Stargazing Pavilion? Mulan Qingqing paused briefly, her mind racing with thoughts, and she cast a spell with her finger to send a message: Why would the Stargazing Pavilion be targeting you?

Shi Chun: No idea, it's baffling. Rumor has it they won't let me go this time, and even the Pavilion Master himself has taken residence at Qi Yun Valley. Mulan, I suppose this will be my final farewell to you.

"He came too…" Mulan Qingqing murmured to herself, instinctively feeling that her request had worked. She just hadn't expected someone of such stature to personally arrive, and the thought left her momentarily stunned, her expression unusually complex.

After a moment, she replied: The Stargazing Pavilion might not do anything to you; maybe you're overthinking this.

Having already reached out, Shi Chun couldn't accept such a dismissive response. Considering the dangers involved, he insisted stubbornly: You don't understand; someone's trying to smear me, someone wants to harm me.

Mulan Qingqing froze again—could it be?

She began to doubt her judgment once more, realizing that for someone of such power and rank, it seemed unlikely they'd make the trip personally. Perhaps he was here for other matters, and her initial assumption had been overly wishful thinking.

With this thought in mind, she sent another message: If the Stargazing Pavilion were really targeting you, would you still be here chatting so leisurely?

Shi Chun: They say they won't act until after the Divine Fire Covenant's match is over, so as not to disrupt the event. I came out of the Land of Exile and have long accepted the fragility of life. I don't fear death; I fear never seeing you again, for I still can't let go of you.

Mulan Qingqing stared intently at this message, then suddenly typed back: If you want me to save you, just say it directly. Don't say such revolting things.

She had long lived deep within the Su Yuan Sect, avoiding interaction with others. Given her status and position, ordinary people wouldn't dare to express admiration for her aloud. Those who approached her were typically individuals of significant station.

What they said were usually refined, polished compliments or sophisticated remarks. This crude and blatant confession of affection was unheard of, and it had certainly opened her eyes.

She had never received such fiery and direct expressions of love before, which left her mentally skeptical of its authenticity, even as her heart wondered whether there was some truth to it.

Shi Chun wouldn't admit to it even if beaten to death, remaining evasive: Mulan, this isn't something you can intervene in. Su Yuan Sect may be influential, but against the Stargazing Pavilion, it's still a tough match. The fact that you're beautiful is undeniable, and my feelings for you are uncontrollable. If not for the inevitability of parting, I wouldn't have dared to voice this to you.

Mulan Qingqing was shaken once again. Did this fool not know that the Pavilion Master of the Stargazing Pavilion was her biological father? Impossible, right?

And yet, she couldn't be certain whether it was possible or not. Forget it—she didn't want to continue dragging out the conversation with him; the intensity of it was overwhelming and exhausting.

She turned to leave the room to find those secretly watching her, but as she reached the doorway, she paused again. She wasn't sure what justification she could use to confront those tailing her; she had already explicitly said before that if Shi Chun were to die, he would only die by her hands.

Having already made statements to this extent, going over again would only mean repeating herself. What's the point?

After hesitating for a long time, she picked up the Mother-child Talisman and replied: Maybe you're overthinking this. If they really come for you, let me know with a message.

When Shi Chun saw this, he was overjoyed; what he wanted was exactly this response from her. Given their current relationship, asking her directly for a guarantee wouldn't have been appropriate.

Of course, he couldn't show his delight in his reply. He kept his tone steady and responded: When the time comes, I'll bid you farewell one last time. Right now, all I can see is the image of you in snowy white the first time we met.

This overly sentimental claim was something Mulan Qingqing could hardly stomach. She couldn't help but raise her hand to rub her forehead, although she gradually settled into quiet reflection. She tried to recall what he had been like when they first met but couldn't bring the image to mind. She only vaguely remembered that he might have been wearing yellow clothes or something similar.

Thinking of his outfit brought back memories of how he'd pretended to be a disciple of Youxia Mountain but hadn't even bothered to change his attire. Her memories surged, and the thought made her grind her teeth in vexation. Eventually, she placed a palm over her chest, standing silently for a long time...

Atop the mountain of Qi Yun Valley, Young Master Nan was brought forward under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Under the scrutiny of numerous artifact refining moguls, Young Master Nan felt a bit uneasy but still cupped his hand in greeting, acknowledging everyone one by one. When he reached the Refining Heaven Sect's Sect Master Luo Yan, he greeted him formally, "Sect Master Luo."

Sect Master Luo didn't bother with pleasantries, instead pointing to the mirrored image hovering in the air and asking directly: "Namo Yu, this was your doing, wasn't it?"

Young Master Nan chuckled awkwardly: "Not just me—it wasn't entirely my decision to make."

Luo Yan folded his hands in front of him and interrogated: "The Heavenly Mirror was used on my Artifact Refining World. What's the meaning of this?"

Young Master Nan smiled calmly: "It's nothing really—it's for the sake of fairness in the contest. It doesn't affect anything."

Luo Yan raised an eyebrow slightly: "Regardless of whether it affects anything or not, my Artifact Refining World doesn't need external oversight. You should withdraw the mirror; don't make this unpleasant for everyone."

This was a veiled warning: if he didn't withdraw it, someone else would remove it for him.

Young Master Nan's gaze met Luo Yan's. He pressed his fist against his nose, his staring eyes showing no intention of backing down.

It's easy for people with no stake in the matter to call for its withdrawal. However, as someone managing this affair, with the Heavenly Mirror spanning all Four Great Continents and many heavy-hitter players already invested, abruptly canceling it would make him look like a fool.

If he couldn't handle even this level of situation, how could he continue playing the big game in the future?

Having proved his mettle in similar scenarios before, Young Master Nan wasn't about to be intimidated. The Artifact Refining World might be beyond his ability to meddle in, but matters outside that realm weren't within their unilateral control either.

Suddenly, he withdrew his clenched hands and smiled broadly. With a calm and collected demeanor, he addressed the gathered crowd: "Sect Master Luo and everyone present, this matter isn't entirely within my authority to decide. But let me add, ensuring fairness is indeed a good thing. Since there's no outsider here, allow me to speak a few frank and possibly unwelcome words. You may as well hear me out.

The betting pool for this contest has grown tremendously, attracting considerable attention. If certain parties with ill intent stir up rumors, claiming some sects within the Artifact Refining World have engaged in rigged betting, cheating, and swindling the participants, do you realize the consequences? Let me remind you, the number of bettors is vast—if someone deliberately sows chaos, it may be impossible to contain."

Not far away, Shudao Mountain's Sect Leader Gu Yanduo scoffed coldly: "Does the Artifact Refining World involve itself in your betting pool or not? Surely Young Master Nan knows this himself?"

Young Master Nan turned toward him, spreading his hands. "What I personally know doesn't matter. My opinion holds no sway. Aren't contest rules being changed repeatedly? Couldn't that information be leaked and exploited to influence the betting's outcome? Such an easily manipulated handle—isn't it possible someone might use it?

To put it bluntly, when people leave in bitterness after losing, the disgrace extends beyond just the individual. When trouble arises, resolutions may lead to clarity for the innocent and condemnation for the guilty, but those pulling the strings may still ensure some pay a hefty price. After all, the opportunity has been presented to them."

His words plunged the summit into a momentary silence among all the sects.

Sweeping his gaze over the crowd again, Young Master Nan added: "In my opinion, having the Heavenly Mirror isn't a bad thing. Whoever wins fairly wins, and whoever loses loses. Everything's transparent and indisputable, leaving troublemakers no room for manipulation…"

Outside the Sheng Province Domain Master's residence, the stately and imposing gates loomed as a regal, impeccably groomed woman descended step by step from the high staircase.

None other than the current Sect Master of Wukang Mountain, Bian Weiyin herself—her demeanor fully embodying the gravitas of a sect leader.

Her mother, Yin Huixin, as well as the Sect's Great Elder Yi Huachun, were already waiting by the steps, effectively stationed outside the grand entrance.

This visit was ostensibly to present a gift, or rather, to pay tribute to Domain Master Wei Mo. Ever since Shi Chun had delivered Wei Mo's inscribed message to Wukang Mountain, stabilizing their foothold in Sheng Province and ensuring Bian Weiyin's firm leadership of Wukang Mountain, the sect had entirely pledged allegiance to Wei Mo.

Reaching the base of the steps and meeting the two elders, Bian Weiyin looked back thoughtfully at the towering Domain Master's residence.

Yin Huixin quietly asked: "Why has the Domain Master summoned us so suddenly?"

By normal standards, the annual tribute period had not yet arrived, so Wei Mo's summons prompted them to deliver their tribute ahead of schedule.

Bian Weiyin's eyes flickered with concern as she confided softly to the elders: "There's a possibility the Domain Master may be re-assigned from Sheng Province, so we must prepare ourselves mentally."

This revelation left the elders visibly shaken. Naturally, they understood the weight of such a scenario.

A transfer of the Domain Master might mean very little to ordinary sects, but for Wukang Mountain, it was a substantial concern. Originally aligned with certain figures in the Royal Court, Wukang Mountain had shifted its loyalty to Wei Mo after upheaval, strictly adhering to his directives. However, Wei Mo's departure from the region could reopen hostilities with dissatisfied individuals in the Royal Court who'd been unable to act while Wei Mo had shielded them.

"Furthermore, the Domain Master asked whether Wukang Mountain has the capability to forge a fifth-grade immobilization charm."

The two elders exchanged astonished looks, with Yi Huachun asking in bewilderment: "The Domain Master should know clearly that our sect lacks this skill. Why bring it up?"

Bian Weiyin hesitated slightly before responding: "He mentioned that Shi Chun arrived at Wukang Mountain immediately after his time in Life Prison. He asked us to thoroughly investigate everything Shi Chun did during his time here. From his tone, it seemed possible that Shi Chun might have grasped the refining method for the fifth-grade immobilization charm."

"What!" Yi Huachun exclaimed in disbelief: "How is that possible? If we don't have the ability, how could Shi Chun learn it here? Speaking of which, wasn't Shi Chun's group recently in the Divine Fire Domain?"

Bian Weiyin clarified: "The Domain Master said he's already out and that a significant contest will commence soon. He mentioned that Shi Chun's sect, Mingshan Sect, will also participate and suggested we visit the Royal Capital Arena if we're curious. Judging by his tone, it seems Mingshan Sect's performance in the Divine Fire Domain might have been quite exceptional."

"Exceptional?" Yi Huachun speculated skeptically: "The Divine Fire Domain is the territory of the Artifact Refining World. What could a gang of riffraff possibly achieve there? How exceptional?"

Bian Weiyin shook her head slightly. She didn't know the specifics, as it wasn't appropriate for Wei Mo to be pressed on the issue.

Yin Huixin, however, seemed intrigued but uncertain: "I've heard attendance at the contest is enormous. Because of the need for order, those without tickets aren't allowed in. And they say only those who wagered a significant amount are eligible for entry passes. Now that we've thought of it, isn't it a bit late to try and get involved?"

Bian Weiyin replied: "The Domain Master said that once we arrive, we should simply mention his name. Arrangements will be made accordingly."

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