"You..."

"Ah..."

"This..."

Wan Daoyuan and the other two were stunned into speechlessness.

As soon as Elder Sister spoke, Guann Yingjie secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He also felt that it was more reliable for Elder Sister to take action herself, he was just too embarrassed to say the words "I can't make it, you take over."

The three of them were not surprised by Mulan Qingqing's strength, but because of her relationship with Wang Sheng.

Tang Zhen tentatively asked, "Mulan, is it appropriate for you to have a public showdown with him, given your relationship?"

Li Shanshan also asked, "Yeah, will it affect your relationship with each other?"

Mulan Qingqing, "No worry, as long as you guys aren't concerned that I would pull my punches."

In truth, the three of them did harbor such worries, having seen how this woman had defended her man before, they were concerned that she might not be willing to strike hard, potentially sacrificing everyone's interests.

The courage to truly strike could very well be the key to victory.

A juicy morsel right at their doorstep, losing it would naturally be tough to swallow.

As for whether Wang Sheng would hold back, they really didn't care. If he could hold back, all the better, but did that scum seem like someone who would hold back?

Now that Mulan Qingqing had openly addressed this issue, it made the three men feel awkward about appearing too petty.

Wan Daoyuan hypocritically said, "We've overthought it. We have confidence in you; you are someone who can divide personal matters from public duties."

Li Shanshan, "Exactly."

Tang Zhen, "It would be best if you could make a move."

What else could they say? Even Guann Yingjie wasn't confident; could they do any better by stepping in themselves? It would look even worse to lose the benefits and face at the same time.

Guann Yingjie could guess what they were thinking and snorted, "Alright, there's no need for duplicitous words. You can rest assured on this matter. If Elder Sister has stepped forward, she will undoubtedly not neglect the interests of the Sect and will do her utmost without mercy."

This statement eased the three men's worries a bit.

However, Wan Daoyuan still couldn't help showing a wry smile, "Mr. Guann, with what you're saying, could we possibly not trust Mulan?"

He then gestured to the others, "Let's not say things that hurt feelings. He said the time and place are for us to choose. Time and place, let's discuss that. Mulan, when and where do you think you can best exhibit your abilities?"

Mulan Qingqing, "It doesn't matter, if he's not picky, neither am I."

She too had her pride, confident that none of the attendees from Shengshen Continent were her match. Wang Sheng's so-called freedom for them to choose the time and place was somewhat an affront to her pride.

She really wanted to see just how capable Wang Sheng was; she couldn't believe she could be inferior even in terms of combat strength.

Wan Daoyuan waved his hand, "Don't say that. We understand your relationship, but there's no need for vanity in this situation. We can't just be careless. Are you good at night battles or not, don't you know that yourself? If you're good at nocturnal fights, we can start tonight, if not, we'll wait until daytime. We're not being petty, but with the interests of so many people at stake, we can't be careless."

Tang Zhen also said, "Exactly, if Wang Sheng were just an ordinary person, we could have been casual, but since we know his strength is extraordinary, being casual is recklessness. We must not underestimate the enemy."

Guann Yingjie interjected, "Let's wait until daylight then, it's clearer to see things. Just do it on the open ground behind the mountain."

Being from the same Sect, they naturally understood the strengths and weaknesses of their fellow disciples.

The three agreed on this point and since Mulan Qingqing didn't object, it was settled.

Wan Daoyuan and the others then left together...

Xiang Laner arrived.

She came not for anything special, just to see how things would wind up with Shi Chun.

After all, she was on a mission, and before the end of the conference, she wanted to observe more to see if anything previously unnoticed would emerge, to make a definitive conclusion in her final summary.

Upon hearing the news, Wu Jinliang personally went to fetch her, and on the way, Xiang Laner inquired about the situation. Wu Jinliang didn't hide anything and informed her of the current state of affairs.

After entering the cave, she acknowledged Chu Jingtang and the others with a slight nod, still showing signs of having endured a significant shock, keeping up her reticent demeanor. She continued her act among those gathered here.

Not long after she sat down, Master Mai rushed over to Shi Chun, "Master, Wan Daoyuan and his group have arrived. They've agreed to your challenge and request you come out to speak."

Shi Chun, "What can't they directly say here that requires people to run back and forth?"

Master Mai, "That's what I said, but they mentioned it would be better to speak in public to clarify things and to avoid any chances of reneging."

A sly smile appeared on the corner of Shi Chun's lips. With such assurance, it seemed Mulan Qingqing was undoubtedly making a move.

Without making a fuss, she stood up and left.

Apart from those guarding the Insect Extreme Crystal in the cave, anyone who could go outside followed to watch the excitement.

In the end, a motley crowd led by Shi Chun faced off against a group of elite warriors from Xuan State, led by Wan Daoyuan and his two companions, with nearly ten meters between them.

Having learned that Wang Sheng was a top fighter, the attitude of Wan Daoyuan and the others genuinely changed. Their subtle arrogance disappeared, and their smiles became more genuine.

Shi Chun remained silent, waiting.

There was no need for further roundabout talk. Wan Daoyuan looked around at the crowd and formally announced, "Brother Wang, Miss Mulan has spoken. The rest of us will not participate this time. She will personally face your sophisticated techniques and determine who is superior!"

As these words were uttered, exclamations arose, with many of the elite fighters visibly excited, feeling certain of victory. Yet, some harbored doubts, wondering if Mulan Qingqing would publicly suppress her fiancé. How would they get along afterward?

The motley crowd was clearly startled. Everyone knew the name of Master of the House, but no one believed he was a match for Mulan Qingqing.

Xiang Laner, who was observing, took a longer look at Shi Chun, aware that he had long been preparing for a duel with Mulan Qingqing, and now things had indeed come to this pass.

Shi Chun spoke up, "Time and place."

Wan Daoyuan gestured behind him, "Over those two mountains, there's a large clearing. As daylight breaks, let's have our match there. Both sides gather completely, bring all the Insect Extreme Crystals, and the winner takes all. After the match, we'll all leave together, formally concluding this grand gathering. What do you say, Brother Wang? Any objections?"

Shi Chun: "No, that's fine, let's do it that way."

Wan Daoyuan then addressed everyone with a loud voice, "This one battle will decide victory or defeat, ending the strife. The loser shall have no regrets and no further disputes. Does anyone have any objections?"

Many in the crowd looked at each other, with some clearly in turmoil, but in the end, no one spoke up.

After waiting a moment and seeing no one speak, Wan Daoyuan declared decisively, "Good, if there is no opposition, then it's settled! Everyone, disperse and rest."

With a grand wave of his hand indicating the gathering could leave, he then turned to Shi Chun and courteously clasped hands in farewell before turning to leave, having discharged his duty.

Shi Chun also turned to go back into his cave. Passing by the entrance, he said to the guards, "I need to rest and consolidate my energy, spirit, and mind. Without my permission, nobody shall enter lightly."

The matter was thus decided, and he preferred not to waste further words with that motley crew. They were no longer of any concern to him, and he retreated into the cave for some peace and quiet.

"Alright." The guards at the entrance complied, allowing those permitted to enter and then immediately barred the cave entrance.

Soon, they halted Master Mai, who had come seeking information, outside.

In another cave entrance, Mulan Qingqing stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at the distant stars.

After Wan Daoyuan and the others arrived, they reported, "Everything is settled, with no surprises."

Mulan Qingqing nodded slightly to acknowledge the information.

Before departing, Wan Daoyuan added one more comment, "I heard it is you who will fight. Wang Sheng looked very calm, without any reaction."

Mulan Qingqing showed no reaction either. The three men exchanged glances and then withdrew.

Not long after their departure, Mulan Qingqing also returned inside the cave, sat cross-legged, drew the sword from her waist, and took out a white handkerchief. Her delicate fingers pressed the white cloth, repeatedly wiping the sword blade, where the cold flickers of the Sandalwood Gold's purplish gleam twinkled...

In the capital's military drill ground, the scene was bustling even before nightfall, teeming with an unprecedented level of excitement.

Outside the drill ground, various luxurious carriages had gathered, with all sorts of precious spirit beasts pulling carts and distinguished people coming and going, dazzling onlookers from the smaller sects and offering quite the eye-opening experience.

On the last day the grand meeting was due to conclude, perhaps half of the capital was boiling with excitement if not the entire city. The most thrilling moment was about to arrive, and too many people wanted to join in on the excitement, but most lacked the qualifications to enter.

With Elder Xu and Yin Huixing by his side, Sect Leader Bian Jixiong of Wukang Mountain entered the drill ground gates for the first time, inevitably looking around everywhere as he walked.

A sect could only bring three individuals inside, so with the Sect Leader attending, the Wukang Mountain disciple had to wait outside, far from the field; although the drill ground was large, its capacity was limited.

Bian Jixiong wasn't the only Sect Leader there; there were many from sects with participating disciples. Most who could attend had done so.

Even in the capital, it was exceptionally rare for so many Sect Leaders to gather at once.

Elder Ke had just led Bian Jixiong to the Sheng Province seating area and was about to guide him down the aisle to the Wukang Mountain seats when a commanding voice rang out, "Bian Jixiong."

Looking toward the voice, they saw an old man at the forefront, celestial in bearing, clad in white as snow, his temples graying. He raised his hand and beckoned.

Bian Jixiong was taken aback but recognized him as Elder Wu Handong of Jieyun Mountain, second in status only to the Sect Leader. Not daring to delay, he swiftly exited the aisle and approached the front row to greet them, "Elder Wu, Elder Lin is also present."

Elder Wu Handong and the neighboring Elder Lin, both from the top sect in Sheng Province, did not stand up. Their status was not something a Sect Leader of a minor sect like Wukang Mountain could compare with.

However, they wouldn't usually exhibit such arrogance, so their demeanor indicated some displeasure.

Elder Wu began with a public inquiry, "What is the meaning of this, Wukang Mountain? Initially, you collaborated with us from Jieyun Mountain, then one by one you all ran off. I heard you even attacked your own people from Sheng Province and went off to strenuously work for Xuan State. You lot from Wukang Mountain play both sides, what exactly are you trying to accomplish?"

Bian Jixiong, having been briefed on the situation by Elder Ke, understood his daughter's intentions and that she dared to defy the sect's decision. Anger welled up inside him, not to mention the issue with Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, those traitors. It was almost too much for him to bear.

Leaving aside other matters, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang would certainly become targets for execution upon his return, regardless of whether it would appease the Domain Master's fury. He had to show his determination to the Domain Master, as that was the old Sect Leader's wish; he could no longer consider the original plans.

As the Sect Leader of a faction, being publicly chastised by an elder of another sect was somewhat embarrassing, especially with so many other sects watching. His face flushed red and then paled, but it was not appropriate to argue in public.

Not only did he have to restrain himself, but he also had to force a smile, "Our sect's disciples have been inadequate, leading to embarrassment. I've heard your Jieyun Mountain disciples have performed rather well this time, and it seems you've managed to secure a significant number of Insect Extreme Crystals?"

By facing a challenge with praise for others, he managed to alleviate some of the awkwardness and displayed a measure of fortitude that drew the attention of onlookers.

Elder Wu stroked his beard with a faint hint of pride, "I'm not entirely sure; I heard Bai Shuchuan is doing quite well and potentially stands a chance to triumph in Sheng Province. Ah, but that's beside the point. As long as they don't disgrace Jieyun Mountain, that's enough."

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