Chapter 1220

"Haha, whether to say it or not, the effect is quite noticeable?" Bai'e laughed, "But battle isn't just about strength and skill; you also need a handy weapon. Compared to that guy's weapon, what I have in my hand… sigh, it's like waving a lump of iron. Since training began, I don't know how many swords I've ruined."

"Weighted training, huh, that's what you're doing."

"Fortunately there's Hatuonuos, the finest blacksmith of Wengfeluos. I commissioned him to forge a handy divine weapon for me. Admittedly it's a bit embarrassing; to help me with this, he specially turned down all his business."

"After all, Hatuonuos is also a member of the Fire Pursuit Journey, full of drive!" Mimi looked worriedly at Bai'e, "But Bai'e, on your side, people have been somewhat concerned…… Over this period, have you become increasingly obsessed with that black-clad swordsman?"

Bai'e gave a helpless wry smile: "That comment took a sharp turn; it really caught me off guard."

"I've been holding this question in my stomach for a long time! You're getting stronger and stronger, but the seed of unease is also sprouting and growing in my little body!"

Bai E comforted, "Don't worry, I'm not drawing my sword for revenge. The trial of Nicadoli, Xing has also experienced firsthand. She will surely understand that anyone who cannot step out of the shadows is ultimately weak. Times have changed; what I bear… is immensely precious yet equally fragile. I wield my sword for Weng Falos's tomorrow, so I will not let hatred cloud me again and neglect my duty."

"You still have us."

"You're right, buddy." Bai E's solemn expression eased a bit, "I can't handle that guy with just my current self; I still need the help of my companions."

——

Harry Potter.

"It's not that I underestimated Bai E…"

In the Slytherin common room, Malfoy occupied the best high‑back armchair in front of the fireplace. He sat relaxed and proud, one leg crossed over the other, as if receiving subordinates in the sitting room of his own manor.

"Even if he trains endlessly, he could never beat that guy, even if he inherits KefaLe's flame and becomes a Demigod, it still won't work. Unless we get Dan Heng… gather all of Weng Falos's strongest Demigods together, and add Dan Heng, maybe we could take him down together."

"B‑But that guy basically can't be killed?" Recalling the earlier battle with the fire‑stealing wanderer, Krab's voice wavered, his flesh trembling, "An attack of Wandi's magnitude can't kill him—maybe he simply won't die at all? Humans can't kill a monster that doesn't die."

"Indeed." Gao Er Weng grunted in agreement, his head mechanically swaying left and right, "Even the Titan was killed by it; perhaps it is the very Envoy—"

"Enough."

Malfoy's high‑pitched voice rang through the common room, cleanly cutting off their remarks.

"You two, can you be a little— I mean, just a little— use some brain." Malfoy's disdainful gaze swept over Krab's face, rolling his eyes, "Have you ever seriously studied those great figures and powers in the universe? In the Luofu Celestial Ship, wasn't the fleeting abundant Envoy already taken down? Do you think the abundant Envoy's regeneration is stronger, or that of this fire‑stealing wanderer?"

"There must be a way to kill him; we just haven't found it yet. Otherwise, if this guy wants the flame, why not snatch it before the Golden Offspring and hunt the Titan himself? And if he truly can't be killed, why not storm Aohema directly to seize the flame?" Malfoy clenched his teeth, "…He must have something he fears, which is why he hasn't invaded Aohema."

——

Bai E didn't want the conversation to become heavy, so he suggested going to the Hall of Friendship to find something pleasant and lift their spirits.

In the past few months, Xing had repeatedly visited the Hall of Friendship, fishing out the small morsels of knowledge that best suited his taste from the sea of information.

He was glad Dan Heng wasn't present, so no one would critique her reading preferences.

When the group arrived at the Hall of Friendship, Xing easily located the collection of novel readings, and several books caught his eye, their titles alone suggesting the authors weren't human:

"Forbidden Love: Tree and Butterfly", "My Professor Could Never Be That Coy", "One‑Punch God King: Aigler".

Based on his impression of that summer, Xing immediately opened the second book.

It seemed like a pure‑water romance novel, perhaps the last fantasy of a thesis‑rushing student. After reading this short piece that shook her worldview, only one image remained in Xing's mind…

…train, Walter, cellphone.

For a young star‑core spirit, such literature is still too avant‑garde.

After finishing the books in his hands, Xing slipped behind Bai E, hoping to sneak a peek at what he was reading.

However, Bai E didn't even turn his head before sensing Xing's presence.

"Ha, I felt a cold wind behind me. Peeking is impolite, friend."

"What unsavory thing are you reading?"

Bai E moved aside, letting Xing freely see the book he was reading: "Here, take a look—I'm reading this—'Antique Appraisal: How to Get Rich'."

Xing gave a friendly reminder: "I suggest you pick a different side hustle."

Bai E stubbornly shook his head: "…No, for this hobby I've already poured almost all my modest family fortune!"

"I've seriously thought about why Aglaea can become an outstanding leader—setting aside personality and conduct, which are intangible, there's another key reason: her family wealth is quite substantial!"

"That's the advantage of being born in a great city‑state, right? Kids like me from remote towns don't have that luck. Three parts rely on hard work, seven parts are destiny… *cough* I said too much. As a guide, the most crucial thing is virtue and wealth… virtue and talent together."

——

Spy × Family.

"Indeed, money is truly vital for a leader."

Although he is a spy, Lloyd has also read relevant military knowledge. For a war or operation, the foremost and most critical factor is often 'money'.

When funds are abundant, one might not realize the importance of money, but once it's gone, moving even a single step in a big city becomes impossible.

"I remember Aglaea is a tailor, right? Did she start from scratch?" Yoru asked curiously.

"I recall the background investigation on the Golden Offspring left by that summer mentioned that Aglaea comes from a prominent priestly family of Moneita." Lloyd recalled slightly, noting that Feng Qin, Ti Bao, and Aglaea all originated from the corresponding priestly families. In Weng Falos, perhaps only families involved with the Titan can be called 'nobility'.

Noble children often receive generous and strict education, just like Bronya, who from the start was set apart from the lowest commoners of Aohema.