“Pfft, all just for show! If Jin Yao were truly interested in reconciliation, he could simply grant the Hundred-Mile Blessed Land to the demon clan instead of putting on this whole mystical spectacle with the Wu Tong martial feast,” Mu Jiu scoffed.
In the stone chamber, while no one was paying attention, Nan Wan suddenly leapt forward, reaching for the two Wu Tong heartfires suspended in mid-air.
“Despicable!”
But someone was faster. Mu Jiu hurled his miniature Wheel of Annihilation, cleaving toward Nan Wan’s immortal sword.
Their sword and wheel clashed, each trying to snatch the heartfire, both combatants suppressed by the spiritual constraints, resulting in a stalemate.
Bai Shuo watched the chaotic scene with amusement and nudged Chong Zhao, whispering, “Ah Zhao, let’s not rush. Let them tire themselves out…” She made a gesture, “Then you can step in.”
Chong Zhao had been feeling frustrated due to the events outside the tomb earlier, but seeing Bai Shuo’s consideration for him softened his mood.
“Brother Bei Chen! Are you not going to act?” Nan Wan, realizing he was losing ground to Mu Jiu, urgently called out to Bei Chen. “This competition is, after all, a battle between the immortal and demon clans!”
Bei Chen frowned and swung his sword, separating Nan Wan’s blade from the Wheel of Annihilation. In the surge of energy, the two heartfires floated apart, one toward Mu Jiu and the other drifting toward Bai Shuo and her companions.
Reacting quickly, Bai Shuo nudged Chong Zhao forward, and the heartfire collided into his open hand. Meanwhile, the other was firmly seized by Mu Jiu.
Before Nan Wan could make another move on Chong Zhao, the Kunlun iron sword shot forward with a whizz, positioning itself in front of him.
“These two trials were resolved through cooperation between the immortal and demon clans. One heartfire for each clan is perfectly fair,” Bei Chen’s calm voice echoed.
In the stone chamber, Bei Chen’s strength commanded respect, as he was undoubtedly the strongest present, aside from the enigmatic blacksmith. Recognizing the advantage, Mu Jiu wisely halted his offensive. He tossed his heartfire lightly in his hand, flashing a taunting grin at Nan Wan.
“Fair enough, I agree.” Mu Jiu then turned to Chong Zhao. “Who would’ve guessed the immortal clan’s Wu Tong heartfire wouldn’t end up with Kunlun or Yun Xiao but rather with you? This will surely make Mystical Sect famous after this martial feast.”
Chong Zhao remained composed and silent, concealing the heartfire within his hand. He gave a respectful nod toward Bei Chen. “Thank you, Lord Bei Chen.”
Bei Chen’s earlier move to divide the heartfires between Mu Jiu and Chong Zhao was obvious to everyone.
“We’re of the same generation. No need for formalities,” Bei Chen replied with a nod.
“Bei Chen, what is the meaning of this?” Nan Wan’s face flushed with anger as he demanded an explanation.
“To dispel Sect Leader Rong Xian’s resentment, Mystical Sect deserves the most credit. This heartfire is rightfully his,” Bei Chen replied, casting a glance at Bai Shuo.
Bai Shuo raised an eyebrow, thinking, How righteous of Kunlun. They’re good allies to have!
“The Wu Tong martial feast concerns all Three Realms. You may be clearing Kunlun’s debts, but that has nothing to do with Yun Xiao,” Nan Wan said icily, glaring at Chong Zhao.
Bei Chen shifted to stand protectively in front of Chong Zhao.
Nan Wan’s expression darkened even further. “What, Kunlun is openly going to defy Yun Xiao?”
“Kunlun fears nothing.” Bei Chen’s tone remained calm, his demeanor icy.
“You!”
Nan Wan, fuming, raised his sword toward Bei Chen.
In an instant, the chamber grew tense. Bai Shuo gulped, thinking, After everything we’ve been through tonight, are they seriously about to start another fight?
She tugged at her young apprentice and Chong Zhao’s sleeves, ready to duck behind Hua Da Tie. Suddenly, beams of light shone down from above, piercing through the chamber and blinding everyone. Fan Yue pulled Bai Shuo into his arms protectively as the group braced for whatever was coming.
After a few moments, the light receded, and when they opened their eyes, they found themselves once again standing by the three nameless graves in front of the thatched hut. The stone chamber and the stone door etched with the Kunlun and fox clan totems had vanished.
Bai Shuo blinked in confusion, and Fan Yue furrowed his brow, looking toward the hut. Even Hua Da Tie’s usual playful expression darkened, a cold glint in his eyes.
“What… happened?” Mu Jiu pinched his face, looking around in bewilderment. “Was that all just a dream?”
“No.” Bei Chen looked at the Wu Tong heartfire in Mu Jiu’s hand. “The heartfire is real; the stone chamber was an illusion. We were in an illusion realm.”
“An illusion realm?” Mu Jiu muttered in exasperation, about to curse, “This damn place suppresses all spiritual energy. Who could even cast an illusion here?”
“Only the immortals and demons are restricted. The strangers’ powers remain unaffected. In Strange City, the only one capable of creating such an illusion is the King of Strange City himself.” Bei Chen’s gaze turned toward the hut.
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