Chapter 423: Turnaround

When directly questioned, Gong Shaoci could no longer conceal anything. He immediately nodded slightly and admitted, "Indeed, there's a bit of a problem."

The mother and daughter exchanged surprised glances. Lan Qiaoyan pointed to the Soul Lotus Lamp floating outside and asked, "The Soul Lamp is still there; what could possibly be wrong?"

Gong Shaoci offered a wry smile. "How should I put this? The full story is a bit complicated. To put it simply, it's much like the last Meteor Shower Assembly. He might be about to claim victory again, and the artificers are not pleased. They've blocked the exit, intending to intercept him, so it's uncertain whether he can get out smoothly."

This revelation truly stunned the mother and daughter. "No way," they thought, "he can win first place just for this task? Isn't that a bit too exaggerated?"

Miao Yilan couldn't help but ask, "The artificer world has studied the Divine Fire Domain for so many years; they are experts in this field. Shi Chun and his group are newcomers; they don't understand anything. He doesn't even know fire-attribute cultivation techniques. How could he possibly win in there?"

Indeed, Lan Qiaoyan thought the same, but she also felt that her future son-in-law was not one to joke about such matters.

Gong Shaoci gave Miao Yilan a warm, yet helpless, smile. "Logically, what you say is true. However, Shi Chun's previous decision to enter must have been part of a plan. He somehow acquired a secret method for locating divine fire and made significant gains after entering. Unfortunately, his actions weren't discreet enough, and the secret was exposed. Something the artificer world has painstakingly sought for countless years suddenly appeared in his hands. You can imagine the implications..."

As soon as he finished speaking, both mother and daughter gasped, instantly comprehending the dire consequences.

The outcome Gong Shaoci described was precisely as they had expected. "So, various factions, led by the major sects, banded together. For almost half the time inside the Divine Fire Domain, they have been collectively hunting Shi Chun and his group, aiming to seize the secret method for locating divine fire. They haven't succeeded yet, so they're now guarding the exit."

Lan Qiaoyan turned, craned her neck, and looked at the shimmering, colorful vortex of the Divine Fire Spirit Gate in the sky. She sighed softly, "Yes, I wondered why that fellow was so eager to enter the Divine Fire Domain. So, he had a secret method in hand. Is that something you should covet? He's too restless, too ambitious. This time, I fear he won't escape disaster."

Gong Shaoci reassured her, "Aunt Lan, please don't worry. Things aren't set in stone yet. Young Master Gan She has mobilized all his connections, pressuring the various artificer factions and trying to find a way to get them out. He's currently personally guarding the entrance of Qi Cloud Valley, demanding an explanation from the artificer world. There's still room for maneuver; there's still a chance."

Lan Qiaoyan turned back in surprise. "Gan She is trying this hard?"

Gong Shaoci thought for a moment. "Logically, he wouldn't go this far. Everyone suspects Young Master Nan is instigating this from behind the scenes."

Lan Qiaoyan shook her head slightly. "If it were just a few individual sects, it would be easy to handle. But this involves the entire artificer world, the secret method for locating divine fire, and such immense interests. The artificer world won't yield easily. Not to mention Gan She, even if the Gan family head came personally, it probably wouldn't be enough. If they insist on forcing the issue, they'll likely just bring trouble upon themselves."

Gong Shaoci lowered his head slightly; he actually thought the same. If Gan She hadn't gone ahead so impulsively, he really wouldn't want to get involved. Others like him found it hard to openly criticize Gan She, so they could only curse Young Master Nan behind his back, planning to settle accounts with him later.

Miao Yilan actually didn't want to appear too close to Shi Chun in front of Gong Shaoci. She knew the rumors that Shi Chun had been pursuing her in the place of exile, and that with the Gong family's extensive intelligence network, such matters couldn't be hidden from Gong Shaoci. Her mother had also reminded her to be mindful of Gong Shaoci's feelings. Yet, at this moment, she couldn't help but ask, "Is there really no other way?"

After all these years of acquaintance, Shi Chun had always been unilaterally kind to her, never asking for anything in return, and always bringing gifts when they met. Even without romantic feelings, he was truly a friend. At this critical juncture, she was justified in asking that question.

Gong Shaoci fell silent. He couldn't make any guarantees to the woman he admired regarding this matter; it was the entire artificer world. Bringing in his grandfather, the Right Assistant Marquis of Jambudvipa, would be useless. The entire artificer world was not easily subdued or controlled by any single power. In the Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies, which power's operation could do without the participation of artificers?

If Jambudvipa dared to use force, the artificer world could easily draw in other powerful allies. How could it be shaken by a junior like him? That's why he felt Gan She's actions were a bit overambitious.

Of course, he also perceived Miao Yilan's genuine concern for Shi Chun. After all, he was human; unless he didn't care about Miao Yilan, how could he remain unaffected? A rare pang of jealousy arose in his heart.

At the same time, he was negating his own feelings. "What's wrong with me?" he thought. "Is that kind of person even worth me getting serious about?"

Lan Qiaoyan sighed softly. "Lanlan, even if your father came, it would be useless. If the artificer world is determined to do something, not to mention your father, even if the Saint King of Jambudvipa came personally, they would have to weigh the consequences. The current structure of the cultivation world is the result of a balance struck amidst chaos. Once that balance is broken, one must bear the consequences. The artificer world is a force capable of disrupting this balance, and no one will bear those consequences for a mere Shi Chun."

Gong Shaoci nodded. "Aunt Lan, that's a profound insight. Lanlan, Aunt Lan is right. We truly cannot interfere in this matter. The artificer world will give face where they can, but they truly won't where they can't."

Miao Yilan could only nod slightly.

Lan Qiaoyan suddenly frowned. "I still feel there's something off about this."

"Oh?" Gong Shaoci bowed slightly. "I'd like to hear your insight."

Lan Qiaoyan pointed at her future son-in-law and said, "You might not know this, but when it comes to survival in desperate situations, that fellow Shi Chun is quite resourceful. Logically, he's not a muddle-headed person; he would never easily back himself into a corner. Could there be something else going on inside?"

Gong Shaoci gave another wry smile. "There really is something else going on. According to some information I've gathered, the fact that Shi Chun had the secret method wouldn't have been exposed. The problem is that he previously collaborated with Mount Shudao. Even worse, the Heaven Refining Sect had moles planted among Mount Shudao's attendees, and it was these moles who exposed the secret method."

"Is that so?" Lan Qiaoyan pondered this, yet she still had her doubts.

She still felt something was off. From what she knew of Shi Chun, he wasn't someone who could be easily tripped up by a mole. In the environment of the place of exile, where his subordinates were a fickle bunch, Shi Chun had experienced countless instances of traitors emerging from Dongjiuyuan.

Of course, nothing is absolute. Only those directly involved would truly know the situation inside; outsiders couldn't make arbitrary judgments.

Just then, a knock came from outside, accompanied by a call, "Young Master Gong."

Gong Shaoci frowned slightly, but knowing that his subordinates wouldn't disturb him unless it was important, he immediately excused himself, opened the door, and stepped outside to speak.

A moment later, he hastily opened the door and entered. He quickly walked over to the worried mother and daughter and happily announced with a smile, "Aunt Lan, Lanlan, it should be fine now! Gan She's pressure on the artificer world actually worked. The artificer world has given Gan She a response, agreeing to reverse the Divine Fire Spirit Gate. He can send people in to supervise, and there will be people going in to meet them. Shi Chun should be able to come out without a problem now."

The gloom on Miao Yilan's youthful and beautiful face instantly cleared, replaced by a radiant brightness.

While Lan Qiaoyan was pleased, she was also a bit puzzled. "Does Gan She truly have such influence?"

Gong Shaoci smiled. "After all, the Gan family still has that Princess Consort behind them. Gan She went in person, and it concerned the entire Gan family's reputation, so perhaps the artificer world had some reservations."

"If that's the case... then that's excellent." Lan Qiaoyan nodded slightly, a little slowly.

To be honest, she still had some doubts about Gan She's influence. Could one Gan She truly make the artificer world relinquish such immense interests?

But she also knew that Gong Shaoci's information source was reliable, and he wouldn't lie to her.

After delivering the good news, Gong Shaoci again apologized, saying he had to excuse himself for a moment. With this turn of events, he certainly needed to make an appearance with Gan She, at least to understand the situation.

At the entrance of Qi Cloud Valley, Gan She, in a cheerful mood, his eyes and brows smiling, watched as the people Young Master Nan had gathered arrived one after another.

After Young Master Nan checked the roster of those entering the Divine Fire Domain, he suddenly remembered something and shouted to his subordinates, "Women, get a few more women here!"

Gan She listened, utterly bewildered.

Young Master Nan's subordinate was also puzzled. "Sir, what kind of women do you need?"

Young Master Nan waved his hand indifferently. "Any woman will do. Oh, and preferably younger cultivators; at least their voices should reflect that. Cultivation level and appearance are not required."

The bewilderment that had just faded from Gan She's face reappeared.

The requirements were simple, so the task was easy. Young Master Nan's subordinates quickly found five women for him; they were truly a motley crew.

Young Master Nan clapped his hands and said crisply, "Alright, you five are it. Remember, when I tell you to shout 'Wangye' later, you must use your full voice and cultivation to shout loudly, and your voices must be charming and coquettish, understood?"

One woman, confused, asked, "Shout what?"

Young Master Nan explained in detail, "The 'Wang' from 'Great King,' and the 'Ye' from 'Grandfather.' 'Wangye'!"

This request was quite absurd. The women exchanged bewildered glances, but ultimately, he paid well, so his word was law.

After Young Master Nan settled the incoming and outgoing personnel and returned to his side, Gan She finally couldn't help but ask, "What's the meaning of having these women shout?"

Young Master Nan explained in a low voice, "The various factions must have tried every possible method to find Shi Chun. With so many people searching for so long, they couldn't find him. It would probably be difficult for our small group to find him either. Shi Chun's letter didn't mention how to contact him, and at this time, he must also be very cautious and won't easily fall for tricks or reveal himself. As soon as these women go in and shout 'Wangye,' if Shi Chun and his group hear it, they'll definitely know it's me, and they'll come out to meet me."

"Is it that mysterious?" Gan She was slightly stunned, then became puzzled again. "Is that scoundrel so presumptuous? How dare he claim to be a king?"

Young Master Nan waved his hand, cutting him off. "Hey, it's not like that. I'll tell you the full story when we get back."

"Alright," Gan She conceded, but still questioned, "Brother Nan, do you really need to make this trip yourself? There might be some risks involved. I think you should reconsider."

After receiving the artificer world's affirmative reply, Young Master Nan took the initiative to request to personally lead a team inside to retrieve them.

This indeed carried risks. Primarily, the passage to the Divine Fire Domain had historically been disturbed by unusual conditions several times, leading to significant casualties. Otherwise, more masters would have long since tried to force their way in.

When people reach a certain status, they are less willing to entrust their lives to uncertainty.

Now, the Divine Fire Spirit Gate was to be reversed and then reversed again, which was abnormal. The risk of something going wrong was even greater. A gentleman does not stand under a tottering wall, and entering was simply not within Gan She's consideration. He certainly wouldn't take this risk.

Young Master Nan explained, "Brother Gan, I know there's danger, but among our people here, only I am most familiar with them. Time is limited, and sending strangers might not gain the trust of Shi Chun's group. Without familiarity, many things are difficult to manage. If I go in personally, many things will be much simpler."

He then added in a low voice, "The betting game has reached this point; it's hard to explain to our friends. I have a responsibility to turn the tide. As long as it ensures things go smoothly, I'll take the risk."

Since he put it that way, Gan She had no choice but to drop the matter. Anyway, it wasn't him risking his own life. At the same time, he felt quite relieved. He raised a hand and patted Young Master Nan's arm, saying, "Be careful. I'll find two capable people and send them with good equipment to provide support for you. Whatever you need, just tell them."

"Thank you, thank you," Young Master Nan said, cupping his hands.

Lowering his hand, he suddenly thought of something. He excused himself to Gan She, then went to find his trusted subordinate, asking, "There won't be any problems with the Overlooking Heaven Mirror, will there?"

The subordinate replied, "Certainly not. After the passage between the two realms closed, there's no interference; even the Mother-Child Talismans can be used. The Overlooking Heaven Mirror's projection will definitely be more stable."

Young Master Nan instructed, "After the people inside come out, the Overlooking Heaven Mirror will surely focus on those who emerge. I did set Shi Chun up once during the Meteor Shower Assembly, and lessons must be learned. Moreover, this time, people from the Four Continents are watching, and Shi Chun has offended quite a few people again. You go tell the operators of the Overlooking Heaven Mirror to control it well and try their best not to let Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang appear in the projection again."