Escalating Conflict: Irreconcilable Differences

The messenger's footsteps had barely faded beyond the tent when, before the flap had fully fallen, the gray-clad representative of the Western Frontier Saber Sect sprang to his feet. He gave the document in his hand a shake, his voice hard and cold. "Discuss it again in three days? No need. If we do not follow the old rules today, the seven sects will withdraw from the allied army at once and pull back every last soldier."

Before his words had even faded, the representatives of the Northern Spear Alliance, the Southern Sect elders' seat, the Northwest Twin Saber Sect, and three other factions rose one after another. Their movements were so uniform, it was as if they had rehearsed them. The tables jolted and swayed, and the brazier flames shuddered sharply, casting several crisscrossing shadows across the tent walls.

Chen Wuya stood where he was, his fingertips still tingling from tapping the table moments earlier. He had not expected them to launch their attack before all the materials had been gathered. Yet he did not lose his temper. Instead, he took half a step back and gave Bai Zhi a slight nod.

Understanding at once, Bai Zhi stepped forward and unfolded the document in her hand. "Please, everyone, do not be hasty. The verification is not yet complete. Why not adopt a temporary measure—conduct a final review based on the evidence in three days, while allowing each faction to submit additional proof in the meantime? That would preserve procedural fairness without tearing the alliance apart."

Her tone was gentle, but every word rang clear.

The Southern Sect elder let out a cold laugh and pointed straight at her face. "You handle the documents, and you go everywhere with Chen Wuya. Now you are stepping out to speak for him