Regardless of how complicated the situation might be, Uchiha Hikaru had already formed a general assessment of Feng Zhenghao's strength.
In his view, while Feng Zhenghao wasn't weak, he posed no real obstacle to completing his task.
Which meant that even someone like Zhang Zhiwei, the legendary cultivator who walked the path of Dao while others trained in martial arts, couldn't stop him.
Hikaru then searched for information about the Trinity Gate Gathering on the phone.
He found that preparations were already underway—meaning the plot had been in motion for some time.
Just as he was thinking this, Feng Shayen's phone suddenly rang in his hand.
Hikaru frowned slightly at the caller ID on the screen but made no move to answer.
He calmly handed the phone back to Feng Shayen, his expression as composed as ever.
Feng Shayen accepted the phone and looked at the caller ID with slight surprise.
She didn't understand—her father had just given her a task, so why was he calling again?
Still, she didn't question it. After a moment's hesitation, she answered.
"Shayen, there's something urgent I need you to handle," came Feng Zhenghao's voice from the other end.
"Let Xingtong take over looking after Hikaru. Tell him we've agreed to his request."
"Yes, understood," Shayen replied respectfully.
After ending the call, she turned to Hikaru with a faintly apologetic smile.
"I'm very sorry. I've got an urgent matter to attend to."
"But my younger brother, Feng Xingtong, will take over from here. My father said we've agreed to your request, and the item has already been given to Xingtong. He'll hand it over."
Hikaru nodded with a light smile, signaling he understood.
Soon after, a young man walked in. He looked even younger than Shayen, with a handsome face and a clever glint in his eyes.
He introduced himself politely, "Hello, I'm Feng Xingtong, Shayen's younger brother. My father has briefed me—please come with me. Everything is ready."
With that, he gestured for Hikaru to follow him.
Hikaru gave a slight nod and followed him to a quiet reception room.
Once inside, Feng Xingtong gently shut the door.
Turning around, he looked at Hikaru and said:
"I'll relay the cultivation method for Binding Spirits and Summoning Generals orally. Due to its importance, it's never been written down. I hope you understand."
Hikaru nodded in agreement.
Feng Xingtong began reciting the secret technique.
A while later, Hikaru's system flashed:
[Eight Forbidden Techniques – Binding Spirits and Summoning Generals Acquired]
A flicker of joy passed through Hikaru's heart.
To complete a system quest so smoothly was an excellent start.
Feng Xingtong finished speaking and asked,
"Do you have any questions? I can explain further if needed."
Hikaru shook his head, "No need. I've memorized everything. Thank you."
Feng Xingtong looked surprised.
He hadn't expected Hikaru's memory to be so formidable—he had absorbed such a massive amount of information in one go.
Clearly, this man was far from ordinary.
Then again, if he were ordinary, his father wouldn't have allowed him to access such a confidential technique in the first place.
Hikaru closed his eyes and quietly began digesting the core principles of Binding Spirits and Summoning Generals.
In this transformed version of the Outcast World, the technique had evolved far beyond its original form.
No longer merely a method of controlling spirits, it now allowed the user to fully experience the life of the controlled soul.
This astonishing ability was like a gateway to countless treasure troves of knowledge—allowing the user to rapidly master the skills the soul had learned in life.
Even more impressive was the fact that the cultivation speed of the technique was directly linked to the strength of the spirit under control.
The stronger the spirit, the faster the user advanced—and the more power they could draw from it.
At its pinnacle, the technique even brushed against the rules of reincarnation.
Though this wasn't particularly useful to Hikaru personally, it would be quite valuable to pass on to the girls under his protection.
Suddenly, Hikaru's brow furrowed.
He moved swiftly—grabbing Feng Xingtong and yanking him to the side.
BOOM!
The reception room's door exploded inward, blasted off its hinges by a tremendous force, crashing into the hallway wall with a thunderous bang.
"I'm sorreeey! Zhang Chulan, forgive me already!"
A girl in a pink dress stepped through the doorway.
Her long black hair flowed freely over her shoulders, forming a stark contrast with her clothes.
Her eyes gleamed with wit—clearly a clever troublemaker.
But upon entering, she didn't spot her intended target.
Her gaze scanned both Hikaru and Xingtong, and she tilted her head cutely. "Oops. Wrong room."
She turned to leave as casually as she had entered.
Feng Xingtong was completely dumbfounded. He hadn't even had time to react before the door went flying.
He stared at her retreating figure in stunned confusion.
Hikaru, by contrast, remained perfectly calm.
He had recognized her the moment she walked in.
This was Feng Baobao, the cunning and quirky heroine of the Outcast World.
Feng Xingtong finally recovered, his gaze turning instinctively toward the dented door embedded in the wall.
If Hikaru hadn't pulled him aside just now, he'd probably be on his way to the hospital.
The thought made him break into a cold sweat—and also stoked his anger.
He shouted at the girl already near the exit:
"Who the hell are you?! How did you get in here?!"
Feng Baobao paused mid-step.
She turned around, looked at him, as if pondering the question.
After a moment, she said innocently,
"I'm lookin' for Zhang Chulan. You seen him?"
It was a peak "read message but replied nonsense" moment.
Xingtong was nearly sent into a coughing fit.
Just as he was about to respond, Hikaru—who had remained silent all this time—finally spoke:
"The person you're looking for is upstairs. I'll take you to him."
Feng Baobao's eyes lit up at those words.
She beamed at Hikaru, flashing a brilliant smile. "You're such a nice guy!"