Peace Conference of the Compassion Sea

The next two days were very interesting.

Right now, everyone except Xiao Chen and Zhang Shouquan has a lot of things to do.

However, two Tea Party and two cocktail parties were held in succession.

The locations were all coincidentally set on the outskirts of the island.

The group dispersed, forming small groups, and enjoyed the different scenery while chatting and exchanging feelings.

After the initial getting to know each other and reminiscing about past hardships and present happiness.

In their conversation, everyone touched upon the future of the Ocean of the Compassion Sea to some extent.

This will inevitably include the upcoming Peace Conference and the various proposals that may emerge during the conference.

"Layman Xiao, you don't seem very interested in this?"

Zen Master Fa Zhao reminded everyone, "Almost everyone has submitted a proposal they like, and some have even submitted more than one."

"I heard from my senior that it seems you're the only one who hasn't participated yet."

"Since I heard that Layman Treading Frost will arrive tomorrow morning, the final deadline is tonight."

"If Layman Xiao wants to participate, he must not miss this opportunity."

This conference not only broadened the range of participants but also solicited opinions from all Fourth-Order Cultivator in advance.

Even Treading Frost True Monarch submitted three proposals through Cloud Vortex True Monarch.

The final order will be roughly arranged by Purified Dust Zen Master before the conference, and then the votes will be conducted in turn.

"Oh, everyone has submitted it?"

Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised by this. "I don't have anything to say myself, but I'm just curious about one thing. That is, Daoist Zhang actually participated as well?"

He had actually thought about this problem as well.

But I really couldn't come up with any suitable proposals.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that this isn't about making a wish.

According to what Xiao Chen understands, all proposals must receive more than half of the votes in favor to pass; otherwise, it's as if they're just empty words.

Therefore, if he were to offer to take tens of Ten Million Spirit Stones or dozens of fourth-tier spirit materials for free...

That would mean neither gaining majority approval nor receiving anything in return.

Of course, given Xiao Chen's current connections, if he asked for fewer Spirit Stone, perhaps no one would object.

But upon closer reflection, it's not worth incurring several favors for a small amount of Spirit Stone.

"I only saw Layman Zhang come out of my fellow disciple's courtyard this morning."

Zen Master Fa Zhao explained, "Therefore, I guessed that he might have gone to submit a proposal."

"But perhaps there's something else going on."

This certainly cannot be openly admitted; it must be personal speculation.

Xiao Chen didn't care about that statement; he was just increasingly curious. Zhang Shouquan was a rogue cultivator like himself, so what kind of proposal could he possibly have?

However, there's no need to rush this matter; the outcome will become clear after the conference.

I strolled around the edge of the island and had a couple of cups of Fourth-Order Spirit Tea.

Xiao Chen then bid farewell to everyone and returned to the side hall to begin his cultivation, absorbing the spiritual energy from the tea.

Cultivation is no easy task.

Even absorbing a little bit of spiritual energy took him almost three hours.

However, Spirit Tea does have one advantage: it can refresh the mind.

Even though Xiao Chen had been cultivating for almost half a day, he didn't feel tired at all.

Instead, it felt like I had just woken up from a long, restful sleep, leaving me feeling Pure Qi.

If he could endure the monotony, he could continue cultivating like this for months or even years, which is what is commonly known as Closed-door cultivation.

However, tonight is not a peaceful night either.

Then they heard footsteps approaching in the distance.

Then came three light taps. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, is it still convenient for us to talk now?"

"I have an urgent matter to discuss with you beforehand."

Um?

Oh!

Upon hearing the person's voice, Xiao Chen blinked, and a thought flashed through his mind as he recalled the events of the night before last.

Immediately, a thought popped into my head—could it be that there are more spiritual items to take?

So he immediately called out, "Has Crane Daoist Friend arrived? Please come inside and talk!"

Xiao Chen can now distinguish the True Lord of the Daoist Sect sect by their voices with a high degree of accuracy.

Of course, the other person has to speak normally too, not in a strained voice.

"Squeak~!"

Crane Cry True Monarch pushed open the door with his left hand and walked in sideways, carrying a wooden tray covered with red silk in his right hand.

As soon as I entered, I took two steps forward and placed the things on the table.

Behind him followed Purple Sun True Monarch, who was responsible for turning back and closing the door again.

"Haha, Daoist Xiao, you may have heard some rumors lately."

As was his custom, Crane Cry True Monarch began with a preamble, then cut to the chase. "I know you dislike all that beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point."

"The previous Sea Race Invasion was sudden, and they occupied many islands."

"Although the Great Demon has been driven back, some of the areas that had been occupied for a long time have probably become no-man's lands."

"Many of these places contain Spirit Vein; it would be a waste to leave them empty."

"For example, Lesser Prajna Island in the north. My junior brother and I discussed it and felt it was a good place to go."

"I came here tonight hoping to gain Daoist Xiao's vote of support at tomorrow's Peace Conference."

Wow, that's pretty direct.

Xiao Chen understood immediately and realized why he had seen Crane Cry True Monarch traveling around and carrying out activities before.

So it turns out that Esteem Truth Temple wants a share of Fourth-Order Spirit Vein.

That makes sense; although the area around the Compassion Sea is vast, Fourth-Order Spirit Vein are indeed very rare.

Previously, the island where Esteem Truth Temple was located was only supported by a third-order Spirit Vein.

Normally, they can only increase the Spiritual Qi Concentration to sustain their cultivation by going deep into the core of the Spirit Vein and using large-scale Spirit Gathering Formation.

Although the Spiritual Qi Tide of the past two years has effectively increased the Spiritual Qi Concentration, it is temporarily sufficient to supply Nascent Soul True Lord for cultivation.

But ultimately it felt a bit cramped.

Moreover, for a prestigious Nascent Soul sect to have such cultivation conditions is indeed beneath its dignity.

"Well... I'm afraid they won't agree, will they?"

Xiao Chen didn't give a direct answer, but instead asked, "I think I heard before that several Arhat from Small Prajna Temple broke through the fish's blockade and escaped."

"There should still be people remaining in Universal Salvation Temple."

"On the other hand, the other place seems to be completely deserted."

Strictly speaking, only the Bitter Silence Temple the worst fate, with not a single Arhat surviving.

It's practically a complete severance of their lineage. Even if a few low-level disciples manage to escape death, it's unlikely they'll be able to rise again in the future.

If that's the case, why not choose the easier Bitter Silence Temple instead of going north?

Hearing this Crane Cry True Monarch showed no surprise, perhaps because he had heard similar questions before, or perhaps he had already expected it.

He nodded slightly at first. "Indeed, several disciples from the Small Prajna Temple did manage to break through."

"I even asked around, and they were originally stationed outside, responsible for guarding a fourth-tier spirit mine."

"But then something unexpected happened, and we were trapped inside Fourth-tier Grand Array by the school of fish."

"They held out for a while, but were forced to break through due to a shortage of Mid-Grade Spirit Stone."

"Fortunately, the distance was far enough, and there was support from the outpost of Lotus Flower Temple along the way, which is why I survived."

"It's a pity, though. The most True Disciple in the spirit mine and the head of the academy in charge of mining were trapped by a school of fish during the breakout and tragically perished."

"Those who survived in the end were all peripheral disciples, and their generational names were quite low."

Although Crane Cry True Monarch said it was a pity, there was no trace of sadness on his face.

He casually pulled a Spirit Contract from his sleeve and unfolded it. "This is a consent form, with the handprints of the two Arhat who left here on it."

"Each person will receive a Breakthrough Spirit Item in exchange for Fourth-Order Spirit Vein and permanent access to Lesser Prajna Island."

ah?

A single Breakthrough Spirit Item was enough to sell Fourth-Order Spirit Vein?

But Xiao Chen could understand. If it were an ordinary disciple, they might not be interested in rebuilding the temple and would care more about the spiritual items they could directly obtain.

Moreover, objectively speaking...

Even if the people sent to the Storm Sea are called back, it is impossible to expect a few Golden Body Arhat to protect a Fourth-Order Spirit Vein that has lost its Mountain Protecting Grand Array.

The Cultivation World is so vast; you never know which hidden corner might produce a Nascent Soul Bandit Cultivator.

Unless you catch them in the act, things can get complicated.

In other words, this allows Esteem Truth Temple to conduct a transaction at a low price.

That's not all!

Xiao Chen immediately realized that such a transaction with an ordinary disciple would not be recognized by the outside world.

Let alone ordinary disciples, even True Disciple probably wouldn't be qualified to represent their sect in such a transaction.

However, if we could take advantage of this Peace Conference and directly pass this Spirit Contract as a proposal...

That would mean that all the parties involved in the conference acted as witnesses.

This is what recognition truly means!

This will directly resolve all legal issues!

"In that case, it really is a good opportunity."

Xiao Chen sincerely offered his congratulations. "Then I congratulate your sect on your new home in advance."

"Don't worry about the vote, I'll definitely raise my hand in favor."

Upon hearing this, Crane Cry True Monarch smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Daoist Xiao!"

"I knew it. With your righteous character, you wouldn't refuse."

"Therefore, I had prepared a gift in advance before coming."

As he spoke, he reached out and lifted the red silk covering the wooden tray on the table.

What was revealed was a small, earthen-yellow cube that had been placed there beforehand, along with a Spirit Contract.

"When we shared spiritual materials at the Shallow Sky Sea last time, Daoist Xiao seemed to have a particular fondness for defensive spiritual materials."

Crane Cry True Monarch introduced them one by one, "This item is called Heartstone Earth, and it is most suitable for reinforcing defensive spiritual objects, or for adding earth-type Artifact Inscription to the outside of spiritual objects."

"I reckon Fellow Daoist Xiao should find it useful."

"As for the Spirit Contract below, it's just an extra."

"I mainly wanted to ask fellow cultivators for help, as I wanted to express my gratitude, but I don't have enough Spirit Stone on hand."

"Therefore, one-tenth of the output from the Cold Iron Spirit Mine in the north will also be given to Fellow Daoist Xiao."

"It's not worth much money in total, just a small token of my appreciation. I hope you won't find it offensive."

Heartstone Earth is also one of the more well-known Fourth-Order Spiritual Item.

Judging from its size, its value is even higher than the sum of the previous four Thousand Year Profound Crystal, making it a truly valuable gift.

In addition, Xiao Chen had also seen the Cold Iron Spirit Mine in the north on the sea chart.

And coincidentally, it was the very fourth-tier spirit mine that those disciples of the Small Prajna Temple had been guarding.

It is said that it can produce about one million Spirit Stone worth of fourth-grade cold iron ore per year on average, and one-tenth of that is 100,000 Spirit Stone.

On its own, its value is indeed not high.

But the advantage of this kind of thing often lies in its slow and steady growth.

Considering the average age of Nascent Soul True Lord, even if they live for six or seven hundred years, they can still accumulate a total income of sixty to seventy million Spirit Stone.

The longer you live, the more benefits you will receive.

As an accompanying gift, it's definitely not a small amount.

It's worth mentioning that this was a written Spirit Contract that clearly stipulated a guaranteed fixed percentage of profits.

Even if production is insufficient in a particular year, dividends must be paid out according to the guaranteed minimum amount first. If that is still not enough, Esteem Truth Temple will need to take money from its warehouse to make up the difference.

In other words, if Xiao Chen needs cash in the future, he can use this Spirit Contract as collateral to borrow money from other sects.

Alternatively, if the other party has sufficient funds, they could sell it directly for over ten million.

Of course, this might not be the case in the next few years, since after three years of hard work, everyone is not rich in cash.

At the same time, you can immediately see many places where you need to spend money.

In short, Xiao Chen once again obtained a Fourth-Order Spiritual Item for free, and also received a fixed dividend with no time limit.

At the same time Esteem Truth Temple also successfully garnered a vote of approval.

It's definitely a win-win situation!

After we finished getting down to business, the rest was just some pointless pleasantries.

After chatting for about half an hour, feeling that it was about time, Crane Cry True Monarch took his leave and departed with Purple Sun True Monarch.

Xiao Chen noticed that the direction they left in was different from the direction they came from.

It looks like they're off to visit the next place.

But that's not something he needs to worry about.

"It's actually Spirit Contract from the north; there's no going back now."

Xiao Chen returned to the table and studied the contents of the Spirit Contract: "In that case, if they don't get the spirit mine in the north tomorrow, I won't get any dividends."

"If we're willing to share a larger portion, that would really be a good way to unite our forces."

However, in reality, Crane Cry True Monarch only prepared this one Spirit Contract.

Because Esteem Truth Temple has many disciples and the next generation, they consider the overall expenditure when making decisions.

Therefore, when dealing with Zhang Shouquan, they would rather offer two or three million Spirit Stone at once to negotiate than give him such long-term dividends.

Half-full is not acceptable, no discussion.

Another night has passed that many people haven't slept.

When dawn broke the next day, Xiao Chen looked at the white light shining through the window and felt a little disappointed.

He then meditated and cultivated himself for a whole night, but surprisingly, no other guests came.

But it's alright if we don't get any; selling three tickets is pretty good too.

As a man of his word, Xiao Chen immediately got up and went to the Worry-Free Empty Gate.

By this time, thanks to the tireless efforts of many Buddhist Sect disciples working day and night to repair the structure, a magnificent and elegant Sea Gazing Tower had been erected outside the gate.

That's right, this conference was not held inside Universal Salvation Temple, but was deliberately brought to the outside.

Firstly, the original, most suitable Great Hero Hall was no longer convenient to use due to the presence of Sha Qi.

Secondly, the originally spacious Bodhi Altar in the temple had been damaged in the battle.

Thirdly, this conference is extraordinary.

Although Universal Salvation Temple covers a vast area and still has many well-preserved buildings, it would not be suitable for such a location elsewhere.

So they simply built a nine-story Sea Gazing Tower outside the temple gate.

Although no-fly Anti-Air Restriction have not yet been set up upstairs.

However, Xiao Chen still chose to slowly walk from the First Floor to the top, enjoying the different scenery along the way.

To be honest, when you compare them, you can see the most scenery by standing on the top floor and looking out into the distance.

It evokes the idea of "to see a thousand miles further, climb to a higher level."

Xiao Chen could even see sails slowly rising on the distant sea.

The spirit ship of Cloud Wave Sword Abode has arrived.

Now that everyone is present, the Peace Conference can proceed smoothly.

However, because Treading Frost True Monarch was relatively inactive before, many Newly Promoted True Monarch have never seen him.

Therefore, the process of introducing themselves to each other was naturally indispensable.

After recognizing everyone, the group proceeded to the top floor in an orderly fashion and took their seats at the pre-assigned tables and chairs.

Xiao Chen had counted the seats once when he was sightseeing earlier; there were a total of twenty-four sets of seats, which formed a circle.

In the very center of the circle, there is a small square platform, about two feet high.

There was only one table on the stage, and four stacks of proposals of different heights were already laid out on the table.

By the way, it's worth mentioning that there are actually many cultivators qualified to enter the ninth level.

Not limited to Fourth-Order Cultivator, each cultivator can also bring up to three disciples with them.

Of course, there were no seats prepared for the disciples upstairs; they could only stand behind their seniors and watch.

This group of people is actually quite important.

If nothing unexpected happens in the future, at least five Fourth-Order Cultivator will emerge from among them.

Even if the others never break through to the next level, they can still gain considerable power within their own sect and easily become powerful Elder.

Bringing them here is a way of witnessing and valuing them.

After everyone had arrived, Purified Dust Zen Master of Universal Salvation Temple slowly walked to the very center.

He doesn't have a seat; his task today is to act as the host in the middle.

After all, this place is right at the entrance of Universal Salvation Temple, so he can be considered half a master here.

"Amitabha!"

Purified Dust Zen Master first put his hands together in prayer and loudly proclaimed a Buddhist chant.

He also seemed to have intentionally incorporated some kind of technique.

Upon hearing this, all the Golden Core Disciple present trembled. Their expressions, whether tense or excited, all turned into expressions of relief and tranquility.

Even the other Fourth-Order Cultivator seemed to have been slightly affected.

However, Xiao Chen felt nothing and could only speculate in his mind.

"Gentlemen, I am honored by your presence today. On behalf of Universal Salvation Temple, I extend my greetings!"

Immediately afterwards, Purified Dust Zen Master turned around and bowed to everyone.

Then he began recounting the Sea Race Invasion from the beginning. "Today we have gathered here to celebrate a great victory!"

"Thinking back to three years ago... blah blah blah."

"In the most critical moment... blah blah blah."

"Finally, we achieved final victory and gained invaluable peace."

"That is why we are holding this conference today, in order to resolve all the problems, whether accumulated in the past or currently faced, in a peaceful manner."

"This will eliminate unnecessary disputes and bring stability and prosperity to future generations."

This one conversation alone lasted almost two hours.

It wasn't until 2:45 PM that the lecture was finally finished.

Even so, this is already a version that Purified Dust Zen Master has repeatedly simplified.

Fortunately, none of the people present showed any impatience or said anything to spoil the atmosphere.

Xiao Chen, too, seemed to be listening attentively.

Although in reality, he had long since drifted off into his own world.

This seemingly focused absent-mindedness could even be considered one of his special talents.

"Now, let's cut to the chase and get straight to the point."

Purified Dust Zen Master finally picked up the first proposal. "The first proposal to be voted on today is one I have submitted myself."

"Its main content is a supplement to the rules of the Peace Conference."

"If everyone agrees, all subsequent proposals will be voted on by the twenty-five people present, one vote each."

"All proposals must receive more than thirteen votes in favor and fewer than eight votes against to pass."

"If there are more than eight dissenting votes, the proposal will be postponed for further consideration, and the next proposal will be voted on first."

"Now, please raise your hand if you agree with this supplementary rule!"

After speaking, Purified Dust Zen Master was the first to raise his right hand.

ah?

Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised; this was different from what he had vaguely known before.

Shouldn't it be either pass or oppose?

Why is there now another step that's been put on hold?

What surprised Xiao Chen even more was that most of the True Lord seemed to show expressions of surprise or astonishment for a moment.

But soon, they all raised their hands to express their agreement.

The Buddhist Sect Zen Master, in less than half a breath, all expressed their agreement.

Then it was the Daoist Sect side, who, after a delay of about two or three breaths, also began to raise their hands in agreement.

In other words, this rule was likely added by Purified Dust Zen Master on the spot without prior discussion.

However, it received unanimous support from everyone.

To be honest, Xiao Chen was a little puzzled.

It should be noted that although there were 25 people present, the Buddhist Sect side, including the presiding Purified Dust Zen Master, only had 10 people.

Even excluding his and Zhang Shouquan's individual votes, the Daoist Sect still had a total of thirteen members.

This means...

If they could unite and vote according to the rule of thirteen votes in favor, without this additional rule, they could pass or reject almost any proposal.

However, this is where the interesting part lies.

From the perspective of the overall interests of the Buddhist Sect, they would certainly agree to add the new rule of eight veto votes.

Moreover, it's almost effortless to realize that this is the Optimal Solution.

Surprisingly, the True Lord of the Daoist Sect sect, after careful consideration, all raised their hands in support of adding a new veto rule.

They voluntarily relinquished and transferred some of their rights to the past.

Moreover, without prior communication or exchange, they almost simultaneously made the same choice.