Reuniting with Cloud Cliff True Person, Settling All Grudges

Cloud Cliff True Person stared at the Essence Storing Spirit Gathering Grass before him, blinking in disbelief.

He was both pleasantly surprised and unsure whether he should take it directly.

To be fair, he definitely wanted this crucial spirit medicine herb.

But the problem was that giving him something so expensive as a gift made him feel uneasy and nervous.

After all, as True Disciple of a major sect, Cloud Cliff True Person had long been taught a principle.

Be wary of those who are jealous of you, but also be wary of those who actively show you great goodwill.

Every gift that fate bestows comes with a hidden price tag.

"I also acquired quite a few Spirit Stone this time, so I'll give you two boxes to use."

Xiao Chen then waved his hand and took out several large boxes, pushing them directly at him. "Why are you just staring at me? Hurry up and put them away."

"Could it be that you already have Breakthrough Spirit Pill and want to exchange it for something else?"

"If that's the case, don't be shy about asking."

"I have quite a few spiritual materials on hand right now. Just tell me what you need, and I'll see if I can find it."

Although Xiao Chen couldn't repay a small kindness with a great one, he could certainly repay it many times over.

Give them more Spirit Stone; they can buy whatever they need if they're missing something.

Cloud Cliff True Person scanned the box with his Divine Sense and his pupils immediately contracted. There were a total of one million Spirit Stone in the box.

One million!

Even for True Disciple like him, this was a huge sum of money.

Cloud Cliff True Person swallowed hard, then reluctantly declined, saying, "Logically, I shouldn't refuse a reward from a senior."

"However, I am truly unable to accept such a generous gift from you without giving me a proper reason."

"Moreover, this does not comply with the sect's rules."

Although it sounded like an excuse, there were actually two similar Sect Rules within the Azure Sea Immortal Sect, but they weren't usually enforced so strictly.

"How could it be for no reason? Didn't you just give me a nautical chart?"

Xiao Chen thought for a moment and said, "Oh, I see. You're worried that this reason might not be good for the future, right?"

He could completely understand this mentality, since Cloud Cliff True Person would inevitably be questioned about the reason after bringing the spirit medicine back.

If he were to reveal that he had leaked the internal nautical charts to outsiders in the first place...

Although Iron Fan True Monarch might let it go lightly on the surface out of consideration for Xiao Chen.

However, in reality, he will likely be gradually marginalized in the future.

For most cultivators, even possessing Breakthrough Spirit Pill doesn't guarantee a successful breakthrough; they still have many concerns.

"It's simple, just accept it without hesitation."

Xiao Chen said directly, "Go back and tell them that I found you pleasing to the eye and made a deal with you using spiritual items and Spirit Stone."

"Just give me any obscure spiritual item, like a useless Dao Comprehension Crystal or Magic Treasure Fragment weapon."

"That way you'll have a perfectly good reason to report back."

"I previously purchased a Dao Comprehension Crystal with spirit Spirit Stone, and this can be verified."

Cloud Cliff True Person was already feeling dizzy and disoriented.

On his way here, he had already considered all sorts of possibilities in his mind.

There were instances where, after meeting the person, the apology was smoothly delivered, and a spiritual item was given to clear up the misunderstanding.

There are also bad situations where they are simply too shameful to be seen by others, or where Xiao Chen coldly awaits their meeting and demands an explanation from the Azure Sea Immortal Sect.

But he never expected things to turn out this way.

I was specifically responsible for delivering the gift.

How did I end up being the one receiving the gifts?

Cloud Cliff True Person's mind went blank; he didn't know whether to decline again or accept it directly.

The main problem is that Xiao Chen gave too much.

But he worried that if he continued to refuse to take it, wouldn't that anger Senior Xiao?

However, Xiao Chen didn't think about all that; he was already holding his teacup and sipping his tea.

The Spirit Tea tastes alright, but unfortunately I already had it once back at Heavenly Azure Peak.

At that time, I helped him enhance his Divine Sense activity for three consecutive days, which greatly facilitated his reading in the Scripture Pavilion during those days.

Now, the effect is much weaker, and the improvement seems very limited.

"By the way, Daoist Gang Yuan said you came to see me. Is there something you need?"

Xiao Chen put down his teacup and went straight to the point. "I heard you also brought a letter from Fellow Daoist Iron Fan?"

He had probably already guessed some of the reason.

Although no news leaked when he killed Old Dog Yi, the Azure Sea Immortal Sect should have no evidence to suggest that he was the one who did it.

However, in many cases, evidence is not that crucial.

There are only a handful of Nascent Soul True Lord in the Compassion Sea, and even fewer who are capable of killing other Nascent Soul Cultivator.

Normally, using the process of elimination wouldn't be particularly difficult.

With the Sea Race attacking now, almost all the key combat positions are now out in the open.

Xiao Chen appeared near the Ink Barrier Sect at this time.

They demonstrated extraordinary combat prowess, possessing both the time and the capability.

It takes almost no deduction to pinpoint him, or rather, to identify this clue.

Furthermore, they could directly interrogate the Yi Family cultivators who had been secretly Inspector Xiao Chen's movements, making it incredibly easy for them to uncover the truth.

But it doesn't matter, he had already figured out that this matter couldn't be kept secret long before Xiao Chen made his move.

He never intended to hide it; he just didn't publicize it.

If someone were to ask, he would readily admit it.

After all, if the Azure Sea Immortal Sect really investigated the Yi Family members, they would find out that he was not the one who actively abducted and killed them, but rather the one who was abducted and killed.

This was simply a justifiable act of retaliation.

If the other party persists in making trouble because of this, well, that's unlikely now.

The demise of the Illuminating Void Sect should help Iron Fan True Monarch and others maintain their composure.

However, Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised by this, as Iron Fan True Monarch would directly choose to admit his mistake and seek peace.

He was somewhat taken aback as he looked at the lengthy apology letter, which was over ten thousand words long.

Keep in mind, this was a handwritten text of tens of thousands of words, spanning over ten pages.

It also draws on numerous classical texts and allusions, using various methods to suggest that both sides should abandon past grievances and continue to coexist peacefully.

It should be noted that this is based on the time it took for Cloud Cliff True Person to depart.

At that time, even the Iron Fan True Monarch probably didn't know that the Linked Grand Array had been broken.

The fact that he wrote such a letter at that time, rather than making a last-minute attempt after seeing the destruction of the Illuminating Void Sect, is enough to show that he genuinely wanted to resolve the grievances.

This is truly a rare occurrence.

However, firstly, Xiao Chen wasn't the kind of person who wouldn't let things go, and secondly, judging from the previous situation, the Yi Family Old Ancestor was probably arresting people in secret.

The disciples of the Azure Sea Immortal Sect were likely unaware that only their Lineage had been mobilized.

Of course, theoretically, Iron Fan True Monarch and others should have had some guesses, but they did not directly participate.

This can be seen from the fact that Xiao Chen was able to enter Azure Sea Pavilion and Wave Listening Market normally, and no Wanted Notice was subsequently issued by the outside world.

If only that Old Dog Yi could have used the sect's resources to block and suppress them back then.

Xiao Chen's situation would undoubtedly be much more difficult. For example, he might not be able to enter the New Ruin at all, as he would be stopped by the major sects outside.

In that case, he might be forced to seek fortuitous opportunity for a breakthrough in the Outer Sea.

In that case, it's not impossible for him to coexist peacefully with the Azure Sea Immortal Sect.

After all, not only did Iron Fan True Monarch apologize promptly, but he also sent a portion of Peach Blossom Divine Water Dew.

This is a Fourth-Order High-Grade Spirit Item, the kind of treasure where once you use one, there's one less left.

Items like these are so valuable that their value is difficult to estimate even with Spirit Stone.

Because in most cases, no one would even think of selling such a rare spiritual item.

They would only be willing to part with something if it was offered as a barter, or if another treasure was given in return.

"I've read the contents of the letter, and I generally agree with it."

Xiao Chen put away the letter and changed the subject. "However, I have one more condition. Please remember to pass on this to Daoist Iron Fan."

"That means I'll visit your esteemed ancestral Scripture Pavilion to consult some Ancient Books when I have some free time."

"Of course I don't need Cultivation Method. If your sect is worried, you can put away your sect's Cultivation Method in advance."

"But I hope that Ancient Books, especially rare copies, will not be hidden away as well."

"As long as Daoist Iron Fan agrees to this condition, the previous matter will be wiped clean and treated as if it never happened."

Just then, Xiao Chen was thinking about going out to look up information and broaden his horizons.

So he added another small condition.

Browsing the Scripture Pavilion is not a big deal unless you are required to read the Cultivation Method.

Cloud Cliff True Person even directly agreed on behalf of the sect leader, "This is easy to discuss. I can guarantee that the Sect Master will agree."

"The Azure Sea Immortal Sect welcomes your esteemed presence at any time!"

He had been instructed beforehand that he should agree to any reasonable conditions.

Therefore, he spoke with great confidence.

"Okay, it's settled then."

Xiao Chen nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this. "This tea is good. You should try some. Don't be too nervous."

"I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now."

Without waiting for Cloud Cliff True Person's response, he left the pavilion.

The reason they left so decisively was that they didn't even say goodbye properly.

It was because Xiao Chen noticed that although he appeared very kind, Cloud Cliff True Person, sitting opposite him, had been tense the whole time since he entered the room.

He didn't drink a drop of tea and sat upright the whole time, only sitting on the edge of the chair; it looked tiring just to watch.

It's obvious that the difference in their Major Realm prevents them from relaxing.

Under such circumstances, even if Xiao Chen tried to persuade him, it would be useless; it would only make him more tired by pretending to agree.

Only by leaving in time can he truly relax.

Actually, his mentality seems a bit off. He's at the Golden Core Great Perfection, after all; he shouldn't be so nervous in front of Nascent Soul True Lord.

However, Xiao Chen had misunderstood something. When he paid his respects to Gang Yuan True Monarch and the others earlier...

Especially when he met with Rift Void True Monarch and Thunderbolt True Monarch, Cloud Cliff True Person did not feel such great pressure.

On the contrary, at that time, he was thinking about not wanting to be left behind.

As fellow cultivators of the same generation, if the other party was able to successfully break through, then he will surely be able to do it in the future as well.

But Xiao Chen's situation is different.

Not to mention that among the younger generations of disciples in the Azure Sea Immortal Sect, the Yi Family Old Ancestor was practically a sect patriarch.

Just to recount what I heard on the ship earlier, about Xiao Chen chasing after the Wang Family Ancestor and killing Jin Luan.

It was enough to leave Cloud Cliff True Person in awe, completely devoid of any competitive spirit, leaving only deep reverence.

His mindset at this moment was actually somewhat similar to that of Thunderbolt True Monarch.

However, because he was still far behind in terms of the Major Realm, he had to be extremely cautious from the very beginning.

"Senior, your Spirit Stone!"

Cloud Cliff True Person was stunned for a moment when he saw Xiao Chen turn and leave, then quickly chased after him to the door.

However, all they saw was a silhouette riding the waves away.

The Essence Storing Spirit Gathering Grass and Spirit Stone were naturally left in the pavilion.

"Why did Daoist Xiao leave? Did your talks not go well?"

Gang Yuan True Monarch sensed the fluctuations in Spiritual Power outside and wondered why Xiao Chen had suddenly left. Could it be that he was angry?

So they came over promptly to find out what was going on.

Cloud Cliff True Person hesitated for a moment, then gave a brief explanation of the situation.

Upon hearing Gang Yuan True Monarch smiled with relief and said, "Since this is Daoist Xiao's wish, then you may simply accept it."

That would have been enough.

However, after thinking about it, he decided to offer Cloud Cliff True Person a few more words of advice.

"Little one, I completely understand your previous thoughts and concerns."

Gang Yuan True Monarch asked with a smile, "However, instead of worrying about those things, why don't you think about why Daoist Iron Fan would send you here?"

"Why didn't you send someone else to deliver the message, but instead had me come here specifically?"

Upon hearing this question, Cloud Cliff True Person felt his heart skip a beat and a chill run down his spine.

He hadn't thought about this issue at first; as a disciple, he only needed to focus on how to complete the mission assigned by the sect.

But looking back now, it does seem a bit illogical to specifically ask him to deliver the letter.

There must be some special factor at play.

Without waiting for his reply, Gang Yuan True Monarch continued, "Actually, it's not wrong for you to have such concerns under normal circumstances, but Daoist Xiao is a little different."

"Just pretend you know nothing. I promise everything will be fine once you get back."

"This might even be beneficial to you in the future."

It is certainly a serious matter for a disciple of a major sect to collude with an outsider, but it also depends on the specific identity of that outsider.

If it's a relatively important person, then it becomes a unique advantage in terms of connections.

If handled properly, it has the potential to become a valuable asset in the future.

From the perspective of the Azure Sea Immortal Sect, the more impressive Xiao Chen's performance, the greater this advantage will be.

If Xiao Chen were to reach the Venerable Realm someday, perhaps he could benefit even more from it.

Regardless of how much benefit it brings, it can at least be considered a protective charm.

Being a friend of a Venerable one is enough to deter many enemies, making them consider whether they dare to kill before taking action.

But actually, they both misunderstood.

Iron Fan True Monarch knew nothing about the sea chart; he only obtained the contents of the letter of appeal that Xiao Chen used to seduce Old Dog Yi from the Yi Family members.

The letter mentioned that the two were good friends, which was why he sent Cloud Cliff True Person over; that was all.