Struggle and Compromise: A Strange Special Ritual

In the blink of an eye, twenty-three people present had raised their hands in agreement.

Purified Dust Zen Master took out paper and pen, spread them out on the table, looked around, and then quickly wrote down the situation in three strokes.

Theoretically speaking, he could write very quickly.

But in reality, he deliberately slowed down, meticulously recording the name of each vote in favor, and even marking that the first person to raise their hand was Zen Master Jing Hua.

The voting results for all proposals today will be recorded in detail according to this procedure for future reference.

Purified Dust Zen Master was still worried that people might not have noticed this point.

So after finishing writing, he deliberately picked up his pen and looked around again, pretending to proofread it again.

This was one of his little design touches.

The purpose was to inform everyone present that today's voting results would be known to more people in the future, including the younger generations of each family.

If anyone is worried about losing face in the record.

Then you should never maliciously oppose the passage of legitimate proposals for your own selfish interests.

Even if someone tries to play dirty tricks, future generations, hundreds or thousands of years from now, can easily discover the shady dealings by looking back at this history and analyzing the voting results.

Of course, if there is some kind of True Lord or Zen Master, he doesn't care about his reputation at all.

Then Purified Dust Zen Master's design would be useless.

However, he believed that many people present considered themselves respectable and would have some reservations.

As long as it has even the slightest effect, then his efforts won't have been in vain.

"Next, please raise your hand if you object to this supplementary rule!"

Purified Dust Zen Master, holding his brush, looked directly at Xiao Chen.

It's clear that he will also keep accurate records of who voted against it.

However, Xiao Chen did not raise his hand. Instead, amidst the curious gazes around him, he gently shook his head. "Regarding this proposal, I choose to abstain!"

"Of course, I didn't mean anything by doing this."

"It's simply because I don't want to express subjective agreement or disagreement about things I don't understand."

"So you'll probably see me abstain many more times in the future."

To put it bluntly, Xiao Chen was just there to join in the fun and, incidentally, fulfill his promise.

He received three gifts, therefore he will cast three votes in favor.

He will abstain from any proposals other than these, and will never interfere unnecessarily.

As for Zhang Shouquan, he originally wanted to express his opposition.

Seeing that almost everyone agreed, they simply started paying attention to Xiao Chen's performance.

Upon hearing this, he also abstained. "Me too!"

Purified Dust Zen Master picked up his pen and recorded the result.

The following announcement was made. "The first proposal received 23 votes in favor, 0 votes against, and 2 abstentions."

"I am now pleased to announce that the veto rule is now in effect."

Upon hearing this, the Buddhist Sect monks all smiled.

This is a major positive development for all of them.

If the proposal from the Daoist Sect sect does not align with their overall interests, they can join forces to veto it with eight opposing votes.

Considering there are ten of them, there is even a margin of error of two votes to avoid possible unexpected situations.

For the Daoist Sect community, however, it was a mixed feeling of joy and indifference.

The former would also welcome this situation, as it represents greater room for negotiation.

The latter did not want to relinquish their rights, but in order to prevent the Peace Conference from becoming a mere formality, they had no choice but to agree.

After all, none of the people present would naively regard the proposal as an inviolable rule.

To ensure the long-term validity of the Peace Conference's outcomes, they must align with the interests of the majority of participants.

If you go too far in a certain area, it will inevitably sow the seeds of future problems.

If one proposal runs into trouble, the others will also become unstable.

It would be better to take a step back proactively, thereby ensuring that the meeting's outcomes last longer.

Following this line of thinking, the eight-vote veto becomes the yardstick used to measure whether a proposal is 'too excessive'.

The first proposal was thus passed smoothly.

That's a good start.

After finishing his notes, Purified Dust Zen Master put down his brush and reached out his right hand to the stack of proposals on the far left.

But before he picked it up, his gaze fell on the contents.

That was about Zen Master Feng Hua's proposal to rebuild Kasyapa Temple.

Upon seeing clearly, Purified Dust Zen Master Jingchen paused slightly.

Then, trying to switch targets naturally, I grabbed the second stack next to me, which was also the stack with the fewest proposals.

If possible, it's best to avoid bringing up such a sensitive topic in the first place.

Let's start with something that's easy for everyone to understand, and leave the important stuff for later.

"Now I will read the second proposal, which comes from Iron Fan Layman."

Purified Dust Zen Master first identified himself as the proposer before carefully reading the contents aloud.

The proposal itself was very long, and its language was full of allusions and flowery phrases.

Xiao Chen listened intently for a long time before finally understanding that this was just a plan to clarify the future leadership of the New Ruin.

Although I wrote several thousand words, the core content can be summarized in one sentence.

From this day forward, all newly discovered ruins within the Compassion Sea shall be subject to the equal exploration rights of all major sects present, and nearby sects shall no longer be allowed to obstruct them.

The reason why Iron Fan True Monarch brought this up is because the Azure Sea Immortal Sect is located in the southwest corner.

In the past, they were often unable to reach New Ruin immediately.

Although you might be able to arrive before the ruins open, you'll always find that someone else has already gotten there and secured the best spot.

The result is that if you're slow at one step, you'll be slow at every step.

Either the first few companies have already reached an agreement to jointly expel the later arrivals.

Alternatively, others might use the principle of "first come, first served" to pressure people, forcing the Azure Sea Immortal Sect disciples to queue at the very back.

Moreover, with the latter, you'd have to accept a favor from the other person.

Therefore, Iron Fan True Monarch decided to try to resolve this issue at this Peace Conference.

In fact, it wasn't just him; most of the proposals on the table followed the same line of thinking, aiming to resolve the problems caused by different forces.

"To supplement the rules, I will now change the order of the questions."

Purified Dust Zen Master asked again, "Now, please raise your hands if you oppose this proposal!"

This change is quite reasonable.

If more than eight votes are against, the proposal can be postponed for further discussion and quickly proceed to the next vote.

Logically speaking, Iron Fan True Monarch's proposal should not have been difficult to pass.

After all, the Azure Sea Immortal Sect wasn't the only one feeling that things were unfair.

However, the voting results were quite interesting. The Buddhist Sect side, mainly represented by Universal Salvation Temple and Lotus Flower Temple, all voted against the proposal after a brief moment of deliberation.

With the addition of Zhang Shouquan, who was the first to raise his hand in opposition, a total of eight dissenting votes were collected.

So Iron Fan True Monarch's proposal was put back on the edge of the table and became the last proposal again.

Following the order, Purified Dust Zen Master picked up one of the proposals from the third stack. "Now I will read the third proposal, which comes from my Junior Brother Jing Hua."

After filtering out irrelevant words, Xiao Chen...

The core message is that although the threat from Sea Race has subsided, a Inspector mechanism targeting the Far Sea should be established to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The necessary human and material resources should be shared by all sects within the entire Compassion Sea.

That sounds much more reasonable.

Moreover, it can be said to be completely selfless, acting entirely in the overall interests of the entire Compassion Sea.

However, when it came time to vote, they were jointly opposed by the Ink Barrier Sect, the Heavenly Dipper Sect, and the Azure Sea Immortal Sect.

Furthermore, Zhang Shouquan was the first to raise his hand, which immediately put the matter into the stage of postponement for further discussion.

It's you again?

Purified Dust Zen Master frowned and wrote his name into the record.

But as it turns out, recording the names of those who voted against is only useful for respectable people.

Encountering a rogue cultivator like Zhang Shouquan who doesn't care about his future reputation at all is tantamount to being a mere decoration.

In the subsequent fourth round of voting, he was once again the first to raise his hand without regard for anything else.

The Buddhist Sect community rejected the specific spiritual item trade plan proposed by Cloud Vortex True Monarch.

The plan is actually not complicated. It basically means that the trading of several Spirit Awakening items will be opened up in the future.

Every so often, the major sects would exchange fixed portions of their own specialty products.

Instead of hoarding every single one of their local specialties and spiritual items, they should release some of them instead of keeping them hidden away.

In order to make this proposal easier to pass.

Cloud Vortex True Monarch even deliberately avoided those spiritually significant objects, such as the Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruit of Universal Salvation Temple or the Yang-Preserving Stone of the Ink Barrier Sect.

Therefore, no matter how you look at it, this should be a proposal that benefits all sects.

However, it was still rejected, resulting in a postponement for further discussion.

This left Cloud Vortex True Monarch completely dumbfounded.

He looked directly in Zhang Shouquan's direction, his furrowed brows revealing a hint of confusion.

Every time, the other person is the first to raise their hand in opposition without hesitation. What the hell are you trying to do?

Not only him, but others have also noticed that Zhang Shouquan is always very proactive in his opposition.

It even raises doubts about whether he had actually considered the content of the proposal.

They were absolutely right.

Zhang Shouquan was indeed indifferent to the content of the proposal.

His reason for being the first to object was simple: you haven't given me any benefits to vote in favor.

In that case, he would unconditionally oppose all proposals.

If someone wants to change his mind, they must first show their sincerity.

I don't know what others think, but Xiao Chen was definitely shocked—this is possible!

You know what, Zhang Shouquan's current actions have clearly demonstrated a certain degree of value in winning people over.

Such a consistent dissenting vote might actually yield more benefits in the subsequent power struggle between Buddhist Dao and Daoism.

However, Xiao Chen did not rush to imitate him; instead, he continued to sit back and watch the two tigers fight.

Whether Zhang Shouquan's move will work depends on whether a crucial situation arises later where only one vote is needed.

It would only be meaningful if the struggle between Buddhist Dao and Daoism were intense enough.

If everyone compromises and makes concessions, then a mere one or two scattered votes will not be able to shake the overall situation.

Not only can you easily earn a bad reputation for nothing, but you can also incur the resentment of others.

After all, Zhang Shouquan's move was far too obvious; he was practically planning to use the voting rights to blackmail everyone present.

This wouldn't normally be a big deal; it's all about maximizing personal gain.

However, the Compassion Sea has been at peace for a long time, which has made these sect cultivators really unaccustomed to the way rogue cultivators act, taking risks even when there are no real opportunities.

Many people looked at Zhang Shouquan with a hint of hostility and disdain.

Master Ting Hai had such a bad temper, he thought to himself, "Hmph, he's practically a reincarnation of a beggar!"

Purified Dust Zen Master also felt a little annoyed at this moment.

His initial intention in rejecting the proposal was simply to balance the differences in the number of people on the Buddhist Dao sides; he never expected such a problem to arise.

However, it's impossible to change anything just for Zhang Shouquan, so we have no choice but to ignore it and move on to the next proposal.

But unsurprisingly, what followed was a series of events concerning the division of spheres of influence, the control of strategic locations, post-war arrangements, and trade.

All of them were rejected without exception.

Although Zhang Shouquan did not object to any of the three proposals for which he had received bribes.

However, in the end, both Buddhist Dao and Daoism rejected it.

Keep in mind that if you only need eight votes to veto something, that's incredibly easy.

Therefore, the final situation can only be described as bizarre.

After Purified Dust Zen Master read all the proposals aloud in turn...

Aside from the initial rejection of the proposal, no subsequent proposal passed smoothly.

The only effect it had was to ensure that everyone present was familiar with and understood the full details of the proposal.

The awkward part is...

The only vetoed proposal that passed was actually a supplementary rule for the Peace Conference.

It exists only in this conference and has absolutely no practical significance or effect on the future situation of the Compassion Sea.

In other words, a large meeting was held, but no results were achieved.

In hindsight, it was all for nothing.

It's not that it was essentially not open at all, because it did bring everyone together and successfully wasted everyone's time.

It even gave Xiao Chen the feeling that all the Great Powers had come together, but it turned out to be just a game of make-believe.

What the hell are you doing?

He came to watch the spectacle, but after listening to a long and boring proposal for ages, he ended up seeing nothing.

Moreover, after Purified Dust Zen Master changed the order of the questions.

Xiao Chen only needs to stay in place; he doesn't even need to raise his hand or abstain.

He even got a little bored.

If it weren't for the fact that he still found many of the proposals somewhat interesting, he would have wanted to leave early.

It's worth mentioning that Xiao Chen actually heard Zhang Shouquan's proposal.

His request was that major sects should develop the exchange of Mid-Grade Spirit Stone, or at least partially exchange them.

Instead of storing them all in the Sect Warehouse, making them almost impossible to find on the market.

Ostensibly, Zhang Shouquan also claimed that he was speaking out for the independent practitioners of the Compassion Sea) community.

"If a rogue cultivator is attempting to break through to the Major Realm, they can use Mid-Grade Spirit Stone to set up Spirit Gathering Formation."

"Then he has a higher chance of successfully breaking through."

"If a weapon refiner is forging spiritual materials, they may use Mid-Grade Spirit Stone."

"Then he can forge better Law Artifact and Spirit Artifact, thereby gaining more benefits and bringing more convenience."

"The same principle applies to everything else, whether it's Talisman, formations, or anything else."

Objectively speaking, Zhang Shouquan's words do make some sense.

If Mid-Grade Spirit Stone could flood the market in large quantities, then independent cultivators would reap substantial benefits.

It is indeed a great thing that benefits all people.

To increase the chances of the proposal passing, Zhang Shouquan even deliberately played the morality card in the proposal. "Everyone here is a person of high moral character."

"They should also understand that doing so will benefit all the low-level cultivators in the entire Sea of the Compassion Sea."

"Therefore, I believe that no one would disregard the reputation of millions of ordinary cultivators for their own selfish gain."

Zhang Shouquan wrote many similar statements in his proposal.

In short, the point is this: anyone who opposes my proposal is a selfish and heartless person.

I ask you, the big shots in your sects, aren't you afraid of being condemned by everyone?

However, even though Zhang Shouquan had gone to such lengths, his proposal was still rejected.

The elders from various sects, such as the Crane Esteem Truth Temple Crane Cry True Monarch of Chongzhen Temple, the Iron Fan True Monarch of the Azure Sea Immortal Sect, and the Zen Master Jing Hua of Universal Salvation Temple.

They all raised their hands in unison to express their opposition.

Although the younger generation remained silent, the rare instance of Buddhist Dao and Daoism uniting on this issue made it easy for them to gather eight veto votes.

Zhang Shouquan's proposal touched upon the interests of all the sects.

Judging from the voting results, there's practically no point in reconsidering the matter.

Because if only one side, Buddhist Sect or Daoist Sect, opposes the proposal, the other side might compromise after receiving certain benefits.

However, a proposal that is opposed by both sides represents the common will of the entire Ocean of the Compassion Sea.

Even if there were ten more people, let alone Zhang Shouquan, they might not be able to overthrow him.

Of course, if he has the ability to break through to the Spirit Transformation in the future, that would be a different story.

After all, throughout history, the Cultivation World has always been ruled by the side with the strongest fist.

"Well, since things have come to this, why don't you all take a short rest?"

After thinking for a moment, Purified Dust Zen Master Jingchen decided to adjourn the meeting temporarily. "Lunch has been prepared in the temple. Please proceed to the Pure Food Altar."

"We'll return here after we've had our meal to discuss this further."

His approach was both a last resort and the best solution.

Give everyone some time to talk privately, to say things that are not suitable to be said openly at the Peace Conference.

Perhaps after lunch, some improved plans that better align with the interests of most sects will emerge.

Of course, it's also possible that many proposals could suddenly be passed without any modifications.

In fact, Purified Dust Zen Master's judgment was entirely correct.

There were indeed many people in the morning, either simply wanting to hear about the follow-up proposals or opposing for the sake of opposing.

The purpose of doing this is quite simple.

Firstly, it allows us to gather sufficient information, especially after understanding what others are looking for.

We need to rethink how to maximize the interests of our own sect from a holistic perspective.

Secondly, a veto can create some room for compromise.

As the saying goes, "Ask for an exorbitant price, then try to bargain."

You have to ask for a price first, so that you can leave room for negotiation later.

It's worth mentioning that Xiao Chen usually hates haggling.

He had almost never haggled over the price when buying spiritual items, whether at auctions or street stalls.

Even when he was short of money while Qi Refining, he would always ask the price directly.

If it seems right, buy it; if it seems too expensive, just leave and go to the next store to ask about prices.

Of course, this only applies when Xiao Chen buys things for himself.

When this situation occurs at Peace Conference, it doesn't affect him personally, but it can affect others.

And it seems that things are about to start a tug-of-war and a process of compromise.

Xiao Chen, however, began to look forward to the afternoon's conference.

There's a saying that perfectly describes this mentality, "Those who love a good show never want things to get out of hand!"

However, after everyone hurriedly finished their meal and left under the guise of resting, they actually seized the time to start contacting each other privately.

Xiao Chen, who was practicing the Azure Wave Piercing Bone Needle cross-legged in the side hall, welcomed his fourth guest.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

There were three knocks on the door, followed by a familiar inquiry. "Layman Xiao, is this a convenient time to talk?"

oh?

Non-Self have some spiritual item to take?

Xiao Chen immediately calmed his true energy. "It's very convenient, please come in quickly, you don't need to close the door."

"Oh, right, coming over shouldn't bother me."

"Furthermore, I've always been a person who likes to speak my mind and keeps my mouth shut."

"So whatever it is, we can talk directly. And I will keep it a secret and never tell anyone else."

Huh?

Zen Master Jing Hua had just opened the door, was stunned upon hearing this long string of words.

What's going on?

The information he received from Zen Master Feng Hua and Master Ting Hai was completely different.

Zen Master Jing Hua had made preparations in advance, only to find that the information he had obtained seemed to be outdated.

So all the things I had planned to say suddenly seemed impossible to say.

For a moment, he was at a loss and got stuck in the doorway.

Why?

Xiao Chen stared at him, dumbfounded, and was also momentarily stunned.

What's going on?

He had heard the same words twice in a row, so he decided to quickly skip the dialogue and get straight to the point.

Now it seems there might have been some misunderstanding?

So what should we do?

Xiao Chen thought about the previous two times and then spoke again, "Of course it's convenient, please come in and have a seat!"

ah?

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Jing Hua was taken aback once again.

What's going on? Why did Layman Xiao answer again?

Could it be that the first answer he heard was actually a hallucination?

Zen Master Jing Hua's mind was in turmoil, but fortunately he had made preparations before he arrived.

Following the advice given by Zen Master Feng Hua and Master Ting Hai, he then pushed open the door and closed it behind him.

Then, he politely asked, "Layman Xiao, I hope my visit at this time hasn't disturbed you?"

ah?

Xiao Chen was silent for a moment, then replied, "No need to disturb you. Master Jing Hua, is there something you want to say?"

Although he didn't know exactly what the problem had just occurred.

However, as long as it doesn't affect future developments, let's just pretend it doesn't exist.

The key point is whether I can get any new benefits in the future.

As long as it doesn't interfere with getting free spirit items.

This somewhat familiar dialogue can be considered some kind of strange and special ritual.