Wu Jinliang couldn't help but chuckle when he heard about these circumstances. He knew full well that Shi Chun went over there to "propose," and naturally understood why Chun Tian wanted Xu Anzhang to test Master Nine—it was simply a matter of letting others take the risk instead of their own people.

Comparing statements from both sides, he could discern whether the other party was sent by Shi Chun. Although wary, there was no avoiding a visit to verify the truth. He immediately said, "The Master has his own plans, and it's not for us to meddle. Let's go. Gather the men and have a look."

With that, he directly took off on his Magical Treasure and flew back.

Xu and You exchanged glances, surprised by the sudden use of a defensive Magical Treasure by the opposing party.

You Mu couldn't help but mutter, "A big fellow like that, turns out he's just a coward."

The two had no other choice and reluctantly followed him back.

Once Wu Jinliang gathered his men, he immediately led them on their way. Instead of using Wind Scale to travel, he flew directly on a Magical Treasure conjured by the Divine Demon Dharma Form.

Accompanying him, Xu Anzhang called out, "Brother Wu, using this treasure like that will deplete its power. Why not use Wind Scale, which is more convenient?"

Wu Jinliang replied, "Better this than being caught off-guard by Li Hongjiu."

Xu Anzhang forced a smile, paused briefly, and then called out again, "Brother Wu, your treasure shines brightly, especially conspicuous in the night—it might draw unwanted attention."

Little did Xu realize, the more he tried to persuade Wu Jinliang to lower his defenses, the more Wu Jinliang became certain something was amiss with the two of them.

Wu Jinliang refused, saying, "I feel like there are eyes on us nearby."

He absolutely refused to disarm, knowing the two dared not force the issue openly lest they reveal their true intentions.

Indeed, Xu and You had to swallow their frustrations as things spiraled beyond their expectations—no careful planning could salvage the situation now.

"Wait for an opening; we might still have a chance later," Xu Anzhang whispered to You Mu.

The two traveled together on a single Wind Scale, speaking softly with the device's spinning sounds masking their whispering.

Thus, the group finally arrived at Lake Heart Island without incident.

After landing, Shi Chun was nowhere to be seen. Wu Jinliang still refused to lower his defenses and asked, "Where's the Master?"

Xu Anzhang pointed to the cave entrance, "Should be down there."

"Down there?" Wu Jinliang's suspicion deepened, fearing trouble occurred. "Can you call him out?"

His extreme vigilance didn't strike anyone as odd. In fact, the Mingshan Sect seemed equally wary—indeed, none dared to venture into that cave lightly.

Having visited once before, Xu and You had a fair understanding, with Xu Anzhang previously clashing with Master Nine, prompting You Mu to be sent in to call the Master.

Soon, Shi Chun emerged from the cave. Seeing Wu Jinliang fully surrounded by his treasure defenses, Shi Chun paused momentarily, scanning the faces of the group. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. What was odd, however, was Wu Jinliang meticulously sizing him up, as if he feared Shi Chun might be an imposter.

As Shi Chun approached, he spotted the weapon wielded by the three Divine Demon Dharma Forms, which seemed poised to guard against him. He immediately questioned, "What's this nonsense, did you overeat?"

Wu Jinliang instantly relaxed upon hearing this, breaking into a sheepish smile as he dismissed the Magical Treasure and dragged Shi Chun by the arm to the side, his expression playful and carefree.

Once alone, Shi Chun shrugged off Wu Jinliang's grasp and asked suspiciously, "What's the matter?"

Shi Chun knew him well—there had to be a reason for his behavior.

Wu Jinliang whispered an insult, "Damn, Chun Tian, it's not that I'm paranoid, but I feel like those two surnamed Xu are planning to kill me. I had to be cautious."

Shi Chun raised his eyebrows in surprise at this accusation. He knew Wu Jinliang wouldn't say such things without reason. "What happened?" he asked.

"Those two came to me saying they were delivering a message from you—a request for a private conversation that felt overly insistent…" Wu Jinliang recounted the encounter with Xu and You, trusting that Shi Chun would understand and share his suspicion.

Indeed, Shi Chun's expression darkened as he listened, restraining his urge to glance toward Xu and You, recalling something quickly. "Xu and You came to find you together?" he asked.

"Yeah, the two came together," Wu Jinliang confirmed, still puzzled about why their pairing mattered.

Shi Chun, however, was piecing together the puzzle. Earlier, he'd wondered why Xu and You had suddenly become so proactive, with You Mu surprisingly volunteering to inspect around. Now it was clear where You had been disappearing to.

When ignorance turns to clarity—realizing the pair intended to lure Wu Jinliang away—Shi Chun felt a twinge of fear at the risk. The audacity caught him off guard.

He hadn't expected two generally cautious individuals to make such a bold, reckless move—acting as though they could wipe out the entire Mingshan Sect without a solid plan of retreat. Shi Chun considered himself adventurous, but even he wouldn't gamble without sufficient guarantees.

The crux was the uncertainty of whether tremendous benefits awaited them here. He had at least verified the existence of treasures when stripping Zhener's Treasure Robe and Treasure Boots and hearing her confirmation. For Xu and You to take such risks without assurance? It was baffling.

No, even before the "trial by combat," the pair had begun acting—how could they have been so daring? It left Shi Chun stunned.

Luckily, Wu Jinliang's vigilance had prevented disaster; Shi Chun was reminded that human nature defies prediction.

At least things were fine for now. Shi Chun wasn't overly bitter, already accustomed to a world where killing and being killed were ordinary rules of survival.

Still, he warned Wu Jinliang, "It seems we're not the only ones who've seen through this Earth Heart Tower's façade. Those two definitely noticed as well. If they fail, they won't easily let go. Stay alert and warn the others to do the same."

Wu Jinliang asked, "So, we're keeping them around?"

Shi Chun replied, "I'm still wary of this place. I want to further test these so-called Grandmasters. What if they're reluctant to turn hostile because of the proposal? It's unlikely—even Zhener thinks these Grandmasters are off—but we still need confirmation. Between the two, who better to conduct another test? Since they're certain this place can be bullied, having them test it further is straightforward enough."

He had missed the exchange between the child guards and was compelled to test repeatedly.

Wu Jinliang asked in confusion, "Another test? Then why call us here so urgently?"

His implication was clear—how could Shi Chun summon them without first eliminating danger? If there truly was risk, involving the Mingshan Sect wouldn't help.

Shi Chun didn't bother explaining. The others would naturally understand when the time came. He turned and gestured for Xu and You to come over.

The two pointed to themselves, and upon receiving confirmation, hurried over.

Xu Anzhang asked, "Brother Chun, what's the matter?"

Shi Chun asked, "Have you noticed anything unusual about the old monsters here compared to the legends?"

Xu and You subconsciously exchanged glances. Under such circumstances, You Mu would usually remain silent.

After a bit of thought, Xu Anzhang tentatively replied, "Now that you mention it, Brother Chun, it does seem a bit off."

Shi Chun countered, "Brother Xu, does this help you understand why I asked you to 'fight'?"

Xu Anzhang froze momentarily, then feigned a flash of realization, glancing at the Mingshan Sect group before whispering, "Brother Chun, are you gathering forces to take action?"

Shi Chun replied, "I still need the two of you to further investigate. Since combat didn't reveal much, perhaps you could rattle their scales. Both of you have cultivated Fire Attribute Skills. This Earth Heart Tower teems with Fire Spirits—you've seen them before. Capture one for the Mingshan Sect to absorb. If even this doesn't provoke a reaction, then we can act decisively."

You Mu asked, astonished, "Why must we act? If they're absorbing it, why not let them handle it themselves? Why not Zhu Xiangxin and An Wuzhi?"

Not allowing Tong Mingshan to intervene was understandable, but excluding Zhu and An left them puzzled.

Shi Chun had an answer ready: "I never told them about the situation here. Suddenly asking them to act would scare them off. Also, I don't intend to reveal anything about this place—the fewer who know, the better. Less temptation, less risk—need I say more? Besides, Wu and I don't practice Fire Attribute Skills nor specialize in capturing Divine Fire; otherwise, we wouldn't need you for this task."

Wu Jinliang grinned foolishly once again.

Xu and You fell silent.

Shi Chun then bluntly added, "If something goes wrong, you two will bear all the consequences yourselves. This has nothing to do with the rest of us. You're from different sects—I've simply misjudged you."

The two stared at him wide-eyed.

Shi Chun continued, "If misfortune strikes, it's better for only the two of you to suffer rather than dragging everyone down. At least one side benefits in the end. When this is over, I'll naturally account for you both—the higher-ups won't neglect your families."

Before entering, Shi Chun had already obtained insider intel from Feng Chi. When asking if the operatives within the Divine Fire Domain were trustworthy, Feng reassured him, stating that most assigned to such missions were controlled through hostages held above.

Wu Jinliang chuckled inappropriately, oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

Xu and You's expressions grew complicated. They hadn't expected Shi Chun to be so explicit, leaving them no room for refusal or pretense.

Knowing they were not in imminent danger, the pair eventually feigned reluctant agreement.

Shi Chun immediately ordered Wu Jinliang to lead the group back to the lakeside to find a spot suitable for absorbing Divine Fire—close enough for convenience in transportation, yet far enough to react if safety was confirmed.

Wu Jinliang quickly obeyed, escorting all members of the Mingshan Sect to the lakeside. After selecting the spot, he sent Chu Jingtang and Fang Zicheng back to Lake Heart Island to await orders.

Upon their arrival, Shi Chun immediately motioned to Xu and You, signaling them to begin.

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