Divine King of Honour

Everybody around was astonished, looking at Xu Nian.

Apparently, they hadn't expected Xu Nian to be a top-grade Artifact Refiner.

They surely knew what being a top-grade Artifact Refiner meant.

This meant that Black Wind City, in the not-so-distant future, would see its combat power increase many times over.

Thus, Xu Nian would undoubtedly become a great treasure of Black Wind City.

"I say, Brother Xu, you've really kept things hidden well, huh? You're an Artifact Refiner and yet never mentioned it. I wasted my time teaching you how to forge iron," a blacksmith familiar with Xu Nian pointed at him and said.

"Brother An, you never asked me, and besides, I only just broke through to the level of top-grade Artifact Refiner," Xu Nian replied with a smile.

The fellow called Brother An just chuckled, not truly intending to blame Xu Nian.

Wei Feng also stepped before Xu Nian, cupping his hands and saying, "General Wei Feng of Black Wind City formally invites Xu Nian to take the position of Deputy General in the City Guard Army."

"Deputy General?" Xu Nian was startled.

He knew the Deputy General position in Black Wind City had been vacant.

But almost nobody was suitable for the role.

Now that Wei Feng asked him to take the position, how could Xu Nian not be surprised?

"General Wei, I don't think I can bear the responsibility of this Deputy General position!" Xu Nian quickly declined.

First, he was merely here for the Tao Trace Fruit and would be leaving soon.

Second, in terms of strength, many in Black Wind City were stronger than him.

If Xu Nian took on the role of Deputy General, it would be hard to win people's support.

"Brother Xu need not decline. This Deputy General position belongs to you alone. If you can truly forge top-grade Spiritual Artifacts for all of Black Wind City, your contributions will be unmatched," Wei Feng said righteously.

"But..."

Xu Nian wanted to say something more, when suddenly a melodious voice sounded.

"Master Xu need not have any concerns, this Deputy General position belongs to you alone."

Following that, Xu Nian saw a graceful figure approaching from afar.

"Greetings, City Lord!"

The surrounding people, seeing this woman, respectfully bowed.

"City Lord?" Xu Nian was puzzled.

He had been in Black Wind City for quite a while but had never seen the City Lord.

He always thought the City Lord of Black Wind City was a man, but never expected it to be a woman.

This woman looked quite young and wore a white robe.

Not only was she breathtakingly beautiful, but she also exuded a certain heroism.

Of course, this wasn't the main reason for Xu Nian's astonishment.

The real reason was that he couldn't discern the City Lord's cultivation level.

But from her aura, he sensed that the City Lord had already reached the Earth Immortal realm.

"Xu Nian pays respect to the City Lord!" Xu Nian respectfully greeted the female City Lord.

Regardless of other factors, just the cultivation of this woman made Xu Nian dare not disrespect her.

"Master Xu, no need for formalities," the female City Lord said with a smile.

She then turned her head to Elder Wang and said, "Huo Xian greets Elder Wang."

Elder Wang nodded, looking at the female City Lord with affection in his eyes.

Seeing this scene, Xu Nian understood the relationship between Elder Wang and the female City Lord was profound.

For this young woman to achieve such cultivation at such a young age, Elder Wang undoubtedly played a part.

"Elder Wang, is your health somewhat improved lately?" the female City Lord named Huo Xian asked.

"Same old, no need to mention," Elder Wang waved off.

Huo Xian's eyes showed a tinge of sorrow.

"Anything stirring on the Black Dragon City side?" Elder Wang continued to ask.

Upon hearing Elder Wang's question, the female City Lord's face revealed an intense expression, snorting coldly, "That Black Dragon has begun stirring. With the Destroying Immortal Needle in its hands, it constantly harasses our Black Wind City. I'm afraid a war might erupt soon."

Elder Wang nodded.

Everything was as he expected.

"Huo Xian, leave Xu Nian in your hands. Treat him well, for he might become Black Wind City's savior," Elder Wang said to the female City Lord.

"Don't worry, Elder Wang. As long as Master Xu can forge more top-grade Spiritual Artifacts, we can fend off Black Dragon City's invasion," the female City Lord said with determination, her eyes shining with resolve.

Elder Wang glanced at Huo Xian, saying no more.

Xu Nian's worth surely went beyond Artifact Refining.

But the truth of it hardly depended on words.

"I'm planning to leave for a while. If Black Dragon City attacks during this time, you'll have to rely on yourselves," Elder Wang seemed to decide something.

Xu Nian instantly noticed Huo Xian's eyes turn red.

"Elder Wang, are you planning to enter the Forbidden Land?" Huo Xian asked.

"Yes, I have less than twenty years left of life. If I don't give it a shot now, it will be truly over," Elder Wang said, his tone heavy with melancholy.

Forbidden Land?

Xu Nian felt anxious.

Was Elder Wang really planning to enter the Forbidden Land?

But from his expression, it was like the look of someone going to face death.

Is the Forbidden Land really that terrifying?

"Elder Wang, I understand that no one can change your decision. Since you've resolved to enter the Forbidden Land, I can only wish you success," Huo Xian took a deep breath, calming herself as she spoke.

Elder Wang nodded and then turned to leave.

Everyone watched Elder Wang's departing figure, eyes filled with melancholy and respect.

Xu Nian also bowed with gratitude in the direction Elder Wang left.

"Master Xu, follow me," Huo Xian said with a smile to Xu Nian after watching Elder Wang leave.

Xu Nian realized he couldn't see through the thoughts of the woman before him.

This woman's shrewdness was deeper than those old foxes.

Apart from exposing genuine emotion at Elder Wang's departure, her eyes remained serene.

"Yes, City Lord!"

Xu Nian nodded.

He then followed Huo Xian towards the City Lord Mansion.

Soon, Xu Nian was led to a courtyard in the City Lord Mansion.

"Please sit!"

Huo Xian sat on a stone stool in the courtyard, gesturing for Xu Nian to sit opposite.

Xu Nian pondered for a moment and sat down.

"May I ask why the City Lord summoned me here?" Xu Nian asked Huo Xian.

Though the person before him was a woman, Xu Nian still felt tremendous pressure.

"Master Xu, no need to be nervous. I simply want to ask you for two favors," Huo Xian said with a smile.

"Please speak, City Lord. As long as it's something I can accomplish, I will give it my all," Xu Nian responded, curious as to what the City Lord might ask.

"Since that's the case, I'll speak plainly. The first matter is to request Master Xu to forge a hundred top-grade Spiritual Artifacts within five years. Elder Wang's news can at most be concealed for five years, and by then Black Dragon City will receive word and surely launch attacks on us," Huo Xian said.

"Regarding this issue, there's no need for the City Lord to worry. I will accomplish it, rest assured," Xu Nian replied respectfully.

Huo Xian nodded.

She wasn't surprised at Xu Nian's reply.

So she smiled and continued, "The second matter is actually a personal issue. I hope you can help me with a cure!"

"A cure?" Xu Nian was astonished.