Chapter 444: Why

As the sun set, night fell once more.

The leaders of the nine major sects gathered at their lodging on Shudao Mountain. They discussed at length but failed to devise a good plan to deal with Situ Gu. This was because Situ Gu not only had the powerful Refining Heaven Sect backing him, but he also wielded significant influence himself, with many willing to heed his call. After all, which of the esteemed figures in the cultivation world wouldn't want to befriend the world's foremost artifact forging master?

Crucially, it was difficult to directly confront Situ Gu with Shi Chun. If Situ Gu admitted to it, what could they do? Couldn't the Refining Heaven Sect develop methods to find divine fire for their own purposes? What business was it of theirs? Did they intend to seize it? While it might be acceptable to seize things from ordinary sects, who would dare attempt to take something from the leading sect in the artifact forging world? Thus, the matter was very difficult to handle.

As they deliberated, someone voiced a suspicion: “Could it be that Shi Chun knew Situ Gu was a tough nut to crack, and that's why he implicated him?”

Immediately, someone retorted, “If he dared to deceive us and slander the Refining Heaven Sect in this matter, he would be making an enemy of the entire artifact forging world. I think he should just bury himself somewhere and never show his face again. He's smart; he wouldn't be unaware of this.”

Someone agreed, “The reason we believe it is because there truly was an unusual connection between Situ Gu and Shi Chun. Logically, someone as proud as Situ Gu wouldn't associate with a minor figure like Shi Chun. You must have also noticed how exceptionally interested Situ Gu, with his personality, was in the Divine Fire Domain. After the entrance reopened, he even personally led a team inside, which indeed raises suspicion of him wanting to silence witnesses. In any case, it looks like he has ulterior motives.”

“Shi Chun revealing this for self-preservation is highly credible. At least one point has been confirmed by Sect Leader Gu: his disciples from Shudao Mountain indeed witnessed the existence of 'Fire God Incense'. How could such a treasure be created by anyone without significant knowledge of divine fire? Only someone with deep understanding of divine fire could produce it. Aside from those in the artifact forging world, there's almost no other possibility. Not to mention Shi Chun; even if you beat him to death, he couldn't create such a treasure as 'Fire God Incense'. And the person in the artifact forging world who knows the most about divine fire is none other than Situ Gu!” Sect Leader Su Qiao of the Extreme Fire Sect spoke with conviction.

His words were entirely logical, and many nodded slightly in agreement. However, this kind of circular talk did nothing to solve the actual problem. It came down to the same point: could the Refining Heaven Sect develop such a magical artifact? If they did, why should they share it with outsiders? While an innocent man might be punished for possessing treasure, the crucial thing was that the Refining Heaven Sect was no 'innocent man'; they were an existence that all of them looked up to.

Gu Yanduo, the often-silent Sect Leader of Shudao Mountain, saw that their discussions were going nowhere. He knew there were still too many people present for conspiratorial discussions; the circle needed to be narrowed. It would be even better if a solution could be found to act independently. A group of people constantly relying on him was something he didn't wish to endure indefinitely. Furthermore, he felt his own sect had a good chance of winning the championship, so he didn't want any further complications before then. Therefore, he slowly began, “Since we can't come up with a good solution right now, and the grand competition is imminent, I suggest we deliberate further after the competition. What do you all think?”

Everyone looked at each other, observing the attitudes of the others. Xiao Youhong, the ancient and always half-asleep Sect Leader of Daming Pavilion, suddenly opened his eyes and slowly spoke, “Sect Leader Gu has a point. The grand competition is approaching, and the betting pool has drawn the attention of the entire cultivation world. If we make a fool of ourselves now, it will be embarrassing for everyone. The Refining Heaven Sect is no pushover. It's more appropriate to address this after the competition.”

One after another, people expressed their views, some with resignation, others with hesitation or sighs. Seeing some agreement, Gu Yanduo immediately stood up. “Then let's leave it at that. Gentlemen, I won't see you out.” He cupped his hands to bid them farewell, then waved his hand, “Open the door!”

An elder from Shudao Mountain quickly went to open the door. As everyone began to stand and take their leave, a disciple hurried in from outside and reported, “Sect Leader, Sect Leader Luo of the Refining Heaven Sect has come to visit!”

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances. Gu Yanduo had no choice but to invite him in. Luo Yan of the Refining Heaven Sect hadn't come by chance. The spies of such a large sect weren't blind; they had noticed the high-ranking members of the nine major sects gathering one after another, and were unsure of the situation. He waited and waited but no one invited him. Eventually, he couldn't endure it any longer and reluctantly decided to pay a personal visit.

However, he arrived a bit late; by the time he got there, the gathering was already dispersing. No one told him the truth; they certainly couldn't say they were discussing how to deal with the Refining Heaven Sect. They just made small talk with him, and the meeting broke up right under his nose.

After leaving the Shudao Mountain residence and traveling for some distance, Sect Leader Su Qiao of the Extreme Fire Sect suddenly stopped and looked back at the dimly lit area they had just left, his gaze profound. An elder beside him quietly asked, “Sect Leader, why didn't we try to get information about the woman Situ Gu took?”

Su Qiao glanced sidelong. “Since it's a secret they deliberately concealed, do you think Luo Yan would tell us the truth? I didn't even question Shi Chun because I didn't want to tip them off. By pretending we don't know, they'll mistakenly believe we're unaware, and that's when we'll have an opportunity to act. Otherwise, even the biggest truth might vanish. Let's go; we'll talk more when we get back.”

The group quickly disappeared into the night.

Back in the courtyard, Shudao Mountain offered good tea to its guests. Luo Yan took a few tasteless sips, but ultimately failed to uncover any real information. Instead, he felt the hosts were intentionally or unintentionally trying to probe him for details. In the end, he left feeling bored and empty-handed.

It wasn't long after the various sect leaders dispersed that they reappeared as night deepened, gathering again beside the altar on the highest peak of Qi Cloud Valley. The Divine Fire Spiritual Gate was about to close the two-realm passage, signifying the imminent end of this journey into the Divine Fire Domain. Some disciples from various sects had gone missing, and it was uncertain if they would return alive. The situation was somewhat strange: some life-bound lotus lamps were still lit, indicating that the people were alive, yet they had not emerged. The longer they waited, the fainter their hopes became.

Just as everyone thought no more participants would emerge, three figures suddenly shot out from the Divine Fire Spiritual Gate above. These three were none other than Feng Zhuoyi and his companions from the Fengluo Sect. After the three landed, the high-ranking members of the Ten Major Sects looked them over and realized they didn't recognize any of them.

Someone asked, “Which sect are you from?” The three exchanged glances, and Feng Zhuoyi, steeling himself, cupped his hands and replied, “We juniors are disciples of the Fengluo Sect.” At this, several high-ranking members of the Yanbao Sect exchanged glances, recalling Li Hongjiu's instructions, but said nothing, as it wasn't appropriate to speak here. Someone waved a dismissive hand, and Feng Zhuoyi and the other two quickly bowed and left.

Just as the group descended the mountain and completed their arrangements, the elder who had remained behind came to meet them. The elder's eyes conveyed a questioning look. Feng Zhuoyi responded with a slight nod. The elder's eyes lit up with joy, and he whispered, “Let's go. We shouldn't stay here long. The sect leader instructed that once you emerged, we should withdraw directly. We won't be participating in the competition festivities.”

Feng Zhuoyi and his companions naturally complied. Thus, all participants from the Fengluo Sect withdrew and hastily departed Qi Cloud Valley under the cover of night. As the group exited the valley, they saw An Wuzhi and Zhu Xiangxin waiting by the valley entrance. They pretended not to know each other and quickly left.

They hadn't gone far when Tang Qianjin, the hidden sect leader of the Fengluo Sect, and his group emerged. Upon seeing his three returning disciples, Tang Qianjin eagerly asked, “How did it go?”

Feng Zhuoyi cupped his hands and replied, “Shi Chun kept his word; your disciple has succeeded.”

“Good!” Tang Qianjin was thrilled. The opportunity to elevate the Fengluo Sect's status had finally arrived. Without further words, he waved his hand, “We shouldn't stay here long. Let's go!” He was about to lead his group off Lihuo Island.

However, just as they reached the shore, they were intercepted by several figures who darted out. These were none other than Bai Shuchuan and his group from Jieyun Mountain. Qiao Wugong leisurely stepped forward and said indifferently, “Sect Leader Tang, where are you rushing off to?”

The movement of the life-bound lotus lamps being retrieved in the air made them realize Shi Chun had emerged alive. To prevent Shi Chun from escaping, they had sent people to covertly stake out the exit for him. They hadn't found Shi Chun, but instead stumbled upon the Fengluo Sect group. They wouldn't resort to violence within the boundaries of the Artifact Forging World Conference; they merely wanted to inquire about Shi Chun's situation. After all, this wasn't their territory, and Jieyun Mountain's influence didn't extend here, limiting their ability to gather information. They had no choice but to seek out acquaintances. This rude method of interception, however, revealed the sense of superiority that combat-focused cultivation sects held over artifact-forging sects.

Tang Qianjin slightly frowned. “Having gained nothing and feeling too ashamed to stay, we are naturally leaving dejectedly.”

Qiao Wugong smiled faintly. “In all previous Divine Fire Domain expeditions, very few sects truly managed to find divine fire. It was either due to good luck or accumulated experience, so Sect Leader Tang, there's no need to feel ashamed. I came to ask how the matter we entrusted to your sect has progressed?”

Tang Qianjin shook his head with a sigh. “Naturally, we did our best, but the situation inside was complicated. Shi Chun and his group disappeared shortly after entering, and we never encountered them. I apologize for failing you, Brother Qiao.” He said, cupping his hands regretfully.

Qiao Wugong then asked, “What's the situation with Shi Chun now?”

Tang Qianjin sighed, “My disciples were preoccupied with their own affairs and never met Shi Chun. Also, the domain is vast and sparsely populated, so we truly don't know Shi Chun's condition. Brother Qiao, perhaps you should ask others. I have an urgent matter to attend to.”

Qiao Wugong was silent for a moment, then didn't press further. After all, they couldn't act recklessly here, and there was no point in saying more harsh words. He stepped aside, making a gesture to invite them forward. Thus, Tang Qianjin led his people away. Meanwhile, the Jieyun Mountain group could only continue to stake out...

Stars, sea breeze, lights, and more and more people on the beach, creating a cacophony of sound. The rested mother and daughter, Lan Qiaoyan, also reappeared on the terrace to observe. Everyone knew the two-realm passage was about to close.

Suddenly, a group of figures flew out from the Divine Fire Spiritual Gate. All the representatives sent by the Ten Major Sects to oversee affairs within the Divine Fire Domain had emerged, landing on the mountaintop to report back to their respective sect leaders. With a command, the few individuals maintaining the spell on the altar suddenly withdrew the towering illusory flames. The Divine Fire Spiritual Gate in the sky immediately dimmed, its rotation slowing down. The luminous vortex within the giant metal ring also gradually receded until it vanished. Then, the slowly rotating giant metal ring began to shift and fly away, moving towards the direction of the Lihuo Sect's main gate.

Meanwhile, on the island in the center of the Divine Fire Domain's lake, figures emerged one by one. These were the nine guardians of the central tower, each looking with eager anticipation towards the two-realm passage, all intently sensing something.

Suddenly, the charming woman in red cupped her hands at her chest and said, “It's over, it's closed. Boss, did Zhen'er make it out?”

Everyone's gaze turned to the elderly man with horns on his head. The old man slowly closed his eyes, concentrating. After a moment, the old man suddenly opened his eyes, slowly raised his hands, and shook them vigorously. “She's out! She truly waited for her fated person, and he really took her out!”

At his words, the others were exhilarated beyond description. The youthful-looking Ninth Elder, his body wreathed in illusory flames, gazed upwards, moaning as if in ecstasy, “With the closing of the two-realm passage, our connection to Zhen'er is severed, and the array that imprisoned us is broken! We've waited for this day for too long. Let's... go!” The last word was like a roar to the heavens. He, too, shot skyward, enveloped in fierce flames, dazzling like a blazing meteor tearing through the firmament.

However, at that very moment, the entire ice-covered lake surface let out a resounding crack, instantly fracturing into countless spiderweb-like fissures, which then rapidly shattered. More accurately, the massive lake surface began to spin rapidly, churning up colossal waves mixed with countless ice shards, creating an earth-shattering commotion in an instant.

The eight people on the island looked around in horror, their bodies trembling with the quaking ground. The old man roared skyward, “Come back!” The island beneath their feet also began to spin. Dazzling golden light erupted from beneath the lake's surface, and a magnificent golden tower-like image expanded from the central tower. The tower's body cracked open like fish scales, releasing flames of various colors, while countless streams of water, like thunderbolts, surged into the scaled crevices of the tower. Under the continuous impact of the powerful water currents, the vibrant colors of the various flames quickly dulled and faded.

“Ah...”

The eight people on the island, and the Ninth Elder who was plummeting like a meteor from the sky, all let out horrific screams. Their wails were powerful enough to tear the heavens and earth apart, yet they could not break through the swirling, crushing lake water. Their true forms had been forged together with the central tower. Water overcomes fire, and at this moment, the great imprisonment array had reactivated, directly scourging their origins. The nine individuals, both in the air and on the island, enduring continuous heavy blows, could no longer withstand it. One after another, they revealed their divine fire true forms, all in a state of unbearable agony.

The old man, at the instant he revealed his true form, let out an earth-shattering mournful roar, “Su, you tricked us! Why, why...”