Chapter 538 - 545: Everyone’s Worries

The powers of the entire Spirit Realm were about to be reshuffled.

The great families of the Central Domain were the first to react. They gathered to discuss countermeasures, trying to use their powerful backgrounds to forcefully seize and occupy some of the surrounding territories.

At the same time, the Eastern and Southern Domains would also have to give up some of their interests.

After all, the recent diffusion of Spiritual Energy was an immense loss for the Central Domain. They had to get something back from somewhere else.

Meanwhile, the people of the other Four Domains also gathered, organized by their respective domains, to discuss their own strategies.

After all, the families of the Central Domain were immensely powerful and would likely try to oppress them.

The Southern Domain was the most anxious of all. Even before Song Wanning had returned to her sect, everyone already knew she was the "culprit" who had opened the barrier.

As a result, Luo Hantian, the Sect Master of the Ancient Cold Sect, received nothing but cold stares during the discussions.

"If you ask me, this disaster was caused by Song Wanning, a disciple of the Ancient Cold Sect! Therefore, the Ancient Cold Sect should bear the consequences!!!"

"I agree. We’ve always minded our own business and stayed out of the Central Domain’s way. If they unite against us, how can we possibly be their match?"

The Central Domain had a considerable number of Mahayana cultivators, and an even greater number of Integration Stage Cultivators. If a conflict truly broke out, the other domains would be the only ones to suffer.

With Song Wanning stirring up trouble, the people of the Central Domain probably hated the Southern Domain to the bone right now. They might specifically target them.

As soon as this was said, the leaders of many factions expressed their agreement. Their lives were going well, and no one wanted to look for trouble.

"Why don’t you, Master Luo, go and explain things to the Central Domain yourself? Maybe they’ll laugh it off and forgive you?"

"An excellent idea! Master Luo, you mustn’t let your temper get in the way of the bigger picture!!!"

One after another, they spoke, their words all pointing to the Ancient Cold Sect taking the fall and offering a humble apology, showing no intention of sharing the hardship.

Veins pulsed on Luo Hantian’s temples from fury. His fists were clenched so tight they nearly shattered. A burning rage filled him, and he wished he could rip apart every single one of those ugly faces.

But he couldn’t do that now. He hadn’t even had a chance to talk to Song Wanning about the cause and course of events. He didn’t dare act rashly, lest something happen to her.

At first, he was shocked to learn someone had opened the barrier. He had rushed over only to find out that person was Song Wanning...

Speaking of this outstanding disciple, Luo Hantian was already mostly convinced. ’After all,’ he thought, ’that girl’s abilities are immeasurable. Breaking the barrier doesn’t seem all that surprising.’

He was, however, just as confused about *why* she would do it.

But no matter what, they had to seize the moral high ground!

"That’s a rather unpleasant thing to say, gentlemen. What do you mean, *we* should go explain?"

"My disciple, Song Wanning, acted with the Four Domains in her heart! She risked her life to open the barrier—and for what? Wasn’t it so our Four Domains could also enjoy dense Spiritual Energy and enter the prosperous lands of the Central Domain?"

"She made such a great sacrifice for the Four Domains, yet you scheme to push her out to take the blame. It’s truly disheartening!!!"

"Are the Sect Masters and Clan Leaders of our Southern Domain really this kind of people?"

Luo Hantian’s eyes welled with tears, his face a mask of genuine disappointment and sorrow. It was so convincing that many secretly cursed him for being an old fox.

However, some of those who had remained neutral and silent could no longer pretend to be deaf and dumb.

If they really did push Song Wanning out, they would have to live with the shame. The spit of every cultivator in the outside world would be enough to drown them.

"Master Luo is absolutely right. Young Friend Song’s actions were incredibly risky, and while they might provoke the Central Domain, the Four Domains ultimately came out ahead."

"The main issue now is to think of a way to unite and face this together."

"Yes, Sect Master Li is right. Although the Central Domain is formidable, they wouldn’t dare take on all Four Domains at once. Our only way out is through unity!"

In the long run, opening the barrier was definitely a great thing.

Everyone was just worried that the Central Domain, in its fury, would do something unreasonable and drag them into it.

Now that someone had taken the lead, the tide of the conversation finally began to turn.

But Luo Hantian was still subjected to plenty of taunts. Even though they agreed to face the situation together, some still held a grudge, believing everything was the Ancient Cold Sect’s fault.

They saw it as a disaster that had been unfairly brought upon them.

Luo Hantian’s chest ached with anger at those people. While it was human nature to be selfish, some people had no humanity at all!

When the meeting finally ended, he turned and stormed off in a huff.

The most important thing now was to protect Song Wanning. What these blockheads thought didn’t matter.

After he left, someone sneered aloud.

"I thought they’d produced a peerless genius, but it turns out she’s just a jinx. What’s he so smug about!"

"This time, the Central Domain will definitely target the Ancient Cold Sect specifically. We might not even be able to help if we wanted to. Just you wait. In less than three days, the Ancient Cold Sect will face disaster!"

"Say a little less. If the Ancient Cold Sect suffers misfortune, how much better off will we be?"

"Hmph, what’s there to be afraid of? Do you think the Central Domain would really start a war without a just cause? Aren’t they afraid the Four Domains will unite and destroy them?!"

"..."

...

As soon as Luo Hantian left, he immediately sent a Sound Transmission Talisman to Song Wanning.

When he learned she was on her way back, he quickly advised her not to return, but to find a place to hide for the time being.

Hearing this, Song Wanning’s heart warmed, and the corners of her mouth curved into a smile.

She was well aware of how the outside world would react. She understood the complexity of human nature all too well.

But as long as the people she cared about could benefit, it was all worth it.

The others didn’t matter.

"There’s no need to hide. The Central Domain won’t dare to come looking for trouble with me."

If they had really wanted to cause trouble for her, she would have never been able to leave after opening the barrier.

’So, no matter the situation, strength is the only thing that truly matters.’

’Only when you make people afraid will they be willing to "reason" with you properly.’

Otherwise, they would be just like the Huo Family—relentless and pestering.

Luo Hantian tried to persuade her for a long time to no avail. He had no choice but to agree, then immediately gathered his people to return to the Sect and ensure Song Wanning’s safety.

This included the martial uncles from Pursuing Peak, as well as the Supreme Elders...

Of the three Body Integration Realm Supreme Elders, aside from Jiang Wentian who was away being punished with Jiang Cen, the other two happened to be in the Sect.

Upon learning his grand-disciple was in danger, Song Que’s expression darkened. He immediately summoned the other Supreme Elder, Ruan Mingyue, to discuss a plan.

Leng Qingzhu and the others were also deeply worried. Who would have thought that a simple trip to the Central Domain for training and experience would end up provoking the entire domain?

"No matter what, I’m protecting this girl. I’d say the same even if she weren’t my grand-disciple!"

"To take such a huge risk to open the barrier... this girl is a benefactor to all Four Domains!!!"

Even before meeting her, Song Que was already extremely interested in Song Wanning.