The three who had disappeared met again at the old spot, behind the reef by the seaside.

"Has something unexpected happened again?" This time, it was Xiang Laner who actively asked.

The Green-clothed Man remained silent. He initially had no intention of seeking them out repeatedly to inform them, as regardless of any changes, there was no longer a need to notify them. They simply needed to proceed with their previous preparations.

However, since they had met again and the question was raised—considering that Laner was the Holy Daughter—the Green-clothed Man pondered for a moment and ultimately decided to share the newly obtained information with them. He informed them about how the Artifact Refining World had humiliated Young Master Nan's group and expelled the Mingshan Sect.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Laner couldn't help but grit her teeth. "A bunch of wily old foxes, truly despicable. Will the higher-ups just sit idle and let this happen?"

She had every reason to be furious, as if Shi Chun succeeded this time, their small group would earn great merit—an achievement so monumental that their status within the Demon Path would see a significant elevation. Rewarding accomplishments is a basic principle in any organization.

The Green-clothed Man rarely shrugged slightly. "Someone violated the rules within the Divine Fire Domain. Punishing all violators equally is fair. Who could interfere? How could anyone interfere? The only option is to let it be."

Feng Chi clenched her fingers in rage. "One day, we'll slaughter every single one of those treacherous scoundrels!"

Yet she quickly grew concerned, her heart sinking with a worry similar to Lan Qiaoyan's. She hurriedly asked, "Now that Qian She's group has fled disgracefully and no longer supports us, will those Artifact Refining factions let Shi Chun expose the Secret Technique for locating Divine Fire?"

The Green-clothed Man replied, "You can rest assured about this. The higher-ups have already recognized Shi Chun's abilities and deem him useful. Moreover, the higher-ups are interested in finding out what exactly the Secret Technique for locating Divine Fire entails. When the time comes, someone will intervene to protect Shi Chun, even if controlling the major factions in their profit struggle is difficult. Ensuring Shi Chun's survival shouldn't be a problem."

"Sigh." Feng Chi let out a breath of relief, nodding slightly in compromise. "Fine. If we can't win the title, so be it. As long as the foundation remains intact, there's always a future."

Xiang Laner glanced at her...

Among the various individuals waiting on the beach for the result, a man clad in luxurious attire made a direct path toward the snow-white Mulan Qingqing. Occasionally, he reached out to push past the crowd. Some annoyed people intended to voice their displeasure but were silenced by the intimidating glare of his followers.

The man's name was Qi Ziyan, whose face was fairly distinguished with sharp features.

He had been part of Qian She's group earlier, one of the few who hadn't left. The reason he stayed was none other than the snow-white-clad woman within his line of sight.

Though his intent was clear, he acted as though encountering her by pure chance. As he passed Mulan Qingqing, he suddenly turned and exclaimed, "Miss Mulan, why are you here?"

Mulan Qingqing tilted her head slightly, scrutinizing him. She found him vaguely familiar, someone she must have seen before but couldn't recall clearly.

Her personality leaned toward solitude; she disliked socializing, especially with outsiders. Thus, she decided to feign ignorance and made no response.

To outsiders, this naturally appeared aloof.

Qi Ziyan noticed her lack of recognition but volunteered to jog her memory. "I'm Qi Ziyan. We met at the Su Yuan Sect's thousand-year celebration."

As someone who had attended as a guest of Su Yuan Sect, Mulan Qingqing found it difficult to be overly dismissive. She slightly inclined her head as a gesture of courtesy.

Still, she said nothing.

However, anyone approaching her would naturally have some understanding of her character. Thin-skinned individuals wouldn't keep chasing someone so evidently detached.

Those bold enough to approach often carried a planned agenda. A quick glance from Qi Ziyan had his followers clearing some space around them.

Once privacy was slightly ensured, he softly murmured beside Mulan Qingqing, "I didn't expect to run into Miss Mulan here. By the way, I heard you've got a grudge against that fellow Shi Chun. I happen to have some good news for you."

He leaned closer to her, seizing the chance to inhale the faint fragrance from her, a flash of indulgence momentarily visible on his face. Covering his mouth slightly, he whispered, "I recently got wind of some information. This time, Shi Chun might not make it out at all. Even if he does, he's unlikely to survive for long. Just the opportunity for Miss Mulan to vent your animosity!"

Mulan Qingqing initially found his intrusion quite distasteful. Yet, upon hearing his words, she was momentarily taken aback, turning to look at him properly.

After a brief pause, she lifted her gaze to the Lifebound Lotus Lamp floating above. She had also sensed something peculiar previously. Although the exit had clearly opened, why hadn't Shi Chun's group come out yet? Could this be related to what this man was saying?

She looked around and realized this wasn't the place for such discussions. Without hesitation, she replied, "Shall we talk elsewhere?"

"Certainly." Qi Ziyan promptly agreed, gesturing at his attendants to clear the way.

And so, they exited the crowd.

Once they reached a quiet and secluded location, Mulan Qingqing questioned him for details.

Eager to win her favor and mindful of boundaries, Qi Ziyan spared no detail, relaying everything he knew about the situation.

Upon hearing this, Mulan Qingqing was genuinely stunned. She hadn't expected Shi Chun to compete so fiercely in Artifact Refining, the field of expertise for that realm. Nor had she imagined he could survive amidst the concerted encirclement by the factions within Artifact Refining World.

Most attendees this time were in the High Martial Great Success Realm. The difference between a Great Success realm and so-called minor success or superior success was monumental. It's like comparing a newly sprouted fruit to one fully ripened—one is edible but raw, whereas the other offers maturity and sweetness.

She hadn't expected Shi Chun to stir up enough chaos to unite the entire Artifact Refining World against him.

A mix of astonishment and bewilderment flashed in her gaze, perhaps even a hint of admiration, for Shi Chun had accomplished what she didn't dare attempt.

Calming herself, she soon reinstated her typically icy demeanor. She inclined her head slightly at Qi Ziyan. "Thank you."

That was all—just a brief token of gratitude—and she promptly turned to leave.

"Uh…" Qi Ziyan was left speechless. Was that it? Realizing what had happened, he called out repeatedly, "Miss Mulan, Miss Mulan…"

But she didn't respond, leaving him bewildered and visibly awkward, unsure whether to continue pursuing her.

Mulan Qingqing had her own agenda. Her gaze was fixed as she strode toward two seemingly idle men wandering the island.

When Mulan Qingqing stood before them, they appeared utterly bemused. One of them asked in confusion, "Miss, is something the matter?"

With indifference, Mulan Qingqing remarked, "Over the past few years, the two of you have followed me at least ten times, haven't you? Next time, tell him to switch to unfamiliar faces if he wishes to remain unnoticed."

At that, the two men's expressions became quite remarkable. They were speechless, fumbling for a response.

Mulan Qingqing had no interest in their explanations. She had a purpose in seeking them out and spoke bluntly. "Shi Chun is in danger now. Knowing his sharpness and foresight, he must understand the situation. Tell him the following: My stance remains unchanged—Shi Chun cannot die by someone else's hands; he can only die by mine. I don't care how he solves this matter. If he manages to save Shi Chun this time, accomplishing even one thing I wish done, I will... acknowledge him as my father."

The last sentence was uttered with great difficulty—halting and uneasy—but ultimately forced out with determination.

The two men exchanged glances. One of them seemed to grasp the gravity of the situation and muttered to the other, "I'll go."

With that, he vanished, speeding away at an impressive pace.

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