The Gap Is Too Great

"Senior Feng, Third Brother, I think we should accept Burning Flame Valley's condition."

The walls of the quiet chamber were tightly sealed, with not a trace of outside light able to enter. Only a Moonlight Stone on the table emitted a faint glow, illuminating the three of us.

Xiao Yan reacted strongly, gritting his teeth as he said, "No, we absolutely cannot agree to that condition!"

I said nothing, merely looking at Wind Venerable. After a brief silence, he asked, "Nalan Ye, do you have no other options?"

I gave a bitter smile. "Senior Feng, you saw Burning Flame Valley's attitude. They're too resolute; there's no way they'll make another concession. What else can I do?"

Xiao Yan cut in, "Didn't you say we could look for other factions? The chance for Teacher to refine five pills is no small benefit. It's hugely attractive even to Venerables. I refuse to believe no faction would be willing to cooperate!"

Seriously? You actually believed that kind of threat—Just you wait, I won't let you off?!

I stared at Xiao Yan as though I had discovered something astonishing. "Third Brother, we don't know any other factions at all. How could cooperation be so simple? The benefits are indeed substantial, but rescuing Yao Lao means offending the Hall of Souls. The Central Plains may be vast, but how many factions would dare offend the Hall of Souls?"

"Besides, if we go around recklessly, talking everywhere and looking for partners, word that we want to rescue Yao Lao will quickly spread. What if the Hall of Souls finds out and transfers Yao Lao elsewhere? What if they strengthen their guard over him?"

"We can't act rashly right now, and we can't offend Burning Flame Valley too badly either. What if Burning Flame Valley simply tells