Zheng Qing’s fingertip traced along the lines of the hexagram three times, while reciting the magical script inscribed on the edge of the medallion.

The afternoon sunlight poured through tall glass windows, falling onto the heavy gold medal in the young wizard’s hand, igniting a brilliant golden hue that made it hard to tell whether it was the color of the sunlight or the sheen of the gold.

The Other Shore Flower at the center of the medallion bloomed magnificently amidst this splendor, both ornate and solemn. Unlike the hexagram inlaid with mithril in the copper medallion, the hexagram on the gold medal was carved from a single gemstone. As Zheng Qing’s fingertip brushed over it, the sensation was smooth and pleasing, and the surging magic power flowed forth from the gemstone without the slightest hindrance, transforming into a halo of luminous clear light that enveloped the boy’s hand.

Then, one by one, dots of light jumped out from the center of the Other Shore Flower, floating in mid-air, surrounding Zheng Qing as if he were immersed in a sea of stars.

The dots grew with the wind, and in an instant transformed into silver-white halos. A deep and familiar roar echoed in these halos, seemingly coming from an extremely distant place, sporadically and intermittently.

"This medallion has already been adjusted according to your request."

In his ear, the slightly stern and monotone voice of Elder Ruoyu sounded, like background music in a game. However, Zheng Qing dared not be careless, holding the medallion reverently as he listened:

"...It’s connected to the magic on your previous copper medal, upgraded to a high-tier summoning technique, capable of summoning an entire tribe of about two hundred Minotaurs at once, without needing your offering or feeding. According to tradition, the summoning place where they reside will be managed by the Alliance."

"Today happens to be ’Dragon Raising Head’, giving you this medallion has a nice implication!" Professor Yao, who didn’t know when he had pulled out his pipe again, was patiently stuffing tobacco into it, while speaking awkwardly: "...Hope you continue to excel and make new, larger contributions for the school and the Alliance."

The ’big figure’ from the Alliance nearby cast a reproachful glance at Old Yao, clearly thinking he was not solemn enough, then turned to Zheng Qing and likewise offered congratulations:

"Congratulations!"

This notable person, with whom Zheng Qing was quite familiar, was Lady Shi Hui, former vice president of the First University, now serving as the President of the Great Wizard Conference for the Alliance.

Zheng Qing didn’t believe his small golden medallion warranted a special trip by a legend to the academy; he had reason to suspect Mrs. Stone had other business, greeting him with ’Congratulations’ was merely opportune.

In the midst of conversation, the silver halos floating in mid-air began to tremble fiercely one after another.

Dong!

Dong, dong!

One massive head after another poked out from the halos, inexplicably reminding Zheng Qing of the whack-a-mole game, except these heads were not moles but genuine bull heads. Some had horns atop their heads, others bore scars on their faces, some had a tuft of fluffy bangs on their foreheads, and others had heads covered in black and white spots. They stared with eyes about the size of copper bells, shaking their heads side to side, while the cheeks of many bull heads twisted as they chewed, a dense white froth dribbling from the corners of their mouths.

"Moo?!!"

"Who’s disturbing my lunch? Burp..."

"Who on earth? Burp..."

"Never seen such a shameless summoning... Burp..."

"Shall we teach him a lesson first... Burp..."

"The Horseman Tribe always intimidates, we Minotaurs... Burp..."

"Give him a lesson so they’ll know Minotaurs are not slaves... Burp..."

As soon as the heads appeared, these Minotaurs began to shout loudly, with seven mouths speaking at once, cussing inelegantly, seemingly wanting to show the wizard casting the summoning a good spectacle.

But before their vulgarities were finished, they noticed the presence of three terrifying entities in the venue, imposing and severe.

Instantly, their agitated tempers seemed to be doused with cold water, disappearing without a trace.

Zheng Qing watched the Minotaurs frightened to the point of hiccuping one after another, inexplicably finding it amusing.

"No one thinks of you as slaves."

Professor Yao was vigorously puffing on his pipe, and upon hearing the certain words spoken by the Minotaurs, his face showed slight displeasure. He tapped the unruly fellow with his pipe: "Don’t talk nonsense, this is the First University, you’re the Contract Tribe of the Merlin Gold Medal, how could you have such ideas?"

The bull-headed Minotaur with scars on his face, upon being chastised by the Legendary Wizard, put on a mournful face, the scar on his face twisting into a comically small flower.

"...Also, don’t curse too horribly in your heart, we can all hear." Professor Yao pointed his pipe at him and the two other Legendary Wizards present.

Elder Ruoyu remained silent, while Lady Shi Hui showed a faint smile.

The Minotaurs were frightened into another round of group hiccups.

"Burp!"

"Moo!"

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The sound of bull hooves striking the floor echoed, Zheng Qing looked at these trembling giants with some sympathy - their landing had them hunched over, seemingly trying hard to appear light-footed, but the massive size brought by their huge mass made it impossible for them to easily conceal their presence like cats.

No need for Zheng Qing to give orders.

The Minotaurs who landed very obediently formed a neat square formation according to size, thick totem poles steadily positioned alongside, powerful tails tightly pressed against their rumps, each one standing tall and holding their breath.

This was vastly different from when Zheng Qing first summoned the ’Nose Rings and Earrings’ from the copper medallion.

Thinking of Nose Rings and Earrings, he instinctively looked around, wanting to find that familiar figure among the herd. Most Minotaurs in the venue had one head, so he spotted his old companion smoothly.

"Hi!" The young teaching assistant waved joyfully, greeting the double-headed Minotaur: "Long time no see!"

Whoa!

In the direction he waved, the Minotaur formation split like water, the dense sound of hooves striking like waves against rocks, in the chaos carrying a hint of orderly rhythm, revealing the lone bewildered figure in the group.

"So this is the Minotaur from your previous copper medallion?" Old Yao, puffing on his pipe, showed a curious look: "Looks pretty good... no one wants to use you for experiments!"

His face darkened, clearly overhearing something strange from within.

"Is this how the Alliance educates Contractors now? How could they think we’re going to skin them alive?" Jiuyou Academy’s headmaster, with a dark face, turned to look at President Shi Hui.

The witch answered calmly: "Because in the impression of most Contractors, there aren’t three Legendary Wizards standing outside the summoning spell to keep order, so they’re bound to be a little frightened. But that’s not entirely a bad thing..."

She turned to Zheng Qing, her lips curving slightly: "...At least, you don’t have to worry about backlash or encountering situations where they are half-hearted when using the summoning spell in the future."