This acquaintance was none other than the one who, while Xu Fan was "unconscious," conspired with Mu Lao to devour Xu Fan's Divine Sense. Xu Fan suspected that this person was likely the Guardian of the Divine Arms Pavilion.

Clearly, Mu Lao had long noticed the commotion here. To avoid arousing Xu Fan's suspicion, Mu Lao did not stop Xu Fan's actions and sent an elderly man whom Xu Fan had supposedly never seen before to monitor Xu Fan at all times.

Being able to mobilize the forces within the base freely and seemingly able to leave the base at will, it was evident that the four of Mu Lao were not prisoners, nor were they minor figures. Their power in this base was likely astounding!

Although countless thoughts flashed through Xu Fan's mind at this moment, his face remained calm. He silently stood in place, eyeing the old man in front of him as if evaluating a stranger.

Unlike Xu Fan's casual demeanor, Li Hua and the other two, who were just now sneering at Xu Fan, all looked alarmed when facing the elderly man.

"Old Xie, why have you come? What is this...?"

Old Xie also pretended to meet Xu Fan for the first time, not even glancing at him. He cast a faint look at Li Hua and explained, "This mission is extremely arduous. You four are the pillars of the base. Should any mishap occur, the base would be short of four battle instructors."

"The grand competition is about to start, and we cannot afford such a loss. Thus, the higher-ups decided to send me to secretly protect you."

Although Old Xie explained politely to Li Hua, the tone of his voice was indisputable, leaving Li Hua and the other two no room to resist.

Li Hua and the other two were now utterly bewildered.

We have often gone on missions without you ever showing up. Why on this day have you suddenly dealt us the favor of secretly protecting us?

Li Hua looked at Xu Fan, who was casually standing by, puzzled about whether Old Xie had come for Xu Fan. When did the base begin to value a nobody like Xu Fan so much, or was Old Xie Xu Fan's trump card?

Feng Wu, who had been silent, stepped forward, gave a charming smile to Old Xie, and said, "Old Xie, don't you usually guard the Divine Arms Pavilion? If you're here to protect us, what about the Pavilion?"

"Moreover, isn't the mission target just a Mortal Grade Vajra Realm Peak Loose Cultivator? The four of us together shouldn't require Old Xie to intervene."

Clearly, Old Xie's sudden appearance had disrupted everyone's plans. Although Feng Wu's words seemed somewhat disrespectful, they did express the doubts in everyone's minds.

However, Old Xie did not bother to elucidate anyone. Upon hearing Feng Wu's words, he slightly furrowed his brows, and an overwhelming aura suddenly erupted, enveloping Feng Wu within it.

"Are you questioning the base's orders, or do you think I'm too old to protect you?"

Old Xie's words were somewhat arbitrary. Although Feng Wu wasn't particular about her speech, she showed no disrespect.

Yet, due to Old Xie's formidable power and status, even in the face of such unfairness, Feng Wu had no choice but to swallow her pride.

"I wouldn't dare..."

Yet, Feng Wu's humble demeanor seemed insufficient to quell Old Xie's anger. He coldly swept a glance at Li Hua and the others, "Do you think I'm eager to stay behind you to complete this little mission? The orders are from above; if anyone is dissatisfied, feel free to take it up with them!"

These words carried some irritation, indicating that Old Xie was equally reluctant to protect the four of them.

Watching Old Xie's demeanor, Xu Fan sneered inwardly. These four old guys, Mu Lao and his brothers, each outperformed the other in acting and disguise. Truly worthy of being four brothers! If Xu Fan hadn't uncovered their conspiracy, he might have been deceived by Old Xie.

"You four, get on the plane immediately! The sooner you finish the mission, the sooner I can return!"

"Let me make it clear upfront: if anyone tries to play tricks along the way or does something I dislike, delaying my return to the base, I won't go easy on them! Understood?"

Under Old Xie's icy gaze, Li Hua and the others boarded the helicopter dejectedly, harboring resentment toward Xu Fan in their hearts.

Ever since encountering Xu Fan, it seemed like they hadn't had any good fortune...

Xu Fan pretended to be grateful, clasping his hands toward Old Xie in thanks, while Old Xie wore a compassionate look, nodded smilingly at Xu Fan.

Their expressions quickly turned cold and calm as they turned away. The helicopter kicked up a fierce wind and roared away, while the persistent onlookers gazed at the departing aircraft with dumbfounded expressions.

Just now, everyone had taken Xu Fan as a negative example, many privately warning themselves never to emulate Xu Fan, lest they end up like him.

However, Old Xie's appearance struck their faces like a fierce slap, leaving them starstruck.

Who was Old Xie? The Guardian of the Divine Arms Pavilion! His status was immensely high and noble. Regardless of any young geniuses from the Hidden World Families, they must behave impeccably before Old Xie.

Such a person could not possibly humble himself for a trivial mission to escort Xu Fan and the others. Who among them deserved to receive Old Xie's protection?

The crowd was no fool; it was crystal clear that Old Xie had come to protect Xu Fan! The friendly interaction between them when boarding reinforced this notion.

Who was Xu Fan? A newly emerged instructor, reputedly earning the third place on the Earth List by sheer luck. Such a person wouldn't normally merit attention from Old Xie, much less compare to Li Hua and the others.

Yet, here Old Xie was, personally attending to the matter and speaking coldly to Li Hua and the others while being quite affable toward Xu Fan. The message was unmistakable.

Moreover, even more shocking was Old Xie saying that his presence wasn't his idea but a command from above, compelling Old Xie to personally come.

This revelation sent a chill down everyone's spine.

The people above Old Xie? How terrifying could they be?

At this point, everyone realized an issue: this new instructor Xu Fan seemed not as simple as he appeared...

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