...
"Yeah, why should we be punished too? That's fucking unfair!"
"If anyone should be punished, it should be the Qingyun Sect. We didn't take them in. We were just here with the villagers to join in the fun. What does it have to do with us?"
"Is the arbitration committee trying to extort money from me? Let me tell you, no way! If you can get a single penny out of me today, I'll go home and elope with my daughter-in-law, believe it or not!"
Apart from the Qingyun Sect, the other six major sects were determined not to pay the fine, turning the main hall into a bustling marketplace. Shen Zhao, however, remained completely calm, as if he had expected this all along.
After everyone had calmed down, Shen Zhao said indifferently, "Finished arguing? No more arguing?"
What happened to the promise that the seven major sects of the Eastern Continent were closely connected and would supervise each other?
Now that such a scandal has occurred in the Qingyun Sect, why are you fellow Daoists who always shout about being of one mind no longer willing to be of one mind?
This is clearly a major oversight failure; shouldn't it be punished?
If they're unwilling to shoulder this responsibility, then this so-called alliance is nothing but a futile exercise—completely unnecessary.
He Lixian immediately jumped onto the table to retort, "That's utterly unreasonable. It's his Qingyun Sect that's making such a big fuss about recruiting disciples; it's not like we forced them to."
Besides, we didn't receive any prior notice, so how can it be that we outsiders are the ones who are embarrassed now? I cannot agree with your reasoning!
Shen Zhao narrowed his eyes: "So you're not planning to pay?"
He Lixian said proudly, "You may cut off my head, you may shed my blood, but there is absolutely no way you can force me to bow down to evil forces!"
"Good, you have great backbone! I hope you can keep it up!"
After saying that, he winked at Liang Hao.
Liang Hao immediately understood and jumped out: "Hey, I think we've been giving you too much credit, which is why you've lost your sense of proportion."
How dare you defy the decisions of the public council? Where does your Tianqing Sect get the audacity to speak like this?
How about this, I'll go out and practice with you. I'll give you a handicap with one arm and one leg, and then I'll grab Kun'er and fight you.
"If you can defeat me by even half a move, your Azure Sky Sect won't have to pay the money, how about that?"
He Lixian was startled; naturally, he couldn't reason with this powerful expert who had entered the Nirvana Realm.
Moreover, let alone giving him one hand, one leg, and a penis, even if he stood still and kept attacking, he might not be able to break through the opponent's defense.
There are many cases in the Immortal Martial Continent of killing stronger individuals who are above their level or even beyond their realm, but those are all low-level battlegrounds.
Once you reach the Profound Void Realm, it's virtually impossible to kill a powerful enemy beyond your own realm unless you use some kind of cheat.
Although there is only a half-step difference between the peak of the Profound Void Realm and the first grade of Nirvana Realm, the gap between the two is enormous.
It's no exaggeration to say that if Liang Hao were to make a move, all seven sect leaders present would be nothing more than easy prey.
Instantly, He Lixian's aura diminished.
Liang Hao continued, "You can raise any opinions you have. Although we certainly won't adopt them, we can keep your opinions for reference. We believe that the decision of the judiciary is made after careful consideration."
After careful consideration?
Nima, you call that deep thought in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea?
Everyone was deeply shocked by Liang Hao's shameless words, and they felt a surge of affection as they sent their greetings to all the women in his family, including Messi.
"Why are you all silent? Are you agreeing or refusing? Can't you just give me a straight answer? Do you expect me to just stand here and wait for you to open your mouth?"
Three consecutive questions almost sent the person to their death.
He Lixian braced himself and retorted: "Isn't this going too far? Didn't we agree on fairness and justice? I strongly protest your shameless behavior of bullying others by taking advantage of your power."
Liang Hao: "Is your Tianqing Sect trying to challenge the legitimacy of my Court of Justice's enforcement of the law? If so, go ahead and spout nonsense. If you can walk out of the Qingyun Sect upright today, I swear I'll change my surname to yours, how about that?"
Faced with such a blatant threat, He Lixian truly regretted his stubbornness.
The fact that someone dares to speak to me like that is because of their strength.
Strength is the essential rule for survival in the Immortal Martial Continent, and the key to gaining all dignity.
He Lixian completely backed down: "Fine, it must be due to the oversight of the seven major sects of the Eastern Continent. My Tianqing Sect is willing to pay the required spirit stones."
The Azure Sky Sect and the Azure Cloud Sect are two equally revered powers in the Eastern Continent. Since they both agreed, the other five sects naturally had no choice but to grit their teeth and pay the spirit stones they were owed.
One million spirit stones is a lot, but for these second- or third-rate sects, it's definitely something they can afford.
Consider it a loss to avoid further trouble. The key is to get in touch with the arbitration committee, which might come in handy in a critical moment. After all, it's better to have more friends than more enemies, a principle everyone understands.
This matter has finally come to an end. Suddenly, Master Zisong said, "I misjudged people and almost ruined the reputation of the Qingyun Sect and fellow Daoists from other sects in the Eastern Continent."
Committing such heinous crimes is a matter of conscience.
"From this day forward, I will abdicate my position as sect leader and retreat to the Cliff of Repentance to meditate for a hundred years."
"Sect Master, you mustn't!"
Upon hearing this, the elders of the Qingyun Sect all spoke up to dissuade them.
But Master Zisong was determined: "There's no need for further discussion. Young Hero Shen is absolutely right. As the sect leader, I only pursue strength, fame, and fortune."
The only oversight was neglecting to supervise those around him, which blinded him to right and wrong, a serious dereliction of duty.
"My time is drawing near, I only have a hundred years left. Let me spend the rest of my life atoning for what I did today. After I leave, Elder Mo will succeed me as sect leader."
Mo Xinchen hurriedly said, "Sect Master, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task."
"Junior Sister Mo, please don't refuse. No one in the Qingyun Sect is more suitable for the position of Sect Master than you right now. Lu Chen and Xuanji are promising talents."
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