Coming out of the parallel space once again, Pei Yan contentedly sent off Gu Shenghui and the others. At the mont when the chanical avatar Pei San called him "Master" and kneeled on one knee to salute, he knew his speculation had succeeded.
In the days that followed, Pei Yan awaited news from the Immortal Palace while imrsing himself in the study of chanical Secret Techniques. However, this ti he practiced with moderation instead of disregarding food and sleep. During this period, the two who had fallen into a coma, Dong and Yao, gradually awoke. Compared to Dong Shigang, who quickly returned to normal, Yao Xuefang, whose soul was severely damaged, remained listless and groggy. In order to let her recover as soon as possible, the Investigation Bureau initially planned to send her back to the real world for recuperation. But knowing that the bureau was in urgent need of personnel, she insisted on healing in the parallel plane, taking advantage of the ti differences between the two worlds. After discussions among Gu Shenghui and others, she was temporarily transferred to the Hell Plane for recovery, where the Investigation Bureau had established a substantial base, and Pei Yan also had a private residence there. In tis of crisis, they could retreat to the real world at any ti, which was much better than the chaotic and possibly war-ready situation in the Daoist Realm.
Just a few days after sending off Yao Xuefang, the Investigation Bureau finally welcod the envoy from the Immortal Palace one afternoon—not soone else, but still the elder from the Clear Wind Talisman Transformation Sect, Cao Jiu Zhou, who had repeatedly been responsible for their communication. After so pleasantries, Cao Jiu Zhou first expressed sincere apologies for the cold reception the Investigation Bureau had faced during this period and stated that it was not intentional on the part of the Immortal Palace but due to circumstances. After Gu Shenghui and others expressed understanding, Cao Jiu Zhou explained the purpose of his visit. As predicted by Pei Yan and others, the Grand Selection of the Immortal Palace had been postponed due to attacks by the Underworld and Shen Yu. The current six palaces of the Immortal Palace would remain in charge until the Underworld and the Blood Fiend were thoroughly defeated, and only then would another date be set for the new selection competition.
Although the Immortal Palace Grand Selection was postponed, the gathering of several planes for the first ti was a once-in-a-lifeti event, especially with the big war approaching. Therefore, the Immortal Palace decided that the Sword Discussion Conference would proceed as scheduled, partly to test the strength of the younger generation and set an example for the peers and descendants, and also because the Immortal Palace prepared rich rewards for the winners of the Sword Discussion Conference, hoping they would perform even more brilliantly in the upcoming battles.
After listening to Cao Jiu Zhou's elaborate explanation, Pei Yan and Gu Shenghui exchanged a knowing smile. As expected, Gu Shenghui cleared his throat and responded with a laugh: "Elder Cao, we already understand what you said and are pleased to accept it. However, we have a matter we hope to discuss with the Immortal Palace and other Plane Envoys. Could Elder Cao perhaps convey this for us?"
"Uh?" Cao Jiu Zhou paused, holding his teacup midway, and looked at Gu Shenghui with confusion, asking, "I wonder what matter Fellow Daoist Gu wishes to discuss, which requires assembling representatives of several major planes. Could you reveal a bit in advance?"
"Apologies, Elder Cao, it's not that I don't trust you, but the matter is of great importance, and it would be best to announce it publicly once everyone is gathered. We will then decide after discussions across the planes." Gu Shenghui declined with an apologetic look.
Seeing Gu Shenghui speak this way, Cao Jiu Zhou didn't inquire further. After so back-and-forth, he promised to report the matter to the Immortal Palace. Upon the respectful farewell by Gu Shenghui, he left Yirong Pavilion. This ti, the Immortal Palace didn't keep the Investigation Bureau waiting long. That very night, a Daoist Child ca to inform them that representatives from several major planes would convene the next day by the Taiye Pool at Taoran Pavilion for a eting, and arrangents had been made for reception.
Upon receiving this notification, Pei Yan skipped his practice that night. After soaking in a hot bath and resting well to regain his energy, he followed Gu Shenghui and the others the next day to the designated eting place under the guidance of the Daoist Child.
They exited Chongren Square, heading west through Que Tower and entering the Qingxiao Sect. Under the Daoist Child's guidance, Pei Yan and his group passed through the extensive complex of the Immortal Palace, with the sound of lake waters gradually becoming louder, signaling their near arrival at the destination. As they passed through a shadow wall and were greeted by a suddenly open and beautiful view, Pei Yan couldn't help but pause and earnestly exclaim, "So exquisite!"
The first thing that caught his eye was a lake of crystal-clear water. The erald green lake surface resembled an uncut jade, refracting dazzling light under the sunlight. A gentle breeze rippled the water, wafting away the sumr heat from Pei Yan's body, leaving a sense of comfort. The intoxicating fragrance from various unnad flowers along both sides of the lake cleared the stuffiness accumulated in Pei Yan's chest over many days, significantly lifting his mood.
Walking alongside the lake, a quaint pavilion appeared before Pei Yan, surprisingly larger than any he had seen in the real world. Even with more than twenty people already seated inside, it did not feel the least bit cramped.
As Gu Shenghui and his party arrived, Lin Daozi, who had arrived earlier and was waiting in the pavilion, ca out to greet them. Since the purpose of this eting was negotiation, Gu Shenghui, being the leader of the Investigation Bureau's delegation, took charge, and Pei Yan quietly remained within the team, performing his role as a follower. After so exchanges, everyone was led into Taoran Pavilion to take their seats. Due to Pei Yan's special status, a seat was reserved for him beside Gu Hui, while the other escorts stood behind, acting as guards.
Seeing that the special envoys from the major planes had all arrived, Gu Shenghui didn't waste any ti. He imdiately repeated the terms Bai Ze had ntioned after entering Yirong Pavilion that day, causing an uproar in the courtyard with intense debates and chatter.
Pei Yan, uninterested in the proceedings, reclined in his chair, idly gazing at the scenery outside while fiddling with the hanging willow branches, as if everything happening inside the pavilion had nothing to do with him.
"Heh, the Investigation Bureau sure has a broad mind to sit face-to-face with their enemies and discuss business!"
An irritating, mocking voice reached Pei Yan's ears, piquing his curiosity. He turned to find that it was soone from the Spirit Monster Plane's envoy group who had spoken, standing beside Saraf, the Child of Origin from the Spirit Monster Plane who had suffered a setback in a previous bout.
Recognizing the person, Pei Yan understood why the comnt was made, clearly wanting to seek justice for his master. Thinking of this, Pei Yan smiled, unwilling to engage, and continued appreciating the pavilion's external scenery. However, the servant who was trying to stand up for his master was unwilling to let it go. Angered by Pei Yan's dismissive attitude, he sarcastically said, "Who knows if this isn't a private agreent reached with the opposition, a trap laid against the several major planes? It's known that there are nurous ties between the Blood Fiend and Foundation Plane, and as two erging forces, they seem to share common ground, right?"
At these words, the once noisy courtyard suddenly fell silent. Although everyone knew the comnt was provocative and not to be trusted, it undeniably touched upon underlying concerns shared by the major planes.
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