Demon Path?

The Extreme Fire Sect group, who had been posturing with a "if you're here, you won't leave" aura, suddenly froze, their imposing demeanor instantly collapsing.

It was the kind of shock that overwhelmed them completely—a feeling of disbelief, confusion, and stunned surprise. The intimidation they had carefully amassed disappeared in an instant.

The stark contrast in reactions was too obvious and happened far too quickly, leaving Young Master Nan and Tong Mingshan dumbfounded.

Young Master Nan, once he regained his composure, nearly laughed aloud. The fearless aura of the entire Extreme Fire Sect was broken by a single sentence from that rascal Chun Tian.

The sheer sharpness of the remark made it perfectly clear why Shi Chun, despite being relentlessly pursued by a coalition of numerous sects from the Divine Fire Domain, managed to survive. His life was obnoxiously resilient—resilient to the point that it was hard to take away.

And it wasn't over yet. Shi Chun glanced at their reactions and casually added, "Speaking of which, I was hoping to consult you seniors—what is the name of Black Tiger's magical treasure?"

The members of the Extreme Fire Sect hadn't recovered from his earlier remarks. By the time they did, they were completely unsure how to respond and were worried there might be a trap waiting for them.

After all, they all knew—this petty thief was far from trustworthy. There was no way an honest man could survive being hunted in the Divine Fire Domain under such circumstances.

Thinking Shi Chun might fear the Extreme Fire Sect was laughable. He had killed their disciples and still had the audacity to show up at their doorstep—it'd be ridiculous to think he had good intentions.

It was after quite some time that an elder finally rebuked, "Nonsense! How could that treasure be connected to the Demon Path?"

Shi Chun replied, "I'm not sure of the specifics either, but I heard Stargazing Pavilion sought me out recently, and it was related to the battle where Black Tiger was defeated. Because of this, some have questioned whether Black Tiger's treasure ended up in my possession. Others have asked which sects were allied with Black Tiger at the time. Initially, I didn't know whether the connection to the Demon Path referred to the treasure itself or people involved at the time. When I arrived today, you seniors immediately demanded that treasure—this doesn't seem like a coincidence, does it? Only then did I realize that the item connected to the Demon Path must be the treasure itself."

What did he mean by that? This caught the Extreme Fire Sect group off guard, and their expressions quickly changed. What was this damned thief insinuating, acting as if we knew the truth?

Among them, Yin Tianlu took Shi Chun's words seriously and began contemplating the identities of those who were with Black Tiger during that action. The first person that came to his mind was Wu Shanshan of Forget Love Valley, whose involvement made him quietly wonder—could Wu Shanshan have ties to the Demon Path?

However, not everyone would ponder so rationally. Sect Master Su Qiao pointed at Shi Chun's nose and shouted, "Shi Chun, you can eat trash, but you can't talk trash! You killed our sect's disciples and robbed their belongings. Our efforts to retrieve them are wholly legitimate—stop trying to distort the issue!"

He avoided mentioning the words 'Demon Path' entirely, fearing others eavesdropping might overhear such sensitive terms. The repercussions of such information spreading would be catastrophic.

Shi Chun countered, "Then why are you prioritizing the treasure over pursuing the matter of the disciple's death?"

"..."

The Extreme Fire Sect group was utterly stymied by this nitpicking question.

This left them flustered and even a bit desperate. Another elder bellowed, "Pure conjecture, twisting logic, utterly absurd!"

Shi Chun didn't argue further. He clasped his hands and asked, "Then allow me to inquire once more—do you seniors know the name of the magical treasure in Black Tiger's possession? Surely you wouldn't feign ignorance?"

After obtaining the treasure, they hadn't been able to figure out its name. They had only discovered the characters 'Heaven,' 'Earth,' and 'Human' etched onto three parts of the treasure, which they had since called the "Three Treasures." Now, since this matter had come up, they naturally hoped to gather some information.

Feign ignorance? The Extreme Fire Sect group felt stifled by the accusation.

Initially, their thought was, "Why should we tell you anything?"

Now, they worried that keeping silent might make this wretched rogue believe they were hiding something.

Another elder finally spoke in a somber tone, "When combined, the three treasures are referred to as 'Heaven, Earth, and Human.'"

That's it? Shi Chun found the name a bit crude—not as refined as the names he himself could come up with. After some thought, he still felt "Three Treasures" sounded better.

But it didn't matter; a name was just a name.

With his thoughts settled, he clasped his hands again and addressed the group, "You seniors saw for yourselves—I don't even know the name of the treasure. Should Stargazing Pavilion inquire later, I would appreciate you seniors serving as my witnesses."

These words caused quite a few people to feel both alarmed and furious. Was this matter really going to get pinned on us?

What had started as them merely observing from the sidelines was now, somehow, dragging them into the fray.

Some doubted whether Shi Chun was merely spouting nonsense, but they were also deeply concerned it was true. After all, which reasonable person in the Cultivation World would cavalierly talk nonsense about the Demon Path? Especially linking Stargazing Pavilion and the Demon Path, blatantly gossiping? Stargazing Pavilion members, including the Commander, were right here!

Show too much arrogance with your words and you might lose your life; at best, you could expect a slap to the face from Stargazing Pavilion.

Sect identities like theirs treated those two words as taboo, refusing to even utter them.

Su Sect Master finally said coldly, "Shi Chun, what are you babbling about? Did you come to my Extreme Fire Sect today purely to cause trouble?"

Dark energy surged around him, fully implying that further nonsense could lead to his demise.

Shi Chun, unphased, knew they wouldn't truly act recklessly before resolving their involvement with Stargazing Pavilion.

Facing such a strong force, Shi Chun had never felt so bold in his life. With a grand gesture, he declared, "I don't care whether that treasure belongs to your Extreme Fire Sect or the Refining Heaven Sect. Since it's now in my possession, I will never return it!"

These brazen words enraged the Extreme Fire Sect members. They had seen arrogance, but not to this degree—such an insolent scoundrel, brazen enough to provoke them in such a public setting.

Tong Mingshan, watching from the sidelines, secretly marveled, realizing the level of Shi Chun's audacity far surpassed his imagination. If it were him in front of these prominent figures, his nerves would likely make him stammer, let alone hold his ground confidently while instigating outright confrontation.

Even Young Master Nan felt a hint of alarm, glancing at Shi Chun. Through this absurd defiance, did Shi Chun expect not to face global pursuit? Given their strength and capabilities, they could undoubtedly hunt you to the ends of the earth, and you couldn't hide forever.

Yin Tianlu barked furiously, "Shi Chun, you have a death wish!"

Unlike others, he wasn't afraid of Shi Chun. Yin Tianlu had chased Shi Chun relentlessly before, and while they hadn't fought directly, his confidence came from those encounters.

Shi Chun, having already angered everyone, ignored him. Instead, he loudly stated, "If you want me to return the treasure, fine! But first, let each sect return the treasures they looted from one another in the Divine Fire Domain. Your Extreme Fire Sect pursued me across the Divine Fire Domain for the secret technique to locate the Divine Fire—how should we account for that grudge?

How is it that you're entitled to loot others, while I'm required to return what I've taken? Is it wrong for me to defend myself after being hunted down by you?"

From start to finish, Shi Chun had never shifted the blame for killing Black Tiger to Wu Jinliang. His words had taken on full responsibility for the act.

Tong Mingshan deeply empathized with this perspective and was profoundly moved, knowing firsthand that it was Wu Jinliang who had killed Black Tiger.

The Extreme Fire Sect party found themselves tightly cornered without an effective retort, though they looked on at Shi Chun with disdain. Fairness aside, the answer to why they could press charges and he could not was simple—it's all about power!

Of course, being a reputable sect, they couldn't openly voice such reasoning, especially not with Young Master Nan present.

If Young Master Nan weren't in attendance, they might have said as much outright to wake Shi Chun up.

Su Qiao's body remained encircled with dark energy as he spoke coldly, "Shi Chun, you came to my Extreme Fire Sect—is your intent to stir trouble?"

"No," Shi Chun responded firmly, his tone flipping effortlessly. "I came today not to create enmity, but to resolve it. If Extreme Fire Sect is willing to let go of past grievances from the Divine Fire Domain, I'm willing to sell the secret technique for locating the Divine Fire to you."

This sudden twist left Extreme Fire Sect members gaping in disbelief. Were their ears deceiving them?

Su Qiao's dark energy gradually dissipated as he cautiously questioned, "You're willing to sell us the secret technique for locating the Divine Fire?"

Shi Chun nodded. "Correct. Of course, I am willing to sell, but only if you are willing to buy—it is entirely voluntary, no coercion involved."

The sect members exchanged bewildered looks.

Su Qiao squinted at Shi Chun, his expression flickering as he asked slowly, "You visited Shudao Mountain and Yanbao Sect earlier. Were you selling the secret technique there as well?"

They'd long been discreetly monitoring the activity around Mingshan Sect and were well aware of those movements.

Shi Chun nodded candidly, "Indeed, the two sects have already purchased it. My plan is to offer it to all of the Ten Great Sects. Here is the price I've proposed, senior, please take a look." As he spoke, he conjured a list and sent it to Su Qiao with a spell.

Su Qiao caught it with an extended hand, giving the list a slight shake before examining its contents. Elders nearby leaned closer to peer at it together.

After taking a look, they reacted much like previous sects. One elder sneered, "What audacious pricing! With terms like these, you seriously intend to sell this to all Ten Great Sects? Aren't you worried about choking yourself?"

Shi Chun almost felt like responding, "If you're brave enough, don't buy it."

Yet he politely replied, "If Extreme Fire Sect doesn't wish to buy, then let's consider this matter closed. I bid you farewell."

He bowed and turned to leave without hesitation.

Young Master Nan's lip curled in amusement—this scene couldn't be more familiar. Having seen this play out twice already, it was comically repetitive. Chun Tian really was nothing if not shamelessly consistent in his tactics.

Naturally, Young Master Nan knew the drill by now.

As for how to cooperate, he and Tong Mingshan were well-practiced—don't hesitate, don't overthink it, just turn and follow him immediately.

And as expected, the old routine played itself out again. Before long, with the list in hand, Su Qiao called out firmly, "Wait!"

Shi Chun stopped and turned back, in perfect sync with Nan and Tong.

Su Qiao pressed his lips together, took a slow, deep breath, and said, "Regarding the deal—allow us some time to deliberate."

Shi Chun remained agreeable. "Certainly, that's only natural. However, one thing must be clear, seniors—any trade must be contingent on letting go of past grievances without pursuit. Otherwise, I have no reason to sell to enemies! For instance, I fought fiercely with Yanbao Sect's Li Hongjiu before, yet we've since moved on from those disputes. Young Master Nan can serve as my witness!"

Nan thought privately, "Such a witness is meaningless. They won't pursue openly, but you can't stop them from seeking private retaliation. What good is it?"

Nevertheless, he smiled and nodded affirmatively.

Su Qiao avoided that topic for now, instead gesturing to the gathered sect disciples. "Escort our guests to rest."

Thus, Shi Chun and his companions were ushered away.

Once all unnecessary attendees had left the hall, leaving only high-ranking members present, Su Qiao wasted no words. He shook the list and ordered, "Check who has the means to pool this amount, and if not, arrange to borrow!"

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