Zhu Xian: They've all been reborn

Chapter 155 The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Several days later, at Tongtian Peak, in the Yuqing Hall.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

Dao Xuan Zhenren sat upright at the head of the table, his face calm and his eyes sharp as lightning, sweeping over the heads of the various Qingyun lineages lined up on both sides of the hall—Tian Buyi, Shuiyue, Zeng Shuchang, Tianyun Daoren, Shang Zhengliang, and Qi Hao, the head of Longshou Peak.

Everyone looked solemn and focused, their gazes all fixed on the center of the hall.

There were four people standing there.

The woman at the front, dressed in a light green dress, possessed stunning beauty, delicate and lively. However, she lacked the childishness of a young girl, instead displaying the dignified air of someone who had long held a high position and the composure that came with experience.

It was Biyao, the young master of the Ghost King Sect, who now effectively unified the Holy Sect.

Three people stood side by side with her, half a step behind her.

On the left is Yu Ji, whose face is covered by a black veil and whose aura is as deep and mysterious as the night.

On the right is a middle-aged man dressed in blue, with a refined yet somewhat unruly face and a weathered look in his eyes; this is Qinglong.

Standing slightly behind Biyao were two people. The man was dignified and reserved, with an extraordinary bearing. He was none other than Ghost King Wanrenwang. The woman was gentle and beautiful, but her eyes held a resolute quality. She was Lady Xiaochi.

This lineup represents the full force of the Ghost King Sect.

They came here not to declare war, but... to negotiate peace.

"The sincerity of the Ghost King Sect in coming here today is something you have all witnessed."

Biyao spoke, her voice clear and crisp, yet carrying an undeniable weight, echoing clearly in the hall.

"The Holy Sect has been embroiled in internal strife for years, causing immense suffering and death. Its relationship with the righteous path is fraught with entanglement and bloodshed. But when will this cycle of revenge end? A thousand years of slaughter, besides piling up more bones and hatred, has brought even the slightest peace or progress?"

Her gaze slowly swept over everyone in the hall, finally settling on Dao Xuan's face:

"My father, Wanrenwang, had long intended to mend the rift between good and evil, seeking common ground while reserving differences, but he faced numerous obstacles, both internal and external troubles."

Now, the Holy Church has been purged and there are no more obstacles.

I, Biyao, representing the Ghost King Sect, have come to Qingyun today for only one purpose—to discuss with the Qingyun Sect and the righteous path of the world a strategy for peaceful coexistence.

"To stop the fighting, to end the strife, and to usher in an era of lasting peace."

The main hall was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Peace? Or a demonic cult?

The words, spoken by Biyao, carried a tremendous, earth-shattering power.

Although news of internal strife within the Holy Sect, the Ghost King Sect's dominance, and its changed style of doing things had already spread in recent years, the impact was still enormous when Biyao actually led her parents and the two Holy Envoys to Mount Qingyun to say these words.

Dao Xuan remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, his voice steady:

"I have also heard of the young master Biyao's great achievements and her unification of the Holy Sect."

However, the deep-seated hatred between the righteous and the demonic cannot be erased with just a few words.

How can the Ghost King Sect guarantee that today's peace won't turn into tomorrow's war?

Ten thousand people took half a step forward and said in a deep voice:

"What Sect Leader Daoxuan is worried about is very true."

Past grievances cannot be summed up in a single sentence.

However, after this unification, our Holy Church has established new internal rules, strictly prohibiting the indiscriminate killing of innocent people, the disturbance of the righteous path, and the provocation of unnecessary disputes.

Those who violate this rule will be dealt with according to the clan rules, without any leniency. This is the first point.

Azure Dragon's voice, calm yet powerful, spoke through the dragon's mouth.

"Secondly, our sect is willing to open some trading ports to exchange goods with the Central Plains, so as to reduce hostility and enhance understanding through economic exchanges."

Thirdly, if the world changes, or if evil forces threaten the common people, the righteous and the demonic paths can temporarily set aside their differences and join forces to deal with them.

These three points can form the foundation of peace.

You Ji remained silent, only nodding slightly.

Biyao continued:

"As for Fenxiang Valley and Tianyin Temple, our Ghost King Sect will send people to contact them and explain the advantages and disadvantages."

But today, my priority is to establish a charter with the Qingyun Sect.

Qingyun is the leader of the righteous path. If he can be the first to reach peace with the Holy Sect, the righteous path in the world will surely follow suit.

At that time, although the righteous and demonic paths are different, they can remain in their own paths and not invade each other's territory.

This is the 'peaceful coexistence' I seek.

Her words were clear and logical, containing both righteous justification and practical measures, and highlighting the leadership position of the Qingyun Sect. She gave them ample face while also making the advantages and disadvantages clear.

The expressions of those in the hall varied. Tian Buyi frowned, Shuiyue remained expressionless, Zeng Shuchang stroked his beard in deep thought, and Qi Hao's eyes flickered. Dao Xuan, on the other hand, tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, clearly weighing his options rapidly.

"This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided in a short time."

Dao Xuan finally said, "Young Master Biyao, Ghost King, you are all guests from afar. Why don't you stay in Qingyun for a few days? I will give you an answer after discussing it with the other leaders."

"That's how it should be."

Biyao nodded, showing no impatience.

She never expected to settle things in one meeting; just being able to sit at the negotiating table was already a successful first step.

In the following days, the Jade Purity Hall was brightly lit, and Dao Xuan and the heads of various lineages held closed-door discussions and debates.

Tian Buyi initially strongly opposed it, believing that the demonic cult members were full of tricks and should not be trusted.

Shuiyue, on the other hand, was more composed, believing that if peace could be exchanged for border tranquility and the people could be spared from the ravages of war, it would certainly be a meritorious act.

Zeng Shuchang, Tianyun, Shang Zhengliang, and others had differing opinions.

As a rising star, Qi Hao was more pragmatic in his thinking. He believed that the Ghost King Sect was indeed sincere and its strength was now far greater than before. A direct confrontation was not the best strategy. If they could be bound by a treaty, it would be beneficial to Qingyun in the long run.

The debate ultimately focused on the specific terms and binding force of the treaty.

Dao Xuan's heart was also filled with turmoil. He knew more than others, such as the Kui Niu that Lu Xueqi brought back, Lu Xueqi's unfathomable strength and the faintly revealed Zhuxian Sword, as well as the mysterious Linglong girl on the back mountain of Dazhu Peak...

This world is no longer the world he was familiar with.

Coexisting with a unified and negotiating Holy Church might be the least bad option right now.

Ultimately, after repeated back-and-forth negotiations, both sides drafted five principles, known as the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence between Qingyun and Ghost King Sect":

1. Mutual non-aggression and non-initiative of conflict;

Second, everyone should respect their respective spheres of influence and refrain from crossing boundaries to cause trouble.

Third, open limited trade and promote people-to-people exchanges;

IV. Establish a regular high-level meeting mechanism for communication and coordination;

Fifth, cooperation may be considered when dealing with major threats that endanger the lives of all people.

The treaty was signed in the form of a spiritual covenant, with the leaders of both sides using their blood essence and sect seals as proof. It was subject to the supervision of the Heavenly Dao, and those who violated it would suffer backlash.

Although the binding force is not absolute, it is an unprecedented breakthrough.

The signing ceremony was held in the square in front of Yuqing Hall; it was simple yet solemn.

Dao Xuan and Bi Yao each pressed their handprints on the spirit contract scroll, their essence and blood merging into it. The scroll flashed with light, transforming into two streams of light that entered Dao Xuan and Bi Yao's brows respectively.

The contract is established.

Around the plaza, Qingyun disciples who had rushed to the scene watched from a distance, their expressions complex—shock, confusion, and a hint of anticipation. Who doesn't yearn for peace?

After the ceremony, Biyao withdrew the air of authority befitting the "Young Master of the Ghost King Sect," a relaxed smile appearing on her face. She said to Daoxuan:

"Sect Leader Daoxuan, I've heard that your sect has some good news recently?"

"Is this the top disciple of the Great Bamboo Peak, or the top disciple of your sect's Small Bamboo Peak?"

Dao Xuan glanced at Tian Buyi and Shuiyue, and nodded:

"Indeed, Song Daren, the eldest disciple of Junior Brother Tian, ​​and Wen Min, the eldest disciple of Junior Sister Shuiyue, will be getting married soon."

"A match made in heaven, congratulations!"

Biyao smiled brightly.

"I wonder if my Ghost King Sect could ask for a cup of celebratory wine? It would be a way to add some joy to this beginning of peace."

Dao Xuan looked at Tian Buyi and Shui Yue again.

Tian Buyi's face darkened, he snorted, and said nothing.

Shuiyue pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Young Master Biyao is a guest from afar and an envoy of peace. We would certainly welcome your presence."

"In that case, I'm sorry to have troubled you."

Biyao gave a graceful bow, her smile deepening, a hint of eagerness flashing in the depths of her eyes. "Sect Leader Daoxuan, we are waiting at Qingyun's residence..."

"Arrangements have been made for you all at the guest courtyard on Tongtian Peak," Dao Xuan said.

"Tongtian Peak is quiet and peaceful, which is excellent."

Biyao changed the subject with a smile, "However, I am also an old acquaintance of Uncle Tian and Uncle Su of Dazhu Peak. I wonder if... I could visit Dazhu Peak for a few days? That way I can share in the joy in advance."

Tian Buyi's eyelids twitched, and he wanted to refuse.

But looking at Biyao's innocent yet sly smile, then at Shuiyue beside him with a calm expression but eyes that clearly said "you decide for yourself," and Daoxuan's emotionless gaze, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He snorted loudly, flicked his sleeve, and said, "Suit yourself!"

"Thank you very much, Uncle Tian!"

Biyao immediately smiled and bowed to Tian Buyi and Su Ru (Su Ru nodded slightly to her), and then said goodbye to Daoxuan and the others.

He couldn't wait any longer and followed Tian Buyi, whose face had darkened, toward Dazhu Peak.

Her steps were light and quick, like a bird about to return to its nest.

……

Dazhu Peak, Shoujing Hall.

Tian Buyi sat at the head of the table with a stern face. Su Ru warmed tea beside him, her eyes looking at Bi Yao, who stood gracefully with a bright smile, and the Ghost King and his wife and the two holy envoys behind her with complicated expressions.

This entourage, though they say they're here to visit, looks more like... they're here to "propose marriage"?

Su Ru was startled by her own thought.

"Uncle Tian, ​​Uncle Su, it's been many years. How have you been?"

Biyao spoke first, her tone respectful yet affectionate, "Back then, I was young and ignorant, and if I offended anyone, please forgive me, my senior uncle and mistress."

She changed her address from "Shishu" to the more intimate "Shishu and Shiniang".

Tian Buyi snorted but didn't reply.

Su Ru smiled:

"Miss Biyao, you're too kind. Now that you are the young master of the Ghost King Sect, your contribution to peace is immeasurable. There's no need to bring up those trivial matters of the past. However..."

She paused, looking at the undisguised expectation and eagerness in Biyao's eyes, and said gently, "I'm afraid your purpose in coming to Dazhu Peak this time is not what it seems?"

Biyao blushed slightly, revealing a rare hint of girlish charm, but quickly regained her radiance and said frankly, "Master's wife is wise. Biyao has come here for two reasons: first, to pay respects to Master's uncle and wife, and second... to see him. I wonder... where he is at this moment?"

It goes without saying who this "he" refers to.

Tian Buyi's face darkened further, and his mustache stood on end.

Su Ru patted the back of his hand, signaling him to calm down, and said to Bi Yao, "Xiao Chuan is practicing his martial arts on the back mountain. Now that you're here, go and see him. But..."

She glanced at the Ghost King and the others behind Biyao, "These people..."

"Father, Mother, Aunt You, Uncle Qinglong, please rest in Shoujing Hall for a while. I'll be right back."

Biyao immediately addressed Wanrenwang and the others.

Seeing the sudden brightness in his daughter's eyes, Wan Renwang sighed inwardly, but simply nodded and said, "Go ahead, don't be rude." Madam Xiaochi looked at her daughter gently, her eyes full of understanding and encouragement.

Having received permission, Biyao bowed to Tian Buyi and Su Ru again, then turned and, like a light butterfly, floated out of Shoujing Hall, heading familiarly towards the back mountain.

His eagerness made Tian Buyi's lips twitch.

"A daughter is like a tree that grows up and leaves home..." Wanrenwang suddenly sighed softly, whether it was a sigh of regret or helplessness.

Upon hearing this, Su Ru glanced at Wan Renwang and Xiao Chi, then at her husband with a dark expression, feeling a mix of emotions.

That's enough, children and grandchildren have their own blessings.

Judging from Biyao's expression, she is truly sincere towards her silly boy.

However… thinking that there might be more than just Xiao Chuan on the back mountain, Su Ru felt a headache coming on.