Hunyuan Immortal Sect

Chapter 489 Compensation Mediation
“I understand.” Jiang Feng nodded, then changed the subject: “By the way, there is something else I need to report to Senior Brother Wang. It seems that the Mingyue Sect and the Hunyuan Sect are getting more and more heated. Both sides have deployed troops at the border of Humen City and Bianxi City, which are only a hundred miles apart. A major war could break out at any time.”

"Didn't Junior Brother Jiang send people to talk to the Bright Moon Sect? Why is it getting more and more heated?"

“I sent Wang Yang, the head of Humen City, to deliver a message, but it is clear that the Mingyue Sect did not heed the advice. I received a reply from Wang Yang that the Mingyue Sect dispatched most of its disciples to garrison at the border between the two cities the day after he spoke with them.”

Jiang Feng gave him a meaningful look: "My influence won't work. If you want to stop the Bright Moon Sect, I'm afraid Senior Brother Wang will have to step in personally."

Wang Xuan frowned slightly. He knew that Jiang Feng's words were clearly meant for him. Xu Zhuoxuan had been relying on his personal relationship with the sect leader Hong Haoran to look down on others for quite some time. Especially after breaking through to the Golden Core stage, he became even more fearless, which had already aroused dissatisfaction among many people in the Beast Taming Sect.

When the Bright Moon Sect attacked Yongning City last time, he personally sent people to request a ceasefire, but Xu Zhuoxuan refused.

However, Hong Haoran was quite protective of his own, and considering that this was a descendant of his own family, he was very lenient. As his disciple, he naturally could not disobey his master's wishes.

Otherwise, the Bright Moon Sect would have been in for a world of hurt long ago.

“At this critical juncture, the Bright Moon Sect and the Hunyuan Sect cannot afford to fight. Junior Brother Jiang, I trouble you to go there personally to mediate their conflict and compel them to negotiate peace.” After a moment of silence, Wang Xuan slowly spoke.

"Should we report to the sect leader first?"

"No need, I'll make the decision." Wang Xuan answered decisively without any hesitation.

…………

The night was dark, and the stars and moon were not shining.

In the brightly lit hall of the Mingyue Sect's mountain gate in Humen City, Nie Liang entered from outside and bowed to Xu Zhuoxuan, who was sitting inside: "Sect Leader, I have just received news from Xijiang County that Junior Brother Fan Yuan has been murdered."

"What's going on?" Xu Zhuoxuan frowned.

"On August 14th, Junior Brother Fan went out to the market and never returned. Three days later, the disciples stationed in Xijiang County, seeing that he had not returned, went out to search for him. Finally, they found a charred corpse in a desolate place called Mingxuan Ridge. After confirmation, it was Junior Brother Fan's remains."

"Is it the Hunyuan Sect?" Xu Zhuoxuan's eyes flashed with murderous intent. Because Jiang Feng had intervened, he had already taken a step back and had not directly attacked Bianxi City. Instead, he stationed his troops at the border and waited for the right time to act. He did not expect the Hunyuan Sect to be so arrogant. This was intolerable.

"We still don't know who did it, and we haven't found any witnesses yet. I've thought about it carefully. While we can't rule out the Hunyuan Sect being responsible, it's also possible that other forces are taking advantage of the situation. Logically speaking, since the Hunyuan Sect has already sought peace with Jiang Feng, they shouldn't be adding fuel to the fire at this time. The Xuanyang Sect and Huayuan Sect both have a motive to do this; they most want our sect to go to war with the Hunyuan Sect."

Xu Zhuoxuan's face was gloomy: "Regardless of whether it was done by the Hunyuan Sect or not, this debt must be attributed to them. Send an order to Junior Brother Cui to advance and attack Bianxi City, and take the first line of defense."

Nie Liang frowned: "But how do we explain this to the Beast Taming Sect?"

Xu Zhuoxuan gave him a cold look: "Explain? Explain to whom? When has this sect ever needed to explain to Jiang Feng?"

Nie Liang wanted to persuade him to reconsider, but seeing his expression, she knew that saying more would be useless and would only cause him to resent her. So she nodded and was about to get up and leave.

A disciple of the Bright Moon Sect came to the outer room, bowed, and said, "Reporting to the Sect Leader, Wang Yang from the Beast Taming Sect has come to visit, saying that he has important matters to discuss with the Sect Leader."

"Go see him! See what he has to say."

"Yes." Nie Liang responded and went to the guest hall, where Wang Yang was already waiting. As always, he had a gentle and kind smile like an old neighbor. When he saw Nie Liang arrive, he stood up and bowed with a smile: "Fellow Daoist Nie, I'm sorry to have disturbed your peace and quiet again."

"Manager Wang is an honored guest, there's no need to be so polite."

The two took their seats, and before Nie Liang could ask, he took the initiative to speak: "I have come today to see Senior Xu on important business. I wonder if Senior Xu is at the mountain gate? If he is, please inform him."

"Our sect leader is currently dealing with important matters and it is inconvenient for us to meet now. If it is not urgent, you can speak to me, Master Wang."

"Let's wait until Senior Xu finishes his work. It's alright, I can wait a while."

“Since Steward Wang has important business, I will report to the Sect Leader immediately.” Nie Liang then summoned a disciple and sent him to inform Xu Zhuoxuan.

"I heard that your sect has been buying up a lot of Dragon Essence Fruit recently, saying that you are going to launch a mid-grade second-level spirit wine. Is that true?" Wang Yang took a sip of spirit tea, changed the subject, and asked with a smile.

“That’s right. My junior brother Jiang is currently refining a spirit wine and needs Dragon Essence Fruit. I will send someone to deliver some to Steward Wang.”

"Then I would be disrespectful."

The two chatted casually, like two old friends next door.

After a while, Xu Zhuoxuan entered from outside. Wang Yang slowly stood up and bowed, saying, "Senior Xu, I apologize for disturbing your cultivation."

"Fellow Daoist Wang, please don't stand on ceremony, please have a seat." Xu Zhuoxuan's gaze swept over him, then glanced at Nie Liang, who shook his head imperceptibly, indicating that he was unaware of the situation.

Normally, even if Wang Yang has something to do, he wouldn't insist on meeting with him. But this time, he did something out of the ordinary, which clearly indicates that something is not normal.

Xu Zhuoxuan had a rough idea of ​​what it was about. The last time Wang Yang visited, his attempt to relay Jiang Feng's message had failed.

This time, they came to visit again and insisted on seeing him, clearly still for this matter.

"Fellow Daoist Wang's visit so late at night must be for important matters. Please speak freely!"

"I wouldn't dare disturb Senior Xu's cultivation unless it's something important. Uncle Jiang has arrived in this city on the orders of the sect and sent me to invite Senior Xu. He has important matters to discuss and is waiting for me here."

Upon hearing this, Nie Liang frowned immediately, while Xu Zhuoxuan nodded calmly: "Now that Fellow Daoist Jiang has arrived in Humen City, I should go and see him. If Fellow Daoist Wang has nothing else to do, please return. I will go immediately after I finish what I have to do."

"I will take my leave now. Uncle Jiang is waiting for me here. Please come to the appointment as soon as possible, Senior Xu."

Wang Yang didn't say much, and after speaking, he got up and left.

“Jiang Feng has come in person, it must still be about the Hunyuan Sect.” After he left, Nie Liang immediately spoke up.

"Sect Leader, I think we can't keep pushing this along. I suspect Jiang Feng's visit might not be of his own volition. If he were only entrusted by the Hunyuan Sect, he wouldn't have come all this way. It must be the Beast Taming Sect's doing, either Wang Xuan or some elder from the Beast Taming Sect."

"The last attack on Yongning City has already caused dissatisfaction among some within the Beast Taming Sect. It is not advisable to make any more enemies."

.........

"Fellow Daoist Xu, it's been a long time." Jiang Feng entered from outside the spacious and bright hall, without a smile on his face, only nodding in acknowledgment.

"It's been a few years, but Fellow Daoist Jiang still retains his charm."

The two exchanged polite greetings and took their seats.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang has come from afar. What are your instructions? Please give me your guidance." Although Xu Zhuoxuan's words were polite, his expression was not so humble. He kept his head up and looked directly at the other party.

Jiang Feng remained calm: "How dare I give orders to your esteemed sect? There is simply something I wish to discuss with you. Your sect and the Hunyuan Sect are both prominent forces in Western Frontier County, and they are neighbors. The current tense situation is not conducive to peace. I hope your sect can withdraw its deployed troops and reconcile with the Hunyuan Sect." Xu Zhuoxuan said expressionlessly: "Since Fellow Daoist Jiang has brought this up, you must already be aware of it."

"Know a thing or two."

"Fellow Daoist Jiang should know that outside the market town of Xijiang County, our sect's Foundation Establishment cultivator Zhang Tianda was ambushed and killed by Song Xian. Afterwards, the Hunyuan Sect launched ambushes in various places, killing more than ten of our disciples. Just now, I received news that our sect's Foundation Establishment cultivator Fan Yuan has also been killed. Fellow Daoist Jiang, you want our sect to stop? How can I, as the sect leader, explain this to the disciples?"

Jiang Feng's voice was as calm as still water: "The Hunyuan Sect has also mentioned this matter to our sect. Your sect's cultivator named Zhang Tianda was not killed by Song Xian. As for why they attacked your sect's disciples, it's because your sect mistakenly believed that he was killed by Song Xian and ambushed them first, so they retaliated. Fellow Daoist Xu said that Zhang Tianda and Fan Yuan were both killed by the Hunyuan Sect. Is there any concrete evidence?"

For most people, Xu Zhuoxuan wouldn't need to pay any attention to such words; he would simply turn and leave. This isn't a case, so there's no need for concrete evidence.

However, he still patiently explained to Jiang Feng.

This is not only because Jiang Feng is a Golden Core cultivator, but also because he represents the Beast Taming Sect.

He knew that Jiang Feng's visit must have been orchestrated by someone, and the conversation just now confirmed that.

If he was entrusted by Hunyuanzong to act as a peacemaker, he wouldn't be so forceful and demand concrete evidence.

“Zhang Tianda was murdered outside Luofengfang. Many people witnessed it. A Foundation Establishment Level 10 cultivator used a powerful golden flame to engulf him. In the entire Xijiang County, only Song Xian fits this description. He had used this golden flame technique in front of many people before, and he had a grudge against Zhang Tianda.”

"As for Fan Yuan, another disciple of our sect, there are also sources saying that it was the work of the Hunyuan Sect. At this time, no one but the Hunyuan Sect would attack a disciple of our sect."

"Everyone in our sect knows that the Hunyuan Sect killed two of our Foundation Establishment cultivators, and they also blatantly slaughtered more than a dozen Qi Refining disciples. If our sect does nothing, how can we maintain our standing in the future?"

Jiang Feng remained calm and composed: "I understand. This matter originated from the death of your sect's Foundation Establishment cultivator, Zhang Tianda. All subsequent conflicts between your sect and the Hunyuan Sect are extensions of this incident."

“But what Sect Leader Xu just said was all speculation. No one saw Song Xian kill him. If anyone can confirm it, please bring him here. I will question him personally. If it was Song Xian who killed him, I will leave immediately.”

"If there is no concrete evidence, please, Master Xu, hear me out."

"Under the current circumstances, if your sect were to engage in a major battle with the Hunyuan Sect, both sides would suffer heavy losses, which would be detrimental to the stability of Xijiang County. I urge Sect Leader Xu to prioritize the overall situation."

"This is not my intention, but Senior Brother Wang Xuan's. I am here on his orders to mediate the conflict between your sect and Hunyuan Sect."

Xu Zhuoxuan remained silent. The conversation had already reached this point; if he continued to argue, he would offend not only Jiang Feng but also Wang Xuan.

The room fell silent instantly; neither of them spoke, nor did their eyes meet.

Jiang Feng gazed outside, as if admiring the scenery, exuding a calm and confident air.

Xu Zhuoxuan lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

After a dozen or so breaths of silence, he finally spoke: "Since it is Fellow Daoist Wang's will, then very well, our sect will not pursue Song Xian's responsibility."

"However, it is an undeniable fact that the Hunyuan Sect ambushed and killed more than ten of our disciples. There are many eyewitnesses who witnessed it. If Fellow Daoist Jiang needs witnesses, I can bring them here."

"How should this debt be settled? The Hunyuan Sect must give our sect an explanation, otherwise, our sect's victims and their relatives will not let this go."

…………

"One million spirit stones. That's the compensation demanded by the Bright Moon Sect, or they'll attack Bianxi City."

At Qiyuan Mountain, the Beast Taming Sect's garrison in the western border city, in a spacious and bright hall, Song Xianfang had just taken his seat when Jiang Feng got straight to the point and stated the purpose of the summons.

Song Xian was initially taken aback, but quickly recovered and regained his composure.

He received a message from a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, informing him that Jiang Feng had arrived in Bianxi City and summoned him for a meeting. He rushed over immediately, and before he had even sat down in his chair, he suddenly heard Jiang Feng say this. At first, he didn't react, but soon he understood the meaning of the words.

The Beast Taming Sect and the Bright Moon Sect have reached an agreement. Jiang Feng's words were not a discussion, but an order.

The Hunyuan Sect had no right to refuse; otherwise, not only would the Mingyue Sect not give up, but they would also offend the Yushou Sect.

"Understood. I will prepare one million spirit stones and give them to the Bright Moon Sect." After thinking for only a few breaths, Song Xian gave his reply.

He didn't ask why, nor did he ask why he needed compensation.

In fact, Hunyuan Sect was clearly in the right in the whole affair. Although it was Hunyuan Sect's ambush and killing of Zhang Tianda, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Mingyue Sect, that caused the conflict, there was a reason for it. Zhang Tianda had killed the Deputy Hall Master of the Personnel Hall of Hunyuan Sect first, so Hunyuan Sect chose to retaliate in kind.

Afterwards, it was the Bright Moon Sect that first intercepted and ambushed the Hunyuan Sect's cargo ships and disciples, which prompted the Hunyuan Sect to launch a counterattack.

In truth, the Hunyuan Sect suffered far greater losses than the Mingyue Sect.

In terms of both casualties and looted goods, the Hunyuan Sect suffered greater losses than the Mingyue Sect.

The Bright Moon Sect ambushed and killed more than 30 members of the Hunyuan Sect and plundered several cargo ships, resulting in direct losses of nearly one million spirit stones.

The Hunyuan Sect's counterattack only killed a dozen or so isolated cultivators from the Mingyue Sect, and they did not plunder a single spirit ship.

As for the murder of Fan Yuan, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Bright Moon Sect, he was completely unaware of it.

Logically speaking, it shouldn't be the Hunyuan Sect that should be making compensation.

However, Song Xian did not argue his case, because such matters could not be resolved through reasoning.

If reason were truly effective, Fan Cheng wouldn't have been killed while the Mingyue Sect remained indifferent.

Ultimately, it comes down to who is stronger.

The biggest mistake of the Hunyuan Sect was that it was not as strong as the Mingyue Sect, so even if it was in the right, it still had to pay compensation.

Therefore, although Song Xian was unwilling, he had no choice but to agree.

One million spirit stones is no small sum; it's almost equivalent to two years' worth of revenue from the Hunyuan Sect's treasury.

The current annual revenue of the Hunyuan Sect is over two million spirit stones. After deducting various expenses, the net income is only over one million spirit stones. After deducting the dividends for each person, the profit in the treasury is about six hundred thousand.

Fortunately, the sect's treasury has been well-stocked over the years, with over 16 million spirit stones in savings, so coming up with one million is not a problem at all.

(End of this chapter)