He Yiming's smile remained unchanged. He chuckled dryly, "Brother Wei, have you forgotten that the Five Elements Ring is my natal divine weapon? Do you think such a divine weapon can be easily gifted to another?"

Wei Jinshun waved his hand slightly. "Elder He, we are not asking for your Five Elements Ring for free. We wish to make a trade with you." With a flip of his wrist, he produced an ancient longsword and a long whip made of unknown material.

A faint ripple of power emanated from both weapons. Although the fluctuation was not intense, it possessed a quality that shook the heart and soul.

Everyone present was a top-tier expert in the world, and they immediately sensed the formidable nature of these two divine weapons. While they were not true Divine Artifacts, they could be considered imitations that ranked just below them.

"These are two imitation Divine Artifacts from our sect's collection. The divine might they possess is absolutely no less than the imitation Five Elements Ring. If Brother He is willing to relinquish the Five Elements Ring, we are prepared to exchange these two imitation Divine Artifacts." Wei Jinshun paused slightly. "Elder He's current Five Elements Ring is also an imitation Divine Artifact. Exchanging one for two—no matter how you look at it, you are not suffering a loss."

He Yiming's gaze flickered over the two imitation divine weapons. Although he was mentally prepared, he had to admit that the opponent's statement contained no exaggeration.

If he himself were not a cultivator versed in all five elements, the rough form of this Five Elements Ring would indeed be less valuable than these two imitation divine artifacts.

Smiling faintly, He Yiming said, "Brother Wei, since you possess two such powerful, top-tier imitation Divine Artifacts, why not let Sect Master Ao Borui choose one? Why bother coveting my natal divine weapon?"

The conversation between the two had long since captured everyone's attention. Although Liu Mu remained silent, the others watched coolly from the side, subtly exerting a measure of pressure on Wei Jinshun.

Ao Minxing suddenly let out a long sigh and stepped out from behind Wei Jinshun.

The status of this elder here was far beyond what Wei Jinshun could compare to. Although both were Pseudo-God realm experts, Wei Jinshun had only recently advanced, a fact that could not be compared to him.

Thus, when this person stepped forward, Liu Mu instinctively moved forward slightly, his heart filled with vigilance as well.

Ao Minxing looked coldly at He Yiming. "Elder He, the Five Elements Ring in your hand is merely a crude embryo. At most, it can only exert the power of an imitation Divine Artifact. Furthermore, to my knowledge, its greatest power is now useless to you, having already advanced to the Divine Path. Therefore, in your hands, it is essentially a useless burden. These two divine weapons are different. While they lack the supreme magical ability of the Five Elements Ring, they can be wielded using divine power, which can elevate your strength by another level within half a month."

He Yiming's eyebrows twitched slightly. He spoke deliberately, word by word, "Mr. Ao. If these two imitation Divine Artifacts are so potent, why do you not bestow them upon Sect Master Ao Borui for his use?"

Ao Minxing slowly shook his head. "Borui's cultivation technique is incompatible with these two divine weapons. However, your technique does not seem to reject these imitation Divine Artifacts."

He Yiming's heart clenched. His cultivation across multiple systems had indeed been spread around, likely becoming common knowledge.

His smile faded, and He Yiming said solemnly, "Mr. Ao, the Five Elements Ring is my natal divine weapon. Giving it away would cause me immense harm. Therefore, please forgive my inability to comply."

Ao Minxing gazed deeply at He Yiming, finally suppressing his rising anger. "Elder He, since we have all come here together, we must share the hardship. To deal with those Death Creatures, we must exert our utmost power. This is the ancient agreement of all Divine Path cultivators and Divine Beasts; no one can violate it."

He Yiming looked at him quizzically and replied casually, "Mr. Ao speaks the truth. That is precisely why I helped you modify the Thunderbolt Spear."

Ao Minxing's brow furrowed slightly. He seemed somewhat embarrassed, but this concerned his sect's ultimate treasure, so he had no choice but to disregard appearances.

"Elder He, I will be frank. Within our sect, there is a secret technique that can elevate the Five Elements Ring into a true Divine Artifact within one month. If you are willing to return the Five Elements Ring to Sect Master Borui, he will undoubtedly be able to unleash far greater power, slay more Death Creatures, which benefits us all."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of those present subtly shifted.

The new generation of Divine Path experts had never witnessed the might of a true Divine Artifact, so they could only imagine it in their minds. However, the older generation had all witnessed the power of the Five Elements Ring held by Ao Minxing.

Having this Divine Artifact versus not having it represented two entirely different matters. Ao Minxing was known among the veteran Divine Path cultivators as the foremost among humans—even the Ma Yu couple and the Bicephalous White Tiger dared not provoke him lightly—precisely because of the immense power of the Divine Artifact Five Elements Ring.

However, after hearing this proposal, people began to secretly calculate in their hearts.

The current strength of the Five Elements Sect was already unparalleled here. If they were to obtain a Divine Artifact Five Elements Ring as well, how powerful would they become?

He Yiming's gaze shifted, and he suddenly looked up, proclaiming loudly, "Divine Dragon Lord, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

The Divine Dragon looked at him silently for a long time, then rumbled, "I do not concern myself with human affairs. However, anything that can enhance our overall strength would be for the best."

He Yiming's heart slowly sank. He finally confirmed that this seemingly impartial Divine Dragon was, at its core, still biased towards the Five Elements Sect.

Liu Mu's face changed slightly. He slowly advanced a few steps, arriving behind He Yiming. Di Shitian followed close behind. Zi Duli and Bing Xiaotian exchanged a glance; they also moved to Di Shitian's side. Bao Yanzhu let out a long sigh and slowly followed. As for Mou Zilong, he walked very decisively to He Yiming's other side, his expression stern and expressionless.

Ao Minxing glanced coldly at Bao Yanzhu. "Brother Bao, Brother Mou, are you also going to interfere?"

Bao Yanzhu gave a wry smile. "Elder He is indeed a Divine Path Elder of the Tianchi lineage, but he is also the Chief Guest Elder of my Lingxiao Treasure Hall. I, old man, cannot stand idly by in any case."

Mou Zilong chuckled, "Brother Ao, I, Mou, am merely a rogue cultivator and have no right to interfere. However, Brother He has just finished modifying the Thunderbolt Spears for everyone, severely draining his essence. If he were to be bullied at this time, my conscience simply wouldn't allow it." With a flip of his wrist, a Thunderbolt Spear appeared in his hand, which he gently balanced. "One should not repay kindness with enmity."

A chilling aura slowly emanated from him. Everyone knew that if a fight truly broke out, he would unhesitatingly launch this sharp weapon.

Ao Minxing's aged face showed a trace of green. He understood the implicit mockery in the words. If he had a choice, he would not seek conflict at this moment. But with the mass arrival of the Death Creatures imminent, he needed to maximize Ao Borui's strength in the shortest possible time, and seizing the Five Elements Ring was undoubtedly the best way to achieve that.

Leopold and Luke exchanged glances and walked forward in silence.

Luke said slowly, "Brother Mou, modifying the Thunderbolt Spears was indeed an important task, but it was for everyone's benefit. As for Brother Ao's proposal, it stems from the same objective. Even Brother Divine Dragon said that anything that can enhance our strength is permissible, is it not?"

He Yiming looked at the two, sighing inwardly. As expected, they were now arrayed against him. Fortunately, they were in this location; if they were outside, these two would likely have attacked already.

Ma Yu's eyes darted, and he chuckled, "Everyone, let's talk this over. Now is not the time for internal strife."

Liu Mu and the others were filled with anxiety. Although the numbers on both sides were similar, the gap in actual strength was glaringly obvious. Facing four Pseudo-God realm experts, plus that supreme Divine Beast who was intentionally or unintentionally dragging his feet, anyone would feel their scalp tingle.

He Yiming pondered for a moment, then smiled broadly, "Brother Ao, I actually have a solution that benefits both parties."

Ao Minxing said gravely, "Speak."

"Brother Ao mentioned a secret technique that can elevate the Five Elements Ring to a Divine Artifact, correct? Why not teach this secret technique to me? Although my martial cultivation is also in the Virtual God realm, I am confident that wielding a Divine Artifact, the power I can unleash will certainly not be inferior to Sect Master Borui's." He Yiming stated righteously.

Liu Mu and the others were first stunned, then they couldn't help but let out wry smiles. Only He Yiming would propose such a solution.

Ao Minxing's face immediately turned ashen. He said coldly, "Our sect's secret technique cannot be taught to outsiders."

He Yiming's expression became serious. "We are all trapped here now; we ought to work together wholeheartedly. What is the meaning of clinging to sectarian boundaries? If Brother Ao is truly acting for the public good, he should reveal this secret technique." He stood tall and proud. "I guarantee that the power the Five Elements Ring releases in my hands will definitely surpass that of Sect Master Borui."

Ao Minxing fell silent. Having witnessed both He Yiming and Ao Borui, any person with a discerning eye could confirm this fact.

After a long pause, Ao Minxing suddenly laughed, "Elder He, to elevate the crude form of the Five Elements Ring to a Divine Artifact requires the great divine power of the artifact Five Elements Ring in my hands to be greatly depleted. Even if this secret technique were revealed, you could not accomplish it." He suddenly turned, pointing at Wei Jinshun. "The Five Elements Ring in your hand can be given to Elder Wei for his use. I believe this divine artifact can unleash greater power in his hands than in yours, correct?"

A glint of joy immediately flashed in Wei Jinshun's eyes. He desperately suppressed the excitement in his heart, allowing no emotional fluctuation to show.

As disciples of the Five Elements Sect, especially those who had advanced to the Divine Path, they naturally could not refuse this intoxicating condition.

He Yiming looked at Wei Jinshun, a slight, wicked fire beginning to burn in his heart.

"If my memory serves me correctly, Brother Wei has only recently advanced to the Pseudo-God realm, has he not?"

"Correct. I advanced only a month ago," Wei Jinshun replied casually. "Does Brother He wish to spar with me?"

He Yiming nodded deeply. "That is exactly my intention."

For a moment, the surroundings became utterly silent. Other than the howling of the strong wind, not another sound could be heard.

Ps: Four updates today, two more tonight, asking for monthly tickets...