Shi Chun and his group, stopped at the peculiar mountain range ahead, remained waiting where they were.

Shi Chun personally took on the duties of a lookout, crouching atop a mountain peak to observe. In this eerie place with poor lighting, his right-eye superpower naturally served as the best early warning system.

Everything was seen by Xu Anzhang and Youu Mu. Regardless of what they thought about Shi Chun after losing the two treasures earlier, they couldn't deny their admiration for him now.

Clearly, Shi Chun was the one calling the shots in the Mingshan Sect, yet he personally carried out such tiresome scouting duties without airs. It was hard not to respect him. No wonder his team had made it this far unscathed—his sense of responsibility as a leader made others afraid to slack off.

However, this place made them feel uneasy. Though they'd never been here before, the ghostly terrain of the mountains gave them a clear idea of where they were.

There were things you might not have seen, but you'd certainly heard of.

They didn't know what Shi Chun was planning, but they clearly saw he wasn't trying to pretend anymore. Now that his true strength had been revealed, his manner toward them was less courteous than before.

Damn it, the turnaround was a bit too fast—he'd already started ordering them around directly.

Then again, considering he'd outright swallowed their treasures earlier, what else wouldn't he dare to do?

Still, they couldn't help but wonder why those in command sent such capable hands without briefing them first. If they'd known earlier to follow Shi Chun's lead, everything could have been simpler, avoiding unnecessary complications.

But the decision of the higher-ups to keep contingencies hidden wasn't entirely unreasonable.

It also explained why there was a talented artifact refiner in the Mingshan Sect.

They were beginning to suspect the reasons behind Feng Yaoyang's death when he first entered the Divine Fire Domain on behalf of the Four Cauldron Sect. With Shi Chun's overwhelming strength, was it truly plausible for an outsider to take Feng Yaoyang out?

It also clarified how non-artifact refiner faction members like Shi Chun and his group managed to infiltrate the Artifact Refining World. Thinking back to the rumored connections that helped Shi Chun and his group get in, they felt as though they'd stumbled upon a deeper secret—one that left them shaken.

While continuing to observe the surroundings, Shi Chun also felt as though time was crawling to a halt. He kept muttering to himself, "Why hasn't she come back yet?"

He worried Zhener might encounter difficulties in communication, which would allow the forces from various other factions to arrive.

Luckily, his subjective sense of slow time didn't create real delays. Zhener returned very quickly, descending from the skies to land beside him. Beaming, she called out, "Chun Tian."

Those around them, including Chu Jingtang's group, exchanged glances at the intimate nickname but refrained from using it themselves. They found it hard to roll off their tongues.

Wu Jinliang, on the other hand, merely grinned wide. Seeing Zhener's elated demeanor, he immediately knew things had gone well.

Shi Chun didn't say much in front of everyone. He simply grabbed Zhener by the hand and pulled her aside for a private conversation.

Wu Jinliang wasted no time following them, his lack of hesitation standing in stark contrast to others who felt it inappropriate to intrude. The others recognized they weren't close enough to merit eavesdropping.

Once clear of prying ears, Shi Chun gently held Zhener's hands and asked in the softest tone, "How did it go? Will Master Nine agree to my proposal?"

Zhener maintained her infectious smile, nodding repeatedly. "He agreed. No issues—they won't misunderstand. You can proceed."

Shi Chun wasn't concerned with whether Master Nine might change his mind because he had no intention of formally meeting him regardless. Relieved, he turned to Wu Jinliang with urgency. "Notify everyone and let's move!"

"Got it!" Wu Jinliang replied swiftly and darted back toward the group.

Zhener gazed at Shi Chun with eyes full of affection. Overwhelmed by emotion, she suddenly leaned in and kissed him passionately.

She'd heard that after making a formal proposal, their relationship would go beyond mere courtship and be solidified with official recognition.

The group of onlookers arriving to witness this shocking display were left dumbfounded. Wu Jinliang's lips twitched in disbelief as he muttered to himself, "Public smooching—how outrageous!"

The members of the Mingshan Sect were far more discreet, turning their heads to avert their gazes. But even they couldn't help exchanging glances of wordless astonishment.

They vividly remembered how Shi Chun had relentlessly pursued Xiang Laner back at the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital, proclaiming she was the most beautiful woman in the world and swearing he'd marry no one else. Yet here he was, seemingly involved with another woman.

Shi Chun hadn't wanted to make this relationship public, but with Zhener's uninhibited passion coupled with his need to leverage her influence, he felt it unwise to reject her outright. He feared further complications amidst their perilous situation.

Since the relationship wasn't going to last long anyway—he planned to break things off and disappear later—he convinced himself that his actions were for the greater good.

With that thought, his reservations dissipated. Offering Zhener a fulfilling response to her kiss, he gently pushed her away and reminded her, "Let's go."

Zhener obediently murmured, "Okay," gripping his hand tightly as they soared into the skies together, leading the way.

The followers grew increasingly apprehensive as they advanced. The path, the atmosphere—it all seemed to lead toward that dreadful place. Were it not for their faith in Shi Chun, they'd have long stopped advancing.

When the group finally glimpsed the frozen surface of Ice Sealed Lake in the distance, Shi Chun, armed with prior intel on Earth Heart Tower's layout from Zhener, suddenly pulled her down to land.

The others followed suit, only to see Shi Chun leading Zhener aside for another private chat.

Perplexed by the sudden pause even when their goal lay ahead, Zhener blinked and inquired, "What's wrong?"

Shi Chun replied, "I just remembered something—proposing requires a ritual, I can't go empty-handed."

Hearing this, Wu Jinliang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Zhener thoughtfully muttered, "A ritual?"

Shi Chun took the initiative to clarify. "We need a betrothal gift. It's to express the groom's sincerity."

Zhener chuckled. "No need—I already know how sincere you are."

Shi Chun quickly waved his hand. "No, no, no. It's essential. We absolutely cannot skip this step. To propose empty-handed wouldn't be official."

Zhener tilted her head, contemplating this before glancing at the surroundings with some concern. "What kind of gift do we need to prepare?"

Shi Chun smiled, "Anything will do, as long as it represents my True Heart. Here's the plan—you go on ahead to the tower and wait for me. I'll put together the gift and come to formally propose. This ceremony needs to be proper, not hasty."

Zhener immediately nodded with enthusiasm, pleased with Shi Chun's seriousness. She backed away, saying, "I'll wait for you."

Shi Chun hastily grabbed her arm in caution. "While I'm preparing the gift, if those people chase us down, we might need to evade for a while. There's a chance I'll be delayed. Promise me Master Nine will hold off for a bit."

Zhener instinctively glanced toward Ice Sealed Lake before turning back to assure him, "Don't worry—even if troublemakers arrive, Master Nine will deal with them before my master needs to lift a finger."

This had been part of Shi Chun's calculations; the proximity was unlikely to be sufficient for escaping high-realm experts' attacks. If not, Zhener wouldn't have been sent ahead to mediate. Nevertheless, Shi Chun reconfirmed, "Really?"

Zhener nodded firmly. "Yes, absolutely."

With her unerring conviction, smiles stretched across the faces of both Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, their expressions positively brimming with satisfaction.

That settled everything. Shi Chun promptly released Zhener, waving her off. "Go on, I'll be there."

Zhener held back her reluctance and departed.

Once she'd vanished into the distance, Wu Jinliang whispered compliments beside Shi Chun. "Master, your charm is truly unparalleled!"

Shi Chun clasped his hands behind his back. "We still have to go through the motions with preparing the gift—can't treat them like they're deaf or blind."

Wu Jinliang immediately thumped his chest. "Leave it to me! Don't you trust my craftsmanship? Just say the word—I guarantee results that won't disappoint."

Shi Chun glanced at him with hesitation. He wanted to say, "Your skills are barely adequate for casual dealings. For anything scrutinized, can you truly produce something passable?"

Granted, if the recipient lacked exposure to finer things, accepting decent work wasn't out of the question. However, the more Shi Chun interacted with others, the pickier he'd grown.

But on second thought, they were just creating a façade—not preparing an actual betrothal. Thus, he nodded. "Make whatever you think works. Just make sure there's enough noise about it."

"Piece of cake!" Wu Jinliang thumped his chest with enthusiasm. "How about I sculpt a statue of you two? Ever heard of 'flying side by side'? Looks nice, sounds good, and makes a big scene too."

Shi Chun equivered briefly but ultimately turned away. "Fine, whatever—thanks."

Wu Jinliang chuckled slyly, rolling up his sleeves in high spirits, unable to hide his excitement. "No problem at all! You've already sacrificed your dignity and status—I'd be remiss not to pitch in a bit myself…"

As figures crossed through the sinister mountain's edge and entered the eerie terrain, Zuo Zisheng suddenly called out, "Stop!"

Not only him, but Yin Tianlu also cast a spell and shouted toward Wu Shanshan leading the way, "Halt!"

The figures ahead and behind immediately landed upon a mountain peak, scanning their surroundings with expressions filled with uncertainty.

As always, even if unexplored, these mountains were notorious enough. Just by seeing the geography, everyone understood where they were. Most people were simply too terrified to proceed further.

Having donned a fresh outfit, Li Hongjiu scrutinized the landscape with a mix of cautious curiosity. However, after glancing at his peers, a contemplative glint appeared in his gaze.

Summoning Wu Shanshan to his side, Yin Tianlu asked, "Are you certain Shi Chun's group went this way?"

Wu Shanshan ground her teeth and replied with conviction, "Absolutely. Without a doubt!"

Gu Lianni added gravely, "Do you know what lies ahead?"

Wu Shanshan glanced towards the ominous terrain before hesitating. "But they did go this way… I just don't understand why they're unafraid."

This answer and the precarious situation made everyone exchange uncertain looks—should they follow or retreat?

"From what we've observed, following their chosen path seems reasonably safe so far," Zuo Zisheng reasoned aloud before turning to address the group. "Which sect is willing to volunteer and lead as pioneers?"

A pause ensued. Seeing no immediate replies, Zuo Zisheng continued, "The vanguard will earn great merit, and upon success, claim two extra Divine Fires. Our Refining Heaven Sect guarantees it!"

Even with such enticing rewards, nobody spoke up for an extended interval.

Eventually, Zuo Zisheng combed his gaze through the group and settled it on Gong Shixi from Qianyan Sect.

The moment their eyes met, Gong Shixi felt his heart tighten.

As expected, disaster struck: Zuo Zisheng declared, "Brother Gong, this opportunity goes to Qianyan Sect. You shall lead the way as the vanguard. Any objections from other sects?"

Gong Shixi stood stunned, his disbelief written all over his face. All the disciples from Qianyan Sect felt the hairs on their skin standing upright.

"As you wish, Brother Zuo," Yin Tianlu promptly echoed. Although he didn't know what grudge Qianyan Sect had incurred with Zuo Zisheng, he didn't hesitate to support him.

Gu Lianni responded simply, "No objections."

Guang Haoyou glanced at his silent superior before chiming in support, "Agreed."

The expected outcome unfolded—one by one, representatives from different factions voiced their endorsement. Every sect happily handed the sought-after position to Qianyan Sect.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the Earth Heart Tower, after some exchanges, the horned Master finally acknowledged the situation and dismissed Zhener.

After a long silence, the Master spoke into the void, "If those who pursue truly arrive, should we intervene or let it be?"

An indistinct voice murmured back, "We can't just sit back and watch them get slaughtered, right?"

The Master spoke with deliberate calm, "If we intervene, the power on display may intimidate our guest. Upon arrival, will he still dare assist the girl in breaking through?"

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