Chapter 308: All Are Our Own People

The Blazing Heaven Sect forces had gathered, and there was nothing else to do but depart.

Zuo Zisheng had already informed the main figures of the Blazing Heaven Sect, so there would be no objections. As for the others, they simply needed to obey orders.

This was generally the case for artifact forging sects that came to the Divine Fire Region. The designated leaders of the sect possessed undeniable authority. After all, they were dealing with something as tempting as divine fire; without absolute authority, internal strife was inevitable.

These were all lessons learned the hard way by participants in previous gatherings.

Although most people simply obeyed and followed, they sensed something unusual. They hadn't even found the divine fire yet, and they were already giving up?

Everyone had the same guess regarding the reason for their departure: it likely had something to do with the cloaked figure.

After emerging from underground and ascertaining their bearings, Zuo Zisheng personally led the group, and they swiftly flew away.

They traveled continuously. Upon nearing the location specified by Yan Ketao, Zuo Zisheng again halted the flying group, and he went to the designated spot alone.

Before long, at the highest point of the designated location, he met Yan Ketao, who was waiting for him.

Meeting like this, it was clear without saying much that the Summer Dao Mountain people were definitely no longer there.

Without needing many words, Yan Ketao simply said "To the exit" and left first. He would not openly associate with the Blazing Heaven Sect members at this time.

Only after he had left for a while did Zuo Zisheng return to his own group, leading them to change direction and depart.

The ten elders meditating on the highest peak near the exit were also enduring hardships. Unsheltered, exposed to wind and sun, they remained unmoving.

For ordinary people, this prolonged exposure would be quite challenging, but for those cultivating fire-attribute techniques, the intense sun was nothing, and even slightly beneficial for their practice.

In terms of complexion, they had indeed all become a bit darker.

Another figure descended from the sky. The ten elders looked intently and saw that this time there was only one person, and they weren't carrying any divine fire. However, from their attire, they recognized them as a disciple of Summer Dao Mountain and wondered why they had come.

The newcomer was none other than Yan Ketao.

Elder Jin Guiqi naturally recognized him and felt somewhat puzzled seeing him approach alone.

While in the air, Yan Ketao had hesitated, unsure whether to land there. But after looking around and seeing no one, he decided to brave it and land. He first saluted Jin Guiqi, saying, "Disciple Yan Ketao greets Elder."

He then politely bowed to the other elders. Although the various sects were in competition, disciples of major sects still possessed proper etiquette.

Just below a hole not far from his feet, Wu Jinliang and Chu Jingxiang, who were silently hidden inside, exchanged glances. Yan Ketao? This was the person mentioned in the warning message from the Master. They hadn't expected him to actually come here.

Jin Guiqi didn't know what this disciple intended to do, and due to the rules, he couldn't say much. He simply asked, "Why have you come here alone?"

He speculated, *Could he be here to deliver another gift?*

Yan Ketao, however, nervously replied, "When I was with the team, I accidentally got lost and couldn't find them anywhere. After searching extensively and being at a loss, I had no choice but to come here to wait for fellow disciples."

He got lost? This caused several elders to subtly smile.

Jin Guiqi naturally felt a bit embarrassed, but after all, this was a disciple of his own sect. In a place where they were searching for divine fire, one more person meant one more strength. As an elder, he couldn't simply stand by; he even had a responsibility and obligation. So, he seemingly casually waved a hand and pointed, "You muddle-headed fool, don't stand in my sight, get out of here!"

The direction he pointed was precisely the hillside where Lao Changtai and the others had been hiding.

He knew that the Summer Dao Mountain and Bright Mountain Sect people had joined forces, and there were informants stationed here. By pointing the disciple in that direction, once he met his confederates, they could naturally guide him back to his team.

Wu Jinliang, listening intently from within the cave and unable to see, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that old man Jin wasn't completely muddle-headed. His taut nerves gradually relaxed.

Yan Ketao, however, didn't understand Jin Guiqi's intentions. He had come to visit precisely to probe and confirm the situation from the elder. While nodding subserviently, he made a bitter face, trying to subtly convey his message.

Before he could speak, Elder Jin, seeing that he still hadn't grasped the hint, secretly prompted him again, "Didn't you hear me tell you not to be an eyesore? This isn't a place for you to aimlessly wander. Those with nothing to do are all over there; go stay there obediently!"

The phrase "all over there" caused Yan Ketao to pause slightly. He looked in the direction Elder Jin pointed and this time finally understood. He quickly pretended to obey, bowed respectfully, and then vanished with a flash.

At his feigned cooperation, Jin Guiqi withdrew his hand, stroked his beard, and secretly nodded, thinking, *He's not completely stupid.*

Wu Jinliang, quietly hiding in the cave, couldn't help but bare his teeth and inwardly curse Jin, calling him a senile old fool.

Although he hadn't seen it, he had already formed an image in his mind of Jin Guiqi's actions and words, accurately pinpointing the direction Jin Guiqi had indicated.

Under the light filtering through the small hole, one could discern Wu Jinliang's mouth silently forming curses.

Cursing was just an emotional release; in fact, he knew that Jin Guiqi couldn't be entirely blamed. After all, communication was difficult on Jin Guiqi's side, and he had limited information. It was inevitable that things might go wrong in such a situation.

He nudged Chu Jingxiang beside him and gave a hand signal, indicating they should both retreat.

Chu Jingxiang was somewhat surprised at this. Wasn't this a place where they couldn't leave?

He had traveled back and forth to this spot many times and had personally witnessed the acquisition of many divine fires. He knew well that this was crucial for obtaining clues about divine fire, and under normal circumstances, they always needed to keep one person here.

If they waited until someone arrived and then tried to circle around and crawl into this position, it would be too late. They couldn't make any noise, and with caution, their movements couldn't be too fast.

As things progressed to this point, seeing Tong Mingshan's achievements through their joint efforts, everyone's drive had unconsciously developed.

Initially, when Tong Mingshan acquired one or two divine fires, everyone felt it had nothing to do with them and that risking themselves for it wasn't worth it. Later, when he acquired another one or two, at most they just felt that what the Master said made sense.

To some extent, it was still out of respect for the Master, or due to pressure from him.

When they personally witnessed one success after another, and saw Tong Mingshan absorb ten divine fires, the group truly realized from the bottom of their hearts what they were collectively building, and they understood the Master's sagacity!

It was no joke; a great artifact forging master who had absorbed ten divine fires, and was their brother—a brother they had strongly supported—what would that mean for the future?

Previously, it would have been unimaginable that they could be sworn brothers with someone like that.

Not just him, but now everyone treated this matter as a top priority, not out of pressure, but with wholehearted dedication from within.

Therefore, no matter how profound the reasoning, it couldn't compare to visible achievement. Other people's achievements were equally attractive.

Of course, Chu Jingxiang, on second thought, could understand Wu Jinliang's intention to retreat. After all, it was the Master who had instructed him to bring the news about Yan Ketao.

He just had some doubts: *Someone went missing, and without even verifying it, the Master suspects a problem. Is he a bit too overly cautious?*

Doubts aside, this was no place for talking, not even for breathing too loudly. They had to be absolutely careful. He could only follow cautiously and retreat for now.

At the cave entrance on the other side of the hillside, Yan Ketao had already found it.

It wasn't hard to find. Although the cave entrance was well concealed under a rock, if one was at the right angle and approached, it would be visible.

Seeing the cave entrance and footprints around it, he realized someone was inside. He began to cautiously peer into the cave and even flicked a piece of sandalwood-gold inside. Just then, he saw someone descend from above within the cave.

The person who descended was none other than Shen Momang. He had also observed the arrival of the Summer Dao Mountain people, which was why he came down.

Seeing him, Yan Ketao's eyes lit up. There were only a few "bird-men" from the Bright Mountain Sect, so they were easy to remember. He immediately felt relieved and walked in to greet him, "Brother Shen."

Shen Momang also recognized him, having associated with the Summer Dao Mountain people for so long. However, their interactions weren't deep; during breaks, they would stay separately. Previously, even if he knew someone, he couldn't recall their names, as there were too many people from Summer Dao Mountain.

However, Shen Momang, looking surprised and uncertain, now managed to try and call out his name, "Yan Ketao, Brother Yan?"

When Chu Jingxiang brought the Master's warning message, he had also overheard it, so he spoke with hidden caution.

Yan Ketao was somewhat surprised that the other person could instantly call out his name. After all, they had only met briefly before and hadn't exchanged a single word.

But it was understandable; the people from both sects had been together for so long, so knowing his name was normal.

Yan Ketao, drawing closer, subconsciously glanced at the cave entrance above before cupping his hands and saying, "What a pleasure to meet you, Brother Shen. I never expected to see you here."

Shen Momang also cupped his hands in greeting but still asked, "Brother Yan, how did you end up here?"

Yan Ketao scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed. "I was bewildered and got lost. By the time I found my way back to our gathering point, I realized everyone was gone. I couldn't contact them or find the team, so I had no choice but to come to the exit to wait. Elder Jin pointed me here, and that's how I knew there were still people here. This is good; with Brother Shen, I should be able to find the team. Oh, is Brother Shen the only one here?"

As he spoke, he peered two more times at the dark, straight upward cave entrance.

Immediately after, he turned around again, having heard movement at the cave entrance, and saw two figures appearing there.

Wu Jinliang and Chu Jingxiang had rushed back.

As Wu Jinliang entered the cave, he gave Chu Jingxiang a hand signal.

Having been led by Wu Jinliang for so long, Chu Jingxiang could now understand some of his gestures. Understanding the signal, he immediately stood guard at the cave entrance, looking around to observe and watch for anyone approaching. Occasionally, he would glance back inside the cave.

Shen Momang was also somewhat surprised to see Wu Jinliang and Chu Jingxiang return together. This meant no one had been left behind at the main peak to eavesdrop.

Yan Ketao, looking back and forth at the number of people, thought, *As expected. The three people who were often missing are indeed here. This means the divine fire clues are indeed related to this exit area.*

"Oh?" Wu Jinliang first exaggeratedly pointed at Yan Ketao. "You, you, you, you're that person from Summer Dao Mountain, what was your name again? Why are you here?"

He didn't call out his name instantly like Shen Momang, even though he had heard Yan Ketao introduce himself to Elder Jin earlier. He still pretended not to know.

"Ah!" Yan Ketao sighed, then repeated a similar explanation to the one he had just given Shen Momang.

"I see," Wu Jinliang said, feigning sudden understanding. He raised his hand and patted the other's arm. "It's fine. With us here, you won't get lost. Just relax and stay here for now. We'll link up with the main group later."

"Then I'm much obliged," Yan Ketao said, cupping his hands. He didn't rush to ask for the meeting point. Instead, he pointed to the upward-leading hole. "Why is there another hole leading up there?"

"Oh, it's nothing," Wu Jinliang explained casually. "It's for observation and passing messages."

Yan Ketao, looking curious, asked, "Can I go up and have a look?"

Hearing this, Chu Jingxiang at the cave entrance looked back, and Shen Momang also intently watched Yan Ketao's expression.

Wu Jinliang, however, waved his hand dismissively and said, "We're all on the same side. Feel free to look. Come on."

As he spoke, he first scrambled up, as if leading the way.

Yan Ketao immediately followed. Upon reaching the top, he indeed saw a small space with small observation windows all around.

He observed very carefully, examining each window. Afterward, he asked in confusion, "These small windows are fine for external observation, but how do you pass messages through them?"

Wu Jinliang said, "Naturally, your Elder Jin passes the messages over. When he strolls over here, or pretends to relieve himself, he slips the message in when no one is looking. We then take the message back to your junior martial uncle and the others."

After all, they had been together for quite some time, and he knew that these people called Gu Lianni "Martial Uncle" in her presence, but "Junior Martial Uncle" behind her back.

The acoustics inside the cave were quite good. Shen Momang, listening below, and Chu Jingxiang, guarding the entrance and looking back, exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what nonsense that big fool above was spouting. Not only was he rambling, but he had also exposed Elder Jin.

Yan Ketao, however, suddenly understood, uttering an "Oh" as if the mystery was solved. He found the hole that overlooked the main peak, gazed at the people on the peak, and curiously asked, "Elder Jin is sitting up there. How does he get so many divine fire clues?"

Wu Jinliang draped an arm over his shoulder and chuckled. "Brother Yan, that's a secret. If you want to know, go ask that woman Gu Lianni. If she doesn't agree, I can't say, can I? You have to understand that, otherwise, she'll come looking for me to settle accounts."

"Brother Wu, 'woman, woman' is too crude. Please choose your words carefully," Yan Ketao said, twisting to shake off the arm Wu Jinliang had rested on his shoulder, and earnestly admonished him, as if taking a stance.

Wu Jinliang shrugged indifferently. "What's the big deal? She *is* a woman. What's wrong with us talking about it behind her back? It's not like we're saying it to her face. Don't you all call her 'little' behind her back? Which do you think would displease her more, calling her a 'woman' or calling her 'little'? You guess."

Yan Ketao quickly waved his hands in protest, "Brother Wu, you can't just say things like that. The 'little' we say isn't what you mean by 'little'."

Wu Jinliang again raised his hand and slapped Yan Ketao's back with loud thumps, as if hitting him. "What are you thinking? I'm just giving an example. I'm not blind; I know she's not small. My point is, these are just some jokes we make behind her back, no ill intent. There's no need to go and tell tales, is there? Anyone can tattle. I even have witnesses here."

"Alright, alright, Brother Wu, stop. Let's not talk about this anymore," Yan Ketao quickly pleaded, cupping his hands. He wasn't here to engage in idle banter. Was this something they could endlessly discuss?

Below, Shen Momang and Chu Jingxiang, who were listening intently, couldn't help but grin foolishly, listening to someone talking nonsense, and not forgetting to take out ice-yang to replenish their breath.

"Okay, okay, we won't talk about it," Wu Jinliang said, very casually and unconcernedly.

Yan Ketao looked around, saw nothing else of note, and then descended.

After Wu Jinliang came down, as he passed Shen Momang, he subtly tilted his head to signal. Understanding, Shen Momang immediately went up the self-supporting passage to continue observing the outside.

Among the group, even though Wu Jinliang's cultivation was the lowest, only at the Lesser Attainment stage of high martial arts, they seemed to have grown accustomed to obeying his commands.

The key was that Shi Chun often entrusted him with responsibilities, and he had never caused any trouble.

Chu Jingxiang continued to guard the cave entrance.

"Rest," Wu Jinliang said, gesturing for the newcomer to make himself comfortable, then sat down cross-legged.

Yan Ketao followed suit.

After a period of idle waiting, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Wu, do you know where our group is now?"

Hearing this, Chu Jingxiang at the cave entrance looked back at him again.

Wu Jinliang replied indifferently, "That's a silly question, isn't it? If we didn't know, how would we be running back and forth making contact? Just wait patiently. When there's new news, we'll take you back to meet up with our group."

"Much obliged," Yan Ketao politely said.

The cave then fell silent again, with the wind occasionally howling outside, and only the sound of someone taking out an ice-yang to refresh their breath occasionally inside.

The ice-yangs in their hands were significantly smaller than when they first entered.

Therefore, there was no point in bringing more of these items; they would gradually melt away. As long as one wasn't lost, a single one was sufficient.

This also meant that if one failed to leave the Divine Fire Region within the deadline, those trapped there would find it difficult to survive for long.

After a long while, Yan Ketao suddenly broke the silence again, "Brother Wu, how long do you estimate until there's new news?"

Wu Jinliang: "That's uncertain. The decision isn't in our hands. It depends on how quickly the news arrives. If it's slow, it could take several days."

"Sigh," Yan Ketao sighed. "My fellow disciples haven't seen me for so long; they must be constantly worried, and I'm restless too. Sitting here makes me uneasy. How about you tell me the meeting point, Brother Wu, and I'll go back and find them myself?"

"Don't worry," Wu Jinliang said, getting up and ignoring him. He walked to the cave entrance and told Chu Jingxiang, who was on lookout, "Change places, you take a break."

Chu Jingxiang, turning his head, wanted to say he wasn't tired, but met Wu Jinliang's persistent glances and nodded in submission, retreating from the entrance to sit and rest.

After carefully surveying the surroundings for a moment, Wu Jinliang casually plucked a stone from the cave wall into his hand.

After waiting for a while, when no one was paying attention, he suddenly flung the stone in his hand outside. It landed on the ground with a clatter and rolled down the slope.

As soon as the sound occurred, the people inside the cave glanced out, and Wu Jinliang had already swiftly darted back into the cave, quickly ascending the straight passage above. He whispered rapidly to Shen Momang, who was guarding the top, "Guard the bottom, don't let him come up."

Shen Momang didn't understand what he meant but quickly descended, just as he encountered Yan Ketao, who wanted to come up and see what was happening. He braced his legs against the cave wall and waved his hand, stopping him.

Yan Ketao had no choice but to return to the ground, looking up curiously.

Chu Jingxiang, who was nearby, also curiously approached, wondering what that big fellow was up to.

After a short while, Wu Jinliang came down from above and said to Chu Jingxiang, "The message has arrived. You need to go back and run an errand."

Chu Jingxiang scrutinized his expression and slowly nodded, "Alright."

Wu Jinliang's gaze fell on Yan Ketao nearby, and he let out another "Oh?" "Isn't there already a ready-made person here? Brother Yan happens to want to go back. Alright, Old Chu, you don't need to go. Just let Brother Yan deliver the message. Brother Yan, you wouldn't refuse to help with such a small favor, would you?"