Chapter 344: Front

Inside the cavern, lit by the golden-flame gas, Zhen'er's eyes were deep and lovely. It wasn't the kind of profoundness that suggested shrewdness or calculation, but rather a depth akin to exploring deep space. Her gaze, fixed on Shi Chun, was filled with a tranquil yet deeply probing curiosity, making her dark eyes seem particularly beautiful.

Shi Chun, however, felt a headache about this. He had initially valued Zhen'er's cultivation, hoping to use her strength to deal with Wu Shanshan and her group. But to his surprise, Zhen'er had never killed anyone. Well, she hadn't even met many people to begin with.

In short, she possessed the cultivation but had never fought anyone, nor did she know the true extent of her own power. Shi Chun was acutely aware of the vast difference between a novice and an experienced fighter. In life-and-death struggles, even a slight disparity could lead to a monumental difference in outcome; it was like night and day.

The problem was that there was no time to slowly train Zhen'er or teach her how to fight. He was in a hurry; if they delayed too long and the large contingent from the Extreme Fire Sect arrived, it would be uncertain who would be targeting whom.

On the other hand, brute force often overcomes intricate techniques. Using a Human Immortal realm cultivation to overwhelm those at the High Martial realm should not be a major issue. The trouble was that most of these artifact-forging sects came equipped with magical artifacts. Their newly established Bright Mountain Sect, however, not only lacked such artifacts but also the ability to forge them. The two artifacts they currently possessed were obtained from Wu Shanshan using divine fire, knowing she would be desperate enough to trade.

Not knowing how many magical artifacts the opponents possessed or their specific functions, a rash conflict with no chance of victory was unnecessary.

Leaving the others, Wu Jinliang followed Shi Chun, who was deep in thought, to the cave entrance and asked, "What should we do?"

As an old partner, he knew Shi Chun's original plan. Zhen'er's cultivation was a significant advantage that could be flexibly utilized. But now, that advantage was difficult to use, and engaging in a battle of magical artifacts with those major artifact-forging sects made him feel uncertain.

Since they hadn't reached a point where a desperate struggle was unavoidable, directly rushing in to fight to the death was unnecessary.

Shi Chun remained silent, shaking his head slightly, still pondering.

Wu Jinliang glanced behind them, then whispered, "How about we use Wu Shanshan's demonic identity to sow discord and make them fight among themselves?"

Shi Chun shot him a look. "That's a double-edged sword. If we use it, it must be in secret, never openly. No one can know we have any connection to it, otherwise, the consequences will be endless. As long as there's a connection, the Heavenly Court will find us the moment we step outside, and simply explaining how we knew would be an ordeal in itself. If we get involved in this, let alone a demonic cult, even Young Master Nan wouldn't dare save us. Did Gong Shixi dare to use this against us when he was scheming behind our backs?"

"You're right..." Wu Jinliang mumbled, then suddenly seemed to recall something. "Last time at Wukang Mountain, when Bian Que was involved with the demonic cult, it was completely suppressed without a single rumor getting out. The demon who set up Bian Que must hold a significant position in the Royal Court or Immortal Court."

"You still have time to think about such things? You truly have too much leisure," Shi Chun scoffed with disdain. Then he added, "However, Wu Shanshan's demonic affair isn't entirely unusable. Do you dare to go with me alone?"

He then added, "Taking Zhen'er would have been most suitable. *Sigh*, not only is her mind not sharp, but she can't even fight, yet she managed to cultivate to this realm."

"Why wouldn't I dare!" Wu Jinliang patted the gourd on his back, then pulled out his large saber from his Qiankun pouch and rested it on his shoulder. "My blade is already thirsting for action."

Shi Chun ignored his blade and reminded him, "The Imprisonment Spell is useless against demonic energy and against those who have absorbed divine fire. The opponent can break it with their spells. Remember, you must act fast!"

The true key to victory, however, lay in the magical artifacts they brought themselves—the gourds that could cast Imprisonment Spells. Without these treasures, he wouldn't dare to confront them head-on and take this gamble.

Wu Jinliang chuckled, "I know, I know."

Shi Chun knew his courage was merely verbal; in reality, he was also someone who feared death and clung to life. They had been brothers for many years, growing up together in the place of exile. Whenever danger struck, they would often look out for each other's safety. Others might not know, but how could Shi Chun not know that Wu Jinliang, despite shouting the fiercest when calling for a charge, would actually appear to jump out first but always be the last to act, being extremely cautious?

Then again, who isn't afraid of death?

Shi Chun was well aware of Wu Jinliang's limits. The fact that he dared to accompany him alone without any worries or doubts was already sufficient. So, he didn't say anything more.

As for their coordination on the spot, that was simple. Improvisation would suffice, as the two were so familiar with each other in this regard that they didn't need to communicate verbally; a single gesture or glance was enough.

With this decision made, the two returned to the cavern and once again informed everyone of their plan to act. This time, everyone else was to serve as support.

Once the fight began, if they had the upper hand, everyone should be prepared to help intercept and tie down the others. In short, no one should be allowed to escape easily, with the main targets being Wu Shanshan and Black Tiger. If they found themselves losing, Shi Chun told them to escape first, assuring them that he had means of self-preservation and wouldn't easily lose his life, so they shouldn't worry. Consequently, they agreed upon a rendezvous point if they became separated.

Most people showed concern about this. Chu Jingting observed everyone's reactions and couldn't help but say, "Boss, I'm not opposing your decision, but do we truly have a chance of winning? If not, there's no need to take such a risk lightly."

He truly couldn't see where their winning chance lay. First, they didn't know Zhen'er's true situation or her cultivation level, as Shi Chun had deliberately kept them out of conversations with Zhen'er regarding these matters. Secondly, only three of them who had absorbed divine fire had achieved breakthrough to the Great Accomplishment realm, while the opponents were all at the High Martial Great Accomplishment realm. This was without even considering magical artifacts; with them, the fight would be even more hopeless. They also didn't believe the two magical artifacts Wu Shanshan had given them would decide the battle. Not only them, but even Shi Chun himself believed that if Wu Shanshan could give away artifacts, she likely possessed more powerful ones. Furthermore, it would be strange if the forces from the Extreme Fire Sect, a major artifact-forging sect, didn't have formidable artifacts. The final crucial point was that only Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang were going to face them, and everyone knew their cultivation levels.

Shi Chun said calmly, "Some risks must be taken. Don't worry, I wouldn't go without some degree of certainty."

There were some things he couldn't tell everyone. His secret method for finding divine fire couldn't easily fall into outsiders' hands; it concerned his destiny, and he was bound to fight for it. If he could avoid being captured, he would struggle with all his might. It could also be said that he was dragging everyone along on this risk for his own selfish reasons.

Seeing him say this, everyone had nothing more to say. After all, the Boss's capabilities were beyond their understanding, and his persistence in this manner likely had a viable reason.

Zhu Xiangxin glanced at Zhen'er again and found her completely unconcerned. Despite seeing how good the Boss was to her, she seemed not to worry about his safety at all. Little did he know, Zhen'er truly didn't understand what worry was. She hadn't been tainted by worldly desires and didn't have the multitude of troubles people usually face. Whatever Shi Chun said, she believed; since he claimed to have it under control, what was there for her to worry about? More often, she would tilt her head slightly, making a clear effort to understand every word spoken by the others, an obvious sign of learning.

And so, the matter was settled.

They all set off together.

After leaving the cavern, they gradually spread out. Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang walked ahead, while the others stealthily positioned themselves behind, ready to provide support at any moment. Thanks to Shi Chun's right eye's extraordinary ability, they stayed on course, heading straight for the pursuers' hiding spot.

Excluding other factors, the number of people from the Extreme Fire Sect and Oblivion Valley on this expedition was evenly matched with Shi Chun's Bright Mountain Sect group. Oblivion Valley had only seven members left, two of whom were left with the Extreme Fire Sect to act as lookouts and prevent deception. The Extreme Fire Sect didn't have many people left either, as they also had to deal with the forces from Shu Dao Mountain. Black Tiger couldn't bring too many people, so including himself, there were only ten of them.

In total, the two factions had fifteen people. The Bright Mountain Sect had thirteen members, and with Zhen'er, there were fourteen.

Wu Shanshan, continuously vigilant, personally participated in scouting and observation from behind the rocks. There was no other way, as only her demonic eyes could see whether Shi Chun's group was still there. If she didn't participate, no one would know if they had fled.

Suddenly, she spoke up, "They're out! They're coming our way."

At her words, the group quickly took their positions, ambushing and standing guard.

Soon, Shi Chun, amidst the whipping wind, also reached out to stop Wu Jinliang by placing a hand on his chest. Wu Jinliang turned to him, "What's wrong?"

As the two stopped, those carefully lurking and following behind also immediately halted.

"They've reacted; they're all moving and facing our direction. They must have seen us. As expected, there's a problem—someone among them likely has eyes similar to mine. Damn it, my right eye can't even find tracking clues out of thin air after people have already left." Shi Chun couldn't help but curse, with a hint of envy, feeling that the opponent's eye ability was even more powerful than his own.

Wu Jinliang glanced behind him. "So, that means those following us can't stay hidden anymore."

What else could be done? Since their ambush had been spotted, it wouldn't paralyze the opponents; instead, it would make them more vigilant. They could only be straightforward. So, Wu Jinliang went to gather everyone together.

Before long, a group of figures appeared in the sight of Wu Shanshan, Black Tiger, and the others, indeed heading their way.

"What's going on? Why are they coming back this way? Should we avoid them?" Black Tiger asked the woman beside him.

"Coming back this way" referred to the route Shi Chun and his group had taken to arrive.

Wu Shanshan, seemingly bothered by the strong wind and wanting to use her demonic eyes without being seen, had covered her head and face with a scarf. At this point, the approaching figures were visible to the naked eye. After a brief observation, she deactivated her demonic eyes and replied, "Let's move aside."

Just as they were about to move, Shi Chun, noticing their actions, immediately cast a spell and shouted loudly, "Come out, all of you! We know you're here." He had to shout. If he saw them preparing to evade, and then waited for them to move before turning to find them again, they would realize his eyes possessed extraordinary abilities. This was often the essence of improvisation.

The group, crouching and moving within their hideout, instantly froze. Amidst the whipping wind and dim starlight, they exchanged glances.

"How were we discovered?" Black Tiger asked.

Wu Shanshan shook her head. "I don't know. It's Shi Chun's voice. This proves that he is indeed not simple. Since he dared to come looking for us proactively, everyone must be careful."

Being able to say that meant there was no longer any intention of hiding. So, they all emerged and stood above the hollow ground, watching the Bright Mountain Sect group approach them head-on. A person's reputation precedes them, and with the opponents actively seeking them out, it put a lot of pressure on them.