Chapter 379 Ch 379: Du Baicheng's Wise Decision
Chapter 379 Ch 379: Du Baicheng's Wise Decision
Du Baicheng soon realized that he and his Stormwatch Sect were in danger. He also came to understand that Ling Xiaolong was not someone he could afford to offend. He grasped that Ling Xiaolong's strength was terrifying; if Ling Xiaolong wished, he could have killed him long ago.
However, he felt offended. He was the esteemed leader of Stormwatch Sect, one of the most powerful sects in the Outer Region of the Land of Luminous Essence. How dare Ling Xiaolong humiliate him in front of thousands of eyes that belonged to his own sect?
He was angry, but he could only suppress his anger. He understood that Ling Xiaolong was not someone he could go against.
Furthermore, because of the previous incident, he recognized that Ling Xiaolong had no intention of harming him or anyone from the Stormwatch Sect. He heaved a sigh of relief secretly. Simultaneously, he understood that asking for forgiveness was the best option in his current situation.
Nevertheless, begging for forgiveness should be the last option. For once, he thought he should try to reason with Ling Xiaolong.
"The Stormwatch is a subsidiary force of the Black Dragon Sect in the Central Region. You heard it right, it is the Central Region, not the Inner Region. Let's forget about the number of Celestial Awakening Realm warriors, there are dozens of Celestial Sovereigns of Chaos in the Black Dragon Sect. You can't afford to offend them. It's my fault for acting recklessly today. As long as you stop now, I am willing to compensate and apologize and treat today's events as if nothing had ever happened. You can rule the Outer Region together with the Stormwatch Sect." Du Baicheng, who was originally showing off his strength, had to lower his proud head and choose to make peace.
"Sect Master!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Sect Master Du, are you crazy?"
All the elders of the Stormwatch Sect were shocked when they heard Du Baicheng's offer. It was acceptable to compromise and make peace; it was also fine to provide compensation. However, it was certainly not acceptable to propose that someone of lower status should rule the Outer Region together.
Ling Xiaolong came from the Solar Phoenix Sect, a small sect subordinate to them. Offering Ling Xiaolong the opportunity to rule the Outer Region was tantamount to extending the same offer to the Solar Phoenix Sect.
It also signifies that the moment Ling Xiaolong accepts this offer, the status of the Solar Phoenix Sect will elevate, and this once small sect will stand on equal footing with them.
How could they agree to this?
They have the backing of a big power that is located in the Central Region. Why should they stand on the same foot as a tiny sect?
"If you don't want the Stormwatch Sect to be destroyed, listen to me!" Du Baicheng roared and transmitted his voice.
All the elders were stunned. They moved their mouths, but in the end, they still didn't say anything.
They had already witnessed Ling Xiaolong's strength. They also saw his transformation after activating the power of his bloodline. His bloodline was clearly of a higher level.
Although Ling Xiaolong did not kill them, they were still severely injured. Even the Sect Leader, who had the strength of a Peak Celestial Awakening Realm warrior, had several big hole-like wounds torn open in his body. He was covered in injuries.
If they continued fighting, their Stormwatch Sect might really be finished.
However, the offer was already given. If Ling Xiaolong accepts, then they have to agree. At least, they have to show they are okay with this agreement until the support from the Black Dragon Sect comes.
Thinking about all these, they forcefully put up smiles on their faces.
Ling Xiaolong did not expect Du Baicheng to give out such an offer. He came here originally to make Du Baicheng keep the Stormwatch Sect away from the Solar Phoenix Sect. He wanted the Stormwatch Sect to have nothing to do with the Solar Phoenix Sect.
However, ruling the Outer Region was not a bad offer.
But then again, Ling Xiaolong considered the backing force of the Solarwatch Sect.
Although he could support the Solar Phoenix Sect now, he would not be always there for them. Once he leaves, the Stormwatch Sect might retaliate fiercely. At that time, the Solar Phoenix Sect will face the danger of annihilation.
Thinking about every factor, Ling Xiaolong shook his head and rejected Du Baicheng's offer. He said, "I don't want to rule the Outer Region, I never had this thought. I came here today just to tell you that the Solar Phoenix Sect will have absolutely nothing to do with the Stormwatch Sect from today onward. It'll be an independent sect. I can promise you one thing; the Solar Phoenix Sect will not be involved in the matters related to ruling the Outer Region. You can stay worry-free."
After speaking what he needed to say, Ling Xiaolong did not want to. He disappeared immediately, leaving the premises of Stormwatch Sect.
.....
Inside the main hall of the Stormwatch Sect...
"What do you all say?"
Du Baicheng looked at all the elders. He seemed to be in a bad mood. The annoyed expression on his face gave a clear view of his frustrated heart.
"At least, he was wise enough not to accept the offer you gave him," one of the elders stood up and shared his insight on the matter. "Sect Leader, even though that individual fought against us and won, I observed that he never harbored any intention to take lives. His power was formidable. Despite having numerous opportunities to deliver fatal blows and kill, he refrained each time. He consistently halted at critical moments, missing his shot several times."
"I propose that, considering he showed us enough respect by sparing lives and, more importantly, choosing not to co-rule the Outer Region, we can, at the very least, grant freedom to the Solar Phoenix Sect."
A contemplative silence filled the room as everyone pondered. In a sense, the elder had a valid point. However, there were also opposing voices among the elders who sought retribution against Ling Xiaolong.
"I object." Another elder stood up and countered, "No matter what, he humiliated us in front of our disciples. Although we are nothing much, we are still one of the major forces in the Outer Region. If the words of what happened today get out, what face will we show to the world?"
"I know we can't win against him, but we can always request for backup from the Black Dragon Sect. Let's show him what happens when someone looks down on the Stormwatch Sect and humiliates us in public!"
This elder's suggestion was also supported by many. Just like that, an argument began.
As for the final result, Du Baicheng, the Sect Leader of Stormwatch Sect, still could not decide.
He was angry and had hatred for Ling Xiaolong, however, he was not powerful enough to retaliate.
In the end, he suggested, "It is indeed true that we were humiliated by him. Yes, it made me very angry, my heart is still burning with fury. But we are not powerful enough to face him."
"Let's say we ask for backup from the Black Dragon Sect and counterattack. We are guaranteed to succeed. We can easily destroy the Solar Phoenix Sect as well. But, we have not seen that person's true strength. We don't know much about him. If somehow he managed to escape, he can always come back and destroy us. And at that time, he will not show the mercy that he showed today. We will be annihilated."
"If you think of the overall situation, let's forget about this matter and grant freedom to the Solar Phoenix Sect!"
'As expected of a sect leader.'
Ling Xiaolong smiled. Despite being far from the Stormwatch Sect, he could still perceive every action of these people and hear their every word.
This wasn't solely due to his potent Divine Sense; it was primarily the result of his powerful Soul Force.
He had acquired this little spying skill from the Spiritas Race in the past. During his previous battles, he had affixed a portion of his Soul Force to the bodies of Du Baicheng and a few elders.
This enabled him to listen and sense everything from a distance.
Given the vast superiority of his Soul Force compared to that of Du Baicheng and the others, they remained oblivious to the fact that someone was spying on them.
'Although Du Baicheng is not a good person, he at least cares for his sect. He knows what step to take and what not to. He knows when to hold back and not act rashly. He is burning with hate, but thinking about the overall situation, he decides to endure the humiliation. This all shows his qualification as a sect leader.'
'Indeed, he is good!'
Ling Xiaolong smiled in his heart and disappeared. This time, he truly left. The portion of soul force attached to the bodies of Du Baicheng and a few elders of the Stormwatch Sect also disappeared.
Back in the main hall of Stormwatch Sect, after thinking over Du Baicheng's words, many of the elders felt embarrassed. They almost put their sect in danger because of their narrow minds.
Finally, they all agreed with Du Baicheng's decision and decided to let go.