Chapter 298: The Burden of Fame

Faced with such coercion, Gong Shixi said little, only stating that he couldn't make decisions on his own.

After returning to his people, Gong Shixi informed his two assistants—who were also his junior disciples and the other two individuals from Qianyan Sect possessing demonic energy, as seen by Shi Chun's right eye ability—of the situation.

One, with an ordinary appearance, was named Zhou Wudao; the other, with narrow, elongated eyes, was named Xun Lishan.

After hearing the situation, Zhou Wudao couldn't help but curse under his breath, "This Shi Chun is going too far! If he pushes us, we simply won't agree. At worst, we don't play his 'lure the tiger out of its den' trick. What can he do to me? Does he dare expose our true identities?"

Xun Lishan hesitated, "It is somewhat overbearing, but the old methods—besides searching ourselves, or seizing others' finds after getting information—were far less efficient, not to mention the greater losses and risks involved. While it's not as psychologically satisfying as taking everything for ourselves, sharing among three parties would significantly increase efficiency. Shi Chun is not wrong; having Shudaoshan upfront would indeed save us a lot of trouble. Overall, this matter has its pros and cons."

Gong Shixi said, "My concern is how we'll explain this to our superiors once we get out."

Hearing this, both Zhou and Xun fell silent. For an ordinary artifact-forging sect, the current option would undoubtedly be the best choice to acquire as much divine fire as possible.

But for them, with three parties sharing equally and two factions competing, who would ultimately emerge victorious?

Shi Chun was also observing the Qianyan Sect's side. After a period of observation, he said to Xu Anchun, "Brother Xu, do you see it? Their management of Qianyan Sect is far more impressive than the effort you've put into Four Cauldrons Sect."

Previously, Shi Chun had reminded Gong Shixi that there were still people on their side unaware of their connection to the demonic path, advising Gong Shixi to be careful when communicating with them. However, Gong Shixi showed no similar concern for his own people.

Furthermore, based on observations, those twenty people from Qianyan Sect were clearly all from the demonic path, unlike Xu Anchun's side, where they had to eliminate some of their own sect members for convenience. It appeared the entire Qianyan Sect might well be a demonic stronghold.

Xu Anchun said, "You're making things more complicated. Should you perhaps consult me before making such decisions next time?"

Shi Chun said casually, "Brother Xu, do you secretly believe your side has no chance of winning?"

Xu Anchun's nerves tightened slightly. "What do you mean?"

Shi Chun glanced at him. The meaning wasn't important; what mattered was reminding the other party that he, too, had a mouth and could report things once they were out. He wanted Xu Anchun to consider who the superiors would trust more—those who strove intensely or those who sought stability and might be seen as perfunctory.

Some things were better left unsaid to avoid discord. In short, he just needed Xu Anchun to cooperate honestly.

So he casually said, "Nothing. My point is, with three factions competing, we must guard against treachery. Four Cauldrons Sect needs to set up someone to cover Tong Mingshan."

Xu Anchun fell silent.

On the other side, Shudaoshan was also observing their new potential partners.

After observing for a while, Pang Hou muttered, "Uncle, Qianyan Sect's method of planting moles in other sects is quite clever. How great it would be if our Shudaoshan also had such preparations."

Yuan Yao replied, "It's not as simple as you think. When sects recruit disciples isn't determined by outsiders, nor is the exact arrival time of each Divine Fire Domain session fixed. Participating disciples' cultivation and artifact-forging talents must align with the respective periods, and the selection process isn't externally influenced. There are too many variables, making it very difficult for designated moles to represent other sects. The fact that Qianyan Sect can achieve this means it's likely not simple, and our sect might need to pay close attention to them in the future!"

Each of the three parties had their own agenda. After their internal discussions were concluded, several key figures from each side came forward.

Shi Chun and Gu Lianni's group had expected to discuss cooperation details, but to their surprise, Gong Shixi spoke first with a startling declaration: "We've discussed it. We're used to keeping what we earn; we're not accustomed to sharing. You can play however you like, but our Qianyan Sect will not be participating!"

The scene instantly fell silent. Gu Lianni's group looked at Shi Chun, as if asking, "Didn't you say you could handle them? You even drafted the distribution plan."

Xu Anchun also turned to look at Shi Chun, a hint of amusement playing on his lips, as if enjoying a joke.

Wu Jinliang's expression tensed slightly, his eyes darting about.

Shi Chun himself was also surprised. After a brief silence, he reminded them, "One-third might seem a small share, but once efficiency improves, the outcome might not be a loss at all."

A sinister smile appeared on Gong Shixi's grim face. "Do you think it's suitable for us to split it equally? If we truly did, even if I got slightly less than you, I don't believe you, Shi Chun, would let us off the hook. Especially with Shudaoshan allied with you, what would happen to us if you joined forces?

"Shi Chun, let's not beat around the bush. I'll be blunt: with anyone else, I might cooperate, but not with you, Shi Chun!

"Your reputation, Shi Chun, precedes you. I, Gong, have known about it for a long time. Who knows what schemes you're plotting? If I were to cooperate with you, it would be like associating with wolves or plotting with tigers. I'd be sleepless, anxious, and constantly on edge. So, it's better if we keep things simple."

Everyone's gaze collectively turned to Shi Chun once more, their expressions even somewhat strange, as they were reminded again of his infamous reputation.

The Shudaoshan group, in particular, deeply understood Gong Shixi's feelings, as they had felt the exact same way before.

Shi Chun pressed his lips together, slightly wondering if he had perhaps been too assertive in seeking recognition during the Heavenly Rain Meteorite Assembly.

Nevertheless, putting that aside, he calmly said, "So, you'd rather forgo the excellent method I suggested to you?"

Gong Shixi shook his head slightly. "One good turn deserves another. You showed us a good method, and we didn't treat you unfairly. Didn't we just help you resolve a big problem?"

He gestured with his chin towards Gu Lianni's group. "So, the good method still needs to be used. I also don't want any involvement with Shudaoshan's side. Brother Chun, please help me appease them. If you insist on ruining my plans and causing me to fail my mission back home, then none of us will leave here. We can all sleep eternally with the ancients. Don't believe me? Feel free to try!"

Gu Lianni sneered repeatedly, "Gong, do you think I'll listen to him?"

Gong Shixi smiled playfully, choosing not to argue with her, and instead gestured to Shi Chun with his chin. "You brought this trouble. I've made myself clear enough. You handle it!"

Shi Chun met his gaze, pondered for a moment, then suddenly gave him a thumbs-up. "Courageous! You're a man!"

Gong Shixi replied, "Hardly. I'm just forced into it!"

Shi Chun gestured, "Allow us to discuss it and then give you a reply."

Gong Shixi said nothing, just turned and led his people back to their side.

Gu Lianni then launched into Shi Chun, "Is this your supposedly brilliant method?"

Shi Chun, however, said expressionlessly, "Borrow some of Shudaoshan's people and surround Qianyan Sect's group for me."

At his words, several people were slightly startled.

Xu Anchun, especially, felt compelled to warn him, "Don't act recklessly. Their strength shouldn't be weak; wiping them out instantly is impossible."

He knew very well that they couldn't make a move in front of outsiders. Even if they won, if Gong Shixi's side was pushed to a corner and exposed their identities, could they then silence Shudaoshan? Weren't they already being blackmailed with that very threat?

Gu Lianni frowned, "Do you really want to make a move?"

Shi Chun calmly replied, "Not to fight. Just to surround them for now so I can seize the opportunity to intimidate them. If that doesn't work, we'll reconsider. We can't just let him dictate everything; we need to put on a show."

In such a situation, Shudaoshan would naturally cooperate. After getting permission, Yuan Yao immediately flashed over to Shudaoshan's group to make arrangements.

Soon, Shudaoshan's group suddenly appeared without warning, directly surrounding Qianyan Sect.

Those unaware were all greatly surprised.

Especially the Qianyan Sect members, who quickly drew their weapons and stood back-to-back in defense. Gong Shixi sternly shouted, "Shi Chun, dare to make a move and see what happens!"

Shi Chun ignored him and said to the two groups beside him, "Brother Xu, Miss Gu, both of you pretend to be negotiating. Make it look convincing for them."

The two were momentarily stunned, unsure what he meant. Just as they were about to ask, Shi Chun already flashed away, flying to the outer perimeter of Shudaoshan's surrounding group.

Wu Jinliang quickly reminded Xu and Gu, "What are you doing? Don't just stand there. He told you to pretend to negotiate."

Alright, the two could only pretend to be engaged in negotiations.

Seeing this, Shi Chun turned back to Gong Shixi, who was surrounded, and said, "Brother Gong, I'm trying my best to stop them, but I can't make the decision here. Wait until they've settled their discussion. Please be patient."

Hearing this, Gong Shixi couldn't help but stand on his tiptoes, craning his neck to observe. Seeing Xu Anchun seemingly discussing with Gu Lianni, his eyes widened in surprise and doubt. "What does this mean? Is that guy the one who can make decisions?"

He focused his attention on observing Xu Anchun.

Shi Chun, hands behind his back, leisurely strolled back. Once he reached the two who were pretending to converse, he turned his back to Gong Shixi's group and whispered, "Keep going. Don't stop until I return. Try to make it look as real as possible. Jinliang, keep an eye on them and remind them if it doesn't look convincing."

Wu Jinliang nodded.

Gu Lianni, without turning her head and seemingly conversing with Xu Anchun, actually directed her question to Shi Chun, "What exactly are you trying to do?"

Shi Chun snorted, "Didn't he say he was courageous? I'll let him stew slowly."

Saying this, he resumed his casual stroll, hands behind his back. When bored, he released Fenglin, who flew around, patrolling the area. His right eye's special ability certainly wasn't just for show.

Now that they were here, they had to find the divine fire before leaving; otherwise, it would be difficult to explain to Shudaoshan.

Who said they couldn't poach while Qianyan Sect was present? They just needed to keep them under watch.

Gong Shixi and his surrounded group also saw Shi Chun patrolling in the air. Regardless of whether he was searching for divine fire, they paid it no mind, as it wasn't something one could casually find just by looking around from the sky.

Gong Shixi's attention was more focused on Xu Anchun's side, particularly Xu Anchun himself, whom he had indeed overlooked before.

As he patrolled about ten miles from the standoff point, Shi Chun's slow, steady gaze downwards paused. He then descended to the ground for a closer look, faintly discerning a cluster of dark yellow specks faintly shimmering deep underground.

After repeated confirmation, he ascended once more. Having memorized the terrain and location, he flew back near the "negotiation" site and slowly strolled back.