Of course, he had to speak, but even though Shi Chun was prepared, when the moment came, he still hesitated slightly.

Elder Tu couldn't help but sneer, a mocking tone evident. "You've already handed over the goods as payment to Young Master Nan. Are you planning to go back on your word now?"

Shi Chun lifted his eyelids slightly. "Not going back on my word. I was just figuring out how to tell you so you wouldn't be too shocked by the truth."

This remark made the group from Shudao Mountain exchange puzzled glances, their minds racing, filled with speculation—some even suspecting it might involve their own sect or that Shi Chun was deliberately trying to deceive them.

Finally, Gu Yanduo broke the silence, saying, "As long as what you say is true, there's nothing we can't accept."

Hearing this, Shi Chun gave a slight nod, glancing back towards the doorway. Though there were no idle onlookers visible, he nonetheless took a few steps closer to the group of prominent figures before lowering his voice. "I presume Gu Lianni has already told you what I used to swiftly locate the Divine Fire?"

Gu Yanduo slightly nodded. "Do you still have any Fire God Incense? Bring one out for us to see."

"I've been out for a while; there wasn't much to begin with." Shi Chun waved his hand dismissively and spoke earnestly: "Honestly, I never imagined I'd one day enter the Divine Fire Domain, let alone find so much Divine Fire. Even in my wildest dreams, I wouldn't have thought it possible. That 'Fire God Incense' actually wasn't mine—it was given to me by Situ Gu. And that's the secret behind its origin."

Upon hearing this, the Shudao Mountain group nearly bulged their eyes out, almost suspecting they had heard him wrong.

Momentarily flustered, Gu Yanduo immediately asked, "Are you saying it was Elder Situ Gu from Refining Heaven Sect?"

Shi Chun sighed. "Who else but Situ Gu could meddle in matters concerning the Divine Fire Domain?"

The group was stunned, exchanging dubious glances, finding it difficult to believe.

Elder Tu couldn't hold back his disbelief. "Are you joking? Do you think we're fools? If Situ Gu had such a Secret Technique, why wouldn't he give it to the Refining Heaven Sect disciples instead of you?"

Many others nodded in agreement to this statement, their gazes towards Shi Chun now laced with hostility and oppressive intent.

Undeterred by their intimidation, Shi Chun spread both hands wide. "I know it's hard for you to accept, but it's the truth. Even I don't know why Situ Gu gave it to me. He handed me a bundle of incense, said he had refined it himself, and wasn't sure of its effects, asking me to test it in the Divine Fire Domain. At the time, I found it just as puzzling—why give such a Secret Technique to me rather than his own sect members? He didn't explain his motive."

If it were anyone else, I wouldn't have believed it. But with guidance from such a senior figure, I certainly couldn't dismiss it. So I followed his instructions after entering, and the outcome was just as Gu Lianni witnessed—it worked wonders. After leaving the Divine Fire Domain, Situ Gu personally came to me, asking about the results and whether I had experienced any side effects. He carefully inquired and examined my physical condition."

As Shi Chun spread his hands once more, he continued, "That's the situation—all that I know. Honestly, I hope you can unravel this mystery for me."

"..." The Shudao Mountain group was now visibly filled with profound doubts, exchanging bewildered looks.

It's worth noting that ever since Shi Chun emerged from the Divine Fire Domain, they had secretly sent people to keep an eye on the Mingshan Sect. For a figure of Situ Gu's caliber to visit Shi Chun, they certainly wouldn't have missed such news.

Previously, they had been puzzled. They couldn't understand why someone of Situ Gu's stature would personally seek out Shi Chun, especially since there had never been any known interactions between the two. Situ Gu was not known for being sociable, least of all with a minor figure like Shi Chun.

Therefore, their prior assumption was simply that it was all about the search for the Divine Fire Secret Technique.

Beyond this reason, they couldn't think of anything else.

Now, hearing Shi Chun's explanation, the group began to realize that Situ Gu likely played a clever trick on the blind spot of their preconceived notions.

To ask: if Shi Chun hadn't spoken up, who would ever suspect Situ Gu sought him out solely to learn about the Fire God Incense's effects?

Of course, that's assuming what Shi Chun said was true.

Right now, it seemed plausible. However, this young man's cunning was beyond measure, as their disciples had learned all too well, leaving them unable to completely abandon doubt.

Gu Yanduo recovered from his initial shock and asked, "How can we be certain that what you're saying is true?"

Shi Chun expressed surprise and indignation. "Sect Leader Gu, you wouldn't be accusing me of making up an excuse to reclaim what I've already traded away, would you?"

"Watch your tone!" Elder Tu reprimanded. "Do you expect us to take your word at face value without verifying its truth?"

Another elder echoed, "Indeed. How can you prove that the 'Fire God Incense' was given to you by Situ Gu?"

Shi Chun replied, "I have no way to prove it. All I can say is that if you can prove I lied or conducted a false transaction, I'll willingly return the goods you gave me."

Yet he was blatantly lying, and the key point was how he did so with such composure.

This audacity and confidence left the observant group unable to detect any signs of deceit.

Gu Yanduo asked again, "For something so secretive, would Situ Gu truly allow you to disclose this information?"

Shi Chun responded, "Sect Leader Gu, do you think I wanted to do business with you? I had no choice. If it weren't for Stargazing Pavilion's sudden involvement, I doubt I'd have had the chance to tell you this secret. Once I noticed Stargazing Pavilion's involvement and recalled Situ Gu entering the Divine Fire Domain with such urgency, I broke out in a cold sweat from fear."

This remark instantly made the Shudao Mountain group realize the hidden implications, causing them all to be deeply moved.

"Precisely for this reason, I decided to sell this secret, not wanting it to remain solely in the hands of Shudao Mountain. I hoped the Ten Great Sects would all know it, for my own safety. You can go to Situ Gu for verification. If he denies it, I am willing to confront him face-to-face. If I cannot expose him, I will return what you gave me!"

Shi Chun then spread his hands once more. "Given all this, what else do you have to worry about?"

In reality, he was well aware such a confrontation would never happen. There was no need for him to face Situ Gu directly; as long as these people approached Situ Gu, Situ Gu would verify the matter. This had already been discussed with Situ Gu, who was mentally prepared.

As for the pressure Situ Gu might face, that had nothing to do with Shi Chun.

Situ Gu had no choice—whether he admitted or denied, there were consequences waiting for him either way. He simply had to pick one.

In the end, Shi Chun aimed to extricate himself entirely, distancing himself from any danger. Being too weak to bear the burden, his only option was to borrow power to compensate for his shortcomings.

The Shudao Mountain group exchanged glances, realizing the logic behind Shi Chun's approach. The revelation that he was using the dissemination of information to protect himself explained why he sold his news to several sects.

Not only was he safeguarding his life through this method, but he also seized the opportunity to profit—a strategy that combined survival with gain.

As they looked at Shi Chun again, the image of him confidently engaging with them, unfazed and articulate, lingered in their minds. There was now a touch of admiration in their eyes, and they silently acknowledged his resourcefulness. No wonder he earned first place at the Sky Rain Meteor Conference and managed to escape unharmed from the sects' collective assault in the Divine Fire Domain—this man was indeed extraordinary!

Even the two elders began to feel Sect Leader Gu's intention to recruit Shi Chun as a disciple was a wise one.

Such a disciple, even if inadequate in artifact refining, could still prove invaluable. Across all Shudao Mountain disciples, none could match this young man's potential.

Unfortunately, it was uncertain what might happen with regard to Stargazing Pavilion or whether Shi Chun truly had ties to the Demon Path.

Nevertheless, even Elder Tu, who had repeatedly been rude towards Shi Chun earlier, softened his tone and tried to persuade him kindly. "Shi Chun, if everything works out with Stargazing Pavilion, you should reconsider our Sect Leader's offer to take you as a disciple. This kind of opportunity is what countless people dream of. Considering your background, other sects might not welcome you, let alone present you with such a chance. Missing it would be a lifelong regret."

Another elder stroked his beard and nodded with agreement.

These words were exactly what Gu Yanduo had hoped for, and he added slowly, "Take your time to think about it. Once you've passed Stargazing Pavilion's test, I will keep my word about accepting you into the sect."

Shi Chun swept his gaze across them, feeling somewhat perplexed internally. He couldn't fathom why they acted as if they were offering him an extraordinary favor.

If he had wanted to join any sect, with the perspective he'd gained after leaving the Land of Exile, he wouldn't have left Wukang Mountain at all.

He didn't think much of Wukang Mountain, nor did he hold Shudao Mountain in high regard, unless he was cornered with no other options.

Of course, outwardly he expressed his gratitude. Their influence was vast, and there was no need to upset them. If there was an opportunity to build relationships, why not take it? He immediately nodded and bowed, expressing sincere gratitude: "I've noted the esteemed elders' advice. Once I've overcome Stargazing Pavilion's hurdle, we'll revisit the matter."

Then he tentatively asked, "May I leave, honored elders? I have another sect to visit."

Having offered his willingness to confront Situ Gu directly for survival's sake, Shudao Mountain couldn't hold him back any longer. Despite their considerable authority, they couldn't afford to act dishonorably by breaking their word.

More importantly, their initial shock at the revelation Shi Chun had sold the same information to other sects had subsided. Now, it felt almost natural and reasonable.

Gu Yanduo replied calmly, "Let's hope your words are true. Otherwise, you will face dire consequences. Go now."

As he finished his sentence, he suddenly felt a twinge of bitterness—what sort of situation was this, where he found himself condoning the act of selling the same information to multiple parties?

"I take my leave." Shi Chun cupped his hands in salute, retreating as he departed. Just as he was about to turn away, he turned back and asked, "Honored elders, you wouldn't undermine my efforts by spilling the news to other sects ahead of me, would you? That would leave me empty-handed."

Elder Tu snapped, "Get out of here! Don't disgrace yourself by suspecting us of such petty behavior!"

"Understood, understood." Shi Chun repeatedly nodded and bowed before hastily leaving.

As he turned away, a fleeting hint of mischievousness tugged at the corner of his lips, along with a sense of relief.

Watching his figure fade into the distance, Elder Tu let out a snort. "What are you even thinking? After paying such a high price for the news, would we let other sects have it for free?"

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