Actually, when He Wushan heard Su Xin say that the other three sects had already agreed to his demands, he had already started to back down.
Still, He Wushan was unwilling to give up. After all, if he let the Imperial Court destroy the Qingcheng Sword Sect while the Famous Sword Villa did nothing, then his position as head of the Five Sword Sects would be nothing but an empty title.
After thinking it over, He Wushan said, "The Famous Sword Villa can stay out of it, but I want the rune rubbings you traded for from those other three sects."
Su Xin shook his head. "Absolutely not."
He Wushan snorted. "What, is the Imperial Court afraid that a little place like the Famous Sword Villa might rise to prominence?"
Su Xin shook his head. "Villa Master He, don't sell yourself short. If the Famous Sword Villa is small, then there are no major forces in the Martial Arts World.
"The reason I can't give you those rune rubbings is because of the Yi Sword Sect and Sword God Mountain.
"I only traded for one rubbing from each of those two sects, but now you want me to trade three to the Famous Sword Villa. How would that be fair?
"As the saying goes, people don't resent having too little; they resent having things distributed unfairly. If I did that, I'd offend those two sects."
Su Xin looked at He Wushan. "So, Villa Master He, the choice is yours. Will you make this trade?"
He Wushan remained silent for a long while. In the end, he could only say, "I'll trade."
A faint smile appeared on Su Xin's lips. "Since you've agreed, Villa Master He, then I thank you."
He Wushan had no choice. The other three sects had all