To prevent misunderstanding, Yan Ketao angrily elaborated on how Shi Chun had exploited the various sects, breaking it down piece by piece.

When they heard that Shi Chun had been using such methods to collect clues about the Divine Fire, the upper echelons of the sects didn't appear angry. Instead, their expressions carried a hint of inexplicable surprise. The looks they cast at Shi Chun weren't exactly admiring, but there was an air that wasn't far from it.

Young Master Nan, however, struggled to suppress his laughter. He was nearly entertained to no end. The naked admiration in his eyes as he gazed at Shi Chun was unmistakable. Was there anything wrong with what Shi Chun did? Not at all. Entering the Divine Fire Domain without resources or personnel, this was exactly how one should operate.

Although he wasn't sure what would happen after, what he had heard so far already made him inwardly exclaim, "Well done!"

Of course, not everyone could accurately maintain the right stance and mindset. Being publicly exposed for their actions left the Mingshan Sect members largely embarrassed.

Seeing that the various sects didn't seem angry, Yan Ketao grew anxious. Raising his voice, he pointed to the hideout previously used by Shi Chun's group to relay information. "Over there, that's their base for transmitting messages. And the source of their information is him…"

Suddenly pivoting, he pointed at Elder Jin Guiqi of Shudao Mountain. "He took advantage of his role as the stationed elder, using every encounter with pursuing sects to feign impartial arbitration. In doing so, he collected clues about the Divine Fire disclosed by each sect and then passed the clues on to Shi Chun's team."

The stationed elders of the various sects pricked up their ears. Using such methods to track the Divine Fire was something they all knowingly participated in. The key question now was how Jin Guiqi had transmitted the information.

Having leverage and evidence would be critical for holding anyone accountable.

However, observing Jin Guiqi's calm demeanor, they saw a man utterly unfazed, his disregard for Yan Ketao so absolute it was as though he were staring at a dead man.

Wu Jinliang couldn't help but grin conspiratorially, for he had personally set that trap. He knew exactly what was about to happen next.

Indeed, Yan Ketao once again pointed to Jin Guiqi before redirecting toward the Mingshan Sect's previous hideout, exclaiming in despair, "This Elder Jin used the excuse of sneaking off to relieve himself to quietly deliver the messages to Shi Chun and his group."

Many uninformed bystanders were instantly inflamed by his words, triggering a cacophony of chatter.

The stationed elders from outside Shudao Mountain, however, each frowned slightly, as if recalling something or deep in thought.

Yan Ketao abruptly thrust his finger directly at Shi Chun's face. "Shi Chun, am I right? Do you admit to it?"

Shi Chun looked at him as though he were gazing at a fool, neatly and resolutely denying, "That never happened."

He couldn't even be bothered to add another word. Frankly, he had already lost interest in engaging with Yan Ketao.

Though his time in the Divine Fire Domain had been brief—just a few dozen days—the changes in him had been monumental. The Shi Chun who had entered the domain might have admired Yan Ketao; now, Yan Ketao no longer warranted a place in his sights. Even if the man was still a fellow disciple of Shudao Mountain, it made no difference.

This was a multifaceted kind of progress, a leap that might take some monks a lifetime to achieve.

But he had accomplished it in mere days, though the journey was fraught with peril.

Of course, if he had stayed in the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital, he would not have faced such danger. Most people never needed to endure such risks.

Yet at this moment, he felt a lingering annoyance at being delayed by this fool, wasting time when he urgently needed to leave before things became more complicated.

However, he also knew that unless the matter was clarified, the sects wouldn't let him go so easily.

Yan Ketao roared, pointing accusingly again, "Do you think the other stationed elders are blind?"

Heh, the audacity. Shi Chun sneered coldly. "You're no longer a disciple of Shudao Mountain. Carry on barking and biting like a mad dog, and I'll chop off that pointing hand of yours. Believe it or not?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Zhener immediately shot a murderous glare at Yan Ketao, clearly itching to kill him.

Arrogance! Young Master Nan clicked his tongue, impressed. Being publicly called out and still so composed—this kind of mentality was nothing short of exceptional. Truly, Shi Chun was seasoned in the art of such deeds.

That being the case, Young Master Nan decided he had to stay sharp. Since he was already here, if things escalated, he'd have to step up—at least to figure out how to extract his people first.

Yan Ketao, meanwhile, appealed to the elders of the various sects, cupping his hands in supplication. "Elders, whether or not Elder Jin from Shudao Mountain used the excuse of relieving himself to deliver messages, you are all discerning individuals."

The stationed elders exchanged complex glances, somewhat exasperated. They thought he actually had evidence, but this?

They had all tacitly participated in gathering Divine Fire clues by questioning the pursuing sects. However, no one had ever witnessed Jin Guiqi stepping aside for a so-called bathroom break to pass messages. How could they arbitrarily throw blame around?

On an average person, such an accusation might stick. But Jin Guiqi had both the background and capabilities to make baseless accusations unwise.

Wu Jinliang grinned again, baring his teeth gleefully.

Finally, Jin Guiqi spoke up. "Ah, youth. It's been centuries since I've experienced frequent urination. Ever since arriving at this peak, I haven't taken a single step away."

He tilted his head toward Elder Li Qianqiu of the Yanbao Sect, the one supporting Yan Ketao, and quipped, "Li Qianqiu, surely I've never undone my belt in front of you? If you want to watch, I wouldn't mind offering a demonstration."

Jin's words left Elder Li grimacing with discomfort, his teeth on edge. He turned toward Yan Ketao, asking sternly, "Did you hear about this, or see it with your own eyes?"

The other stationed elders shared the same question, feeling puzzled. By all accounts, Yan Ketao wasn't the type to spout outright nonsense. Was he deliberately courting death?

Yan Ketao, sensing the unfavorable reactions, began to panic. "None of you saw it?"

Li Qianqiu snarled, "I'm asking you!"

Recalling Jin Guiqi's earlier remarks, an uneasy Yan Ketao began to piece things together. Whirling around, he locked eyes with Wu Jinliang, his gaze practically spewing fire.

"What are you looking at me for?" Wu Jinliang chuckled, spreading his hands with feigned innocence. "I never said anything."

That admission and its accompanying attitude made it clear even to fools where the information had come from.

The crowd turned back to Yan Ketao, regarding him as though he were a moron.

The stationed elders immediately discerned the truth: Yan Ketao had been played by this burly fellow. How could someone of Jin Guiqi's caliber, with his Immortal Body long perfected, be suspected of frequent bathroom visits? Did Yan Ketao truly think the elders were all blind?

Jin Guiqi gave Wu Jinliang a few more appraising glances, concluding that the seemingly rough man was, in fact, a shrewd operator. He had successfully diverted attention from the true method of transmitting messages—tunneling through the mountain.

Reflecting on the predicament Shi Chun and his group now faced, Jin Guiqi couldn't help but think Shudao Mountain was somewhat at fault in all of this.

Gu Lianni, pressing her lips together and lowering her head slightly, appeared to share those sentiments, her gaze tinged with sorrow.

Yan Ketao immediately paled, as realization struck like a bolt of lightning. Trembling, he pointed at Wu Jinliang. "You…"

Wu Jinliang shrugged indifferently. "I don't know you. We're not acquainted."

Yan Ketao whirled abruptly toward the Refining Heaven Sect's contingent, his eyes darting to the elder who sat there with his eyes closed, feigning leisure. A wave of desolation washed over him before he suddenly leaped into the sky, fleeing in desperation without another word.

But how could he possibly escape? Even Yan Ketao knew the futility of trying, though he had to at least attempt it.

Squinting slightly, Jin Guiqi waved his sleeve through the air. A nearly tangible gust of Qi Gang surged forth with a thunderous roar.

Thud! Yan Ketao spat blood midair, his body tumbling downward as the Wind Scale device he had just activated was dispersed by the attack.

Jin Guiqi's booming voice echoed across the mountain summit. "Cut off his limbs and plant him on that hill. He likes playing tricks, so let him stay here and keep playing. Let all see who his backer is and whether his master cares for his life or not."

This decree reverberated with heavy implications, understood by all present. It was a direct slap to the face of the Refining Heaven Sect. If they intervened, it would reveal them as the masterminds. If they stayed silent, it would prove Jin Guiqi's point, casting doubt on the worth of serving such a sect.

The Shudao Mountain disciples immediately sprang into action. Chasing down the severely injured Yan Ketao, they severed his limbs and buried him at a nearby hilltop, leaving only his head exposed. Half-dead, he coughed blood, weakly croaking, "Save me… Save me… I can testify… Refining Heaven Sect is behind this… Save me…"

But his voice was too faint, and those atop the mountain couldn't hear him.

The Shudao Mountain disciples promptly relayed his allegations back to their superiors. However, Jin Guiqi and the others decisively suppressed the matter. It wasn't worth escalating tensions with the Refining Heaven Sect over this, especially as Shudao Mountain currently held the upper hand and seemed poised to secure victory in the upcoming trials. Yan Ketao was but a trivial concern.

The Refining Heaven Sect, for their part, remained entirely unresponsive. They neither acknowledged nor denied the accusations, treating Yan Ketao like the forsaken pawn he had become.

The other sects likewise quieted down. They weren't interested in mere clues to the Divine Fire; what they truly lacked was a Secret Technique to pinpoint the exact location.

"Can we leave now?" Shi Chun suddenly broke the brief silence.

Situ Gu nodded. "Let's go."

The elders of the Refining Heaven Sect hesitated to speak, casting furtive glances at the present Young Master Nan before ultimately remaining silent.

Shi Chun chuckled, retrieving his Wind Scale artifact. Turning to the members of the Mingshan Sect, he grinned. "Let's go!"

One by one, his group ascended into the air, riding the Wind Scale higher and higher until they entered the swirling vortex above, disappearing from sight.

"Let's go," Young Master Nan called out, taking off first.

His entourage looked puzzled, particularly the women, who had been told they'd have an audience to declare him 'Prince.' Yet now, without a word, they were retreating.

After exchanging farewells with the stationed elders, Situ Gu hurriedly flew into the interdimensional passage, taking more people out than he had brought in.

Others who had just entered the domain followed suit. With Shi Chun's group gone, there was little reason to stay.

Even those previously lingering in hope finally took flight, leaving one after another.

In the end, only the elders of the Ten Great Sects remained at their posts.

Bound by the remaining time, they had no choice but to stay until their duty was complete.

Day suddenly turned to night. Descending from the heavens, a curious Zhener surveyed her surroundings, astonished by the sound of ocean waves. Immediately drawn to the water, her senses keen, she gazed toward it in fascination.

Seeing her wide-eyed wonder, Shi Chun tugged her along, motioning for them to move on.

Overjoyed, Zhener clinged to his arm, refusing to let go.

Shi Chun, however, felt as though something had escaped his notice. Turning back for another look, he spotted a figure in green robes, standing with hands clasped behind his back, giving him a sidelong glance. It startled him—wasn't that Mulan Qingqing's father? In the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital's inn, hadn't he personally witnessed this man kill someone from the Royal Court in broad daylight? Why was he here?

He hurriedly offered a slight bow in greeting, mindful of the fact that he had once impersonated a Youxia Mountain disciple to injure the man's daughter. If anything, he should be grateful for the man's leniency.

Mulan Jin showed no visible reaction. His gaze lingered on the intertwined arms of the young man and woman before slowly shifting skyward toward the Divine Fire Spirit Gate.

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