Prince Xue Xing asked, "Does the Pope have any evidence?"
Qian Xunji looked at him and did not answer directly.
He sighed first, with a trace of exhaustion on his face.
"The evidence... of course exists, but it still needs further confirmation."
As soon as these words came out, the expressions of everyone present changed slightly.
Qian Xunji took in everyone's reactions and slowly walked back to the main seat and sat down.
"These clues are not enough to directly identify the murderer."
"But they told me that this was done by someone here."
"I invite you here today, not to interrogate anyone, I just want to tell you - I, Spirit Hall, will not just let it go."
The hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Tang Hao opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but Tang Xiao held his arm down.
Qian Xunji continued, "To be honest, it's very difficult for me to handle now."
"My wife was seven months pregnant and was almost poisoned."
"She has had nightmares every day these past few days and can't sleep well. My unborn child almost never saw the world."
He raised his head, his eyes red, "As a husband and father, I feel uncomfortable..."
He looked like a poor man who was exhausted both physically and mentally.
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
Only Jiang Mo and Qian Jun stood behind Qian Xunji, trying hard not to laugh.
Your Majesty's acting skills are absolutely amazing.
Qian Xunji continued with a choked voice.
"I know that the murderer is among you."
"But I don't want to break up with each other. Spirit Hall and all other forces have always kept their peace."
"I don't want to make it difficult for everyone because of one murderer."
He looked at the people present and said, "So, I decided to ask everyone to provide a condolence payment."
The whole place was quiet for a moment.
Tang Hao thought he heard wrongly.
"What?"
"Yes, the consolation money, a few million dollars, should be regarded as your concern for my wife and children."
Prince Xue Xing frowned, "Pope, what are you..."
Qian Xunji raised his hand to interrupt him.
"I know you will think I am ripping you off."
"But think about it, the murderer is among you, but I am unwilling to identify him or investigate further. Why?"
"Because I give you face."
This is wisely said.
It's not "I can't find the evidence", it's "I have clues but I don't want to tell the truth."
It's not "I can't identify the murderer", it's "I'm giving you face so I won't continue the investigation."
No one here is a fool.
They understood the meaning of these words.
Qian Xunji must have something in his hand.
It might be a real clue, it might be fabricated evidence, or it might be nothing at all - but who's betting?
What if he really does?
What if he doesn't and you don't give him the money, but he insists it's you?
At that time, will it matter whether you are a murderer or not?
The sect leaders of Lower Four Sects were the first to react.
They are originally attached to the Spirit Hall. If they don't express their stance now, when will they wait?
Huyan Zhen of the Elephant Armor Sect was the first to stand up.
"His Holiness the Pope is right, there must be an explanation for this matter! We Elephant Armor Sect are willing to pay one million to show our concern for the Pope's wife."
Fire Leopard Sect leader quickly followed.
"We Fire Leopard Sect also offer one million!"
Wind Sword Sect and Xuanming Sect also expressed their opinions.
In the blink of an eye, Lower Four Sects contributed four million.
Qian Xunji nodded towards them, "Thank you so much, sect masters."
Upper Three Sects and the representatives of the two empires didn't look so good.
They looked at each other and saw the same thing in each other's eyes, which was frustration.
Came all the way here just to give money?
But who can refuse to give it?
Qian Xunji This is what he said - "I have clues, but I want to give you face so I don't continue to investigate."
Not giving him money means not giving him face.
If you don't give him face, he can "don't give you face" - take out the "clues" and bite you to death.
When the time comes, even if you jump into the Yellow River, you won't be able to escape.
Ning Fengzhi sighed, "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, two million."
Qian Xunji looked at him and said, "Young Master Ning understands justice well. I thank you on behalf of my wife and children."
Yu Luomian followed up with a statement, "Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, one million."
Prince Xue Xing gritted his teeth, "Heaven Dou, one million."
"Star Luo Empire, one million."
Finally, everyone's eyes fell on Tang Hao.
Tang Hao's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.
Tang Xiao spoke for him, "Clear Sky Sect, also offer one million."
Qian Xunji stood up and clasped his fists at everyone, "Thank you all, thank you all."
The gratitude on his face was beyond words, his eyes were red, and his voice was choked with sobs. His acting skills seemed as fake as they were.
Qian Xunji collected the money, handed the account book to Jiang Mo behind him, and clapped his hands.
"Okay, we've finished talking about the business. Let's go have a meal with me later. Our Spirit Hall dinner is ready."
"You all have come a long way, and you can't go back with an empty stomach. The food and wine are already prepared. Let's chat while eating."
Tang Hao wanted to refuse, but was held back by Tang Xiao.
Ning Fengzhi nodded, "Then I'm sorry."
Prince Xue Xing and Zhu Yuntian didn't say anything and stood up.
A group of people walked out of the meeting hall and walked towards the banquet hall.
Full Moon hangs in the night sky and sprinkles on the balcony.
After finishing the banquet, Qian Xunji was half drunk and half awake, leaning on the recliner. Bibi Dong was nestled in his arms, and the two of them looked at Full Moon in the sky.
"What did those guys look like after giving them the money?" Bibi Dong asked, drawing circles on his chest with his fingers.
"It stinks, it stinks so bad."
"Especially Tang Hao, whose face is as black as the bottom of a pot. I'll probably smash several tables when I get back."
Bibi Dong couldn't help laughing, "Is it really okay to offend so many people?"
"The relationship itself is not good, so why should we offend?"
"Our Spirit Hall power is at its peak. For them, the existence of the Spirit Hall itself is a threat."
"No matter what we do, they will feel threatened."
Bibi Dong was silent for a while.
"Yes, this world is a place where the weak eat the strong."
Qian Xunji lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead.
"So, don't worry about what they think, let's live our lives."
He took out a gold card from his pocket and put it into Bibi Dong's hand.
"What is this?"
"You keep the twelve million they gave you and save it for your retirement."
Bibi Dong looked at the card in his hand, then looked up at him, "Give them all to me?"
"Well, buy clothes, toys, and delicious food for your daughter. The rest will be spent slowly when you get older."
Bibi Dong's eyes were a little hot, "What about you?"
"Me?" Qian Xunji smiled, "It's enough for you to support me."
"You guy... okay, I'll support you."
Bibi Dong buried her face in his arms and said nothing.
The moonlight shone quietly on the two of them.
After a while...
Qian Xunji said, "Dong'er, I have something to tell you."
"Huh?"
"In one month, I'm going to do Third Trial of the God of Light."
Bibi Dong's body stiffened.
She raised her head and looked at him, "Are you leaving again?"
"Well, take care of yourself and try not to go out."
"How long?"
"Not sure, but I'll be back soon."
Bibi Dong was silent for a while, then nodded, "I understand, don't worry, I will take good care of myself and the baby."
Qian Xunji looked at her and felt soft in his heart.