Some things are like this—unspoken, unknown, but when revealed, they can be astonishing.

The two disciples' report truly stunned the Fengluo Sect's top brass. They had considered all sorts of possibilities, even accounting for the chance that the disciples might return empty-handed without finding even one strand of Divine Fire. But they had never anticipated encountering such an event.

If Divine Fire couldn't be found, there wasn't much to do. Not finding it was the norm; the majority of sects specializing in artifact refining couldn't find any. Moreover, no one in Fengluo Sect had ever discovered Divine Fire before; it wasn't reasonable to expect this generation's disciples to achieve the impossible.

The absurdity, however, lay in the fact that someone had proactively delivered two strands of Divine Fire to them.

And this happened when the exit to the Divine Fire Domain was already opened.

After the two disciples described the situation back and forth, the secret message in the Sect Leader's hands was taken by the eager elders for reading.

The Sect Leader then asked the two reporting disciples, "You mentioned rumors that Shi Chun found over a hundred strands of Divine Fire—are they true?"

The two shook their heads, indicating uncertainty. Xie Wanti said, "All we've heard are rumors, so we can't confirm. However, based on Shi Chun's display to us, those two strands of Divine Fire certainly seemed abundant and inexhaustible."

Inexhaustible Divine Fire? Sect Leader Tang felt a toothache at hearing this. The elders who had already read the letter were dumbfounded, while the elder who was still reading abruptly looked up, speechlessly stunned.

Was Divine Fire, which so many sects struggled to find, now an inexhaustible commodity?

Elder Xu stroked his beard and shook his head in praise, exclaiming, "The first talent at the Sky Rain Meteor Conference—it seems we're witnessing something remarkable this time. Truly extraordinary!"

An Elder Wu, however, responded with subtle disdain, saying, "This has nothing to do with titles or reputations. The key lies in the Secret Technique he has to locate Divine Fire. If that technique were ours, we could easily retrieve Divine Fire as plentifully as he does."

Sect Leader Tang hesitated and said, "Discussing this now serves no purpose. Regardless of whether it's remarkable or not, such a significant matter has been thrust upon us, leaving us no choice but to face reality. Reality offers only two possibilities: delivering the letter or refusing to help. What are your thoughts?"

His gaze swept toward the two elders present.

Elder Xu reminded, "Sect Leader, it seems we don't have a choice. Should we refuse to deliver the message and later Young Master Nan finds out we've ruined his plans, Fengluo Sect will surely suffer his wrath."

Sect Leader Tang folded his hands behind him and let out a long sigh toward the heavens: "This is exactly my concern. Who would've thought that just meeting secretly near Jieyun Mountain would pull us into this matter without cause? Shi Chun's methods are a textbook example of coercion and enticement. Pinpointing our weakness leaves us no room to decline, hence granting him the audacity to entrust us with a matter of this magnitude. Elder Xu is correct; this man is truly extraordinary."

Elder Wu shook the letter in his hands and said, "This involves the Refining Heaven Sect, Shudao Mountain, and Yanbao Sect. Are we sure it's appropriate for us to get entangled? This is such a grand issue that even a small misstep could crush our sect into oblivion."

Elder Xu replied, "So what do you propose? Do we have a choice? The moment Shi Chun handed us this letter, as Sect Leader said, he'd already pinpointed our critical weakness, leaving us no chance for negotiation. If we deliver the letter, our secret dealings with Jieyun Mountain to exploit him will be brushed over. Even though we haven't directly acted on Jieyun Mountain's requests, does Shi Chun look like someone who'll believe our explanations? To him, delivering this message is our best justification, and he's even offered two strands of Divine Fire as compensation. As for the risk of getting caught in this matter, I think it's overly exaggerated. The intrigue mentioned in the letter, involving all parties including us, revolves around mutual interests—no one is inclined to leak it outside."

Overall, he supported this deal, partly because Feng Zuoyi in the Divine Fire Domain was his own person.

Fifth Elder agreed upon reflection but strongly protested one point: "Elder Xu, regarding matters with Jieyun Mountain, either we've acted or we haven't. There's no need to over-explain to him. If he doesn't believe us, so be it. Are we, the grand Fengluo Sect, supposed to fear someone just released from the Land of Exile?"

Elder Xu fiddled with his sleeves in protest, clearly unimpressed, and retorted, "A so-called 'ruffian' whom even Jieyun Mountain couldn't handle, whom Jieyun Mountain needs us to deal with—how exactly does he qualify as a mere ruffian? Elder Wu, while he may pursue unconventional methods, he's risked his life to carve out a name for himself. He's indeed climbed out from the mud."

"Once he emerges alive from the Divine Fire Domain, as soon as he sets foot outside, his status will be entirely transformed. He'll truly become renowned across realms, sought after by all major sects in the Artifact Refining World as an honored guest. By then, who in the world will not know Shi Chun, while who will remember Fengluo Sect's name?"

Then addressing Sect Leader Tang, he bowed with cupped hands, saying, "I trust Sect Leader has already made a decision. Might we hear it?"

Elder Wu wanted to speak further but hesitated. After glancing at the Sect Leader's reaction, he ultimately stayed silent.

Nearby, Xie Wanti and Chi Anlan silently exchanged glances—this was their first time hearing elders openly arguing in front of them.

The two juniors could still affirm one thing: if Shi Chun's gift of Divine Fire were an opportunity for the elders, they'd certainly seize it and agree to the transaction.

After thoughtful contemplation, Sect Leader Tang abruptly broke the silence, saying, "The Divine Fire Spirit Gate has now been opened, and according to convention, each sect's disciples who haven't yet emerged will be afforded one day. Is one day sufficient to absorb Divine Fire? We've only heard rumors; do we know for certain?"

Xie Wanti replied, "Reporting to Sect Leader, according to Shi Chun, one person can absorb two strands of Divine Fire within one day."

To simplify, it boils down to how much time can be fought for outside; it's possible there may not even be enough time to absorb one strand.

Sect Leader Tang pondered briefly before decisively ordering, "Elder Xu, stay here and await the remaining disciples inside."

"Understood." Elder Xu immediately cupped his hands in compliance.

With that, Sect Leader Tang pocketed the two letters and left promptly with a few others.

Their aim was evident—there wasn't much choice. Fengluo Sect lacked the confidence to refuse, so the least they could do was expedite matters to secure more time for Feng Zuoyi and others within.

They headed directly to the exit of Qi Yun Valley. Along the way, they occasionally overheard cheers and shouts from the sects gathered nearby.

Elder Wu, accompanying the Sect Leader, couldn't resist quietly reminding Tang Qianjin, "Sect Leader, Situ Gu remains inside the valley."

Tang Qianjin shook his head slightly, saying, "Let Young Master Nan handle it himself; it's not suitable for us to intervene any further."

Once they reached the exit, the group was stopped by guards stationed at the entrance.

While revealing their identities was a mere formality, learning Xie Wanti and Chi Anlan had just emerged from the Divine Fire Domain, the guards issued a friendly reminder: "The conference competition hasn't ended yet. According to the rules, leaving early equates to forfeiting the competition. You may want to reconsider."

Elder Wu smiled wryly and pointed at Xie and Chi. "Empty-handed, so what's the point in competing? Urgent matters await us at home; we're leaving early."

Since the rules couldn't force anyone to stay, and having recorded their departure, the guards allowed them to leave.

Once outside the valley, Tang Qianjin immediately pulled Elder Wu aside to discuss contingency plans—to prevent Shi Chun from reneging on his word or, worse, safeguard against termination.

Amid the crowd, Young Master Nan fixed his gaze on the exit, staring intently until his eyes blurred.

At that moment, a figure flew over from the ship tower near the sea and squeezed through the crowd, heading directly for Young Master Nan. It was his trusted aide.

Upon arrival, the man covered his mouth to whisper in Young Master Nan's ear, "Sir, Sect Leader Tang Qianjin of Fengluo Sect has requested an urgent meeting with you."

"Fengluo Sect…" Young Master Nan muttered, recalling the name, but dismissed it as unimportant at the moment, waving his hand. "No time. Tell him to shove off; I'll deal with them later."

The man leaned closer on tiptoes to whisper an addendum: "They've brought two disciples who just emerged from the Divine Fire Domain."

"Hmm?" Young Master Nan snapped his head back to stare at him.

The aide nodded subtly, lowering his voice: "They're already arranged in the nearest private room."

Young Master Nan glanced again at the radiant vortex in the sky—nothing more to see here. He immediately turned around and left, accompanied by his trusted aide and two additional guards.

Under the shimmering light of the night, the group hurried to an inn not far away. Instead of entering through the main hall, they went through the back entrance where someone awaited them. As soon as they arrived, the door was opened to usher them inside before being shut again swiftly.

Inside, they ascended to the top-floor private suite.

Fengluo Sect's Sect Leader Tang Qianjin was already waiting inside. He hadn't brought anyone aside from Xie Wanti and Chi Anlan—one seated, two standing just behind him to his left. The windows in the room were sealed shut.

Young Master Nan entered in strides, exuding an imposing aura. The seated Tang Qianjin immediately stood up, briefly stunned, and his gaze instinctively lingered on Young Master Nan's complexion. Even a fool could discern his weariness, and Tang Qianjin was no fool.

Regaining his composure, he cupped his hands and cordially greeted, "Tang Qianjin, Sect Leader of Fengluo Sect. Long have I admired Young Master Nan's reputation; it's an honor to meet you in person. I once had the privilege of glimpsing you at a banquet among friends in the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital…"

Young Master Nan flicked his garment and sat directly opposite him at the square table, tapping his fingers to signal him to sit. "Spare me the formalities. I don't have time for nonsense—straight to the point."

He had no recollection of ever meeting the man.

Tang Qianjin felt mildly awkward but quickly adapted, taking a seat as instructed while glancing at Young Master Nan's companions.

Young Master Nan was quick to respond, snapping his fingers on his shoulder toward the rear. Immediately, his three attendants exited the room.

Once their footsteps faded, Tang Qianjin got straight to the matter, gesturing to the two disciples behind him. "These two are our participating disciples who just emerged from the Divine Fire Domain. They've been entrusted by Shi Chun to deliver messages to you."

Upon hearing this, Young Master Nan's eyes instantly lit up, his hands making a beckoning motion toward his chest as if impatiently urging, "Where's the letter? Hand it over, now."

There were two letters. Tang Qianjin had only brought one, leaving the other with Elder Wu.

He opened the first and skimmed its contents before sliding the shorter one across the table. "This letter is addressed to Situ Gu, a Refining Heaven Sect elder, written by Shi Chun. We were supposed to deliver it to Situ Gu, but unfortunately, we lack the convenience of direct contact. Therefore, we must request Young Master Nan to assist with this matter."

In truth, they hadn't even attempted to send it to Situ Gu.

"He wrote to Situ Gu? When did they start associating?" Young Master Nan exclaimed, visibly intrigued.

He prided himself on being relatively close to Shi Chun and knew his circle well. How is it that Shi Chun had this covert relationship he seemed oblivious to? Situ Gu wasn't just any artisan—he was widely regarded as the foremost in artifact refining, even drawing the attention of the Heavenly Court and the four Royal Courts. For instance, after the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, he was invited to refine the Xun Gate at the behest of the Shengshen Continent's Royal Court.

Simply put, Situ Gu was not only highly esteemed but his interactions predominantly involved top-tier elites—it was rare for anyone outside this echelon to engage him. This wasn't the kind of association Shi Chun's typical social circle reflected. Naturally, Young Master Nan was deeply intrigued.

Tang Qianjin exhibited a somewhat peculiar expression but refrained from commenting, letting Young Master Nan see for himself. He then slid the second letter across the table. "This one is a personal letter from Shi Chun to you."

Unable to focus on two letters simultaneously, Young Master Nan picked up the first addressed to Situ Gu and immediately recognized Shi Chun's rough handwriting, likely owing to his injured hand. He witnessed this particular script style before and chuckled crookedly.

"Zhener is in my hands; I'd appreciate the elder's assistance in helping me exit the Divine Fire Domain… Huh?"

The unusually concise nature of the letter caught him off guard. Softly muttering the words aloud, he at first failed to grasp their meaning. But as he read further—realizing it was addressed to Situ Gu—his expressions slowly shifted. His eyes widened, his crooked grin began to tremble, and tiny spasms tugged at his mouth.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.