Erwin felt a strange chill run down his spine as he looked into the girl's eyes. Was she trying to devour him? Has customs in the East changed so drastically? Were all the cultivators here this terrifying?
Just as Erwin was about to lose his temper under Sunny Finch's intense gaze, she seemed to realize her rudeness. She coughed twice.
"Ahem, let me introduce myself. I am Sunny Finch of the Disciplinary Office. Why are you in the East? Entering without permission is considered illegal immigration! You are to be deported. If you intend to cause harm, I have authority to act!"
After delivering this ultimatum, Sunny Finch suddenly remembered that Erwin was a Westerner. Her threat had been entirely in vain. She realized she had no way to communicate with him. The cultivators of her generation rarely studied foreign languages, focusing instead on the complexities of drawing talismans.
Just as she was pondering a solution, Erwin spoke up—in flawless Mandarin.
"I did not trespass intentionally. I encountered some anomalies at sea and ended up here. I am a second-year student at Hogwarts in the Western wizarding world. If possible, I hope your sect can contact my school's Headmaster or Professors; they can verify my identity. Furthermore, I am willing to cooperate with your oversight."
Erwin showed immense respect for the East. Despite being a Westerner, his soul carried memories of a life lived here, creating a complex sense of belonging. He might cause trouble abroad, but something in him responded reverently to this land.
Sunny Finch's eyes lit up instantly. She had missed his earlier conversation with Elder Zhang and hadn't known Erwin spoke Chinese.
"We will investigate your identity," she said. "But you must return to the sect with me first. You possess extraordinary power and could easily cause trouble in the mortal world."
Erwin naturally agreed. In fact, he was pleased. He was incredibly curious about the Eastern cultivation system.
Sunny Finch ascended into the air on her flying sword without asking how Erwin intended to follow. She simply told him to keep up. Erwin found this suspicious. Logically, she should have asked about his method of flight—what if he couldn't follow? Why did it seem like Sunny Finch already knew he could keep pace?
Perhaps he was just being paranoid. He had experienced too much, making him overly cautious. Erwin didn't dwell on it. With a flash of purple mist, he transformed and followed her.
As they flew, Erwin glanced at the sword beneath her feet. "That thing is so cool."
Sunny Finch noticed his gaze. "Interested in flying swords?"
"Indeed. Is this the legendary natal flying sword?"
Sunny Finch laughed. "Those are just stories! The truth is more practical. We are similar to you; you practice spells, we practice talismans. This flying sword is just like your broomsticks."
Erwin was stunned. "Just like a broom?"
"Exactly," she said, pointing to her feet. "The creator was a romantic, inspired by ancient tales. He loved swords, so he used tricks to make the first one and established the Shushan Flying Company to mass-produce them. Western brooms and carpets developed along their own lines, while we focused on the sword. This is the Shushan 2001, a new model not yet released."
Erwin was astonished. The East was still the East. No matter the world, innovation flourished here at breakneck speed.
Sunny Finch added, "Your timing is fortunate. In a few days, Shushan is holding a new product launch. these flying swords will be released. If you want one, I'll take you to buy one."
Erwin nodded eagerly. At that moment, he abandoned any godfatherly demeanor. A flying sword! A sword immortal! No amount of dignity could compete with the allure of wielding a flying sword.
Simultaneously, Erwin saw a new business opportunity. Quidditch was becoming popular in Britain, Germany, and the United States, thanks to Hogwarts's changes. What Erwin lacked was a world-class event. If he could establish connections with the East, this event would likely be possible. Quidditch would evolve, and brooms would become mere transportation.
Based on his previous life's experience, the more developed transportation becomes, the more emphasis is placed on appearance. If he could cooperate with the Shu Mountain sect to produce visually stunning items, the business would be massive.
With growing excitement, Erwin thought, if this works, the Cavendish family won't just be a top European family—they'll become a truly global enterprise.
However, Tom would need to handle the details; the preparation required was extensive. Tom was the perfect candidate—Erwin simply didn't have the time.
Sunny Finch and Erwin chatted as they traveled.
...
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