Otherworldly Affairs Office-Chapter 643: Looking for a Way Out (Seeking Subscription)

Looking at Bai Xuelin's expression, which was heavy and indecisive, Shi Yuansi understood that he was in a difficult position, different from Jiang Jingyi's fiery temper. Always acting calmly, he hurriedly used secret voice transmission techniques to discreetly admonish, "Senior Brother, do not act impulsively. The Investigation Hall has come here to observe the ceremony, and this elder surely will not have the audacity to participate in the Sword Discussion Conference after the selection of the Six Sects. Therefore, he acts so brazenly to make a name for himself. Unlike us, if we three are injured here, it will undoubtedly adversely affect the selection of the Six Sects. The other sects are undoubtedly watching from the sidelines with such thoughts. This matter concerns the fortune of our pavilion for the next five hundred years. Weigh carefully what is more important, Senior Brother."

"Junior Brother Shi, you speak of what worries me most. It now seems that our Sect Leader Senior Brother has likely fallen into the trap of those old thieves of the Six Sects, making us a fool's sacrifice. Alas, the situation has escalated to riding a tiger and now if we do nothing and let it go, we may not even need to wait for the Six Sects competition; our Celestial Secret Pavilion might become the biggest laughing stock in all the planes!" Bai Xuelin similarly used a secret voice transmission, expressing his worries.

"Do not fret, Senior Brother. Allow me to agitate them with words, perhaps the situation will improve." After Shi Yuansi sent the message, he stepped forward gracefully, performing a saluting gesture, "We have not had dealings with the Daoist Plane for many years. I did not expect the Investigation Hall to be filled with such talents. Today, three Celestial Human Realm Venerables have come together. It seems the Daoist Plane truly hopes for a revival! I am Shi Yuansi, this is my Senior Brother Bai Xuelin, and this is my Junior Brother Jiang Jingyi. May I ask how the three fellow Daoists are named, so we can spread your renown when we return?"

"Elder Shi, in terms of age, I might not measure up to even a fraction of yours. But today, I will boast a bit in front of you and call myself an old man. How can I not blush with your words? Three Celestial Human Realms are the foundation of any first-class sect in your plane. If our Daoist Plane is so bold as to call this a grand occasion, we'd probably be mocked to no end by participants from other planes. Elder Shi, you are showering us with excessive compliments!"

After speaking these words with neither arrogance nor humility, Elder Lin pointed with his hand at the two beside him and joked, "As for names, I am Lin Rui, and these two are my like-minded friends. This one is named Zuo Huaxian, and this one Yunhe Hall. Should your sect seek revenge, feel free to come calling. As long as one of us three still lives, we will prepare to receive the honored guest with humility."

Shi Yuansi exchanged a glance with his Senior Brother and then lightly smiled, "Mr. Lin, you are overly modest. It is said in various planes that wisdom has no precedence, and those who attain it become teachers. Moreover, there is a custom of respecting the strong. Given your strength and years, calling yourself an old man is not considered boastful. However, I do not agree with your further comments. From the start until now, this has been a dispute among the younger generation. The Venerables here have maintained their dignity by not bullying the weak. I suspect there is some misunderstanding. Letting this matter be publicly arbitrated should resolve it."

"Yes, Elder Shi speaks wisely!" Elder Lin heard this and intentionally praised him loudly, then glanced down at Pei Yan. The old and the young exchanged smiles, thinking Shi Yuansi had played his cards well, aiming to corner them. If negotiations truly break down and fights start, you three would be seen as bullying the weak, losing your dignity. At that point, these three will surely have something else to say, perhaps even rallying the other sects to gang up against them.

With this in mind, Elder Lin retracted his gaze, pretending to be in a dilemma, and probed, "So, how does your sect plan to handle this matter?"

"I must first ask what offense my disciple committed to warrant such humiliation from your promising young talents?" Shi Yuansi said while pointing to Gong Xiu Jie, who was still trampled under Pei Yan's foot.

Zuo Huaxian, seeing this, sneered repeatedly and mocked, "What he did and said has been witnessed by everyone here. Since you have just arrived and are unaware of the situation, we will not tire of informing you again. Pei Yan, make sure the elders of the sect clearly see their disciple's actions so they do not think we are simply throwing a tantrum without reason!"

"Yes!" Pei Yan cupped his hands in a salute, raising them to once more playback their experiences since arriving at the Daoist Plane for everyone. As the footage played, the faces of Bai Xuelin and the other two darkened more and more. Indeed, before setting out on this trip, Gong Xiu Jie's master had instructed him to give the Investigation Hall people some appropriate difficulties to teach them the rules!

The accommodation arrangements were indeed authorized by the sect. However, it was unfortunate that Gong Xiu Jie took liberties, acting arrogantly and rudely. What he said was something even Bai Xuelin and the others couldn't tolerate; he even spoke disrespectfully to the three elders with mocking undertones. Did this fool not see that they were patiently enduring all along, waiting to trap him with his own words to utterly defeat him?

Having watched the footage, Shi Yuansi and his two companions exchanged looks, helplessly shook their heads, and then glared at Gong Xiu Jie with disappointment. Subsequently, they cupped their hands and performed a gesture of respect, "Mr. Lin, it was our lack of strict teaching; Gong Xiu Jie has had smooth sailing since stepping onto the path of cultivation, senselessly developing arrogance. Today, he met with a worthy opponent, serving as a lesson for us to discipline him. We thank you, three, for teaching our disciple a lesson. We also apologize for our sect's inappropriate arrangements and for failing to entertain you properly."

"It's nothing, Elder Shi! You are being too humble. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, shall we let this matter pass?" Elder Lin returned the gesture with a smile and inquired.

"Ah, not quite!" Shi Yuansi waved his hand, "Gong Xiu Jie's offense against you all may be over, and he has been punished for his arrogance. However, Mr. Lin, your young friend, Pei Yan, is quite arrogant as well! Since the three of us arrived, he has repeatedly provoked without regard for seniority, even committing violence in front of my junior brother! Shouldn't he face consequences as well?"

"Oh!" Elder Lin straightened his posture, thinking internally that he knew they wouldn't let it rest so easily. With an unchanging expression, still full of smiles, he asked, "Then how does Elder Shi suggest we punish him?"

"Nothing too severe; the same as how you treated my disciple should be enough. I see Gong Xiu Jie's swollen face is from being slapped, yes? Then pick one from my disciples to administer the same punishment: thirty slaps for his disrespect and insolence," Shi Yuansi replied with a smile. He considered the other side would likely accept this proposal. Thirty slaps—neither heavy nor light—could be virtually healed in moments given a cultivator's physique, but the humiliation of such punishment was significant.

This way, we can regain our moral ground without losing face, while the Investigation Hall's side only suffers a small blow to a core disciple's pride, without harming overall strength. For the Celestial Secret Pavilion, this is the largest concession possible, giving both sides a way out. As for this hidden loss today, finding a way to recover can only wait until after the Six Sects election, then be pursued slowly.