Negotiations

Xu Yuan knew this was only the beginning. Words alone would not be enough to make these three local powers truly submit. He needed more tangible leverage and firmer methods.

"It's simple." Xu Yuan sat down again, his voice calm, as though the confrontation moments ago had never happened.

"First, within three days, each family must pay thirty percent of its outstanding tribute from previous years as a show of good faith. The remaining seventy percent may be paid in installments after the water ape is slain and the waterways are fully reopened."

"Second, starting today, each family will assign its elite cultivators to the Water Manor's command to help eliminate water demons and patrol the waters. I will discuss the exact numbers and cultivation levels with you shortly."

"Third." Xu Yuan glanced at the three people on the floor, then at Wang Zhenyue and Lin Moxuan. "Their elders failed to discipline them, allowing the younger generation to treat official business lightly. They may be spared death, but not punishment. Each will be fined five thousand spirit stones and confined for three years as a warning to others. Do any of you object?"

The terms were not harsh; they could even be called lenient. Paying thirty percent of the arrears would hurt, but it was bearable. Contributing people and resources to hunt demons was their duty anyway. Punishing the younger generation gave all three families a way to save face.

Wang Zhenyue exchanged a glance with Lin Moxuan, then looked at Zhao Gan's grim expression. At last, Wang Zhenyue nodded slowly. "The warden's demands are fair and reasonable. The Wang Family has no objection."

"Nor does the Lin Family," Lin Moxuan said.

Zhao Gan gritted his teeth. Knowing the tide had turned, he could only mutter, "The Zhao Clan... obeys."