After descending from the peak of Fiery Cloud Mountain, Shu Han's heart finally eased a bit.

Learning from Song Jinglun that the Core Formation elder was primarily here to monitor the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect and not specifically to capture him was somewhat reassuring.

Although Shu Han still didn't know why the elder wanted to kill him, as long as it had nothing to do with the Immaculate Realm, it probably wasn't a major issue.

Moreover, Song Jinglun mentioned he would send a covert warning. Still, Shu Han knew he shouldn't let his guard down and should limit his ventures down Fiery Cloud Mountain in the future. The elder, having been assigned to lurk around the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, surely wouldn't dare to take any action on the mountain itself. Otherwise, it would disrupt the delicate balance between the Green Thunder Sect and the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect – a responsibility he couldn't bear.

While Shu Han felt relieved, Song Changyi became increasingly somber. Only after realizing the depth of the matter did he come to know that the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, which he took such pride in, was actually under the control of others. What's more, they even tacitly approved of the Green Thunder Sect's covert surveillance. This revelation left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Shu Han consoled, "It's an inevitable situation. However, once the Sect Leader achieves the Nascent Soul stage in nine years, Fiery Cloud Instant Sect will be on par with Green Thunder Sect. By then, we won't have to tolerate this covert suppression."

Song Changyi nodded, agreeing with Shu Han's view.

However, Shu Han expressed his own concerns, "To put it bluntly, it's well-known in the northern Great Cloud that our Sect Leader will break through to the Nascent Soul during the 'Fiery Sun Dominating the Sky' event. Brother Song, do you really think that Green Thunder Sect and Devil Music Sect would stand idly by as another Nascent Soul sect rises?"

Song Changyi scoffed, "If they wanted to make a move, they would have done so already! Brother Yu, you might not know, but in the north of Great Cloud, these two Nascent Soul sects aren't omnipotent. Otherwise, there wouldn't be the so-called 'Righteous Six Sects'."

"Oh? How so?"

Song Changyi explained, "Behind the 'Righteous Six Sects' lie the shadows of other major sects. Green Thunder Sect wouldn't dare to act against us openly. Take, for example, my mother's Tang lineage, which branched out from the Heavenly Fire Sect. Even though it's ancient history, Green Thunder Sect still needs to give some face to the Heavenly Fire Sect."

So that's how it is! No wonder the Green Thunder Sect hasn't overtly swept away the other five sects but rather formed the 'Righteous Six Sects' in Great Cloud.

Song Changyi saluted with folded hands, "Brother Yu, please be cautious in the future. If that Core Formation elder does not heed my father's warning and covertly takes action against you without concrete evidence, our hands will be tied."

Shu Han chuckled, "My life is notoriously hard to take. That old man would need to up his game if he wants to end me!"

Song Changyi burst out laughing, "Well said! I look forward to meeting you on the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard's platform. The night has deepened, and we have battles tomorrow. You should focus on healing so you won't miss tomorrow's match."

After seeing Shu Han to the cave entrance, Song Changyi turned and left.

Watching Song Changyi's silhouette fade into the night, Shu Han couldn't help but sigh.

Song Changyi is genuinely a good man.

Today, seeing Tang Shan'er and Song Jinglun get along seemed harmonious. He hoped that Tang Shan'er wasn't the mastermind behind the plots against Song Jinglun.

Otherwise, Song Changyi would be in a very unfortunate situation.

However, Shu Han found Song Jinglun's behavior a bit odd.

When he mentioned the Green Thunder Sect Core Formation elder's attempt on his life, the sect leader didn't show any shock or surprise. Instead, he was calm and composed, almost as if he had expected it.

Moreover, when he inquired about the reason for the attack, Song Jinglun claimed ignorance. Yet, his tone and demeanor hardly seemed genuine!

The more Shu Han interacted with him, the stranger he felt.

A sense of unfathomable depth grew stronger.

That night, Shu Han quickly used spirit stones to restore his spiritual power, and by dawn, he had fully recuperated.

However, the injuries from last night's battle hadn't completely healed. Still, they wouldn't affect today's match.

He arrived early at the Heavenly Fire Platform to check the information for today's battles.

A name struck him immediately.

Meng Shuran! It was her!

Fortunately, it wasn't Han Su. With the slight injuries he carried and being not in his prime condition, facing Han Su now would be quite disadvantageous.

Bai Xingyan arrived early to cheer for Shu Han. Behind him, Di Guxue, who had been watching him like a hawk, followed closely.

Ever since Bai Xingyan topped the Earthfire Leaderboard, Di Guxue coldly trailed him, seeking him out for battles whenever inspiration struck. In the past month, Bai Xingyan had fought more than he had in his entire previous life.

It was tough and exhausting, but he was ecstatic!

After a short wait and as the seventh group's battles approached, Shu Han scanned the area but still couldn't find Wei Haolong.

He couldn't help but worry, wondering if the young man had isolated himself. It was almost time for his eighth group after the seventh. Where was that old youngster?

Time flew by, and it was time for the seventh group.

Shu Han jumped onto the platform, and accompanied by waves of enticing fragrance, Meng Shuran, dressed in red, gracefully landed on the stage.

Her entrance drew gasps of admiration from the surrounding male cultivators, a reaction they delightedly gave every day.

Today's Meng Shuran was not in her usual long dress but had changed into a battle skirt, wrapping her delicate body tightly and highlighting her graceful curves.

Even without revealing an extra inch of skin or striking any seductive poses, Meng Shuran's natural allure made Shu Han's heart race. He felt an urge to pull her close and hold her tightly.

This captivating charm was innate, unlike the coquettish flirts that others would employ.

Truly the embodiment of a myriad of enchantments.

Meng Shuran saluted, "Junior sister Meng Shuran asks for guidance from senior brother Yu!"

As Shu Han was about to reply with a customary phrase, a sudden voice transmission caught him off guard.

"Old Yu! Engage in close combat! You must engage in close combat!"

Shu Han almost stumbled, words stuck in his throat, much to the amusement of the audience.

"Just look at him, in the late Foundation Establishment stage, yet still bewitched, unable to speak clearly."

"He's just putting on a show. Facing junior sister Meng, who's two realms below him, he'll probably get thrown off the stage by her palm."

"Ah, I wish it was me up there getting hit! As long as junior sister is willing, she can hit me however she pleases."

Cursing internally, Shu Han thought, "Damn that old Wei. I was just worried about him, and here he is, up to his usual antics!"

Close combat? Come on!

Facing Shu Han, Meng Shuran dared not be careless. She remembered him. Back during the Fiery Clouds Baptism, among all the male cultivators present, only Shu Han's gaze was unaffected by her allure. This meant that her enchantments would be of no advantage against him.

So, she immediately channeled her spiritual power, summoning her lifebound magic treasure, and readying herself.

In an instant, twenty-eight flaming boomerangs circled around her, like dancing fire butterflies.

However, Meng Shuran suddenly noticed that facing her attack, Shu Han's gaze was fixed on another platform.

"Don't underestimate others!"

Angered, Meng Shuran shouted, "Fire Dance Furious Butterfly! Go!"

With a whoosh, boomerangs carrying explosive spiritual power were launched.

Shu Han snapped back to reality and quickly summoned a radiant gold brick, which grew in size as he held it. With a swing of his forearm, the large gold brick swept towards Meng Shuran. The twenty-eight boomerangs shattered upon impact with the brick.

Meng Shuran's eyes widened in shock. Unable to dodge the incoming brick, she was left defenseless.

With a crash, Meng Shuran, like a broken-winged fire butterfly, was swatted away by Shu Han's casual swing.

 

All the male cultivators exclaimed, "Holy crap!"