It sounds like there really are six Divine Fires.

Everyone on Shudao Mountain was on guard against this trickster, knowing his words couldn't be trusted, especially Gu Lianni and Yuan Yao.

But at this moment, they were all trying to convince themselves, "What harm is there in trying?"

So Gu Lianni said, "As long as you can produce six Divine Fires, I will agree to your conditions."

Shi Chun said, "As I've told you, once we have an agreement, you will see the Divine Fire immediately."

Chu Jingtang and An Wuzhi also saw that the Master was seizing the opportunity. They felt genuinely interested in cooperating with Shudao Mountain. The glint in their eyes was unmistakable. With such a powerful sect as a partner, the journey ahead would surely be much smoother, not to mention the potential share of Divine Fire.

They weren't fools and recognized the wisdom in this decision.

The group from Shudao Mountain exchanged glances. The use of words like "immediately" made deceit seem less likely.

However, judging by their appearance, it didn't seem like they were carrying any Divine Fire. It's well known that Divine Fire affects spaces, which is why Xun Gate couldn't be established in the Divine Fire Domain—artifacts like the Qiankun Bag can't contain it.

Gu Lianni uttered an "Oh," "You mean, I just have to verbally agree, and you'll let me see six Divine Fires?"

If it were really that simple, she would have no reason to refuse; it would be all too easy to agree. Yet, she suspected things couldn't be so straightforward.

Shi Chun said, "Correct, a verbal agreement is all it takes. But there are conditions to such an agreement; you must make a poisonous oath."

Gu Lianni thought for a moment, "Fine, I can make a poisonous oath, but if you can't produce the six Divine Fires, you know the consequences."

Shi Chun said, "I will, of course, take responsibility for my words. However, I would prefer you not use your own safety for the oath."

Gu Lianni was confused, "What do you mean?"

The others, including An Wuzhi and Chu Jingtang, were also puzzled, not understanding the Master's roundabout approach.

Shi Chun added, "It's nothing. Some people don't care about their own lives. I wouldn't trust such an oath, even if the Sect Leader of your sect personally made it."

At the mention of her father, Gu Lianni flew into a rage, and the faces of the Shudao Mountain disciples changed dramatically.

This was exactly what Shi Chun wanted to see. Sensing its effectiveness, he raised his hand to stop Gu Lianni before she could respond, "Hey, I meant no disrespect. I'm speaking this way because I am indeed serious about this cooperation. I don't trust oaths regarding personal safety.

I've heard that your Sect Leader is your father. If you can make a poisonous oath in front of all the fellow disciples of Shudao Mountain, risking your Sect Leader's safety—say your oath is that if Shudao Mountain breaks this promise, your Sect Leader will not die peacefully.

If you make this oath, I will believe you immediately. Even if you later break the agreement, I'll accept my fate! Is what I'm saying clear and simple enough?"

The expressions of the Shudao Mountain disciples turned strange again as they stealthily observed Gu Lianni's reaction.

Gu Lianni stared coldly at Shi Chun, and after a while, she said slowly, "Are you certain you can bring out six Divine Fires now?"

Shi Chun: "What benefit would I have in deceiving you?"

Gu Lianni: "Can you bring them out now, immediately?"

Shi Chun nodded, "Absolutely, as soon as we have agreed, it will all become clear in a moment."

Gu Lianni: "According to what you've proposed, if you can't find the Divine Fire later, wouldn't Shudao Mountain, even if we found enough Divine Fire by our own power, be unable to compete for the first place when we get out?"

Shi Chun: "Miss Gu is worrying too much. If Mingshan Sect can't find any Divine Fire later, by what right could we compete for first place? My condition is that Shudao Mountain must not compete with Mingshan Sect for first place, not that you can't compete with other sects. If Mingshan Sect is not qualified, how could there be a situation where Shudao Mountain needs to compete with Mingshan Sect for first place?"

He knew the deal was nearly closed when she asked this question.

Gu Lianni then turned to look at Yuan Yao beside her, "What do you think?"

Yuan Yao looked utterly terrified, thinking he had no right to decide whether or not to make a poisonous oath concerning the Sect Leader's safety; after all, the Sect Leader wasn't his father. He wouldn't be able to bear the responsibility if something unexpected happened.

For disciples like him, some matters required more caution than facing life-and-death battles.

He hastily deflected, "The decision lies with our elder here; it all depends on the elder's judgment."

Gu Lianni understood him; his lack of opposition was, in itself, a stance.

After sizing up the other disciples of Shudao Mountain one more time, she made her decision and pointed at Shi Chun, "Alright, Shi Chun, I will agree to your conditions, but remember, if you dare to deceive me, I will make you regret ever being born into this world!"

Shi Chun replied, "If there is half a lie, I'm at your disposal!"

Gu Lianni retorted, "What if you break the agreement halfway through?"

Shi Chun sighed, "I simply want Shudao Mountain's assistance; why would I break the agreement? If I do, wouldn't that mean Shudao Mountain could break it too? I would also like to swear, but I have no father or mother to swear on. If I swore on my Sect Master, I guess you wouldn't believe me anyway."

Gu Lianni: "Then put up something as collateral."

Shi Chun paused for a moment, then tentatively asked, "The things we have on us probably won't suffice. What would you like for collateral?"

Gu Lianni pointed at An Wuzhi, "I want him and the Divine Fire in his possession as collateral."

Many of the Shudao Mountain disciples nodded silently, thinking it was a good plan. Having a hostage was secondary; seizing the Divine Fire was what mattered. If the other party broke the agreement or deceived them, they wouldn't be at a loss. Obtaining a single Divine Fire would be better than nothing.

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