Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

Chapter 970 - 824: Not Competing

Shi Chun didn't expect that the first time he met Dongguo Shou, he would publicly respond to him with strong words.

Originally on the same side, seeing the other's background, he even thought about currying favor.

But the problem lay in those two words, "publicly." After the other party made a forceful entrance, he immediately demanded in front of everyone that Wu Jinliang give an explanation. This was a bit dangerous!

He knew what the supposed desecration of the other party's Sect Leader was about. Wu Jinliang had mentioned it to him later, expressing his concerns. At that time, there was no choice but to save Li Hongjiu; he was worried that Dongguo Shou would verify this with his sect afterward, and the Carefree Sect would cause trouble for him.

They hadn't even left the Demon Realm yet, and Dongguo Shou was already demanding an explanation in public, clearly having realized what was going on.

By making this public scene, Wu Jinliang had no way to explain, claiming it was false meant public admission of desecrating the other party's Sect Leader. Firmly insisting it was true under the gaze of everyone present was irrefutable evidence, and they would still have to face the truth later.

All these sect disciples were like this, especially disciples from a Great Sect like the Carefree Sect. Shi Chun suspected that if Dongguo Shou truly learned about the desecration of their Sect Leader publicly, he was very likely to deal with Wu Jinliang on the spot.

Wu Jinliang got into this trouble trying to help him rescue Li Hongjiu. Even if he wasn't helping him, he couldn't just sit back and watch Wu Jinliang get entangled in this mess.

They were in the same team and hadn't even won the championship; would they kill each other?

He didn't know if Dongguo Shou did this publicly without much thought, or if he had other intentions.

In any case, he didn't want this topic to continue further. Once it was dragged out publicly, things would get dangerous. No matter if they admitted it publicly or not, it'd be trouble for them.

But to deal with such a forceful person, how could pleasantries persuade him? Hence, he decided to directly speak from the heart in public.

Isn't a Great Sect's dignity important? Let's see if you care about your own dignity and whether you'll tear your own face apart for everyone to see.

He wanted the other party to understand, can you truly settle the score?

If the score can't be settled, are you going to kill to settle it?

If it really came to a fight, even if several from the Mingshan Sect joined forces, they might not fear the other party. But since the Heavenly Court Team hadn't won yet, it concerned his future. He didn't want to engage in a fratricidal conflict with the top talents in the same team now.

Sure enough, once he said this, Dongguo Shou's face stiffened as though it froze. His mouth twitched slightly, and his gaze moved away from Wu Jinliang's face, glaring directly at Shi Chun.

The group from the Mingshan Sect, including Wu Jinliang, were all shocked by the Master's forcefulness, especially Wu Jinliang, who broke into a small sweat.

The other members of the nearby Heavenly Court Team had faces full of uncertainty and concern, not knowing what the two sides were trying to do. Seeing things were inappropriate, they were also worried about a fight breaking out between the two sides.

"Are you Shi Chun?" Dongguo Shou had already recognized him but confirmed it anyway.

He felt the current situation was somewhat different from what the Commander described in a rush. The Commander said this guy had almost coughed up all his blood, suggesting he was on the verge of collapse and could fall at any moment. To rescue him, they ordered indiscriminate bombardment, undoubtedly having mistakenly killed many of their own.

But now, seeing this aggressive gaze, how did this person seem on the verge of collapse?

"Yes." Shi Chun nodded slightly, not wanting to discuss anything else with him. He coldly pressed again, "Did you lose my Sky Splitting Sword?"

The indifferent grandeur on Dongguo Shou's face vanished, revealing a hint of contemplation. The Sky Splitting Sword was arranged for him by the Commander, but he also knew it was borrowed by the Commander from Shi Chun.

The current issue was that many should know about this. If he didn't admit he lost it, there would undoubtedly be a lot of whispers behind his back.

But the key point was, if he didn't want to renege on the responsibility and admitted he lost it, naturally, he would have to compensate. Such a valuable treasure, could he afford to compensate? He couldn't even guarantee now that he could retrieve the Sky Splitting Sword, how to respond?

Shi Chun glanced towards Wu Jinliang, almost wanting to ask how long he planned to watch the show.

Wu Jinliang reacted to his cue, immediately waking up and quickly cooperating by saying, "Chun Tian, let it go. The sword was borrowed by the Commander and has nothing to do with Brother Dongguo. The Commander will sort it out later. Now that a great enemy is at hand, let's deal with the external threat first instead of causing internal strife."

As he spoke, he looked at Dongguo Shou and asked, "Brother Dongguo, what do you say?"

Before Dongguo Shou could respond, he immediately turned to the surrounding Heavenly Court members and asked, "Colleagues, what do you think?"

What else could those from the Heavenly Court Team say? In the midst of heavy troops, they naturally didn't want to see internal strife, for fear of causing trouble for themselves.

"Yes, the urgent matter is most important."

"That's right, the major issue comes first."

"Indeed, the Commander will have a fair judgment on this matter."

"Brother Chun, Brother Dongguo, this is not the place to discuss these things. Let's talk later, what do you think?"

The crowd started to chime in and persuade them.

Finally, it was Shi Chun who first nodded and backed down, taking the initiative to apologize to Dongguo Shou by cupping his hands, "Everyone is right, the major issue comes first. Brother Dongguo, I was rash on this matter, please forgive me."

Holding hard was for this moment of retreat, seeking survival through struggle.

Countless offenses have been committed already. If victorious, one must establish footing in the Heavenly Court. With the return of this individual, lacking opposition, the Heavenly Court Team has a great chance of winning the championship. Not offending him is preferable.

Offending him brings no benefit, only trouble. Why engage in fruitless matters? With his capabilities now, no matter how much face he seeks, it cannot surpass that of the Carefree Sect. There's no need to fight for face.

He, known for being sensible, naturally knows how to make a choice.

With so many steps offered, what else could Dongguo Shou say? He nodded slightly, and this matter passed as if everyone was happy.

Here internal unity was achieved, and the Heavenly Court Team members scattered within various factions quickly disengaged and gathered here. The backbone has returned; everyone swiftly assembles around it, demonstrating the power of influence.

Despite Shi Chun having killed Su Jikuan and Luo Que, while Dongguo Shou hasn't claimed a single head, in terms of influence, Shi Chun cannot match Dongguo Shou.

This is inevitable. Dongguo Shou's entrance halted the battle, intimidating the entire scene, while Shi Chun was constantly staggering, spitting blood, on the verge of collapse. The Command Center was ordering everyone to rescue him at any cost. Faces have been forfeited for practical gains; naturally, his influence cannot compete with Dongguo Shou.

Shi Chun also desired both face and gains, but at the time it was impossible. Holding onto face frightened people away, preventing absorption of killing aura.

Many things end up counterproductive this way.

Now, he accepts it, as even great achievements cannot dethrone Domain Master Manxi. Given no other issues, there is certainly a place for him among the four secondary Commanders. Competing with Dongguo Shou for first is meaningless now.

Surely, the killing of Su Jikuan and Luo Que should count as merit?

Therefore, he now adopts the attitude of looking to Dongguo Shou as the leader. With a glance at Wu Jinliang, Wu Jinliang immediately hustles over to flatter Dongguo Shou, to curry favor, seizing the moment when Dongguo Shou must adopt a restrained attitude.

As this side gathers, members from other teams dare not obstruct. Without their core figure able to entangle Dongguo Shou, who dares to hinder?

Not only do they not block, but they retreat urgently, not daring to concentrate, scattering in all directions. The Command Centers of each team do not obstruct either; the outcome of concentrated Demon Rider formations serves as a cautionary example. Only by retracting force can the opportunity to turn the tables be brewed.

The Heavenly Court Team's Command Center bursts with joy, Commander Manxi invigorated, immediately ordering Shi Chun to swiftly collect those tokens from Extreme Abyss.

Shi Chun responded: At your command!

He had to do it regardless. He clearly understands that only by firmly grasping those tokens can the level of his merit be secured.

Manxi replied: For safety's sake, I'll have Dongguo Shou personally escort you to Extreme Abyss.

To this, Shi Chun disagreed but thought of the control over merit distribution resting in others' hands, he did not directly disobey, replying: Please trouble the Commander to give the Mother-child Talisman to Xuanji Token Master.

Manxi naturally can't refuse their communications, immediately transferring the Mother-child Talisman to Mulan Jin.

Mulan Jin, slightly puzzled, asked upon receiving the Mother-child Talisman: What's the matter?

Shi Chun promptly relayed the tasks Manxi wants him to do.

After reading, Mulan Jin knew it wasn't that simple, asking: Do you have any objections?

Shi Chun replied: The tokens in Extreme Abyss are really unnecessary for Dongguo Shou. With only Dongguo Shou left as the top warrior of the Five Great Teams, the major outcome will be decided by Dongguo Shou sweeping through the heroes. Our Mingshan Sect will guard those tokens, ensure protection of your beloved daughter, and guarantee her safety and smooth conditions until the Battle of Great Pardon concludes. This is ultimately my critical task, really avoiding further accidents.

Simply put, his merits on the battlefield of the Battle of Great Pardon have already risen to the limit. Why risk snatching the tokens? Let the rest be Dongguo Shou's effort.

Mulan Jin replied with two words: Very good.

Directly agreed, nothing pleases more than prioritizing his daughter's safety. With the battle nearing its end, it's certainly not the time for mistakes.

After brief contemplation, he transmitted: "Dongguo Shou and Li Hongjiu are at odds. It's better to let Shi Chun's group head to Extreme Abyss."

An excuse was found, though even without a reason, he spoke, and Manxi would oblige.

Manxi also noticed one thing: the Mother-child Talisman used to communicate with Shi Chun was kept by Mulan Jin himself afterward…

Using the cover provided by troops in the air, Shi Chun led Tong Mingshan and others to evade the Heavenly Mirror's mirror image, quietly leaving.

Many present witnessed it, and even if any spies saw it, it doesn't matter; this area isn't far from the Extreme Abyss Rift Valley. When spies leak the news and reactions occur, Shi Chun's group would have already entered the Extreme Abyss.

An Wuzhi and others received the summons, hastened to meet up. Mingshan Sect's members gathered again, two fewer than when leaving Extreme Abyss previously, the deceased Hao Ji, and Chai Wenwu, whereabouts unknown.

In the darkness of Extreme Abyss, Feng Chi was thrilled. She learned through the Demon Path that Shi Chun had slain Luo Que again.

Following marks left by Shen Moming in Extreme Abyss, Shi Chun's group spent a little time to successfully locate them.

Within the cave, seeing Feng Chi's chick bobbing its head, chirping, "Sister…"