Otherworldly Affairs Office-Chapter 668: Those Who Stayed (Request Subscription)

Watching Gong Xiu Jie, who had smashed the bluestone slab beneath him while desperately protecting himself with Spiritual Qi, his forehead full of blood, Sheng Hongxue felt a moment of compassion. Yet, thinking of the deaths of her junior brother and the two Grand Elders of the sect, that compassion dissipated as she flung her sleeves coldly, saying, "Do not plead with me. If you must plead, plead to the Investigation Hall officials whom you offended because of yourself. If they forgive you, you may have a chance to return to the sect. If they do not forgive you, then you will wander outside as a solitary ghost; do not mention again that you were a disciple of Celestial Secret Pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Gong Xiu Jie lifted his head filled with despair. The Mechanical Mage is a cultivator heavily reliant on sect resources. Once he loses the support of the sect and his puppet is taken away, his prospects are bleak, without even the chance to switch allegiance to another sect. Realizing this, he quickly turned to Pei Yan, having clearly come to recognize the man's power through the series of events — even his own Sect Leader couldn't suppress him, so why should he insist on defiance!

"Young Master Pei, I'm not human, I'm just a low dog! You are magnanimous and don't hold grudges against a petty person; a minister's stomach can carry a ship. Please show mercy and pardon me once. Considering my persistent cultivation, forgive me, I am now on the verge of breaking through the Human Dao Realm. For a Mechanical Mage at my level, it is impossible to adapt to other sects' techniques. Without the sect, my life is hopeless, a dead end! I beg the young master for forgiveness! I beg the young master for forgiveness!"

Pei Yan watched as Gong Xiu Jie kowtowed repeatedly before him, the ground at his feet stained with blood, and shook his head in a difficult position, understanding that this person, though blind and harsh, was merely being directed; the true culprit was not him. Thinking of this, he looked towards Gu Shenghui and Elder Lin, who nodded at him, signaling clarity; he said, "Alright, alright, since your Pavilion Master has said not to bother with this matter anymore, I won't persist in being petty. Go back with your Sect Leader!"

Upon hearing this, Gong Xiu Jie rejoiced gratefully, quickly turning to the Sect Leader. Seeing this, Sheng Hongxue swung her large sleeves and shouted sternly, "Aren't you going to thank Young Master Pei for his magnanimity, you embarrassing creature? Return to the ranks!"

"Thank Young Master Pei for his magnanimity, I will never forget this favor till my dying day, never forget!" Gong Xiu Jie thanked him while retreating back to his sect, but after taking only a few steps, Pei Yan halted him. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Wait!"

Upon hearing this, Gong Xiu Jie's body shivered, fearing any further changes, and looked at Pei Yan, only to hear him say, "Just leaving like this? How should we account for the stone bricks you smashed? We're in unfamiliar territory, who should we find to fix them? I don't have the skill to wave my sleeves and restore everything as it was!"

Gong Xiu Jie almost coughed out old blood and quickly promised, "I'll fix them, I'll fix them! Once I return to the sect, I will immediately find someone to repair them, guaranteed good as new!"

"That's more like it, you may go!"

Watching the group from Celestial Secret Pavilion disappear quietly on the horizon, Pei Yan turned to look outside the courtyard. The surrounding onlookers felt a chill when his gaze fell upon them, fearing the Evil God would find some reason to entangle them. Now that the excitement was over, staying in this place of trouble was senseless, so after cordially greeting the Investigation Hall's new neighbor, they bid farewell and returned to their homes.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, those remaining became increasingly conspicuous. First was Grand Elder Cao Jiu Zhou of Clear Wind Talisman Transformation Sect, who had earlier changed his previously commanding manner during his assistance visit to the Investigation Hall, now enjoying a friendly conversation with Elder Lin and others.

Another group preparing to leave was the Demon Race envoy, regardless of their purpose, they had lent a helping hand during the confrontation between the Investigation Hall and Celestial Secret Pavilion. Therefore, Pei Yan and the Investigation Hall members felt gratitude, leading Gu Shenghui to engage Bailang and others in friendly conversation to deepen allied relations.

Finally, the last group was the original owners of Yirong Pavilion, Celestial Sword Manor! This was the target Pei Yan initially came to confront, but after the arrival of Celestial Secret Pavilion and others, they faded into silence, not appearing until the crowd dispersed, leading to Pei Yan noticing their presence.

Disregarding the vigilant glances of the disciples, Pei Yan slowly approached the already awakened Sword Stand Man, squatting down to ask with a smile, "How are you?"

Sword Stand Man gave a bitter smile upon seeing him approach, saying, "Thanks to you, my life has been saved! But advancing my cultivation any further is now impossible!"

Pei Yan simply sat cross-legged before him, speaking frankly, "That's not what I wanted, you could have conceded."

"If the same situation were you, would you concede?"

"No!"

"There you have it, wouldn't impose what you do not desire upon others!" Sword Stand Man said, looking at Pei Yan, waving his hand, "I didn't mean to blame you, I understand the principle of the victor and the defeated. Though I don't know why you targeted Celestial Sword Manor, watching how you act, reckless and arrogant as it may seem, you definitely have your reasons, different positions, unrelated to right or wrong! After watching your battle with Celestial Secret Pavilion, I knew you showed mercy to me, I didn't know my limits!"

"It's not quite right to say that; your attack opened a new door for me, for which I must thank you." Pei Yan said sincerely, resting his chin on his hand.

"No need! Your insight depends on your fortune, unrelated to me. However, you spared my junior sister's life during your fight and saved my life afterward. Alas, is it a favor or a grudge, tangled up, whatever! I appreciate your kindness in my heart, and should the opportunity arise, I'll repay this favor before seeking a contest with you again, though this opportunity may never come." Sword Stand Man's expression was bleak, and Pei Yan was unsure what to say.

At this moment, the old man who had been standing beside Sword Stand Man since Pei Yan's arrival suddenly spoke, "Li Ren, why this dispiritedness? It's just losing a duel! Who can claim they stepped onto the path of cultivation undefeated and unchallenged for life?"

"Master, but I..." Sword Stand Man said, eyes filled with tears, looking at the old man, choking up.

"What is it! Nothing but damaged meridians, luckily treated promptly. Your life is saved, and for these minor injuries, with the sect and Master here, what are you worried about! You fought for the honor of the sect today; though defeated, you remain honorable. Master and your teachers witnessed it, you did well! How could we abandon you; rest assured, the sect will heal your concealed injuries, regardless of the cost, not only that, your future cultivation will have the old Manor Master personally instructing you, so straighten your back and tell them, Celestial Sword Manor repays favors and avenges grudges. When your debt clears, it will be time for revenge."

"Ah! Well said, I, Pei Yan, am eager for that day to come soon!" Hearing these words, Pei Yan first seriously looked up and down the old man before him, speaking solemnly.