I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 170 Making Peace
It was late at night, but the main hall of the Ning family was brightly lit.

The heavy ebony doors were tightly shut, the outer courtyard was doubled in patrols, and even the sound of the wind seemed unusually muffled.

Dozens of glass palace lanterns hung in the hall, their light casting varying degrees of brightness on each face.

In the center seat, Ning Haitao, the head of the Ning family, sat upright like a pine tree. He wore a dark blue robe, and although his temples were already frosty, he was still vigorous and his eyes held an undeniable coldness.

He looked around the hall and slowly said, "Gentlemen, the Flying Tiger Sect was wiped out overnight."

Upon hearing this, a low gasp rippled through the room.

Someone's cup stopped in mid-air, and their fingers trembled involuntarily.

Ning Haitao remained expressionless, his voice as firm as iron: "The news has been confirmed; there is absolutely no mistake."

On the far left, an old man with a sallow complexion snorted, put down his teacup, and squinted, saying, "These days, there are vendettas everywhere."

Zhao Feihu wasn't exactly a virtuous man either; it wouldn't be surprising if he died.

This man's full name was Lü Duanyang, and he was an elder of the Lü family.

This meeting was convened by the Ning family, and representatives from all the major families were present.

Originally, at the last gathering of the heads of the major families, it was agreed that they would no longer get involved with Xue Xiang.

But who could have imagined that Xue Xiang would bring about his own destruction?

In this way, the previously agreed-upon policy of remaining law-abiding and obedient is rendered invalid.

The Ning family took the lead in launching a brutal attack on the Xue family, with other major families also providing covert support.

Therefore, the process of convicting Xue Xiang proceeded so smoothly.

Zhao Feihu and the Feihu Sect were extensions of the Ning family's power, and his demise was of no consequence to the other major families.

Ning Haitao said coldly, "Brother Duanyang, what if this was done by Xue Xiang's remnants? Shouldn't everyone be on high alert?"
As far as I know, Xue Xiang's remnants are quite powerful. First, they kidnapped Xue's mother, and then they attacked the training center and kidnapped her younger sister.

Suppressing the Flying Tiger Sect would not be too difficult for Xue's remaining forces.

Therefore, although Xue is dead, the threat remains, and you gentlemen must be wary.

"What's there to guard against? You can't guard against thieves for a thousand days if you're a thief for a thousand days. I said long ago that Xue Xiang brought about his own destruction, and the conflict with him should have ended there. Why make such a fuss over nothing?"

The speaker was Shen Lian, the younger brother of Shen Junyuan, the head of the Shen family.

He dislikes trouble the most.

As soon as he finished speaking, a thin middle-aged man opposite him turned his head sharply, his eyes gleaming: "That's nonsense!"

The one who spoke was Lou Shun, an elder of the Lou family. He slammed his hand on the table, his knuckles turning white. "Are we, the major families, being nosy?"

It's not that we lack tolerance.

Xue is truly despicable; his very existence is an insult to our noble family.

He won the championship and became famous, making us children from all families feel ashamed.

He cleansed up our spiritual property, insulted our family's reputation, and made us lose face, almost causing our thousand-year-old halo to fall to the ground.

Although he is dead, if his family members are not thoroughly wiped out and his remaining relatives are swept away like autumn leaves, how can the prestige of the aristocratic family be maintained?
If in the future any poor young person learns from him and looks down on us, wouldn't the world be in chaos!

"well said."

Ning Haitao clapped his hands heavily, "Although Xue is dead, his reputation has not been destroyed."

On the contrary, he was portrayed as a hero in the neighborhood.

I heard with my own ears that some students actually compared him to famous figures of ancient times.

We must eradicate Xue completely, suppress his family and all his cronies, so that all the poor families in the world will remember that there is only one fate for those who defy their noble families.

Therefore, regardless of whether Xue was responsible for the destruction of the Flying Tigers, he must be labeled a thief.

There is no need to show any mercy to their families and remnants. Arrest them if you can, humiliate them after arresting them, and then kill them.

We must make sure the entire Canaanshire remembers that the prestige of our family is unshakeable.

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of agreement rang out in the hall.

The lamplight flickered in the wind, casting different shadows on each face.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the door, and with a bang, the heavy partition door was pushed open.

An elderly man in a gray robe staggered in; it was none other than the Ning family's head steward.

His breathing was rapid and disordered, cold sweat poured down his forehead, and his lips trembled. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out a few words: "Xue... Xue... Xue Xiang... is back!"

The hall fell silent for a moment, then, as if a huge stone had been thrown in, it caused a huge uproar.

"nonsense!"

Ning Haitao suddenly stood up, overturning his wine cup on the table, his voice sharp.

"What a joke! The document ring has been out of contact for a long time, and his life force has been completely cut off. How could he possibly come back alive?"

"It's fake, it must be fake!"

"Could it be that someone is spreading rumors to try and unsettle us?"

For a moment, the atmosphere at the banquet was as noisy as a marketplace.

Some people were deathly pale, their eyes darting around;
Some people slammed their fists on the table and cursed loudly, but their voices lacked conviction.

Some people muttered under their breath, seemingly talking to themselves.

The glass palace lanterns swayed, their flames flickering, casting an inconsistent glow on each face.

Fear, doubt, and denial appear particularly jarring in the interplay of light and shadow.

The terrifying memories of being dominated by Xue Xiang surfaced in everyone's minds without prior agreement.

Ning Haitao snorted coldly, slammed his hand on the table, and his voice boomed, drowning out the clamor of the crowd: "What's the panic! The sky isn't going to fall!"

The hall fell silent instantly, with only the crackling of the lamplight.

Ning Haitao's gaze was sharp as he stared at the head butler: "Explain yourself clearly, what exactly happened?"

The head steward swallowed hard, his voice still trembling, and forced himself to continue: "The definite news I have received is that Xue Xiang has already appeared and is heading towards Lengcui Mountain."

He did not go alone, but was accompanied by important figures from the state... and also by people from the central government..."

These words caused another uproar among the people in the hall.

“Leng Cuishan? How dare a convict like him go?”

"What a joke! How could a mere county student with a corruption case possibly alarm the central government!"

"It's fake, it's fake, it must be fake."

Someone stood up hastily, causing the chair to fall to the ground with a particularly jarring sound.

Ning Haitao's face was as cold as iron. He stopped arguing with the crowd, turned around, and raised his hand. Suddenly, the bronze bird on the west wall of the hall lit up.

A surge of inspiration arose, and the phantom of a bluebird took flight, its clear cry echoing far and wide, before instantly disappearing into the void.

Everyone held their breath; the atmosphere in the hall was so tense that you could almost hear everyone's heartbeat.

A moment later, the magic array hummed, and a phantom appeared in the light screen.

"Master Ning, gentlemen, are you well?"

The man cupped his hands in greeting and, before Ning Haitao could ask any questions, said in a deep voice, "I was just about to send someone over to deliver the message, but it seems you already know."

Yes, the news is confirmed; Xue Xiang has returned and has been exonerated.

The hall was completely silent, as if even breathing had stopped.

The man continued, "The Third Hall of the Central Government personally intervened. They sent officials to personally investigate the case."

The evidence we gathered, though airtight, was too new.

The so-called evidence was all prepared after news of Xue Xiang's death arrived.

Although the paper and ink were artificially aged, they couldn't withstand close scrutiny, especially from seasoned criminal investigators.

Some people have already been arrested and interrogated by the people from the Third Court. They couldn't hold back and have already confessed.

This matter is now settled; everyone should make the necessary preparations.

Having said that, the phantom disappeared.

The glass palace lamp in the hall suddenly flickered, and in the light and shadow, everyone's expression froze like stone.

Some people shook their heads instinctively.

Some people had cold sweat pouring down their foreheads, their backs stiff, but their fingers were gripping the table tightly, as if they wanted to crush the wood.

Some people stared wide-eyed, their shock turning into indignation, their faces flushed red, but they couldn't utter a single word.

The only sounds in the air were heavy breathing and the crackling of the lamp flame.

Ning Haitao slowly stood up, his shadow stretched extremely long by the lamplight.

He stood with his hands behind his back, his voice low and cold: "Ring the bell and summon the heads of the families."

Hehe, they thought I was just avenging Qianjun, and that Ning was jumping around like a madman.

They are arrogant and disdain to associate with me, Ning.

"Now that Xue Xiang is back, I want to see if this thief will carefully distinguish who among us stabbed him and who cursed him." Everyone fell silent.

Time passed slowly, the night deepened, and the lights in the Ning family's main hall burned even brighter.

Rows of heavy glass palace lanterns hung down, making even the shadows under the corridors seem to retreat.

The heads of each family have arrived one after another, and everyone has a solemn expression.

After exchanging greetings, Ning Haitao took a deep breath and said with a smile, "So what if Xue Xiang is back? It's not like the sky is falling."

"As long as we work together, no matter how capable Xue Xiang is, he will be helpless."

As soon as he finished speaking, no one in the hall echoed his words; instead, there were a few low, cold snorts.

After a long silence, Shen Junyuan, the gray-haired head of the Shen family, slowly spoke: "Brother Ning, you can't speak so lightly."

Each of our families has lost face under Xue Xiang's command.

The deaths of thousands of soldiers are still vivid in my mind.

It is best to resolve enmity; if this matter is stirred up again, the consequences could be endless.

Now that Xue Xiang has the power to alarm the central government, he is clearly not what he used to be. In my opinion, we should send someone to negotiate and resolve the matter amicably as soon as possible.”

Upon hearing this, a hint of agreement flashed across the faces of the others. However, Ning Haitao's face had already darkened to an iron one. He slammed his hand on the table and his voice was like a muffled thunder: "Peace talks? Brother Shen, do we have no shame at all!"

Are we supposed to grovel before him? Are you trying to make yourselves a laughingstock among all the poor families in the world?

His gaze swept across the surroundings, each word like a knife: "I admit this beast is difficult to fight, but don't forget that the advantage is still in our hands."

Even if we wronged him, and he cleared his name, he wouldn't find anything wrong with us.

Isn't he just using his official position to intimidate people? Does he really dare to go on a killing spree and slaughter all the powerful families?

Does he have the ability?

His words were forceful, causing the lamps in the hall to tremble slightly, casting his cold and stern face in the light and shadow.

The head of the Lou family nodded slowly: "Brother Ning's words are not without reason."

Although Xue Xiang has turned his life around, he may not be able to truly turn the tide.

It's less about making peace and more about setting conditions.

We can back down, but we must never humiliate ourselves.

The head of the Lü family nodded slightly: "Indeed. If we always bow our heads, what face will our aristocratic families have left?"

He must know that we can reconcile, but we will never allow him to place himself above us.

After a few words were spoken, several low murmurs of agreement immediately filled the hall.

Shen Junyuan shook his head and smiled bitterly, a hint of helpless sorrow in his eyes.

He straightened up, his voice growing heavier: "Your understanding of Xue Xiang is merely superficial."

Little did they know, this person was extremely vengeful!

You harmed his family; you are now mortal enemies.

If you are sincere, let him set his conditions, compensate him, and put forward one or two scapegoats, and there is still a possibility that this matter can be resolved peacefully.

If I only care about saving face, I'm afraid I'll never have a peaceful day again.

These words silenced the hall once more.

Some people looked shaken, some frowned, and some secretly sneered, thinking that Shen Junyuan was exaggerating.

"That may not be the case."

"Does Xue Xiang dare to make enemies of all the powerful families in the world?"

"Yes, if he really fights to the death, he won't get any advantage."

"We're not made of clay. If we don't give him any leverage, how much skill can he possibly have?"

"........."

Seeing this, Shen Junyuan's eyes showed even more despair. He sighed and said nothing more.

In an instant, everyone started arguing and exchanging their opinions.

Finally, Ning Haitao spoke again, his tone lower than before, but still cold and hard: "That's enough."

Since we can't reach a consensus on this matter, let's compromise this time.

Send someone to contact Xue Xiang and sound him out. But remember, we are not going to sue for peace, but to negotiate it.

If he's sensible, we can both live in peace; if he's not, well…

This was already a compromise, and Shen Junyuan stopped trying to persuade him.

The following evening, the main hall of the Ning family was still brightly lit.

The bronze bird lit up again, a flash of light appeared, and a phantom image emerged.

"Gentlemen, I have successfully completed my mission. Xue Xiang... has agreed to a settlement."

The hall fell silent suddenly, followed by a low murmur of commotion.

The illusory figure said, "But he demanded compensation of one thousand spirit stones."

After a moment of silence, a burst of laughter erupted in the hall, as if the long-suppressed atmosphere had been suddenly punctured.

"Hahaha! A thousand spirit stones? I see!"

"Qiongcuoda is still Qiongcuoda, nothing special!"

"With such a limited perspective, how can one achieve anything significant?"

Some shook their heads and chuckled, some laughed heartily, and others raised their wine cups, praising the wonderful performance.

The previously somber atmosphere vanished, and a cheerful mood gradually filled the hall.

"I knew it!"

The head of the Lü family clapped his hands and laughed, "Xue Xiangzong may have some skills, but he is still just a poor boy."

We have the confidence to fight when we want to fight and make peace when we want to make peace.

Now it seems he can distinguish who is older and who is younger.

"Exactly!"

The head of the Lou family snorted coldly, "I thought he had made contact with someone from the central government and that things had changed, but it seems he's still just a country bumpkin after all."

Ning Haitao crossed his arms with a relaxed expression. "I think it must be the Tongjiang School that made the move. After all, Xue Xiang is the top student in the county."

The Tongjiang School still valued him highly and went to great lengths to contact the central government.

Otherwise, it would be insufficient to explain how Xue Xiang established a connection with the central government.

In retrospect, perhaps Xue Xiang was confused, but the Tongjiang School was not.

Most of the people surnamed Xue were forced into reconciliation with us by the Tongjiang School.

Just then, the bronze bird in the hall lit up again, and its phantom image reappeared, "There's new information."

Xue Xiang demanded that a document be signed in person with everyone to formally end the war.

The meeting will be held tomorrow at noon at the Ning family residence. All family heads are required to attend, as are all family heirs.

At that time, everyone will sign the document, and a peace will be reached.

Upon hearing this, someone whispered, "They're scared, they want a guarantee."

"But why do we need the heir to come forward as well, when we are the ones to do it?"

"Isn't it obvious? They're afraid that when we old folks are gone, the younger generation won't take responsibility."

It seems our sweeping crackdown has deeply frightened this scoundrel.

"This isn't a plea for peace, it's a plea for mercy, haha..."

"........."

The room was filled with jubilation, but Shen Junyuan remained silent for a long time, his brows furrowed and his fingers slowly stroking the edge of his teacup.

He felt that Xue Xiang's request was somewhat unusual, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong with it.

Xue Xiang dared to come and even demanded that the heads of all the major families gather together to make peace.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure out what kind of conspiracy was involved.

Because, no matter how you look at it, Xue Xiang is just a low-ranking official.

He can't mobilize many troops, and he doesn't have the ability to stir up trouble.

But a chill ran through him; he felt that everything was going too smoothly.

"Never mind, we still need to make the necessary preparations."

Shen Junyuan gritted his teeth inwardly.

(End of this chapter)