Zhang Wei's dormitory.
At this moment.
A strange scene unfolded in the dormitory.
A college student was holding a figurine, which resembled a knife, using it to defend against a middle-aged man. The middle-aged man was talking incessantly, and from time to time, the college student would ask questions about the artifact.
"So you mean the figurines that Brother Wei refines, which are artifacts, like this one in my hand, are the cream of the crop among artifacts, and only Brother Wei can refine them."
"Yes."
Yin Yang remained noncommittal.
"I have yet to see anyone with such exquisite craftsmanship who can refine artifacts using such cheap materials. Although I can also use cheap materials to create powerful artifacts, they are definitely not as potent as Zhang Wei's."
"And as far as I know, no one can achieve this currently, and..."
Yin Yang paused, his gaze fixed on the figurine in Li Junfei's hand, and said word for word:
"Zhang Wei's artifact refining is peculiar, and it seems to be more than just this. May I ask you a question?"
"Ask away."
"I want to ask if you know about Zhang Wei refining a national-level artifact? He repaired a damaged artifact in the Land of Thieves, not only mending it but also upgrading it to a national-level artifact. How did he do it?"
Yin Yang's eyes were bright, his curiosity and desire unmasked.
"Uh, I do know about that, but I don't know how Brother Wei managed it."
As soon as Li Junfei spoke.
Yin Yang was about to sigh when, in the next second, a voice unexpectedly came from the dormitory entrance, instantly drawing Yin Yang's attention.
"Artifact refining? Just ask me directly. I didn't expect someone from the Senluo Division to be an artifact refining enthusiast."
The voice was not loud.
But both Yin Yang and Li Junfei heard it and turned their heads. Li Junfei's face lit up with surprise:
"Brother Wei!"
[Ding! Yin Yang... just as the rumors say, Zhang Wei is very protective. He's finally here.]
[Host has gained System Points +1500]
Following that.
Under Yin Yang's gaze, Zhang Wei fearlessly strode into the dormitory, completely unaware if he would be attacked.
"I wonder what the renowned high-ranking official from the Senluo Division wants with me?"
Zhang Wei, not wanting to reveal his system's abilities, feigned ignorance, while shielding Li Junfei behind him, wary of any potential attack from Yin Yang.
"I'm not here to kill you."
Yin Yang, seeing Zhang Wei protect Li Junfei, paid it no mind and waved his hand.
"I won't harm you, nor was I sent by the Senluo Division to kill you. I came to find you myself."
"Find me for what?"
"For artifact refining."
Yin Yang stated directly, his gaze sharp as he pointed at the figurine in Li Junfei's hand.
"Did you refine that? It's very magical, very powerful. How did you do it? Can you teach me? And how did you refine that national-level artifact in the Land of Thieves? I saw that fan before; it was damaged."
As he spoke.
Yin Yang's gaze swept towards the fan at Zhang Wei's waist, recognizing its origin as that national-level artifact.
"I examined that fan. Even if it could be repaired, it would require a significant cost, let alone repairing and upgrading it simultaneously. The difficulty is greater, even more so than refining a national-level artifact. Can you tell me how you refined it?"
"I checked the materials the Weidao Division sent you. Those materials, in my opinion, wouldn't even be enough for repairs. What method did you use to achieve this?"
"Do you think I would tell my enemy, who has tried to kill me several times?"
"I wasn't the one who ordered your pursuit. I'm not the spokesperson for the Senluo Division."
Yin Yang, anticipating Zhang Wei's words, defended himself.
"Whether you believe it or not, I even proposed to the spokesperson not to kill you, because I desperately want your artifact refining methods."
"I truly don't believe you. And even if you protected me, you are still from the Senluo Division. Do you think I would share my artifact refining skills with an enemy?"
"No."
Yin Yang responded without hesitation. Indeed, anyone in his position would have no reason to benefit an enemy; it would be akin to creating trouble for oneself.
But Yin Yang did not give up.
"Then what would it take for you to give me your artifact refining techniques? I can make a trade with you. Whatever you want, I can give it to you. And I can give you what you want first, and then you give me what I want."
Zhang Wei was somewhat surprised by this proposition.
"If you want my artifact refining techniques, why not just kill me? Doesn't your Senluo Division like to rob?"
"If I kill you, I'm afraid you might not have left behind any artifact refining notes. I don't want to leave it to chance."
Yin Yang replied, while still observing Zhang Wei, unable to discern any place where he might be hiding notes on artifact refining, further solidifying his suspicion.
He then continued.
"Tell me, what do you want? I can do my best to get it for you. I can give you information about the Senluo Division, or I can even leave the Senluo Division."
At this moment.
Yin Yang no longer cared about the so-called Suolong Well. Having witnessed the miraculous nature of Li Junfei's figurine, his eyes were solely focused on Zhang Wei's artifact refining techniques. He was willing to betray his allegiance to obtain them, as his initial reason for joining the Senluo Division was also for artifact refining.
As soon as he said this.
Let alone Li Junfei's peculiar expression, even Zhang Wei's eyes lit up.
"To be honest, your offer is tempting. However, leaving the Senluo Division? That sounds easy to say, but it offers me no real benefit. You can always rejoin later, and I can't possibly monitor whether you continue to associate with the Senluo Division."
"And I'm not sure if the information about the Senluo Division you provide will be true."
Yin Yang fell silent for a moment, then pondered.
"You can wait until you verify its authenticity before giving me what I want."
Zhang Wei appeared to be contemplating.
"I must say, your proposal is very appealing, but I still find it hard to believe that you're here solely for artifact refining insights, and that you'd become a traitor for them."
"I am indeed here for artifact refining insights. My purpose for joining the Senluo Division was artifact refining. Now that I have a more desirable artifact refining method, leaving the Senluo Division is not out of the question."
"Is that so? That's just what you say. Without proof, it's just empty words to me."
Zhang Wei replied calmly.
Yin Yang's brow furrowed, not out of anger at being repeatedly tested by Zhang Wei, but because he hadn't expected his identity within the Senluo Division to hinder his pursuit of artifact refining. He felt a sense of helplessness, unsure of what kind of transaction would elicit Zhang Wei's advice.
"Then how do you want me to prove it? You tell me."
[Ding! Yin Yang is troubled... If all else fails, I'll have to resort to the worst possible step: killing Zhang Wei to see if I can find any notes on his person.]
[Host has gained System Points +1600]
...