Chapter 178: Threat

A critical moment!

Unbeknownst to them, it had already slipped away. Upon inspection, they realized it wouldn't even be activated later that night.

Trouble had arrived. To some extent, Shi Chun and his companion leaving the team and causing trouble was indeed the case. Furthermore, their daughter had angered them and would certainly face severe punishment this time. She couldn't protect them, otherwise, there would be no way to account to the sect. The onlookers were aghast.

Of course, it also indicated that he was seated at Wukang Mountain. He had indeed been thoroughly appeased by Bian Jixiong and consequently caused no trouble.

Bian Jixiong’s expression, however, was not pleasant when he caught Bian Wei. The surroundings, including the sky, and their self-satisfied demeanor fully displayed the prestige of Shengzhou’s largest sect, also causing... He saw nothing he hadn't already witnessed in his lifetime regarding the images. He asked about the images from the Sky-Overlooking Mirror, asking, "Where can we view it?" He rarely had the opportunity to see such things normally.

Elder Ke said, "It's still night in the West Pole, and the Sky-Overlooking Mirror images haven't yet unfolded. They will be activated later."

Yin Huixin looked around, noting a few things. She looked at the sky and said, "Let's wait." Her brow was furrowed with worry for Bian Weiying, knowing her daughter had defied orders and would have to account to the Domain Lord.

As nothing could be seen clearly, no one requested a feed. As for Shi Chun and his companion, not everyone present, even among the leading sects, was privy to the revealing of these results. The place was full; in normal times, most would also gather here to watch. She knew very well that this time they were doomed, and no one could protect them. The sect's participants had been annihilated and left the venue.

It should be noted that the leaders of some smaller sects in the capital were moving around, interacting with leaders from other sects. Those who wished to enter were not yet qualified. Sect leaders greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries.

Bai Shuchuan said, "You first go out. Before you go out, wait for him inside." The two armored soldiers then left. "You need to wait until dawn. Even then, you wouldn't dare act recklessly."

The scene outside the display was still, which had quieted the bustling training ground considerably. The clothes she wore were clearly not her own; they seemed to be impersonating. Someone immediately reprimanded her and demanded to inspect her, saying, "Your pass." She picked it up and looked.

Bai Shuchuan watched them leave. Faint writing appeared: "Scum..."

From a distance, there were many people coming and going, some with ill intentions. As the sky was not yet fully bright there, only silhouettes could be seen, and those communicating dispersed. There was nothing strict. They simply scrutinized her, looking her up and down, causing her worry. She had some doubts, finding it strange how the two of them mentioned not having a 'mother talisman.' What was wrong with not having a 'mother talisman'?

Miao Dingyi's family had arrived, and Gong Duoci was also accompanying them. They had interacted frequently, but their relationship hadn't progressed to a definite stage. That was Tang Yan's most elite unit, led by Bian Jixiong.

As well, by his side were two young men. Two of his fellow disciples had also died, forcing him to... Bai Shuchuan subconsciously looked up towards the opening in the barrier. She probably understood why they could be contacted. Zhenqing likewise did not allow... If she were to speak for herself, at this moment... Chuan stood rooted to the spot, an inexplicable worry in her heart.

Looking at the writing on the Zishengzhou, a faint smile played on her lips as she recalled... Even she was inexplicably worried. She revealed the chain on her wrist for inspection. She stood rooted to the spot, a sudden panic in her heart. This was exactly what she had feared; she was truly being threatened, and her mind was blank. She then brought out the Zishengzhou and informed Shi Chun of Bian Jixiong's threat.

Many people were just there to make up the numbers. One, the Left Aide of Huobu Continent, Yilan, also knew it involved... there was no clear position regarding this. The Hou family, who had left, didn't have even a single Worm Crystal. At least, the matter there still depended on her father's attitude. Her mother, however, kept urging her father, but he had always... Only those people could pass through. She was very vague about that.

Before dawn, the viewing platform on the mountain peak, which Young Master Nan had reserved early, was also becoming crowded. The gates had opened for these individuals. After their identity tags were checked and confirmed, they handed over... Only then did she leave the cave. The forces originally organized had already mostly merged with other stronger, more influential sects from Kangshan, influencing what had happened. This was leading to the Wanglou Xuji. Even if the two families were to intermarry, her father hadn't relented.

He slowly flew away in that direction. Jianmen left. There was a hint of it from the time of their departure. That area was not just dangerous, but might even be more dangerous than... Her bright appearance, why wasn't she...? The implication of his words was quite explicit. Inevitably, someone would see it as a 'waiting for the rabbit' situation.

Standing before her, Bian Jixiong thoroughly scrutinized her, examining her from head to toe. He could see on her... "Because of this, repeat?" It wasn't taboo to openly question him in front of the cultivators. "How could there be no one? He hadn't been run over by forces from other continents." In order to claim first place, at the wide base of the mountain, these elite troops had already arrived. He saw in the crowd the snow-like Mulan Qingqing. Another person, somewhat surprised, also stepped forward to check manually. Those from his own continent would even... Even people from their own continent would not be spared.

Bai Shuchuan remained calm on the surface. She said, "Zisheng..." Shi Chun replied, "No need, put away the Zisheng... it has been lost." "His deceit can't harm me." It was clearly a combined piece, loose and baggy, unmistakably women's clothing, yet it didn't detract from her appearance. Bian Jixiong was somewhat angry. "You're still alive? You contacted him, and you..." He said in front of the cultivators, "Kangshan, the largest sect, what kind of leverage do they hold? A few small..." The chances of opportunism at other continents' home bases are slim. "You stayed with Bian Jixiong's group; you know some people..."

Shi Chun, who had not yet followed a motley crew, arrived at a relatively open terrain. After a glance at the mountain, he said, "Enter. Once inside, don't wander off." Many people were also pointing. Many of the glowing points below indicated, from the discussions, that most points had ended up in the West Pole, or were moving towards that area. Most had already left. He poked his head out, looked at the dimly lit sky, and thought...

They appeared one after another. Those who arrived first caused the mirror image above the training ground to appear prematurely. Young Master Nan was very haggard and was not in the mood to deal with those who continued looking out the window, waiting for the mirror image to appear. He couldn't guarantee that others would continue to wait.

Tang Yan Yue hurriedly said, "The seven immortal generals are strict; I'm waiting for someone." R quickly noticed her hesitation. Two people immediately came to chase her away, asking, "What are you doing? Hurry up and leave!" The look in his eyes, however, was a malicious warning towards Tang Yan Yue: if he dared to talk nonsense... Shi Chun glanced outside the cave. The distinguished guest was hiding in a small building. Seeing the sky, and realizing he wouldn't be able to leave for a while, he thought, "He should go out first." What consequences would there be if contact was lost? Therefore, there was no need to involve the soldiers guarding the exit. Even if she tried alone, she had to let...

Dozens of people emerged one after another from other muddy areas of the mountain. Not one of them had intact clothing; they all looked like destitute beggars, covered in bloodstains.

Bai Shuchuan didn't want to offend them, but seeing this situation, she had no choice but to resist. How could she suffer humiliation publicly? She shouted, "Someone!" At the exit visible from the gate, the seal opened automatically, and the arriving people streamed in. That shout immediately made several armored soldiers flash over. They reprimanded, "What do they think they're doing? This isn't their place to cause trouble!"

"'Merit?' Bian Jixiong seemed to have heard the biggest joke. 'Deserting the battlefield and still claiming merit? I think he should consider how to explain their lack of a mother talisman to the Domain Lord. Do you want me to be lenient? If so, remember to come find me after you leave. If I'm satisfied, anything is negotiable.'" With that, his gaze swept over Bai Shuchuan's chest. He chuckled and flicked his sleeve, walking away.

Soon after, returning figures could be seen around, and then more and more people were heading in the same direction. Her location was actually very close to the exit, but she prioritized caution over taking risks. Their position wasn't too far from the exit. They had ambushed here, not wanting to grab more. While they did intercept some returning individuals, they didn't catch anyone with substantial gains. By now, it was already light, and they were too close to the exit, making it inconvenient to target people from their own continent again.

Only after sending the message did she remember that Tang Yan couldn't be contacted inside the barrier. Just as she was about to put away the Zishengzhou, her hand felt hot, and she realized Shi Chun hadn't replied. She noticed that after the two armored soldiers walked over to the other guards, they seemed to point at her, causing many guards to stare and size her up. Feeling uncomfortable, she could only turn her head away and continue to wait silently.

Tang Yan Yue also saw him, feeling a little guilty, yet somewhat relieved. The group immediately dared not cause trouble. Tang Yan Yue stepped forward and replied, "Immortal General, you worry too much. We are all Kangshan cultivators, discussing the distribution of merits." He pointed to the bulging black cloth pockets on his companions. After the group gathered, Bian Jixiong, whose notched sword was now sheathed, sighed heavenward, "It has truly begun. Let's go."

A swift flight brought them to the sealed exit/area: Bian Jixiong immediately spotted Bai Shuchuan waiting nearby. He paused, then strode over. Having wasted so many immobilization talismans on the other party, and even causing Gan Tangyu's death, she felt she had every reason to demand what she was owed.

Bai Shuchuan said, "I'll wait for him." Bai Shuchuan hurriedly said, "Don't worry, I wouldn't dare run off."

After Bai Shuchuan left the sealed area, having neither Worm Crystals nor a desire to leave immediately, she didn't dare block the path after entering. She stood to the side, waiting alone, eagerly looking out from time to time. She would slightly brighten upon seeing a familiar figure, only to realize upon closer inspection that it wasn't the one she expected. After confirming the authenticity of the chain, the checker turned to his companion and said, "No mother talisman." Shi Chun thought for a moment, then replied: "Okay, understood."

A group of women immediately showed strange smiles and surrounded Tang Yan Yue. After putting away the Zishengzhou, he called out to Chu Jingting and instructed, "Contact the eight families who are acting as scouts. It's inconvenient for them to travel with us, so tell them not to wait for us and to go out first." Those with Worm Crystals then went aside to count and register them first.

Her father had also inquired about her feelings, asking if she was content. She admitted she was vague about it herself. Her father said, "There's no need to force it. Being friends first is fine, no rush."

On the best viewing platform, it was empty. Those people were too strong, and weren't worried about finding seats when they arrived. He directly asked, "Is that so?" Bai Shuchuan knew that a grudge had been formed. Seeing what they had gained, she said, "You, Tang Yan, also contributed to acquiring those Worm Crystals." Bian Jixiong tilted his head left and right, gesturing, "Search them."

Inside the cave, Shi Chun was sitting cross-legged. He took out the Zishengzhou. It was a message sent by Bai Shuchuan: "Time wouldn't arrive naturally; they endured."