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第三千六百九十七章 握手言和

The situation had escalated to such an extent that the Two Elders of Heaven and Earth never expected. Regardless of their inner reluctance, a peaceful resolution was undoubtedly the most suitable outcome.

In the cultivation world, it ultimately came down to strength.

Lin Xuan had violated the rules of the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance, tarnishing its reputation. If any other cultivator were involved, they would surely face irreparable consequences. However, Lin Xuan's potential left the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance with no choice but to take notice.

If they pursued this matter further, it would only result in mutual destruction.

Yet achieving a peaceful resolution was not easy either.

At least one step had to be taken.

Face-saving was important; if they returned humbly, Fairy Rain Pine would certainly not spare them. The Two Elders exchanged glances, their expressions showing difficulty.

They were most afraid that this young Lin Xuan would be overly proud and unwilling to admit his mistake verbally. In such a case, their situation would be dire, as they could not allow the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance to concede defeat.

The current situation was beyond their control; only Fairy Rain Pine's reputation as the strongest cultivator in the spiritual realm had the potential to resolve this awkward crisis.

But such a scene was merely a wishful thought. As trusted confidants, the Two Elders rarely had opportunities to interact with Fairy Rain Pine. Known for her reclusive nature and eccentric personality, she would only emerge during times of great conflict among the Three Realms. Hoping for her intervention now was like hoping for rain in a desert.

The Two Elders were at a loss until Lin Xuan's voice suddenly reached their ears:

"Dear fellow cultivators, let me explain. This dispute arose due to my actions, though it was out of necessity. I have broken the rules of the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance, and I take full responsibility. Regardless of how this unfolds, I apologize to the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance."

Lin Xuan bowed in their direction as he spoke. However, the Two Elders were not actually there.

This did not matter. At least Lin Xuan had shown his willingness to admit fault, regardless of the sincerity behind it. This was exactly what the Two Elders desired.

The specifics of which direction he was bowing towards were irrelevant; a fool would delve into such minutiae.

Both sighed in relief and joy internally but maintained their composure externally. After all, they represented the face of the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance, so they had to maintain their dignity and demeanor.

With chest puffed out and beard stroked, Elder Tianshen's voice resonated: "To err is human; to correct it is divine. I have investigated this matter thoroughly. Although you were at fault, your actions can be understood given the circumstances. As an old saying goes, a guest from afar should not be wronged. You traveled across vast distances to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet, and how could we Rain Mist Commercial Alliance wrong someone who is alone?"

"Although you are at fault, knowing your mistake and repenting, our alliance will forgive you. I hope you take this lesson to heart and avoid such impulsive actions in the future."

Your words are wise; Lin Xuan would never disobey them. Rest assured, I will conduct myself with humility henceforth and avoid causing any trouble for your alliance.

Elder Tianshen's voice was like celestial music, soothing and serene. His composed demeanor added to his ethereal aura, making him seem almost like a true immortal descending from the heavens.

Compared to their previous confrontation, it seemed as if they were two different people. However, Lin Xuan did not show any strange expression on his face. At their level of cultivation, life was long and filled with various twists and turns. Sycophancy was just another part of the game.

The phrase "performing for an audience" aptly described this situation. Since the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance desired a peaceful resolution, it was indeed what Lin Xuan sought as well.

With everyone in agreement, the rest of the scene became simple. The tense atmosphere dissipated, and the hostile glares turned into soft whispers. Though they did not become close friends, the grudges were certainly resolved.

"Very well. Since you have recognized your mistake, our alliance will no longer pursue this matter. I wish you great success at the Peach Blossom Banquet."

"I thank you for your kind words," Lin Xuan said with a smile.

...

The matter was now concluded. Regardless of how it unfolded, a major disaster had been averted.

"Brother Lin Xuan, what happened?"

Xiang'er turned her head slightly, showing concern. She did not know about the previous dispute between Lin Xuan and the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance.

"It's nothing; just some misunderstandings that have passed."

Lin Xuan smiled, his face filled with tenderness. Xiang'er had indeed contributed significantly to resolving this crisis.

Seeing them whispering closely, other cultivators envied their bond. However, Lin Xuan was not ungrateful.

Though Xiang'er provided some assistance, the affection of Big Brother and Second Sister was even more touching.

Brothers in arms, supporting each other through thick and thin.

Not seeking to be born in the same year or month, but hoping to die together.

These words were easy to say, but acting on them during a crisis was incredibly difficult.

But both Big Brother and Second Sister had done so.

Facing the might of the Rain Mist Commercial Alliance and possibly offending the strongest cultivator, they did not back down. They continued to support him wholeheartedly, for who could remain unmoved by such loyalty? Lin Xuan's character always repaid kindness with kindness.

When others were kind to him, he would always return it.

Initially, his bond with Big Brother and Second Sister had been somewhat utilitarian, but after this incident, he genuinely recognized their worth.

True friends are hard to come by; a person could ask for nothing more than two who can share life and death with them!

Lin Xuan brought Xiang'er over to Nai Long and Hundred Flowers.

"Big Brother, Second Sister, this is Xiang'er."

Xiang'er greeted them politely: "I hope you both will see me as your younger sister."

Seeing Lin Xuan introduce her so earnestly, Xiang'er was naturally delighted. With her sweet appearance and the fox's ability to understand human affairs, winning over Nai Long True Immortal and Fairy Hundred Flowers' favor was effortless.

Nine-tailed Fox followed suit and greeted them.

Nai Long and Hundred Flowers had known each other for a long time, treating each other as equals. However, starting from Xiang'er, their status increased by one level.

Of course, this was just for fun. Determining seniority in the cultivation world was complex, primarily based on strength with some additional principles. In such situations, everyone calculated their own positions.

Xiang'er called Nai Long and Hundred Flowers Big Brother and Second Sister along with Lin Xuan. Meanwhile, Nai Long True Immortal and Fairy Hundred Flowers continued to treat Nine-tailed Fox as an equal.

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