The nine of them panicked, unsure whether their threats would work, but they relaxed when Han Wu’s attacks stopped. Even the Imperial College’s valedictorian would think twice before crossing the College Alliance, and they believed that they had played their cards well.

“We lost, but we have our honor. We need to grow stronger and secure more resources. You can’t take our freedom away.”

“Also, we need to join the contest to get the Armament Spirit. This task comes from the College Alliance. You must assist us.”

“The College Alliance...”

They spoke over one another until Han Wu shouted, “Enough!”

He turned and realized that Gong Jun had escaped with Hei Qi while they had stalled for time. There was no way to catch them now. Anger surged through him, yet the nine continued talking, as if they expected him to support them!

Faced with their unreasonable demands, he pinned them to the ground with his Small Locust Blades. Shocked, they continued shouting that the College Alliance wanted them to work together. They clung to that claim in hopes of surviving.

At that moment, Han Wu figured out everything. As someone from the Divine Civilization, he did have to be wary of the College Alliance’s rules, so he wouldn't kill them. The natives, however, were a different story.

After restraining them, he vented his anger by passing the verdict to Jin Buhuan. “City Lord Jin, they were the ones who helped the two escape. I trust you know what to do with them.”

Jin Buhuan stared at the broken city gate, the fallen innocents, and his disheveled state. He growled vengefully, “Execute them. Only then will my heart calm down.”

“All yours.”

The nine immediately understood Han Wu. He planned to have someone else kill them!

“Han Wu, you can’t do this! We should stand together as members of the same civilization. We need to...”

“City Lord of Everlight City, we belong to the team representing Wushuang City. Are you not afraid that they will come after you if you kill us?”

“Release us, or Wushuang City won’t spare you.”

Their threats only enraged Jin Buhuan further. “So it was Wushuang City that slaughtered my people, broke my city walls, and even wants to take it further? Fine. Do they really think I have no temper and will do what they want? I will execute you first, then go to Wushuang City and demand an explanation.”

He summoned his Divine Weapons and killed them in a fit of rage. Their Divine Weapons fell to the ground, and Han Wu collected them without any intention of sharing.

Jin Buhuan didn’t mind. Even though the outsiders’ Divine Weapons were unique, he rarely relied on Divine Weapons at his level. Even if he took them, his strength wouldn’t improve significantly, so he would rather Han Wu keep them.

He now understood why Sun Qingnian was so adamant about Han Wu being their leader. His strength was undeniable. He was glad that he allowed Han Wu to enter the secret realm to train.

“Han Wu, we must avenge this grudge, but I must first return to Everlight City and stabilize the situation. Will you go to Wushuang City to demand an explanation?” Jin Buhuan asked expectantly.

Han Wu wanted to kill Hei Qi once and for all. Otherwise, Hei Qi could pose an unknown threat if he recovered. “I am willing, but I need resources to upgrade my Divine Weapons.”

Jin Buhuan smiled, “Of course. The city vault has many rare resources. Use them as you see fit. We will be your steadfast ally.”

Han Wu returned the smile. Jin Buhuan’s sudden change in attitude stemmed from the strength that he had demonstrated. In the Divine Weapon Civilization, might remained the foundation of any alliance.

They returned to Everlight City, where Qin Shuang and Sun Qingnian greeted them with visible shame for their inability to help. Han Wu and Jin Buhuan, however, felt relieved that they didn’t. It was shameful, but survival mattered more.

Jin Buhuan initiated the reconstruction efforts for Everlight City, while Han Wu and the rest ran to the city vault to grow stronger.

As members of the Divine Civilization, they enjoyed special privileges granted by the Divine Weapon Civilization. As long as their Divine Weapons absorbed the required materials, their weapons could be upgraded. The natives did not share this advantage, but in exchange, Divine Civilization members required far greater quantities of material.

For the natives, the same resources would have been enough to forge five or six Divine Weapons. Yet despite consuming such a large quantity, Han Wu’s Small Locust Blade only advanced to 8 Stars. Further upgrades required more than materials alone; it also needed essence.

Han Wu then took out the Divine Weapons that he had collected from the nine executed individuals to upgrade his Small Locust Blade.

The Small Locust Blade and these Divine Weapons were all products of both the Divine Weapon Civilization and Divine Civilization, so they were compatible. After absorbing them, it reached 9 Stars. This was the Divine Weapon Civilization’s limit. Even Jin Buhuan didn’t have a Divine Weapon of that caliber.

Han Wu was now stronger than Jin Buhuan. With his strength, he could take control of Everlight City, but he wouldn’t do so. He was friends with Sun Qingnian, and since the latter was the son-in-law, he had to protect him.

Aside from the Small Locust Blade, Han Wu examined the two new Divine Weapons that he had unlocked in the secret realm: the Heavenly Demon Spike and the Dark Curse Nail.

With the secret realm’s resources, both weapons had already reached God grade. Using the abundant resources in the vault, he upgraded them even further.

He sent an order and gathered the staff of the mansion. They assembled the required materials, and cartloads were transported where Han Wu resided.

Both the Heavenly Demon Spike and the Dark Curse Nail upgraded rapidly until they reached 5-Star God grade. They were now equally powerful with his other Divine Weapons. He possessed eight Divine Weapons in total, one at 9 Stars and the other seven at 5 Stars. He was no longer weak.

Jin Buhuan consoled his people before preparing to dispatch an elite group of assassins to follow Han Wu to Wushuang City.