Chapter 145 Time of the Rosary Church

A declaration of war was delivered with great fanfare to the Rose Holy Sanctuary.

"President Wang Feng, esteemed as the first autonomous president of the Rose Holy Sanctuary, is renowned for his formidable strength and has been admired for a long time! Today, in response to the 'pursuit of breakthroughs and embracing challenges' spirit advocated by the Holy City headquarters, the Judgment Holy Sanctuary's Holy Judgment Team hereby challenges President Wang Feng's Old Wang Team! Please do not withhold your guidance!"

The challenge was delivered with much pomp and circumstance, placed directly on the autonomous president's desk, and loudly proclaimed, ensuring that everyone in the Rose knew about it.

The entire Rose Holy Sanctuary was abuzz with excitement.

Finally, there was going to be some major entertainment!

To manage Anhe Hall as the top workshop in Aurora City, Anbolin relied not only on reputation and ability but also on exceptional business acumen. Every month-end audit required at least a full day of his attention, yet he was willing to do it. Now, however, there was an additional ledger specifically for Wang Feng...

"Seven hundred sixty pounds of Golden Ridge Sand, six hundred eighty-one pounds of Void Crystal Stone, Meteorite Mother..."

Anbolin was checking the ledger, dumbfounded. These were basic materials essential for casting, needed in small quantities for any project. But what could Wang Feng possibly need with such massive amounts of these basic materials in just one month?

As he continued reading, Anbolin found himself both amused and exasperated.

"A pair of Stone Cloud Mother Hooks, three Ice Soul Soul Swords, forty feet of Refined Copper Wire..." Anbolin's mouth slightly agape, he couldn't help but chuckle: "Two six-shot revolvers!"

He closed the ledger, feeling both annoyed and amused. This kid was clever, treating him like a fool...

Last month, Wang Feng's bill amounted to over thirty thousand Euros, fragmented but not suspicious. But this one...

Over two hundred thousand Euros worth of goods, none of which were truly valuable—just materials and low-tier soul artifacts, all piecemeal. Was this a joke? If this was really what Wang Feng needed, Anbolin would eat the ledger!

Most likely, Wang Feng had distributed the discounts among the Rose disciples. Honestly, the money wasn't an issue; Anbolin still made a profit. And while the quantity was significant, the control was impeccable. If he could secure Wang Feng's loyalty, he wouldn't bat an eye at spending even more than two hundred thousand Euros.

But Wang Feng's heart seemed to lie with the Rose.

In the office of Anhe Hall's main branch...

Truthfully, Old Wang hadn't anticipated the Foundry's disciples to be so resourceful. They usually complained about a few hundred Euros, yet this month they managed a bill of over two hundred thousand Euros. With only a hundred people in the Foundry, averaging over a thousand Euros each, buying mostly miscellaneous items, if Anbolin didn't notice, Old Wang would have doubted his shop's legitimacy.

Now, Anbolin's sudden invitation was likely about this matter.

Old Wang wasn't worried. Anbolin was a reputable figure, while he was just a nobody. As the saying goes, "nothing beats shamelessness." If Anbolin tried to argue, he'd already lost.

Besides, he was about to leave soon. Even if Anbolin confronted him today, it wouldn't matter much.

However, Old Wang underestimated Anbolin's magnanimity. Anbolin didn't mention the bill, instead asking about Wang Feng's recent activities and the challenge from the Judgment Team.

Anbolin smiled, "I know the disciples of the Holy Judgment Team well. They love to show off and cause trouble, but they are genuinely skilled, ranking among the top five teams in Judgment. This challenge seems aimed at leveraging your position as autonomous president to gain fame and dampen your spirits. I'm concerned they might go too far, so I asked Shang Yan to talk to you about your plans or strategies."

Seeing Anbolin's sly smile, Old Wang understood immediately.

"Old An, you're thoughtful, but what can I do?" Old Wang said with a pained expression. "I'm just an ordinary non-combat disciple. I don't know martial arts or witchcraft. If they attack, I can't avoid it; I'll just have to take the beating."

"There are always ways to avoid it," Anbolin smiled. "For example, transfer to Judgment. Since this is a challenge between the two academies, once you become part of Judgment, the challenge will be nullified. The paperwork is simple; I can handle it in an afternoon..."

"But I've just been elected president of the Rose..."

"The position is a hot potato. Your headmaster is putting you in the spotlight. Do you really think it's a good deal?" Anbolin interrupted, speaking earnestly. "Wang Feng, you have real talent. Your peak isn't here as a mere disciple. To become a true master, you must focus on your craft. Take this opportunity to join Judgment. I guarantee you the highest treatment among all Holy Sanctuary disciples and my full support. You'll make a name for yourself in the entire Blade Edge Foundry. Why cling to a minor position?"

Old Wang was impressed. "Old An, you hit the nail on the head. To be honest, I tried resigning from the presidency a few days ago, but it's a public election. If I leave now, Headmistress Karida won't let me. We need a transition period. Besides, you've been kind to me, and your skills are unparalleled. But the Rose has been good to me too. I need to consider my options."

Anbolin smiled, inwardly musing, "This kid is sharp, but sharpness means he can calculate. The Rose is struggling. Judgment is three times its size and will eventually merge. Joining now versus later makes a difference. The headmaster is watching you closely. Let me reveal a bit: the old man retired not just for seclusion but because he had no choice. Karida has only two years left, and half of that is already gone. Without improvement, the Rose Holy Sanctuary will disappear. I'm being honest with you."

Anbolin genuinely valued talent. This kid was cunning yet loyal, making him a valuable asset. To secure his loyalty, he needed to use both carrot and stick.

Old Wang pondered deeply. No wonder Karida's reforms were so drastic; she had no choice. It was a crucial piece of information.

"Old An, thanks. I understand. Give me some time. How do we handle this immediate challenge? If I look bad, it won't reflect well on you when I join Judgment," Wang Feng said.

Anbolin was elated, knowing he shouldn't rush. "Who am I? I wouldn't let anyone harm you." He laughed heartily. "Don't worry; I'll arrange everything. No one will bully you!"

"Master An!" Old Wang was moved, gripping Anbolin's hand tightly. "Wait for me!"

Anbolin's face lit up at the title. It felt close and warm.

But for Old Wang, "Master An," "Master Zhang," "Master Li"... all older figures were addressed as masters.

Old Wang was pleased, having solved another problem. Even if he hadn't returned to Earth yet, it wouldn't matter much.

Leaving Anhe Hall's main branch, Old Wang's mood was excellent. Seeing Jinbeibei Auction House nearby, he decided to check on Soraka's auction progress.

The Golden Barrier had been with him for days without any news. He wondered if it was unsold or unarranged.

Today proved lucky. Upon finding Soraka, he learned the item had sold at a high price, with 1.6 million Euros already transferred to his account after the commission.

Old Wang's frown turned into a smile. Though the commission was steep, having a channel was invaluable. He couldn't sell it safely otherwise. Thinking it was a double blessing, he was pleasantly surprised by a third piece of good news.

"Princess Clara has returned. She wanted me to find you," Soraka smiled. "It's a coincidence that Mr. Wang Feng came by."

Old Wang was delighted. He had been eagerly awaiting Clara's return, especially for the α5-grade soul crystal, which Soraka couldn't handle.

Clara was on the third floor. Bringing Old Wang up, Soraka excused himself, claiming other matters to attend to.

"Wang Feng."

It was rare to see Clara standing. She wore a stunning, elegant gown, her face flushed with a gentle smile, captivating Old Wang. Mermaids truly mastered sensuality; any man would be entranced. Rachel was beautiful by human standards, but compared to Clara, she paled in comparison.

Old Wang complimented her, "Princess, you look radiant today. My mood was average, but standing here, I feel refreshed and uplifted!"

"You've gotten quite the sweet tongue since we last met. Is there something you need?"

Old Wang's eyes widened in mock surprise. "Wow! How did you know my tongue is sweet? Could it be..."