Early the next morning.
William Hawker's efficiency was high; he had already drafted various contracts. Wen Xishu didn't bother with the details; he didn't care.
He had the Academy Spirit handle the signing.
In the Bunker, the price of defrauding Wen Xishu was clear to Hawker, so he was very sincere.
Wen Xishu himself, early in the morning, accompanied Albert to the highest level of the Bunker.
The seventeenth floor.
Along with them were Evelyn and several other elders.
William Gordon, Liu Zhizai, Matthew Jones, Luo Feng.
They also heard that Mr. Jin had finally come out of seclusion and decided to share some matters with everyone, so they thought to go together.
Wen Xishu was the youngest among them, appearing somewhat out of place—at least in theory.
In reality, Albert and Wen Xishu were having a heated discussion, engaging in various simulations, and seemed very excited.
Evelyn occasionally joined in the conversation.
The other elders remained silent, like spectators.
Fortunately, there weren't many buildings on the seventeenth floor, and the group soon reached the entrance of the "Healing House" where Old Jin was located.
This time, the door was open.
The lighting inside the Healing House was dim, but it didn't affect those whose levels exceeded ninety.
Albert walked at the front, heading deep into the Healing House.
The various facilities arranged throughout the room remained unchanged, appearing spotless.
At the deepest part was a meditation room.
A few candles lit up the meditation room, and Mr. Jin's silhouette slightly distorted in the flickering candlelight.
Mr. Jin was very young.
Younger than Wen Xishu imagined; no wonder when they heard Mr. Jin's voice that day, it seemed even younger than Albert's.
Although they hadn't seen Mr. Jin's face yet, Wen Xishu sat off to the side, with Albert in the center, and from his angle, he could see Mr. Jin's profile. He could imagine Mr. Jin's youthful handsomeness, perhaps only slightly less than Wenren Mirror...
A graceful, gentlemanly handsome man, filled with masculine charm, while Wenren Mirror was slightly more delicate.
Mr. Jin's hair was a bit long, his side profile looked like that of a man in his forties.
He smiled and said:
"Albert, and you all... it's been some time since we last met, hasn't it? Seeing you all again is truly fulfilling."
Mr. Jin sat on a cushion, not ringing a wooden fish, but fiddling with some Buddha Beads in his hand.
His smile seemed to brighten the whole room a little.
None of the other elders spoke, showing extreme respect towards Mr. Jin.
Albert was quite excited, for his old friend's attitude today was one he hadn't seen in decades.
He was very pleased with this fact.
"Today, Old Jin, you should explain everything to us clearly."
Mr. Jin shook his head slightly:
"I just wanted to see you. Albert... you're still so young."
The old principal certainly wasn't young anymore, especially compared to Mr. Jin, appearing quite aged.
But Mr. Jin wasn't referring to actual age; he turned around.
The white spiritual attire he wore exuded an ethereal aura, thanks to his appearance and eyes.
He sat in a meditative posture, facing Albert, then glanced at the other elders one by one, finally smiling at Wen Xishu with admiration in his eyes.
The other elders, seeing their former master, had the urge to kneel, but Mr. Jin stopped them with his gaze.
Evelyn wasn't as affected, though visibly somewhat excited. Wen Xishu could tell...
Decades ago, Evelyn definitely favored Mr. Jin over Albert.
After a while, Mr. Jin said:
"If the world could grant eternal life to someone like you, even the gods might be afraid, right?"
Albert waved his hand dismissively:
"Let's talk business. Your nature is so unpredictable, sometimes incredibly pessimistic, other times like a riddle-maker. It's rare that you're in the mood today. Tell me, I have too many questions to ask you."
Mr. Jin said:
"But speak freely, I can't tell you everything, for I must bear my own karma."
Albert retorted:
"Bullshit. Even though you were always the target I chased after from the start, Old Jin, the current you might not be able to beat me."
Mr. Jin agreed deeply:
"I am no longer your match, Albert. The Bunker is fortunate to have you. It's also a blessing for humankind."
His frank admission left Albert momentarily speechless, and he toned down his emotions a bit:
"Old Jin, you must believe me, I am constantly getting stronger, no matter what entity you face. If we join forces... we might defeat them."
Mr. Jin smiled again:
"I'm not like you, Albert. I've strayed from the right path, and must pay the price for my divergence. Albert, your fists can pierce destiny, but for me, destiny is an unbreakable barrier."
Albert wanted to spit out in disdain, but considering Old Jin's love for cleanliness, he just pursed his lips:
"Riddle-maker again."
Mr. Jin apologetically said:
"My enemies, and those of Xun Hui, Wenren Mirror, and you, young friend. Your common enemy lies in Sagittarius."
"This is also why I asked you all to come."
Wen Xishu sat upright, sensing that the main event was approaching.
Mr. Jin also turned his gaze to Wen Xishu:
"You have already encountered some of my old acquaintances, haven't you? Truly remarkable, the Bunker is very fortunate to have a promising young talent like you."