35.Looks like you've changed!

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Sitting at the dining table, looking at the dishes laid out elegantly, their aroma filling the air, Zhao Yu stood by serving.

Noah sensed that something had changed.

"Zhao Yu, do you have something to say to me?"

Standing beside him, Zhao Yu trembled, then immediately knelt down.

"Master, please have mercy. I once doubted your authority, but from now on, I will never have any doubts again."

Noah ?? He was stunned for a moment, not understanding a thing, but seeing Zhao Yu bowing his head to the ground, he suddenly realized.

'Ah, I get it now. It's because of Butler Ai, so that's how it is.'

Noah straightened his back and spoke sternly.

"It's good that you understand. Don't let it happen again, stand up."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu quickly stood up, bowing in gratitude.

"The master's heart is vast and eternal."

Noah thought, 'This guy sure knows how to flatter...'

"Alright then, stand up. You've understood. In the future, as long as you stay loyal, anything you desire will be yours. But if you dare betray me, the consequences will be... very unpleasant."

Zhao Yu trembled slightly at these words but quickly bowed his head again in thanks.

"I swear to be utterly loyal, master."

"Very good. Now, sit down and have dinner with me. I'm not used to eating with someone standing and watching. And by the way, you don't need to refer to yourself as a servant anymore... no need to be so formal. Actually, I think I've mentioned this before." Noah said.

Zhao Yu was about to refuse, but seeing the master being so sincere, he didn't dare object, so he had no choice but to sit down and eat.

After finishing the meal...

Noah looked around but didn't see anyone.

"Zhao Yu, where are the others? Aren't they going to have breakfast, or have they already eaten?"

Even though he didn't quite understand what the master meant, Zhao Yu answered honestly.

"As per your orders, I brought them to the tree in the courtyard, and they are sitting there, reflecting."

"Alright then, once you finish eating, cook enough food for 23 people, I'll go call them in." Saying this, Noah walked straight outside.

Watching his master's departing figure, Zhao Yu was puzzled. Those people could go without food for a month and not die. But why did he ask me to cook for them? What does the master mean?

...

Walking along the hallway, Noah was in a good mood.

'Indeed, having a Golden Core expert around was reassuring. Those people under the Enlightenment Tree should soon be acknowledged by the token.'

When he arrived, it was quiet all around, fallen leaves scattered everywhere, and Noah shivered from the cold.

Under the tree, three beautiful women were meditating: Lalatina Celeste, Luna Hart, and Aurelius Liora, their eyes closed, their flawless, fair skin, gentle breaths, and rising and falling chests were illuminated by specks of light forming silk-like threads wrapping around their graceful curves. The scene was mysterious, magical, and so mesmerizing, like a painting of celestial beings descending to the mortal realm.

.....

As the eldest princess of the the Domain of Chromatica, Lalatina Celeste knew almost every artifact in the world. The kind of object that could enhance enlightenment had disappeared more than 500,000 years ago after the Great War of Gods and Demons. If it reappeared, the five continents would be plunged into bloody wars, all for the sake of enlightenment.

But the truth was undeniable; this divine artifact was real, and it was here. It proved that this place had at least tens of thousands of years of history. This sacred object should have been safeguarded in a forbidden zone, and yet... this manor is far more mysterious than imagined.

The moment sit down, the minds became clear, and immediately entered a state of enlightenment. It should be known that entering this state is an extremely rare opportunity—some people never experience it in their entire lives.

Opening her eyes and looking at the token, Lalatina Celeste sighed, "Still not yet."

She had entered meditation three times, yet still could not be recognized by the token. A bit anxious, she thought, "Everyone else has been acknowledged and left. Only three of us haven't passed the trial... Am I really so untalented that I'll just end up as a bargaining chip for an alliance?"

A soft, caring voice filled with concern echoed.

"You've awoken. Have you gained any insights?"

Looking toward the source of the voice, the owner of the manor, Noah, had been standing there without her noticing.

Lalatina Celeste quickly stood and bowed.

"Senior, I didn't realize you were here. I was disrespectful, please forgive me. My talent is lacking, and I haven't made any progress yet."

Noah could see the sorrow briefly flicker across her face, disappointment subtly evident in her beautiful eyes. Her lips, full and rosy, made one long for them, and the sadness in her expression seemed misplaced here. He thought, 'Even when sad, she looks stunning...'

Without hesitation, Noah stepped forward and gently supported her fragile figure, so in need of care and affection.

"You don't need to be so sorrowful. If you need help, I will assist you. Don't be like this anymore."

As Noah reached out and held her hand, Lalatina Celeste's beautiful eyes flashed with confusion and fear.

She immediately stepped back.

Noah, his hand still extended, felt his face flush slightly.