Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

At that very moment, the Alliance Council issued another summons.

This time, the notification was not sent to the two parties involved in the dispute, but to the permanent representatives of all affiliated sects stationed in Qingyun Mountain.

The atmosphere inside the council chamber was even more solemn than when dealing with specific disputes.

Representatives from each faction took their seats in order of strength and status. In the front row were big shots such as Huo Yun Dao Ren of the Lieyang Sect, Jian Wuhen of the Tianjian Sect, Ling Shuang of the Xuanbing Pavilion, Gui Shou of the Xuanyin Sect, and Chen Hao of the Baibao Pavilion. Behind them were a large group of leaders of small and medium-sized sects and representatives of independent cultivators.

Everyone looked grave, knowing that this meeting was of utmost importance.

Today, Han Lin changed into a more solemn black elder's robe, with the emblem of the Alliance Arbitration Elder pinned to his chest.

He stood beside the main seat, and on the large jade table in front of him was a huge, spiritually vibrant animal skin scroll, covered with densely packed tiny characters written in cinnabar.

Shen Mo remained seated in the main seat, his blue robe flowing calmly as he surveyed the room without speaking immediately.

Han Lin cleared his throat, channeled his spiritual energy, and spoke in a steady and powerful voice that resonated throughout the hall: "Fellow Daoists! I have gathered you all here today not to adjudicate a particular case, but to summarize past events, clarify the rules, resolve disputes, and maintain the long-term peace and stability of our Qingyun Alliance!"

He pointed to the animal skin scroll on the table: "This is the 'Provisional Regulations for Arbitration of Disputes of the Qingyun Alliance,' drafted by myself and the deacons of the Arbitration Hall, based on the principles set by the Alliance Leader, combined with the experience gained in handling the Blackwater Marsh Spirit Mine and Wind Howling Hill conflicts, and taking into account the opinions of various factions! Today, I invite you all to discuss it together!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion arose from below. Regulations! This was the first written, systematic set of rules since the alliance's inception!

Ignoring the discussions at the meeting, Han Lin began reading the regulations article by article. The regulations were extremely detailed, covering the scope of dispute resolution, the appeal process, rules of evidence (what constitutes physical evidence, what constitutes documentary evidence, the validity of witness testimony, and how to cross-examine witnesses), the recusal system, the composition of the arbitration tribunal, the effect of the award, the enforcement procedure, and the corresponding penalties.

The penalties section is particularly detailed, ranging from warnings, forfeiture of contribution points, restrictions on resource exchange, and mandatory tasks, to the abolition of cultivation, expulsion from the alliance, and even the most serious "joint condemnation by the alliance," with each level progressively corresponding to different types of offenses.

After the regulations were read aloud, the hall fell silent. Everyone was awestruck by the rigor and... severity of the regulations.

This is no longer just a verbal "handling according to regulations," but a hard and clear agreement in black and white! From now on, every move made on Alliance territory will have to be carefully considered.

After a brief silence, a cacophony of voices erupted.

"This...this is way too detailed! Fighting and brawling are penalized with so many contribution points? And there are mandatory tasks for it?"

"Are the rules of evidence this strict? From now on, we'll have to take photos and preserve evidence before filing a lawsuit?"

"The recusal system is good! It prevents officials from protecting each other!"

"The punishment is a bit harsh, but it's exactly what's needed! Otherwise, who's afraid?"

Representatives from smaller sects and independent cultivators mostly showed delight. The more detailed the regulations, the more advantageous they are to them, meaning less room for manipulation during arbitration and greater protection of the rights of these "vulnerable groups."

In the past, when we were bullied, we often had no choice but to swallow our anger. Now, at least there is a clear path to follow and rules to abide by.

"Elder Han!" The leader of a medium-sized sect stood up, cupping his hands excitedly. "This regulation is excellent! Especially the rules of evidence and the recusal system, which guarantee the fairness of arbitration! We, a small sect, wholeheartedly support it!"

"Yes! We support the alliance's rules!"

"Only with laws to follow can things last!"

A chorus of agreement rose and fell.

However, the expressions on the faces of the bigwigs in the front row were not so pleasant.

The Fire Cloud Daoist of the Blazing Sun Sect had a somber expression, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the armrest. The more detailed the regulations, the greater the power of the alliance's central authority and the stronger the constraints on the various factions.

Especially that "alliance to jointly punish them" is like a sword hanging over their heads! The Lieyang Sect used to be the only one that mattered in the Southern Region, when had it ever been subject to such constraints?

Jian Wuhen of the Heavenly Sword Sect snorted coldly, his voice not loud, but carrying a chilling aura: "Elder Han, isn't this regulation... a bit too restrictive? Are all internal affairs of various sects to be arbitrated according to this regulation? Where does that leave the Heavenly Sword Sect's rules?"

Upon hearing this, many representatives of smaller sects affiliated with major sects immediately fell silent, secretly observing Shen Mo and Han Lin's expressions. This was a direct challenge to the alliance's authority!

The Ghost Hand of the Xuan Yin Sect chuckled sinisterly, "Hehe, Elder Wuhen is absolutely right. Each sect should take care of its own children. It might not be good for the alliance to overstep its bounds." He was happy to see the major sects and the alliance clash.

Chen Hao from Baibaoge then smoothed things over, saying, "Hey, elders, please calm down. In my opinion, the regulations mainly target the alliance's public affairs and disputes between members. As for internal matters of each faction, the sect rules should naturally take precedence."

"But if internal disputes affect the stability of the alliance or involve alliance rules, it is reasonable for the alliance to intervene."

He tries to please both sides without offending anyone.

Elder Ling Shuang of the Xuanbing Pavilion spoke in a cool tone: "Without rules, there can be no order. The details of the regulations can be further considered. However, the fairness of arbitration and the authority of the alliance rules must be upheld. This is the foundation of the alliance." Her attitude was relatively neutral, but she supported the general direction of establishing rules.

Han Lin remained calm in the face of the questions and looked at Shen Mo.

Shen Mo slowly raised his hand, and the hall instantly fell silent. All eyes were on him.

He looked calmly at Jian Wuhen and Guishou, his tone even yet carrying an undeniable power: "Elder Wuhen, Fellow Daoist Guishou, the alliance is not a collection of loose sand. Once you join the alliance, you must abide by its rules. This was stipulated in the original covenant, and you are all witnesses to it."

He paused, his voice clear to everyone: "The Alliance's arbitration power is limited to public affairs and inter-factional disputes among members. The Alliance, in principle, does not interfere in the internal affairs of each faction. However—"

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharp as a sword: "If internal strife affects the stability of the alliance, harms the interests of allies, or if the actions themselves violate the ironclad rules of the alliance, such as harming or betraying the alliance without cause, the alliance has the right and the responsibility to intervene according to the rules!"

"This is not interference in internal affairs, but rather safeguarding the overall interests of the alliance and ensuring the safety of every rule-abiding member!"

He looked at the crowd, his voice deep and resolute: "These regulations are established today not to restrict, but to protect. To protect those who abide by the rules from being bullied, to protect the weak from enjoying fairness, and to protect the hard-won order of the alliance!"

"Before the rules, there is no distinction of rank! Whether you are a senior elder of a major sect or a lone cultivator, those who abide by the rules will be rewarded, and those who violate them will be punished! This is an ironclad rule!"

"Those who have made merits will be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes will be punished!" Shen Mo's last eight words were resounding and powerful, like a great bell striking the hearts of everyone.

Representatives from smaller sects and independent cultivators were thrilled and rose to their feet, shouting, "Our leader is wise! We support the alliance rules!"

"Those who perform meritorious service will be rewarded, and those who commit wrongdoings will be punished!"

The sound almost lifted the roof off the palace.

Huoyun Daoist and Jian Wuhen's faces were ashen, but faced with the overwhelming trend, they could not openly oppose it. They could only snort coldly and remain silent. Gui Shou curled his lip and stopped provoking them.

Seeing this, Han Lin promptly announced loudly, "In that case, the 'Provisional Regulations for Arbitration of Disputes within the Qingyun Alliance' shall be promulgated and implemented on a trial basis from this day forward! During the trial period, all fellow Daoists are welcome to offer suggestions and advice for continuous improvement! The Arbitration Hall will also strictly enforce the law according to these regulations and will show absolutely no leniency!"

The regulations have officially come into effect.