Robes, Jade Void in Sight

Rhine's mouth twitched as he looked at the final line of information.

The reward for Close Friendship was likewise all about maximizing survival, which came as no surprise.

But the reward for Life-and-Death Friendship was actually a backstabbing-type talent. The system had even specifically noted that it was extremely effective and might even work on Saints?

What was there to say?

As expected of Dingguang Immortal with Long Ears, who could backstab Sect Leader Tongtian.

Saints were the absolute pinnacle of existence in the Primordial. Calling them omniscient and omnipotent would not be an exaggeration. They existed on an entirely different level from those beneath them.

Magical treasures that could leave even the strongest cultivators beneath the Saints in a miserable state were mere toys before Saints.

So many cultivators had died in the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, yet the Saints had remained completely unscathed.

Even the utterly defeated Jie Sect had only seen Sect Leader Tongtian placed under house arrest by Hongjun. Aside from being disheartened, he had suffered no actual harm.

It was easy to imagine just how rare something capable of affecting a Saint was.

If he could trade it for another talent of the same caliber, Rhine felt like he would soar to the heavens.

Unfortunately, it was a backstabbing talent.

Rhine sighed inwardly.

But just then, a voice echoed from outside.

"The train will arrive at Hogwarts in five minutes..."

The announcement made Rhine set aside his regret.

They were about to reach Hogwarts. The connections he could make there would surely far surpass those outside, and perhaps he would encounter another heaven-defying talent capable of affecting even Saints.

At that thought, a fiery gleam flashed through Rhine's eyes.

Harry and Ron snapped back to their senses as well.

"We're arriving at Hogwarts?"

Hermione, meanwhile, let out a startled cry.

"We haven't changed yet!"

Then the know-it-all queen displayed her decisive nature.

"I'm going outside now. You have two minutes to put on your robes. I'm a lady, so I need three minutes."

"Now. Immediately. This instant!"

As the compartment door shut, Rhine, Harry, and Ron stared at one another.

All three hurriedly pulled out their robes and began changing.

Ron was trying to pull on his obviously too-short old robe while doing his best to cover his worn sneakers.

But clearly, it was a futile effort.

Just as Ron sighed and decided to make do with it, he saw Rhine pull a new robe from his suitcase and hand it to him.

Ron's face instantly turned bright red.

But before Ron could speak, Rhine quickly said,

"First, I didn't buy this robe. I got it for free from Madam Malkin. She tried to persuade me to model for her, and I refused, but I told her I'd find a tall, skinny candidate at Hogwarts. Your build seems just right."

"If you wear this robe, you'll have to cooperate with Madam Malkin and model for her during the holidays. So don't thank me. Just don't curse me when people are staring at you in a shop window."

"Second, don't give me that crap about old robes being comfortable. Harry definitely won't agree, and I came from an orphanage too. If ill-fitting clothes are comfortable, then hell has frozen over."

"Third, buddy, it's the first day of school. Everyone might have to walk in front of the entire school. Who doesn't want to wear new clothes? I suggest you put it on. What if there are photos? You don't want to take pictures in old clothes, do you?"

"Lastly, we have fifty-two seconds left. Hurry up. I can already feel the killing intent radiating from Hermione."

Ron's nose twitched. He muttered a quiet thank you, then quickly changed into the well-fitting new robe.

His old sneakers were covered by the new robe and could no longer be seen.

Ron looked completely refreshed from head to toe.

This was the first new robe he had owned in eleven years, made from the newest material and in the latest style.

He no longer had to worry whether the worn collar would stand out or whether his old sneakers would show. The feeling was simply wonderful.

He glanced at his reflection in the window, and his eyes lit up.

"I look fucking handsome!"

But before Ron could admire himself for long, the compartment door opened again and Hermione strode in decisively.

"Time's up."

Then, with one hand each, she hauled Harry and Ron out before turning to Rhine.

Rhine gave an awkward laugh. Without waiting for Hermione to act, he obediently stepped out of the compartment, only to hear the door lock again behind him.

The three of them outside exchanged glances, and Rhine did not even dare make a sound.

When the compartment door opened again and Hermione emerged, Rhine could not help widening his eyes.

"WTF?"

In just three minutes, Hermione seemed like a completely different person.

Her fluffy brown hair had become much more manageable, falling smoothly over her shoulders like glossy silk, with a bright orange hair clip pinned in it.

Even her previously rather conspicuous front teeth seemed to have shrunk a size.

Seeing Rhine's wide-eyed expression, Hermione tried her utmost to keep her face composed and said hurriedly,

"All right, let's go."

Then Hermione turned around and pulled Rhine toward the end of the carriage.

Only then did the corner of her mouth curl into an uncontrollable smile.

It had not been for nothing that she had practiced spells at home specifically to smooth her hair and shrink her teeth. The results seemed quite good.

As for why she had done that, Mrs. Granger had whispered a reminder in Hermione's ear before they boarded the train.

"Hermione, did you see those little witches? Some of them are dressed up so prettily."

"What if there really is a welcome ball?"

Hermione's grip on Rhine's arm tightened further.

If there really was a welcome ball, she did not want Rhine dancing with other girls.

By then, the train had slowly pulled into a tiny, dark platform.

The burly Hagrid was standing there, loudly calling for the new students.

When he saw Rhine and the others get off the train, a delighted expression appeared on Hagrid's face.

"Harry!"

"And Rhine?"

"Oh, you're together. Does that mean you've become friends? Merlin's beard, that's wonderful!"

"All right, I should have a few more words with you, but not now."

"First-years, follow me!"

Then, just as described in the original story, Hagrid led the new students onward.

After climbing a narrow mountain path, even Rhine, who had read the original and knew what scenery awaited them, could not help letting out a "wow" along with the others.

The Black Lake, the castle, and the moon unfolded before their eyes.

Hogwarts was already in sight!

At the same time, a line of information slowly appeared on the system screen.

Congratulations on crossing the Primordial lands and finally arriving at Mount Kunlun, the ancestor of all mountains. Jade Void Palace is already in sight.

Once the golden bell of Jade Void Palace rings, you will have truly entered the Chan Sect and become a disciple of a Saint. Boundless benefits and endless fortune await.

At that time, the system will also upgrade, and the talent fusion function will be unlocked. Please look forward to it, Host!