The newcomers’ eyes lit up when they saw Meng Wu. Their faces contorted with a savage excitement, as if Meng Wu represented a treasure trove.
Noticing the man’s expression, Meng Huai turned to Meng Wu and asked, "Meng Wu, who is this person?"
Meng Wu’s gaze towards the newcomer was filled with hatred. In response to Meng Huai’s question, he simply stated, "It’s Xiang Guan from the Shuiyun Hall."
The man named Xiang Guan was visibly thrilled upon seeing Meng Wu. "Meng Wu, it’s been such a long time! As brothers, why didn't you let me know when you came to the Fenglin Secret Realm?"
Brothers? Hearing this, everyone, including Meng Huai, exchanged glances, their eyes conveying the unspoken question, "What is going on?"
Meng Wen, being privy to the past, explained to them, "After we were poisoned, our cultivation dropped at an alarming rate. We had no choice but to live in obscurity. Xiang Guan was someone we met back then. We thought he was a hospitable person, but it turned out he recognized our identities and only wanted our treasures."
Meng Wen spoke with an air of nonchalance, but they had indeed encountered many such individuals during that time. This was why the two of them had been so cautious ever since.
Seeing Xiang Guan’s feigned innocence, Meng Wu said directly, "Xiang Guan, there's no need for such insincere pleasantries. What you desired has already been burned by me. The core is no longer in this world; I'm sure that disappoints you!"
Upon hearing that the artifact refining core had been burned, Xiang Guan exploded with rage. "You just burned the artifact refining core? Such a precious item, no! That's impossible. How could you so easily destroy something left by your sect leader? It's just an excuse. You're trying to use this reason to escape everyone's pursuit!"
"What exactly is this artifact refining core?" Hui Xingxiu whispered to Meng Huai, inquiring.
Meng Huai casually replied, "Well, how should I put it? It’s somewhat like a mecha master's diary, containing mostly their ideas, and the problems encountered and their solutions during the construction process."
Rong Feijin chimed in, "Oh! It certainly sounds very precious. Did you really burn it?"
Meng Huai produced the heavily damaged core and handed it to Rong Feijin. "Here, this is it."
Rong Feijin looked at the book, its contents almost entirely illegible, and sighed, "How could you just burn it like that!"
Zheng Yiran, however, remarked, "Perhaps it was burned because it was no longer safe to keep!"
Zheng Yiran recalled the scene at that time. So many people, outwardly appearing righteous, but acting like petty villains. Yet, one person couldn't possibly stand against so many. Therefore, Meng Wu’s actions in such a situation were understandable.
"Meng Wen! Meng Wu, you dare to show yourselves again!"
Just as Zheng Yiran was thinking of those people, these individuals reappeared. Three factions arrived simultaneously. Seeing Meng Wen and Meng Wu, Zhu Qiu rushed forward once more, pointing his sword at them and declaring.
Xiang Guan hadn't even finished speaking with Meng Wu when the people from Xuli Sect, Tiansha Gate, and Xuanbing Palace appeared. Xiang Guan, being alone, was naturally at a disadvantage. His imposing demeanor vanished, and he silently retreated, choosing not to get involved.
The three factions from Xuli Sect didn't even spare Xiang Guan a glance. Seeing his sensible withdrawal, they ignored him, not even giving him a second look, as these three factions were accustomed to their superior status.
Zhu Qiu's sudden loud outburst struck the onlookers as peculiar.
"Why am I finding this increasingly incomprehensible!"
"What’s going on? Does this person have a deep-seated hatred for Meng Huai’s two brothers? Why do they look at Meng Wen and Meng Wu as if they were enemies?"
"It really seems like they're here for revenge! It looks terrifying!"
Meng Wu watched as Xiang Guan retreated step by step, eventually disappearing into the crowd and making his escape. Meng Wu let out a mocking laugh, then turned to Zhu Qiu, "This secret realm isn't your backyard, is it? Where I am is none of your business."
It was laughable. Zhu Qiu, relying on his father being the sect leader of Xuli Sect, acted with impunity. Nowadays, Xuli Sect was also in disarray. Meng Wu couldn't be bothered to think about it.
Zhu Qiu couldn't tolerate Meng Wu's words. To him, it was a blatant provocation. Thus, he directly pointed his sword at Meng Wu and attacked.
However, why would Meng Wu fear him now? Zhu Qiu, in the end, was all surface-level cultivation with little practical combat experience. He held sway among the Xuli Sect members participating in the secret realm purely due to his status and position.
But when these Xuli Sect disciples saw Zhu Qiu falling behind, they eagerly stepped forward, eager to impress. "Senior Brother Zhu, I'll help you!"
Meng Wu was now facing a one-against-many situation. Yet, even poisoned and injured, he had endured. What's more, with his current strength, he could easily deal with all of them.
Zhu Qiu was being pushed back by Meng Wu’s attacks. Seeing that his 'allies,' Tiansha Gate and Xuanbing Palace, were still standing by and watching, and not moving to help him, Zhu Qiu became even more enraged.
"Junior Sister Xiaoyu, Brother Ye, what are you waiting for!"
"He can't win by himself, so he's calling for backup."
Although the audience didn't understand the full context, it didn't stop them from commenting, and their assessments were spot on.
Xiaoyu and Ye Xingye, who had been observing from the side, couldn't remain indifferent. They also stepped forward to help deal with Meng Wu.
However, no matter what, Meng Wu had once been a Yuan Ying expert. Although his cultivation had dropped to the Foundation Establishment stage, he was more than capable of handling cultivators who were also at the Foundation Establishment stage.
Meanwhile, Meng Wen on the other side was not idle. Whenever the others were not paying attention, he would toss a few one-time attack artifacts, helping to eliminate some of them.
This made Meng Wu’s task even easier.
On the side, Jing Yuancheng asked Zheng Yiran and Meng Huai, "Aren't we going to help?"
Watching Meng Wu single-handedly battling dozens of people, Jing Yuancheng felt that their behavior of merely spectating was rather unseemly!