This Pact-Who Dares Tear It Up?

The old tabletop was replaced with two long tables, though the blackened pits blasted out by cannon fire were still visible along the edges. When the people inside the pass heard that the summit had not broken up, they brought over several more stools for the record keepers. Ning Fengzhi placed the Seven Treasure Sect's witness seal in the middle of the table and had each side reread the two points they had just argued over.

Three sets of rescued wounded-soldier registers were laid out before the table. The corners had been singed and curled by the cannon fire, but the writing inside remained intact. Ning Fengzhi had them first add the names of those wounded today, including the man who had operated a cannon for the Old Faction but been abandoned by his comrades. The Star Luo Military Doctor and the Spirit Hall Physician each reported their numbers once more. Only after the figures matched did everyone dare write "No civilian deaths" into the day's record.

The Branch Halls would remain under Spirit Hall's jurisdiction, while the existing Soul Master Registries and relief systems in each territory would remain in force. Orders to escort people across borders, summon Wartime Ballistae, or privately seize grain had to bear traceable seals and be recorded by both sides. Shen Ming's private-army arsenal was sealed on the spot. During the investigation, no one could privately claim a single piece of equipment.

Hu Liena split the key to the sealed private-army arsenal into two pieces. One went to Yue Guan, and the other to Ning Fengzhi's witness. She knew that a few locks alone could not stop Old Faction members with ulterior motives, so she also handed over the monthly payroll accounts and had all three sides verify the people against the lists. Xie