Until the people from the Central Region were about to leave, no one had heard any mention of what portion the Guhan Sect was expected to surrender, which left many puzzled.
Someone finally asked, "Did you forget about the Guhan Sect?"
"Right, we're still waiting for Guhan Sect's decision."
Everyone's gaze shifted toward Luo Hantian in unison. After all, this matter had started because of Guhan Sect. The Central Region would surely target them specifically, saving them for last to make an example of them.
That thought comforted many hearts.
They were all waiting to see Luo Hantian's face twisted in despair.
"Yes, there's still Guhan Sect."
At those words, the representative from the Central Region turned to look at Luo Hantian, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes as he assessed him.
So this so-called "great demon" came from such a sect?
This sect really had stumbled upon incredible luck!
Luo Hantian's expression was calm as he met the gaze of the Central Region's cultivators.
After a silent moment of tension, the people from the Central Region broke into a smile.
"So this is the sect master of Guhan Sect. Your sect truly has remarkable talent, raising someone like Song Wanníng!"
"Back then, when the Murong Clan elders invited Song Daoyou to join us, she refused. Truly a pity!"
"If Guhan Sect's disciples ever wish to come to the Central Region, we'll welcome them with open arms. We'll even reserve secret realm slots for your sect. Sect Master Luo, please do put in a good word with Song Daoyou. We'd love for her to visit when she has time. After all, we're all friends here!"
"That's right. Without Song Daoyou's help, the Huo Clan's rotten parasites would never have been purged!"
The Central Region cultivators all chimed in, one after another, praising Song Wanníng. Their flattering words and friendly demeanor were a stark contrast to their earlier arrogance.
The cultivators from the Southern Region were stunned.
Even Luo Hantian felt disoriented. He had expected the Central Region to simply refrain from making a move against Guhan Sect, but he hadn't anticipated this level of warmth…
Especially seeing so many Unity-level cultivators treating him so politely, the sensation was strange. But it was also exhilarating!
Luo Hantian couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from curling upward. To think he'd get to bask in Song Wanníng's glory like this!
He nearly wanted to grin until his face split in half.
"You're too kind, far too kind. That girl Wanníng only ascended a little over ten years ago. She still has much to temper and polish. In the future, she'll surely need your help again. I hope you won't find her troublesome."
Hiding behind the prestige of a tiger, Luo Hantian was practically giddy inside. But he also knew when to wield the implied threat. He wanted them to understand clearly: Song Wanníng had only been in the Upper Realm for a decade, yet she had already reached this level.
Anyone who dared to oppose her better think twice.
Sure enough, at his words, the Central Region cultivators' faces changed. They knew they couldn't afford to provoke a monster like her. Instantly, their smiles became even more genuine.
Watching Luo Hantian converse amiably with the Central Region's people, the Southern Region cultivators finally snapped out of their daze. But the shock and frustration on their faces couldn't be hidden.
They couldn't wrap their heads around it. This entire situation was caused by Song Wanníng, so why were they the ones suffering?
What gave Guhan Sect the privilege of being treated differently?
Resentment bubbled in their hearts, and even the Central Region cultivators could sense it.
Finally, someone couldn't hold back and asked indignantly, "Why is it that Guhan Sect doesn't have to exchange resources to enter the Central Region?"
"Exactly! We're all from the Southern Region. The Central Region shouldn't play favorites!"
It wasn't about scarcity, but inequality.
Of course they felt disgruntled.
As soon as those words fell, Luo Hantian's smile vanished. Just as he expected, these people couldn't stand to see others doing well and were desperate to drag Guhan Sect down with them.
He didn't reply, but his posture radiated arrogance. It was his turn to be proud now, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.
The Central Region cultivators' expressions darkened as well.
Their representative lazily lifted his eyelids. "You want to know why?
Because all three Ancestors of the Huo Clan were slain by Song Wanníng's hand. She eradicated a plague for the Central Region. That's why we allow her to come and go freely.
And Guhan Sect, as Song Daoyou's sect, naturally receives this courtesy. If any of you object, you're welcome to voice it. But the consequences… the Central Region won't intervene."
The cultivators of the Central Region had no intention of offending Song Wanníng. If these complainers provoked her wrath, they would be the unlucky ones.
Song Wanníng had killed Mahayana cultivators and shattered ancient restrictions that had lingered for countless millennia. Even their Ancestors avoided provoking her. How could they dare?
The Southern Region cultivators: "???"
"!!!!"
Had they misheard?
Song Wanníng killed the Ancestors of the Huo Clan?
Were they out of their minds?!
But the truth was laid bare before them. Even if it sounded like a dream, they had no choice but to accept it.
In that moment, every gaze turned toward Luo Hantian, filled with both envy and resentment. No wonder Luo Hantian had been so calm yesterday. This man was too good at hiding things!
After the negotiations concluded, the Central Region cultivators left, clearly satisfied. Before departing, they extended several more invitations to Luo Hantian, their courtesy making others green with envy.
"Tsk tsk, Sect Master Luo, you've been hiding deep. Song Daoyou is this incredible, and you kept it to yourself. We worried the Central Region would harm Guhan Sect for nothing!"
"Hahaha, indeed. With a disciple like Song Daoyou, Guhan Sect's future is limitless!"
Many surrounded Luo Hantian, showering him with praise.
No one dared to provoke Guhan Sect now.
Even the Central Region treated Luo Hantian with respect. Who would dare act snide?
Even those who had long targeted Guhan Sect approached to apologize, hoping he wouldn't hold their offenses against them.
Luo Hantian was overjoyed inside but outwardly remained modest. Since becoming sect master, this was the most triumphant moment of his life. The cultivation world truly respected strength above all. From now on, he would have to push his disciples even harder in their cultivation. None of them could afford to drag Song Wanníng down.
…
As for the resource exchanges between the five regions, Song Wanníng knew nothing. She was already on her way to the Eastern Region. Back then, Jiang Cen had been punished with reflection for attempting to harm a fellow disciple.
But time had passed, and now he had gone to the Eastern Region's territory. Thus, Song Wanníng could only head there. Fortunately, with the Three Lives Mirror in her possession, no matter where Jiang Cen's location shifted, it remained firmly within her grasp.
Along the way, she passed many cultivators brimming with excitement. The spiritual energy had grown denser, greatly accelerating their cultivation.
They often mentioned Song Wanníng's name in admiration, unaware she was right beside them. The compliments, however, were faithfully repeated by Xiao Jin, who whispered them endlessly in her ear.
The little ones mimicked the tone of worship perfectly, making Song Wanníng chuckle in amusement.