Chapter 415: Sending a Letter

Some things are truly surprising; you don't know the full extent until they're revealed.

The situation reported by the two disciples genuinely shocked the high-ranking members of the Fengluo Sect. They had considered various possibilities, even the scenario where the disciples wouldn't find a single divine flame was within their expectations. What they hadn't anticipated was encountering something quite like this.

Not finding divine flames was understandable; it was the norm. Most major refining sects couldn't find them, and no one in the Fengluo Sect had ever found one either. Thus, they couldn't expect this current group of disciples to achieve anything extraordinary.

What was absurd, however, was that someone would actually offer them two divine flames. And this was even after the exit had already opened.

After listening to the two disciples' hurried, back-and-forth account, the urgent two elders took the secret letter from the sect leader's hand to read it.

The sect leader then asked the two messenger disciples, "You said there's a rumor that Shi Chun and his group found over a hundred divine flames. Is that true?"

Both shook their heads, indicating they didn't know. Xie Wantian said, "What we heard were all rumors; we don't know if they're true. However, judging from Shi Chun's demonstration to us, those two divine flames truly seemed inexhaustible."

Divine flames so numerous they were inexhaustible? Sect Leader Tang was dumbfounded. The elder who had finished reading the letter was wide-eyed in astonishment, and the elder who was still reading also abruptly looked up upon hearing this, speechless.

When did divine flames, which so many sects found difficult to obtain, become inexhaustible?

Elder Xu, stroking his beard, shook his head and exclaimed in admiration, "The top person at the Heavenly Meteor Shower Convention — I've truly witnessed it this time. He's indeed extraordinary."

Another elder, surnamed Wu, said with a hint of disdain, "This has nothing to do with being the top person or not. The main thing is that he possesses a secret method for finding divine flames. If we had that method, we could also find an inexhaustible supply of divine flames."

Sect Leader Tang mused, "Such talk is useless now. Whether he is ordinary or extraordinary, such a significant matter has been thrust upon us, and we must now face reality. There are only two possibilities: help deliver the letter, or don't. What are your thoughts?"

His gaze swept over the two elders present.

Elder Xu reminded him, "Sect Leader, I'm afraid we have no choice. If the letter isn't delivered, and Young Master Nan finds out we've thwarted his plans, it's unlikely he'll let our Fengluo Sect off the hook."

Sect Leader Tang sighed, hands behind his back, looking up at the sky. "I had this very concern. I didn't expect that merely having a secret meeting with Jiyun Mountain, without actually doing anything, would drag us into this affair. Shi Chun's move is a classic case of coercion and enticement. He's pinpointed our weakness, leaving us no room to refuse. That's why he dared to entrust such a significant matter to us. Elder Xu is right; this fellow is indeed extraordinary."

Elder Wu, shaking the letter in his hand, said, "This matter involves the Refining Heaven Sect, Shudaoshan, and the Yanbao Sect. Is it truly appropriate for us to get involved? With something of this magnitude, one misstep could crush our sect into dust."

Elder Xu replied, "Then what do you propose? Do we still have a choice? Shi Chun's letter, now in our hands, has, as the sect leader said, pinpointed our fatal weakness, leaving us no opportunity to choose at all. If we help him deliver the letter, our secret plot with Jiyun Mountain to deal with him will be overlooked. Although we didn't follow Jiyun Mountain's instructions, will he believe our explanation? Delivering the letter, or not, is our best explanation to him, and he'll even give us two divine flames as compensation. As for the risk of getting involved, I don't think there's much to worry about. The conspiracy mentioned in the letter, including our own involvement, is about everyone seeking their own benefits; no one will leak it to outsiders."

In short, he was in favor of this transaction. One of the reasons was that Feng Zhuoyi, who was inside the Divine Flame Domain, was his subordinate.

Elder Wu pondered this statement and mostly agreed, but he expressed dissatisfaction on one point: "Elder Xu, regarding the Jiyun Mountain affair, we didn't do anything, so there's no need to over-explain ourselves to him. If he doesn't believe us, there's nothing we can do. Our esteemed Fengluo Sect, are we really afraid of a ruffian who just came out of exile?"

Elder Xu shook his sleeves from side to side, showing extreme disapproval. "A ruffian who can make Jiyun Mountain powerless against him, and whom Jiyun Mountain even needs to use our hands to deal with – how is he a ruffian? Elder Wu, although he takes unconventional paths, he has fought with his life on the line and has made a name for himself. This time, as long as he emerges alive, as soon as he steps out of the Divine Flame Domain, he will be completely transformed. He will truly become famous throughout the world and will be an honored guest whom the major sects of the refining world cannot even invite. At that time, I ask you, who in this world won't know Shi Chun, and how many will know the great name of our Fengluo Sect?"

Saying this, he cupped his hands to Tang Qianjin again and said, "The Sect Leader must have already made a decision on this matter; perhaps you could enlighten us."

Elder Wu hesitated, wanting to speak, but after observing the Sect Leader's reaction, he ultimately remained silent.

Xie Wantian and Chi Anlan, standing nearby, secretly exchanged glances. It was the first time they had ever heard the elders openly debate in front of them. In fact, even these two youngsters were certain of one thing: if the teachers present had the opportunity to enter and absorb the two divine flames gifted by Shi Chun, they would undoubtedly agree to this transaction.

After a period of calm deliberation, Sect Leader Tang suddenly broke the silence, saying, "The Divine Flame Spiritual Gate has already opened. According to the rules, disciples from various sects who didn't make it out in time are only given one day. Is one day enough time to absorb divine flames? We've only heard about it before; we don't know the specifics."

Xie Wantian replied, "To the Sect Leader, according to Shi Chun, one day is enough time for a single person to absorb two divine flames."

To put it plainly, it still boils down to how much time you can gain outside; it's also possible that there won't even be enough time to absorb a single divine flame.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Sect Leader Tang abruptly decided, "Elder Xu, take some people and stay here to wait for the remaining disciples inside to come out."

"Yes," Elder Xu immediately replied, cupping his hands in acknowledgement.

So, Sect Leader Tang tucked away the two letters and quickly left with a few people. What he was going to do was self-evident, primarily because they had no choice. The Fengluo Sect lacked the confidence to refuse. Given the circumstances, it was better to quickly gain more time for Feng Zhuoyi and the others inside.

They headed straight for the exit of Qi Cloud Valley. Along the way, they could occasionally hear welcoming shouts from where various sects had gathered.

Elder Wu, who was accompanying them, noticed their direction and couldn't help but whisper a reminder to Tang Qianjin, "Sect Leader, Situ Gu is still inside the valley."

Tang Qianjin shook his head slightly. "Let Young Master Nan handle it himself. It's not appropriate for us to interfere too much."

When the group reached the exit, they were stopped by the guards at the valley entrance. Revealing their identities was secondary. Upon learning that Xie Wantian and Chi Anlan, who were with them, had just emerged from the Divine Flame Domain, the guards kindly reminded them, "The convention competition hasn't ended yet. According to the rules, leaving early is considered forfeiting the competition. Please consider this carefully."

Elder Wu pointed at Xie and Chi with a wry smile. "Having gained nothing, is there still a need to participate in the competition? There's an urgent matter at home, so we'll be leaving first."

There was no reason to force people to participate here. Since they wished to leave on their own accord, the guards, after noting their departure, allowed the group to leave.

Upon exiting the valley, Tang Qianjin immediately pulled Elder Wu aside to speak, instructing him to make contingency preparations, just in case Shi Chun didn't keep his word, or to prevent them from being silenced...

In the crowd, Young Master Nan, his eyes wide, stared intently at the exit, rubbing them occasionally as they started to blur from the strain. Just then, a figure flew over from the sea-faring ship building, pushing through the crowd to reach Young Master Nan's side. It was indeed one of Young Master Nan's trusted subordinates.

Upon arrival, the person covered their mouth and whispered into Young Master Nan's ear, "Sir, Tang Qianjin, the leader of the Fengluo Sect, is looking for you. He says he has an urgent matter to discuss."

"Fengluo Sect..." Young Master Nan muttered, remembering which sect it was, but at that moment, he couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters. Waving his hand, he said, "I'm busy. Tell them to leave; I'll settle accounts with them later."

The person then stood on tiptoes and added, whispering into his ear, "They also brought two disciples who claim to have just come out of the Divine Flame Domain."

"Hmm?" Young Master Nan abruptly turned his head to look at him.

The person nodded slightly and whispered, "They have already been arranged in the nearest private room."

Young Master Nan glanced back at the swirling light vortex in the sky, then, realizing it was pointless, immediately turned and left, accompanied by his trusted subordinate and two trusted guards.

The group headed straight for a nearby inn in the flickering light and shadows of the night. Upon arrival, they didn't enter through the front lobby but went to the back door, where someone was already waiting. As soon as they arrived, the door was quickly opened for them to enter, then swiftly closed again. Once inside the building, they quickly ascended to the so-called private room on the top floor.

Tang Qianjin, the leader of the Fengluo Sect, was already waiting inside. He had brought no one else but Xie Wantian and Chi Anlan. The former sat formally, while the latter two stood behind him to his left. The room's windows were tightly shut.

As Young Master Nan hastily strode in with a powerful gait, Tang Qianjin, who had been sitting at the square table, immediately stood up. He paused slightly, unable to resist observing Young Master Nan's complexion more closely. Even a fool could see Young Master Nan's weariness, let alone someone who wasn't foolish.

Snapping back to attention, he immediately cupped his hands and politely said, "I am Tang Qianjin, the leader of the Fengluo Sect. I have long admired Young Master Nan's distinguished reputation. It is a great pleasure to meet you. Tang had the fortune of meeting you once before, at a friend's banquet in the capital of Shengshen Province..."

Young Master Nan tugged at his robe, flicking it back, and directly sat down opposite the square table. Tapping his finger, he gestured for Tang Qianjin to sit. "Let's skip the pleasantries. I don't have time for idle chatter. Get straight to the point."

He didn't recall ever having met the other man.

Tang Qianjin felt a little awkward, but he had to accept it, given the other's power. After sitting down as instructed, he looked at Young Master Nan's accompanying personnel.

Young Master Nan was very straightforward; he raised his hand and patted his shoulder backward, and the three people who had accompanied him quickly exited.

After the footsteps faded, Tang Qianjin also got straight to the point. Pointing to the two disciples behind him, to his left and right, he said, "These two are disciples from my sect who participated in the convention. They have just emerged from the Divine Flame Domain and were entrusted by Shi Chun to deliver a letter to Young Master Nan."

Upon hearing this, Young Master Nan's eyes immediately lit up. He eagerly beckoned with both hands towards his chest, saying impatiently, "The letter? Come, come, give it to me."

The letter came in two copies. Tang Qianjin only produced one; the other had already been taken by Elder Wu.

He opened the letter and read its content. First, he pressed the shorter letter onto the table and slid it over. "This letter was written by Shi Chun to Situ Gu, an elder of the Refining Heaven Sect. He asked us to deliver it to Situ Gu. However, unfortunately, we don't have convenient access to Situ Gu, so we can only ask Young Master Nan to do us the favor."

In reality, they hadn't even attempted to deliver it to Situ Gu.

"He wrote a letter to Situ Gu? When did they start interacting?" Young Master Nan was greatly surprised and his face was full of curiosity. He considered himself quite close to Shi Chun and was well aware of Shi Chun's social interactions. He truly didn't know when Shi Chun had set up this connection. The world's foremost refining master was no mere ornament; the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts often sought his assistance. For example, after the Heavenly Meteor Shower Convention, when he refined the 'Xun Gate,' the Royal Court of Shengshen Province had respectfully invited him. In short, Situ Gu not only held great prestige, but most of his acquaintances were top-tier dignitaries, far beyond the caliber of the young masters Young Master Nan interacted with. Ordinary people couldn't even invite Situ Gu. Artisans, those highly skilled in their craft, were mostly focused and less inclined to cultivate personal connections; in some people's eyes, this was seen as aloofness.

How could such an aloof person get involved with a fellow like Shi Chun? He was truly curious.

Tang Qianjin, however, showed a slightly peculiar expression but said nothing, letting the other party see for himself. He then placed the second letter on the table and pushed it over. "This letter is from Shi Chun to you."

One couldn't read two letters at once, especially with a sequence. Young Master Nan first snatched the letter intended for Situ Gu. Upon seeing the handwriting, he grinned, his mouth twisting. The style, typically produced only after someone had been severely injured, was unmistakably Shi Chun's, as he had seen it before.

"'Zhen'er is in my hands. I trouble Senior to come to the Divine Flame Domain to assist me in leaving.' Hmm... what?"

It was a brief sentence. At first, Young Master Nan didn't understand its meaning. As he softly read it aloud, and then remembered it was a letter for Situ Gu, strange sounds began to escape his lips. His eyes gradually widened, and his upturned mouth began to twitch.