In truth, there are indeed differences between those who grew up in the Exile Lands and those who grew up outside. Sun and Xiang wanted to apply the outside world's moral standards to those two, which was a bit of an overestimation; there was bound to be a gap.
However, the two simply couldn't comprehend how there could be such people. Your female companion is being teased right in front of you, and as men, it's one thing not to bravely step forward, but at least say something to stop it, right? At the very least, don't pretend not to see and just walk away.
Even if you're timid and timid, this is the Imperial Capital Immortal Mountain, where the Immortal Court Guards are present. In such an environment, you don't even dare to speak?
They thought that if Shi and Wu just said something, they could immediately smooth things over and resolve the grievance, but the outcome was completely unexpected, even beyond their comprehension.
What to do now that someone has already hugged them?
In that moment of stillness, Sun and Xiang, stunned, looked back at each other. Xiang Lan'er reacted swiftly, with a loud slap that opened Sun Shigang’s cheek.
On the other side, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang hadn't completely lost their sense of morality. They walked quickly for a reason—they wanted to notify Bian Weiying to come and save them as soon as possible.
Bian Weiying, after all, had collaborated with Stone Cloud Mountain, the top sect of Sheng Prefecture. Now that they encountered the strong forces of Falling Moon Valley, what better time than now?
Without needing to communicate, a glance between the two was enough to understand what needed to be done.
That slap was indeed loud, directly alarming Bian Weiying, who was inside. The returning Shi Chun immediately pointed towards the other side and said, “Senior Sister, that guy is actually hugging your sister-in-law in public.”
Wu Jinliang nodded emphatically, looking very indignant, “It’s simply outrageous.”
The two reported the situation, further escalating the matter. Given the circumstances, Bian Weiying immediately exploded in anger, shouting, “Stop!”
Over there, Sun Shigang, who was slapped, had already grabbed Xiang Lan’er's wrist, pointing at her nose in humiliation.
Bian Weiying swiftly moved over, letting Gan Tangyu, who was inside, follow quickly. The two sides immediately engaged in a confrontation.
Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, however, didn't have any intention of joining; instead, they hid under the eaves, as if watching from a distance was much safer.
The two had already equated the competition grounds to the Exile Lands, well aware of the risks of provoking strong enemies there. Having decided that once they entered the Western Extreme Arena, it was best to break free and act independently. Getting entangled with strong enemies even before things started would make it much harder to escape later. With Stone Cloud Mountain on their side, let them deal with the Falling Moon Valley people.
They hoped Stone Cloud Mountain would thoroughly teach Falling Moon Valley a lesson. How outrageous, to intimidate women in front of them, not taking them seriously at all.
“Will these people be torn apart by those behind the enchantress later?” Wu Jinliang quietly wondered.
Shi Chun replied, “Jinliang, lust is a perilous road. You should take heed of this!”
Wu Jinliang retorted, “What does that have to do with me…”
Even before finishing the sentence, Sun Shigang suddenly bypassed the people in front of him, turning around to angrily point at them under the eaves, shouting, “Is it you meddling? Fine, just you wait!”
He was left with no other option. At this point, even without a clear outlet, he had to lash out.
Under Bian Weiying's threat to call the Immortal Mountain Guards, Sun Shigang threw down harsh words, gestured to others from Falling Moon Valley, and retreated hastily.
What just happened? Now it was Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang's turn to be dumbfounded under the eaves, their eyes blankly expressing disbelief. They asked themselves; they had been very low-key, had hidden away, had nothing to do with the affair, yet still got dragged in. Where was the logic in this?
The feeling of misfortune descending upon them was palpable.
"Let it go, the strength of Falling Moon Valley is not weak. Even if the guards detained Sun Shigang, there are four others. It's unwise to make such strong enemies at this time. You also slapped him…"
Returning, Bian Weiying consoled Xiang Lan'er.
Xiang Lan'er didn't care about that. What she cared about was Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang's behavior earlier. They left her and ran away. What kind of men were they?
Could they have known she was associated with Sun Shigang? That was impossible. She had just learned about Sun Shigang's identity.
Did they see through the act? No, she quickly found the answer for herself—because they knew she was of the demonic path...
As someone who usually acted like a pitiful little wife, it wasn't easy for her to publicly reprimand her benefactors. She swallowed the words that were about to come out.
However, Bian Weiying couldn't let it go. After walking up the stairs, she scoffed at them, “Watching a companion being humiliated without helping, you two are quite something for men.”
Still dazed by the sudden misfortune, the two snapped back. Wu Jinliang asked bewildered, “Senior Sister, wasn't it you saying not to get involved? Didn't we come calling for you?”
Bian Weiying replied, “Couldn't you stop it yourselves?”
Shi Chun answered, “Senior Sister, without your approval, would we dare to recklessly offend other sects? Weren't you just warning us not long ago, about being impulsive and causing trouble, using the distribution of talismans to threaten us into behaving? Did you forget saying that not long ago? Besides coming to call you over, what else could we have done?”
Wu Jinliang nodded promptly, “Indeed, we were in a difficult position.” That reasoning left Bian Weiying speechless.
Xiang Lan'er also suddenly understood and believed. So this is how it was.
Yet, Bian Weiying still needed an out, saying, “Why don’t you behave like this in the sect?”
With that, she turned and went back inside.
Wu Jinliang shrugged at Xiang Lan'er, unable to argue, clearly looking helpless.
Soon, the Heavenly Rain Meteor Conference arrived as scheduled, causing a sensation in the Imperial Capital, though only a few had the chance to witness it personally.
The immense martial arena, surrounded by mountains, originally served for the Heavenly Courts’ troops training. It was temporarily commandeered for the conference, swarming with crowds, among them Elder Ke and two disciples from Wukang Mountain.
Rumor had it that to allow direct observation of the battle in the Northern Wastelands and Western Extremes within the arena, the royal court employed two treasures, the Ultimate Mountain and River Map and the Heaven-Gazing Mirror, supposed to work together to provide a clear view of another realm. Many were unaware of how these two treasures interacted, only knowing the prolonged use of over three months would incur a massive cost.
Given the vast number of attendees, the royal court couldn’t accommodate everyone. Each participating sect was only allowed three people inside the arena.
Miao Dingyi brought his wife and daughter as well. Today, Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan were elegantly dressed. Instead of merging into the bustling crowd entering the arena, they headed directly to a hill at the edge of the arena, offering a better viewing spot.
“Oh! Qiaoyan, this is your daughter, right? She’s becoming more beautiful by the day.”
“Jingfen, your family has three such beautiful girls.”
Among the pavilions, surrounded by food and drink, nobles mingled, greeting acquaintances as soon as they entered.
While socializing, Miao Dingyi occasionally glanced at the neighboring hill.
Inside the arena, a unique commotion arose, prompting everyone to turn and look. A group of well-dressed men and women entered, leading them a middle-aged man whose fancy outfit seemed lazily worn, his demeanor carefree, adorned with a trendy little mustache.
From the crowd's reaction, it was clear this person wasn't ordinary. Many greeted him as “Young Master Nan,” though he seemed more middle-aged. He casually greeted back with a wave.
Some took him seriously, others not so much, while occasionally, there were those who, needing his favor, approached him obsequiously.
Spotting Miao Dingyi, Young Master Nan waved and called out with a smile, “Brother Miao, is this your wife and niece?”
Lan Qiaoyan recognized him as the person behind the betting pools for the conference, compelling her husband to invest a hefty sum. She immediately introduced her daughter while greeting him.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with the ladies, Young Master Nan noticed Miao Dingyi glancing towards the pavilions on the neighboring hill, and he remarked with a smile, “There’s still time there; even if someone does come, they won’t arrive this early.”
The neighboring hill offered the best viewing spot, reserved for certain potential guests, inaccessible to the so-called nobles here.
Realizing his overthinking, Miao Dingyi laughed, “Go attend to your friends.”
“I'll see you later; I'm off to say hello,” Young Master Nan clasped hands in salute, making a point to nod at Miao Yilan before leaving.
Once most attendees were seated in the arena, an expanse of light projected above, akin to a scene in a mirror, showing numerous participants heading towards the Xun Gate. Scenes shifted occasionally, all reflecting similar Xun Gate scenes, indicating multiple gates operating simultaneously for the conference participants.
Initially, the arena erupted with exclamations, many witnessing such miraculous treasures for the first time in their lives.
Elder Ke, seated on the steps, watched the projection closely, trying to spot anyone from Wukang Mountain.
Even on the hilltop pavilion, Lan Qiaoyan and Miao Yilan couldn't resist scanning consciously.
Many sect members did the same, though finding familiar faces amid the masses was highly unlikely.
By this time, Shi Chun and the others had already entered the Xun Gate passage, trailing behind Bian Weiying, who led the group affiliated with Stone Cloud Mountain.
Stone Cloud Mountain had gathered a large crowd, Shi Chun observed, possibly over a hundred strong. From the noise generated during their assembly and departure, it was evident that several groups had emerged from Sheng Prefecture’s people.
Exiting the passage, they were greeted with the sight of a fiery evening sky and a sea of people nearby, with endless desolation in the distance. To Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, this desolate scene felt all too familiar. They exchanged a glance, feeling as if they had returned home.
Inside, a dormant energy seemed to awaken gradually, reminiscent scenes of life and death flashing subtly before their eyes, their expressions subtly tightening, embodying an eagle-eyed, wolf-like vigilance. The tension, seemingly eased earlier, abruptly returned due to the surrounding environment.
(This chapter ends)