Only after unifying the world did I realize that immortals existed in this world.

Many people are destined to be unable to rest tonight.

Lu Junfeng turned to Chu Xiangyun, who had been watching the whole thing unfold, and asked, "Xiangyun, you know that emperor. Could you go and plead with him to release Junior Brother Shi?"

"plead?"

Having just experienced a fight, Chu Xiangyun seemed to be watching a show, showing no tension whatsoever. Instead, she teased, "Senior brother, weren't you resentful that I associated with that emperor? Now you're begging me for help~"

Well, he hasn't completely regained his authority.

This unlucky guy hasn't changed at all.

Why does he always lead a bunch of problem children?!

Lu Junfeng said helplessly, "Shi Yu and the other three are, after all, disciples of our Taihua Sect. When we are out and about, we represent the face of the Taihua Sect."

Chu Xiangyun curled her lip: "So you've learned about the sect's reputation after being beaten up! Why don't you think about the sect's reputation when you're bullying ordinary people? You've already lost it almost entirely!"

Lu Junfeng earnestly advised, "That's not the point! Junior Sister, Junior Brother Shi is one of ours. If we let Great Xia behead him, how will we discuss the alliance with Great Xia in the future?"

Even if Shi Yu's mistake was so great that he deserved to be executed, it should be decided by the sect. If the Great Xia were to execute him, it would be tantamount to the Great Xia overstepping its bounds, disrespecting the immortal sects, and trampling the face of the Taihua Sect.

This narrows the path for both sides.

It's good enough that we're not fighting, how can we discuss a joint effort?

Some conflicts can be bridges of connection. For example, Liu Bingxuan's questioning of them led to a friendly reconciliation after he proved himself.

However, some conflicts create a chasm that separates the two sides.

If Shi Yu were to die here, it would be a slap in the face. Both sides would be caught in the middle, and even if the Taihua Sect really wanted to unite, they wouldn't be able to bring themselves to do so.

Lu Junfeng knew the value of the Great Xia Dynasty to the sect; this great dynasty was a huge treasure that had not yet been explored.

The inability to form an alliance might even trigger conflict. This would be a lose-lose situation for both sides, and... the Taihua Sect might not be the one who loses the least.

The Immortal Alliance is not limited to the Taihua Sect alone.

Chu Xiangyun still didn't understand the complexities in Lu Junfeng's mind, and simply said matter-of-factly, "But I think what that minister said makes a lot of sense! Since we're on someone else's turf, shouldn't we abide by their rules? Shouldn't Junior Brother Shi pay the price for his crime?"

"It's alright if he's dead! If his heart is strong enough in his pursuit of the Dao, he can even become a ghost!"

"well……"

Is this the key point?

Tired, destroy it.

A sense of the big picture is something you either don't have or you don't have.

Lu Junfeng sighed and gave up on persuading Chu Xiangyun. He simply gave the order: "Here's what we'll do. Go ask the emperor how he can release Junior Brother Shi."

Shi Yu made a mistake, and someone seized on his weakness.

Lu Junfeng knew very well what the other party wanted.

A human life has no value to the Great Xia Dynasty. But what these cultivators possess and represent is very meaningful to the Great Xia Dynasty.

War, negotiation, scheming... these are all ways to gain benefits.

Now it's their turn to concede and bleed.

Perhaps the one deep within the palace is waiting for them to make an offer.

As long as Shi Yu lives, there is always room for negotiation and compromise.

"Ah~"

Xie Cangrong was a very interesting person, and Chu Xiangyun was willing to chat with him, but she didn't want to talk about such boring things. She would rather demonstrate her innovative modifications to firearms and hear some of his novel ideas.

"Is it alright if I, your senior, ask you for a favor?"

Lu Junfeng was truly exhausted.

He felt that he was carrying the weight of Taihua Lake and its thirty-six peaks on his shoulders, but there were these useless teammates dragging him down behind him.

"Oops~"

It's not a big deal.

If he didn't agree to his senior's request, he looked like he was about to cry.

Chu Xiangyun waved her hand in agreement: "Okay, okay~"

I just can't do anything with you~

Junior sister will spoil you this once.

"Remember not to tell the emperor that I asked you to ask, and that you only asked because you were worried about your junior brother."

Chu Xiangyun patted her chest: "Okay~ I'll take care of it!"

Chu Xiangyun agreed, and Lu Junfeng breathed a sigh of relief. He then turned to his fellow disciples and said, "Everyone, what happened to Junior Brother Shi should serve as a warning to us. Great Xia is different from our Zhou and Yan kingdoms. I hope you will all think twice before acting."

"yes!"

The cultivators were also awakened tonight by the imperialist iron fist of the Great Xia. They finally faced the Great Xia squarely, adjusted their mindset, and no longer harbored any arrogance.

"We have to attend the Emperor's banquet tomorrow, so please go back and rest. I have to go out for a bit. If you need anything while I'm gone, please contact Junior Brother Bai."

"yes!"

After giving all the instructions, Lu Junfeng looked up at the full moon in the sky, sighed, and then disappeared from the spot in a flash.

……

"Brother, please inform him again that I have a matter of utmost urgency and need to see Lord Liu."

Compared to Qi Xiu's simple residence, Liu Bingxuan's place was much more grand.

No one knows who the prime minister is or who the deputy prime minister is anymore.

Lu Junfeng knew all too well how much trouble this little farce in Shiyu could cause if not handled properly.

Every minute and every second counts.

So he braved the darkness and ran to Liu Bingxuan's gate, hoping to see him. However, even though he was anxious, Lu Junfeng did not overstep the bounds by climbing over the wall to see him. Instead, he politely asked the guards to announce his arrival.

"Well... sir, it's not that we don't want to help you report, but it's really late, and our lord needs to get ready!" The guard spoke politely, without any intention of making things difficult.

However, since his visits were unconventional, he always had to wait for the host to prepare.

Time passed slowly, and Lu Junfeng grew increasingly anxious.

He didn't know how much time had passed when another guard returned and said to him, "I've kept you waiting, Lord Lu. Please come with me."

"good!"

The candlelight flickered, and Liu Bingxuan, dressed casually with his hair unkempt, sat quietly in the main hall waiting. When he saw Lu Junfeng arrive, he quickly stepped forward with a smile on his face: "I didn't know the envoy was coming. It took me some time to get ready. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Seeing his attire, Lu Junfeng knew that he had disturbed the other's rest. However, the other showed no anger, but instead appeared kind and concerned, which moved Lu Junfeng even more.

He hurriedly clasped his hands in a bow and said, "Lord Liu, what are you saying! I, Lu, have shamelessly come uninvited late at night, disturbing your rest. I beg your forgiveness."

"Hey~ come, please have a seat."

Liu Bingxuan gestured for the servants to leave and led Lu Junfeng into the room: "Brother Lu, your visit so late at night must be urgent. Let's skip the formalities."

Check it out!

Look at what you're saying!

The pressure of the night was almost unbearable for Lu Junfeng, and at this moment, he inexplicably felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Their own side is full of troublesome teammates, yet they have to ask the opposing team for help.

Lu Junfeng sighed: "To be honest, Brother Liu, if I had no other choice, I would never have dared to disturb your peace in the middle of the night."

"If this matter is handled carelessly, it could lead to war between the Great Xia and the Immortal Sect! At that time, even if I were to die a hundred times, I would still be held responsible!"