Suddenly erupting in such a fierce temper did not necessarily mean he truly looked down on Shi Chun. People of Shi Chun's level genuinely mattered little in his eyes. If it weren't for the Miao family's interest in Shi Chun, the man wouldn't even deserve the recognition of having his name remembered.

This wasn't arrogance—it was simply the reality of the world.

What was his status? The grandson of the Right Minister of the southern Zhanbu Continent. His personal achievements, his abilities, or his ranking within the third generation of the Gong family were irrelevant; what mattered was that he was the grandson of the third most powerful figure in Shanbu Continent.

What does it mean to be the third most powerful person in Shanbu Continent?

Take the Empress of the Heavenly Court as a comparison: those seated on the thrones of the Four Great Continents only nominally recognize the woman on the imperial throne as their sovereign. To the Saint Kings, they see themselves as no lesser than her, as equals to the ruler on the throne. They believe: "I, too, could sit on that throne."

One of the Four Great Continents—the grandson of Shanbu Continent's third most powerful figure. Without even mentioning tangible weight or influence, just in terms of status alone, how could Shi Chun possibly compare?

The two weren't even on the same level of existence. It could be said that they weren't even part of the same world—a lofty being residing in the Heavenly Palace versus a lowly ant crawling on the ground. Under normal circumstances, someone like Shi Chun would never even register in Gong Shaoci's eyes. What would be the point in caring?

Yet at this moment, hearing the name "Shi Chun" truly filled him with disgust. What a joke—when such enormous stakes were on the line, someone dared to treat this insignificant ant as a deciding weight on the scale? Were they out of their minds, or had they taken leave of their senses?

Meddling in meaningless distractions earlier could be overlooked. Truth be told, he hadn't paid much attention to this gambling match. His family held such matters in low regard—there were few things the Gong family cared to give their blessing to when it came to the younger generation's affairs. For instance, his family did support his pursuit of marrying Miao Dingyi's daughter, to their evident approval and delight.

Thus, the gambling match was merely a game to him. Earning something from it would be a nice bonus, but failing to gain anything wouldn't matter much. This opportunity to profit had been voluntarily handed over to him.

He'd received a share of the profits. Normally, he didn't need to put in any effort or invest any money—essentially free gains.

Moreover, his share of the profits was comparatively larger than what most others held.

This wasn't because he had fought for it; it was just how the rules of the game were set.

For someone like Young Master Nan, who orchestrated this arrangement, allowing figures akin to local landlords to claim a bigger share ensured smoother proceedings. Outsiders wouldn't complain much—this was an unspoken rule. After all, things were being conducted on their turf. Should anything go wrong, outside forces would have difficulty intervening, and local figures would inevitably have to step in to clean up the mess.

Put simply, so long as the local "snakes" claimed their due, there was no place for fools to cause trouble. This was the most basic principle.

Normally, nothing would go wrong. But obviously, things were no longer normal.

If the whole affair collapsed, and the money involved was not an astronomical sum, it might not implicate him directly. Many others participating enjoyed similar involvement, with some having even higher status than him, making it harder to expose just one party. Naturally, someone would take the fall—like Young Master Nan here in front of him.

But if the situation spiraled too far out of control, and even someone like Young Master Nan couldn't shoulder the consequences, did they really believe the world lacked sharp eyes and discerning minds to see Gong Shaoci's part in it?

Moments ago, while Gong Shaoci had been receiving Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter, one of his trusted aides delivered a message: his grandfather had taken notice of the situation. A simple yet cutting question had been asked: "Can he afford the losses?"

His grandfather's attention, coupled with news that the Refining Heaven Sect's wagers still hadn't been suspended, immediately sent Gong Shaoci into a panic, resulting in this scene now.

To Young Master Nan's perspective, it was just as he had said earlier: he genuinely regarded Shi Chun highly and believed Shi Chun possessed intelligence. Some things need not be spoken aloud; Shi Chun should already understand what was being asked of him.

After all, certain matters couldn't be voiced directly. Voicing them would mean instructing someone to take a life-threatening risk. How could anyone ask for that outright?

Had he really gone to great lengths to pull Shi Chun into this, only for Shi Chun not to understand his intent?

Everything could remain unspoken. Mutual understanding and cooperation—work together now and celebrate together later.

Thus, he, too, was gambling. With the game reaching its current stakes, he was fully aware that the crazier the wagers, the greater the extremes: either great fortune or utter ruin.

He also understood the mindset of those waiting for their cut of the profits.

These people, dissatisfied when opportunities excluded them, were quick to take offense—what people termed being "snubbed." Yet, they offered no real ability to assist, while their aptitude for creating havoc was undeniable. And when risks emerged, not a single one of them wished to be implicated in the slightest.

Frankly, they just wanted benefits without any of the trouble.

If a true disaster struck, did anyone really believe these same people would rise to the occasion to resolve major crises? The ones capable of handling such matters were the elders backing them—not the young ones themselves. Even the elders wouldn't lightly intervene over issues caused by their juniors, beyond distancing themselves from liability.

Thus, Young Master Nan bore an immense burden. Despite how some might view him as a prominent figure, to individuals like Gong Shaoci, he was nothing more than a shopkeeper. The grandeur of his ancestors' reputations was long a thing of the past.

In truth, he was gambling with his life.

Aside from seeking a massive win, he was also dealing with matters of credibility. If you couldn't handle the stakes, why run the game at all? Adjusting the odds was one thing, but outright ceasing wagers—what could that mean? Yet some didn't care for reason.

Before he could properly explain himself after being scolded, an unexpected group of people descended from the skies.

A dozen or so individuals landed, their gazes fixed coldly upon Young Master Nan. Some looked malicious; others displayed an icy indifference. Not a single face showed joy—these were the ones who had argued for halting the Refining Heaven Sect's wagers yesterday.

The leader, a man in plain robes, appeared ordinary in looks but carried an exceptional demeanor. His face lacked the typical telltale traces of emotion, seeming devoid of even the barest flicker of human expression. He exuded the unmistakable aura of someone raised in privilege.

This man was also the individual who had previously placed a wager against Young Master Nan.

In the man's presence, Gong Shaoci set aside his anger. Though he remained silent, his subtle mannerisms conveyed respect.

Just as Young Master Nan prepared to bow in greeting, the plain-robed man spoke first: "Young Master Nan, it's only been a single night—why do you look so haggard already?"

Though Gong Shaoci recognized what had brought everyone together, he couldn't help but point at Young Master Nan and interject, "Last night, everyone urged him to cease the Refining Heaven Sect's wagers, yet he's held out until now. He even had the audacity to claim Shi Chun knew what he needed…"

Among the newly arrived group, someone couldn't suppress their anger and cursed, "Namo Yu, are you fucking crazy? If you're trying to screw everyone over, just come out and say it…"

"Enough." The plain-robed man raised a hand, silencing the outburst before stepping toward Young Master Nan. "If you've chosen to shoulder this yourself, there's no need to push yourself to such exhaustion. I heard your distinguished ancestor was known for his calm and steady demeanor—you should learn from him. However…"

He placed a hand on Young Master Nan's shoulder. "For the one running the gambling table, it's best to simply watch others gamble. The moment you sit at the table yourself without knowing your limits—that's when you're gambling with your own life. Your distinguished ancestor's absence has been far too prolonged. You can't hold out. You ought to halt the wagers, don't you think?"

"Brother Qian speaks wisely." Young Master Nan replied with a forced smile and immediately turned to his people, ordering loudly, "Stop the wagers for the Refining Heaven Sect!"

Things had reached this point, and escape was no longer an option. Although a part of him still craved one final gamble, under such circumstances, he dared not disobey.

The plain-robed man glanced toward the floating Lifebound Lotus Lantern on the island, then patted Young Master Nan's shoulder again. "Just waiting around is far too dull. Set up a table; let's play a few rounds."

Young Master Nan promptly gestured with outstretched hands, inviting the group inside as he called out, "Prepare the cards."

With that, the accusatory voices from the group fell silent. Gong Shaoci said nothing more either, though it was evident none of them were in good spirits. Their gazes toward Young Master Nan had grown distant, stripped of the early camaraderie and enthusiasm from when the group first came together with dreams of wealth.

After the plain-robed leader was seated, Gong Shaoci leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"Haha, no need to dress it up as mere hosting duties. Isn't it simply about Miao Dingyi's daughter? Go on, take care of things. We'll be here enjoying the wedding banquet soon enough." With a chuckle, the plain-robed man patted Gong Shaoci on the arm and nudged him forward as encouragement.

Amid their playful banter, Gong Shaoci excused himself with a cupped-fist salute and withdrew.

Those on the ship waited in their own way, while those ashore had their separate methods of biding time.

Xiang Laner and Feng Chi had already stepped outside, pacing the shore as they waited. Both were visibly anxious, especially Feng Chi, who had wagered her own life on this outcome.

Meanwhile, the snowy-white-clad Mulan Qingqing emerged from her cultivation state, radiating a composed yet elegant beauty that turned heads wherever she walked.

She was not one to enjoy public attention, especially after the embarrassing events at the Sky Rain Meteor Conference. Even within Su Yuan Sect, she had become reclusive.

Duan Xiangmei, however, had hardly rested at all, spending endless days anxiously waiting outside. Exhausted to the point of appearing haggard, her thoughts consumed by worries over Wu Jinliang's safety, she found no solace in resting and could only endure the wait.

Bai Shuchuan and the others from Jieyun Mountain gathered around their martial uncle, Qiao Wugong, carrying out critical tasks assigned directly by the Great Elder. Until these tasks were complete, how could they even consider returning?

Ten Thousand Grass Hall's Sect Leader Ao Hongyou stood by with his followers, waiting in heavy anticipation.

Likewise, the Sect Leader of Vermilion Bird Pavilion, accompanied by his entourage, stroked his beard as he observed the unfolding scene.

The parts of the beach not under restriction were swarming with people. A massive crowd had gathered across the entire Li Huo Island to witness the spectacle, their eyes all fixed on the activity atop Qi Yun Valley's peak.

On the mountaintop, the site was teeming with figures—preparations for the opening of the Divine Fire Domain were underway.

The various artifact refining sects congregated within Qi Yun Valley also kept their attention fixed on the mountaintop. Not every sect had earned the privilege of ascending to the peak—take for instance Yan Qufeng and the team from the Hundred Refinement Sect.

The faces of those from the Hundred Refinement Sect looked grim. Their sect's Lifebound Lotus Lamp showed casualties nearing half their number—it was unclear what misfortune they had faced.

The master of Tong Mingshan, Luo Wan, carried a heavy heart. He understood that his inclusion in this mission was owed mostly to Tong Mingshan's sake. Unfortunately, Tong Mingshan failed to live up to expectations. This, however, would not prevent Luo Wan from seeking out Tong Mingshan later to find out what had happened. Judging by the state of Mingshan Sect's Lifebound Lotus Lamp, their strength appeared to remain intact...

Around the exit of the Divine Fire Domain, many people stood vigil on the mountain, searching and scanning the surroundings.

Word had spread of Shi Chun's group possessing some form of Divine Fire Secret Technique. It was no longer a secret and had sparked interest among numerous sects.

Yet no matter how hard they searched, no sign of Shi Chun's group could be found. The mystery of their whereabouts left many baffled. Could Shi Chun's group truly avoid exiting the domain?

Impossible. Everyone wanted to know what would happen in the end.

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