Forced to Compromise

Half a month later.

Inside the floating spirit vessel near the Spirit Realm.

Bai Jun, dressed in white robes, looked at Elder Zhen and the others, showing no surprise.

"Have you made up your minds?"

Bai Jun asked.

Elder Zhen and the others lowered their heads.

Over the past half month, they had wrestled with their thoughts and finally, reluctantly, made this decision. They had no choice but to agree to Bai Jun's demands, allowing his people to take over, in order to preserve the continuation of the Nine Realms.

The endless black mist and the countless demonic creatures within it were not something they could handle on their own.

"We have two conditions," Elder Zhen raised his head, his expression serious. "If they are not met, it will be a fight to the death!"

"Speak!"

Bai Jun sat on a stool, leisurely brewing tea.

"First, the territory of the Immortal Realm can be ceded to you, but areas outside of it, such as the Spirit Realm and Yue Realm, your people must not encroach upon them."

"Hmm, go on."

Bai Jun lifted the teapot lid, glanced inside, and said casually.

"Second, the residents of the Immortal Realm will be relocated by us. However, as it is their homeland and their roots are there, if any residents choose to stay, they will remain in the Immortal Realm. Your people must not harm them in any way."

Elder Zhen spoke firmly, his tone unyielding.

He watched Bai Jun, who was still focused on brewing tea, waiting for his response.

"Fine."

Bai Jun, still examining his tea, replied simply.

Elder Zhen and the others looked displeased.

This matter concerned the lives of countless people, yet it was being handled so casually, leaving them with a bitter taste in their hearts.

"Why are you still standing here?"

"Once you're done speaking, leave."

Bai Jun, who was fully absorbed in brewing tea, glanced up and couldn't help but speak when he saw Elder Zhen and the others still standing there.

"Do you have nothing else to say?"

Elder Zhen furrowed his brow and asked, "After all, this is no trivial matter!"

"Oh, you're right."

Bai Jun thought seriously for a moment before replying, "Everything that needs to be said has been said. There's nothing more to add."

"If I must say something, it's that you should hurry and make the arrangements. Time is running short. Once I finish enjoying this pot of tea, I will begin setting up the teleportation array."

"That's all. You may leave."

Bai Jun waved his hand dismissively.

Elder Zhen and the others exchanged glances, then reluctantly took their leave.

After all, the situation was not in their favor.

After Elder Zhen and the others left, Bai Jun closed his eyes and savored the freshly brewed tea.

"Good tea!"

After praising it lightly, he waved to someone behind him.

"Young Master."

A man in black bowed and spoke.

"Send a message to Zhao Gu and his group. It's time to return and get to work."

Bai Jun said indifferently.

"Yes!"

The man in black crushed a red jade slip, and the message was swiftly transmitted.

Within three short days, the group that had left the spirit vessel began to return one after another.

Bai Jun waited there the entire time, meditating with his eyes closed.

"Only Zhao Gu is missing. Where is he?"

Bai Jun suddenly asked.

The others looked at each other, but no one could answer him.

Bai Jun's expression was unreadable. After a pause, he said, "Let's wait a little longer. After all, setting up the teleportation array requires everyone. Missing even one person lowers the chances of success. Besides, there's no rush for a day or two."

However, to everyone's surprise, this wait lasted half a month.

During this time, the people of the Nine Realms had taken significant action. Countless residents of the Immortal Realm began migrating to places like the Zhen Realm, though a large portion still chose to remain in the Immortal Realm.

Yet, Zhao Gu still had not returned.

Bai Jun finally furrowed his brow.

"Send him another urgent order."