Chapter 41 - Elephant Lord’s Payback

Reading Han Wu's expression, Tian Wen understood the student's thoughts. Tian Wen, in his capacity as a teacher, decided to provide some guiding advice.

“Han Wu, for someone at your stage, 1 billion Divine Points is an overwhelming sum. I suggest you reserve a portion for the upkeep and development of your divine realm and utilize the remainder to purchase a powerful God weapon.”

“A God weapon?”

Han Wu was aware of the four tiers of equipment used in the Divine Civilization: Common, Faith, Divine, and God. However, he also understood that God-ranked equipment was exclusively for the use of Gods.

“Being only a Divine Being, and not even a Demigod, can I even wield a God weapon?”

“Selecting a less intense God weapon should resolve any potential issues. There are likely God-ranked items that even a Divine Being such as yourself can wield. I am acquainted with a shopkeeper who specializes in God equipment, and I can assist you in your selection,” Tian Wen said, patting his chest with confidence.

Han Wu, excited to get his first God weapon, urged, “Let’s go then!”

Just as they were about to leave, however, someone called for them. “Locust Plague! I’ve finally found you!”

Seeing a familiar figure rushing towards him, Han Wu dove behind Tian Wen like a startled cat behind a sofa, tightly clutched his teacher’s clothes and pleaded, “Protect your lucky star, Mr. Tian!”

Han Wu recognized the approaching figure as the Elephant Lord, the same Demigod he had just defeated. He immediately anticipated the Elephant Lord's intent to exact revenge for the decimation of half his army.

Tian Wen, sharing Han Wu's apprehension, stepped forward to shield his student, challenging, “Who would be so unwise as to try and injure my student?”

Rendered speechless by Tian Wen’s immediate protective action, stopped dead in his tracks. “Wait a moment,” he clarified. “There's been a misunderstanding. I have not come seeking revenge.”

Han Wu sighed in relief, perceiving the Elephant Lord's sincerity. “If you're not here to avenge your army, what brings you here? I can’t pay you back for the loss of your army.”

The Elephant Lord’s face darkened as the memory of his miscalculation and subsequently humiliating defeat resurfaced. He had lost both a substantial portion of his army and his reputation.

Overcome with embarrassment, he wished the ground would just open and swallow him up. With a sigh, he explained, “I’m here because I wish to be your friend. I find your strength truly remarkable, and I admire your abilities.

Oh

, by the way, I’m Xiang Meng, a first year student at Imperial College.”

Xiang Meng extended his hand to Han Wu and shook it.

“You attend Imperial College? I am truly honored to make your acquaintance,” Han Wu remarked, genuinely surprised and pleased.

Xiang Meng inquired, “You appear to be quite young. Have you not yet taken the entrance examinations? Are you currently on the reserve list for any colleges?”

Han Wu’s hand reflexively moved to the mask his teacher had given him, designed to conceal his personal information. Despite this, Xiang Meng had somehow inferred that he was not yet a college student.

“I’m not on any reserve list. I’m just a regular high schooler.”

“What? You can’t be serious! That’s impossible, utterly impossible! You’re joking, aren’t you?”

The guy I lost half my army to, the famous Locust Plague, is just a regular highschooler?!

Xiang Meng screamed inwardly.

Han Wu stated, “I have no reason to lie to you. My teacher here can confirm what I'm saying,” as he gestured towards the nodding Tian Wen.

“Indeed, my student has not been placed on any reserve lists. Actually, he has turned down offers and invitations from multiple colleges, as he is only interested in attending Imperial College. Regrettably, the Imperial College recruiter failed to recognize the potential in his units.”

Xiang Meng, amused by the revelation, responded, “Ah, I see. You are quite ambitious. Imperial College is, without a doubt, the most prestigious of the top three institutions. How about you become my junior? I will provide a recommendation to the college, which should ease the examination process for you. Once you return, focus on training your core race and seize the opportunity to secure a place on the Imperial College reserve list.”

With a tone of astonishment, Han Wu inquired, “You're willing to do that for me?” He had braced himself for retaliation, particularly after decimating half of Xiang Meng's army, and found the offered kindness unexpected.

With a jovial laugh, Xiang Meng clarified, “It's not merely out of a desire for friendship that I’m offering my assistance. I also want allies. The path to becoming a God is long and arduous, and having reliable allies is invaluable. I believe you possess the strength to be a worthy ally.

“Additionally, I will receive a bonus from the college if you successfully pass the entrance exams. I will never turn down a free reward. Moreover, I can only recover the losses sustained by my army if you agree to become my junior. Should you enroll in another college, I fear that I would be unable to seek any form of compensation from you,

hahaha

.”

Seeing how sincere and down-to-earth he was, Han Wu felt a greater sense of trust.

“Then I will have to thank Senior Xiang in advance.”

“No worries, but don't get overconfident because of this win. Instead, you need to dedicate your efforts to the development and enhancement of your core race. Aim to nurture one or two Heroic life forms, as the Imperial College enrollment examinations are very challenging.”

Given Xiang Meng's repeated emphasis on training his core race, Han Wu understood that the enrollment exams would most likely center on that aspect. He resolved to prioritize the development of his core race from that moment on.

Once they had bid Xiang Meng farewell, Han Wu and Tian Wen teleported to Wan Bao Street, a street lined with shops that specialized in the sale of equipment. The shops showcased equipment from all four tiers, ranging from the basic Common equipment to the highly coveted God equipment. It appeared that the shops had everything.

𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Tian Wen guided him towards a small and unassuming shop.

Treasure Pavilion... That’s a very old-fashioned name,

Han Wu thought, glancing at the worn sign above the shop’s entrance.

With a gesture, Tian Wen invited, “Come, let’s go in,” and proceeded through the doors into the old shop. They were met by a beautiful Demigod who welcomed them with genuine enthusiasm, showing Han Wu no prejudice despite his status as a Divine Being.

“Welcome to our establishment, the Treasure Pavilion. How may I be of assistance to you both? Are you interested in a specific equipment rank, or would you like to speak with one of our expert Blacksmiths?”

“Kindly inform Master Tony that old Tian has arrived for a visit.”

Upon hearing the blacksmith’s name, Han Wu furrowed his brow.

Master Tony? Is he a master in forging God equipment?

The Demigod contacted Master Tony through their private internal communication system. Shortly after, a gate materialized, and the teacher-student duo proceeded through it, finding themselves within Master Tony's workroom.

Han Wu immediately noticed a bald man with muscles subtly defined under his fatty physique within the workroom, his rough skin glistening with perspiration as he wielded a hammer and a pair of pliers.

Turning to face them, the man bluntly asked, “Old Tian, did you bring me some fat lamb this time?” Han Wu, upon hearing this, questioned his decision to trust Tian Wen and wished to be elsewhere.