Jax and Mark's faces were stiff, Tu Rong looked awkward.
Zhou Leng and Zhang Xinglie were present, looking at the three with confusion.
Tu Rong whispered, "Our leader has urgent matters to discuss with you, let's find a quiet place to talk."
Zhou Leng said, "Then let's talk in my room."
"Alright."
The five entered Zhou Leng's room and sat down in the living room.
Tu Rong laughed awkwardly and said, "On behalf of Captain Jax, I admit our mistake to you two. The dwarves who caused your incarceration were sent by us. However, we repeatedly emphasized that they should only detain people, not harm them. We were concerned you were too strong, and given the past grudges between us, we feared you might cause trouble. We had absolutely no intentions of further harm, only to hinder you for three days."
Zhou Leng and Zhang Xinglie looked coldly at Mark and Jax.
Jax forced himself to remain calm, while Mark slightly lowered his head, not daring to meet their gaze.
Tu Rong continued, "Therefore, Captain Jax has decided to compensate you two, including treasures that you need."
Jax took out batch after batch of items from the Magic Spirit Bag.
"Here are 30 Strengthening Body Pills, worth six million, both of you can use them."
"Here are 20 Replenishing Essence Pills, worth two million. You two may not need them anymore, but they are hard currency, easy to exchange for whatever you want."
"Here are two Concentration Pills and two Embracing Essence Pills, with a surface value of four million, but their actual value exceeds six million, both of you can benefit from them."
"Furthermore, Zhou Leng is still in the late stage of Blood Transport, needing three types of Promotion Elixir, I have them all here."
"They are Flesh and Blood Potion, Great Returning Pill, and Tongqiao Pill, valued at 3.5 million."
"From the Ancient King's Treasure, we didn't get much, only ten High-Energy Shells, although they are just collectibles, they are of excellent appearance, with a total value not less than five million."
"Lastly, here is five million worth of Orange Gold." Jax placed a bag of Orange Gold on the table.
The three looked at Zhou Leng.
Zhang Xinglie said, "Your decision."
Zhou Leng recalled the events before, first killing Captain Mark's men, then getting tangled with the dwarves leading to imprisonment, nearly missing out on the Ancient King's Treasure.
However, it was a blessing in disguise.
If he hadn't been framed and incarcerated by Jax and others, he wouldn't have been forced to seek help from Chen Shouhu and the Giant Furnace.
And thus, he wouldn't have received the Mountain Forge Family's emblem.
Without the emblem, he might not have obtained the treasures left by the Flower of High Earth.
Seeing Zhou Leng deep in thought, the three persuaded him collectively.
"We provoked you twice, but honestly, we were the ones who suffered, you didn't lose anything."
"Yes, if it weren't for the sudden departure of the dwarves this time, we would have gained more."
Tu Rong said, "We are sincerely apologizing. Look at me, after the last apology, even if risking the name of betraying my brothers, I didn't join them to hunt you down. These two likewise won't take action again."
Jax solemnly said, "Having received the Ancient God's Blessing this time, my position within the Trup family will significantly rise. From the current seventeenth heir, I'll enter the top ten, with greatly enhanced resources at my disposal. Thus, I am especially grateful to you."
Mark said, "After Jax's position elevates, he'll control more family resources. The Trup finance group has cooperated with Dragon Country for many years, whatever needs you have, in the future we can collaborate, providing more resources for you."
"Indeed," Jax replied.
Zhang Xinglie gently nodded, in such a situation, the benefits of accepting the apology were greater.
Zhou Leng, however, said indifferently, "It's not about money."
Jax was silent for a moment, sighed deeply, and glanced at Mark and Tu Rong.
The two turned and walked out of the room, closing the door carefully.
Jax played music from the Demonized Watch outside, then whispered, "You two are destined to go to the Giant Trial, I here have a dossier from the Trup finance group and the world's top Martial Clan on the Giant Trial, providing it for free, it's something money can't buy."
After speaking, Jax handed over a portable USB stick.
"I sincerely apologize to both of you, I'm sorry. From now on, my people and I will never be enemies with you two."
Zhou Leng pondered for a moment, vaguely understanding the reason for his sincere apology.
Zhou Leng asked, "I have a question, regarding the Giant Trial data, is it detailed from your side or the dwarves'?"
Jax was stunned for a moment, instantly understanding Zhou Leng's meaning.
Given Zhou Leng's current status and position, acquiring relevant data from the dwarves would be a breeze.
It seemed his calculations and worries were seen through by the counterpart.
Jax gritted his teeth, took out a Bone Fragment, and placed it on the table.
The Bone Fragment, the size of a palm, octagonal, adorned with intricate silver patterns, resembling a flower, just glancing at it made one's head dizzy.
Zhou Leng scrutinized it, finding the patterns resembling variant Divine Text.
Jax said, "This peculiar Bone Fragment was obtained from a relic; it's estimated to be from the Demon Spirit World. It can absorb extra power, and I won't hide it from you, it even helped me absorb more of the Ancient God's Blessing. I suspect if you take it to the Giant Trial, it can help absorb 'Ancestral Protection,' endowing you with an even mightier Giant Body."
Zhou Leng's expression remained unchanged, while Zhang Xinglie's body shook as he looked at Zhou Leng.
He then understood Zhou Leng's true purpose for bringing him to the dwarf trial and the Giant Trial.
The Giant Body truly was the most suitable power for him.
Indeed, hundreds or thousands of times better than the Elite Training Camp.
Zhou Leng's expertise in Divine Text was profound, instantly recognizing that the Octagonal Bone Fragment was certainly not something from the Demon Spirit World.
It absolutely belonged to a higher civilization's treasure.
Zhou Leng decisively said, "Fine! As long as you sincerely admit fault and don't target us in the future, then let's reconcile."
Saying this, Zhou Leng stood up, Zhang Xinglie and Jax also stood.
Zhou Leng extended his hand, shaking it with Jax's.
"Thank you for your generosity and magnanimity." Jax said, visibly excited.
As Jax left, the two of them looked at the compensation gifts on the table.
"Half for each of us. I quite like this bone fragment," Zhou Leng said, picking it up and examining it closely.
Zhang Xinglie responded, "The gifts were originally meant for you, and besides, my Ancient God's Blessing also comes from you. But since you'll definitely insist, how about this..."
"I'll make a copy of the information, and we'll split the Strengthening Body Pills, Concentration Pill, and Embracing Essence Pill equally. The Body Refining Three Medicines and Replenishing Essence Pills, I don't need, so you take them. As for the High-Energy Shell, I'll just pick one I like as a collectible. The bone fragment and orange gold are both yours."
"Alright." Zhou Leng didn't stand on ceremony.
Zhang Xinglie took his share, and Zhou Leng stored the rest in the Magic Spirit Bag.
15 Strengthening Body Pills, 20 Replenishing Essence Pills, one each of the Concentration Pill and Embracing Essence Pill, orange gold, and three types of Promotion Elixirs.
The nine High-Energy Shells, like the collection of Flowers of High Earth, were all extremely beautiful, exuding a charming aura.
Zhou Leng examined each one carefully.
Zhang Xinglie asked, "Do you like High-Energy Shells?"
"Yes, though I'm not sure why. If I'm not in dire need of money, I don't plan to sell them."
"I've seen people trading these things in Xiong City too. They're one of the newly popular collectibles. Once you have money in the future, you can buy some to cultivate your taste."
After examining all the High-Energy Shells, Zhou Leng put them away.
Both having their gains, Zhang Xinglie returned to his room to take pills and train.
Zhou Leng, on the other hand, took out all the Replenishing Essence Pills.
Having already consumed 66, received 5 from Zhang Xinglie on the way, gained 10 by killing the demigod descendant beastman, Jax compensated him with 20, bringing the total to 101 pills.
The first type of core elixir finally reached 100 pieces.
After consuming these pills and three Strengthening Body Pills, as long as his Qi Blood is sufficient, he can advance to the Body Refining Stage.
Upon advancement, quickly consuming the Flesh and Blood Potion, Great Returning Pill, and Tongqiao Pill, he can solidify his foundation.
Zhou Leng took out the octagonal bone fragment again, studied it but found no answers, and put it away.
He looked at the Replenishing Essence Pills.
Previously, he would take one Replenishing Essence Pill every few days, worried that his body couldn't absorb it quickly, wasting its effect.
But now his body was entirely different.
Closing the door, Zhou Leng practiced the Establishing Image Chapter of the Ten Reversed Beast Fist.
The first form, 36 cycles complete.
The second form, 36 cycles complete.
The third form, reaching the 24th cycle, Zhou Leng stopped.
The last time, he was still at the second form.
Sweating profusely, slight dust mixed with the sweat.
With a vibration of True Qi, all sweat and dust were expelled.
An unimaginable hunger started from the stomach, engulfing the whole body.
It felt as if his stomach was spinning.
Zhou Leng stuffed a Replenishing Essence Pill, a Great Nourishing Pill, and five whole Marching Pills into his mouth.
Merely three minutes later, hunger struck again.
In his martial arts perception, his body had drained the Replenishing Essence Pill's efficacy in just three minutes.
"The Ten Reversed Beast Fist is indeed powerful..."
Zhou Leng took more Replenishing Essence Pills and other pills, even adding the deep red beast bone seized from the beastman for stamina replenishment.
After downing three Replenishing Essence Pills, the hunger finally subsided.
While Zhou Leng was training, Jax announced to the rest of the team that he had compensated and apologized and that they should not make things difficult for Zhou Leng in the future.
He did not mention the Giant Body of Wonders issue.
Someone asked, "Will they go back on their word?"
Tu Rong stated, "They won't; Zhou Leng has always had a good reputation here in Rucheng."
"For other matters, it's not a big deal, but it's a pity your mysterious bone fragment is gone. It was said we could find a master from the Demon Spirit World to identify it," a pioneer acquainted with Jax for years remarked.
Jax shook his head, "That thing might be of great use, but it might only be suitable for Demon Spirit Masters. Since I still don't know how to use it, it's better to treat it as a precious treasure to negotiate peace with him."
Mark said, "His status is different now, his perspective is different, without a treasured item, he wouldn't relent."
"Oh, I hope he keeps his word and doesn't turn around to harm us as the dwarves' guest."
"Unlikely..."
Everyone was anxious, as this was their main concern.
With sufficient pills, Zhou Leng intensified his training.
Whenever he felt the power of the Replenishing Essence Pills running out, he'd consume another one.
At night, after consuming the seventh Replenishing Essence Pill, Zhou Leng felt a slight bloating sensation, realizing that seven pills a day were his limit.
Then, he engaged in intense training, pushing his body to the limit, followed by a sound sleep.
In the morning, after breakfast, Zhou Leng felt that the Replenishing Essence Pill's power wasn't fully absorbed, realizing he overconsumed the day before, thus went to the Royal Palace's cultivation ground with Zhang Xinglie to train together.
Halfway through training, hearty laughter was heard outside the Martial Arts Dojo.
"Hahaha... not bad, not bad, go ahead."
Everyone looked toward the sound to see a stout, black-bearded dwarf entering the cultivation ground from the main entrance, followed by four Golden Hammer Warriors.
He wore a bone horn helmet, mottled beast hide armor, with thick black eyebrows and big, round eyes.
Despite the powerful aura emanating from his entire being, at first glance, he seemed a bit cute.