His words weren't just meant to scare the other party; if they didn't bring Wu Shanshan to him, he truly wouldn't leave. After all, he had no intention of leaving, to begin with. He planned to wait right here for the teams from various sects to arrive. If Gong Shixi dared to gamble, it'd definitely scare this wretch to death.

In truth, if others were in his situation, there'd be no need for such extra measures. Eventually, everyone would be lured here and wiped out in one fell swoop anyway.

But Master Shi was different. Ever since Li Hongjiu had struck him with that sword lightning, the Demon Essence absorbed into his body had been completely converted—converted entirely into cultivation. He was clearly aware of his own cultivation circumstances. Without Demon Essence, he simply couldn't advance his cultivation further.

Perhaps there were other ways, but for now, he hadn't found them. He still had to focus on targeting these Demon Path cultivators who had Demon Essence.

The Forget Love Valley had sent five Demon Essence cultivators; he'd already killed all but one. Previously, he hadn't cared much since Xia Fuli's massive reserve of Demon Essence had been enough to sustain him for quite a while. Even in emergencies, he overlooked things. Looking back now, it was a bit painful—it was his own cultivation he'd been burning through!

Now his sights were set firmly on Wu Shanshan for a simple reason. Soon, it wouldn't matter, as those terrifying elder monsters would slaughter everyone. Before they struck, he'd snatch whatever he could. It didn't cost him anything, and he didn't have to lift a finger—just open his mouth and someone would handle it for him. So why not?

If Gong Shixi hadn't jumped out at this moment, he wouldn't have even thought about this. He didn't want to face those elder monsters or negotiate with them, nor did he dare.

But since someone had emerged, given his Land of Exile upbringing and adaptability to seize any opportunity, not striking would be absurd.

Snatching Wu Shanshan and running off sounded delightful; then he could slowly enjoy her in a safe place later.

A grinning Wu Jinliang thoroughly understood Master Shi's thoughts. Thus, he had to cooperate—even if it meant smiling and compromising himself. Compromising himself to support Master Shi—after all, Master Shi's well-being was his well-being.

Of course, he often felt dissatisfaction. Why did Master Shi need to embrace "flawed beauty"? If the Master liked it, why couldn't he enjoy it himself? After all, they were both shameless individuals—why did this peculiar preference always land on his shoulders?

Years ago, in the Land of Exile, when encountering a similar situation, he had argued with Shi Chun and expressed his discontent.

Who wouldn't want a good reputation? Not even a bad person would! Even pig dung has a layer of shine over it.

But Shi Chun had said something about tall people bearing the load when the sky fell, and that the blame would rest on him anyway. Wu Jinliang couldn't accept this—why should he suffer just because he was tall? There was no logic to that; it made no sense.

Then Master Shi, with earnest solemnity, explained he needed a good reputation for pursuing Miao Yilan.

So what could Wu Jinliang say in response?

Of course, he could also pursue Miao Yilan himself. He even believed his tall, sturdy physique made him more manly and suitable for chasing Miao Yilan. But then Shi Chun's simple rebuttal clinched the matter: If Wu Jinliang could produce a decent outfit to wear, he could go pursue Miao Yilan.

The result? Wu Jinliang could only shed metaphorical tears and feel despondent.

Damn it! He truly couldn't produce a single decent outfit, simply because of his towering stature.

Meanwhile, the wretch known as Chun Tian had a lan shirt that perfectly suited pretense and affected elegance.

Some things, once accepted, become habitual.

Now, change seemed too late. Master Shi's endless justifications rolled forward—if not chasing Miao Yilan, there was Xiang Laner outside to pursue. And here, there was Zhener. Even in the secret realm of the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, there'd still be someone to dote on with affection.

Fortunately, Wu Jinliang was willing to confront reality—there were benefits to not being burdened by a grand reputation. At this moment, he even began to miss the oirans in Shengshen Continent Royal Capital. When they returned, Young Master Nan was sure to compensate him well. Anything less would be an insult.

Thinking of this, his enthusiasm for "flawed beauty" became even more genuine.

Xu Anzhang and Yu Eryan's expressions grew intricate as well. The Mingshan Sect onlookers, confused by the scene, couldn't understand the subtle tension. The pair, however, knew exactly the leverage Shi Chun held over Gong Shixi and were well aware that Shi Chun wasn't bluffing about staying put.

Shi Chun had made his stance crystal clear just minutes prior—this effectively choked Gong Shixi's weak point to death.

A situation where one pulse of Demon Path used another pulse as leverage wasn't something they had witnessed before.

Thus, their inner thoughts raced once more: the higher-ups had truly sent a top-tier ruthless operator for this mission. A blade-carving artist who peels flesh without harming bones, it seemed their superiors were determined to secure the Desolate Broken Blade at all costs.

Gong Shixi, whose face already bore a dark and sinister expression, appeared even grimmer now. His cheeks puffed and deflated repeatedly, before he finally retrieved an Ice Sheep and covered his mouth and nose with it, coldly remarking, "We frontline scouts are fine, yet Wu Shanshan hiding in the rear ran into trouble? Does that make sense?"

Shi Chun replied, "Who said we must encounter you scouts first? Who said we can't bypass you to eliminate Wu Shanshan in the rear? If I dared to mingle among you when there were masses, why would sneaking around to intercept make any difference? It's already a given—your action, my responsibility."

Gong Shixi retaliated, "This isn't so simple. The Four Great Sects each sent someone to protect her, responsible for reporting back in shifts."

Shi Chun shook his head. "That's not something for me to worry about. I don't believe you're incapable of managing that. If you are, then why were you even sent here? I only know one principle: do you want me dead? Because if I die, we'll all die together. Whether you're sabotaging or not—prove it to me. Solve it however you like—I only care about the result!"

Spreading his hands wide, he gestured towards his team's location, indicating they would stay put. Would they run? Could they escape? That was up to Gong Shixi and his team to resolve.

The poisonous glint in Gong Shixi's eyes flared; he truly wished he could order an immediate attack. But that was unrealistic—not to mention whether they'd actually win, if anyone escaped, they'd all be doomed.

Ultimately, he turned and led his people away, with the distinct sense he'd been hoist by his own petard.

Some decisions, once made, carried inevitable and unforeseen consequences.

After watching the departing figures disappear into the distance, Shi Chun calmly said, "Jinliang, do you have no strength? Make some louder noise."

"Haha, you got it." Wu Jinliang chuckled, enthusiastically wielded his hammer again, clanging and banging away while muttering curses under his breath, "Too much force ruins my overall design."

The crowd couldn't help but turn to look, scanning the giant stone from top to bottom. They still couldn't make out what kind of design he had in mind—genuinely baffled.

Meanwhile, as the Qianyan Sect team walked off into the night, Zhou Wudao repeatedly glanced back several times before he couldn't hold back anymore and cursed, "Damn bastards! I think they're bluffing! I don't believe they'd actually wait here to die—they'll definitely try to flee later."

Just as his words fell, the clanging noise resumed once again in the dark night, causing everyone's expressions to twitch uncontrollably.

Earlier, when they had approached, they'd heard it and even secretly observed. Those people had been hammering away non-stop. Now, it was starting again.

This made them want to ask—were those lunatics genuinely afraid that the teams wouldn't be able to find them, or what?

Given the context of the previous commotion, they started to feel chills—maybe these maniacs really didn't intend to leave.

Gong Shixi, glaring back at the sounds, also couldn't resist cursing under his breath, "Bastards! You'll pay for this soon enough!"

With a resolute wave of his hand, he signaled all his people to return—a move that involved recalling all personnel; no one was left stationed along the route, as every hand was now vital.

Though he cursed, realities still had to be confronted.

Soon, they arrived at the spot where Wu Shanshan and her companions were hiding.

Spotting their numbers, Wu Shanshan immediately sensed something was amiss and asked, "Why is everyone back?"

Gong Shixi promptly lowered his voice and said, "Something strange has happened."

His tone instantly drew the attention of Wu Shanshan's companions, who gathered closer to inquire.

"What's going on?" Wu Shanshan barely finished her sentence before her eyes widened in shock. With a swift swing of her arm, she tried to block the attack.

However, with one arm missing and gravely injured, she was too weak to fend off Gong Shixi's sudden double-handed strike. Blood spurted out as she was sent flying backward.

The four Great Sect members who had approached her were also caught off guard by the Qianyan Sect gang's ambush. Swift and precise sword strikes rendered them unable to evade, some dodging one attack only to fall victim to another.

The attackers struck quickly, ensuring no one made too much noise before hacking them into pieces. Flesh and blood flew everywhere, their methods were shockingly ruthless and vicious.

"You…" Wu Shanshan struggled to rise from the ground, indignantly shouting, but Gong Shixi swiftly closed in and pressed a finger between her brows, sending her eyes rolling white as she fell unconscious again.

That's why, they say, external threats are not the most terrifying—those closest to you are often the deadliest.

Turning back after finishing his assault, Gong Shixi glanced at the scene and ordered his junior, Xun Lishan, "Take two people and clean up the mess."

After receiving confirmation, he turned to Zhou Wudao with a tilted gesture, signaling him to grab the unconscious Wu Shanshan.

When Zhou Wudao attempted to pull off the Qiankun Bag tied to Wu Shanshan's waist, Gong Shixi immediately shouted to stop him, "Don't! None of their belongings—no matter how valuable—are allowed to be touched!"

He also pointed at a number of others who were preparing to loot the scene.

Left with no choice, the group relented.

Then, Gong Shixi led the group toward Ice Sealed Lake.

En route, Zhou Wudao couldn't help but voice a reminder, "Didn't you say Wu Shanshan might belong to one of the pulses? Won't this cause trouble for us?"

Gong Shixi shot him a fierce glare. "Did I say that? We know nothing, and had no way to know."

At the lake, the clanging sounds had ceased. Shi Chun and his group hadn't expected the Qianyan Sect team to return so quickly. Seeing Wu Shanshan's unconscious body tossed to the ground surprised them—they hadn't anticipated things to progress so fast.

Seeing this fearless crowd still lingering here, Gong Shixi cursed them silently in his heart.

Is this over already? Shi Chun cursed inwardly too—a desperate gambit had been undone with mere words.

He frowned and asked, "Is she dead?"

"Alive. Get lost quickly! I need to report back—the teams from various sects will arrive soon."

Gong Shixi had no intention of staying a moment longer; he dropped his words and left with his group.

This time, he truly had been driven to the brink—he had painstakingly schemed to push Shi Chun's gang into a dead end, only to find himself unwittingly aiding them in escaping. It was revolting to the utmost.

As the group departed in haste, Shi Chun pointed at the unconscious Wu Shanshan and turned to Xu Anzhang and Yu Eryan, saying, "She's your responsibility now. Lose her, and I'll hold you accountable."

His tone left no room for courtesy.

The two were surprised. They glanced at Wu Jinliang—wasn't she meant for his enjoyment?

Still, the pair had gradually grown accustomed to being ordered around. They immediately stepped forward to inspect her condition.

Shortly after, Xu Anzhang looked up and said, "She's alive but badly injured. Should we wake her up to treat her wounds?"

Shi Chun replied, "As long as she doesn't die and has breath left, that's enough. Everything else is irrelevant. If she says something she shouldn't, or escapes, you both know the consequences."

He reminded them of her true identity.

Glancing at one another, the two wasted no time. One of them dislocated Wu Shanshan's jaw, while the other shattered her knee and shoulder joints on the spot, eliciting gasps from Chu Jingtang and the others—these were exceptionally brutal methods.

Wu Shanshan wasn't spared from the agony; she jolted awake from unconsciousness due to the pain.

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