Old Xie's expression was calm, yet his gaze towards Xu Fan carried a hint of vigilance and dread.

Xu Fan's expression was equally calm, but deep inside, waves of turmoil had already been stirred.

Ever since discovering the conspiracy of the four elderly Mu, the last thing Xu Fan wanted was to alert them, however, faced with a desperate situation moments ago, Xu Fan was almost certainly doomed to die!

In a critical moment, Xu Fan had no choice but to expose his calculative nature before Old Xie to avert the impending disaster.

However, though the previous calamity was avoided, a greater disaster was only just beginning.

Although Li Hua was indeed not killed by Xu Fan, his actions had already severely offended the three massive Hidden World Families of Li, Long, and Feng!

Of course, while Xu Fan was currently within the base, without too much worry of the pursuit by the three Hidden World Families, what troubled Xu Fan more than their pursuit was the wariness that had arisen in the hearts of the four elderly Mu.

Just now, with only Old Xie alone, he was able to threaten four strong Zhiwei Realm experts; one can imagine how terrifying the combat prowess of the four elderly Mu must be!

Moreover, Old Xie was not even the strongest among them! It was Mu Lao, who had cultivated Divine Sense, that was the most powerful entity among the four!

Even if Xu Fan were to break through to the Vajra Realm a month later, how much of a wave could he stir before the four veteran Zhiwei Realm super experts?

This question, even Xu Fan, who had always been extremely confident, couldn't guarantee an answer right now.

At the moment when myriad thoughts raced through Xu Fan's mind, Old Xie suddenly spoke, "Xu Fan, tell me everything that happened after you encountered Zhao Chenglong! Leave not a single lie, otherwise, with the three families jointly issuing a kill order on you, even the base might not be able to protect you."

Speaking the truth, would the base be able to protect him then? Xu Fan sneered inwardly, though outwardly remained unmoved, adding some details to the previous narrative and relaying it unaltered to Old Xie.

Old Xie pondered slightly, asked Xu Fan several questions, and each response avoided mentioning the Jade Pendant perfectly.

Anyway, since Old Xie was already wary of him, Xu Fan completely unveiled his cleverness, using several vague words to thoroughly block Old Xie's inquiries.

Finally, weary of beating around the bush, Old Xie straightforwardly asked Xu Fan, "The treasure from the Zhao Family, is it really not in your possession?"

"Xu Fan, consider this carefully. Even something that seems worthless and useless will inevitably attract others' prying eyes if held in one's hand."

Prying eyes? The one prying now is you, isn't it, Old Xie?

Such words, Xu Fan naturally wouldn't openly say to Old Xie.

After emphasizing once again that he truly hadn't obtained any so-called treasures, Xu Fan, in order to shut Old Xie's mouth, straightforwardly asked about the level of Divine Weapons.

The Spiritual Snake in Zhao Chenglong's hand had greatly changed Xu Fan's previous underestimation of Divine Weapons; Zhao Chenglong, a peak Vajra Realm expert, could contend with the entire Zhao Family with just a Spiritual Snake. Besides Zhao Chenglong's impressive strength, the Spiritual Snake played a significant role!

Though the Spiritual Snake was not very effective against Zhiwei Realm experts, a Divine Weapon of even higher rank than the Spiritual Snake might not be unable to harm a Zhiwei Realm expert!

As the guardian of the Divine Arms Pavilion at the base, Old Xie's understanding of Divine Weapons was naturally thorough. Seeing Xu Fan's resolute attitude, refusing to hand over the treasure, he patiently began explaining the grade of Divine Weapons.

"The Divine Arms Pavilion not only sells Divine Weapons but is also a place to forge them, similar to the Elixir Pharmacy. Those who forge Divine Weapons are called Casting Masters, their status may not be as esteemed as Alchemists, but those who reach a pinnacle as Casting Masters certainly possess significant stature."

"Elixirs are divided into nine grades, Divine Weapons into nine ranks; below the third rank are Mortal Arms, which increase in sharpness progressively, while Divine Weapons above the third rank have incredibly powerful augmentation for cultivators, and each carries various traits."

"For instance, the Spiritual Snake Zhao Chenglong wielded earlier was a fifth-rank Divine Weapon, with excellent traits; when caught unprepared, it's difficult for experts below the Zhiwei Realm to escape the sharpness of the Spiritual Snake."

At this point, Old Xie's face bore a noticeable expression of regret, evidently feeling sorry for not obtaining the Spiritual Snake.

"A fifth-rank Divine Weapon isn't necessarily weaker than a sixth-rank one; every Divine Weapon has its unique traits. What is useful and appropriate is the best."

"As for Divine Weapons above the sixth-rank, none have appeared for many years now. A Casting Master capable of forging sixth-rank Divine Weapons enjoys extremely high privileges, even Zhiwei Realm experts must show utmost respect before a sixth-rank Casting Master."

Xu Fan had a sudden insight, with Elder Yi offering him elixirs, and Elder Wang bestowing him a Mysterious Rank Battle Technique, it seemed Old Xie hadn't yet presented any useful thing.

If Old Xie knew Xu Fan's thoughts, he would inevitably be spitting blood in anger. To protect Xu Fan earlier, Old Xie had taken great risks, confronting the four Zhiwei Realm experts with formidable resolve! And now, Xu Fan was already thinking of getting benefits from him.

At this moment, looking at the intent in Xu Fan's demeanor, Old Xie smiled, "Divine Weapons, although greatly augmenting cultivators, are nevertheless external objects; you are now merely at the Entering Dao Realm Peak, far from reaching a time for utilizing Divine Weapons."

"Even if you acquire a Divine Weapon, developing a dependency on it may not be beneficial in your growth."

Though these words were meant by Old Xie to deny Xu Fan's request for Divine Weapons, they indeed held some truth, but Xu Fan did not acknowledge that truth.

Any reason has to be tied to the circumstances one faces, Xu Fan was nearly in an absolute perilous situation; with the impending pursuit by the three Li, Long, and Feng families on one side, and the four elderly Mu eyeing him with caution on the other, Xu Fan urgently needed to elevate his strength, how could he care about the future?

If Xu Fan couldn't survive the major calamity in a month, what future was there to speak of?

Understanding this, Xu Fan adopted a sullen expression, shaking his head, sighing heavily, causing Old Xie a headache.

"Xu Fan, why are you sighing? This isn't like you."

Although Old Xie already understood Xu Fan's intention, he had no choice but to endure and ask Xu Fan patiently.

Sigh!

Xu Fan sighed, showing a trace of sadness on his face, "Old Xie, you might not know, but the group of youngsters in the Grey Wolf Team really lack fighting spirit! They're stuck at the Entering Dao Realm Middle Stage, not striving for progress at all. In a month, not to mention making it to the top three, even getting last isn't far from possible."

Suppressing his wildly jumping brow, Old Xie had no choice but to assure Xu Fan, "Young Xu, I've always admired you, truly, once you return to the base, do come by the Divine Arms Pavilion."

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