Tomorrow at midnight on the Heavenly Fire Platform, the sect leader has summoned me?

After delivering this message, Heavenly Fire Elder disappeared in an instant from in front of Shu Han's cave dwelling.

Shu Han began to ponder.

Why did the sect leader want to see him?

To send Heavenly Fire Elder as the messenger, it must be a top-secret matter of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect!

Could it be that they are distributing the Earth Dragon Fire origin?

Apart from this, Shu Han could think of no other reason for someone of Heavenly Fire Elder's high status to personally deliver a message.

Shu Han's heart raced with excitement. He had just complained to Wei Haolong about not receiving the Earth Dragon Fire origin, and now here it was!

But he had doubts. According to Wei Haolong, after receiving the Earth Dragon Fire origin, they should immediately head to the Abyss of Falling Skies. Everything should be done quickly and discreetly. Why wait until midnight?

Unsure of the sect leader's intentions, Shu Han's main body returned from the Pure Ice Formation. The matter of receiving the Earth Dragon Fire origin required his actual presence.

Thus, at midnight the next day, Shu Han arrived punctually at the Heavenly Fire Platform on Fire Cloud Peak.

The night was quiet atop the Fire Cloud Peak. The Heavenly Fire Platform glowed a radiant red, illuminated by the Earth Dragon Fire vein below.

As Shu Han stepped onto the platform, he saw Song Changyi already waiting. Seeing Song Changyi there, Shu Han was convinced that they were indeed distributing the Earth Dragon Fire origin.

Just as he was about to approach and greet him, Han Su also appeared from another direction, ascending the platform.

What was happening?

Hadn't Han Su been eliminated by him during the group matches at the Heavenly Fire Arena? Logically, even if Han Su later made it to the rankings, he shouldn't qualify for the Earth Dragon Fire origin, right?

There was clear hostility in Han Su's eyes as he looked at Shu Han.

Seeing his evident animosity, Shu Han thought, "Kid, you still dare to harbor resentment against me? I haven't exposed your undercover identity. Be grateful for that."

However, what surprised Shu Han even more was that, following Han Su, several Foundation Establishment late-stage disciples also arrived on the platform.

Including Shu Han, there were a total of twelve people on the Heavenly Fire Platform.

Shu Han, perplexed, moved closer to Song Changyi and inquired, "Brother Song, what's going on? Isn't this for distributing the Earth Dragon Fire origin?"

Song Changyi shook his head, replying, "I'm not sure either."

Scanning the crowd, Shu Han recognized every face. They were all outstanding disciples who had performed exceptionally in the Heavenly Fire Arena, all of them at the later stages of the Foundation Establishment realm or above.

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Suddenly, an imposing aura descended from the sky. Song Jinglun, dressed in white, landed gracefully onto the Heavenly Fire Platform.

The twelve of them lined up and respectfully greeted, "We pay our respects to the Sect Leader!"

Song Jinglun's gaze swept across the twelve individuals as he calmly spoke, "You must be wondering why I've summoned you at this hour. Do not fret; I'll explain everything. Each one of you has displayed remarkable prowess during the Heavenly Fire Arena competition, making you the cream of the crop within the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's Foundation Establishment disciples. Thus, you've been called here to reward your exceptional achievements, and... to entrust you with a mission of utmost importance!"

At these words, Shu Han's heart skipped a beat.

A mission of utmost importance? Why would such a critical task be given to Foundation Establishment disciples?

Song Jinglun continued, "This year's Heavenly Fire rankings have greatly pleased me. Therefore, I've decided to modify the traditional rules. Each of you will receive a share of the Earth Dragon Fire origin!"

At this declaration, those who hadn't ranked in the top three were clearly elated, their faces glowing with joy.

However, Song Changyi looked at his father with confusion, seemingly on the verge of asking a question, but a glance from Song Jinglun signaled him to hold his tongue.

"Furthermore, the top three of the Heavenly Fire rankings will receive a more substantial portion of the Earth Dragon Fire origin. For the next eight years, until the Fiery Sun Dominating the Sky event, the Fiery Cloud Onsen will be available to you, free of charge, anytime."

Such benefits made it difficult for the disciples to contain their excitement.

However, Shu Han grew wary. He knew all too well that with great privileges come great responsibilities. The sect wouldn't offer benefits without expecting something in return. There was more that Song Jinglun hadn't revealed.

"Of course!"

Song Jinglun chuckled, "These benefits aren't granted without a price. As disciples of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, you bear the responsibility of the sect's rise and fall. You will be tasked with an immensely important mission. No leaking of information, no evasion, and no failure is allowed. Anyone who disobeys will be punished with the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's harshest penalty!"

The entire group gasped in shock.

No evasion was one thing, but no failure?!

They all knew what the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect's most severe penalty entailed—sacrifice to the Earth Dragon Fire Main Vein!

Trepidation seized Shu Han's heart; there really was no such thing as a free lunch.

Seeing the group's tense expressions, Song Jinglun reassured them with a gentle smile, "Relax, this mission isn't dangerous. In fact, it's more like another benefit. Just wait, I'll explain the details of the task soon."

Then, Song Jinglun turned around and shouted, "Come forth!"

Everyone's gaze followed, spotting a woman slowly walking up the stone steps to the Heavenly Fire Platform. In an instant, everyone—except for Shu Han—was captivated by her stunning beauty.

The woman was Meng Shuran.

Her white attire and fair skin radiated a bewitching red glow under the illumination of the Earth Dragon Fire. Every movement she made tugged at the hearts of the male cultivators. However, it wasn't just her. Following Meng Shuran, other female cultivators emerged, forming a line behind her.

Including Meng Shuran, there were twelve female cultivators standing behind Song Jinglun, among them were the four sisters led by Gu Panchun. When Gu Panchun noticed Shu Han, she briefly twitched her eyelids and then regained her composure, acting as if she didn't recognize him.

The male cultivators couldn't help but gulp, taken in by the allure of the twelve enchanting women standing before them.

Song Changyi was not immune to the charm either, but he snorted in disdain and turned his head away, showing disinterest.

Song Jinglun addressed the leading lady, Meng Shuran, "Go ahead and choose."

With an emotionless nod, Meng Shuran stepped forward, approaching the group of male cultivators.

Choose? Choose what?

Seeing Meng Shuran approaching, every male disciple stood tall, hoping she would choose them even though they were unclear about the reason. Shu Han observed Han Su, who appeared just as enthralled by her charm as the rest.

Shu Han thought, is my cover too perfect? Am I the odd one out for not being enticed by this beauty?

Therefore, he allowed himself to openly appreciate Meng Shuran's beauty. However, his gaze was quickly captured by her. Although her eyes remained cold, her delicate finger pointed directly at Shu Han.

Shu Han was dumbfounded.

Choose me for what? Is this some sort of retaliation for the time I knocked you off the platform with a brick?

Deep down, the last person Shu Han wanted to be chosen by was Gu Panchun, followed closely by Meng Shuran. She was just too conspicuous. Shu Han was very reluctant to get close to such a woman. After all, a beautiful face often spelled trouble, and a beauty like hers was the epitome of it!