Right now, there was no hiding from the Shudao Mountain disciples nearby. The words spoken by the squatting man were audible to those standing off to the side.

At first, they didn't know who this masked individual collaborating with Yuan Yao was. But as soon as they heard his voice, they were startled out of their wits, questioning whether they had misheard.

Yet, their doubts were shattered not only by the voice but also by the content of his words. Realizing it truly was that person, they reevaluated the current situation.

What kind of environment and setting was this? With so many sects gathered here to discuss capturing this man, and yet here he was... It left them at a loss for words, thinking perhaps this was simply too audacious.

Some were secretly impressed, wondering: Can it really be done this way?

Others felt like they'd learned something new; the man might have seemed squat and lowly, yet he was operating on a grand, high-level strategy. Some even quietly contemplated whether they could find a chance to try this approach themselves.

Earlier, Gu Lianni had been puzzled too. Even though she had used the bizarre bat's passage to lose those chasing her, how had the Extreme Fire Sect's group managed to follow them? Upon hearing these words, she finally understood where the problem lay.

Gu Lianni shot a glance toward Wu Shanshan, "Got it. I won't let that woman off the hook. When the opportunity arises, I'll make sure to finish her off."

Shi Chun immediately voiced his disapproval, "They've tracked us down here already, practically sticking their fingers into my nose. And you're still waiting for an opportunity? Why wait? Just seize the moment, strike swiftly, and be done with it. It's simple and clean—saves us the hassle."

The disciples present had mixed reactions, with some nodding in disagreement and others visibly startled.

Gu Lianni slightly raised an eyebrow, her gaze lowering to meet his. "Are you dreaming? You think killing someone is that simple?"

Shi Chun let out a mock chuckle, "You're the second-ranked figure in the Artifact Refining World from Shudao Mountain—afraid of mere Forget Love Valley?"

Yuan Yao interjected, "This isn't about being scared or not. You're oversimplifying things. There are so many sects gathered here watching our every move, and they don't stand on our side. Without a proper excuse, how can we act rashly? Besides, we need to think about what happens after this—unlike you, you don't actually belong to the Artifact Refining World."

Shi Chun retorted, "If she's dead, who's left to argue? Isn't it up to you all to come up with an excuse?"

Gu Lianni sighed, "You're missing the point. All the sects gathered here are on the other side. Wu Shanshan is allied with Yin Tianlu and his group. If we make a move against her, do you think the Extreme Fire Sect will sit idly by? Let's not even talk about what happens afterward; how is my Shudao Mountain supposed to contend with so many factions singlehandedly right now?"

Shi Chun shrugged, "They wouldn't dare. Anyway, aren't you currently allied with Refining Heaven Sect and Yanbao Sect? When Wu Shanshan dies, and they fail to locate me before acquiring the Secret Technique, they won't dare make any rash moves against you either."

Apparently, this was intel Shi Chun had picked up from eavesdropping on others in the crowd earlier.

Gu Lianni scoffed, "What alliance? If they discover anything suspicious about my actions, they could easily team up with the Extreme Fire Sect against me. If they start doubting my earlier claims, they may not remain as cordial as they are now. Anyway, it's a no-go without proper preparation—I can't risk my sect's disciples so recklessly. Don't worry, when the right moment presents itself, I'll handle it."

No matter how the Shudao Mountain disciples felt after hearing these words, Gu Lianni was clear about her responsibilities. As someone who bore the weight of leading her group, she couldn't execute decisions as rashly and recklessly as Shi Chun, who acted like he had nothing to lose.

Shi Chun seemed taken aback by her response, as though he'd been struck by a heavy blow. "Are you not aware of your current situation? It's clear they're watching and surrounding you. How could they possibly let you find the chance to deal with anyone alone? I say, Miss Gu, if they trace her back to where I am, my Mingshan Sect will be exposed. And then what happens to you all?"

Gu Lianni replied coldly, "You already know they're watching us closely, which means I can't act right now. They're already negotiating their terms for how to split the benefits. Acting suddenly would make it obvious I'm trying to stop them from finding you, causing them to instantly target my Shudao Mountain instead."

Shi Chun sighed internally, realizing arguments were futile—it all boiled down to one fact: their side had fewer allies and wasn't strong enough.

But this wasn't the time to keep debating; he worried prolonged discussions might draw others' suspicions. After quietly weighing his options, he begrudgingly resorted to a secondary plan. Since Shudao Mountain wouldn't act, he resolved to handle things himself!

Without hesitation, Shi Chun announced decisively, "Forget it. I'll carry out the assassination myself."

Shudao Mountain's group was stunned, with Gu Lianni exclaiming in shock, "You're doing it now?"

Shi Chun nodded, "Is there another option? You want to wait until she's chased me down and uncovers my tracks leading here?

Once she realizes I've been here, she'll be on high alert.

During her external search, there won't be as many people shielding her—it's unlikely I'll be able to approach her without detection. Not to mention the allied experts accompanying her.

Right now, when she's most unsuspecting, is my best chance to strike. If I miss this opportunity, I'll have no choice but to run and keep running."

Yuan Yao hesitated, "Wouldn't constant fleeing be another strategy?"

Shi Chun countered, "With that woman tracking me, how can I gauge the distance between myself and my pursuers? Can I afford a moment to stop and recover? Would I dare to even try?"

Shudao Mountain's group fell silent, recognizing the significant threat Wu Shanshan posed to Mingshan Sect and understanding why Shi Chun was risking infiltration just to eliminate her.

Still, personal motives played a part.

Gu Lianni contemplated a moment before cautioning, "With your level of cultivation, let's set aside whether or not you'll succeed. Even if you do, among so many experts armed with Magical Treasures, there's no way to escape afterward. Acting now would be walking straight into their trap."

Shi Chun pressed on, "That's why I need you. I doubt you'd want to see me captured, right? If you're unwilling to act directly, at least cause a diversion after I strike and help create an opening for my escape."

Gu Lianni exchanged glances with Yuan Yao and Pang Hou, all of whom looked troubled.

Finally, she admitted the difficulty, "If we act to distract them, it won't be any different than directly fighting Wu Shanshan—they'll instantly realize we're up to something."

Shi Chun disagreed, "It's different—completely different. Distraction methods can vary. You wouldn't necessarily need to block or confront them directly. Even chasing me down, making it look like you're targeting me, achieves the same effect. Understand? For instance, raising the stakes or creating chaos deters them from interfering and ensures my escape."

After another round of exchanged looks, the trio eventually seemed to signal partial assent. This might work, but…

Pang Hou raised a concern, "Wu Shanshan's cultivation is higher than yours, right? Given your abilities, isn't this too risky? I'm voicing this out of worry for your safety—even if she's only able to struggle in her dying moments, I'm afraid you may not withstand it."

Their expressions revealed shared unease, particularly among Gu Lianni's group. To them, Shi Chun's knowledge of the Secret Technique for locating the Divine Fire was practically considered Shudao Mountain's future asset. If Shi Chun perished, it would be an immense loss for the sect.

In a way, they already viewed Shi Chun's possession of the Divine Fire Secret Technique as though it belonged to Shudao Mountain outright.

Shi Chun, unfazed, replied nonchalantly, "I'm not as fortunate as you all. Everything I desire, I have to fight for myself. In the Land of Exile, if you want to live a decent life, you have to wager your life to earn it. I'm long used to it."

Though his words reflected the harsh truth, they were also plainly meant for this group to hear. In reality, Shi Chun had prepared contingencies. Worst case, he'd reveal his true identity by removing the mask.

At that point, the ones who'd want him dead might well be the members from Shudao Mountain instead.

And then he could call for aid from Gong Shixi's group.

But these remarks had an undeniable impact on Shudao Mountain's disciples, leaving them deeply shaken.

With that, the matter was decided. Soon after, Shudao Mountain feigned another clash with Refining Heaven Sect's disciples.

The excuse for the conflict was readily available—Shudao Mountain's disciples noticed they were being monitored like thieves by Refining Heaven Sect's members and couldn't stomach the insult. Amid this chaos, Shi Chun slipped away into other groups unnoticed.

Both sides were unwilling to escalate the conflict further, prompting Zuo Zisheng and Gu Lianni to step in and diffuse the situation.

Meanwhile, Shi Chun used the resulting distractions to inch closer to Wu Shanshan, reducing the gap between them to a mere three zhang, with other people standing between them.

Shortly after the chaos subsided, the Four Sects resolved the matters they couldn't settle openly through secret discussions.

They agreed that once they obtained the Secret Technique to locate the Divine Fire, Refining Heaven Sect, Shudao Mountain, Yanbao Sect, and Extreme Fire Sect would share it equally. As for future discoveries of the Divine Fire, those would also be evenly split among the four factions. Their respective allies would have to sort out their compensations however they deemed fit.

The Four Sects were ruthless, even deceiving major factions like Golden Appearance Hall and East Cloud Island, with no plans of offering them anything—even figuratively speaking, not even a scrap.

The Four Sects had their differences too, but once united, they no longer needed to consider giving face to the other sects.

Ultimately, the benefits were divided equally among the Four Sects, as further arguments over rankings proved futile. None were willing to compromise. Each faction had its leverage—Yanbao Sect had Li Hongjiu's commanding presence, Yin Tianlu held the clues, Refining Heaven Sect had numerical superiority, and Shudao Mountain possessed the audacity to walk away from alliances.

Of course, Yanbao Sect still adhered to Li Hongjiu's prior condition—no matter how much Divine Fire was found, the sect's group members would each receive one flame before anyone else.

Seeing the Four Sects quietly reach consensus, leaders of Golden Appearance Hall, East Cloud Island, and other overlooked factions assembled together, visibly displeased.

Following the agreement, the Four Sects dispatched small groups to accompany and assist Wu Shanshan.

Initially, the plan was to have them escort Wu Shanshan closely, but she declined, claiming that having too many people nearby would interfere with her search techniques. Her true motive, however, was to obscure the unusual phenomena caused when she activated the Demon Eye.

On this point, everyone naturally deferred to her wishes, sending larger forces to follow behind.

Once personnel started mobilizing, Shi Chun wasn't idle either; quick on his feet, he decisively joined the group sent by the Four Sects to assist Wu Shanshan.

Gu Lianni's party assumed Shi Chun had lost the opportunity to act, only to spot the masked man moving swiftly among the crowd. Shudao Mountain's disciples were astounded, although others couldn't immediately discern which faction had sent the masked figure. Shudao Mountain members, however, knew exactly who he was.

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