Chapter 514

Chapter 514: Verbal Sparring

As Fang Lie and Immortal Zi Ji conversed, around a hundred monks approached from the distance. Leading them was Bai Lian Chan Master, head of the External Affairs Hall.

Immortal Zi Ji promptly flew out of the Flying Boat with Fang Lie to greet them. Though both sides exchanged polite formalities on the surface, Fang Lie knew these two Old Foxes had nursed a bitter rivalry for decades, each wishing to ruin the other.

Yet they feigned camaraderie with practiced ease. Fang Lie couldn’t help but grudgingly admire the stubborn old men’s composure—a skill far beyond his own.

The sight of Bai Lian Chan Master reignited Fang Lie’s anger, making him refuse to acknowledge the monk. Unperturbed, Bai Lian Chan Master smiled broadly. "Welcome, young friend! We’re honored by your visit."

"Hmph!" Fang Lie crossed his arms. "I wouldn’t have come if not to demand justice."

"Such fuss over a trivial matter!" Bai Lian Chan Master tutted, shaking his head. "Youth these days—always dragging elders into their squabbles."

Immortal Zi Ji maintained a neutral smile, leaving Fang Lie to counter.

"Trivial?" Fang Lie barked a laugh. "Selling a Central World rigged with a spatial crack to the Demonic Realm, then extorting the buyer? If that’s trivial, Master, what qualifies as serious?"

Monks in the entourage flushed crimson, staring at their feet. Bai Lian Chan Master’s smile stiffened. "I won’t waste breath arguing with juniors." He turned to Immortal Zi Ji. "Dao Brother, your quarters are prepared. This way."

The Great Thunder Sound Temple’s guesthouse appeared austere from outside—a simple cave entrance. Inside sprawled an oasis: hundreds of acres of lotus ponds, immortal herbs glowing softly, spirit birds darting between pavilions, and a magnificent tower rivaling Mo Sect’s finest accommodations.

Bai Lian Chan Master soon drew Immortal Zi Ji into a chess game, clearly seeking private discussion. Fang Lie retreated to meditate.

Two hours later, over tea by the water pavilion, Immortal Zi Ji activated anti-eavesdropping restrictions. "They want to settle quietly. Claims you profited from their ‘prank’ and should drop the matter."

Fang Lie’s teacup cracked in his grip. "Profit? They tried to ruin me! Now they want gratitude?"

"Exactly their argument." Immortal Zi Ji chuckled. "Prepare for the Elder Council hearing in two days. It’ll be a stormy session."

"Let them scheme." Fang Lie set down the broken cup. "Truth needs no decoration."

*

Six Thunder Tribulation Immortals from neutral righteous sects convened in the temple’s great hall. The absent Great Thunder Sound Temple and Mo Sect delegations left the venue eerily empty—a fact the arbitrators noted with raised eyebrows.

Presiding monk Feiyun from Putuo Temple tapped his Golden Bowl. "Fang Lie of Mo Sect accuses Great Thunder Sound Temple of fraudulently obtaining eighth-rank treasures. Bai Lian Junior Brother, your response?"

"Slander!" Bai Lian Chan Master’s robes billowed as he pointed at Fang Lie. "This thief stole our Buddhist treasure—the Thunder Sound Golden Bell! Our minor adjustments to his Central World were merely pressure tactics to reclaim what’s ours!"

Immortal Zi Ji cut in coldly, "Your ‘pressure tactics’ required threatening our Sect Leader with the Mo Token to prevent Mo Sect’s intervention. Recall?"

Feiyun Monk’s gaze sharpened. "Fang Lie?"

"Their ‘stolen treasure’ was never part of our transaction." Fang Lie’s voice dripped ice. "I sold Chongming Ancient Temple explicitly—no guarantees about contents. Ask Bai Lian himself: Did I ever promise secret treasures?"

The Great Thunder Sound Temple representative shifted uncomfortably. "Technical truths don’t absolve deceit!"

"Deceit?" Fang Lie snorted. "Who rushed that deal? Who insisted terms favoring only themselves? If discovering nothing in purchased property constitutes fraud, Master, every merchant is a criminal!"