Even if Elder Situ was not mentioned, Zhener, who was beside him, was already staring intently at Situ Gu—a reaction born of a sudden visual shock.

Situ Gu initially didn't notice Zhener. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on Shi Chun, scrutinizing him. The letter had been received, and the contents read. Now his eyes searched, interrogated—where was the hostage?

When Shi Chun addressed the woman beside him, Situ Gu's heart trembled. His gaze swiftly shifted to Zhener, flashing with uncertainty. Zhener?

The Zhener he knew was merely a Divine Fire Elf who had attained sentience, yet before him stood a woman.

Their eyes locked—one filled with astonishment and scrutiny, the other tinged with a faint pout of dissatisfaction.

Zhener? Even Young Master Nan was taken aback, his gaze darting toward Zhener, scrutinizing her. This was the hostage Shi Chun had allegedly taken? What was going on? Why did she not seem like a hostage at all?

Shi Chun was just about to bow to greet Situ Gu when Zhener abruptly spoke, "Little Gu."

At these words, Situ Gu felt as though a jolt of electricity coursed through him. It was as if a thunderbolt had split his skull. That name, "Little Gu," belonged to a time long past—a name that immediately tugged countless memories to the surface of his mind.

Years ago, after meeting that Divine Fire Elf, they had compared their ages. Naturally, his mortal years could not compete with an ageless Divine Fire Elf who had existed for eons. Having learned human speech and customs, the Elf had discovered his name and, treating him like a junior, had taken to calling him "Little Gu."

Though the nickname was far from flattering, given his youth and temperament at the time, he could tolerate it, especially since she had given him her aid. Without her help, he wouldn't be who he was today.

However, the promise he had once made to repay her assistance remained unfulfilled.

That nickname also allowed him to discern the emotions in her gaze and her expressions now. His heart was overwhelmed with shock—she had taken human form, and it was a form of such captivating beauty!

His hand, hidden within his sleeve, subtly performed a divination. He had refined Divine Fire for many years and had a certain affinity for the fire element. Coupled with past interactions with Zhener, he knew her to be a rare form of Divine Fire Elf. Even practitioners of fire attribute skills often mistook her for a water spirit. But he was familiar with her aura—it was unmistakably Divine Fire. A quick spell and a faint perception confirmed his suspicions, quelling the doubts in his heart.

Confirmed!

There was no mistake!

This woman was indeed the Zhener he had once known!

The shock in his heart grew deeper and more inexplicable. How could Zhener, who should have been sealed within the Forbidden Land, possibly be here? Could it be that Shi Chun had freed her from the Earth Heart Tower's imprisonment? How was that possible?

But the truth was before his eyes, leaving him unable to imagine how Shi Chun had accomplished it.

He had thought he still needed to hurry to the Forbidden Land to seek someone out. Never did he expect that the moment he stepped into the Divine Fire Domain, Shi Chun would bring her directly before him.

And Zhener's demeanor—there wasn't even a hint that she had been taken hostage.

Was this an attempt to lead Zhener out of the Divine Fire Domain?

That letter...

Could it not have been a threat, but an invitation for him to personally escort her—a call to fulfill that centuries-old promise?

Suddenly, a scene from centuries ago surfaced in his mind. He could see his younger self turning back at that boundary line. Beyond the line, an insurmountable wall of firelight illuminated his back, its hum echoing with the promise to wait for him.

The past was not as ephemeral as smoke. His heart surged with waves of emotion.

As for the implications of Zhener calling him "Little Gu," he chose to ignore them.

When one reaches a certain status, minor flaws and doubts can be swept away with a flick of a sleeve. Such things are beyond the reproach of ordinary people.

Shi Chun quickly tugged at Zhener's sleeve, stopping her from talking recklessly, motioning for her to bow.

Shi Chun's bow was disciplined and meticulously practiced—a refined demeanor he had honed countless times during his days in the Land of Exile.

Zhener pouted slightly but ultimately followed his lead, clasping her hands in a respectful bow.

This scene caused Wu Jinliang, who understood what was going on, to grin inappropriately. The giant gourd on his back was still uncapped.

There were certain actions of the Master he couldn't quite fathom. But he figured that anything done at this moment must have its reasons. He too followed in bowing.

The entourage from the Mingshan Sect, taking cues from others, also bowed to Situ Gu.

As for everyone else, Shi Chun's group seemed to pay them no mind. Despite the numerous people present, their eyes seemed to see only Situ Gu.

Young Master Nan stood to the side, twisting the small moustache at the corner of his lips. His eyes veered around chaotically—he couldn't make sense of it at all. As he observed the surroundings, he marveled at the Divine Fire Domain, a sight few had the chance to behold.

Meanwhile, the corner of Shi Chun's lips carried a contented smile. At this moment, others' understanding of the situation no longer mattered to him.

For when the Divine Fire Spirit Gate had reversed and Situ Gu appeared, he knew he had already won.

All the difficulties and obstacles had been mere preludes to an ending that was now so straightforward.

He was unaware, however, what his "simple" conclusion meant to the many factions present at the scene.

The elders of the Refining Heaven Sect furrowed their brows deeply. This scene confirmed Situ Gu's earlier claim that there was a way to find Shi Chun. Yet now, Shi Chun had willingly appeared in the open. The Refining Heaven Sect couldn't possibly monopolize him under so many watchful eyes.

Li Hongjiu, observing from the Refining Heaven Sect's side, continued to glare intently at Shi Chun. It wasn't arrogance—but he genuinely thought himself cleverer than most. Yet at this moment, it felt as though he were at a gambling table, watching someone reveal a winning hand right in front of his expectant face—a hand that he himself had unwittingly exposed.

He could already foresee this becoming another cautionary tale his master would repeatedly remind him of in the future.

Standing amidst the Shudao Mountain crowd, Gu Lianni also fixated on Shi Chun's every move. Since Shi Chun's entrance, an enduring astonishment had lingered in her gaze.

From the moment Shi Chun made his appearance, she had abruptly realized that no number of people guarding this place would matter. No one could stop Shi Chun from leaving.

Watching Shi Chun remain composed amongst the crowd—gracefully poised, his every move courteous yet commanding—those observing could only maintain silence. An undeniable thought stirred in her mind, an unshakable impression: "Who can rival him?"

Her gaze swept over everyone present—from Li Hongjiu to the attending elders. Not one among them, in her estimation, could contend with him.

When a woman harbors such deep admiration for a man, another unavoidable feeling often accompanies it.

As the Mingshan Sect contingent and Zhener bowed before him, Situ Gu found himself unsure of what to say at that moment. Thankfully, Shi Chun had promptly stopped Zhener's earlier actions, sparing him from any further awkwardness, or things might have become difficult in public.

The younger bowed respectfully, and as an elder, Situ Gu nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Now was not the time for words; there would be plenty of time to converse afterwards.

Suddenly, everyone turned their eyes skyward as the swirling radiance of the vortex began to contract and dissipate rapidly.

Clearly, those controlling the Divine Fire Spirit Gate on the other side had estimated that all who sought entry were already present, and thus, the gate was being closed once more.

Indeed, in short order, the vortex's glow above fully disappeared without a trace…

The Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect swiftly ascended to the peak of Qi Yun Valley, holding a token in hand to confer with the leaders of the Ten Great Sects. Shortly after, the gathered saw astonished expressions flash across the faces of the sects' leaders, who quickly departed, hurrying into the valley below.

Confused onlookers exchanged surprised glances. The Divine Fire Domain's exit was due to reopen soon; the situation was about to reach its climax, yet the sect leaders had seemingly abandoned a matter of such gravity—clearly, something even more pressing had arisen.

A large group soon arrived at the Qi Yun Valley's entrance, where the Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect reverently handed over the token to a man outside the valley. With a wave, he signaled the disciples guarding the exit to step aside.

Then, the high-ranking members of the Ten Great Sects all stood silently at the valley's entrance, as though waiting for someone.

It wasn't long before that person arrived, clad in azure robes, accompanied by several attendants as they approached unhurriedly under the cover of night.

The visitor was none other than Mulan Jin, Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Court's Stargazing Pavilion—also known as the Xuanji Token Bearer—wielding command over the Heavenly Court Dark Guard, tasked with roaming the world to act on behalf of the heavens.

This was no Qian She-like figure. The contrast in their receptions was telling—Qian She had stood guard at the valley's entrance receiving orders, whereas the sect leaders of the Ten Great Sects now rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, intent on offering their welcome.

As Mulan Jin approached, the high-ranking sect members all clasped their hands in a respectful bow, greeting her as, "Token Bearer."

The previously heavily-guarded boundary was now rendered meaningless. Mulan Jin maintained an icy expression, nodding slightly in acknowledgment before proceeding directly inward. The sect leaders standing in formation quickly moved aside to form a path, accompanying her as she walked.

At this moment, no one dared to raise matters of the Divine Fire Covenant's regulations or the laws of the Artifact Refining World, nor did anyone mention that this place was forbidden to outsiders.

Courtesy had been extended—the token had been sent in advance. She had not barged in without notice, which was deemed sufficient respect.

Rules were for lesser individuals; for someone of Mulan Jin's standing, her presence itself did not constitute a violation.

After their entry, the guards swiftly resealed the valley's entrance.

Up ahead, the Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect personally led a team to clear the path, preventing bystanders from gathering to watch. After all, other sect representatives were still present for the conference.

A large crowd had just exited the Divine Fire Domain, and what had been a bustling Qi Yun Valley fell silent as though a wave of stillness had swept through, leaving it eerily tranquil.

As they continued onward, the Sect Master of the Refining Heaven Sect, Luo Yan, asked, "Token Bearer, what brings you here? Is there something you wish to instruct?"

Mulan Jin gave a faint smile. "There is a small matter. Otherwise, I wouldn't have intruded upon your grand assembly."

Luo Yan replied, "Your instruction is our command."

Mulan Jin said, "The Stargazing Pavilion requires a person named Shi Chun for questioning. Rest assured, this will not interfere with your competition—we can wait until it concludes."

"..."

The sect leaders were stunned. They had just been strategizing how to detain Shi Chun and extract his secrets, and now the Stargazing Pavilion had come to take him away. What about their plans?

Furthermore, did they really have to send the Pavilion Master herself for such a matter? Wouldn't it suffice to send a subordinate? Did the heavens themselves threaten to collapse?

They weren't defenseless. Many of them held influence in the Heavenly Court as well, possessing significant power. Respect had been shown, but an encroachment on their bottom line would not be taken lightly.

After exchanging glances with the other sect leaders, Luo Yan measured his words and asked, "What crime has Shi Chun committed to warrant the Token Bearer's personal attention?"

The leaders were now prepared to argue their case.

Mulan Jin cast him a sidelong glance and said lightly, "There are some leads pertaining to the Demon Path that require his clarification. Surely, the Artifact Refining World wouldn't deliberately obstruct justice?"

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