore, the past few months had been a relatively pleasant spring, so Kael hadn't paid much attention to the climate.

  However, when he stepped outside today to stretch, his heightened perception—a byproduct of his formidable strength—sensitively picked up on the atmospheric shift. Sometimes, having senses that were too sharp was a nuisance in itself.

  [System: Host, there is no need for concern. The shop's environment is enchanted to remain unaffected by the seasons.]

  "No, I’m not worried about the shop. I’m thinking about something else—like developing seasonal products," Kael said, tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table, lost in thought.

  He was beginning to master the System’s temperament. Trying to get a free ride from the System was impossible. However, if he proposed a suggestion that helped the System rake in more Spirit Crystals, the System was generally willing to consider it.

  Sure enough, the moment he mentioned profit, the System took the bait.

  [System: Please elaborate, Host. The System will consider the proposal at its discretion.]

  Kael paused for a moment before speaking slowly. "Think about it, System. When summer hits, the heat will be unbearable. At a time like that, if we had a bottle of ice-cold soda..."

  He trailed off, his intentions laid bare.

  Indeed, after feeling the change in weather, Kael had immediately started craving his beloved "Sparkling Joy." If one couldn't pair potato chips with a cold cola, what was the point of living?

  [System: Suggestion accepted. A relevant quest will be issued at the appropriate time.]

  Kael: "???"

  "Wait, shouldn't you just give me a drink vending machine? Why do I have to complete a quest for it? System, I think this is unfair. This was my idea. I'm helping you make money; shouldn't I get a reward for the tip?" Kael tried to argue.

  [System: Host, it is suggested that you go to sleep early. In your dreams, you can have anything you want.]

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  Kael was momentarily speechless. "When it comes to being thick-skinned, you really take the prize."

  [System: Please continue to work hard, Host. Do not spend your days dreaming of getting something for nothing.]

  "Fine, whatever. Just give me the reward for the quest I finished today," Kael sighed, giving up on the argument. Getting ice-cold drinks into the shop was already a win.

  [System: Rewards will be distributed tonight. There is no need for concern.]

  "Alright, alright. You're dismissed," Kael waved a hand tiredly. Even though he knew the System couldn't see him, it could certainly hear him. The System promptly vanished from his conscious mind.

  After parting ways with Luo Yuanxing and Han Ming, Qin Shi headed toward the City Guard Mage Camp alone.

  One could say Qin Shi had exceptional luck. After he obtained the Fireball skill book, he and Luo Yuanxing had joined other parties to grind the dungeon, but they hadn't seen a second skill book drop. Consequently, even though Luo Yuanxing now possessed mana, he had no spells to cast.

  For people like them with zero natural aptitude, learning magic through traditional study was an impossibility. They could only rely on the New World Mode in the Combat Strength Enhancement Arena.

  "Tomorrow, I’ll help Yuanxing grind for an Earth Mage skill book. Tonight, I’m going to the training grounds to test my new spell," Qin Shi plotted.

  Despite his reputation as a shiftless dandy in Cloud City, he was still the only son of the City Lord, Qin Ming. The soldiers guarding the Mage Camp’s training grounds naturally recognized him.

  "Young Master, it is quite late. May I ask what brings you to the training grounds?" one of the guards asked, stepping forward to intercept him as part of his routine duty.

  To Qin Shi, the training grounds were like his own backyard, but it was still a military facility. The guards had to verify his reasons for being there.

  "I'm here to practice some magic. I assume the Mana Testing Stones are in working order?" Qin Shi said with a straight face, trying to sound professional.

  "The stones are fine, but... Young Master, you want to practice magic?" The guard’s expression turned into one of profound hesitation.

  Everyone in the City Guard knew that the Young Master didn't have a shred of cultivation talent. Now, he was claiming he wanted to practice magic? The guard immediately suspected that Qin Shi had come up with some new prank to play and intended to cause mischief—or worse, damage the expensive Mana Testing Stones.

  Those stones were vital equipment for the Mage units. If something went wrong, Qin Shi’s status would protect him from punishment, but the blame would fall squarely on the guards. Cold beads of sweat began to form on their brows. Yet, they didn't dare offend him.

  "What’s wrong? Is there a problem?" Qin Shi frowned, his voice tinged with annoyance. He didn't dare show his temper in Kael’s shop, but in his own territory, he wasn't about to be questioned by a sentry.

  "Of course not! I was simply worried that the Young Master might not be familiar with the grounds at night. I would be honored to lead the way," one of the guards said quickly, thinking on his feet.

  His partner shot him a look of approval. By "leading the way," they could keep a close eye on the Young Master and prevent any "accidents" or pranks involving the equipment. As for Qin Shi actually practicing magic? They merely smiled inwardly, not believing a word of it.

  "Very well. Take me to the Testing Stones," Qin Shi said. He didn't think much of it; he really wasn't familiar with the layout of the camp, so he nodded for the soldier to lead.

  Though it was late, the training grounds were not empty. Many soldiers were still honing their martial techniques. Torches illuminated the vast grounds, casting a bright glow over the area. The soldiers sweating in the heat of their training looked up and greeted the guard leading Qin Shi.

  "Hey, Sanzhuzi! Isn't it your turn at the gate? Why are you in here?"

  "If the captain catches you wandering off, you're in for a world of hurt!"

  "What’s the matter, Sanzhuzi? Is gate duty too boring? Want to come over and spar with the boys?"

  The guard, Sanzhuzi, waved them off dismissively. "I’m escorting the Young Master on a tour. Get back to your training!"