When carefully observing the long sword, Zhu Bufan suddenly saw several faint and unclear raised characters on the hilt of the sword, which seemed to have been deliberately engraved during the sword's crafting.

"City Guard Standard Issue 1793? Could this be standard issue equipment?" After discerning those small characters, Zhu Bufan immediately became puzzled. He looked closely at the long sword; there was almost no decoration on the upper part, but the refined iron used for the sword had undergone strict smelting, and the craftsmanship was quite impressive. Even now as it was covered with rust, it was still a fine sword, completely meeting the standards of cold weapon production, emphasizing quality and weight over appearance.

After further study and still unable to find anything special about the sword, Zhu Bufan tossed the long sword back into the Storage Ring and then took out the Beast King Howl from Lian Hao's ring within the Storage Ring.

"These Lian Xie father and son really are generous, continuously sending me gifts. First the son, then replaced by the father, even spending money to hire someone to deliver them, their manner of conducting themselves can be considered quite remarkable indeed." Looking at the Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword and the jade token of the Beast King Howl in front of him, Zhu Bufan was overjoyed. If the Lian Xie father and son could hear this, they would certainly be angered to death and then be revived only to be angered to death again.

After holding the jade token of the Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword, the method of cultivating the Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword flooded into Zhu Bufan's mind like a tide, and he learned that this Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword was indeed quite a decent martial arts technique, controlling sword energy with killing intent. As far as killing intent was concerned, even an Iron Sword couldn't catch up with Zhu Bufan.

Having comprehended the Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword in hand, Zhu Bufan then held the jade token of the Beast King Howl, and soon, the method to cultivate the Beast King Howl flooded into his mind as well.

In the following days, aside from the necessary meditation and cultivation, Zhu Bufan practiced the two martial arts techniques, Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword and Beast King Howl, by the lake. Since both techniques were of Human Rank, they were not as troublesome to practice as the Chenjiang Duanliu Break, nor did they have the severe repercussions after use like the Emperor Extreme Fist.

Five days passed quickly, and during this time, Zhu Bufan had initially mastered both the Heavenly Tyrant Mixed Element Sword and the Beast King Howl techniques, and his injuries had mostly healed. However, not having seen Huo Ling for five consecutive days left Zhu Bufan feeling a bit awkward; he had intended to apologize, but the opportunity had not yet arisen.

"Your injuries are now fully healed. Actually, if not for the battle a few days ago, you would have recovered much earlier." Wang Hui slowly withdrew his Primordial Qi after checking Zhu Bufan's body and said to him.

"Heh, Master Wang Hui, I had no choice, after all, they were clearly coming after me, I couldn't just hide, could I? Now it's good, one of the troubles has been resolved."

"Resolved what trouble? You've invited a massive headache." Wang Hui laughed bitterly and continued, "Don't forget, Lian Xie originally came to kill you with a commander of the Black Dam Army, and what that commander wants is definitely the Water Xuan Silver Garment and Earth Rank martial arts on your body. Before Lian Xie died, he still had some reservations because he was afraid that in fit of vengeance, he might just kill you without hesitation, so he did not support Lian Xie fully."

"But now that Lian Xie is dead, he can righteously mobilize the Black Dam Army to hunt you down. The reasons are fully justified – you killed the Family Head of the Lian Family and previously killed quite a few soldiers of the Black Dam Army. Just on this point alone, it wouldn't be excessive for him to bring the entire thousand-man Black Dam Army to crush you. Against ten or twenty people, you might be a tiger amongst sheep, but what about three or four hundred people? What do you think?"

"Shit! So there's still that issue, I miscalculated!" Hearing Wang Hui's analysis, Zhu Bufan finally understood that Lian Xie's death might not necessarily be a good thing.

"What does this 'shit' mean?" The sudden cursing from Zhu Bufan puzzled Wang Hui.

"Uh, it means, it's like saying hello." Not knowing what to say at the moment, Zhu Bufan could only mutter.

"Oh, is that right? I shit." Having an epiphany while looking at Zhu Bufan, Wang Hui directly threw the phrase back, leaving Zhu Bufan immediately not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"By the way, Master Wang Hui, I wanted to ask about your thoughts on the conditions proposed by Lanyue Pavilion. Have you considered it?" Suddenly, Zhu Bufan shifted the topic away from himself onto Wang Hui. Upon hearing Zhu Bufan's question, Wang Hui gave a wry smile and said, "That question is moot. Let alone the fact that I've already taught you the basics of Alchemy, which naturally means I couldn't possibly push you towards death, I also have to consider the face of that 'little senior'. Do you think I wouldn't fear her fist turning me into ashes? My body certainly can't survive that attack."

Regarding what Wang Hui said, Zhu Bufan was truly unable to rebut. The reason why Emperor Yan previously made such a public display of the move "Emperor's Fury Explodes Mountains and Rivers," was perhaps three parts demonstration for Zhu Bufan, but seven parts an overt threat to Wang Hui. After witnessing the powerful strike, Wang Hui finally understood that what he once thought was the least lethal, Emperor Yan, was actually the most dangerous existence, and this strike also directly signaled to Wang Hui that if he agreed to Lanyue Pavilion's demand, then he would inevitably become the third 'lake'!

Seeing Wang Hui's utterly gloomy expression, Zhu Bufan said to him, "Master Wang Hui, what if I said I have a method that could take you to the second layer of the tower, albeit with considerable risk, would you be willing?"

"Going to the second layer? Are you planning to use deceit? It's useless, people of Lanyue Pavilion are incredibly shrewd, not so easily fooled, and furthermore…" Having said this, Wang Hui paused, then continued, "I've also given it a good thought during this period, if Lanyue Pavilion is indeed sent from the lower levels to oversee this place, then surely they exist on the second layer too. On the first layer, due to this unique environment, I can still refuse any power's invitation and remain alone, but who knows what the situation would be like on the second layer? Perhaps I'd be immediately roped in to become a dedicated Alchemist. I, for one, cherish my freedom. Let's just forget about it."

Although Wang Hui spoke thus, Zhu Bufan could see the loneliness hidden deep within Wang Hui's eyes. Having been trapped on this first layer for so long, he naturally hoped to leave, even if it were fraught with dangers - it would be better than continuing to do nothing here. Of course, Wang Hui did not voice these thoughts; they were instead inferred by Zhu Bufan from the loneliness in the depths of Wang Hui's eyes.

"Master Wang Hui, you have misunderstood me. Actually, I didn't mean that I alone will resort to deceit, but that all of us will go to the second layer together!" With a slight smile, Zhu Bufan spoke words that left Wang Hui stunned.

"Don't be surprised. As long as we have a sound plan, it should be problem-free. Right, Master Wang Hui, how long until the second layer's gate opens?"

"It should be five days from now." Upon hearing Zhu Bufan's inquiry, Wang Hui subconsciously responded.

"Five days, huh? That should be enough for us to set things up. I still need to carefully consider the detailed plan. I'll tell you all about it once the plan is ready. Also, Emperor Yan's fighting strength is indispensable. I think Emperor Yan should be waking up soon."

"Stop joking. Now that you've said this, but refuse to divulge the specifics, how can I possibly be at ease? I doubt I'd even have the mood for Alchemy. Just tell me first." Seeing Zhu Bufan's mysteriously irritating demeanor, Wang Hui frowned and said to him. He was not a person truly devoid of desires; having such a worry weighing on his mind was not something he could just ignore.

Seeing the urgent and expectant look on Wang Hui's face, Zhu Bufan hesitated for a while and finally leaned in to whisper a few words into Wang Hui's ear.

"What??" Hearing Zhu Bufan's words, Wang Hui's eyes almost popped out, struck with the profoundness of Zhu Bufan's statement, yet upon careful thought, it seemed feasible.

"However, Young Brother Zhu Bufan, have you considered that if we really do this, our risk would be tremendous, and if our guess is wrong, we'd be hunted down by everyone on the first layer. Don't doubt Lanyue Pavilion's influence within the first layer tower." After musing for a long time, Wang Hui finally raised his head to look at Zhu Bufan and said earnestly.

"Heh, of course, I know that." Zhu Bufan said with a smile upon hearing Wang Hui's word of caution, then suddenly, his eyes flashed with a glint, "But if we don't try, we won't have any chance at all. Rather than wasting away here for a lifetime, it is better to take a gamble. I trust your judgment, Master, let's stake our lives on this one chance!"

"Stake our lives on this one chance?" Upon hearing Zhu Bufan's words, a trace of confusion flashed across Wang Hui's eyes which soon vanished, replaced by a firm resolve!

"You're right, I have endured here long enough since I've arrived. It's time to take a gamble, rather than continue living as if imprisoned, better to fight wholeheartedly! I will help you!" Wang Hui, with shining eyes, said seriously to Zhu Bufan.

"Of course, without your help, Master, the success rate of the plan would greatly decrease. So even if you were unwilling, I would have to pull you in with us!" Wang Hui's words made Zhu Bufan chuckle; seeing Zhu Bufan suddenly turned crafty, Wang Hui didn't know what to say, just bitterly smiled and shook his head, "Alright, I should be going. With five days left, I will fervently refine Returning Qi Pills and Purple Solidification Pills. The more Elixirs we have, the more secure our plan will be."

"Heh, then I'll have to trouble you, Master." Chuckling, Zhu Bufan sent Wang Hui away. As soon as he turned around, Zhu Bufan saw a black gleam pass over the bed, and after many days, Emperor Yan reappeared before Zhu Bufan's eyes. Upon seeing Emperor Yan's petite figure, Zhu Bufan revealed a sincere smile.

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