Chapter 279: Revealing True Colors

He spoke as if there truly were six divine flames.

Everyone at Shudaoshan, from top to bottom, was wary of this fraud. They all knew his words couldn't be trusted, especially Gu Lianni and Yuan Yao. Yet, at this moment, they were all trying to convince themselves that there was nothing to lose by trying.

So Gu Lianni said, "If you can produce six divine flames, I'll agree to your terms."

Shi Chun replied, "As I said, once the terms are agreed upon, you'll naturally see the divine flames, immediately and without delay."

Chu Jingting and An Wuzhi also realized that the boss was playing along with the situation, truly intending to cooperate with Shudaoshan. Their eyes lit up at the prospect; partnering with such a powerful sect would undoubtedly make their future journey much smoother, not to mention the share of divine flames they would receive. They weren't foolish; they recognized the wisdom of this decision.

The Shudaoshan group exchanged glances. With words like 'immediately' and 'without delay' being used, the possibility of deception seemed even smaller. However, observing their attire, they didn't appear to be hiding divine flames. It was known that divine flames affect space, which is why the Xùn Gate couldn't be established in the Divine Flame Domain; thus, they couldn't be stored in spatial pouches or similar items.

Gu Lianni mused, "If I agree verbally, you'll let me see the six divine flames?" If that were truly the case, she would have no reason to refuse and could simply agree first. But she sensed it wouldn't be that simple.

Shi Chun said, "Exactly, a verbal agreement is all that's needed. However, this verbal agreement comes with a catch: you must swear a poisonous oath."

Gu Lianni considered, "Alright, I can swear a poisonous oath. But if you fail to produce six divine flames, you'll know the consequences."

Shi Chun replied, "Naturally, I will be responsible for my words. However, I don't want you to swear an oath based on your own safety."

Gu Lianni was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

The others, including An Wuzhi and Chu Jingting, were also confused, unsure what the boss was getting at.

Shi Chun said, "Nothing much. Some people don't care about their own life or death. Even if your sect leader personally made such a poisonous oath, I wouldn't believe it."

Seeing her father insulted, Gu Lianni instantly flew into a rage, and the expressions of all the Shudaoshan disciples also changed drastically.

This was exactly what Shi Chun wanted to see. Noticing it worked, before Gu Lianni could react, he raised a hand to stop her. "Hey, I didn't mean anything else. The reason I said that is because I am truly serious about this cooperation. I won't believe an oath based on your own safety. I heard your sect leader is your father. If, right now, in front of all your fellow disciples at Shudaoshan, you can swear a poisonous oath on your sect leader's safety—for instance, if you swear that if Shudaoshan violates this oath, your sect leader will die a terrible death—as long as you make that oath, I will immediately trust you. Even if you break the contract in the future, I will accept my fate! Is what I'm saying clear and simple enough?"

The expressions of the Shudaoshan disciples grew somewhat strange again, and they all quietly watched Gu Lianni's reaction.

Gu Lianni stared coldly at Shi Chun. After a long pause, she slowly said, "Are you sure you can produce six divine flames right now?"

Shi Chun: "What would I gain by deceiving you like this?"

Gu Lianni: "You can produce them now, immediately?"

Shi Chun nodded, "Exactly. Once the terms are agreed upon, the truth will be revealed in moments."

Gu Lianni: "According to your terms, if you can't find divine flames later, even if my Shudaoshan finds enough on our own, wouldn't we still be unable to contend for first place after we leave?"

Shi Chun: "Miss Gu, you're overthinking. If Ming Mountain Sect can't find divine flames later, what right would they have to compete for first place? My condition is that Shudaoshan cannot compete with Ming Mountain Sect for first place, not that you can't compete with other sects. If Ming Mountain Sect isn't qualified to contend for first place, how could a situation arise where Shudaoshan competes with Ming Mountain Sect for it?"

The fact that the other party had asked this far meant he knew the deal was almost done. Gu Lianni, however, turned her head to Yuan Yao beside her. "What do you think?"

Yuan Yao immediately looked alarmed, thinking, *How could I be qualified to decide whether to swear an oath on the sect leader's safety? He's not my father. If anything goes wrong later, I truly can't bear that responsibility.* For disciples like them, some matters required far more caution than facing battles. He quickly deflected, "My Martial Aunt makes the decisions here; it's entirely up to her."

Gu Lianni understood him well. The fact that he hadn't voiced an objection was, in itself, an attitude. After glancing around at the other Shudaoshan disciples, she finally made her decision. Raising a hand, she pointed at Shi Chun. "Alright, Shi Chun, I can agree to your terms. But remember, if you dare to deceive me, I will make you regret ever being born into this world!"

Shi Chun: "If there's even half a word of falsehood, I'll accept any punishment!"

Gu Lianni retorted, "What if you break the contract midway?"

Shi Chun sighed, "What I want is Shudaoshan's help. Why would I break the contract? If I break it, wouldn't that mean Shudaoshan could break it too? I also wish I could swear an oath, but I have no father or mother. If I swore by my sect leader, I doubt you'd believe me either."

Gu Lianni: "Then provide something as collateral."

Shi Chun paused, then tentatively asked, "The few items we have probably aren't substantial enough. What kind of collateral do you want?"

Gu Lianni raised a hand and pointed at An Wuzhi. "I want him and the divine flame he holds as collateral."

Upon hearing this, many of the Shudaoshan disciples nodded secretly, deeply agreeing. They thought it was an excellent idea; holding a hostage was secondary, but having a divine flame in hand was the most tangible benefit. If the other party broke the contract or deceived them, they wouldn't suffer any loss, as gaining a divine flame was better than nothing, wasn't it? Up to this point, they hadn't acquired a single divine flame.

Shi Chun thought for a moment, then turned to An Wuzhi and said, "Actually, being a hostage is safer. You won't have to risk going everywhere. Don't worry, you won't be mistreated if we find more divine flames later. Besides, I genuinely want to cooperate with Shudaoshan. With my methods and Shudaoshan's strength, you won't be wronged."

An Wuzhi really wanted to ask him, *Do I even have a choice now? If I don't agree, both sides might go to war, and I probably won't get a chance to absorb the divine flame I have.* He also felt quite regretful, blaming himself for being so deluded that he didn't give up in time. Otherwise, how could he have ended up in such a predicament? Of course, he also knew that the boss could indeed produce six divine flames. Regardless of whether it was for atonement, he at least knew his safety shouldn't be an issue. So he nodded and agreed, "Boss, there's no need to say more. I'm willing to be collateral."

Upon hearing this, Chu Jingting raised a hand and patted his shoulder. Everything was left unsaid, implying that he had forgiven An Wuzhi for his two previous mistakes concerning this matter.

So Shi Chun called out to the other side, "Alright, I agree!"

Gu Lianni then publicly raised a hand and solemnly swore, "I, Gu Lianni, hereby vow to accept Shi Chun's cooperation terms and work sincerely with him. If I violate this oath, may my Shudaoshan sect leader suffer a terrible... death!" The last word indeed stuttered slightly, making her heart pound. She hoped she could bring back good results later, or she feared a scolding, especially with so many fellow disciples watching.

The moment she finished speaking, Yuan Yao immediately pointed at An Wuzhi. "Bring the divine flame over!"

An Wuzhi glanced at Shi Chun, who nodded slightly. So, he carried the divine flame and walked over. As soon as he arrived, Gu Lianni immediately took charge, manipulating the cluster of divine flame into her own hands. As she felt it, her eyes truly gleamed; this was a genuine divine flame.

"Cough, cough," Yuan Yao coughed from the side, reminding her that there was still important business. Realizing this, Gu Lianni immediately handed the divine flame to him for safekeeping and had An Wuzhi brought to her group for supervision. Only then did she turn to Shi Chun and ask, "Where are your six divine flames?"

Shi Chun requested the Wind Scales from Chu Jingting. Seeing this action raise the Shudaoshan group's vigilance, he immediately reassured them, "Don't worry, I won't run. The place where the divine flames are stored is just a short distance away. I'll definitely get there within moments and will not go back on my word. If you're concerned, you can surround me and fly together."

Gu Lianni smiled. "Honestly, until I see those six divine flames, I truly can't trust you, given your reputation." She then turned to her sides and instructed, "Let's do as our partner suggested: surround him and accompany him."

Shi Chun was sincere about the cooperation, so he didn't mind. He immediately used the Wind Scales to carry Chu Jingting and ascended into the air. As soon as they were airborne, they were surrounded by dozens of people who had been waiting in the sky, and they flew off together in escort. Gu Lianni and others on the ground also ascended with their Wind Scales. Everyone still occasionally glanced at the divine flame in Yuan Yao's hand.

They flew through the air for a short while. At Shi Chun's signal, most of the group landed in front of a giant ice pillar, while a smaller portion remained in the air, maintaining their guard.

Seeing Shi Chun staring at the ice pillar, Gu Lianni walked up to him this time and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

Shi Chun pointed at the huge ice pillar. "The remaining five divine flames are hidden inside this ice pillar."

Gu Lianni frowned. "How is that possible?" She had previously thought Shi Chun had already captured them. Five uncaptured divine flames gathered in one place was illogical; she had never heard of such a thing.

Shi Chun said, "The Divine Flame Domain is vast; nothing is impossible. I'll be blunt: I can only guarantee that there are indeed five divine flames inside. As for whether you can capture all of them, that's up to you. If you can't, you can't accuse me of breaking my word, nor can it affect our subsequent cooperation."

Gu Lianni asked, surprised and doubtful, "Are there really five divine flames in here?"

Shi Chun: "What would I gain by lying to you? Just smash this ice pillar and see for yourselves." With that, he looked at the ice pillar, slightly raised both hands, and prepared to unleash his full power to destroy it.

"Wait," Gu Lianni raised a hand to stop him. She then turned to her fellow disciples and said, "Two people go and tell everyone else to come over. Bring our artifacts to set up a formation."

"Yes," two people in the air immediately took the order and departed.

Shi Chun was puzzled. "What artifacts?"

Gu Lianni: "The Core-Locking Array. Once the array is set up, the divine flames will be trapped and unable to escape. It's much more reliable than your brute-force approach. If they burrow into the ground and flee, they'll be very difficult to catch on this vast ice plain. It's better to be cautious."

So that's it. Shi Chun nodded slightly, then wondered, "How long will it take for your artifacts to arrive? I said you'd see them within moments. If time drags on, you won't accuse me of breaking my word, will you?"

Gu Lianni: "As long as it's ultimately proven that there are indeed five divine flames here, you won't be considered to have broken your word."

Since she put it that way, Shi Chun had nothing more to say. However, Gu Lianni was still curious. "How did you know there were five divine flames hidden here?"

Shi Chun: "I have my ways. Otherwise, how could I have tracked that divine flame here?"

With that explanation, Gu Lianni didn't doubt him. Being able to track a divine flame here indeed showed some skill. On this vast ice plain, it was very difficult for ordinary people to grasp the escape direction of divine flames; at least, none of their Shudaoshan disciples could do it. Also, this large ice pillar, appearing so abruptly on the desolate ice plain, certainly seemed peculiar; it likely held some secret. To be honest, she was quite looking forward to it now. The appearance of the five divine flames was one thing, but she was even more excited about cooperating with Shi Chun once it was verified. Regardless of the methods he used at the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Convention, his capabilities were beyond doubt. Otherwise, the sect wouldn't have instructed them to be cautious. Incompetent people wouldn't warrant such caution. Wouldn't bringing such a person into their ranks, getting him to work for Shudaoshan, and ensuring Shudaoshan's success on this trip be a testament to Gu Lianni's own ability? She could already imagine the wave of praise she would receive from the sect.

Meanwhile, on Pang Hou's side, after receiving the message from his fellow disciple and understanding the situation, he immediately ordered the disciples who had stayed behind to quickly retrieve all the artifacts they had previously set up. Once the artifacts were gathered, the group quickly departed.

Wu Jinliang's group, who had been hiding in the shadows, now emerged. They hadn't seen any sign of Shi Chun's group during their previous observation and wondered where they had gone. After whispering among themselves for a while, they also followed Pang Hou's group, but dared not fly too high. After flying into the open plain, they found there was no cover at all, which made them even more reluctant to fly high. They flew almost skimming the ground, not daring to get too close even under the cover of night...

As soon as Pang Hou and the others arrived with the artifacts, Gu Lianni immediately commanded, "Use the ice pillar as the center. A radius of about one li will suffice. Surround it and set up the array, quickly!"

The group of disciples carrying artifacts swiftly carried out the orders. Shi Chun even went over to observe, widening his horizons, as he watched them drive half-zhang tall iron towers one by one into the ice plain. Once all preparations were complete, Gu Lianni, having received the report, took out her metal compass and began to make calculations on it. Amidst continuous clicking sounds, a sudden 'clack' echoed. Shi Chun distinctly felt his eardrums hum, as if some unseen wave of power had been released from the metal compass, and then the sky seemed to brighten slightly. Looking up, they saw a giant inverted bowl-shaped light screen, rippling, enveloping the plain within the array.

Wu Jinliang and others, who were lying prone in the distance, not daring to advance further, stared motionlessly, wondering what the strange phenomenon was.

After the light screen vanished, Gu Lianni put away her compass. "Shi Chun, now it's your turn. If there are no divine flames as you claimed, don't blame us."

"I am sincere in this cooperation. If I say they are there, they will naturally be there."

Shi Chun finished speaking, turned, and with a swift motion, drew the blade from his back. He suddenly darted forward, grasping the blade with both hands, and unleashed a full-powered slash with his Demon-less Blade.

Boom! A deafening roar, like a massive explosion, made everyone frown. The tremor caused the accumulated snow on the pillar to fall, blinding everyone with swirling flakes. Once the snowfall subsided, everyone realized that despite such a powerful strike, it had only chipped a large gash into the ice pillar. No one cared about the gash; they quickly looked up at the entire ice pillar, realizing that its whiteness didn't quite resemble ice. It was also covered with large, carved scales.

Upon closer inspection, it wasn't an ice pillar at all, but rather a coiled ice sculpture, like a crouching dragon, which had appeared as a pillar only after being covered by snow. Now, its true form was revealed.

"What is this?" Gu Lianni asked Shi Chun.

Shi Chun also wanted to know what it was. The next moment, his expression slightly changed. He thought he saw the massive coiled body subtly move, then doubted it was an illusion, but the accumulated snow on the ice sculpture began to fall in fine fragments.