Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Everyone's gaze involuntarily drifted toward the people sitting in the front row—Wang Mang, the most powerful leader of the Blackwater Gang, and Lin Yuanshan, the Lin family elder known for his wealth and complex network of relationships.

Wang Mang kept his eyes down, seemingly lost in thought, like an old monk in deep meditation, showing no outward expression. He had already made up his mind that since he had chosen to attach himself to someone, he would do so thoroughly, at least on the surface.

Lin Yuanshan stroked his beard, a troubled smile on his face, and rose to bow, saying, "Sect Leader Shen, Elder Han, the terms of the agreement are insightful and well-reasoned; I deeply admire them. However… could the amount of tribute be discussed further?"

"Although my Lin family has some wealth, business has been difficult in recent years, and expenses have been high. If we pay according to this rule, I'm afraid we won't be able to continue. Furthermore, could this military service clause be made more flexible? For example, could we use resources to offset part of the military service quota?"

He phrased it euphemistically, but in reality, he was bargaining and trying to ease his family's burden.

As soon as he took the lead, several leaders of smaller factions followed suit, expressing that they were under immense pressure and hoping that the sect leader would take pity on them.

Shen Mo's expression remained unchanged. He picked up the spiritual tea in front of him, took a small sip, and did not answer immediately. However, Shi Tie, sitting to his left, let out a cold snort, his voice like muffled thunder:

"Old man Lin, that's not a fair thing to say! Does the sect protect you all without spending spirit stones? Are it a given that disciples of the Battle Hall fight on the front lines? Wanting benefits without putting in the effort? There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

Shi Tie's words were blunt and carried the unique murderous aura of a War Hall elder, causing the few minor leaders who had echoed him to turn pale and fall silent in fear.

Lin Yuanshan's smile froze, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and still bowed to Shen Mo: "Elder Shi, please calm down. I had no such intention, it's just..."

"Elder Lin." Shen Mo put down his teacup and finally spoke, his voice still calm, but it made Lin Yuanshan's next words catch in his throat. Shen Mo's gaze fell on him, seemingly indifferent, yet it seemed to carry a thousand pounds of weight.

"The terms of the agreement were carefully considered and determined by the sect and Elder Han and others based on the actual circumstances of all parties, striving for fairness."

Shen Mo said slowly, "Protection is not just empty talk. The Blazing Sun Sect is watching us closely, and foreign forces are eager to make moves. Without a powerful sect to deter us, how long do you think your families can enjoy peace? Paying tribute and providing soldiers is to exchange for peace and the opportunity to develop. This is a win-win situation."

He paused, his tone slightly somber: "If you find it unbearable, you may choose. Under the rule of Qingyun Sect, voluntariness is valued. Those who do not wish to enter into this agreement may leave now, and the sect will not stop them. However, from this point on, their safety and fortune will have no further connection with Qingyun Sect. Whether to stay or leave is up to Elder Lin to decide."

Upon hearing this, the temperature inside Liuyun Pavilion seemed to plummet to freezing! Leave on your own? Easier said than done! This six-hundred-mile territory now belongs to the Qingyun Sect. To abandon the sect's protection is tantamount to cutting oneself off from the entire region! Not to mention the external threats, even old enemies could easily tear them apart!

Lin Yuanshan's forehead instantly broke out in a fine layer of cold sweat. He hadn't expected Shen Mo to be so adamant, leaving no room for negotiation. He quickly bowed, his tone filled with fear: "Sect Leader Shen, you are too kind! I had absolutely no such intention! The Lin family is willing to abide by the agreement and has no other thoughts! I misspoke just now, and I hope the Sect Leader will forgive me!"

"If that's the case, then so be it." Shen Mo nodded calmly, turning his gaze to the others. "Everyone, does anyone have any further objections?"

"We are willing to abide by the covenant! We respectfully take Qingyun as our ancestor!" The crowd below responded in unison, and there was not a single other sound. With Lin Yuanshan's example right before their eyes, who would dare to provoke him?

"Alright." A faint smile appeared on Shen Mo's face, and the atmosphere eased slightly. "Since we are one family, we should work together. Elder Han, distribute the detailed rules. Junior Sister Xiao, you will be responsible for coordinating the tribute quotas and communication matters with each family."

"Yes, Senior Brother Sect Leader." Su Xiao stood up gracefully, her voice clear and crisp. Her gaze swept over everyone, gentle yet firm. "Fellow leaders, there are also preferential terms in the detailed rules. For any loyal, reliable, and outstanding vassal, the sect will not hesitate to reward them, giving them preferential treatment in terms of cultivation techniques, elixirs, and even quotas for secret realm training. I hope you will all act accordingly."

A beating followed by a sweet treat. The crowd felt somewhat reassured, at least seeing a glimmer of hope.

The alliance meeting continued, establishing a basic framework of rights and obligations, as well as a subsequent liaison mechanism. At the end of the meeting, Shen Mo announced a banquet for the leaders.

During the banquet, with its fine wines and delicacies, the atmosphere was much more relaxed than before. Shen Mo specially summoned Wang Mang, the leader of the Blackwater Gang, to his side.

"Chief Wang, is Blackwater Marsh still peaceful these days?" Shen Mo raised his glass, his tone casual.

Wang Mang was flattered and quickly presented the cup with both hands, respectfully saying, "Thanks to Sect Leader Shen's great blessing, the Blackwater Marsh is now a peaceful place with smooth trade routes, no villains to be found! This is all due to the sect's prestige!"

Shen Mo smiled slightly: "The Blackwater Gang guards the southern gateway, a crucial position. The gang leader is a man of great principle, being the first to surrender; the sect naturally remembers this. I've heard that many of the gang's disciples practice water-attribute techniques?"

"That's right, that's right." Wang Mang nodded and bowed.

"That's right, that's right." Wang Mang nodded and bowed.

"Hmm." Shen Mo gestured to Su Xiao beside him, and Su Xiao took out a jade slip and handed it to Wang Mang.

"These are the first two levels of the incantation of a mid-grade Xuan-level 'Black Water True Method' from the sect's library, as well as a bottle of 'Meridian Nourishing Pills' beneficial to cultivators with water-elemental roots," Shen Mo said calmly. "I bestow these upon the sect leader, hoping that he will use them wisely, properly discipline his subordinates, and guard the southern gate of the sect."

Wang Mang was stunned at first, then overjoyed! A mid-grade Xuan-level cultivation technique! And precious pills! These were truly valuable benefits that money couldn't buy!

His hands trembled with excitement, and he knelt down with a thud: "Thank you so much for your generous gift, Sect Leader! Wang Mang and the entire Blackwater Gang will fight to the death to repay your great kindness!"

This scene, witnessed by the leaders of other factions, immediately stirred up countless waves. Envy, jealousy, regret... a mix of emotions.

They then realized that Sect Leader Shen wasn't just tough on everyone; he was also generous in rewarding those who were obedient and useful! Lin Yuanshan was filled with regret; he shouldn't have stepped forward earlier!

The banquet ended in a subtle atmosphere. The leaders of the various factions, with mixed feelings, respectfully took their leave.

After everyone left, only a few core members of the Qingyun Sect remained in Liuyun Pavilion.

Shi Tie grinned and said, "Sect Leader, your combination of kindness and severity is truly brilliant! Look at that old man Lin's face, haha, he looks like he's swallowed a fly!"

Su Xiao smiled and said, "After this meeting, the barriers have been initially secured. For the time being, these forces should not dare to make any further moves. The next step is to figure out how to truly unite these forces into one."

Shen Mo stood by the window, gazing at the distant, mist-shrouded mountains and rivers, his eyes deep and thoughtful: "If the fence is tightened, wild dogs won't dare to easily enter. But the real test isn't inside, but outside. The Blazing Sun Sect, the Burning Heaven Valley, the Earthly Fiend Gang... they won't just stand by and watch us develop peacefully."

He turned to the crowd: "With internal affairs temporarily at peace, we can concentrate our efforts on dealing with external threats. Issue the order: all branches, proceed with the planned preparations for battle!"

"Yes!" The crowd responded resolutely.