Regarding this statement, Wu Jinliang could completely understand; this place was not like the Sky Rain Meteor Conference. It was entirely the private domain of the Artifact Refining World. Unless absolutely necessary, no one would willingly provoke the sects of the Artifact Refining World head-on.

Being chased around like a grandson and not retaliating is just how things are.

At this point, there's no escaping. They've been caught up with, even with the Fire Bat trap in use. It's impossible to keep running without rest, endlessly fleeing.

Wu Jinliang pondered for a while and sighed, "Chun Tian, I have no objection to making a move. Whether we win or lose is another matter. But as you said, dealing with the small sects is manageable, with Young Master Nan backing us, they can't cause much trouble. But those major sects of the Artifact Refining World are truly difficult; regardless of the outcome, we'll face significant problems.

You were nearly killed by Shudao Mountain yet shamelessly went to seek benefits and cooperation from them. Isn't that the same kind of situation? That Black Tiger leading the group clearly is an exceptional disciple of the Extreme Fire Sect. Killing him will surely provoke the Extreme Fire Sect. Can we even manage to leave afterward? Considering the current situation with Shudao Mountain, it's unlikely we'll escape easily. If we fall into their hands, they'd likely betray us for self-preservation. Relying on others at the exit point might be a long shot."

The very fact he could articulate such thoughts indicated he was well aware of the situation at heart.

At this stage, they were no longer freshly arrived at the Land of Exile. Having spent so much time in the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital, following Young Master Nan's group for an extended period.

Shi Chun responded, "If it really comes to us being caught, Shudao Mountain betraying us is highly probable, though it wouldn't be done lightly. Unless they can silence us completely, their elder involved at the exit point would have a hard time answering to the Artifact Refining sects."

Wu Jinliang replied, "Chun Tian, I know you're calculated in your actions. I won't ask about what you're not willing to share, but right now, it's not just Shudao Mountain who knows you have the secret technique to find the Divine Fire. The major sects of the Artifact Refining World all know about it. They wouldn't let this slip easily. How are you planning to settle things once we're out?"

Shi Chun smirked disdainfully in the wind, "In here, they call the shots. Once outside, things won't be left to them."

Wu Jinliang sighed, "The problem is how to even get out now. The secret technique for seeking the Divine Fire is common knowledge. The elders guarding the exit won't sit idly; they'll want results before they're satisfied. Shudao Mountain's Jin Guiqi alone can't stop them. I can't believe you don't understand this logic."

Shi Chun lightly patted Wu Jinliang's shoulder with a mysterious yet humble smile, "I did initially rely on Shudao Mountain over there, but the world is unpredictable. Rest assured, I've found better allies. As long as we survive until the conference concludes, there will be someone to pull us out. The issue shouldn't be too severe."

Wu Jinliang couldn't help but ask, "Who?"

Shi Chun responded with another pat on his shoulder but didn't reveal who.

Alright, as usual; since the other party didn't want to share temporarily, Wu Jinliang refrained from pressing further. Despite his internal doubts, he was accustomed to it—after all, this was the typical demeanor of their master.

Thinking about not having such pressing concerns relieved him considerably. Along the way, he subconsciously touched the large gourd strapped to his back, recalling the incident where he'd taken down two disciples of the High Martial Great Success Realm from Shudao Mountain in a single move at the Ice Field. His face suddenly showed a hint of excitement as he chuckled, "If the other side doesn't have any impressive magical treasures, we're not necessarily without the strength to fight."

Shi Chun said, "We still have to plan thoroughly, and if we can avoid leaving survivors, all the better—that way, no one can prove it's our doing."

Wu Jinliang's eyes lit up upon hearing this. It wasn't about whether they could win anymore—it was about whether they could completely annihilate the opponents. Just hearing it bolstered morale.

Shi Chun continued speaking and gave Wu Jinliang another pat on the shoulder, "Currently, we have three at the Great Achievement Realm and even one at the Human Immortal Realm. Let's go and discuss things with everyone."

Thus, the two hunched their bodies and swiftly retreated...

Atop a mountain summit that appeared as if someone had sliced off its peak with a sword—flat yet lofty, offering a commanding view of the surrounding land, almost as if one could pluck stars from the sky—this was what Li Hongjiu referred to as a "good place."

Three sects' forces landed, each occupying a side, with Li Hongjiu, Gu Lianni, and Zuo Zisheng at the center, facing off.

Zuo Zisheng, who had been pondering and weighing options throughout the journey, remained as reticent as a locked gourd, seemingly still deliberating. He hadn't managed to settle on anything concrete with his comrades en route.

At the core, it was undeniable he harbored some apprehension toward Li Hongjiu. That guy exuded too much confidence—wasn't it intimidating?

Given the sect's prior warnings, he couldn't help but feel a bit cowed.

Without the sect's reminders, he would have resolved things swiftly.

Li Hongjiu, on the other hand, surveyed him with amusement. Judging by the other's behavior, he'd already deduced the reason—probably having heard some rumors about him. Otherwise, given Refining Heaven Sect's demeanor, its disciples always acted arrogantly. This kind of hesitation was certainly uncharacteristic.

Gu Lianni was even less hurried, glancing here and there.

Alright then, Zuo Zisheng eventually realized everyone was observing how he would respond, glancing sideways across the surroundings. With fewer outside spectators present, compromising wouldn't hurt his reputation as much. Losing a fight wouldn't weigh too heavily on him, either.

Ultimately, he calmed his emotions and confronted Li Hongjiu's demand, asking back, "Mr. Li, why should I agree to your terms?"

Li Hongjiu burst into laughter, responding, "You're an interesting one—acting one way in public and another in private. If you won't agree, you should've said so earlier instead of making me run around in circles. Are you toying with me? Let me restate it: since there's a good method for finding Divine Fire around here, I don't ask for much—just one Divine Fire per disciple who came with me. Can't be less. It's my way of looking out for my junior nephews, ensuring they haven't come all this way for nothing."

These words moved the group of Yanbao Sect disciples covertly, discovering that their master-uncle was unexpectedly reliable.

Zuo Zisheng spread his arms wide, gesturing at the formidable group behind him, asking, "Why should we give it to you?"

Li Hongjiu's smile remained unchanged, "The matter here is easy to settle; the problem lies with the sects outside. If our conflict leads to large-scale clashes between two sects, resulting in countless casualties, it's not something I desire.

That's why I prefer avoiding unnecessary battles. Things can be resolved amicably, and your sect still stands to gain benefits. But if we fight, well, once fighting starts, Refining Heaven Sect won't have anything to claim.

Do you believe that if I make a move, at such close range, you won't even have a chance to use your magical treasures?"

Aagh—a group of Yanbao Sect disciples' eyes sparkled. They already knew their master-uncle was formidable, but this level of dominance surpassed their expectations. A single action, not even sparing Refining Heaven Sect any chances? Truly overwhelming!

They were encountering such commanding remarks for the first time. The master-uncle seemed to have transformed, shedding his usual carefree demeanor to exude a presence befitting a man handling serious affairs.

What they didn't realize was that their master-uncle was deliberately intimidating Zuo Zisheng.

The statement immediately triggered warning bells in Zuo Zisheng's mind, his face stiffening.

The Refining Heaven Sect disciples' expressions grew tense, many instinctively reaching for their weapons, with a few already wielding magical treasures in precaution.

Xu Anzhang and Youu Mu exchanged glances amidst them.

Gu Lianni's group also found such words surprising. While they were aware of some details about Yanbao Sect's leader, Li Hongjiu's remarks carried more weight than they'd anticipated. Could it be true?

Zuo Zisheng's face hardened further, "You're threatening us?"

Li Hongjiu pointed a finger toward his nose, retorting, "Listen, brat. This isn't your property, nor does it belong to you, yet you're acting as if we're robbing your house. I'll ask one last time—will you agree or not? If not, I'll leave with Shudao Mountain, and let's see if Refining Heaven Sect dares to try engaging in robbery."

Zuo Zisheng answered coldly, "Shudao Mountain and Refining Heaven Sect are already allied. Who exactly is committing robbery here?"

"Allied? Why don't I see it happening?" Li Hongjiu chuckled, then turned to Gu Lianni, asking, "Gu family girl, who do you prefer to ally with?"

Even a fool would understand it was time to remain neutral. Gu Lianni blinked repeatedly before saying, "The three major sects have no real grievances. I certainly don't intend to offend anyone. This is a matter between you all; sort it out yourselves. Don't make a woman like me decide."

Zuo Zisheng shot her an icy glance.

"Enough chit-chat; I have no patience for this," Li Hongjiu said, waving dismissively before pointing at the group from Refining Heaven Sect, "Let's make it simple with a fight. Big fight or small fight, your choice. Big fight means everyone goes at it, determining the winner. Small fight means we keep it peaceful; you send anyone out to duel me. If they survive ten counts, I lose. We'll leave immediately and drop the matter entirely. Same if your guy loses."

This proposal rendered the Refining Heaven Sect contingent silent. Would they fight collectively or send someone out individually? In the latter case, within ten counts, determining life or death—who'd dare take that on?

Some disciples from Refining Heaven Sect, feeling frustrated, refused to remain mute. Despite wanting to yell "I'll go," none dared face the inherent risks of bearing responsibility.

Zuo Zisheng abruptly said, "Let us discuss this."

Without caring whether Li Hongjiu agreed or not, he led several core members into their group's depths, turning briefly to reveal a glimmer of murderous intent in his eyes.

Gathered with his key allies, Zuo Zisheng lowered his voice to inquire, "The fellow's stepping over boundaries—what are your thoughts?"

One person grumbled, "If he truly had that capability, would he still be wasting words with us? I don't buy it!"

Another said, "It's hard to tell. According to rumors, this guy's mannerisms are unconventional, defying common reasoning. He wouldn't make such bold moves if he was powerless, right?"

Finding the ongoing debate no different from earlier discussions during the journey, Zuo Zisheng grew impatient. He offered decisively, "We could agree now but retaliate later, using Shudao Mountain's people to strike their ranks. Observe their strengths carefully; if they merely put on airs, kill them off!"

This plan left his confidants wide-eyed and filled with newfound assurance.

Nearby outer-ring disciples overhearing them also looked visibly relieved, finally finding a way to reconcile themselves mentally.

Returning to Li Hongjiu promptly, Zuo Zisheng proclaimed, "Fine. Let's follow your proposal—Refining Heaven Sect will take a step back, allowing one Divine Fire to each disciple from Yanbao Sect."

Smack! Li Hongjiu clapped his hands cheerfully, smiling ear-to-ear, "See? Problem solved. Avoiding grudges and unresolvable feuds between two sects is far better than bloodshed."

Turning swiftly, he gestured toward Gu Lianni, saying, "Gu family girl, get ready. Unveil your secret technique and lead us to find the Divine Fire."

Gu Lianni felt deeply perturbed internally, astonished over the two sects avoiding confrontation entirely. Problems had simply resolved like that? Refining Heaven Sect's easy concession astounded her—where was their dignity as the leading sect?

Soon, she blurted out a shocking revelation, "Shi Chun isn't dead."

"What?" Zuo Zisheng frowned.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Li Hongjiu asked in confusion.

Gu Lianni sighed, "Truthfully, I don't possess the secret technique for locating Divine Fire. Even if I did, collaborating with Mingshan Sect would be improbable—you all know that. Left Brother, Yan Ketao the traitor should've disclosed this to you already. The technique lies with Shi Chun, who is responsible for finding the Divine Fire. Shudao Mountain was tasked with using the Element Locking Array to contain it. That's the arrangement between both sides. Shi Chun, being highly alert, fled upon sensing signs of trouble when Extreme Fire Sect surrounded us. I regret ignoring his warnings, putting myself in this mess."

Zuo Zisheng retorted sternly, "Gu Lianni, cut the nonsense! Don't think I'm unaware your Element Locking Array breaking against the Ice Jiao ended your game."

Gu Lianni tilted her head, directing her gaze toward Yuan Yao. He understood immediately, flicked his wrist, and summoned an entire intact Element Locking Array into sight with a metallic clang.

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