Facing such coercion, Gong Shixi said nothing more, only that he could not make a decision alone.

After returning to his group, Gong Shixi informed his closest aides, who were fellow disciples from the same sect as well as the other two from Qianyan Sect with Demon Essence in their bodies as seen through Shi Chun's right-eye superpower.

One, an ordinary-looking man named Zhou Wudao, and the other, with narrow eyes, named Xun Lishan.

After hearing the situation, Zhou Wudao couldn't help but curse under his breath, "This Shi Chun is bullying us too much. If things get too desperate, just refuse to agree. We don't have to play their game of luring the tiger away from its mountain. What can they do to me? Would he dare reveal our details?"

Xun Lishan pondered, "It is indeed bullying to some extent, but according to the old method—either you go looking by yourself or you rob others after finding out—besides being less efficient, it involves bigger losses and risks. Dividing it between the three families isn't as comfortable as monopolizing it, but in reality, the efficiency should be much higher. What Shi Chun said isn't wrong, and having Shudao Mountain upfront can indeed save us a lot of trouble. All in all, there are pros and cons to this."

Gong Shixi said, "I'm worried about how to explain to our superiors after we go out."

Hearing this, Zhou and Xun both fell silent. If it had been any other Artifact Refining Sect, the current choice would definitely be a preferred one as it would maximize the gain of Divine Fire.

But for them, if the three families divide it equally, and two sects compete, who will ultimately prevail?

Over at Shi Chun's side, he was also observing the people of Qianyan Sect. After watching for a while, he said to Xu Anzhang, "Brother Xu, can you see that? Their management of Qianyan Sect is much stronger than yours in the Four Cauldron Sect."

Previously, they had reminded Gong Shixi here that there were still people unaware of the connection with the Demon Path and asked Gong Shixi to be careful in his communications with them, but Gong Shixi didn't show similar concerns on his end.

And from the observed situation, it seemed that all twenty people from Qianyan Sect were from the Demon Path, unlike Xu Anzhang's side, which would need to eliminate some of their own disciples to act more freely. It looked like the entire Qianyan Sect could very well be a Demon Path stronghold.

Xu Anzhang said, "You're making things more complicated. Shouldn't you consult me before making such decisions next time?"

Shi Chun casually said, "Brother Xu, do you think you don't stand a chance at all?"

Xu Anzhang was slightly tensed, "What do you mean?"

Shi Chun glanced at him. The meaning wasn't important, what was important was to remind him that he also had a voice and could report upwards after going out, who upper management would believe, those striving tirelessly or those aiming for stability—it was up to him to weigh.

Some things were better left unsaid to avoid hurting the rapport; the main thing is just to cooperate earnestly.

So he simply said, "Nothing much. My point is, when three sects compete, beware of sabotage. Four Cauldron Sect should set someone up to cover for Tong Mingshan."

Xu An fell silent.

On another front at Shudao Mountain, they too were observing their new partners.

After examining for a while, Pang Hou muttered, "Senior uncle, this Qianyan Sect has a very clever way of inserting spies into other sects. It'd be great if we at Shudao Mountain had made such preparations."

Yuan Yao said, "It's not as simple as you think. When the sects recruit disciples isn't for outsiders to decide. The exact timing of arrivals at Divine Fire Domain also varies. The cultivation and Artifact Refining talents of the disciples attending need to match up at the right times, and the selection from them isn't decided by outsiders. There are too many variables, making it difficult to have a designated spy represent other sects at the conference. Yet, Qianyan Sect can do it, which suggests it's not that simple. We should probably keep a close eye on this going forward!"

After each faction pondered its motives internally and negotiated properly, a few leading figures from each came forward.

Shi Chun and Gu Lianni were here initially to discuss the details of the cooperation, but Gong Shixi spoke startlingly, "We've discussed it, and we're used to taking what we can get and not used to sharing with others. You can do as you like; our Qianyan Sect will not participate!"

The scene instantly fell silent, Gu Lianni's group looking at Shi Chun as if asking whether he hadn't said he could handle them, even having the allocation methods drafted.

Xu Anzhang also turned to look at Shi Chun, with a hint of amusement on his lips, somewhat enjoying the spectacle.

Wu Jinliang's expression slightly tensed, his eyes darting around.

Shi Chun himself was also surprised and, after a slight silence, reminded, "One-third of the share might seem less, but once the efficiency increases, the outcome may not necessarily be a loss."

Gong Shixi's stern face cracked a smile, "Do you think it's fitting for us to split it evenly? Even if you have just a bit less than me, I don't think you, Shi Chun, would let us off. Especially since you have Shudao Mountain at your side, what can we do if you join forces?

Shi Chun, no need to beat around the bush, I'll be straightforward. If it were anyone else, I would probably cooperate, but just not with you, Shi Chun!

Your reputation precedes you, Gong has long known of it, who knows what you're plotting? If we really were to cooperate with you, it would be like sleeping with wolves or planning schemes with tigers—I'd be too afraid to sleep, always anxious and worrying. So it's better to keep things simple."

Everyone's eyes once again collectively turned to Shi Chun, their expressions even a bit odd, once again witnessing his notorious reputation.

Shudao Mountain's group could especially sympathize with Gong Shixi, as they had felt the same before.

Shi Chun pursed his lips tightly, also doubting whether he had been too forceful in his efforts to stand out at the Sky Rain Meteor Conference.

But one thing at a time, he calmly said, "So you'd rather give up on the good methods I suggested to you?"

Gong Shixi shook his head slightly, "A favor for a favor, you suggested good methods to us, and we haven't treated you badly either. Didn't we just help you out with a big trouble a moment ago?"

Gong Shixi nodded toward Gu Lianni and her group, lifting his chin to indicate, "So, a good method still needs to be used, and I don't want to get involved in the affairs of Shudao Mountain. I would trouble Brother Chun to calm things down for me. If you must sabotage my work, causing me to fail my mission, then none of us will leave! We will all stay here and accompany the ancients in their eternal sleep. If you don't believe me, you can try!"

Gu Lianni scoffed repeatedly, "Mr. Gong, do you think I would listen to him?"

Gong Shixi flashed an amused smile, not engaging in a verbal dispute with her, and instead turned to Shi Chun, lifting his chin to indicate, "The trouble is yours, and I have made that clear. You deal with it!"

Shi Chun locked eyes with him, pondered for a moment, and suddenly gave the other party a thumbs up, "Clever, quite the man!"

Gong Shixi replied, "It's not worth mentioning, just a forced action!"

Shi Chun gestured with his hand as he spoke, "Allow us to discuss this and then give you a response."

Gong Shixi said nothing and turned to lead his group back to their side.

Gu Lianni abruptly confronted Shi Chun, "Is this the great method you spoke of?"

Shi Chun, expressionless, replied, "Borrow the forces of Shudao Mountain for a moment and surround the forces of the Qianyan Sect."

His words startled everyone.

Especially Xu Anzhang felt compelled to remind, "Don't act rashly, their strength should be formidable; instant annihilation is impossible."

He was well aware that it was impossible to attack in front of outsiders. Even if they could win, once Gong Shixi was pushed to a corner and their identities exposed, could they still quiet Shudao Mountain? They were clearly being blackmailed.

Gu Lianni frowned, "Are you really planning to attack?"

Shi Chun calmly stated, "Not to attack, just to temporarily surround them so I can seize the opportunity to intimidate them. If that doesn't work, we'll see. We can't just let him dictate everything, we need to display some force."

With this, Shudao Mountain naturally had to cooperate. Once Yuan Yao received permission, he immediately darted off to arrange Shudao Mountain's forces.

Suddenly, the forces of Shudao Mountain unexpectedly dashed out, completely surrounding the group from Qianyan Sect.

Those unaware of the situation were thoroughly shocked.

In particular, individuals from Qianyan Sect rapidly drew their weapons and formed a defensive circle back-to-back. Gong Shixi shouted sternly, "Shi Chun, dare to make a wrong move and see what happens!"

Shi Chun ignored him and spoke to the two groups beside him, "Brother Xu, Miss Gu, pretend to negotiate, make it convincing for them."

The two hesitated, unclear of his intent, and just as they were about to question him, Shi Chun had already darted to the outer perimeter of the encircling forces of Shudao Mountain.

Wu Jinliang hurriedly reminded Xu and Gu, "What are you waiting for? Pretend to negotiate."

Reluctantly, the two put on an act of negotiating.

Seeing this, Shi Chun turned back to the encircled Gong Shixi and said, "Brother Gong, I am trying to prevent this, but I'm not in charge here. Let's wait until their negotiations conclude. Please be patient."

Upon hearing this, Gong Shixi tiptoed and peered over, noticing Xu Anzhang talking to Gu Lianni. His expression turned skeptical, puzzled if that man was actually in charge?

He focused his attention on observing Xu Anzhang.

Shi Chun, meanwhile, strolled back with his hands behind him, approached the two pretending to communicate, turned his back toward Gong Shixi, and whispered, "Continue until I return, don't stop, make it look real. Jinliang, keep an eye on them, remind them if it doesn't seem convincing."

Wu Jinliang acknowledged with a sound.

Gu Lianni, without turning her head and seemingly engaging with Xu Anzhang, actually directed her words at Shi Chun, "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Shi Chun hummed, "He claims he has guts, let's make him wait."

Saying so, he casually strolled about, releasing Wind Scale to fly around and survey the area, his right eye's superpower obviously not just for show.

As everyone had already arrived, they could not depart without first locating the Divine Fire hidden there, otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to Shudao Mountain.

Who says they can't chip away at the foundation in the presence of Qianyan Sect, keeping them under watch should do.

The encircled Gong Shixi and his group also saw Shi Chun patrolling in the air. Regardless of whether he was searching for the Divine Fire, they did not take it to heart because it wasn't something one could find by merely looking around in the air.

Gong Shixi was more concerned with Xu Anzhang, especially considering he had previously overlooked him.

While patrolling about ten miles away from the standoff spot, Shi Chun's gaze swept leisurely downward, pausing before landing directly on the ground, and then observing more closely. Vaguely, he could see a deep yellow speck flickering slightly deep underground.

After confirming several times, he rose back into the air, memorized the terrain and location, and flew back to the vicinity of the "negotiation," leisurely strolling back.

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