Choice and Reconciliation

In the early morning, a fine drizzle fell, bringing a hint of coolness to the sweltering summer of Li City!

"The Clan Leader summoned me?"

Wu Yuan, who had just finished breakfast at home, saw Steward Fang from the ancestral home hurrying over, not even having time to grab an umbrella.

"Young Master Yuan, someone from the Xu Manor is here," Steward Fang said hurriedly.

The matter of Wu Yuan being specially recruited by a Sect hadn't completely spread yet, but Steward Fang had witnessed it last night. Being perceptive, he had already changed his address to 'Young Master'.

"Xu Manor? The General's Mansion that guards the city?" Wu Yuan was slightly surprised.

Steward Fang nodded.

"Mother, please entertain Steward Fang. Let him have some hot soup before he goes back," Wu Yuan said, turning to his mother.

"Alright, since the Clan Leader is looking for you, hurry along. I'll handle things here," Wan Qin said.

Wu Yuan took a step that carried him several yards, quickly reaching the ancestral home.

He saw Wu Qiming and the steward from Xu Manor in the study.

"Steward Xu," Wu Yuan said directly to him, without any pleasantries.

"Young Master Yuan has arrived," the steward replied, being extremely polite, as if he hadn't noticed Wu Yuan's coldness.

There was a world of difference in his attitude compared to when Wu Yuan and Wu Qiming first visited Xu Manor.

"Wu Yuan," Wu Qiming said with a smile from the side. "Steward Xu is here on behalf of General Xu to congratulate you on your upcoming special recruitment by the Sect. He's brought ten thousand taels of silver as a token of support."

"Ten thousand taels of silver? General Xu?" Wu Yuan frowned slightly.

"That's right!" the steward said with a smile. "The General is overjoyed to learn of Young Master Yuan's achievements. After so many years in Li City, we finally have another Martial Dao genius like Young Master Yuan. He specifically ordered me to deliver ten thousand taels of silver."

As he spoke, the steward presented a stack of silver notes.

Wu Qiming observed from the side.

It was clear that this was a gesture of goodwill from Xu Manor, and whether to accept it depended entirely on Wu Yuan's attitude.

Wu Qiming didn't want Wu Yuan to develop any dissatisfaction towards him.

"Xu Manor prospers greatly; it's not something our Wu Clan can compare to," Wu Yuan said calmly. "I am extremely grateful for General Xu's kindness, but this silver is not necessary."

"The five thousand taels of silver you gave us last time had a tremendous effect on our Wu Clan. Wu Yuan will never forget it."

"I only hope you can tell General Xu to be more diligent in guarding Li City in the future and not allow villains to run rampant," Wu Yuan said with a calm expression.

There was no sarcasm, nor any joy, as if he were simply stating a fact.

The steward's hand froze in mid-air, his expression changing slightly. He didn't know how to respond for a moment. He was deeply trusted by Xu Shouyi, how could he not understand the meaning behind Wu Yuan's words?

Last time, five thousand taels of silver had nearly caused the Wu Clan to be destroyed.

This time, ten thousand taels? Did he dare to accept it?

"Haha, the child is a bit immature," Wu Qiming said, laughing it off. He took the steward's hand and stuffed the stack of silver notes back into the steward's embrace. "Steward Xu, you've had a hard journey. Please tell General Xu that our Wu Clan is a benevolent family, loyal to the Sect and law-abiding. We never wish to conflict with others. Please assure the General."

The steward found an excuse to step down, his expression returning to normal, and he smiled again. "As expected of Young Master Yuan. I understand the Wu Clan's intentions and will certainly inform the General, hoping for amity between our two families."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly, not responding.

Soon.

Wu Qiming and Wu Yuan watched the steward leave.

"Clan Leader, what do you think?" Wu Yuan asked softly.

"Xu Shouyi wants to reconcile with us?" Wu Qiming shook his head. "But even Dean Zhang Da used ten thousand taels of silver to reconcile, and he's only sending ten thousand taels? I don't understand."

Ten thousand taels of silver was not a small amount!

After all, although the Central Land World was filled with bloodshed and chaos, top experts could easily acquire vast wealth.

But that was for First-class Experts and above.

For Third-class Experts, if they didn't risk their lives or engage in banditry, their wealth might not even reach ten thousand taels of silver.

For example, the Wu Clan of Li City, with nearly a thousand members, if all their fixed assets like residences, manors, and cloth shops were counted, would only be worth around two hundred thousand taels.

If they needed to liquidate quickly, the value would shrink considerably.

As for liquid funds? When abundant, they could have twenty to thirty thousand taels, but when scarce, it was difficult to even gather a few thousand taels.

Therefore, ten thousand taels was actually a significant sum.

But it depended on the person!

And the situation!

Given the deep enmity between the Xu and Wu clans, and with Wu Yuan about to be specially recruited by the Martial Arts Academy, his status would soar. For Xu Manor to want to resolve the conflict by sending only ten thousand taels of silver?

It was simply too little.

"Xu Manor sending silver was indeed unexpected."

"But I'm more concerned about other matters. Dean Zhang knowing I'm about to be specially recruited doesn't surprise me," Wu Yuan frowned. "But in just one night, how did Xu Shouyi find out? Did Dean Zhang tell him?"

"He's the garrison general, so it's not surprising he's well-informed," Wu Qiming said, a hint of worry appearing on his face. "I'm just worried, since you directly refused his goodwill today, will our Wu Clan truly fall out with the Xu Manor?"

Falling out with the garrison general of a prefecture, Wu Qiming was quite concerned.

"Are you suggesting I should have accepted that ten thousand taels of silver?" Wu Yuan retorted. "Clan Leader, can you truly feel at ease with the Xu Clan?"

Wu Qiming froze and said nothing.

"Moreover, can we truly let go of the hatred? Were those clan members killed in vain?" Wu Yuan shook his head and murmured, "Some things cannot be measured by money!"

Wu Qiming looked at Wu Yuan.

For a moment, he didn't know how to speak.

Human lives cannot be measured by money? But in Wu Qiming's heart, everyone's life had a corresponding price.

The two fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Suddenly.

"If there's a suitable way," Wu Qiming seemed to have made up his mind and said, "Wu Yuan, I still hope we can reconcile with the Xu Clan."

"Reconcile?" Wu Yuan looked at Wu Qiming in disbelief. "Clan Leader, the other day, when you returned alive, you were the one who told me not to forget our hatred!"

"That's right."

Wu Qiming sighed. "It was me who told you not to forget the hatred for our clan members. I want revenge even more than you do!"

"But at that time, my heart was filled with hatred."

"But these past few days, I've been thinking about this matter!"

"Your martial dao talent is astonishing. You might become a First-class Expert in the future, but how many years will that take? Ten years? Fifteen years?" Wu Qiming shook his head and sighed. "Too long. During this time, what can we do to the Xu Manor?"

"Conversely, Xu Shouyi holds a high position and has extensive connections. If he wants to deal with us, he has plenty of ways."

"Perhaps, if we keep fighting."

"In the end, you might be able to destroy Xu Shouyi and the Xu Manor. But by the time that day of complete revenge arrives, how many casualties will our Wu Clan suffer?"

"I've thought about it for a long time, and I've made up my mind. We won't fight anymore."

"Our Wu Clan is too weak. We can't afford to be injured." Wu Qiming looked at Wu Yuan, his eyes carrying a hint of pleading.

Listening to Wu Qiming's words and looking at his expression.

Wu Yuan was completely stunned.

In his memory, he had never seen the Clan Leader beg like this. Even when he was imprisoned by the Fierce Tiger Gang, the Clan Leader had gritted his teeth and persevered!

"Clan Leader, have you truly thought it through?" Wu Yuan's expression turned solemn, and he said in a low voice.

"I've thought it through." Wu Qiming spoke his mind, and his thoughts became clearer. "The clan can compensate the families of the deceased clan members. As you grow stronger, the clan will also become stronger."

"The departed are gone. There's no need to let the living be entangled with the dead."

"Ending the conflict with the Xu Manor will allow you to cultivate more peacefully in Cloud Martial Hall."

Wu Yuan fell silent.

Was the Clan Leader's thinking wrong? No!

It could even be considered very rational!

As the Clan Leader, was his primary duty revenge? For his own satisfaction? No! The Clan Leader's greatest duty was to ensure the clan's continuation! To lead the clan members to live better lives!

Even if this process involved some humiliation, it still had to be done.

After a long pause.

"Clan Leader, what do you want to do?" Wu Yuan slowly asked.

"I'll go to the Xu Manor again. I'll talk to General Xu." Wu Qiming seemed to have made a great decision. "We'll talk face-to-face! I will do everything possible to make General Xu believe in the sincerity of our Wu Clan."

Wu Yuan nodded and said no more.

Not denying it was tacit approval.

"Wu Yuan, you don't need to go. I'll go alone." Seeing this, Wu Qiming quickly tidied his clothes.

Ignoring the injuries he still had, he got into the carriage.

And set off on the road to the Xu Manor.

"Clearly, we are in the right. Clearly, our Wu Clan suffered heavy casualties. In the future, with the power of the Sect, I can crush that Xu Shouyi." Wu Yuan stood alone under the eaves, his eyelids lowered.

He quietly listened to the sound of raindrops falling on the ground.

And yet! He still had to take the initiative to reconcile.

He still had to make Xu Shouyi completely believe that the Wu Clan had no intention of revenge.

Why?

"Is it because he's the garrison general of Li City? Is it because of the network of relationships he's built in Hengyun Sect?" Wu Yuan's heart grew colder.

He was unwilling!

And even more reluctant!

A martial artist's cultivation is about honing a true heart, seeking clarity of thought! Without clarity, how can one maintain their original pure intention?

"I don't blame the clan leader! But, possessing such strength, yet being unable to use or display it due to various concerns?" Wu Yuan felt an irrepressible urge to kill within him.

Possessing a sharp weapon, the urge to kill arises!

What's more, for Wu Yuan, who could already unleash a strength of one hundred thousand jin?

Time flowed by, Xu Manor.

"Drip~" "Drip~" The carriage carrying Wu Qiming slowly departed, heading towards the Wu Clan ancestral home.

On the second floor of a side courtyard in Xu Manor's three-section compound.

"Steward Xu, do you believe Wu Qiming's words? Can Wu Yuan and the Wu Clan truly let go of the hatred between our two families?" Xu Shouyi, clad in a black robe, asked with a low voice.

"Listening to his words and observing his actions, Wu Qiming's words do not seem to be false," Steward Xu replied respectfully.

Xu Shouyi nodded slightly.

"However," Steward Xu hesitated, wanting to say more.

"Whatever you have to say, just say it," Xu Shouyi urged.

"This Wu Qiming is the clan leader, with many concerns, and can be trusted," Steward Xu stated. "But observing Wu Yuan's behavior today, he is a resolute individual. As a young and heroic talent, he may not be able to endure this hatred."

"A young and heroic talent?" Xu Shouyi murmured to himself.

"Alright, you may go down now!"

"Yes." Steward Xu bowed respectfully and retreated downstairs.

"Wu Qiming," Xu Shouyi watched the Wu family's carriage disappear around the street corner and muttered, "I am willing to trust you, but can I trust Wu Yuan?"

"I'm very sorry, I have broken my promise this time. I still dare not gamble!"

Wu Clan ancestral home.

"Wu Yuan, these thirty thousand taels of silver were given to you by General Xu," Wu Qiming handed it to Wu Yuan.

Wu Yuan had been waiting at the ancestral home for the past two hours.

"Clan leader, since it's settled, please keep it. Consider it compensation from the Xu Clan to our family," Wu Yuan said.

"But this is..." Wu Qiming tried to speak again.

"Clan leader, I said, it's for the family," Wu Yuan shook his head, his attitude firm and unquestionable.

Wu Qiming sighed, "Wu Yuan, don't blame me."

"Clan leader, I don't blame you, I only blame myself for not being strong enough," Wu Yuan shook his head slightly. "If I had the strength of a top expert right now, why would all this trouble be necessary?"

Wu Qiming opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

"Alright, clan leader, you should go rest. Your injuries haven't healed yet, don't get too tired. I'm going home now," Wu Yuan walked into the misty rain.

Wu Qiming let out a long sigh.

Speechless.

Night fell.

A fine rain still shrouded Li City. Curfew was in effect, without a sliver of moonlight. The streets and alleys were filled with darkness.

In a secluded alley not far from the Wu family's street.

"Hoo!" "Hoo!" "Hoo!"

Three black figures appeared silently, moving towards the Wu family's street with ghostly speed.