Starting as a prodigy wanting milk? A world-destroying deception in the opposite direction.

Shen Zhen withdrew the counting ruler and took two steps back.

Elvie turned around and gave Shen Zhen a deep look, her bright eyes filled with complex emotions:

"How did you manage that illusion... and that final movement technique? Why did my glance back have so little effect on you?"

The question was direct, even somewhat impolite, but no one found it inappropriate at the moment.

Everyone perked up their ears.

Shen Zhen pondered for a moment and said, "The technique of illusion lies in using mental power to simulate aura and interfere with perception, supplemented by footwork to deceive people's eyes."

As for the girl's glance back... " He paused.

"Shen had some experiences and was more resistant to psychological shocks than the average person. In addition, he took precautions in advance, so the impact was not significant."

That's half true and half false.

The power of space is one of our trump cards, so naturally we can't reveal it openly.

As for "encounters," the fusion of the Green Mist Town cycle and the power of despair did indeed greatly enhance his mental resilience.

Elvie sensed that he was holding back, but she didn't press him. She simply nodded, retreated to Hogner's side, and remained silent, though her gaze still occasionally fell on Shen Zhen with a probing look.

Hogner took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and spoke in a loud voice, but the initial arrogance was gone:

"Special Envoy Shen's methods are superb; I admire them!"

"I've certainly seen something new today, Elvie. Aren't you going to thank Envoy Shen for showing mercy?"

The last sentence was said to Elvie.

Elvie, being quite forthright, bowed to Shen Zhen again, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Special Envoy Shen."

Feng Yu then slowly clapped his hands, his smile gentle:

"Brilliant! Envoy Shen's victory against overwhelming odds is truly astonishing."

Miss Elvie is no less impressive than any man; at such a young age, she possesses such skill and secret techniques, her future is limitless. It seems the younger generation of the Uche Royal Court is indeed full of hidden talents.

My Fengyun Empire and the Wuche Royal Court have been on friendly terms for generations; the younger generation should strengthen their ties.

That's a well-chosen statement; it both flatters Shen Zhen and gives Wu Che a way out.

Hogner's expression softened slightly, and he repeatedly agreed.

After this battle, the atmosphere at the Qian family banquet was completely transformed.

The group of Wu Che put away all their arrogance and became much more polite in their words, even showing a bit of awe for the strong.

Qian Sihai and his son flattered Shen Zhen to the skies, urging her to drink.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Elvie seemed quite interested in Shen Zhen and took the initiative to ask:

"Special Envoy Shen is so young yet possesses such cultivation and knowledge. Could it be that he studied under a master from the temple?"

That phantom movement technique was completely different from the Shadow Strike I'd ever seen before.

She paused for a moment.

"Your movement technique... has it incorporated the principles of space?"

Her question was direct, her eyes clear, and there was no malicious intent to pry into her privacy. It was more like the pure curiosity and exploration of an art enthusiast towards exquisite skills.

But after asking, I realized it was impossible, since the other party was only at the peak of the late stage of the first tier.

Shen Zhen smiled and replied:

"My master's surname is Yi, but I cannot reveal his given name."

As for movement techniques, they have nothing to do with the Dao of Space. It's just that I did have some fortuitous insights and haphazardly incorporated some rudimentary movement techniques. I hope you'll forgive my poor skills, young lady."

"A master surnamed Yi?" Elvie pondered for a moment, then shook her head, clearly having never heard of him.

"To be able to teach a disciple like Envoy Shen, your master must be an extraordinary person. Envoy Shen's ability to use the Shadow Strike to this extent is already a gift from heaven."

Her tone was frank, with the straightforward praise characteristic of barbarians.

"Miss Elvie is too kind," Shen Zhen said.

"Your glance back was stunning. If I hadn't been on guard, I probably wouldn't have been able to withstand that attack just now."

Shen Zhen's gaze was sincere, and his words were full of recognition of Elvie's strength.

"Envoy Shen, please don't tease me," Elvie said with a slight blush, changing the subject with a smile.

"However, there is a great shaman in my Uche royal court who once mentioned the mysteries of space, saying that it is one of the supreme laws."

Unfortunately, we are all of duller aptitude, and none of us can even begin to grasp the essentials.

Shen Zhen's thoughts stirred slightly, and he asked accordingly:

"The court of Wuche is full of talented people, and I, Shen, have long admired it."

I've heard that the customs of the various tribes in the western frontier are quite different. Does Miss Elvie know anything about the Wolf Batu tribe?

"Wolf Batu?" Elvie frowned.

"That's a large tribe deep in the Burial Sands, fierce by nature, and rarely interacts with the outside world." She turned to Hogner.

"Did your father have any dealings with them?"

Hogner, who was drinking, put down his glass upon hearing this and shook his head, saying:

"I've dealt with them once, and it wasn't pleasant."

About six months ago, people from Langbatu approached me, wanting to purchase a batch of Deep Heart Essence through my trade routes.

"Deepening the marrow?!" Shen Zhen's expression remained unchanged, but his fingers tightened slightly.

Su Mingyuan, Ye Zhiqi, and the others exchanged a glance.

The essence of the soul, one of the core materials for refining the essence of the mind, comes from the far north deep sea. In the Fengyun Empire, it is jointly controlled by the temple and the royal family, and private transactions are strictly prohibited.

"Yes," Hogner said to himself, oblivious to the subtle reactions of the others.

"That thing is a controlled substance in your empire, how could I dare to touch it? I refused on the spot."

However…” He paused, as if recalling something:

"The person who came to talk business with me was quite strange."

He was wrapped in a robe in the sweltering heat, his face was covered, his voice was hoarse, and he had a... indescribable smell about him.

As he reached for the deposit, a corner of his sleeve peeked out, and I caught a glimpse of a tattoo on his wrist—it looked like half a wolf's head, missing its chin.

Half a wolf's head?!

Shen Zhen was deeply shocked!

At the scene of the Shen Du Wang You Zui Winery, the jade pendant on the barbarian spy who was silenced also had the same totem.

Wolf Batu, Deep Heart Essence, Half a Wolf Head Totem... the clues came together at this moment.

The case of Shen Du Wang You Zui (a type of intoxicating drink) was indeed related to the Lang Batu tribe in the western border region.

Gu Chengye had obviously thought of that as well, his knuckles turning slightly white as he gripped the wine glass.

Su Mingyuan coughed lightly and asked casually:

"Mr. Hogner, do you remember what that man looked like? Or was there anything else unusual about him?"

Hogner waved his hand:

"Their people are mysterious, wrapped up tightly, and their faces cannot be seen."

What was unusual... when he left, the mastiffs my chamber of commerce kept barked at him fiercely, their fur standing on end.

Animals are particularly sensitive to certain scents. Shen Zhen and Ye Zhi Qiu exchanged a glance, understanding each other without saying a word.

Elvie asked curiously:

"Is Special Envoy Shen interested in Wolf Batu?"

Shen Zhen snapped out of her thoughts and smiled:

"I've only heard people mention this tribe, and I'm a bit curious. It seems they really do things in a secretive way."

"More than just mysterious," Razak interjected, his tone laced with disdain.

"The group of people led by Wolf Batu are always talking nonsense and worship some kind of 'God of Bones'. It is said that their sacrificial methods are very ancient."

The other tribes in our Wuche region are not very willing to associate with them.

The God of Bones is another piece of information worth noting.

Shen Zhen nodded and didn't ask any more questions. Instead, he chatted with Hogner about the customs and culture of the western frontier, as if he had just mentioned it casually.

The banquet lasted for about half an hour, and Hogner, seeing that it was getting late, got up to take his leave.

Before leaving, Elvie walked up to Shen Zhen, her eyes bright:

"Shen Zhen, you are very strong. We Wuche people respect true warriors."

If... if you ever have the chance to come to the Uche Royal Court, you must come and find me.

"I'll take you to see the real desolate desert and drink the strongest liquor."

These words were frank and forthright, carrying the unique boldness of a barbarian woman.

Shen Zhen returned the greeting with a clasped-fist salute, her smile sincere:

"Miss Elvie is a woman of exceptional talent and ability, which I greatly admire. If I have the opportunity to visit Wuche, I will certainly do my best to trouble you."

"It's a deal." Elvie smiled slightly, turned around and left with her father, her steps brisk.

After seeing off the Wuche royal family, the banquet at the Qian residence was drawing to a close.