"I have no interest in money."
Wang Hui's commanding words left both Justin and Lilia momentarily stunned.
The coins strewn across the ground comprised not only the entirety of the funds Justin had recouped that day but also two bags of money he had stealthily taken from Baron Wayne while exiting the warehouse.
Even in the capital of the Storm Kingdom, where land is at a premium, this sum could nearly purchase a spacious residence!
Yet, it seemed to lack the merit to even stir the wizard's interest?
This was not a matter of Wang Hui feigning superiority; rather, the allure of currency in the Bay World was quite limited.
With but a few hundred from the outside world, he could acquire a golden bean and turn it into a veritable mountain of gold here!
A mere handful of coins from these miniature beings held minimal value, scarcely amounting to even a milligram.
Justin, recognizing the true depth of Wang Hui's affluence, could not help but think he fit the archetype of the aloof wizard.
Moreover, he was a powerful sorcerer capable of casting spells without incantations—surely not someone easily swayed by monetary offerings?
As Justin's mind raced, he caught sight of the delicate elf standing beside Wang Hui, and an idea struck him!
"Naturally, money cannot fully convey my sincerity. Despite my appearance, I am indeed the most esteemed merchant of Reverse Wind Port!
Recently, I acquired invaluable information regarding the very survival of the island elf race!"
"Hmm?"
Wang Hui narrowed his eyes.
After all, this trendy blind box was something he had purchased with his own funds; it belonged to him.
Subconsciously, Wang Hui had begun to view the Bay World as his own dominion, and the unique island elves represented a civilization deserving of special protection—he could not allow any unforeseen calamity to befall them.
However, to allow a diminutive native to lead him by the nose was hardly befitting of his sovereign status!
He smiled leisurely, "What of it? You don't truly believe such information holds significant value for me, do you?"
While speaking, Wang Hui perceptively noted Lilia trembling beside him.
This young elven maiden clearly harbored concerns for her homeland but was acutely aware of her own insignificance in this situation, refraining from hastily imploring Wang Hui for assistance.
Hmm, she had not resorted to morally coercive tactics, displaying self-awareness and commendable character!
Wang Hui silently acknowledged her worth, while Justin, on the other hand, was taken aback.
This was not the development he had anticipated!
Could it be that Lilia's significance in the wizard's eyes was not as profound as he had presumed?
Perhaps rescuing her was merely a spontaneous act of kindness?
If that were the case, Wang Hui had no compelling reason to assist the island elf race, rendering Justin's intelligence utterly valueless…
Justin's expression shifted repeatedly before he finally raised his gaze to Wang Hui once more.
"In addition to matters concerning the island elves, I possess extensive knowledge regarding the four great kingdoms, including many secrets pertaining to various nobles' private lives…
Surely there is something of interest to you among those details!
If you would accept me as your student, I would willingly offer everything I have, becoming your unwavering loyal hound!"
This unexpected declaration left Wang Hui somewhat astonished. "You are so eager to become a wizard?"
"Whether a wizard or a knight, both symbolize strength. To possess such formidable power, I would gladly embrace any role!"
Justin's eyes burned with fervor, starkly contrasting his usual shrewd demeanor.
Beneath his gaze lay a hint of profound hatred and seething anger.
"Ah..."
Wang Hui chose not to pry further, stroking his chin with a bemused smile as he remarked, "The loyal hound I seek is not one who merely speaks of devotion."
"I am willing..."
Justin was eager to assert himself further when he noticed Wang Hui extending his hand, seemingly reaching for a distant cave along the coast.
Whoosh!
A small shadow was plucked from the air, accompanied by frantic flapping sounds.
Upon closer inspection, Justin realized it was a bat!
The scene resembled the spell known as "Wizard's Hand," a common technique employed by sorcerers to grasp objects from afar.
Yet, given the distance of at least a hundred meters, even the chief wizard of the Storm Kingdom might struggle to achieve such a feat!
What could the wizard possibly want with a bat? Might he intend to subject him to some cruel, trial-like spell?
A fleeting sense of regret washed over Justin, quickly suppressed by his pursuit of power, and he stood resolutely.
At that moment, the bat landed on his back…
Buzz—
In the deafening din, Wang Hui's palm rotated, enveloping Justin and the bat in a swirl of black and white luminescence, causing their forms to gradually merge!
Unlike the experience of activating the "Yin-Yang Fish" in the clan world, this time he felt an uncomfortable stagnation, as if some invisible force was obstructing him.
"Surely this is not a native relic of this miniature world, being rejected by its rules?"
Wang Hui felt a portion of his consciousness return to his original form, observing an 8% decrease in his available primal energy—a considerable expenditure, even greater than that incurred during previous encounters with griffins and Huyan Wu!
Undoubtedly, the Bay World's rejection explained the additional drain on his resources.
Fortunately, the fusion ultimately succeeded; as the radiance faded, Justin emerged, reborn.
His appearance remained largely unchanged, save for the emergence of slender black lines along the sides of his neck.
He stared blankly at his clenched fists, then bent slightly, exerting effort as a pair of broad, membranous bat wings unfurled from his back!
"What is this...?"
Feeling the remarkable energy coursing through him, Justin was both astonished and elated.
Without a moment's hesitation, he bowed deeply to Wang Hui, exclaiming fervently, "Your power is truly unparalleled! I, Justin, am willing to give everything for you, my master!"
His words and demeanor conveyed far greater sincerity than before; having been transformed into a fusion beast, he had genuinely become Wang Hui's loyal hound.
"Compile a comprehensive report of the intelligence you possess regarding the kingdoms, focusing on the essentials, and refrain from including frivolous gossip about the nobles…
Also, include any relevant details concerning the island elves."
With his new status as a fusion beast, Wang Hui no longer needed to question Justin's loyalty, decisively issuing his command.
He concluded with a cautionary note: "Your appearance differs from that of ordinary humans; be discreet to avoid unnecessary trouble!"
"Of course, master."
Justin respectfully nodded, folding his wings neatly against his back, controlling them with an ease as if they were his own.
He then retrieved an old fishing net from the shoreline, draping it over himself to cover the tear in his clothing.
Before long, Justin had transcribed a stack of crucial intelligence with the paper and ink he carried, clearly embodying the title of "the most esteemed merchant" was far more than mere self-promotion.
Wang Hui swiftly reviewed the information, imprinting its contents in his mind, preparing to absorb it more thoroughly later in the outside world.
He glanced at Lilia, who was patiently awaiting nearby, occasionally reaching out as if to mimic Wang Hui's earlier gesture of summoning objects from a distance.
The primal energy concealed within her pointed ears pulsed with increasing vitality…
This seemingly fragile elven maiden was immersed in an extraordinary, serendipitous state!