"Grandpa, Dad, Elders, I have a way to enter the volcanic heavenly pool."

The moment he spoke, all eyes turned to Zhou Haoyu—filled with shock and skepticism.

Even Super Mages didn't dare to enter easily—what could a High-Tier mage possibly do?

"Xiao Yu, this is a serious meeting—don't joke around," Zhou Xian said sternly.

Zhou Haoyu could only smile helplessly and recount what had happened in the Northern Corner of the Burning Plains—omitting certain parts that shouldn't be spoken.

After listening, everyone was speechless.

He went to the Burning Plains and ended up bringing back both Flame Empresses?!

As an elemental spirit, the Flame Empress controlled terrifying flames by nature—indeed, entering the heavenly pool would not be difficult for her.

"With the Empress helping, it shouldn't be a problem," one of the elders said.

"In that case, begin preparations immediately," Zhou Xian decided firmly.

Mining the Fire Vein not only required someone entering the heavenly pool—it would also require preparing a space scroll to connect to its interior.

After the meeting, Zhou Hong grabbed Zhou Haoyu before he could slip away.

"When did you go to the Burning Plains?" he questioned.

"Just recently." Zhou Haoyu said casually.

"And Sun Ridge?"

"Also recently."

Zhou Hong glared—completely unconvinced by the perfunctory answer.

"You're a Lightning Mage—why hunt for a Flame Empress? A Lesser Dragon would be more useful to you," Zhou Hong asked.

"I can't afford a Lesser Dragon." Zhou Haoyu spread his hands helplessly.

"Er…"

Zhou Hong choked. Lesser Dragons were indeed expensive— buying one with high bloodline would financially cripple the Zhou Clan.

He suddenly made a suggestion: "Why not sell that Flame Empress? With the right buyer, you could trade up for a high-bloodline Lesser Dragon."

Zhou Haoyu rolled his eyes.

If he dared sell the Little Empress, Jiang Feng would skin him alive.

Technically speaking, the Little Flame Empress didn't even belong to him—Jiang Feng had never stated she would hand her over.

Although, if Zhou Haoyu did want to contract the Little Empress, Jiang Feng likely wouldn't refuse— considering she needed vast resources to grow, and Zhou Haoyu could provide them.

One month later—

With Jiang Feng's help, mining of the Fire Vein was steadily underway.

Zhou Haoyu didn't hold back—he directly gifted her an Original Soul Fire.

After absorbing it, Jiang Feng's power rose dramatically—the strength of her Tribulation Flame enhanced greatly.

As for the Little Flame Empress, Zhou Haoyu purchased numerous elemental seed fragments.

Originally Jiang Feng had planned to return to the Burning Plains with the Little Empress afterward, but now she changed her mind—staying here was far more beneficial for the little one's growth.

Zhou Haoyu was naturally delighted.

With Jiang Feng as a bodyguard, so long as they didn't run into a Monarch-level monster, there would be little danger.

And with the Little Empress as a powerhouse in the making…

Watching her feeding flames to his forging table, Zhou Haoyu couldn't help thinking: Is this considered child labor?

Other than forging soul-grade tools (which required Jiang Feng), he let the Little Empress handle everything else.

It was training, after all—

If she ate his food and used his resources, she should put in some effort as well, no?

"Dingling~~"

His phone vibrated. The caller was his teacher.

"Come to the Magic Court," Pang Lai said in his usual concise tone.

"Understood, Teacher."

Though puzzled, Zhou Haoyu didn't ask any questions. Once inside the Magic Court, he would know.

He left the clan and headed straight to the Court. With Blink, he arrived outside the High Council Room in half an hour.

Just as he was about to knock, the door creaked open.

Standing there was a tall, dark-skinned young man with a firm posture and resolute eyes.

Even his dark complexion couldn't hide his imposing aura.

[Activation condition: Obtain the identity of National Team Captain.]

"You're Zhou Haoyu?" The young man asked.

Zhou Haoyu already had a guess about his identity and nodded immediately. "I'm Zhou Haoyu."

"My name is Ai Jiangtu. From now on, we'll be teammates. But first, I need you to spar with me." Ai Jiangtu said with a smile.

Ai Jiangtu had specifically investigated Zhou Haoyu—his talent was one thing, but more importantly, his performance in Bo City and Hangzhou had impressed many, saving countless lives.

That alone made Zhou Haoyu worthy of his respect.

A smile tugged at Zhou Haoyu's lips—seemed his actions in Hangzhou had indeed drawn the attention of the top brass of Hua Military.

Given such outstanding ability and performance, he clearly qualified for the position of Captain.

And in terms of background, as the disciple of Chief Pang Lai, his identity was no lesser than Ai Jiangtu's.

At that moment, Pang Lai himself appeared and said, "Have a match with him—use your full strength."

"Yes, Teacher," Zhou Haoyu replied cheerfully.

The Magic Court had specially designed battle arenas for duels. Pang Lai chose a standard combat field—

Neutral ground, fair for both sides.

"Once you're ready, begin." Pang Lai instructed.

In Pang Lai's heart, Zhou Haoyu's chances of winning were higher.

Both were Space Mages, but Zhou Haoyu possessed stronger spiritual power—and Space magic strength was directly tied to spiritual prowess.

On the field, Zhou Haoyu and Ai Jiangtu exchanged a glance—then struck at the same time.

"Telekinesis—Void Claw!!"

"Telekinesis—Void Claw!!"

Two invisible giant hands collided. At first they seemed evenly matched, but within seconds Ai Jiangtu's Phantom Claw was crushed and destroyed.

Ai Jiangtu's eyes showed a flash of surprise—his spiritual force was already at the Fourth Realm, surpassing most High-Tier mages.

Yet he'd somehow been overwhelmed in this direct confrontation.

"Space Rhythm—Fissure!"

Silver light flashed in Zhou Haoyu's eyes, and a powerful spatial force enveloped Ai Jiangtu from above. One after another, formless spatial sword marks rained downward.

Ordinary mages could hardly perceive those slashes, let alone dodge them.

But Ai Jiangtu was also well-versed in Space magic—he immediately Blinked out of that region.

Even so, despite his fast reaction, a gash was still cut across his back.

.....

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