Chapter 442: Soft and Hard Approaches

The demonic path?

The group from Extreme Flame Sect, who had arrived aggressively, assuming a posture that implied no escape, instantly froze, their menacing expressions turning rigid as they all held their breath. It was a feeling of not being able to recover quickly—shock, panic, and disbelief. The intimidating aura they had just projected vanished in an instant.

This sudden and swift shift in their reactions stunned both Young Master Nan and Tong Mingshan, who had accompanied them. Young Master Nan, having regained his composure, almost laughed. The deterrent force, forged from the full might of the Extreme Flame Sect, was unexpectedly shattered by just one sentence from that guy, Shichun. With such sharp wit, he now truly understood why so many sects in the Divine Fire Domain, even when working together to hunt Shichun, couldn't kill him. That life was indeed incredibly tenacious, so much so that it was hard for anyone to take.

It wasn't over yet. Shichun scanned their reactions and then added, "Speaking of which, I've also come to incidentally ask you seniors: What is the name of Black Tiger's magic artifact?"

The Extreme Flame Sect group hadn't yet recovered from his earlier words. When they finally did, they were unsure how to respond, fearing a trap. After all, everyone knew this little scoundrel was far from honest; an honest man couldn't have survived the predicament he faced in the Divine Fire Domain. Don't imagine he's afraid of your Extreme Flame Sect or anything. A wretch who killed your disciples and then dared to voluntarily come to your doorstep could hardly be a good person.

After a long moment, an elder finally rebuked him, "Nonsense! How could that treasure possibly be connected to the demonic path?"

Shichun replied, "I'm not sure of the specifics, but I heard that the Stargazing Pavilion is looking for me because of the battle where Black Tiger was defeated. Because of this, some asked if Black Tiger's treasure was in my possession, and others asked which sects were with Black Tiger at the time. I originally didn't know if the 'demonic path connection' referred to the treasure itself or to the people involved at the time. But today, as soon as I arrived, you seniors immediately seemed anxious about that treasure. That can't be a coincidence, can it? That's when I realized the item connected to the demonic path must be that very treasure."

What did he mean by that? The Extreme Flame Sect group was first stunned, then their expressions drastically changed. What did this scoundrel mean? It was as if they were privy to something. Yin Tianlu, among the group, took Shichun's words seriously and began to ponder who had been with Black Tiger during that operation. The first person he thought of was Wu Shanshan from Oblivion Valley, secretly wondering if her side was involved with the demonic path.

Not everyone would think about it as objectively as he did. Sect Leader Su Qiao had already pointed at Shichun's nose and loudly declared, "Shichun, you can eat things recklessly, but you cannot speak recklessly. You killed our disciples and stole their belongings. It is only natural for our sect to come after you to retrieve what was taken. Don't stray from the point!" He didn't even want to mention the words 'demonic path.' What if walls had ears, and word of such a sensitive term got out? It would certainly not be good.

Shichun retorted, "Then why aren't you pursuing the matter of your slain disciples, but instead are more concerned about the magic artifact first?"

The Extreme Flame Sect group was rendered speechless by this nitpicking question. The group was also stunned and somewhat flustered. An elder angrily rebuked, "That's far-fetched, sophistry, utterly absurd!"

Shichun didn't argue with them. He cupped his hands and said, "Then, may this junior ask one more question: Do you know the name of the magic artifact that Black Tiger had? You wouldn't pretend not to know, would you?"

After obtaining the artifact, he had never known its name, only finding the characters 'Heaven,' 'Earth,' and 'Man' inscribed separately on its three components. He had simply referred to it as the 'Three Treasures.' Now that he was here, it was only natural to inquire about it.

"What do you mean, 'pretend not to know'?" The Extreme Flame Sect group felt deeply aggrieved by his words. Their initial thought was, "Why should we tell you?" Now, they thought that if they didn't say anything, this wretch might genuinely misunderstand that they were trying to conceal something.

So, another elder said in a deep voice, "The three treasures, when combined, are called 'Heaven, Earth, and Man.'"

"That's it?" Shichun felt the name was a bit crude, not as good as his own naming skills. After a moment's thought, he still preferred 'Three Treasures.' It didn't really matter; it was just a name for an object.

With his mind made up, he again cupped his hands to the group and said, "All you seniors have seen that this junior doesn't even know the name of that treasure. If the Stargazing Pavilion asks later, I'd trouble you seniors to bear witness for me."

As soon as these words were uttered, many were both shocked and angered. Did he really have to drag them into this? What was originally a matter they watched with cold detachment, they never dreamed would fall upon them. They also suspected Shichun might be talking nonsense, but they were very worried it might be true. Which normal person in the cultivation world would casually spout nonsense about the 'demonic path,' especially linking the Stargazing Pavilion with it? The Stargazing Pavilion's people were right there; even their commander had personally arrived. At this point, running one's mouth could easily cost them their lives. Furthermore, they could also risk being severely punished by the Stargazing Pavilion. In any case, given their status as a reputable sect, they wouldn't even dare to mention those two words.

Sect Leader Su said in a deep voice, "Shichun, what nonsense are you spouting? You've come to our sect today deliberately looking for trouble, haven't you?" His aura of demonic energy erupted, giving the impression he would kill Shichun if he spoke another word of nonsense.

Shichun wasn't afraid of him. If he dared to act, he would have done so already. At the very least, he wouldn't dare to make a move before the situation with the Stargazing Pavilion was clarified. Facing such a powerful force, he had never been so unyielding in his life. He waved his hand and declared, "I don't care if that treasure belongs to your Extreme Flame Sect or the Heaven-Refining Sect. Now that it's in my hands, I'm not returning it!"

As soon as these words were uttered, everyone in the Extreme Flame Sect was furious. They had seen arrogant people, but never such an arrogant little wretch who dared to be so insolent in public. Tong Mingshan, standing by, was secretly astonished. The extent of their leader's stubbornness, once he became firm, far exceeded his imagination. If it were him, he would probably stumble over his words in front of these important figures, let alone calmly and confidently confront them head-on. Young Master Nan was also somewhat startled. He subconsciously turned his head to glance at Shichun again. If this fellow kept acting like this, how was it any different from openly offending them? Did he not want to get by in the future? With their influence and power, they definitely had the ability to hunt him all over the world. He couldn't always hide and never show his face, could he?

Yin Tianlu shouted, "Shichun, you're looking for death!" He wasn't afraid of Shichun. After all, Shichun had once been chased by him all over the place. Although he hadn't directly confronted Shichun, he held a psychological advantage.

Shichun, having incurred the wrath of the crowd, ignored him. Instead, he loudly declared, "If you want me to return the treasure, that's fine, but first, let all the sects return everything they plundered from each other in the Divine Fire Domain. Your Extreme Flame Sect chased me through the Divine Fire Domain just to seize the secret method for finding divine fire. How should that account be settled? Why is it right for you to snatch others' things, but I must return what I took from you? You were chasing me; was I not allowed to fight back?"

From beginning to end, he never claimed that Wu Jinliang was the one who killed Black Tiger; his words had already taken full responsibility. Tong Mingshan was deeply moved and touched by this, as he had personally witnessed Wu Jinliang killing Black Tiger.

The Extreme Flame Sect group was also left speechless, while simultaneously displaying disdain. Principles were one thing, but as for why they could settle accounts while he couldn't, did they need to explain? It was simply about strength! Of course, as a renowned major sect, it was inappropriate to openly say such things, especially with Young Master Nan, an outsider, present. If Young Master Nan hadn't been present, they might very well have spoken their minds directly to make Shichun realize the truth.

Su Qiao's demonic aura lingered around him. He said coldly, "Shichun, you've come to my Extreme Flame Sect; are you looking for trouble?"

"No," Shichun answered directly. The one who had just been so impassioned, now changed his tone just as swiftly. "This junior did not come to forge enmity, but to resolve it. If the Extreme Flame Sect is willing to let go of what happened in the Divine Fire Domain, this junior is willing to sell the secret method for finding divine fire to the Extreme Flame Sect."

This was another huge reversal. Everyone in the Extreme Flame Sect, who had just been sneering, was stunned again, looking at each other blankly, thinking they had misheard. The demonic aura around Su Qiao gradually receded. He tentatively asked, "Sell us the secret method for finding divine fire?"

Shichun nodded. "Yes. Of course, I'm willing to sell, but you must be willing to buy. It's entirely voluntary; no one is forcing anyone."

Everyone in the Extreme Flame Sect looked at each other again. Su Qiao narrowed his eyes, staring at Shichun. His gaze flickered for a moment as he slowly asked, "You went to Mount Shudao and Profound Treasure Sect before, didn't you? You weren't selling the secret method there too, were you?"

They had already sent people to keep an eye on Bright Mountain Sect and were very clear about the movements of those coming and going.

Shichun nodded. "That's right, both of them have already bought it. As for the Ten Great Sects, I plan to sell it to all of them. This is my asking price; seniors may wish to take a look first." As he spoke, he took out a list and magically pushed it across the air.

Su Qiao grabbed it through the air, drawing the list into his hand. He shook it open and squinted at it, while the elders on either side leaned in to look as well. Their reaction after reading it was similar to the others. An elder sneered, "What an appetite! With this, you actually think you can sell it to all Ten Great Sects? Aren't you afraid of choking yourself to death?"

Shichun wanted to retort, "If you have the guts, then don't buy it." But he politely said, "Since Extreme Flame Sect is unwilling to buy, then consider it unsaid. This junior will take his leave." He cupped his hands, then turned and walked away without the slightest hesitation.

Young Master Nan's lips curled up. This scene was simply too familiar; he had just witnessed it twice already. Here it came again. That guy Shichun really did reuse the same old trick endlessly. Of course, he still had to cooperate. As for how to cooperate, he and Tong Mingshan were already well-versed. Don't hesitate, don't be confused; just turn around and follow.

Then the old story unfolded again. Su Qiao, holding the list, said in a deep voice, "Wait!"

Shichun stopped and looked back. Young Master Nan and Tong Mingshan moved in sync with him. Su Qiao pursed his lips, then slowly took a deep breath and said, "Regarding this transaction, allow us to discuss it."

Shichun was still very reasonable. "Of course, that's only proper. However, I ask the seniors to understand one thing clearly: The prerequisite for this transaction is a willingness to let go of past grievances and no longer pursue them. Otherwise, I see no reason to sell anything to an enemy! For instance, I used to fight with Li Hongjiu from Profound Treasure Sect to the death, but now all that has been put behind us. Young Master Nan can bear witness!"

Young Master Nan thought to himself, "What use is this kind of witness? Even if they don't settle accounts openly, they can still deal with you secretly. What can you do then?" Nevertheless, he smiled and nodded.

Su Qiao didn't respond to that point for now. He waved his sleeve, signaling to the disciples gathered in the hall, "Take the guests to rest first." Thus, Shichun and his group were escorted out.

Once those who shouldn't be listening further had left and only a few high-ranking officials remained, Su Qiao wasted no words. He shook the list in his hand and said, "See if we can gather enough from our own resources. If not, we'll borrow some."