Following Ouyang Yixun's lead, they turned a corner and arrived at Zuixian Restaurant, the most renowned establishment in the area. The ground floor bustled with patrons, its business thriving. According to Ouyang Yixun, the leaders of the Liangyi Sect, Dragon Sword Sect, and Qinghu Sect were gathered upstairs. Several martial artists guarded the staircase—each evidently a master of considerable skill.
Ouyang Yixun approached and exchanged words with the sentry, who seemed familiar with Xue Yao and the others. After scrutinizing Ji Chun and Su Ran, the guard nodded permission for them to ascend.
The second floor housed private chambers. Even in the corridor, the boisterous voices of these martial world figures carried clearly. Upon entering, they found the door wide open, revealing a scene of lavish hospitality—fine wines, sumptuous dishes, and sect members mingling noisily. The crowd was so dense it proved difficult to identify anyone at first glance.
Ouyang Yixun, momentarily disoriented, consulted an acquaintance before locating Ye Bangzhu and the Sha Yin Sect Leader. Waving for the group to follow, he led them through the throng toward an inner chamber. Surprisingly, no one barred their entry when they pushed through the second door. Only when it closed behind them did the clamor subside.
"Yixun Zhi'er, you've arrived," Ye Bangzhu rose from his seat to greet Ouyang Yixun. His gaze then shifted to Ji Chun and the others, registering surprise. "Ji Chun Dashi, I wasn't aware of your arrival. Please forgive my lack of proper reception."
Ji Chun pressed his palms together in polite acknowledgment. "Ye Bangzhu, you're too kind. We're the ones imposing."
At this moment, the young man opposite stood gracefully. "I've long heard of your reputations," he said with a courteous nod. "I am Shang Luo, leader of the Sha Yin Sect. It's an honor to meet such distinguished heroes."
Shang Luo cut an impressive figure—tall, with refined, striking features that balanced majesty with approachability. Though his perpetual faint smile softened his demeanor, his presence rivaled even Su Ran's, though he appeared slightly older.
After exchanging formalities with the assembled sect leaders, the group settled into seats. Though ostensibly the junior present, Shang Luo conducted himself with humble deference, carefully honoring the status of veterans like Ye Bangzhu. Yet as the discussion meandered, his patience visibly waned until he finally steered the conversation to its purpose.
"Honored Sect Leaders," Shang Luo began, "I understand your presence in Xilongzhou stems from my letter. Your trust humbles me. Having heard your accounts, I now grasp Di Mang's threat to our world and pledge my full cooperation."
Sect Leader Chu of the Dragon Sword Sect chuckled. "We're grateful for your assistance, Sect Leader, though somewhat perplexed. Your letter mentioned Di Mang as a treasure your sect has guarded for generations. Why then reveal its existence and aid us in obtaining it?"
The room's attention fixed on Shang Luo, who sobered noticeably. "It seems my letter's intent was misunderstood. Initially, I didn't realize our ancestral treasure was the fabled Di Mang. Though our sect is small, we're not ignorant of its legends."
He continued gravely, "My father only told me of a treasure hidden in the rear mountains, with related records sealed in our sect's restricted archives. Even the sect leader may access them only in dire emergencies, for excessive interference risks transforming the treasure into a catastrophic force. Thus, by my generation, knowledge of it had faded."
"Months ago," Shang Luo revealed, "I noticed the mountain trembling slightly, with surrounding flora withering overnight. Fearing disaster, I consulted our elders and archives, discovering our treasure matches Di Mang's descriptions—and our sect sits precisely at this region's most ominous site. These coincidences convinced me."
A stunned silence gripped the room. As the implications settled, Shang Luo added, "I can't conclusively confirm it's Di Mang, but our records indicate the treasure will emerge within this month. What it truly is remains unknown. If you believe my assessment and assist in its retrieval according to celestial will, I'll be profoundly grateful. Should you deem this a private sect matter and decline involvement, I'll respect that decision."
The atmosphere grew obviously tense as attendees exchanged guarded glances, their expressions betraying private calculations. After a weighted pause, Ye Bangzhu broke the silence with righteous fervor:
"If so, the Liangyi Sect believes this is indeed the Di Mang we seek! We pledge to remain and assist Sect Leader Shang in its recovery, for the people's salvation!" His declaration, brimming with noble conviction, spurred other leaders to voice similar commitments.
Ji Chun remained quiet initially, turning to gauge Su Ran's reaction. Meeting his leader's solemn nod—a clear signal to participate—he added, "We'll stay as well." Glancing toward Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao, he saw them confer briefly before Xue Yao smiled and nodded affirmation.