The entire Spirit Realm was on the verge of a major power reshuffle.
The great clans of the Central Region were the first to react, gathering to discuss strategies. They intended to use their powerful backgrounds to carve out and claim large portions of territory from their surroundings.
At the same time, the Eastern and Southern Regions would have to make concessions as well. After all, with the spiritual energy now dispersing, the Central Region had suffered tremendous losses. They would naturally seek compensation from elsewhere.
Meanwhile, cultivators from the other regions also gathered, each region holding its own council. They all feared the immense influence of the Central Region's families, worried about potential oppression.
Among them, the Southern Region was the most anxious, for before Song Wanníng had even returned to her sect, news had spread that she was the "culprit" behind the barrier's collapse.
As a result, during the Southern Region council, Luo Hantian, sect master of Guhan Sect, was subjected to ridicule and hostility from every side.
"I say, this disaster was caused by Guhan Sect's disciple, Song Wanníng. Shouldn't your sect bear the consequences?"
"I agree. Until now, we've had no conflicts with the Central Region. If they join forces against us, how could we possibly withstand them?"
The Central Region had no shortage of Mahayana cultivators and countless Unity-stage cultivators. If conflict broke out, they would be crushed. And with Song Wanníng's involvement, the Central Region likely bore a grudge against the Southern Region.
The statement drew nods of approval from several leaders. No one wanted to invite trouble when life was good.
"Sect Master Luo, why don't you personally go explain things to the Central Region? Maybe they'll laugh off their anger and forgive you?"
"Indeed, Sect Master Luo, please don't let pride cloud your judgment. Think of the greater good!"
One by one, voices filled the room, all urging Guhan Sect to "kneel and beg for mercy," with no intention of standing together in solidarity.
Luo Hantian's veins bulged as his fists clenched so tightly they nearly shattered. Rage burned in his chest, and he wished nothing more than to tear their smug faces apart. But he could not act rashly. He hadn't yet spoken with Song Wanníng to understand her reasons, and if he acted impulsively, she might be put in danger.
When he first heard about the barrier being broken, he'd rushed over in shock, only to learn it had been Song Wanníng…
Thinking of his extraordinary disciple, Luo Hantian had already accepted it in part. That girl's abilities were unfathomable. For her, breaking the barrier wasn't impossible. But why she had done so remained a mystery to him. Regardless, he had to take the moral high ground.
"Gentlemen, your words are harsh. Why should we be the ones to explain?
My disciple Song Wanníng risked her life to break the barrier. And for what? So that all four regions could enjoy abundant spiritual energy and gain access to the Central Region's riches!
She sacrificed so much for the sake of all four regions, yet you'd cast her out as a scapegoat? How utterly heartless!
Are the sect masters and patriarchs of the Southern Region truly this kind of people?" Luo Hantian's voice trembled with emotion, his face a mask of bitter disappointment. His heartfelt words made many secretly curse him for being a sly old fox.
Yet those who had remained neutral could no longer play deaf. If they truly sacrificed Song Wanníng, their own reputations would be ruined. The outside world's condemnation alone would drown them in shame.
"Sect Master Luo speaks the truth. Song Xiaoyou's actions were incredibly brave. Though the Central Region may retaliate, in the end, we gained from her deed."
"Now we should focus on working together to prepare for any backlash."
"Indeed. As Sect Master Li said, the Central Region won't dare strike at all four regions at once. Unity is our only way forward!"
In the long run, the barrier's removal was a blessing.
Everyone was simply worried that the furious Central Region might act unreasonably and drag them into trouble. With someone leading the conversation, the mood began to shift.
Even so, Luo Hantian endured sneers and jabs from others. Though they agreed to stand together, they still blamed Guhan Sect entirely.
To them, this was a disaster brought upon them by Guhan Sect. Their attitude made Luo Hantian's chest ache with suppressed fury. While selfishness was expected, some of these people seemed completely devoid of humanity.
Once the council concluded, Luo Hantian stormed out in anger. His top priority now was to protect Song Wanníng. The opinions of these fools no longer mattered.
Behind him, mocking laughter rang out.
"To think their so-called prodigy turned out to be a harbinger of misfortune. What's he so proud of?"
"The Central Region will surely single out Guhan Sect. Even if we wanted to help, we couldn't. Mark my words, in less than three days, Guhan Sect will suffer."
"Enough. If Guhan Sect falls, will we really be safe?"
"Hmph. What's there to fear? The Central Region has no justification to start a war. They wouldn't dare, not with the Four Regions united!"
"…"
…
As soon as Luo Hantian left, he sent Song Wanníng a transmission talisman. When he learned she was already on her way back, he quickly urged her not to return. She should hide for now.
Song Wanníng's heart warmed at his concern, and a smile curved her lips. She already knew what kind of reaction her actions would provoke. She understood the complexity of human nature all too well. But as long as those she cared for benefitted, it was worth it.
Everyone else was irrelevant.
"No need to hide. The Central Region won't dare touch me."
If they'd wanted to cause her trouble, she would never have left after breaking the barrier. In the end, strength was what truly mattered. Only when people feared you would they "reason" with you. Otherwise, they'd be like the Huo Clan, relentlessly hunting and harassing her.
Luo Hantian tried for a long time to change her mind, but she wouldn't budge. He had no choice but to agree, then immediately gathered people to escort her home.
This included Martial Uncles from Zhui Xun Peak and several Supreme Elders.
Three Unity-stage Supreme Elders still remained in the sect. Jiang Wentian and Jiang Cen were away serving punishment, but the other two were present.
Upon hearing his beloved disciple-granddaughter was in danger, Song Jue's expression darkened. He immediately summoned the other Supreme Elder, Ruan Mingyue, to discuss their plan.
Leng Qingzhu and the others were equally anxious. None of them had imagined a simple training trip to the Central Region would end with provoking the entire region.
"No matter what, this girl must be protected. Even if she weren't my granddaughter, I would say the same! For her to take such a risk to break the barrier, she's truly a benefactor to all four regions!"
Even before meeting her, Song Jue already held Song Wanníng in the highest regard.