The tower had fallen silent again.

It seemed to be a significant problem for them.

Soon after, the voice of the youth-like figure surfaced, "That girl, if she really met someone she likes, does she need to inform us? What marriage proposal? It's a ghost of a proposal—just an excuse to infiltrate and break the array."

A woman's gentle sigh sounded, "Who said that girl wouldn't lie? She holds no genuine feelings for us. She knows full well that our lives are tied to the tower's forging. If the Forbidden Land's seal is broken, we all die."

A grumbling voice interjected, "Feelings? There was hardly ever any interaction to begin with. After 'Su' died, we even drove her out. Tell me, where would her feelings for us come from? In her eyes, we're probably just monsters that deserve to die."

A cold voice spoke, "So, help her or not? If we help, we can't explain it later. If we don't and she gets killed, then what?"

The tower grew quiet again.

After a long pause, the elder spoke, "After all these years, we've seen enough of the ways of those Artifact Refining sects. If Shi Chun can't handle those pests, he won't be able to get the girl out from the escape point. Even if he does, he wouldn't be able to protect her. If she does get killed, then it only proves she isn't truly destined for him or the one we've been waiting for. The larger matter must take precedence. Nine, keep an eye on her."

The phrase 'the larger matter must take precedence' silenced the chaotic voices, leaving behind only faint sighs...

The clear clanging of tools rang out near the Ice Sealed Lake. It was Wu Jinliang, who somehow managed to bring a massive stone here, hammering and chiseling away incessantly. The noise reverberated vividly in the quiet Land of Wuming.

With every strike of the chisel, the group from the Mingshan Sect felt their hearts leap, remaining on high alert.

At first, they advised against it repeatedly, questioning what he was trying to do. Wu Jinliang announced it was something good—something joyous—and told them to wait and see his masterpiece.

Regardless of what kind of "good thing" or "joyous matter" it was, the group clamored to stop him until Shi Chun intervened, leaving the group no choice but to endure their unease.

Shi Chun remained hidden in the shadows, personally keeping watch.

He wasn't sure if the various sects would hesitate to approach this area out of fear.

But to him, it didn't matter either way: if they came, the old monsters would kill them; if they didn't come, his group would simply circle around and escape in another direction. The ruse of the marriage proposal was already set, allowing Zhener to communicate with the old monsters. Running around in chaos wouldn't be an issue now.

Once outside the Forbidden Land's territory, the old monsters would lose their grip on him, and they'd be safe until deciding to reappear after the assembly ends.

Ultimately, this was the prime location to end all pursuit. Without such benefits, he wouldn't have dared venture here.

As for Zhener, their bond was fated to end here. He couldn't take Zhener out of the Forbidden Land; it wasn't a matter of conscience but a reality of impossibility.

Asking him to dismantle the array core of the Earth Heart Tower? That would be the ultimate joke. Not only did he have no clue how to do it, but even given a hundredfold courage, he wouldn't dare approach that group of terrifying old monsters to attempt it.

Zhener herself knew breaking the array would mean the death of all the old monsters. Guarding the array, they'd never allow someone to destroy it. Zhener's naive self-importance was something he couldn't indulge.

Breaking the array? Impossible. Facing those terrifying old monsters? Even more absurd.

Without breaking the array, attempting to flee with Zhener would lead to her death once they breached the border—a scene he didn't wish to witness.

If they avoided breaching the boundary, one would watch the other leave from within the line, and that was a separation he didn't want to endure face-to-face either. The best choice was to escape while Zhener was unaware—out of sight, out of mind.

They're here!

Shi Chun, lying in ambush, suddenly sharpened his gaze. His right eye's superpower revealed a group of figures sneaking closer.

Although he knew those Artifact Refining folks would likely be blinded by their lust for Divine Fire, he couldn't help but marvel at their audacity in chasing them all the way here.

But it was fine. After all, Master Shi, who had reigned over East Nine Plain for years, wasn't to be underestimated. He had already set a massive trap for them—a pit capable of catching every one of them. Anyone daring to mess with him would end up dead!

This was his first time laying such a grand scheme, and the thought of it excited him—a bloodthirsty thrill!

He vanished in a flash, reappearing beside Wu Jinliang, who was hammering away noisily. Clapping his hands forcefully, he signaled to the other scattered sentries to regroup.

Chu Jingtang landed nearby and could barely resist pulling out two strands of his own beard upon seeing Wu Jinliang chiseling the stone. He still couldn't grasp how this brawny fellow managed to carry around tools like a hammer and chisel. Turning to Shi Chun, he asked, "Master, what's going on?"

Shi Chun pointed toward the approaching figures in the distance, "We've got guests chasing us relentlessly."

"Ah!" Several people exclaimed.

Some even felt as if he were joking. With pursuers so close, how could he remain so calm?

Wu Jinliang promptly paused his work and chuckled, "They've arrived?"

Shi Chun gestured to the tools in his hand, "Don't stop. Let's not make it easier for them to find us."

Wu Jinliang cackled and resumed hammering with greater gusto, the strikes louder than before, sparks flying out with every hit.

The others exchanged incredulous glances, still uncertain of the meaning behind the scene.

Xu Anzhang couldn't take it anymore, "Brother Chun, the enemy is practically at our doorstep. If we don't flee now, when will we?"

Shi Chun countered with a question, "Surely Brother Xu has already guessed what sort of place this is?"

Xu Anzhang glanced around, "At first, I thought I figured it out, but seeing Brother Wu hammering away recklessly without consequence, I'm beginning to doubt myself."

Shi Chun burst out laughing, "No need to doubt; it's precisely the terrifying place you suspect. Since things have come to this, I won't hide it any longer. The reason we can act so freely here is because I've already communicated with the landowners. We can roam here without restrictions—but others won't have that privilege. This isn't us tricking them; it's their decision to chase us relentlessly, and they've no one to blame but themselves."

Such words were meant to mentally prepare Xu and You for any future necessities, avoiding unforeseen reactions by putting their minds at ease now.

Once these words dropped, the group grew both shocked and delighted. They wanted to ask if it was true but knew there was no need; their lives wouldn't be gambled on falsehoods.

No wonder they dared to hammer away noisily—it was meant to bait those who wouldn't leave them alone!

But how had they communicated with the old monsters of this domain? And what had been exchanged?

Before such questions could leave their mouths, Wu Jinliang suddenly ceased his work. The reason? The guests had arrived.

A group of people began closing in slowly.

It wasn't a large group; only about ten. At the instruction of the leader, all weapons were sheathed, signaling peaceful intentions.

Upon seeing the visitors, Shi Chun appeared a little surprised. The group closing in wasn't strangers—it was Gong Shixi leading the Qianyan Sect.

Once they came forward, they observed Shi Chun's group and the stone carving at their center, tracing the source of the sound.

Only after approaching did they dare show themselves.

Shi Chun's group was also observing them, although primarily scanning their rear. No accompanying forces? Just these few?

Shi Chun questioned, "How did you find us?"

His suspicion rose: did they possess abilities like Wu Shanshan's?

Could it be that other sects didn't dare to follow?

Or was Gong Shixi's Demon Path daring to openly oppose his own path?

Gong Shixi chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Making so much noise—anyone who isn't deaf could find you."

Shi Chun replied, "That's not what I meant. What I'm asking is, how did you figure out our route and manage to track us here?"

Gong Shixi responded, "Isn't this obvious? You knew full well why you've been chased relentlessly. If you're unaware, then how could you have gone to assassinate Wu Shanshan?"

Shi Chun glanced around, "Yet I don't see Wu Shanshan here."

Gong Shixi explained, "She's afraid to approach this area and is hiding farther back. She directs us; we scout ahead. After securing a waypoint, she follows and provides the next directions. The bulk of the forces are in the rear."

Shi Chun's eyes flickered. "Why send your group ahead in particular? Could this be your group stirring trouble to have us pursued?"

Xu and You exchanged glances, noting Shi Chun's deliberate act of feigned ignorance. He had previously speculated in front of them that Gong Shixi's group was the one fueling the chaos.

Gong Shixi dared not admit it. His Magical Treasure had been destroyed by those strange lightning bolts. Having witnessed Shi Chun's skill during the masked assassination attempt, he knew his group wasn't capable of taking him out. Thus, he denied firmly, "Brother Chun, you're overthinking. If we were causing trouble behind the scenes, we wouldn't risk stepping forward like this. We're also being forced, chosen to take the risks. This is apparent to other sects at the back, and you can inquire for confirmation later."

Shi Chun smiled meaningfully, "Oh, a coincidence then? But isn't that too much of a coincidence? Why point fingers at you, specifically? I don't trust hearsay; I trust what my eyes see. You clearly stirred trouble against me. I'll formally report this as your doing. How you clear your innocence is your business, not mine."

Report? To whom? The Mingshan Sect members exchanged glances, unsure who this 'Above' he referred to was. They figured it may pertain to someone in Young Master Nan's faction.

Xu and You, however, understood exactly.

Gong Shixi's group paled slightly. If such allegations were seriously investigated, who knew what might be uncovered?

On second thought, though, they had nothing to fear. They could be entirely transparent with their upper ranks, admitting they had sabotaged Shi Chun's chances. Their superiors would likely be delighted rather than upset. The so-called 'Three Sects Alliance' was surface-level—behind the scenes, everyone pursued their own hidden agendas. Without conclusive evidence, those above would undoubtedly protect them.

Resolving his concerns, Gong Shixi smiled faintly, "Brother Chun may think what he likes; we can't stop that. We've appeared here purely out of goodwill to warn you—don't think the pursuers are afraid to enter this area. They've already come. You should hurry and relocate."

Shi Chun chuckled warmly, "I appreciate Brother Gong's kind intentions. If your group is truly here in peace and not to cause trouble, then may I trouble Brother Gong with a small favor?"

Gong Shixi frowned slightly, "What is it?"

Shi Chun locked eyes, "Wu Shanshan is currently working with your group scouting, yes? She's separated from the larger forces, making her vulnerable…" He nodded toward Wu Jinliang, "My brother here has a rather peculiar hobby—an appreciation for incomplete beauty. I'd like her alive!"

Everyone's gaze turned to Wu Jinliang.

Wu Jinliang showed no shame, cackling, "Life is an experience, and any chance to savor its 'diversity' shouldn't be missed."

The group shuddered at his words. 'Diversity' wasn't something they'd ever think to use in such a context. Judging by their expressions, they saw him as a bit of a deviant.

Whether he was or wasn't, Gong Shixi merely snorted, "Your hobbies are your business…"

"What you're doing behind my back shows your malice!"

Shi Chun suddenly interrupted sternly, pointing directly at Gong Shixi, "What's the meaning of barging in here when this has nothing to do with you? Coincidence? Fool me once! Now that you're here face-to-face, we won't escape. With Wu Shanshan close behind, fleeing isn't an option. It's only a matter of time before we're cornered. You know this better than anyone through your involvement.

If we're caught by the pursuers, don't expect to escape the fallout. Since you've attacked us, we'll all go down together.

If you want to prove your innocence, bring Wu Shanshan to me. Helping us ensures your own safety. Once Wu Shanshan is in our hands, we can flee confidently.

Brother Gong, farewell then. We'll stay right here and wait. If Wu Shanshan isn't delivered to us, I will not leave. Feel free to test me!"

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