Guan Ling was completely dumbfounded.
The elder from the Fengyun Sect was also frozen on the spirit vessel, his face full of confusion.
While he was still locked in a standoff with the sect master, a group of lower-ranking elders suddenly rushed out, hurling insults. What kind of logic was this?
Was this how they played their cards?
However, the blatant disrespect from these elders ignited a towering rage within him.
"What kind of lowlifes are you, daring to spout such nonsense?"
The Fengyun Sect elder's voice turned icy, laced with threat as he said, "Do you think the Yunjie Sect has existed for too long in this world?"
Yet, in response to his threats, the elders fired back without hesitation:
"If you're so tough, then come and try us! We’re not handing anyone over—not now, not ever!"
This sheer audacity left both Guan Ling and the Fengyun Sect utterly stunned.
This level of defiance was beyond excessive.
Whether it was the Fengyun Sect elder or Guan Ling himself, their confidence was thoroughly shaken.
Especially Guan Ling.
Though he had initially been reluctant to hand over Bai Mei, now he was second-guessing himself.
"What’s… what’s going on with you all?" Guan Ling couldn’t help but ask.
"Hey, Sect Master, you don’t know yet, do you?" One of the elders stepped forward, leaning close to whisper into Guan Ling’s ear.
He relayed the details about Bai Mei’s situation within the sect.
As the words sank in, the confusion in Guan Ling’s eyes vanished, replaced by exhilaration.
Several elders nodded solemnly.
Once confirmed, Guan Ling burst into uproarious laughter.
He never could have imagined that his impulsive act of doting on Su Yu'er would bring such an enormous opportunity to the Yunjie Sect.
The Supreme Golden Bone—this was the Supreme Golden Bone!
Now he finally understood why the elders had reacted this way. So that was it.
In that case, not only would they refuse to hand over Bai Mei, but they would also go out of their way to demonstrate the Yunjie Sect’s devotion to her, fostering her sense of belonging and binding her tightly to them.
Now brimming with confidence, Guan Ling lifted his chin defiantly.
The Fengyun Sect elder trembled with fury.
Just moments ago, he had been on the verge of victory, pressuring Guan Ling into submission. Yet, something had clearly happened to embolden the Yunjie Sect so suddenly.
Such unyielding defiance…
Could there be a powerful backer behind them?
Or had they formed ties with some Daoist sect?
At this moment, even he began to waver.
Before setting out, the Fengyun Sect had instructed him to rely mainly on intimidation.
After all, though they possessed a spirit vessel, they couldn’t recklessly trample over other sects.
The Yunjie Sect was still a formidable force, and waging all-out war over Bai Mei simply wasn’t worth it.
In other words, even they believed that starting a major conflict for Bai Mei’s sake would be more trouble than it was worth.
It might serve as a show of strength, but beyond that, it held little value.
"The Yunjie Sect truly has an impressive display of might!"
After a brief internal struggle, the Fengyun Sect representatives chose to retreat.
"But mark my words—this matter is far from over. Whatever has driven you to act so recklessly, the consequences will exceed anything you can imagine."
"Because our Young Master’s status is beyond your comprehension."
"Anyone—and I mean anyone—who stands in the way of our Young Master obtaining Bai Mei will die."