Within Everlight City, Jin Buhuan reviewed the reports sent by the spies that he had planted in the other three cities. Each report detailed the opposing teams’ strength.

He frowned as he read and couldn’t calm himself down. He quickly summoned Sun Qingnian and Han Wu.

Sun Qingnian asked, “Father-in-law, what’s wrong?”

“Here, read these yourselves.” He handed them the reports.

Sun Qingnian grabbed them and began reading them.

“Wushuang City team. Leader: Gan Xiangyu. Main Divine Weapon: Coiled Dragon, 6-Star God-grade. Possesses 6 God-grade Divine Weapons...

“Lingxiao City team. Leader: Feng Wuji. Main Divine Weapon: Taiqing Sword, 7-Star God-grade. Possesses 4 God-grade Divine Weapons...

“Wanyao City team. Leader: Sun Qianqian. Main Divine Weapon: Sea Calming Staff, 7-Star God-grade. Possesses 6 God-grade Divine Weapons...

“Are these reports... accurate?” Sun Qingnian asked, uncertain.

Jin Buhuan stared at him in silence. Sun Qingnian realized that his question was pointless. If the information were false, the spies wouldn’t have submitted it. Moreover, the reports only covered what the spies had uncovered. The other three cities definitely had hidden trump cards.

Compared with them, Everlight City was indeed inferior. The strongest fighter was Han Wu, yet the Small Locust Blade was his main and only 2-Star God-grade Divine Weapon. He also only had two God-grade Divine Weapons, while the rest were below that grade.

On paper, Han Wu had already lost. However, only Han Wu knew how far that assessment was from reality. Even though his Divine Weapons ranked low, each possessed exceptional effects. Even the newly unlocked Divine-grade Abyss Armor rivaled a 1-Star God-grade Divine Weapon. He chose not to reveal this.

By contrast, Sun Qingnian’s official data was much better. With early resources from his father-in-law, his main Divine Weapon, the Tri-Tail Blade, had reached 5-Star God grade, and he had unlocked eight Divine Weapons. His overall standing matched that of the other cities’ leaders.

Jin Buhuan wanted to replace the leader, but he had already invested heavily in Han Wu, so he felt that it was a waste to let him go. He decided to call them both to discuss the matter.

“You’ve read the reports. The other three teams are formidable. Other than them, many other clans and teams, including those from the Divine Weapon Civilization, will participate in this contest. It will be intense.

“With your current strength, I fear that you won’t be a match for them.” He directed this at Han Wu, hoping he would volunteer to step down and allow Sun Qingnian to take the lead.

Han Wu knew that and smiled. “I understand, and I can relinquish the position, but my resources must remain unchanged. That is my final condition if I am to continue fighting for Everlight City.”

He had joined the team for the sake of the resources. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have invested so much time and effort training those young masters. It would have been more efficient to hunt mutated beasts on his own.

Jin Buhuan’s anger flared. He suspected that Han Wu was playing the fool. He intended to change the leadership to reduce Han Wu’s allocation of resources.

Even with ample support, Han Wu’s parameters remained weak, so what justification did he have to continue? Han Wu was clearly trying to exploit the situation.

“I say...” Jin Buhuan rose to his feet, and his superior pressure bore down on Han Wu. Since Han Wu refused to concede, he decided to confront him directly.

Sensing his intent, Sun Qingnian stepped between them. “Father-in-law, please be reasonable! While Han Wu’s Divine Weapons may be lower in grade, they are still powerful. I have faith in him that he’s no weaker than the other leaders!”

Sun Qingnian’s words sounded rebellious to him.

“Are you questioning my decision?” Jin Buhuan snapped. His Divine Weapons responded to his anger and appeared at once. The pressure of 8-Star God-grade Divine Weapons enveloped the two of them. He stared at Sun Qingnian like a dog who had forgotten its master.

Sun Qingnian met his gaze, straightened, and spoke with resolve, “Father-in-law, you misunderstand me. I am not questioning you. I am stating the truth. I can stake my life that Han Wu is better than the rest. Everlight City should be thankful that he leads the team. Your family should be as well. If you want to strip him of his resources and benefits, then you should do the same to me!”

Jin Buhuan’s eyes widened. This was the son-in-law that he had chosen! He felt blind for ever believing this man would bring prosperity to his family.

He wanted to kill Sun Qingnian, and he was going to, but Jin Tuantuan, who had been eavesdropping outside, burst into the room and stepped between them. Her small frame contrasted with her resolute gaze and stance. “Father, I won’t let you harm my husband!” 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Qin Shuang, who had followed her in, entered without a word and stood beside Han Wu. Whatever came next, she would face it with Han Wu.

Jin Buhuan glared at his rebellious daughter, then at the three outsiders. He felt dizzy from his anger and howled, “Out! Get out! I don’t want to see any of you!”

Jin Tuantuan tried to speak, but Sun Qingnian pulled her from the room. She apologized to him, “Husband, please don’t blame my father. Anger has clouded his judgment.”

Sun Qingnian waved his arm to show he didn’t mind. After all, he was his father-in-law. Even if he had acted wrongly, Sun Qingnian would endure it for Jin Tuantuan’s sake.

Still, after Jin Buhuan’s challenge, it was possible that Han Wu wouldn’t stay there any longer. Sun Qingnian looked at him, his gaze pleading. He was hoping that Han Wu would stay and help Everlight City.

Han Wu smiled. “Didn’t he say the grades of my Divine Weapons were too low? Then we’ll just need to raise them. But let me be clear. If he cuts off my resources and benefits, I will leave without hesitation.”

Sun Qingnian said, “Don’t worry, brother. I will stop him, even if it costs me my own benefits. You are my big brother, and I won’t let you go so easily.”

Han Wu nodded. Now the final decision rested with Jin Buhuan.