Chapter 472: Completion of the Task

He wouldn't have dared to boast about intercepting the Star Gazing Pavilion if its members weren't accompanying him; such a claim would be impossible to explain otherwise. Their presence, however, made the boast easier.

The nine individuals on the floor above showed varying degrees of disdain.

They had all anticipated his arrival and were well aware of the grandiosity of Luoyan's supposed claim to have "intercepted" the Star Gazing Pavilion.

Shi Chun, however, had also been informed of this beforehand. Not being one of the nine, he couldn't gauge the true extent of Luoyan's "interception." Thus, he regarded Grand Sect Master Luo with a profound look, uncertain if the claim was genuine or merely a tactic to exploit his naivety.

Furthermore, without some prior knowledge, he might have been completely taken in by the bluff. Ordinarily, escaping the Star Gazing Pavilion by this means would be a highly desirable outcome, and given the other party's status, he wouldn't have suspected them of boasting.

Now, however, skepticism naturally arose.

Unable to trust lightly, he knew he would have to slightly offend the other party, regardless of their status.

So, with an excited expression, he tentatively said, "Alright, senior, please take me there. As long as the Star Gazing Pavilion agrees to let me go, the price can be discussed."

With that single sentence, he pinpointed Luoyan's true intentions, who hadn't even offered to do it for free. The nine individuals on the floor above either smiled faintly or exchanged amused glances.

Sect Master Su Qiao of the Extreme Fire Sect, however, frowned slightly, realizing that Shi Chun was not to be trifled with. He wondered what was so amusing to the group beside him; how dare someone of such minor standing challenge Luoyan? Did they truly believe they commanded such respect from them?

Luoyan's heart sank slightly, but his face remained impassive as he stated, "Once you reveal the secret method, I will personally take you there."

He avoided discussing money, fearing he might tip his hand.

Shi Chun immediately understood: this old man, despite his age, was disrespectfully trying to trick him.

However, he wouldn't expose it; he'd be foolish to openly confront such a high-ranking figure.

He nodded excitedly, pointing to the list the other party had just handed him, "Then, senior, please provide some upfront payment."

Luoyan, who had anticipated easily controlling the situation, now felt thwarted at every turn, as if he were constantly being hit at pressure points. Each time the other party spoke, he found himself stumbling.

If he were to follow the natural flow of conversation, he should now reprimand the other party: "Does saving your life from the Star Gazing Pavilion not outweigh these valuables?"

But the problem was that he couldn't explicitly tell Shi Chun he could save his life from the Star Gazing Pavilion, nor could he explicitly make that a transaction. Such an offer could only be vaguely implied, never stated directly.

The Star Gazing Pavilion had granted him the courtesy of negotiating first, but he understood the delicate balance. If he carelessly provided any leverage, Mulan Jin, if truly displeased, could use it as a pretext to dispose of him at any moment.

At his level, he couldn't afford to easily give others leverage.

With anyone else, he wouldn't have bothered with this hassle; he would simply have taken them by force. The issue was that this person had Young Master Nan backing him, and Young Master Nan was waiting outside, watching intently.

While his Refining Heaven Sect didn't particularly care for Young Master Nan's influence, it was still significant enough to compel him to abide by public rules. If he dared to act recklessly on the spot, unless he silenced everyone present, it would be enough to land him in serious trouble.

Since he couldn't explicitly say that, he had no choice but to discuss money, following the other party's lead.

Today, he truly witnessed the tenacity of someone from the Land of Exile — stubbornly demanding, still haggling even at this stage. He said in a deep voice, "What, are you afraid I'll renege on the deal? I don't even know if what you're saying is true or false. How can I possibly give you money?"

Shi Chun replied, "If it's false, I'll return it. Senior, let me be frank: once this secret is revealed to you, it will lose its value. If you deem it worthless, then…" He gestured back and forth with his hands, "…then I truly don't know what else I can do."

Luoyan glanced at the list and scoffed, "You may not be big, but your appetite certainly is. Who would casually carry so many items? Not even the nine great sects, I presume?"

Shi Chun quickly replied, "As long as you don't blame me later. I wouldn't dare take that much from you. Just gather whatever you have on hand; it's simply a token."

He dared not haggle further, not out of fear of offending them, but because he had already signaled Wu Jinliang to contact Situ Gu. If all went as planned, Situ Gu should be arriving soon.

Once Situ Gu arrived, it would be awkward to demand money. Making someone else bear the blame while also emptying their sect's coffers was simply unacceptable; no matter how thick-skinned he was, he couldn't risk turning them into enemies.

Therefore, there was no time for them to slowly gather funds like the nine great sects. Whatever the amount, he needed to get it now.

Seeing Luoyan fall silent, the elder beside him understood and interjected, "How much is 'as much as possible'?"

Shi Chun suddenly said frankly, "Let's be clear, I wouldn't dare to take your items. This is merely collateral. As long as Sect Master Luo truly helps me resolve the issues with the Star Gazing Pavilion, I will be too grateful to take a single cent. I will certainly return all the pledged items. I only hope that the promise your sect puts forth as collateral isn't too trivial."

The rest goes without saying: if the issue isn't resolved, the collateral will naturally not be returned.

The matter came full circle, returning to a crucial point. He stated the terms of a deal that Luoyan hadn't dared to voice, and in doing so, achieved his own objective of securing a payment.

In short, this arrangement was acceptable to both parties.

Naturally, Luoyan's attempt to gain something without paying, to get something for nothing, was thwarted.

That's how negotiations work.

Consequently, the elder immediately began to gather the funds. The terms had been made clear, and too little would certainly not suffice.

As a result, they not only emptied the pockets of the elder and two disciples, but Luoyan's pocket also had to be opened, just to collect enough items for Shi Chun.

Shi Chun, however, noticed something interesting: even Luoyan's personal funds were tapped, yet the two other Refining Heaven Sect disciples nearby remained completely unconcerned, as if the matter didn't involve them.

He acutely realized that these two were not Refining Heaven Sect disciples; they were likely from the Star Gazing Pavilion.

There was no specific, accurate judgment, just a pure intuition and feeling.

"Brother Nan!" Shi Chun didn't take the pouch offered to him; instead, he shouted loudly towards the outside.

Young Master Nan then scurried in, asking what was amiss.

"Nothing much," he replied, telling him that the pouch contained collateral and asking the Refining Heaven Sect to send a disciple with him to clearly count its contents, so they could later be used to offset Young Master Nan's debt.

There was no such debt. Young Master Nan immediately understood that Shi Chun had just profited from the Refining Heaven Sect again, and fearing the sect might forcefully reclaim it, he naturally cooperated.

At the same time, he couldn't help but sigh again, lamenting that his brother's methods of acquiring wealth were indeed vastly different from his own.

As soon as the two exited, Luoyan immediately pressed, "Speak now, the secret method for locating the divine fire."

He was also in a hurry, as the Star Gazing Pavilion had set a deadline.

Shi Chun didn't prolong the explanation. He simply and directly stated, "The reason we can quickly locate the divine fire is due to an incense called 'Fire God Incense.' Once lit, if divine fire is present nearby, its scent will be drawn to it, and following the direction of the smoke will lead you directly to the divine fire's hidden location. This is the secret method you seek."

"Such a thing exists in this world?" The Refining Heaven Sect members exchanged surprised glances.

"Wait a moment," Luoyan said, frowning. "And then?"

Shi Chun spread his hands, "That's it. That's how I found the divine fire."

Luoyan pressed, "Its origin? If you can't explain its origin, how can I know if you're telling the truth?"

Shi Chun replied without hesitation, "I don't know its exact origin. The Fire God Incense was given to me by Elder Situ Gu of your esteemed sect. He instructed me to take it into the Divine Fire Domain and test it."

Everyone present fell silent, clearly stunned, as if they couldn't believe their ears.

The nine on the floor above, though unable to see the reactions of those below, could perfectly surmise their shock.

Luoyan suddenly said in a deep voice, "Shi Chun, do you truly believe I wouldn't dare touch you just because you have Namo Yu's backing? How dare you babble nonsense and try to deceive my Refining Heaven Sect!"

Although he spoke this way, his thoughts were somewhat muddled. Numerous images flashed through his mind, particularly those of Situ Gu actively approaching Shi Chun earlier. What had once been a vague sense of unease now transformed into profound astonishment and suspicion.

Shi Chun gave a wry smile. "Sect Master Luo, even if I intended to deceive you, couldn't I invent anyone? Why would I bother inventing Elder Situ? He's one of your own; if it were false, wouldn't you expose me simply by asking him?"

Another elder scoffed, "Nonsense! If Elder Situ truly possessed such a treasure, why would he not give it to our sect's disciples, but instead to an outsider like you?"

Shi Chun spread his hands. "I'm equally puzzled; I still can't comprehend it. I can't answer your question. He never told me the specifics, nor would he say anything when I asked. You'll have to ask him yourselves for the truth."

The expressions of the Refining Heaven Sect members shifted, as they were, in truth, already somewhat convinced. As before, Situ Gu's interactions with Shi Chun had been far too unusual.

"Go personally and summon Situ here," Luoyan suddenly instructed an elder nearby.

He naturally intended to call someone for a confrontation.

"Understood." The elder assented and quickly departed, knowing that the Star Gazing Pavilion had given them limited time.

As the saying goes, "better to arrive at the right time than early." The elder, having run out, returned shortly thereafter, adding, "Elder Situ is here."

Luoyan was momentarily stunned, then took a few steps toward the doorway. Indeed, he saw Situ Gu entering from outside the main gate. Without a doubt, he was here to see Shi Chun again. Luoyan's expression instantly darkened as he called out, "Junior Brother, you've arrived just in time."

He nodded in greeting, motioning him to approach.

Situ Gu's mood was also heavy, knowing he finally had to confront what he had arranged with Shi Chun. As he crossed the courtyard, he glanced at Wu Jinliang, who had returned earlier, then looked straight ahead and ascended the steps into the hall.

Luoyan stood with his hands clasped behind his back before the main hall wall, facing it for a moment. Then he turned to fix his gaze on Situ Gu, asking lightly, "Junior Brother, have you heard of Fire God Incense?"

Situ Gu, in turn, looked at Shi Chun.

Shi Chun, in turn, spread his hands, saying helplessly, "Elder Situ, your esteemed Sect Master came knocking. I had no choice but to confess honestly."

Luoyan's tone grew heavier. "Junior Brother, have you ever heard of Fire God Incense?"

Situ Gu sighed softly. "Since it has already been revealed, there's nothing left to conceal. Yes, I gave the Fire God Incense to Shi Chun, and I refined it myself."

Despite having already suspected it, the Refining Heaven Sect group still gasped when he personally admitted it.

Shi Chun glanced sideways at the floor above, two words echoing in his mind: *Mission accomplished!*

Luoyan struggled to suppress his anger. "If you possess such a treasure, why didn't you give it to our own disciples instead of an outsider?"

Situ Gu replied, "When used in the environment of the Divine Fire Domain, the item could be toxic or have unforeseen side effects."

The elder beside him couldn't help but clap his hands, exclaiming, "Junior Brother, how foolish! Why didn't you inform the sect beforehand when you refined such a thing?"

Situ Gu, having had a response prepared for him by someone, replied, "If I had informed you beforehand, you might not have informed the sect's disciples. Even if you knew it was toxic, you wouldn't have allowed outsiders to use it; you would still have compelled some participating disciples to use it."

Luoyan and the elder were speechless, caught between wanting to speak and not. Hearing such words spoken in front of their sect's disciples greatly annoyed them.

The nine hidden on the floor above were completely relieved of their doubts and profoundly agreed with Situ Gu's words. If they were in his position, they would have acted just as Situ Gu described, preferring to sacrifice some of their own disciples rather than allowing outsiders to learn the secret.

Shi Chun sighed dramatically, joining in the conversation. "I knew good things don't just fall from the sky. So, it turns out I was just a guinea pig..."

The elder, suppressing his anger, interrupted, "Junior Brother, how did you acquire the refining method for such an item?"

The moment these words were uttered, the nine on the floor above immediately tensed, all perking their ears. This was precisely what they wanted to know.

"Enough!" Luoyan urgently interjected. "Save your words for later. Let's go!"

True secrets should not be revealed in front of outsiders.

With a flick of his sleeve, he strode away, barely containing his rage.

Situ Gu looked towards Shi Chun, but was yanked by the arm by a fellow elder who sharply commanded, "Move!"

As soon as they stepped out, Shi Chun scurried after them. "Sect Master Luo, regarding the Star Gazing Pavilion, you see..."

Luoyan, without looking back, flung his sleeve towards the sky. "You demand my Refining Heaven Sect's property for an affair concerning my Refining Heaven Sect? My not pursuing this further is already generous enough. Go, fend for yourself!"

His words, laced with anger, essentially meant, "Go to hell."

It also served as a convenient excuse to shirk responsibility.

Shi Chun, who had rushed down the steps, froze in place, watching the group depart. He then suddenly realized something was amiss. Noticing that a group of people in the courtyard were staring behind him, he turned around to find that the two unusual-looking Refining Heaven Sect disciples had not left with the others; they were standing right behind him.

Shi Chun politely began, "Excuse me, you two…"

Before he could finish speaking, one of the men directly produced a token and held it out to him.

The token, engraved with star and moon patterns, was strikingly vibrant, almost eerily so, and where the sunlight caught it, the colors seemed to shimmer and drip.

Shi Chun had never seen it before, but he had already guessed what it was, and the outcome was precisely as he expected.

The token holder declared, "By Xuanji Token, on official business for the Star Gazing Pavilion. We request the Clear Mountain Sect to accompany us!"

A quiet astonishment was visible on everyone's faces in the courtyard.

The nine individuals hidden on the floor above, who had been intently listening, became as still as stone statues, careful to avoid making any unusual sound.

Shi Chun sighed inwardly. Regardless, he had successfully distanced himself from the Fire God Incense matter; it was now Situ Gu's burden to bear. As for the nine high-ranking figures hidden in the room, he wondered if he would ever have the chance to see them again. In any case, there was no need for farewells now; they likely wouldn't want him to bother, and being overly polite at this moment might only annoy them further.

He also sighed aloud, "They came eventually." Then, pointing to the adjoining room, he added, "Wait a moment, let me call our Sect Master."

Without waiting for their agreement, he walked directly to the adjoining room, pushed open the door, and stood at the entrance. To Tong Mingshan, who was seated in meditation, he said, "Sect Master, finish your cultivation; it's time to go. People from the Star Gazing Pavilion are here."

As he spoke, he secretly retrieved a mother-child talisman. With his back to the others, he quickly sent a message: "Qingqing, your father sent people to intercept me. If they truly take me away, I don't know if I'll ever see you again in this life. I guess we'll have to reschedule that competition for our next life."

After sending the message, he felt a bit anxious watching Tong Mingshan slowly conclude his cultivation, unsure if Mulan Qingqing would see the message in time.

Fortunately, Mulan Qingqing quickly replied, asking, "Where are you now?"

Shi Chun quickly replied, "Still inside Qi Yun Valley."