Chapter 420: Stripping Down for Battle

The sea view, the night view, the sound of crashing waves, and the buzzing, brilliant lights and shadows in the air — lanterns hanging from the inn swayed gently in the wind.

Hidden in the dark shadows, Sect Master Feng Luo and his followers watched intently at the exit of Qiyungu.

Luo Yan, Head of the Refining Heaven Sect; Gu Yanduo, Head of Mount Shudao; and Qu Wuming, Head of the Yanbao Sect, each accompanied by two or three figures, appeared at the exit of Qiyungu.

The accompanying Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect waved, signaling the disciples guarding the exit to step aside, as he would personally oversee the situation.

This grand display was due to the two distinguished guests waiting at the exit. The personal presence of the heads of the three great sects was a gesture of respect to these guests, specifically to Young Master Qian. Young Master Nan, however, did not command such a high level of personal welcome.

In reality, it wasn't truly a welcoming ceremony. Even Young Master Qian's influence wasn't enough to compel the heads of the three major sects to gather at the mountain gate for a welcome. These three sects were the pinnacle of the artifact refining world, and their leadership in this field marked them as top-tier presences among all cultivation sects.

However, Young Master Qian's background was indeed formidable; he was a maternal relative of the Jambudvīpa Queen, named Qian She.

Ordinarily, they would have found Qian She's blatant approach rather ill-advised.

However, he had already arrived, and refusing to meet him would appear disrespectful, while allowing him entry would violate the rules of the artifact refining world.

Consequently, after deliberation, the heads of the three great sects resorted to this unconventional approach, viewing it as a compromise that would neither violate the rules of the Divine Fire Alliance nor cause them to lose face with Qian She.

In truth, during these unique circumstances, they could have easily chosen not to accommodate Qian She, as a valid excuse was readily available. Yet, inexplicably, none of the three heads expressed a desire to refuse the meeting. They all hesitated and mumbled, seemingly wary of Qian She's background.

And so, this became the outcome.

Upon seeing the heads of the three major sects appear in person, Qian She and Young Master Nan instinctively exchanged glances.

Young Master Nan's eyes gleamed with triumph, as if to say, "See? I told you this would happen."

Qian She raised an eyebrow slightly. The personal appearance of the two sect heads was inherently a test. Young Master Nan had previously advised him to let others create a stir first; with so many messages being sent inside, those three sects, being neither blind nor deaf, would surely realize their intentions.

The unified presence of the three great sect heads, a significant gesture of respect, confirmed to him what Shi Chun's letter had called "going with the flow." His heart gradually settled.

It should be understood that these three great sects were not to be underestimated. Each of them had connections with the princess who originated from their respective families and, at the very least, possessed the ability to convey messages. If they truly chose to disrespect him, it would be difficult for him to retaliate, and the Qian family would not permit him to act recklessly against them.

At the valley entrance, a memorial archway marked the boundary. The heads of the three great sects halted within the archway, not crossing it, and politely initiated a bow to the arriving guests. This measured gesture was sufficient, as the heads of major sects represented the prestige of their factions and had no need to appear subservient.

Both Qian and Nan returned the gesture.

Luo Yan, as was his custom, spoke on behalf of the group: "Young Master Qian, the rules of the artifact refining world are well-established. As this Divine Fire Alliance meeting has not yet concluded, we regret that we cannot host you within the valley."

Empowered by his understanding of the situation, Qian She stated unceremoniously, "Then why do I hear reports from people exiting the Divine Fire Domain that the rules of the Divine Fire Alliance have become mere formalities, and that those who enter the domain disregard all regulations, engaging in burning, killing, looting, and every conceivable evil?"

Upon hearing this, the heads of the three great sects instinctively looked at the Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect, who nodded slightly, confirming that several groups had indeed exited the Divine Fire Domain, forfeited their competition qualifications, and departed Qiyungu.

In fact, the heads of the three great sects had long suspected that this current situation would not have arisen if someone hadn't gone out to relay information.

Luo Yan calmly replied, "Young Master Qian, there's no need to take such nonsensical remarks seriously."

Qian She shook his head slightly. "I cannot help but take it seriously. I believe the person who informed me would not dare to lie. I've heard that Shi Chun is being openly hunted by a group inside, and some have even blocked the exit to prevent him from leaving alive. Sect Master Luo, Shi Chun is my brother. When my brother is in trouble, I cannot stand idly by!"

"Brother?" Young Master Nan's lips curled into a smirk. He knew that if this statement circulated, it would certainly elevate Shi Chun's status.

This was not the arrangement he had discussed with Young Master Qian; he had never suggested Qian She acknowledge Shi Chun as a brother. Qian She had fabricated this assertion himself to achieve his goals.

However, he was well aware that for someone like Qian She, utility defined kinship: a useful person was a "brother," while a useless one was "worthless." Qian She himself would not take such declarations too seriously.

The heads of the three great sects, however, consequently harbored a slight disdain for Qian She and were somewhat speechless. To profit from the gambling, he was personally wading into the conflict.

Luo Yan stated calmly, "Young Master Qian, we have taken note of your concerns. If any violations are discovered, our artifact refining world will address them accordingly."

Qian She retorted, "You'll handle it behind closed doors? Whether there's a violation will still be determined by you. There must be supervisory intervention!"

Gu Yanduo and Qu Wuming remained silent on this point, whether deferring to their senior or simply choosing not to speak.

Young Master Nan, however, maintained a composed demeanor, remaining silent with a smile, though his fatigued appearance was quite noticeable.

The Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect, standing nearby, could only blink and remained equally silent.

Luo Yan was left to respond, "Young Master Qian, this is a matter for the artifact refining world."

Qian She stated firmly, "Is the business of the artifact refining world not also the business of the cultivation world? Are there people at the Divine Fire Domain exit who aren't playing by the rules? Are people blocking my brother from leaving? You all know the truth. I intend to send people into the Divine Fire Domain to supervise. If you abide by the rules, I will too. If you don't, then don't blame me for not abiding by them either."

Luo Yan glanced at the other two sect masters, who remained silent, then reluctantly spoke again, "Is Young Master Qian jesting? Once this exit opens, it flows in only one direction. Those outside cannot enter against the flow; even we cannot go in."

Qian She replied indifferently, "One can naturally enter once the Divine Fire Spiritual Gate is reversed."

Luo Yan said gravely, "Young Master Qian, do you believe the artifact refining world is ours to control? Do you think other sects would agree to such a proposition?"

Qian She lightly flicked his sleeve and said, "You can refuse, but the actions of so many cannot be concealed. You might as well relay my message to the various sects. When I discover who violated the rules by participating in the pursuit of my brother, I will compel that sect to surrender the culprits. If they refuse, that's also acceptable. A life for a life is only just. Do you think I lack the means to eliminate them one by one? I wonder if any of your three sects dispatched people for the chase? I believe the three sect masters would be wise not to refuse hastily. It would be better to consult with the various factions. I will await your response here."

"This fool is truly throwing himself into the fray," was the unspoken consensus among the heads of the three great sects.

However, they said little more, deeming it undignified to argue further with such an individual. After a perfunctory exchange, they turned and departed together.

The Sect Master of the Blazing Fire Sect waved his hands, recalling the guarding disciples, then cupped his hands towards the two distinguished guests lingering at the entrance, offered an apology, and withdrew as well.

Qian She, however, showed no intention of leaving, proving true to his word by genuinely waiting there.

Young Master Nan naturally accompanied him. Turning, he gave a thumbs-up gesture and remarked, "Brother Qian is truly impressive. I've learned from this."

Qian She's face remained impassive as he merely stated, "Just wait."

As the matter concerned most artifact refining sects, the heads of the three great sects couldn't simply make a decision in silence. They summoned the remaining seven of the ten great sects to the highest peak, where they provided a detailed account of Qian She's visit.

Everyone present was well aware of the situation.

The other seven sects became agitated upon hearing this, but merely displayed displeasure on their faces, holding back any curses. In such a mixed crowd, they possessed the decorum to know who could be openly criticized and who could not.

A lively, multi-voiced discussion was inevitable.

Someone boldly declared, "There's no need to heed them. I refuse to believe the Qian family would permit him to cause chaos afterward."

Qu Wuming, the Sect Master of the Yanbao Sect, who was usually taciturn, suddenly sighed. "Such boldness, taking the lead like this—could it be at the Qian family's instigation?"

The scene immediately fell silent, and everyone turned to look at him.

The Head of Mount Luoyan, a thin, small old man, asked, "Sect Master Qu, what do you imply?"

Qu Wuming explained, "I heard that the gambling outside has reached considerable stakes this time; the potential losses might be too much even for the Qian family to bear."

He stopped there, knowing that everyone present was intelligent enough to grasp the implication without further elaboration.

Everyone fell into contemplation, likely understanding the full implication of his words. With that perspective, it did indeed seem possible.

After a long pause, the Island Master of Dongxiao Island scoffed, looking around at everyone. "I disagreed with letting the Mingshan Sect group enter in the first place. Who said it would be fine to let them 'play around,' claiming they'd be lucky to find a few Divine Fires at most? Now what? They aren't merely 'playing around'; they entered prepared, aiming for victory. I heard they've found over a hundred Divine Fires. Are we truly going to let them claim the championship?"

"Over a hundred Divine Fires is utter nonsense." Mount Shudao knew the truth of the matter, and the Refining Heaven Sect, which had informants within Mount Shudao, was also well aware.

Gu Yanduo calmly interjected, "If Young Master Qian wishes to enter and supervise, then let him do so."

As soon as he spoke, everyone's gaze simultaneously turned to him, filled with skepticism.

Before anyone could voice their doubts, he added, "Rules are beneficial. Since Young Master Qian emphasizes rules, then let us establish them properly. As Young Master Qian abhors violations by participants, let us severely punish all offenders and provide him with a satisfactory explanation."

The Head of Jinmao Hall couldn't help but scoff, "Isn't that giving him too much deference?"

What he meant was, did a mere Qian She warrant such immense deference?

Gu Yanduo stated calmly and steadfastly, "The Divine Fire Alliance inherently has rules: participants must acquire Divine Fires through their own abilities, without resorting to combat or forceful acquisition. This is a good opportunity to teach various sects a lesson. Those who have obtained an excessive number of Divine Fires have, in all likelihood, done so through unscrupulous means. This time, we must be serious: any participant who has violated rules through combat or has absorbed more than ten Divine Fires will have their final artifact refining competition qualification confiscated. Everyone will be treated equally."

Upon hearing this, some people's eyes lit up, while others grew contemplative.

The Island Master of Dongxiao Island, however, scoffed, "This is clearly aimed at Shi Chun's group; even a fool can see that. There's no need for such circumlocution; simply disqualify them from the competition directly."

Qu Wuming of the Yanbao Sect waved his hand slightly and said, "Young Master Qian is aiming for the championship, and the Mingshan Sect group is participating as an artifact refining sect. What pretext would we use to disqualify them? If we disqualify them on grounds like fighting and killing, what about other sects that also engaged in such actions? Should they also be disqualified? If not, Young Master Qian won't relent, and wouldn't we just be inviting trouble? I believe Brother Gu's 'treating everyone equally' is an excellent approach. All violators must be punished equally, fairly and without bias."

At this, the Island Master of Dongxiao Island fell silent in thought.

Luo Yan, however, turned to Gu Yanduo and asked, "Brother Gu, has your daughter absorbed nine Divine Fires?"

These words immediately put everyone on alert. Indeed, Gu Yanduo establishing this threshold must undoubtedly benefit Mount Shudao.

Gu Yanduo calmly replied, "Then let the limit be two. Violators who have absorbed more than two Divine Fires will have their competition qualifications confiscated."