For the next three days, Erwin remained in his quarters. Meals were delivered directly from Kunlun's kitchens, prepared by the Snail Maidens—tiny fairy-like beings with remarkably skillful hands who produced exquisite cuisine.
Communication with Tom, now waiting in the East, was maintained via the Purple Lotus Mark. Erwin instructed him to await the Shushan press conference. Sunny Finch had also contacted her acquaintances within the Shu Mountain sect to act as intermediaries.
The final cooperation agreement would depend on Old Tom's negotiations. Seeing the potential for immense profit, Erwin had one directive: concede some margins to secure a sustainable, long-term partnership.
He doubted the Shu Mountain sect would refuse. Opening Western markets offered them a clear advantage. The only challenges were profit distribution and building mutual trust. Erwin's vision was long-term; he wasn't focused on immediate profits. He wanted to revolutionize travel. If he could secure exclusive distribution of flying swords and magical vehicles, the profits would be astronomical.
He closed the book in his hands just as a snail maiden entered, tray in hand.
"Mr. Cavendish, dinner is ready!"
"Mandy, starting tomorrow, you don't need to bring my meals," Erwin said.
The snail maiden, Mandy, froze. "Did I do something wrong, sir? I can correct it, or I can ask another maiden to serve you instead!"
Erwin smiled. "No, you've done perfectly. I'm simply challenging the Celestial Path tomorrow."
Mandy's eyes widened, her delicate wings fluttering as she hovered in place. "Tomorrow? Isn't that a bit hasty?"
"I have nothing left to prepare," Erwin replied. "Delaying further won't help me improve."
Mandy realized the implication a moment later. "You mean... you've mastered all the techniques?"
Erwin merely smiled.
"I—I apologize for speaking out of turn!" Mandy stammered.
"It's fine. Actually, could you take these books to Finch? She should be out of confinement soon."
Mandy nodded. "Usually she's only confined for a day, but this time the Elder ordered her to stay longer. She's been there for three days, forced to study advanced material. It must be exhausting!" She paused. "Though, to be fair, she was punished partly because of your involvement."
Just as she spoke, the door burst open.
"Did someone say they dragged me into something?" Sunny Finch walked in, looking perfectly fine.
Erwin was surprised. "You're out?"
Finch snatched the bowl of congee from the table and took a large mouthful. "Yeah. The Elder confined me for three days, forcing me to study advanced formations. It was tedious. I'd planned to study that material during the break, but now that it's done, I have free time! I'll just come visit you instead."
Erwin nodded. "Fine. Contact me first. I'll have Tom arrange transport to pick you up."
Finch beamed. "It's a deal!"
She grabbed Mandy, who was hovering nearby, and roughly ruffled the fairy's hair.
"Hey!" Mandy glared, hands on her hips. "Sister Finch, if you bully me again, I'm telling the Elders! I specifically asked Zainy to style my hair so I could look presentable for Mr. Cavendish!"
Finch laughed. "You went to the wrong person. Zainy's aesthetic sense is terrible. Next time, come to me. I'll style it properly!"
Mandy huffed, collected the empty dishes, and flew off, shooting Finch a glare on her way out.
Finch turned back to Erwin. "You're really going today?"
"I am. Your timing is perfect. You can give me a final boost."
"Didn't I give you enough techniques?" Finch frowned. "You need to practice to increase your success rate. The Celestial Path isn't something to take lightly, Erwin."
"I've mastered everything you gave me," he said simply. "Without additional material, there's no reason to delay."
Finch stood up, stunned. "Everything?"
Erwin smiled and opened his palm. A fireball materialized instantly. With a mere thought, it shifted into a water sphere, then a gust of wind, and finally a wisp of ice.