Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1524 - 1517: Mediating from the Center

Chapter 1524: Chapter 1517: Mediating from the Center

Leaving the crowd, Cheng Ziang leisurely walked into the courtyard, pushed open the innermost door. Luo’er was still sitting in the same spot, but now constantly entangled by the fluttering Fulajie’er. Fulajie’er seemed quite pleased with her recent actions, continuously seeking praises from Luo’er.

"Beautifully done, that move of yours stunned everyone outside." Cheng Ziang gave a thumbs up as he spoke.

"It’s also thanks to Fula; without her reminder, I wouldn’t have been able to seize the opportunity." Luo’er spread his hands as he spoke.

"Hehe..." Hearing Luo’er’s praise, Fulajie’er floated in place, scratching her head bashfully.

"People have been subdued; it’s now a matter of how to negotiate." Cheng Ziang said.

"Can you handle it?" Luo’er asked somewhat worriedly.

"Don’t worry, they are at a disadvantage in terms of military strength, they wouldn’t dare to cause more trouble." Cheng Ziang reassured with a wave of his hand.

"That’s good," Luo’er nodded in relief, then looked at Cheng Ziang and asked, "But speaking of which, why did you come back?"

"Pretended to come back to beg for your pardon, so that you would forgive their faults." Cheng Ziang shrugged his shoulders, speaking with a relaxed expression.

"Ziang, be mindful of your identity, even in this place, we must stick to our roles. You are not pretending, but rather needing to earnestly ask for the saint’s forgiveness," Tangmo reminded from the side.

"Yes, I understand," Cheng Ziang fell silent, then shrugged his shoulders with a nod. After hesitating for a moment, he suddenly knelt on one knee before Luo’er.

In truth, for someone as proud as him, kneeling before anyone else was almost an impossibility; he would rather die standing than live kneeling.

But strangely enough, this proud man felt no psychological burden kneeling before Luo’er, with zero inner resistance. It seemed that for him, kneeling before Luo’er was a matter of natural order, with no need to consider personal dignity.

Whether externally or internally, Luo’er possessed a compelling charismatic allure that deeply attracted those who observed him. It was indeed this appeal that often brought him luck in love, finding interested girls everywhere he went.

Seeing Cheng Ziang kneeling on one knee, Luo’er was somewhat moved and awkwardly said, "Isn’t this too much?"

"Requesting the saint’s forgiveness." Cheng Ziang didn’t take his cue, but instead pleaded in a begging tone.

"Luo’er, be mindful of your identity," Tangmo reminded from the side.

"Alright," Luo’er nodded gently, looking down at Cheng Ziang with a lofty gaze emitting a cold voice, "Go tell those people, make trouble here again, and they will be executed without mercy."

"At your command!" Cheng Ziang responded with a bowed head and clasped fists.

Then, he bowed his head, stood up, and retreated several steps backward until he was outside the room before quickly turning and leaving.

Watching his retreating back, Luo’er looked troubled, then turned to Tangmo and asked, "Do we really need to do this?"

"We don’t need to act this way usually, but most of the time, we have to maintain our roles; only then can we avoid revealing flaws in front of others. If everyone oversteps with you regularly, it might lead to exposing dangers in front of outsiders," Tangmo earnestly replied.

"I understand," Luo’er nodded and Tangmo also showed a knowing smile.

"What about me, what about me?" Fulajie’er pointed at herself and asked.

"You have been by my side all this time, isn’t that enough, just indulge in the role now and then, you are a goddess after all," Luo’er said with a wry smile.

"Hehe, you’re not wrong in saying that." Fulajie’er let out a silly laugh, spun around in mid-air, and vanished instantaneously from the spot.

Leaving Luo’er, Cheng Ziang hurried outside where people were still kneeling, not even daring to raise their heads. Faced with such a spectacle, Cheng Ziang smiled, cleared his throat slightly, and spoke loudly, "You may all stand up. The saint has grudgingly forgiven you, but if there is any more fighting or noise, you will be executed without exception."

"Thank you, many thanks to the saint..." Hearing that they had been pardoned, everyone felt a burden lifted and expressed their sincere gratitude.

The disciples of the Wuyun Sect looked at each other, hesitated, and then also stood up. However, they kept their gaze lowered, not daring to make eye contact with Cheng Ziang and others.

"Elder Pojun," called Cheng Ziang.

"Here, I am here..." Pojun, with the help of disciples, slowly stood up, also avoiding eye contact with Cheng Ziang.

"Can we have a proper talk now?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"Yes, yes, whatever the Manor Lord requests, I will make sure it’s done," Pojun hurriedly said.

"I don’t have demands to make, I just merely want to talk to you. Do you have a say in the Wuyun Sect?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"I do," Pojun nodded hesitantly.

"Good, since you have a say, then let’s talk earnestly," Cheng Ziang said straightforwardly, "I’ve heard that your sect collects thirty to forty percent in taxes, but only gives ten percent to the Imperial Court. This isn’t right. It’s an undeniable fact that you help in collecting taxes for the Imperial Court, but you keep too much for yourselves. This is the land of Fengyu, yet the Imperial Court only gets ten percent tax, while you keep twenty to thirty percent. This is a big problem, who really is the master of this land?"

"Manor Lord, did you summon us here for this matter?" Pojun appeared very cautious, neither explaining nor immediately agreeing.

"Yes, if we are to handle this matter, we must see it through. If I can’t manage it, then the saint will intervene. If you can’t speak for it, then let your Sect Master speak. I must remind you, the saint’s temper is not as good as mine, as you must have just seen. Don’t wait until it’s too late when sect members are dead everywhere to realize you should have repented," Cheng Ziang stated with crossed arms.

"I understand," Pojun said, head lowered.

"Well, as I said, since it’s a discussion, let’s have a proper talk. I am asking if collecting twenty percent would work--ten percent for the Imperial Court and ten percent as you collect on behalf. This way both sides are happy. If this works, then it’s settled; if not, we will discuss further," Cheng Ziang proposed.

"None of you have objections, right?" Cheng Ziang looked at the mayor and the onlookers, asking casually.

"No, no objections..." the mayor hesitated, clearly somewhat insincere.

"I know you are reluctant, but this is inevitable," Cheng Ziang said smilingly, "There’s a saying: only death and taxes are inevitable. Since you are subjects of Fengyu, it’s only natural to pay taxes to the Imperial Court. The Imperial Court’s incompetence in collecting taxes is no excuse for your tax evasion. Though your reasons might sound noble, sorry, I can’t possibly stand by your side and speak for you."

"Uh..." Hearing his words, the mayor and a few others exchanged glances, showing embarrassed expressions.

"One side doesn’t want to give even a dime, while the other wants to collect more, and that’s how your conflict arises. Eliminating any side doesn’t help the overall situation; you’ll eventually return to opposition. So why not both sides make concessions for a balanced outcome? I can’t guarantee everyone will be extremely happy, but at least it won’t escalate conflicts or provoke deeper hatred, what do you think?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"That will be as the Manor Lord instructs," the mayor said, bowing and trembling.

"And what about you?" Cheng Ziang turned to Pojun.

"This matter requires the Sect Master’s approval to execute," Pojun hesitated for a moment, then earnestly answered.

"Didn’t you say you could make decisions yourself?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"I am merely an elder; for such significant matters, without the Sect Master’s approval, I dare not make decisions on my own, I hope the Manor Lord understands," Pojun said, bowing, his face filled with guilt.

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