The members of the Extreme Fire Sect thought they had misheard. Su Qiao asked, "Doesn't the Mingshan Sect know about the modified competition rules?"

The messenger froze. "Disciple does not know."

Su Qiao waved his hand. "Go investigate."

"Yes." The messenger left promptly to fulfill the command.

This matter was simple to inquire about—just ask someone from the Li Huo Sect, and they would know...

At the Yanbao Sect's temporary residence, Li Hongjiu, acting as the so-called team leader, was behind closed doors, answering questions from the sect's higher-ups. Matters unsuitable to be conveyed by others were narrated eloquently from Li Hongjiu's mouth.

The upheaval regarding the Earth Heart Tower had shocked the Yanbao Sect's leadership and raised their alarm. The questions were extremely detailed—after all, the terrifying existence in the Forbidden Land within the Divine Fire Domain, which had oppressed countless for years, was now gone. How could one not be concerned?

If time had allowed, they would've wanted to investigate the site personally.

It was at this moment that a disciple came with news—Sect Master Tong Mingshan of the Mingshan Sect had signed up to participate in the competition.

The leadership immediately asked Li Hongjiu if he knew how many Divine Fires Tong Mingshan had absorbed. Spreading his hands, Li Hongjiu admitted he didn't know, even though they had spent time together before.

"Let's go, let's head to Shudao Mountain for a walk," Sect Leader Qu Wuming said, summoning two individuals to accompany him as he departed.

Pausing mid-step as he passed by Li Hongjiu, Qu Wuming turned back to him, saying, "The situation is what it is now. It's unnecessary to harp on whether Shi Chun played you or not. You're not a child; when needed, play dumb. Since there's already some interaction, why not check in and exchange pleasantries a bit more?"

Li Hongjiu was taken aback. Shall I handle him?

Qu Wuming didn't give his disciple the opportunity to inquire further, leaving behind those words before departing.

Seeing Li Hongjiu still confused, a well-meaning elder slowed his steps and offered some explanation, "Hongjiu, the news about the terrifying existence in the Forbidden Land of the Divine Fire Domain being gone—fewer people know about it, the better. For those attending the next assembly, being in the know could be considered an advantage. Moreover, there might still be many Ancient Relics in that place. You're a smart man; figure out a way to persuade Shi Chun to control the spread of this information. Got it?"

Li Hongjiu wasn't foolish. He immediately caught on to his master's implication and responded with a bitter smile and a nod.

The elder smiled faintly, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and left.

Li Hongjiu slowly walked out of the hall, glanced left and right, and, seeing no senior present, pulled out a wine gourd, tipped his head back to drink a few mouthfuls, and finally sighed helplessly as he headed out...

Timing is everything. Just as the Sect Master Luo Yan of Refining Heaven Sect stopped near the temporary residence at Shudao Mountain, preparing to turn back, the Sect Master Su Qiao of the Extreme Fire Sect arrived with his entourage.

Before Luo Yan could speak, Su Qiao glanced at the group and remarked curiously, "I heard Elder Situ has been quite close to Shi Chun. Why isn't Elder Situ here?"

Luo Yan replied, "Does Elder Situ go to meet someone need to explain himself to your Extreme Fire Sect?"

Su Qiao waved a hand dismissively. "Don't take it seriously; I just heard Elder Situ brought a woman back with him from Shi Chun. Elder Situ is known to be deeply devoted to artifact refining and rarely associated with women, which I find odd. So, who's the woman Elder Situ brought back?"

Not just Su Qiao; even those in Refining Heaven Sect found it puzzling. Caught up in their own matters, they hadn't yet had the chance to ask Elder Situ and were waiting for him to explain.

Luo Yan gave a faint smile without answering and raised an eyebrow in the direction of the mountain road.

The group turned their heads in unison and saw Sect Leader Qu Wuming of the Yanbao Sect approaching with his entourage.

Well, there was no need to say anything further. Everyone's intentions were evident without words.

After the three parties met, they disregarded anyone coming after them. Once the disciple who went to report to Shudao Mountain returned and invited them in, they immediately sought out Gu Yanduo.

Without bothering with pleasantries, Qu Wuming promptly asked, "Brother Gu, you must be aware of Tong Mingshan's participation in the artifact refining competition, right? While the other sects haven't arrived yet, let's skip the formalities. Just tell us honestly—how many Divine Fires has Tong Mingshan absorbed?"

Gu Yanduo's daughter, Gu Lianni, was sitting nearby and had just been inquiring about this matter. Having already received an answer, Gu Yanduo responded, "We're all people who understand the game. Excluding those who've absorbed more than ten Divine Fires from the competition—don't you understand the implication?"

Luo Yan asked, "Then why is Tong Mingshan still registering? Brother Gu, our rivalries between sects are understandable since we're all in the same circle. However, if a newcomer snatches the first prize, the entire Artifact Refining World will become a laughingstock in the Cultivation World. And for us top-ranked Artifact Refining Sects, it would be even more embarrassing."

Gu Yanduo gestured toward his fellow sect members. "We're baffled by this as well. Tong Mingshan's absorbed Divine Fires should exceed ten unless..."

Su Qiao interjected, "Unless what? Stop beating around the bush."

Gu Yanduo said, "Unless he failed in the absorption process. Even if he's obtained more than ten Divine Fires, it's possible that some weren't successfully absorbed and refined. Apart from this, we can't think of any other reason. But really, how probable is that?"

Luo Yan looked around at the others. "If that's truly the case, and if he absorbed exactly ten or nine Divine Fires, he could still have a significant advantage. Let me ask all of you—who here can guarantee that they can surpass him? If someone has such confidence, then disregard what I said."

The participants exchanged glances but said nothing.

Seeing that no one was forthcoming, Luo Yan adopted a serious tone. "We must resolve this issue before the competition. We need to uncover Tong Mingshan's true strength beforehand. If we wait until after the results are out to address the rules, it would become a massive joke."

Qu Wuming responded decisively, "Resolving this is straightforward. Investigate now. Don't wait for the competition to verify eligibility. Notify all registered participants immediately and confirm whether they meet the criteria."

"That works," Luo Yan nodded in agreement.

Su Qiao added, "It would still constitute a rule adjustment, but there's no need to notify the sect leaders. Just inform the registered participants for evaluation based on the existing list."

Gu Yanduo, expressionless and silent, neither objected nor agreed. He simply listened impassively.

The current method of letting people register first and verifying their eligibility later before the competition had been a deliberate strategy pushed by him and some other sects. It was intended to obscure the true number of Divine Fires they'd acquired, revealing them only during the competition to minimize targeted attacks. Yet, given the current circumstances, he had no choice but to silently accept...

A servant knocked on the door twice. Gong Shaoci, who had been accompanying Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter on the terrace, excused himself again with an apology and left.

When he opened the door and scanned outside, he froze. Standing there was a middle-aged man, dressed in light green clothes, exuding a faintly refined air of wealth and elegance. His bearing was both composed and regal, with features resembling Gong Shaoci's but marked by more authority.

The visitor was none other than his father, Gong Yuanzhi. A servant stood by Gong Yuanzhi's side with hands clasped at attention.

Gong Shaoci's face lit up with astonishment. "Father, why are you here?"

Gong Yuanzhi replied with a question, "Is Mrs. Miao here? Please announce my arrival."

"Alright, wait a moment." Gong Shaoci left the door open and quickly strode inside.

Even so, Gong Yuanzhi did not step in uninvited, standing with his hands behind him in quiet patience.

As soon as Lan Qiaoyan and her daughter learned of the distinguished guest, they hurried to the door to greet him. From afar, Lan Qiaoyan called out, "Brother Yuanzhi, please come in."

Gong Yuanzhi made a respectful gesture toward the door. "Mrs. Miao, it's been too long."

"Uncle Gong," Miao Yilan offered a shy salute.

Gong Yuanzhi smiled and nodded before giving her a brief but thorough glance over.

"An esteemed guest indeed." Lan Qiaoyan extended her hand in further invitation.

The host and guest entered together, exchanging pleasantries along the way.

Back on the terrace, only Lan Qiaoyan and Gong Yuanzhi remained seated at the table, while Gong Shaoci and Miao Yilan stood by, attentively refilling their teacups and serving.

"What breeze brought you, Brother Yuanzhi? You, of all people, must always be so busy!" Lan Qiaoyan began with a laugh.

Gong Yuanzhi displayed humility, waving his hand dismissively. "Mrs. Miao made the effort to visit regarding the children's affairs. As the host, I should have come much sooner. Circumstances kept me from doing so until now, with the event almost over. I had to come and offer my apologies in person. Please forgive me."

Lan Qiaoyan responded with a laugh, "Brother Yuanzhi, you're too kind. My daughter and I merely came to Shanbu Continent for some pleasant distraction. You needn't have troubled yourself with such formalities."

Despite her modest words, the satisfaction on her face made it clear she was pleased with the show of respect from the man's family.

Gong Yuanzhi didn't mince words. Looking at the divine gate glowing in the night sky, he asked, "So, how are you finding this 'pleasant distraction?'"

Lan Qiaoyan replied, "I'm rather ignorant when it comes to these matters, and I don't wager. Naturally, I can't feel the thrill as others might. They say the real spectacle will only start once the artifact refining competition begins. Honestly, if it weren't for Shi Chun's participation, my daughter and I might not have come at all."

One cannot feign ignorance in front of intelligent company. Lan Qiaoyan laid things out clearly, avoiding potential misunderstandings.

Gong Yuanzhi responded with "Oh?" and laughed.

At this point, Gong Shaoci slightly bowed and remarked, "Father, Shi Chun might encounter some trouble. It's possible the Artifact Refining World is planning to act against him..."

Gong Yuanzhi raised a hand to cut him off, stating, "I've heard about it. Don't worry—someone has already intervened. The Artifact Refining World won't make any moves against him for now."

This single statement demonstrated Gong Yuanzhi's impressive access to information, underscoring a certain degree of his influence.

Everyone present was momentarily stunned. Lan Qiaoyan naturally asked, "Could it have been Brother Yuanzhi who stepped in?"

"No, no," Gong Yuanzhi denied, waving his hand. "It's not my place to tamper with the structure of the Artifact Refining World at this juncture. It was that figure from Stargazing Pavilion who took action."

Lan Qiaoyan exclaimed in surprise, "Mulan Jin?!"

Seeing Gong Yuanzhi nod, she grew even more astonished. "Even for him, wouldn't this be more than simply giving face to the Artifact Refining World?"

Gong Yuanzhi smiled. "Who can know the inner workings of Stargazing Pavilion? Whatever the reasoning, the Artifact Refining World did indeed extend face to that figure this time. I've heard he is currently within Qi Yun Valley."

Lan Qiaoyan muttered to herself in confusion, "What possible reason could Mulan Jin have for personally intervening on Shi Chun's behalf…?"

Outside the temporary residence of the Mingshan Sect, another guest appeared—Li Hongjiu, sauntering drunkenly with a whiff of alcohol about him.

Informed of his arrival, Shi Chun made an exaggerated display. While rushing forward, he lost a shoe. Then, to Li Hongjiu's shocked gaze, Shi Chun leapt forward and engulfed him in a bear hug, loudly wailing in his ear, "Brother Jiu! Finally, we meet again—I've missed you so much!"

The entire courtyard fell silent, stunned by the scene before them.

Apart from Young Master Nan and the others, the Mingshan Sect group recalled the cringeworthy display of brotherhood between the pair back in the Divine Fire Domain. To see that Shi Chun hadn't dropped the act even now was beyond absurd, sending shivers down their spines.

Only Wu Jinliang grinned broadly, chuckling uncontrollably.

On a nearby road, a passing crowd witnessed the spectacle and, curious, kept turning back to stare as they walked away.

For his part, Li Hongjiu suddenly felt incredibly awkward. He had intended to deal with Shi Chun discreetly, not to allow outsiders to misunderstand the depth of their relationship. Given the rumors of Shi Chun's possible ties to the Demon Path, Li Hongjiu particularly wanted to avoid being dragged into any trouble.

But Shi Chun, having noticed the onlookers outside, turned his antics up a notch, deliberately flaunting their "bond." He had been planning to contact Li Hongjiu anyway, but to have him show up unexpectedly was a stroke of luck...

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.