The pain that could jolt someone awake from unconsciousness—that kind of agony is unimaginable.

On top of being restrained by mana, she could only endure it head-on. In the dim conditions, she couldn't use any spells to adjust her vision to clearly see the people around her, only faintly perceiving that several figures surrounded her.

Wu Shanshan clearly remembered who had injured her before she lost consciousness. She moaned a few muffled sounds, tried to curse Gong Shixi angrily, but the moment she opened her mouth, she realized her jaw had been dislocated and she couldn't speak properly.

Fortunately, Shi Chun wasn't worried that light here might attract something dangerous. At this moment, he was utterly fearless, nearly wild with arrogance—short of throwing his head back and laughing. So, he took out a piece of Sandalwood Gold and illuminated Wu Shanshan's bloodied face, letting her clearly see who he was.

It was obvious he was giving her a surprise—after all, this wretched woman had caused him plenty of suffering along the way.

As Wu Shanshan saw the person before her, her pupils contracted sharply, filled with a mix of shock and fury. She couldn't understand how she had fallen into this scoundrel's hands. While thinking back on prior events, at the very least, she guessed Gong Shixi had aligned himself with Shi Chun.

She simply couldn't grasp why Gong Shixi would involve himself with this man. Didn't he know the dynamics between the escaping side and the pursuing side? Didn't he understand who had the upper hand?

The only possible explanation was one: Some mutual dealings had already been in place between the two sides.

The pain coursing through her body made her realize what had been done to her—someone had crippled her. Sadness and rage overwhelmed her as she howled incoherently at Shi Chun.

Shi Chun reached out a finger to brush aside the stray hair clinging to her face. He could tell this woman was originally quite beautiful. With a mocking pain in his expression, he asked, "Wu Shanshan, we had no grievances between us. We agreed beforehand and signed a contract. Why did you breach it? You violated the agreement by swallowing my Divine Fire, then relentlessly hunted me down. Where's heaven's justice? Where's fairness?"

Hearing his words, Wu Shanshan knew she was indeed in the wrong. She could admit her actions were not proper. At this point, some regret began to creep over her—if only she had known the outcome in advance, she certainly wouldn't have acted as she did.

But deep down, she also understood that even without knowing her fate, if given the chance again, she would probably make the same decision. Sometimes, people just don't have a choice.

Wu Jinliang chuckled aside, fully aware of the Master's methods. First, take the moral high ground and make the opponent aware of their own guilt. This was only to make it easier to extract information from the victim once they could no longer endure their suffering. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any need for this much trouble.

As expected, Shi Chun stood up soon after, tilted his head, and said to him, "I want to know the reasoning behind why this woman tracked us so relentlessly along the way. Take her with those two men and interrogate her before those people arrive."

The 'those two men' naturally referred to Xu and You.

Wu Jinliang understood. They would need to use all means necessary to make Wu Shanshan talk. Since this involved the Demon Path, there were matters unsuitable to reveal in Chu Jingtang's presence. After all, they hadn't yet completely tied Chu Jingtang and the others to their cause.

He could also grasp Shi Chun's lack of urgency toward Chu Jingtang and the others. Shi Chun had adopted a slow approach with them, one of measured patience.

If he was willing to take this time and effort to deal with these people, then the Master clearly had long-term plans—expecting to make them part of his inner circle.

As for Zhu Xiangxin and the others secretly colluding with their former sects, it was hardly worth mentioning to those exiled from the Land of Exile. They had long come to terms with such things.

Since the Master didn't concern himself with it, he surely had countermeasures.

Xu and You seemed to catch on as well, realizing that most members of the Mingshan Sect still maintained distance from the Demon Path.

The trio promptly dragged Wu Shanshan away.

Shi Chun walked over to the sculpted Da Shitou and inspected it, but couldn't discern Wu Jinliang's creative intentions…

On the icebound Lake Heart Island, a young man leaned against the stone, reclining with his legs crossed, head cradled as he gazed at the stars—a carefree figure, far removed from any worries.

Zhener paced nearby.

Zhener grew impatient, considering going to find Shi Chun and the others, but was stopped by the youth, who voiced his argument: What kind of behavior was it to offer oneself before formal courtship?

Master Nine disallowed it, and Zhener didn't dare defy him. She could only linger and hope her beloved would come quickly...

Meanwhile, Gong Shixi's group had also returned to the rear of the gathered sects, bringing both news of Shi Chun and his companions and grave tidings.

They reported that they had found Shi Chun's resting place. Yet, when they rushed back to meet Wu Shanshan, she was gone, the scene marked by incomplete corpses. What transpired there remained unclear, as did whether Wu Shanshan was dead or alive.

This revelation left the crowd secretly alarmed, suspecting it might have something to do with the dangers of this place.

Of course, that was precisely what Gong Shixi hoped for. He didn't follow Shi Chun's instructions to claim Shi Chun committed the massacres. Instead, he encouraged speculation about terrifying creatures, aiming to scare off these people—otherwise, he would be the one in trouble.

What kind of place was this? Without Wu Shanshan's tracking abilities, continuing forward recklessly was akin to courting death.

Furthermore, even if he pinpointed Shi Chun's location, he couldn't let this group capture Shi Chun now. That man's earlier threats weren't idle, and they had just killed members of the Four Great Sects. Even giving them a hundred doses of courage, they wouldn't openly assist in capturing Shi Chun.

It was better to retreat and find another plan.

Life's endless unpredictability often leaves one resigned.

As everyone puzzled and speculated, Li Hongjiu abruptly asked, "Where are Shi Chun and the others now?"

Gong Shixi paused for a moment before replying, "By the frozen lakeside."

Li Hongjiu: "They didn't notice you, right?"

"No," Gong Shixi responded matter-of-factly.

Li Hongjiu immediately turned back and instructed, "Stay here and wait. I'll go check it out with him." Then, he gestured to Gong Shixi to lead the way.

"..." Gong Shixi was dumbfounded, unsure what to say. The terrifying creatures of this place had already made their move—he still wanted to go?

He hesitated to obey. After all, there were many people here, and Yanbao Sect wasn't the foremost faction. Looking at the others, he cast a glance toward Zuo Zisheng.

Yanbao Sect disciples were naturally concerned for their uncle-master, so Guang Haoyou quickly spoke to stop him: "Uncle-master, since Shi Chun and his companions ran into danger of their own accord, let them face the consequences."

Though they indeed hoped their uncle-master would demonstrate his might and obtain the Divine Fire for them, the harsh truth was undeniable—they had witnessed Shi Chun's undeniable strength firsthand. This was someone who had injured their uncle-master before. To pursue him further wasn't just foolish but fatal.

Li Hongjiu: "Since Shi Chun is fine, I should return without trouble as well. You stay here. I'll take a look and come right back."

Although he had previously suffered a loss at Shi Chun's hands, that didn't mean he was willing to lose again. His silent, abstinent focus throughout the journey had its reasons: a desire to test something.

This was no longer a matter of testing Shi Chun. To Li Hongjiu, Shi Chun had already faded from relevance—merely a difference in perspective.

Of course, it was an opportunity to provide accountability to his disciples.

To secure Shi Chun's Secret Technique for locating the Divine Fire was also to provide accountability for the sect.

Although personally indifferent towards such matters, his sect needed them.

He had been raised by the sect, nurtured directly by the Sect Leader, given cultivation resources far beyond what average disciples could access. Hence, regardless of personal inclination or dissatisfaction, he couldn't shirk his responsibilities. If an opportunity arose, he had to act.

Perhaps only once he had repaid what he owed could he have the right to cast off burdens and pursue his own desires.

For others, this was risky and terrifying. For him, it might very well be an ideal chance to monopolize a reward for his sect.

Guang Haoyou naturally objected, "Uncle-master, if we're going, we go together!"

Li Hongjiu rarely showed a stern face, staring them down. "Disobey me, and I'll take you down myself. Stay here!"

"..." Yanbao Sect disciples fell silent. Having witnessed their uncle-master's methods, they knew once he resorted to force, there would be no resistance possible.

They also sensed his unprecedented seriousness and resolve.

"Look after yourselves—stay vigilant toward others," Li Hongjiu added. He made no attempt to hide his distrust of the rest, openly warning his disciples against them. Turning, he urged Gong Shixi, "Lead the way!"

Gong Shixi was speechless. In his mind, he wanted to ask outright if Li Hongjiu were crazy, but dared not voice it. Left with no alternative, he turned to Zuo Zisheng for help. "Brother Zuo, are you going?"

Li Hongjiu cut in sharply, "It doesn't matter what he says. If I say I'm going, then I go! Anyone who tries to stop me—I'll cripple them on the spot. Try me if you doubt me! Hesitate further, and you'll regret it!"

With a grin on his face, his words were anything but amiable.

The gathered sect members exchanged uneasy, doubtful glances.

Faced with such direct threats, a flicker of coldness crossed Gong Shixi's expression. If it truly came to blows, with his mastery of Demon Skills, he wasn't afraid of Yanbao Sect's so-called prodigy. It was merely inconvenient to reveal such abilities publicly.

But in secret? Different story entirely!

Since forced so far, Gong Shixi resolved to give Li Hongjiu exactly what he wanted—only to ensure the man met Wu Shanshan's fate out of sight.

With this thought clear, he plastered a bitter smile across his face, shrugging. "Alright, we're just destined to be the errands boys."

He tilted his head meaningfully, signaling his peers. Immediately, his companions unleashed Wind Scale, whisking themselves and Li Hongjiu into the sky.

Zuo Zisheng, who had been watching from afar, suddenly seemed to steel himself. Calling out loudly, he announced, "Mr. Li has courage—I, Refining Heaven Sect, shall accompany him on this venture!"

With a swift gesture, Refining Heaven Sect disciples launched their Wind Scales, pursuing swiftly after.

The reasoning was simple: fear of allowing Li Hongjiu to claim the prize alone.

Not just Refining Heaven Sect—all who saw Gu Lianni and Yuan Yao exchanging glances had their answer as the two also took flight, leading their own forces.

Extreme Fire Sect's Yin Tianlu had been keeping a close eye on Shudao Mountain. Seeing their actions, he immediately followed suit, raising a hand to summon his followers into the air.

One by one, the major sects took to the skies in pursuit.

When prominent sects moved, the smaller sects gained courage through solidarity, creating an inevitable wave of collective action—a tide of individuals flying forward, convinced they couldn't stay behind. They feared being left without answers and worse—returning empty-handed to their sects.

Ultimately, only Yanbao Sect remained behind.

Looking back at them, even Li Hongjiu seemed a bit surprised by how many parties had joined in pursuit. Casting a spell to strengthen his voice, he called out, "Wait here for my return!"

This final instruction emphasized that his companions should not follow the crowd.

Glancing back, Gong Shixi inwardly grimaced. Relief swept over him—thankfully, he had given Shi Chun advance warning to leave. Otherwise, this situation might truly have been unsalvageable.

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