And some words spoken by Tong Mingshan were indeed sincere; twenty years passed day by day, which is not short, and the Mingshan Sect, in the absence of cultivation resources, managed to endure and not disband, thanks to Young Master Nan's support.

The Master was imprisoned, and the Second-in-Command went missing; the cultivation resources they consumed during this period were not a small amount, and the consumption was enormous.

An Wuzhi, two years ago, had already broken through to the Earth Immortal Upper Realm. Tong Mingshan and Zhu Xiangxin were not far from breaking through to the Earth Immortal Upper Realm themselves, and with the support of the many Divine Fire powers within, all three had the possibility of reaching the Golden Immortal realm within a century.

This was a secret not publicly disclosed by the three, and if the secret of absorbing a dozen or so Divine Fires got out, it would surely bring trouble.

As for the other members of the Mingshan Sect, except for Duan Xiangmei, whose starting point was relatively low, and due to ordinary talent in cultivation, all others had broken through to the Human Immortal realm within these twenty years, under the support of adequate cultivation resources.

And these ample resources were all provided by Young Master Nan, who genuinely ensured they had enough cultivation resources.

Tong Mingshan's words also hinted at speaking on behalf of Young Master Nan, regarding the matter of Young Master Nan helping the East Victory Royal Court capture Shi Chun in the past, suggesting he didn't want to but was forced to.

Overall, Tong Mingshan's attitude still leaned towards Shi Chun. He was the one who profited the most in the Divine Fire Domain at that time, and when everyone felt the distribution of Divine Fire was unfair, Tong Mingshan alone absorbed twenty-six Divine Fires, leading by a significant margin, thanks to Shi Chun's full support.

To this, Shi Chun simply nodded in response, indicating he understood.

Over twenty years, regardless of whether the Mingshan Sect disbanded or not, his return this time was to help them settle down.

Especially Tong Mingshan, An Wuzhi, and Zhu Xiangxin, whose secrets not only involved absorbing many Divine Fires but also cultivating an Ancient Great Power's cultivation method, which Shi Chun could hardly give up easily.

From the Earth Heart Tower in the Divine Fire Domain, he brought out nine cultivation techniques, among which six were Fire Attribute Skills, only benefiting those three.

Among the remaining three techniques, Wu Jinliang selected "All Forms Technique" suitable for himself, and Shen Moming was chosen for "Divine Travel Technique", while Xiao Sheng was chosen for "Heavenly Gang True Skill".

Sometimes, it's truly not the people who choose cultivation methods, but the methods that choose the practitioners.

Whether others in the Mingshan Sect could successfully cultivate "All Forms Technique" was unknown, but since Wu Jinliang successfully cultivated it, Shi Chun didn't let others try; however, among those who tried "Divine Travel Technique" and "Heavenly Gang True Skill", only Shen Moming and Xiao Sheng were able to enter the gate of those cultivation methods, which could be considered fate.

Previously, while others were out on tasks, Shen Moming stayed behind to guard the house, also allowing him to focus on cultivating.

Later, Xiao Sheng's ability to go to Dazhi City and run errands was related to the cultivation method's proficiency in disguise, allowing him to easily adjust his appearance, facilitating covert assistance; after mastering it, it became even more magical, enabling him to learn thirty-six types of transformations.

However, Xiao Sheng and Wu Jinliang have gone missing and not returned, and no one knows where they've gone. Shi Chun, on the other hand, seemed aware, knowing Wu Jinliang would surely contact Xiao Sheng. Over these twenty years, it was certain Xiao Sheng didn't appear because he was mixed with Wu Jinliang, considering Wu Jinliang had ample cultivation resources.

Upon contacting Wu Jinliang later, Xiao Sheng could likely be found.

After saying everything necessary and unnecessary, Tong Mingshan still expressed concern over the Battle of Great Pardon, "Master, is signing up for the battle unavoidable this time?"

Shi Chun did not answer directly, "Rest assured, I have it under control."

Seeing him speak this way, Tong Mingshan did not ask further, saying he would go to arrange for everyone to find rooms and settle down.

After he walked away, Feng Chi, who had expressed his allegiance before, approached again, reaffirming his support for Shi Chun's decision, "Actually, participating in the battle might not necessarily be a bad thing for the Master. After the Divine Fire Domain emerged, along came the search for Divine Fire's Secret Techniques, Fifth-grade Body-Stabilizing Talismans, and some subsequent tricky matters. Continually hiding is not a solution. If one can seize this opportunity to come ashore, with rules at hand, everyone would ostensibly adhere to them, preventing overt trouble against you."

Mentioning the immobilization charm, Shi Chun stared into the distance, pondering whether he should go to Wukang Mountain; regardless of how one should hide after entering the battlefield, ample preparedness is always good, and stocking up on immobilization material is not a bad idea.

"I reckon Upper management will soon know about the Master signing up for the battle and will likely contact me..."

Right when she spoke, two silhouettes suddenly flew onto the Immortal Mountain, passing the guards, locking eyes on Shi Chun, then walked directly over.

The arriving individuals were none other than Mulan Jin, garbed in blue, and Mulan Qingqing, always in white like snow.

Feng Chi sensibly realized Mulan Jin was beyond her means, feeling a bit intimidated, so she quickly retreated.

Upon arriving, Mulan Qingqing stared at the beard on Shi Chun's face, struck with a daze, knowing instantly it was the result of Shi Chun's years of confinement, her heart filled with guilt and regret, causing her to bite her lip, her breath somewhat unstable.

She deeply remembered the scene when Shi Chun bid farewell to her for the last time, confessing to save her, resulting in him sitting in the Life Prison, a hellish place, for twenty years, nearly facing execution.

Shi Chun then smiled, bowing to the two, "Qingqing, long time no see."

Faced with her father, he couldn't say those words about her being the most beautiful.

Mulan Jin glanced around, noticing instantly the emotional stir of his daughter, unable to watch, and couldn't help but look up at the sky.

When he sought his daughter earlier, she turned her face away with resentment, planning to sever ties for good. Yet upon hearing Shi Chun was out and offered to take her to see him, she immediately flipped like a page in a book, obediently following suit; what a situation.

It's often said that daughters become unmanageable when they grow up. He finally understood this, feeling a mix of emotions, contemplating whether he should find an opportunity to deal with this scoundrel.

"Are you alright?" Mulan Qingqing held back her words for a while before finally uttering this greeting.

Shi Chun spread his arms and spun in a circle, laughing, "I'm fine. Being imprisoned in the Life Prison, I'm used to it; grew up like that since childhood."

Mulan Jin didn't want to hear him spew nonsense, interrupting, "I didn't arrange for you to meet to reminisce. Some things need to be planned in advance. Once you're in, you'll be in the same team, which will facilitate actions."

Shi Chun asked, "Can we decide that?"

Mulan Jin: "That's a small matter. I will communicate with the Commander in charge on the Heavenly Court side to assign you both to one group. The current issue is deciding which of you will lead the group. Discuss it now so I can make the arrangements."

Shi Chun was indifferent, not clear about many things just after stepping out.

However, Mulan Qingqing had been preparing for this battle for a long time and had already figured out a lot, so she was surprised, "A hundred people per group, there should be quite a few experts at the Earth Immortal Realm. With our cultivation, it's not suitable to be the leader, is it?"

To be honest, after the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, she had a shadow over being a 'leader.' The tragedy of one inept general bringing down the entire army was something she didn't dare face again.

Shi Chun nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. He was a man who wanted to hide away, not wanting to lead a bunch of burdens.

Mulan Jin: "If you're not the leader, you won't have the authority to make decisions. If the leader orders you to go, you must go, and how to use your people will also be decided by others. Don't you also have people from the Mingshan Sect joining the battle? Are you willing for them to be used like pawns? If the leader reports your cowardice or avoidance of battle, once defeated, deserters will be killed without pardon! If not, those forced in can just find a place to hide until the end. By being a leader, you gain a voice, and even if you escape, it can be called a tactic. Whether you're qualified to be a leader is not your concern; I'll arrange it."

Hearing this, Shi Chun habitually tugged on his beard. It seemed they had no choice but to be the leaders, especially when there's help in arranging it. Immediately, he agreed, "Alright, alright, Qingqing, we surely have to do it. It's more secure to hold our lives in our own hands."

He intended to take the opportunity to set himself straight. If participating in the war turned him into a wanted deserter, it would be truly absurd; it would be better to flee before entering.

Mulan Qingqing graciously deferred, "You take it up."

Shi Chun looked at Mulan Jin, not sure if he was asking or agreeing, "Then I won't stand on ceremony?"

Mulan Jin nodded immediately, "It's settled then, I'll go make the arrangements." She turned to her daughter, "Will you stay here or return to where you lodged before?"

Mulan Qingqing replied with composure, "Since we're going to be in the same team, I'll stay here for easier communication."

Mulan Jin felt a pang in her heart, muttered an agreement, and turned to leave.

Shi Chun called out, "Commander."

"Speak." Mulan Jin's tone was inexplicably unfriendly.

Shi Chun shamelessly said, "Um, can I go out for a while? I don't fight battles I'm not certain of, so I need to prepare adequately beforehand."

Mulan Jin coldly glanced at him, "You don't intend to run away, do you?"

Mulan Qingqing understood immediately; Shi Chun was forced into the battle by her father, but she knew her father did this for a reason, so she bowed her head slightly, her expression dimming.

Shi Chun smiled bitterly, gesturing towards the group from the Mingshan Sect, "Didn't the Commander also control them just in case? Besides, I've already registered, how can I run? Commander, I really need to go out to prepare, all my stuff is with Wu Jinliang, I need to find him, he won't show unless I meet in person."

Mulan Jin thought for a moment, "You cannot reveal your whereabouts now, so travel secretly. Someone will coordinate with you later." She cast a glance at her daughter, then disappeared in a flash.

After the others left, leaving only the two of them, Mulan Qingqing had countless words to say, yet for a moment, didn't know where to start, unsure if his words from twenty years ago still held true.

If he were to confess again, she was mentally prepared to accept it.

If there were to be another duel, she wouldn't mention it again; looking back now, she found it childish herself.

However, after being isolated for twenty years, Shi Chun's mindset was not what it once was; even with a beauty by his side, he didn't feel the need to speak sweet words unnecessarily.

The two stood side by side at the railing, pointing and chatting about the scenery of the Heavenly Capital. Shi Chun had never been there and eagerly sought knowledge, while Mulan Qingqing spoke eloquently.

Both had matured, no longer in their youth.

That night, three people came to the Immortal Mountain; one stayed, Shi Chun took on his guise, and the three left the mountain together once more.

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