In stark contrast to the lowly, dilapidated dwellings of fishermen and sailors in the outer regions, the two-story building before Wang Hui exuded an air of considerable opulence.
Constructed entirely of large, meticulously arranged square stones, the seams between them were enhanced with a special decorative treatment, utilizing a binding material embedded with translucent shell fragments.
When sunlight cascaded upon it, these fragments shimmered with a crystal-clear radiance, uplifting one's spirits.
"Hey! Have you finished staring?"
As Wang Hui stood there with his hands in his pockets, lost in admiration of the architecture, a burly man with a menacing appearance approached, shooing him away.
"This is private property; loiterers are not welcome, lest you disturb my esteemed lady!"
"Hm?"
Wang Hui scrutinized the man from head to toe.
His skin was deeply tanned, muscles bulging, and he bore a menacing grin that suggested he could lash out at any moment!
What surprised Wang Hui the most, however, was the trace of primal energy pulsating within him.
Though it was only equivalent to the strength of a clan member who had undergone two rounds of body tempering, it indicated that he had already one foot out of the realm of lesser beings!
"Who is your esteemed lady?"
Wang Hui maintained his composure, leaving the hulking man somewhat flustered.
The butler had informed him that by simply standing at the door with a fierce expression and barking a few commands, he could deter anyone from lingering…
This tactic had worked well in the past, so why was this young man so unfazed?
"I—I cannot divulge my lady's identity; it is far too mysterious!"
The man stammered, tightening his fist in a threatening manner, producing a series of cracking sounds. "Stop asking questions! Hurry along, or when the butler comes out, you will regret it!"
However, Wang Hui paid him no mind; he took a step closer instead, pressing his hand against the man's abdomen, and inquired, "Have you consumed anything unusual? Perhaps something that resembles crystal-like stones…"
"Don't touch me!"
The man instinctively swatted Wang Hui's hand away.
Yet after a dull thud, Wang Hui's hand remained unmoved!
"You…"
The man paused, then raised both hands, forcing a push in an attempt to shove Wang Hui away.
But the outcome was no different; Wang Hui stood firm, causing the man to stagger backwards several steps, only coming to a halt when his back collided with the wall!
"This is the first time I've encountered someone stronger than myself… let's see you try again!"
The man, undeterred, advanced towards Wang Hui for another contest of strength, only to be intercepted by Justin, who rushed out just in time.
"Maris! This is my teacher; what on earth are you doing?!"
"…Huh?"
Maris froze, scratching his head awkwardly as he retreated, suddenly hesitant to speak.
A moment later, in the living room, Wang Hui reclined in a soft, comfortable chair while Justin graciously prepared a cup of black tea for him.
"Teacher, as per your instructions, I have purchased this sturdy residence as a temporary abode for Miss Lilia, and I have placed magical items in her bedroom to ensure round-the-clock protection!"
Wang Hui glanced at Justin's black tailcoat and chuckled softly, "So you've fabricated a noble identity for Lilia? Your role as a butler suits you quite well."
With that, he took a sip of tea and cast a glance toward the door.
The man named "Maris" was peeking around the corner, and upon meeting Wang Hui's gaze, he quickly turned his face away and straightened up.
"Where did you find this dim-witted guard? He has a fearsome exterior but likely lacks any real fighting capability?"
"Just as expected from you, Teacher; your judgment of character is impeccable!"
Justin praised, then explained, "Maris is an orphan raised in Reverse Wind Port, born with remarkable strength. He has worked as a porter at the docks for years, and I have employed him on several occasions.
Though Maris is honest and somewhat dull, his imposing appearance suits him well as Miss Lilia's protector, so I bought him from the dock foreman… If you disapprove of him, I can dismiss him immediately!"
"No need."
Wang Hui waved his hand casually, "He's a good prospect, but his combat skills are lacking. You should find a way to train him in fighting; a good-looking guard without skill is worthless."
"Understood!"
Seeing Justin bow in acceptance, Wang Hui took out paper and pen, recalling an image in his mind to begin sketching.
In just a few minutes, a clear and detailed figure emerged on the paper, unmistakably resembling the VR player "Namo Gatling Bodhisattva"!
With the enhancement of his life level, Wang Hui found not only his physical abilities improving but also a significant boost in memory.
Even the intricate and convoluted ship blueprints could be replicated, so capturing the likeness of a person he intended to remember was a trivial task.
"This individual may soon be wandering within and around Reverse Wind Port; when you have a moment, locate him and deal with him."
"Understood!"
Without questioning further, Justin took the image, studying it carefully before folding it neatly and placing it in his pocket.
As someone who frequently traversed various countries, the acts of killing and purloining were not foreign to him; in fact, he had committed such deeds more than once himself!
The strange powers he gradually acquired after merging with a bat solidified his belief that this enigmatic teacher undoubtedly stood as a formidable wizard at the pinnacle of the world!
The most effective way for him to pursue strength was to follow closely in his teacher's footsteps.
One day, he vowed to return to the Silver Moon Kingdom and reclaim everything he had lost…
"By the way."
Wang Hui then sketched a new image on another sheet of paper, adding, "I need this item; use your connections to see if you can find it."
Justin focused intently, observing the ancient eye-shaped design.
The style bore a resemblance to the customary insignia of the Silver Moon Kingdom's Holy See, albeit with slight variations…
Could it be that the teacher had a conflict with the Holy See?
"I will do my utmost!"
Justin replied earnestly.
Wang Hui did not harbor high hopes regarding this.
Given the level of development in the Bay World, it was likely that someone capable of wielding the sacred relic had already emerged!
Even if the miniature size of the item limited its effects, seizing it would not be an easy feat.
Even in an unclaimed state, simply locating it would be akin to searching for a needle in a haystack…
Ultimately, the assistance of the three clans' fresh forces would be necessary.
Wang Hui set down his pen, intending to inquire about Lilia's status when a sudden, thunderous crash resonated from upstairs!
His expression intensified, and in a flash, he dashed up to the second-floor bedroom, where the door shattered silently into pieces.
Justin was not far behind; his wings burst forth from his back, propelling him as he flew into the room!
"Uh…"
Inside the bedroom, Lilia, clad in a silk nightgown, stared blankly at the two unexpected arrivals, her right hand still extended in a grasping gesture.
Wang Hui followed the direction of her outstretched hand and discovered that the wall between the bedroom and study had been forcefully demolished, accounting for the earlier noise!
"Wizard's hand…"
After a moment of astonishment, Justin couldn't help but clap in admiration. "Just yesterday, I witnessed you use the Wizard's Hand; today, Miss Lilia has managed to cast it successfully! She truly possesses extraordinary talent!"
Wang Hui shot a peculiar glance at Justin but chose not to correct him.
His gaze shifted towards Lilia's pointed ears, which pulsated with primal energy waves far more vibrant than the day before!