Chapter 429: Survival Instinct

The high-level escorts from various factions almost simultaneously froze, choked up, and stopped. Realizing their impropriety, they then dully resumed following, their expressions utterly bewildered and full of unspoken words.

Someone desperately wanted to ask: how could Shi Chun, a mere scoundrel just released from the Prison of Life, possibly be involved with the Demonic Path?

They were unwilling to accept this reality.

However, these words came from the mouth of this person, making them difficult to challenge, as a significant portion of their duty was precisely to combat the Demonic Path.

The problem was that questioning was impossible. Did you want to discuss the matter objectively, or did you believe you understood the Demonic Path better than anyone else?

Regardless of whether it was the Heavenly Court or the Four Great Royal Courts, despite their usual disagreements, their stance on the Demonic Path was absolutely unified: they would show no quarter and stood as an unshakeable community of shared interests.

Who could withstand the combined might of the Heavenly Court and the Four Great Royal Courts?

Anyone implicated with the Demonic Path would find no one from the Four Great Royal Courts coming to their aid once this person took action. Even other sects in the artifact-refining world would immediately distance themselves, drawing a clear line to ensure they weren't dragged into it.

The Commander of the Xuanji Order, seemingly as elegant as a chrysanthemum, had in fact been responsible for numerous purges, wiping out entire sects.

Upon hearing that the Commander intended to take Shi Chun away, those present instantly formulated a myriad of reasons to refuse. No matter who spoke, it would be futile. They had considered countless possibilities but never imagined it would involve the Demonic Path.

Their opening stance was ready, but the inability to strike felt incredibly uncomfortable.

The formidable power of the entire artifact-refining world could have erupted at any moment, but it was effortlessly blocked by a single, casual remark from the other party, leaving everyone feeling utterly stifled.

"Perhaps we can discuss this. It wouldn't be too late for you to take him after we've secured the item."

Almost everyone shared this thought.

The crucial point was that no one dared to voice it.

Because it was too easy to incur suspicion of delaying, stalling, or collaborating with the Demonic Path. If anything went wrong with Shi Chun's removal, they wouldn't be able to wash themselves clean even by jumping into a river. Being suspected of involvement with the Demonic Path and subsequently targeted was an unpleasant prospect.

Regarding matters concerning the Demonic Path, they were hesitant to ask too many questions in front of outsiders, especially in the presence of the Xuanji Order's Commander.

Yet, they couldn't remain entirely silent. What needed to be asked still had to be asked. Luo Yan tentatively inquired, "Is Shi Chun involved with the Demonic Path?"

Mu Lan Jin, with his hands clasped behind his back, slowly replied, "It's not so much involvement; rather, we have related clues and need to gather information from him."

Everyone's eyes met, interpreting this to mean: it might not necessarily be the Demonic Path?

Even so, they couldn't very well obstruct him.

Luo Yan still cooperated, saying, "If that's the case, when he emerges, and if the Commander wishes to proceed discreetly, we can arrange to have him moved aside."

Everyone nodded slightly in agreement, all appearing willing to cooperate.

Mu Lan Jin calmly stated, "I didn't say he's involved with the Demonic Path; I'm merely questioning him. It's a minor matter, no need for secrecy. As I said, it won't affect your competition. It won't be too late for me to take him after your competition concludes. Besides, this competition is a rare event, and since I'm here, I might as well broaden my horizons. Consider it me using my public office for a little personal indulgence."

Since he had put it that way, Qu Wuming, the Sect Master of the Yanbao Sect, emboldened himself to ask, "Commander, how long will he be held for questioning?"

He immediately added an explanation: "After all, he is currently a member of the artifact-refining world. When the Mingshan Sect asks us for an explanation later, we'd like to have an answer for them."

In truth, they intended to wait until the Stargazing Pavilion released him, then detain him themselves, and proceed with their original plans.

All the factions understood his implicit meaning and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Mu Lan Jin casually swept his gaze across their reactions; how could he not know their intentions? Since he had personally intervened, this matter was no longer up to them. "Don't worry," he said. "I won't let them trouble you. He will be taken away with the others. As for when the questioning will be finished, that depends on the situation. For anything more, it's best you don't inquire."

"Yes, yes, yes," Qu Wuming said, nodding like a pecking chicken and waving his hand. "We're not inquiring, not inquiring! We were just concerned about having to explain. Since you're taking them all, Commander, you will naturally ensure justice for them."

Everyone else promptly shut their mouths. They were all utterly frustrated; after all that effort, they didn't even have a chance to reason.

On the mountain, towering flames surged once more, striking the now motionless Divine Fire Spiritual Gate. The bright light drew everyone's gaze upwards.

Within the Divine Fire Domain, the metal rings on the multi-eared 'Sky Measuring Staff' perched on the mountaintop began to stir again. After clanging and rattling for a moment, they once more floated and rotated.

Those on the mountain looked up at the sky, and as expected, a dim yellow spot appeared out of thin air once more, gradually expanding into a vortex.

A Lian Tian Sect disciple, seeing the situation, took out the magic treasure 'Mirror of Samsara'. To their surprise, Situ Gu noticed and gestured for the disciple to bring it over. He took it, examined it, and then held it in his hand, showing no immediate intention of returning it.

The disciple had no idea why he wanted the treasured mirror, and dared neither to ask nor to reclaim it, only able to wait helplessly by the side.

Shi Chun, who was nearby, noticed Situ Gu's action but didn't understand its meaning, as he had no idea what the mirror was.

Had he known that Zhen'er's physical form could not be concealed by the 'Mirror of Samsara', he would have understood Situ Gu's actions.

Thus, even the most meticulously planned schemes are bound to have an oversight; success, in essence, is merely a process of plugging leaks.

Li Hongjiu was still staring intently at Shi Chun, genuinely wanting to go and talk to him. However, with so many people watching, it was currently inconvenient to reveal his private collusion with Shi Chun to the other sects.

Gu Lianni also wanted to speak with Shi Chun, but given the circumstances, she already knew her sect's scheme and what was to come. As the daughter of the Summer Dao Mountain Sect Master, she understood the importance of prioritizing the greater good.

Young Master Nan also had many things he wished to say to Shi Chun, but this was not the place for conversation.

Fortunately, Shi Chun, fearing complications from a prolonged stay, did not wish to linger. Upon seeing the exit stabilize, he immediately cupped his hands to Situ Gu and asked, "Senior Situ, may we leave now?"

There was no need to ask anyone else; those in charge wouldn't be inclined to help him.

Situ Gu glanced at the commotion in the sky, then observed the 'Sky Measuring Staff', and nodded slightly. "Anyone who wishes to leave may do so now," he said.

Shi Chun bowed slightly in thanks. Seeing Zhen'er nearby looking excited and agitated, he understood her feelings. Just as he was about to wave for their group to leave, a person cloaked in a hood suddenly arrived on a wind-scaled beast, landing amidst the crowd.

The newcomer raised a hand and pulled back the hood of their cloak, revealing their true face. It was none other than Yan Ketao, the traitor from Summer Dao Mountain.

He appeared at this moment because he had seen the exit reopen and simply couldn't hold back any longer. He didn't want to die, and his will to survive compelled him to leap out. If death was inevitable, he might as well take a gamble.

Upon seeing him, some members of the Lian Tian Sect instinctively frowned.

Shi Chun's group was also greatly surprised. How dared this fellow appear?

Upon seeing the traitor, the Summer Dao Mountain group was instantly enraged. Gu Lianni sharply shouted, "Yan Ketao, how dare you show your face! Seize him!"

Yuan Yao and the others immediately flashed forward to surround him. Yan Ketao, drawing his sword defensively, shouted, "Everyone, it's not that I wished to betray Summer Dao Mountain! It's because Elder Jin Guiqi, who oversees the sect, secretly manipulated matters and helped Summer Dao Mountain disciples acquire divine fire, severely violating the rules first! My nature is good, and I truly could not stand by and watch, which is why I left. I have come here precisely to expose this, even at the risk of my life!"

He intended to incite other factions to suppress Summer Dao Mountain in exchange for his own escape.

The Lian Tian Sect, however, had already guessed what he was about to say, as Yan Ketao had previously informed them. They truly couldn't fathom what Yan Ketao was thinking. There were naturally reasons why they hadn't used this information against Summer Dao Mountain. He was simply running out to his death.

Upon hearing this, Shi Chun couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. He knew what the other party was about to reveal—it was a trap he had laid as a contingency. At the time, he had indeed planned to align himself with Summer Dao Mountain, treating them as a safe retreat, and so he had helped them guard against certain eventualities. Alas, events were like ever-changing chess games, and he could only adapt as circumstances demanded.

He had thought that matter was long past, never expecting Yan Ketao to suddenly jump into the very trap he had set.

Yuan Yao was enraged and wouldn't allow Yan Ketao to continue spouting nonsense. He immediately lunged forward to attack.

However, someone intervened, concerned that Summer Dao Mountain, having absorbed so much divine fire, would win the championship.

Elder Li of the Yanbao Sect waved his large sleeve, sending Yuan Yao flying to the ground with an invisible force, though without injuring him. He then flashed to Yan Ketao's side and kindly reassured him, "Don't be afraid. Justice resides in the hearts of people. With us here, no one can act recklessly. Take your time and say whatever you need to say."

Yuan Yao immediately looked to his sect elders. Seeing Elder Jin Guiqi remain expressionless and unresponsive, and having no power himself, he had no choice but to give up and endure.

"Exactly. Justice resides in the hearts of the people. We are not mere ornaments here."

Other sect elders also stepped forward to intervene.

Yan Ketao was almost moved to tears with gratitude, believing he had found a lifeline. After cupping his hands in thanks, he declared loudly, "The reason Shi Chun and the Summer Dao Mountain group could quickly locate the divine fire, besides possessing a secret technique, was also because someone was providing them with clues from behind. Do the esteemed elders know how Shi Chun's group managed to pinpoint the divine fire's location so rapidly?"

These words instantly made the eyes of the other high-ranking sect members light up. If a secret technique could be cracked, that would be even better.

Elder Li of the Yanbao Sect immediately said in a deep voice, "We would like to hear the details."

"Speak, speak boldly and without worry."

"With us here, no one will dare to touch you."

Other elders also began clamoring, eager to get a piece of the benefit.

The high-ranking members of Summer Dao Mountain remained indifferent, showing no reaction.

It was the Summer Dao Mountain disciples participating in the competition who were somewhat worried. Although they had been present when the events occurred, most of them were actually unaware of the full extent of the trickery.

The elder overseeing the Lian Tian Sect had already closed his eyes and remained silent.

What was going on? Seeing Shi Chun implicated, Young Master Nan was curious about the underlying reasons. He observed Shi Chun and found that Shi Chun was looking at Yan Ketao as if he were an idiot, while Big Wu was also grinning. He immediately sensed that this matter was not simple.

The next moment, Yan Ketao, emboldened and assured, immediately waved his hand and pointed at Shi Chun: "After Shi Chun and his group found the divine fire, they didn't continue to diligently search. Instead, they used the divine fire they possessed as bait, beginning to swagger about and swindle, deceiving the participating disciples from various sects…"

He then, like spilling beans from a bamboo tube, fiercely exposed the truth: how Shi Chun's group had used the divine fire to lure other sect disciples away, and then stolen the hard-won divine fire clues that those disciples had painstakingly discovered.

Young Master Nan's mouth twitched. He suddenly noticed that all eyes were now focused on Shi Chun and felt, quite abruptly, that standing next to Shi Chun might be a bit inappropriate. He subconsciously wanted to take two steps aside.

"Despite having such a method of theft, this scoundrel Shi Chun was not satisfied. He actually found this way of searching for divine fire too slow! So, he packaged this method of finding divine fire into information and deliberately leaked it to other sects, encouraging them to follow suit. Meanwhile, he would then take a shortcut, intercepting the news from those other sects…"