Chapter 20

Confrontation

The next morning, Moxiang and his party set out early for the Jiling Assembly and hurried towards the Tang Clan. After lunch, upon arriving at the Tang Clan, the party requested a meeting with the Clan Head, which was accepted. An elderly martial artist led Moxiang and his party to a building called Taicheng Hall. Moxiang noticed that despite its modest size, the building was well-constructed and imposing, with a grand plaque reading “Taicheng Hall” in bold calligraphy. At this moment, the elderly man who had guided them spoke.

"Please wait here. You cannot bring weapons, so please hand them over to me."

"Understood. You, take off your scabbard."

Moxiang handed over his Muhun Sword and the sword of Yulingin to the man.

"You all wait here. Lan, give me the gifts."

When Lan handed over the prepared gifts, Moxiang led Yulingin inside. Inside, seven people were waiting for Moxiang. Six chairs were placed by the door, and seven chairs were on the opposite side. Everyone was seated and stood up to greet Moxiang and his party. However, what shocked Moxiang was that the woman he had teased on the way to Sichuan was sitting among the seven chairs, standing up with a furious expression and glaring at Moxiang. Moxiang looked at her for a moment and laughed.

"Hahaha, they say that even the greatest enemies meet on a narrow bridge. It's been a while, Miss Yu."

The woman, her face red with anger, drew her sword from her waist.

"Tsk! You rascal! Because of your tricks, I had to swallow that bitter medicine three times. The Clan Head said it wasn't an aphrodisiac at all. How dare you play with me! I will tear you apart..."

Before she could finish, Moxiang spoke coldly.

"It seems reconciliation is impossible today. I have no choice but to kill everyone here and resolve this quickly."

At the same moment, a blue energy beam shot from Moxiang's hand, reaching a length of three feet and resembling a burning stick. Everyone was shocked and quickly drew their swords, standing up.

"Heart Sword..."

Moxiang, ignoring their shock, called out coldly.

"Do not blame me..."

At the same moment, Moxiang darted forward. His first target was the impudent Miss Yu. Seeing Moxiang approaching at lightning speed, Miss Yu hastily retreated, and the two men on either side of her nimbly leaped to intercept Moxiang's energy beam. The collision of swords and energy beams sparked, and the two men were thrown back, spewing blood. Just as Moxiang was about to launch another energy beam, Yulingin stepped in front of him. Moxiang looked at her coldly.

"Move."

"Don't do this. We can resolve this with words, can't we? We came here to find a peaceful solution. And you said you would leave it to me. Why?"

"Can't you see the situation? They drew their swords first. Did you think I would offer my neck and say, 'Kill me'?"

A robust man, who had been listening to Moxiang and Yulingin's conversation, realized there was still hope for a peaceful resolution and interjected.

"Listen, Hero. We didn't gather here to fight. Let's calm down and resolve this through dialogue."

He stepped in because he recognized that Moxiang's martial arts were so formidable that even if everyone in the room attacked, they would be no match. The Heart Sword was a supreme martial art that even the great master Gou Huijiao had admitted was theoretically possible but practically difficult to master. If Moxiang had mastered it, he was likely even stronger than Gou Huijiao. There was no harm in listening to the other side before engaging in battle. At this moment, a man who had been thrown back and nearly punched a hole in the wall with his protective energy, coughed up blood and stood up.

"Let's resolve this peacefully. We should try to solve this with words."

He looked at his fallen sword, which fortunately was undamaged. If it had been any other sword, it would have been cut in half. The man next to him was also slowly standing up. His sword, a family heirloom, had protected him from worse harm. At this moment, a man rushed in, followed by about fifty subordinates with drawn swords.

"Is the Clan Head alright?"

The robust man, who had been advocating for a peaceful resolution, replied.

"There was a misunderstanding. You can all go back outside."

"Yes, we will withdraw."

The robust man, with a well-groomed beard, turned to Moxiang after his subordinates left.

"I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Tang Zhentian, the Clan Head of the Tang Clan. Please, everyone, take a seat."

As he sat down, Moxiang, unable to cause further disturbance, retracted his energy and sat down as well.

"Will the people outside not come in?"

"They are all my subordinates. They are not skilled in unarmed combat, so I came in alone. And I need someone to guard my sword and Miss Yulingin's sword. You, don't just stand there; come and sit down."

When Yulingin sat next to Moxiang, he formally introduced himself.

"I am Moxiang, the Deputy Leader of the Demon Sect, appointed by the Jiling Assembly to mediate. This is Miss Yulingin, who will handle the negotiations."

The man on the opposite side looked at Yulingin with a puzzled expression, and everyone else's faces were equally strange. Moxiang found it hard to guess the reason, but he assumed it was because she was related to the woman he had teased. The other side then introduced themselves.

"This is Zhong Li Yingwu, the Overlord of the Zhong Li Family."

The man who had been thrown back by Moxiang's sword bowed.

"And this is Zhuge Ji, the Overlord of the Zhuge Family."

"Hero, your martial arts are truly impressive."

The man who had been thrown back with his sword bowed.

"And this is Yu Meihua, the Plum Sword of the Mei Clan."

However, the woman ignored Moxiang, still breathing heavily from the shock.

"This is my son, Tang Renjie. He may not be impressive to you, but he is considered a talented individual in the martial world."

The Clan Head, proud of his son, introduced the next person.

"These two are the Outer Chief, Li Zheng, and the Inner Chief, Tang Ping. Let's proceed with the meeting. Bring in the tea."

Three servants entered and placed tea on the armrests of the chairs. Moxiang handed the gifts to one of the servants.

"This is a small token of appreciation. I would be grateful if you accept it. We have already discussed it, so please consult with Miss Yulingin."

The Clan Head, puzzled, asked Moxiang.

"Miss Yulingin is the granddaughter of the Martial Alliance Leader. Even if we reach an agreement with her, will your sect accept it?"

"That won't be a problem. I have already explained everything to Miss Yulingin. Please discuss it with her. I am here to ensure her safety."

Miss Yulingin then spoke calmly.

"The Heavenly Demon Sect knows that the Jiling Assembly and the Tang Clan have let their pride escalate a trivial matter to an uncontrollable level. Can't we just declare a truce?"

The Inner Chief responded solemnly.

"That is not possible. The damage our clan has suffered is considerable. We want some form of compensation."

"What if we do not provide compensation?"

Miss Yu Meihua said coldly.

"Then this meeting is pointless."

The Outer Chief added.

"We will have no choice but to engage in a prolonged conflict."

The Clan Head elaborated on their stance.

"The Martial Alliance has sent over fifty high-level martial artists, and the Zhuge and Zhong Li Families have each sent over a hundred. Additionally, three other sects have promised to send their disciples to the next conflict. We believe the Jiling Assembly's leader should formally apologize to the Tang Clan and provide some form of compensation."

Moxiang asked quietly but firmly.

"Can you tell me the names of those sects?"

The Clan Head, puzzled, asked.

"Why do you need to know?"

Yulingin, sitting next to Moxiang, answered.

"Deputy Leader Moxiang led the Asura Demon Squad here."

The people in front were shocked. The Asura Demon Squad was the elite force of the Demon Sect. Bringing them to a minor conflict was unexpected, especially since this conflict did not directly involve the Demon Sect.

The Clan Head, regaining his composure, asked Moxiang.

"Is what Miss Yulingin says true?"

"Yes."

"Are you threatening us?"

Yulingin replied to the Clan Head.

"Not a threat. The Heavenly Demon Sect does not want to prolong this meaningless conflict. It tarnishes our reputation. We prefer a peaceful resolution, but if it comes to violence, the Sect Leader has ordered Deputy Leader Moxiang to end it quickly and decisively. If negotiations fail, he will start with the people in this room and then unleash the Asura Demon Squad to finish the rest."

"Even with the Asura Demon Squad, it won't be easy to defeat the Tang Clan and the two major families at once."

"Deputy Leader Moxiang said he would start with the people in this room. After that, the Asura Demon Squad will deal with the rest, who will be leaderless and disorganized. I am not exaggerating. If we can reach a peaceful agreement, both sides will exchange gifts and make public apologies. The Heavenly Demon Sect will provide additional gifts to ensure a smooth resolution. We want to avoid damaging our reputations and resolve this quickly."

"Why is your sect in such a hurry? The involvement of the two major families was due to your sect. Now, you suddenly demand a quick resolution or threaten to destroy us. Can you explain your reasons?"

Moxiang spoke calmly.

"Do you know of the Dark Demon Sect?"

Miss Yu Meihua confidently replied.

"Yes. According to the information collected by our alliance, it is a branch of the Blood Sect with nearly 5,000 members, many of whom are high-level martial artists, making it difficult to gather information."

"The Dark Demon Sect is not a branch of the Blood Sect but a group of 1,000 disciples who left our sect. One of the Four Kings, Black Death Emperor Zhang Renjie, leads them. We closely monitor their activities and also keep an eye on other hidden forces like the Asura Blood Sect. Dealing with these threats is already overwhelming for us. A few years ago, when many women were kidnapped, we suspected a group practicing a strange great technique and sent the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Squad to the border. After eliminating them, we discovered it was just a human trafficking ring and withdrew. We are currently engaged in a hidden battle against these enemies. Therefore, the Sect Leader has ordered me to mediate with you, and if that fails, to ambush and destroy you and quickly return the Asura Demon Squad to the sect."

Miss Yu Meihua said mockingly.

"But now that we know, it will be difficult to ambush us."

Moxiang smiled at Yulingin.

"Your sister must have gone mad from taking too much of the medicine. Why would I need to come back here? Honestly, the Tang Clan can be destroyed with just me and the Four Gentlemen. The Asura Demon Squad is preparing to destroy the Zhuge and Zhong Li Families. When they hear the Tang Clan is destroyed, the other two will be finished as well."

As he finished speaking, his sword flew in from outside and hovered in front of him. Moxiang picked it up and sheathed it at his waist.

"You seem to have no prior knowledge of me. In our sect, no one is allowed to carry a sword within two feet of the Sect Leader. Many Sect Leaders have been assassinated in the past. However, I am the only exception. Everyone knows that even the Sect Leader cannot stop me from killing anyone I want, with or without a sword. So, what will you do? Reconciliation or battle?"

The Clan Head, his face stiff, replied.

"You know this is a complete threat, right?"

Moxiang responded bluntly.

"I am not suggesting something disadvantageous to you. It is actually beneficial. If you agree to reconcile, our sect will give you 2,000 silver taels. In return, you must show respect to us. We can give 1,000 silver taels to each sect, but that would look bad. So, if you give 1,000 silver taels to the Jiling Assembly, they will be very pleased. As a gesture of goodwill, we will return three lost martial arts manuals of the Tang Clan. This is the most I can offer. Please discuss it among yourselves."

He then turned to Yulingin.

"Wait outside."

"Excuse me? Why?"

"If a battle breaks out, the Four Gentlemen will protect you."

"If the Tang Clan refuses, will you start a massacre?"

Moxiang nodded slightly, and she shook her head sadly.

"That can't happen. I will stay here and help my sister fight you."

Yulingin slowly walked to Miss Yu Meihua. Moxiang smiled.

"Will you use the Black Horse Commanding Sword Technique I taught you?"

"Yes, I am very grateful for everything you've done for me."

At this moment, Yulingin's sword flew in and stopped in front of her. Moxiang used his inner energy to return the sword to her.

"If you want to fight, you need your sword. Once it starts, I will send you to the afterlife first. That's the only thing I can do for you."

"Thank you."

While whispering to each other, they had heard Moxiang and Yulingin's conversation. Moxiang, seemingly relaxed, was gently stroking his Muhun Sword, and Yulingin was standing still, looking at him. Moxiang then broke the long silence.

"Although we didn't spend much time together, it was enjoyable. It's a shame we met under these circumstances. We could have been very good friends..."

"Yes, but you are too mischievous to be a close friend."

"Still, it was fun. When we first met... hehehe, after making your sister take the Ten-Fried Demon Calming Pill and telling her it was an aphrodisiac... hahaha, you didn't see her flustered expression."

Despite the tense situation, Yulingin laughed. Miss Yu Meihua, who had been whispering, turned red with anger.

"That was a masterpiece. But I'm still curious about the expression on your sister's face when she chewed the medicine... hahaha. I can't stop laughing."

Miss Yu Meihua, furious, tried to attack Moxiang with her sword but was held back by the others. Moxiang, recounting funny stories from their journey, made Yulingin laugh and clap, while he smiled and continued the conversation. At this moment, the Clan Head cleared his throat and spoke.

"Ahem, Deputy Leader Moxiang, we have reached a decision."

"What will you do?"

At the same moment, everyone in the room could sense Moxiang gathering an immense amount of energy, so powerful that it created a wind around him. Moxiang had gathered his energy so quickly that it was almost instantaneous. The Clan Head, overwhelmed by Moxiang's presence, trembled and struggled to speak.

"I, I, I accept your terms."

Everyone was astonished. Moxiang's energy, which had been building up explosively, suddenly disappeared. Normally, it takes time to gather and then dissipate such energy, but Moxiang did it almost instantly, indicating he had not used his full power. Yulingin, still dissipating her energy and relaxing her muscles, was still in the process of calming down.

"Good. Then this is our farewell. The Sect Leader will be pleased with your decision."

He then called out.

"Guo!"

"Yes."

"Bring the prepared items."

"Yes."

Guo entered with three wrapped bundles, which he handed to Moxiang. It seemed the Four Gentlemen had been carrying these bundles. Moxiang, receiving them, instructed Guo.

"Go to Elder Dong and tell him to return to the sect. I will follow soon. You return with Elder Dong."

"Yes, sir!"

Guo darted out at lightning speed, leaving everyone in awe. They realized he was not inferior to them. Moxiang, handing the three bundles to the Clan Head, said.

"These are the manuals we agreed upon. They are all original copies. However, we have perfect copies in our archives, so please understand."

He then took out a gold note from his pocket.

"This is a gold note from a reputable bank, worth 100 gold taels. I would be grateful if you could reach a peaceful agreement today. I have already informed the Jiling Assembly leader, and he will be very pleased."

Moxiang, quickly handing over the promised items, left the Clan Head somewhat bewildered.

"I hope we can maintain a good relationship. Without the incident at our sect, it would have been difficult to achieve such a positive outcome. I will take my leave now. Goodbye."

Moxiang bowed respectfully and turned to Miss Yu Meihua.

"I almost forgot. This is yours. I will return it."

Moxiang took out all the items he had taken from Miss Yu Meihua, including an empty purse.

"Unfortunately, there is no money in the purse. I donated it to a poor temple for your health. You won't suffer from the effects of aphrodisiacs for the rest of your life."

Moxiang, smirking, was about to leave when Miss Yu Meihua, furious, suddenly drew her sword and lunged at him. However, her sword stopped near Moxiang, as if blocked by an invisible force. She shouted in frustration.

"What kind of black magic is this?"

Moxiang smiled.

"You always talk about black magic. It's not black magic. Ask your grandfather, and he will tell you what it is."

Moxiang left with a smug smile, and Yulingin followed.

"Are you leaving already?"

"Yes, as I said before, I am a problem solver. I only step in when the sect faces a difficult issue. Now that