188: Since that's the case, then let's fight.

Hidden within the distant mountains and forests were many Cultivators from other forces. They had rushed over after hearing the news and were now lurking in the shadows, curiously observing the situation unfolding before them.

“My god... what is going on here? How exactly did the Yin Shen Sect offend the Haotian Sect and the Cloud Sea Sect to make these two great Sects mobilize so aggressively, even bringing their flying boats right up to the mountain gate?”

“Who knows! But judging by this formation, the Yin Shen Sect is likely doomed today. They might really be destroyed directly by the combined efforts of the two Sects!”

“In my opinion, the structure of the Four Great Sects in Flame Continent is probably going to change today.”

“You underestimate the Yin Shen Sect too much! They have produced quite a few powerful experts over the years. How could they be destroyed so easily? To truly deal with them, at least three Sects must join forces. The Haotian Sect and the Cloud Sea Sect alone are still lacking.”

“It's great if they fight! It's best if they both suffer heavy losses. Maybe then we can pick up some scraps and gain some benefits! Even if we gain nothing, just observing these powerful experts fighting will help our cultivation, won't it?”

“Hmph, the Yin Shen Sect has finally met its match!” In the corner, an old-faced Foundation Establishment Cultivator cursed under his breath, “How outstanding was my talent back then? They refused to take me as a Personal Disciple! Now they're finally getting their retribution!”

The discussions rose and fell, and the situation in front of the mountain gate was already tense. The Haotian Sect had mobilized so many powerful Sect experts this time, clearly aiming for more than just one or two Prodigy Disciples.

Daoist Yun Luo would absolutely not stop until he tore a sizable piece of flesh from the Yin Shen Sect.

The Third Elder of the Cloud Sea Sect beside him had the same intention. As for destroying the Yin Shen Sect entirely?

That was impossible. The strength of the Four Great Sects in Flame Continent was inherently similar. Even if the two Sects combined had the power to destroy it, the Yin Shen Sect's centuries of heritage were undeniable. If they truly forced it into a death struggle, who could guarantee they would escape unscathed?

Just then, several dazzling streams of light sped rapidly from the direction of the Yin Shen Sect's Main Peak, moving like lightning, and instantly landed in front of the mountain gate.

Leading them was a fat old man with white hair. Although his face seemed benevolent, a hint of majesty was hidden between his brows. This was none other than Qin Chen, the Sect Master of the Yin Shen Sect. Following him were several white-haired, steady-breathed Elders, all high-ranking Elders of the Yin Shen Sect.

Qin Chen's sharp gaze swept over the Haotian Sect and Cloud Sea Sect members before him, pausing particularly on Daoist Yun Luo and the Third Elder of the Cloud Sea Sect. He said in a deep voice, “What is the meaning of all of you bringing so many people to surround my Yin Shen Sect's mountain gate first thing in the morning?”

Seeing Qin Chen finally appear, Daoist Yun Luo revealed a cold smile. “Sect Master Qin, let's be frank. Earlier, this poor Daoist came to your door politely to reason with you and seek justice, but since your Yin Shen Sect refuses to take the gentle approach, this poor Daoist can only change tactics.”

The Third Elder of the Cloud Sea Sect turned his gaze toward Qin Tianxing, his smile growing brighter. “Fellow Daoist Qin, surely now we can sit down and properly renegotiate?”

Qin Tianxing stood among the group of Elders, his expression still calm, as if he didn't feel the surrounding pressure. He merely smiled faintly:

“I still stand by what I said. That matter is non-negotiable.”

“Silence!” Before Daoist Yun Luo could speak, the Grand Elder of the Yin Shen Sect suddenly reprimanded him sharply. His brow furrowed as he looked sternly at Qin Tianxing: “With the armies of two Sects pressing down, you still dare to speak so impulsively? Do you intend to push the entire Sect into a fiery pit before you stop?”

Upon hearing this, faint Spiritual Qi ripples suddenly appeared around Daoist Yun Luo. The pressure of the Deity Transformation Realm spread out like a tide.

“This poor Daoist truly admires Fellow Daoist Qin's composure, remaining unfazed even when Mount Tai collapses before him.”

As his words fell, an invisible pressure suddenly rushed toward Qin Tianxing!

Although Qin Tianxing had secured the position of Second Elder by relying on his shrewd vision and decisive actions, in terms of Realm, he was still far behind a Deity Transformation Realm expert like Daoist Yun Luo.

Of course, the gap was not just in Realm; it was also in cultivation age!

If the two were similar in age, Qin Tianxing would only need a glance to kill him.

When that pressure struck, he felt a tightness in his chest, and his breath instantly became labored.

Just then, the Grand Elder casually raised his hand, and a gentle yet immensely powerful Spiritual Force dispersed the pressure.

The Grand Elder waved his hand casually, dissipating the pressure for Qin Tianxing. He forced a smile and cupped his hands toward Daoist Yun Luo: “Daoist Yun Luo, let's talk properly. Why bother haggling over a young junior?”

Qin Chen took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in his heart. “Everyone, things have come to this point; further talk is useless. Why don't you just say it directly: what will it take for you to retreat?”

Daoist Yun Luo and the Third Elder of the Cloud Sea Sect exchanged glances, a flicker of triumph visible in their eyes.

Daoist Yun Luo spoke first: “It's not difficult for us to retreat. First, hand over the four Prodigies you brought back from the Lesser Exquisite Grotto-Heaven. Second, compensate my Haotian Sect with one bottle of nine-grade Medicinal Pills, plus twenty earth-rank magic treasures or Divine Abilities, whichever you prefer.”

“The demands of my Cloud Sea Sect are consistent with the Haotian Sect's,” the Third Elder of the Cloud Sea Sect immediately added. “As long as Sect Master Qin produces these items, the matter today will be settled.”

As soon as the two sets of conditions were thrown out, the expressions of the Yin Shen Sect's high-ranking members changed drastically. Earth-rank Divine Abilities were one thing, but how precious were nine-grade Medicinal Pills? How could they possibly compensate them?

Moreover, the other party specified a bottle, not just a single pill.

Qin Chen's fingers clenched slightly, and he spoke slowly, enunciating each word: “Don't you all think these conditions are a bit too excessive?”

“Excessive?” Daoist Yun Luo chuckled. “This poor Daoist is usually easy to talk to. Since Sect Master Qin finds it excessive, this poor Daoist will offer an alternative condition.”

His gaze landed on Qin Tianxing, and he slowly said, “Just hand over those four Prodigies, ten earth-rank magic treasures, plus this Fellow Daoist Qin, and the matter will be settled.”

This latter condition seemed much more lenient, but in reality, if the Yin Shen Sect agreed to it, the Sect would inevitably collapse and disperse within a hundred years.

Qin Chen's face alternated between green and white. He turned his head to look at the Sect behind him, his gaze sweeping over the frightened Disciples on the plaza. His heart was filled with mixed emotions. These Disciples, this Sect—they were the Foundation accumulated by the Yin Shen Sect over hundreds of years, and they absolutely could not be destroyed due to a momentary impulse.

The Grand Elder narrowed his eyes, looking at Qin Tianxing, whose expression was still calm, and his own face grew increasingly displeased.

Although it was undeniable that the Yin Shen Sect's rise today was largely thanks to this young man, his style of work and methods were too rigid and aggressive, and the Grand Elder genuinely disliked and disapproved of them.

Just like this time—he had directly dragged the Sect into a dilemma.

He took a deep breath, glanced at the conflicted Qin Chen, and suddenly stepped forward.

“Do you all truly think my Yin Shen Sect is a soft persimmon, easily manipulated by anyone?”

“Give you an inch, and you dare to take a mile!”

“If that's the case, then let's fight!”

A powerful ripple of Spiritual Force spread out centered on him. His cultivation base at the second layer of Soul Transformation was revealed without reservation, stirring the very air around him.