However, the painful experience from yesterday instantly flashed through her mind—this white-haired girl was definitely not someone who acted without purpose. If she dared to act this way, she must have something to rely on. If Zhou Yi lashed out rashly again, she feared she would repeat her mistake and lose even more face in front of her husband and students.
More importantly, her husband Fan Yu was right beside her, looking at her with a complex gaze. Furina was currently 'apologizing' as a student and gifting a precious Medicinal Pill. If she appeared narrow-minded and refused to accept it, she would instead seem petty and lose the grace befitting a teacher.
A web of various concerns left Zhou Yi feeling stifled, yet unable to vent her anger.
Her expression changed several times before she finally forced a very stiff smile, reached out to take the jade bottle, and said in a dry voice, "Since it is your intention... I shall accept it. Regarding yesterday's matter, there were also things I didn't consider well... Let's just put this matter behind us. I will make adjustments to future classes." She spoke the last few sentences with considerable difficulty.
Seeing this, a bright and sincere smile bloomed on Furina's face, as if she were truly happy for the teacher's 'understanding.' "Thank you for your magnanimity, Teacher Zhou Yi."
However, in Zhou Yi's eyes, this smile was no different from a silent declaration of victory and a faint mockery, making her feel even more aggrieved. She could only force herself to endure, her fingertips quietly tightening around the jade bottle.
Furina's gift of the pill was naturally not purely to appease Zhou Yi. Her gaze reached much further. Although Zhou Yi was a Spirit Emperor, her potential and value on Furina's chessboard were limited.
This pill was actually an implicit 'gift' and a display of attitude directed at Fan Yu, and by extension, the Shrek Academy behind him. The goal was to win over this person who was effectively the head of the Soul Tool Department, and then attempt to subtly tie the entire Shrek Academy—or at least its neutral factions—to her war chariot.
In the future, if she wanted to integrate the continent's forces and play the game against the Three Great Empires and even deeper powers, a friendly Shrek—or at least one that wouldn't get in her way—was crucial.
If it were just to recruit Fan Yu personally, she wouldn't have needed to be so indirect. Furina knew full well that within the original Three Great Empires and Shrek's sphere, the weight of an Eighth-rank Soul Engineer lagged behind that of the Sun Moon Empire. To truly unearth top-tier spirit tool talent, the Sun Moon Empire was the first choice.
The rapid development of Shrek's Soul Tool Department in the Late Stage relied heavily on the technology, talent, and blueprints Huo Yuhao 'brought back' from the Sun Moon Empire. Without such 'external help,' relying solely on their own accumulation to catch up to the Sun Moon Empire's level would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.
Fan Yu took the pill from his wife's hand and carefully sensed the pure medicinal power faintly emanating from the jade bottle, feeling secretly shocked in his heart.
A pill that could provide a clear benefit to a Spirit Emperor would be considered precious anywhere. This Furina acted so generously, first using the Tang Sect secret maps as a lead to reach a deal, then gifting a pill to show goodwill... her methods and the depth of the power behind her were evident.
"This young girl isn't just showing off her sharp edges; she also knows propriety and when to advance or retreat. The Axis Cult... truly has unfathomable Foundations."
Fan Yu pondered silently, "It's no wonder Zhou Yi suffered at her hands. Even if it were me, without knowing her background, I'm afraid I wouldn't have fared much better. Her gifting the pill to Zhou Yi is actually a gesture of goodwill toward me and Shrek. This level of planning and grace... is definitely not what an ordinary girl could possess. This girl is deep-scheming and has great ambitions; she must not be underestimated."
Thinking of this, Fan Yu took the initiative to speak, his tone more solemn and friendly than before. "Student Furina, today's exchange has been very beneficial. If there is an opportunity, on behalf of the Shrek Academy Soul Tool Department, I sincerely hope to have deeper exchanges and cooperation with your cult in spirit tool academic research in the future."
"The fact that your cult could achieve such remarkable development in various fields in such a short time means you must have unique methods. Perhaps you can bring brand new inspiration to those of us who have been working behind closed doors."
Hearing this, the corners of Furina's lips curled up in a light yet profound smile. "Teacher Fan Yu is too kind. Academic exchange and sharing what we have is a good thing. As long as it doesn't involve improper demands for core secrets, our Axis Cult welcomes any sincere cooperative discussion." She spoke lightly but had quietly drawn a boundary.
Fan Yu laughed, naturally catching the underlying meaning, and replied readily, "Of course! Cooperation values integrity. How could Shrek act unrighteously toward an ally?" He spoke candidly, but it also contained a hidden stance.
Furina laughed inwardly, "'Ally'? Not acting against an ally means that for non-allies... like the Sun Moon Empire, there's no psychological burden to act against them? As expected, one's position determines one's attitude."
She remained calm on the surface and returned the smile. "Hahaha, Teacher Fan Yu is absolutely right. I look forward to our future cooperation."
While they were talking, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and the other students who had finished the tour with He Caitou returned one after another.
Seeing the timing was right, Furina nodded to Fan Yu and Zhou Yi. "It seems today's tour is about over. Teacher Fan Yu, Teacher Zhou Yi, for the remaining time, I'll trouble you two to guide the other students in digesting what they saw today. Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, you three come with me; I have some things to discuss with you."
Huo Yuhao nodded without hesitation. "Alright, Furina."
He was already used to following Furina's arrangements.
Although Xiao Xiao was a bit confused, seeing Huo Yuhao agree so readily and having a good impression of Furina, she also happily agreed. "Mm, okay."
Wang Dong, however, frowned slightly. He did not like spirit tools. Being in this environment full of metal and spirit tool energy fluctuations gave him an instinctive sense of discomfort and rejection, as if he were 'allergic' to these things.
Hearing Furina tell him to leave, he actually let out a sigh of relief. Although he didn't understand why he was specifically called, he still quickly followed. "Coming."
Furina gave Fan Yu and Zhou Yi another polite smile, then led Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao away from the cold metallic light of the spirit tool testing area, leaving behind a thoughtful Fan Yu, a restless Zhou Yi, and the other students still excitedly discussing.
Her pace was light and steady, as if all the negotiations and gifts just now were merely effortless little interludes, and the true game had only just entered the mid-game.
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