Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Su Xiao changed the subject: "However, the alliance aims at mutual assistance and prosperity. This mine has abundant reserves, which the Green Wood Sect cannot monopolize. Therefore, I hereby decide that the Green Wood Sect shall take the lead in mining this mine, and the Golden Knife Sect may send disciples to participate, exchanging their labor for a share of the profits."

"The specific profit-sharing ratio shall be negotiated by both parties and reported to the alliance for record."

"If no agreement can be reached through negotiation, the alliance will determine the proportion. The proceeds from mining must be handed over to the alliance in proportion to exchange for contribution points."

"Furthermore, a ten-mile radius around the mine has been designated a safe zone, protected by the alliance. No faction is permitted to engage in private battles within this area; violators will be severely punished!"

This ruling acknowledged the Aoki Sect's right to discover the site, gave the Golden Knife Sect the opportunity to participate, avoided escalating the conflict, and emphasized the alliance's jurisdiction and right to benefits, making it comprehensive in all aspects.

Although Mu Chen couldn't take it all for himself, he was satisfied with having gained control.

Although Zhao Laosan didn't manage to seize control, he still got a share of the pie, which was better than getting nothing at all. Moreover, the alliance's intervention prevented the Aoki Gate from retaliating afterward.

The two exchanged a glance, and although still somewhat reluctant, they both cupped their hands and said, "We will obey Elder Su's decision!"

"In that case, let's establish this contract here, and both parties shall affix their seals." Su Xiao took out a standard contract jade slip that had been prepared beforehand.

Just as both sides were preparing to use their seals, an unexpected change occurred!

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Several sharp whooshing sounds came from the depths of the swamp, aimed directly at Su Xiao and Shi Tie! They were poisoned crossbow bolts!

"You're asking for death!" Shi Tie roared, swinging his giant axe to unleash a gust of wind that knocked all the crossbow bolts away.

Su Xiao's eyes turned cold, and his figure disappeared like a ghost. The next moment, he appeared in a reed bed dozens of feet away, his short sword drawn, flashing with cold light!

"Ah!" "Uh!"

Several short screams rang out, and several dark figures tumbled out of the reeds, each with a red mark on its throat, instantly dead. Judging from their attire, they were not from common sects in the Southern Region, but rather seemed to be roving bandits active on the border.

Su Xiao returned gracefully, her short sword already sheathed, spotless. She looked at the pale-faced Mu Chen and Zhao Laosan, and said calmly, "It seems someone doesn't want the Alliance to have a foothold here. The Alliance will investigate today's events thoroughly. You can continue mining in peace; the Alliance will guarantee your safety."

Mu Chen and Zhao Laosan then truly felt the power and deterrent effect of the alliance, and hurriedly bowed: "Thank you, Elder Su! Thank you, Elder Shi! We will definitely abide by the alliance rules and focus on production!"

The matter was resolved satisfactorily. Su Xiao left two Shadow Guard disciples to temporarily assist in maintaining order, then led Shi Tie and the others back on the spirit boat.

On the spirit boat, Shi Tie was still somewhat dissatisfied: "Tsk, a few petty thieves, not even enough to fill a tooth gap. Junior Sister Su, you acted too quickly. It would have been better to leave one alive to ask who ordered them."

Su Xiao gazed towards the distant Qingyun Mountain and said softly, "No need to ask. It's just those few families. Killing them is more useful than asking."

Shi Tie was taken aback, scratched his head, and said, "You cultured people are just so cunning."

Mu Qingqing and Zhou Yi exchanged a smile.

When the spirit boat landed at Qingyun Mountain, the results of the handling of the Blackwater Marsh incident had already spread throughout the Southern Region like the wind through various channels.

Fair arbitration, strong deterrence, and guarantees for the safety of its members... With a clean and decisive action, the Qingyun Alliance declared to everyone: the rules have been established.

Inside the Flowing Cloud Palace, Shen Mo listened to Su Xiao's report, smiled slightly, and looked out the window.

The hustle and bustle of the Qingyun Dharma Assembly completely subsided, and the mountain gate returned to its usual tranquility. However, beneath this tranquility, there was an even more abundant spiritual energy of heaven and earth than ever before, as well as an indescribable, thriving and vigorous atmosphere.

The Liuyun Palace stands quietly in the night, and the wind chimes on the eaves are occasionally blown by the mountain breeze, making a clear and melodious sound.

Inside the hall, only a few ever-burning lamps cast a dim, soft light. Shen Mo sat alone at his desk, his fingertips gently brushing against a warm, smooth jade slip containing a detailed report from Su Xiaogang regarding the aftermath of the Blackwater Marsh incident.

The report concludes by mentioning that several unidentified spies had been spying on the periphery of the incident. After being startled away by the Shadow Guards, their trail led to a no-man's-land bordering the Blazing Sun Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"They really are... unwilling to give up." Shen Mo shook his head slightly, a faint hint of coldness playing on his lips.

Just then, very faint footsteps came from outside the hall. The disciple on duty at the door lowered his voice and reported, "Sect Leader, Elder Jian Wuying of the Heavenly Sword Sect requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Shen Mo raised an eyebrow slightly. Jian Wuying? Jian Wuji's meticulous junior brother, who was used to hiding in the shadows? What brings him here alone late at night?

"Please." Shen Mo put down the jade slip, his voice calm.

The palace door was gently pushed open, and a middle-aged cultivator dressed in the robes of a core elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, whose face bore a five or six-point resemblance to Jian Wuji, but whose temperament was more effeminate and reserved, walked in. It was Jian Wuying.

He wore a perfectly respectful smile and walked with a steady gait, but the fine lines around his eyes and his slightly pale complexion revealed his inner turmoil.

"Jian Wuying of the Heavenly Sword Sect, I apologize for disturbing Sect Leader Shen's peaceful cultivation. I hope you will forgive me." Jian Wuying bowed respectfully, his posture very humble.

"Elder Wuying, you're too kind. Please have a seat." Shen Mo gestured to the futon opposite him, his tone gentle. "Elder, what brings you here so late at night?"

Jian Wuying sat down as instructed, his back ramrod straight, displaying a rigidity unique to sword cultivators.

He did not answer immediately, but instead his gaze swept quickly and discreetly across the furnishings in the hall, especially lingering for a moment on the "Spirit Gathering Lamp" that floated in the air and emitted a gentle halo, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

The lamp may look ordinary, but with his keen eyesight, he could sense the immense spiritual power and natural Daoist charm it contained, making it no ordinary item.

"I dare not presume to offer guidance." Jian Wuying withdrew his gaze, his smile unchanged. "My main purpose is to represent my elder brother, firstly to congratulate Sect Leader Shen on achieving the Golden Core stage and becoming a leader among his peers; secondly, to apologize for what happened at Blackwater Marsh today. Our disciples were ignorant and disturbed the law enforcement of your esteemed alliance, for which we are truly ashamed."

He spoke eloquently, downplaying the conflict as "the disciple was ignorant" and lowering his stance to "apologize," leaving no room for criticism.

Shen Mo smiled slightly, picked up the teapot, and poured him a steaming cup of "tranquil tea," his movements slow and natural.

"Elder Wuying, you flatter me. The alliance is newly established, and the rules still need to be refined. Some minor frictions are inevitable. Your disciples are just eager to protect the mine, which is understandable."

"Elder Su returned and praised him, saying that the Golden Knife Sect Leader Zhao was reasonable and cooperative with the investigation, and the matter has been resolved satisfactorily, so the elder need not worry about it."

He deftly deflected the "apology," pointing out that it was a "minor conflict" that had been "satisfactorily resolved," implying that the matter was now closed and should not be brought up again.

At the same time, the author deliberately only mentioned the cooperation of the "Golden Knife Sect" and omitted the possible underhanded tactics of the Heavenly Sword Sect, which both gave face and implied a warning.

Jian Wuying picked up his teacup, his fingertips trembling almost imperceptibly. Shen Mo's words were so precise that they left Jian Wuying speechless, his prepared follow-up remarks stuck in his throat.

He took a sip of tea, and a refreshing coolness flowed down his throat, calming his somewhat agitated mind. He couldn't help but praise it:

"Excellent tea! It's full of spiritual energy, calming and soothing. Could it be your sect's secret 'Calming Tea'? I've heard that this tea is very beneficial for stabilizing one's state of mind. My elder brother is currently in seclusion and needs such spiritual items."

The conversation naturally turned to Jian Wuji.