She knew very well that if these people really charged up and attacked them, there wouldn't be much temper left for Shudao Mountain to show. The principle of "laws don't punish the masses" applies everywhere. Shudao Mountain still wants to maintain a foothold in the Artifact Refining World; it's impossible for them to hold every sect accountable. At most, they would target a few individuals to vent their frustrations.

The fact that these people dared to come here in this manner clearly showed they were confident in their calculations.

If the circumstances were unfavorable, bending would be the only choice.

Of course, while they had already prepared to humble themselves, even when compromising, the act had to retain some air of dignity. The face of a major sect had to be upheld, even if it was only an empty shell.

Sweeping her eyes across the ragtag mix of surrounding sects, Gu Lianni pointed in a circle and reprimanded sternly, "What are you trying to do?"

Behind her, a longsword had already shot halfway out of its sheath with a sharp **swish**, emitting a fluctuating green radiance that soared skyward with an imposing aura—an unnerving sight.

Xu Anzhang and Youu Mu, caught between the opposing sides, had witnessed the power of this sword from afar. It had made short work of an Ice Jiao of the Earth Immortal Realm, as easily as slicing through melons and vegetables. If not for the Ice Jiao's unusual ability to repeatedly restore itself even after being shattered, ordinary Earth Immortal experts would've already been slaughtered countless times over.

A magical treasure that could cleave Earth Immortal beings like slicing melons and vegetables—its power was beyond imagination.

The sheer force it deliberately emitted caused the faces of many sect disciples to change, instinctively retreating a step in fear.

Although ordinary magical treasures were rare in the Cultivation World, especially in the Artifact Refining sect congregations of the Divine Fire Domain, a place where treasures frequently surfaced—not even the grand sights of this gathering could change the fact that most disciples had never once wielded treasures themselves.

Operating their sect's treasures required core disciples, the essence of each sect.

The sect disciples who had joined the "push-the-wall" campaign remained tight-lipped, fearful of stepping forth unnecessarily. This wasn't their moment to shine or to seek trouble; there would be someone higher up raising their flag.

Regardless of the sect's size, everyone's understanding of the situation was crystal clear.

Yin Tianlu cast another glance toward Refining Heaven Sect, noticing Zuo Zisheng's group, who astonishingly had the demeanor of simply watching the show, without any intention of intervening.

It was not just Extreme Fire Sect keeping out of the fray; in the crowd beyond, sects like the seventh-ranked East Cloud Island, tenth-ranked Fall Flame Mountain, and the fifth-ranked Golden Appearance Hall observed from safe distances.

Additionally, four or five other sects, likely self-proclaimed powerhouses ranking higher up, also refrained from joining the rabble's encirclement.

Their thoughts were transparent—quietly surveying, ready to intervene if opportune, otherwise staying detached. The optimal scenario would allow them to reap the benefits of mutual destruction without lifting a finger.

At least Zuo Zisheng from Refining Heaven Sect clearly had such intentions.

But how could Yin Tianlu let him remain uninvolved? It wasn't possible to drag everyone in at once, but targeting one big fish was good enough. Immediately, he shouted, "Everyone, since the number-one Refining Heaven Sect is here, the role to lead shouldn't fall to us Extreme Fire Sect members anymore. Extreme Fire Sect members, listen up—we're retreating! Let's leave the stage to everyone else. Withdraw!" he commanded with a wave.

The members of Extreme Fire Sect exchanged doubtful glances but began slowly withdrawing while observing cautiously.

"What's going on?"

"Didn't we agree beforehand?"

The silence among the crowd participating in the encirclement instantly erupted into turbulent commotion.

The leading figure abruptly stepping back was naturally an unexpected shock.

No one could believe it, not even Gu Lianni and her team—though after brief contemplation, it wasn't entirely bewildering. Perhaps it was an attempt to prevent others from gleaning benefits or simply a delaying tactic to push others forward first.

With their retreat, Refining Heaven Sect was left naturally exposed at the forefront. Zuo Zisheng, unwilling for Extreme Fire Sect's ploy to succeed, immediately voiced his suspicion, deploying a spell to amplify his voice: "Brother Yin, are you hoping others fight to the death so you can swoop in for the spoils?"

Before the crowd could deliberate, Yin Tianlu promptly responded, "Since Refining Heaven Sect is here, we won't meddle. We're exiting. Rest assured, Brother Zuo. I hereby swear in the name of Extreme Fire Sect: no matter the outcome of this clash, we won't seize the prize. This is our decision to withdraw. Should I break this vow, I'll face divine retribution. Of course, if none of you get the prize, we'll naturally find other ways to attempt it later."

With those words, he waved his hand again, signaling his fellow sect members to continue their retreat.

The crowd exchanged puzzled looks. Extreme Fire Sect had boldly sworn before everyone present that they wouldn't interfere in this matter any longer—this was not a vow easily broken in public; the retreat felt genuine.

"These freaks, so unpredictable and eerie."

From high up and watching from afar, Golden Appearance Hall's leader Mi Liangmeng muttered softly, baffled by their inexplicable moves.

Their strategic withdrawal, having initially rallied the sects here, left many deeply perplexed.

With the withdrawal, Xu Anzhang and Youu Mu naturally took the opportunity to back off as well, intending to follow Extreme Fire Sect's retreat. They indeed belonged to Shi Chun's faction, which collaborated with Shudao Mountain; however, they weren't inclined to share Shudao Mountain's fate, especially under such conditions.

Yet while Extreme Fire Sect turned a blind eye to them, Refining Heaven Sect wasn't as forgiving. Zuo Zisheng murmured something under his breath, prompting a small squad to act quickly, intercepting the two before they could leave, respectfully inviting them over.

Thus, as before when Extreme Fire Sect had summoned them, they resignedly complied.

No alternative remained; should they resist and flee, a direct confrontation would become inevitable. And the moment to upend the table hadn't yet arrived—they had to endure for just a little longer.

Noticing the mutual wariness between factions, Yuan Yao quietly whispered to Gu Lianni, who had been restraining her unease. "Shishu, are we really going to wait until they finish their discussions before leaving?"

Gu Lianni realized the futility; since the situation was stalemated, it was better to act decisively. Loudly, she declared, "Let's go! We're leaving!"

With that, she instantly produced her Wind Scale, inspiring a group of Shudao Mountain disciples to each reveal their own Wind Scales.

Zuo Zisheng's commanding voice rang out loudly, "Hold on!"

Gu Lianni turned to him with furrowed brows and an icy glare. "Zuo Zisheng, do you truly intend to move against us, Shudao Mountain?"

Zuo Zisheng replied, "Fighting and killing are indeed tiresome. I prefer negotiations. The Divine Fire you've already taken won't be returning to anyone; therefore, there's no need for unnecessary conflict between our sides. Join forces with Refining Heaven Sect—no one will dare trouble you. Together, we will leave. Should anyone follow to harass us, let's join forces to fight to the bitter end. What do you say?"

These words sent shockwaves through those present, most notably Yin Tianlu, whose expression turned particularly unpleasant. He hadn't anticipated Zuo Zisheng's audacity to openly defy everyone—a boldness he'd never dared to entertain.

The might of the top-ranked sect was unmistakably on full display!

This realization left Yin Tianlu furious. Had he proposed the same arrangement, it wouldn't have carried the same weight; expecting Shudao Mountain to share their Secret Technique while extending an olive branch would've been implausible.

The difference in hierarchical power was painfully evident, as was the impact disparity of the same strategy—the towering height of the first-ranked rank brought their audacity into focus.

He bitterly recognized the self-inflicted trap of inviting these players into the fray, yielding strategic advantage to Refining Heaven Sect. His frustration extended to Wu Shanshan's inaction during the decision-making.

The sects present exchanged uneasy glances, clearly caught off guard.

Gu Lianni whispered amongst her comrades, deliberating quickly.

The conclusion wasn't surprising—the Secret Technique they sought had consumed much of their time; no trace of Divine Fire remained evident. Compromising for greater collective safety proved logical.

Their sole embarrassment lay in betraying Shi Chun—the true holder of the Secret Technique.

Once consensus was reached, Gu Lianni responded loudly, "Collaboration is possible. What terms do you suggest?"

Zuo Zisheng responded with a faint smile, "As long as it's fair. We'll discuss details later, after leaving here."

His words carried a grand and proud demeanor.

Gu Lianni agreed decisively, "Fine!"

Zuo Zisheng gestured slightly with his chin—prompting his group to clear the crowd. "Move aside, clear the path…"

The sect members blocking the way reluctantly shifted aside.

At the same time, Zuo Zisheng approached Xu and Youu, speaking softly, "Xu Anzhang, Youu Mu, I know exactly who Four Cauldron Sect allied with. No more need for words, correct? You'll follow us."

The two stiffened visibly; yet, having no alternatives, they joined the departing group merging with Shudao Mountain forces.

Before the diverse gathered factions, both teams partnered up and prepared their Wind Scales to ascend skyward.

The crowd looked on with visible discontent, realizing their own naivety—their aspirations of benefiting from alliances with Refining Heaven Sect were dashed. Why would they even need help from the likes of them?

Yin Tianlu gritted his teeth with suppressed indignation—Extreme Fire Sect's grueling efforts, countless sacrifices made, all seemingly swept away under the thieving grasp of Refining Heaven Sect.

Nonetheless, hope lingered in their backup plans, specifically Wu Shanshan's efforts to track down Shi Chun.

Just as Extreme Fire Sect and Shudao Mountain prepared to take flight, figures suddenly descended from the sky. A voice shouted, "Over here, over here—they've fled to this place!"

The new arrivals clearly belonged to central forces, a key contingent taking root within the heart of the activity.

The location of that large congregation, encircled by the sects, had naturally become the nucleus of involvement—thus forming the landing zone for Yanbao Sect, who joined directly.

The sect allies secretly marking routes along the way sighed inwardly, uncertain whether Yanbao Sect's arrival would spell fortune or calamity, considering the overwhelming partnership between the leading first-ranked and second-ranked sects.

Li Hongjiu, clutching the wine gourd he'd just sealed, wiped his lips with a sleeve and chuckled, "See? I told you, where it's crowded is where the action is. So, spill—what've you all discovered? Everyone gathered here for what?"

He paid little attention to external matters, unable to keep track of this myriad of sects.

His nearby companion Guang Haoyou sighed dramatically, tugging his sleeve and nudging toward Gu Lianni's direction as a reminder, "Shudao Mountain, Shishu—it's Shudao Mountain's forces."

Li Hongjiu glanced over, scrutinized briefly, then burst into laughter. "What about Shudao Mountain? Oh, it's a woman—have your eyes on her?"

Gu Lianni's expression darkened as she rebuked furiously, "Utter nonsense!"

Sweating nervously, Guang Haoyou urgently whispered, "Shishu, Shudao Mountain has allied with Shi Chun."

His words elicited widespread resentment among the Yanbao Sect disciples; how could this slip your memory? Were you here in the Forbidden Land just for sightseeing, not after Shi Chun or the Secret Technique?

Li Hongjiu froze momentarily, observing the disciples' reactions; his face stiffened immediately. He pointed abruptly at Gu Lianni, commanding sternly, "You there—hand over Shi Chun!"

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