I Have a Suggestion

Li Moze gazed calmly, easily discerning the faint traces of unwillingness in Luo Yue's expression.

Yet his reminder needed to go no further.

Some matters, when restrained before being elevated, could inspire deeper gratitude—whether from humans or spirits.

Though he couldn't yet see these spirits amounting to much, fostering goodwill was never a mistake.

The eighteen immortal sects stood firm not solely through brute strength; a major sect had its own dignity and methods.

Great sects emphasized balance and harmony.

After all, more friends were always welcome, and even seemingly insignificant allies might prove unexpectedly useful.

At the very least, Lv Xuan had tacitly agreed.

Li Moze waited a moment, allowing the atmosphere to grow slightly heavier before speaking again, his voice measured:

"Spirits, born of heaven and earth, are inherently gentle and pure. Though the threat of spirit hunters has long faded, spirits remain vulnerable."

"Records in the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect's archives detail the hardships spirits endured in the past. Reading them is... sobering."

"Having weathered millennia of trials, spirits even protected humanity from demons in ancient times. Today, as they seek a homeland, perhaps we humans should lend our aid."

Luo Yue snapped back to attention, recognizing that the crucial discussion had arrived.

Its expression turned solemn, posture leaning slightly forward.

Li Moze continued: "The Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect and the Tianyan Sect will collaborate to draft a treaty, designating a territory exclusively for spirits to thrive—governed autonomously by them."

"However, while the land belongs to spirits, humans retain passage rights, and spirits may not indiscriminately harm humans within it."

"The Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect will sign a joint defense pact for this land, with other immortal sects joining later. This should ensure its safety."

"What if humans hunt or deceive spirits there?" Luo Yue abruptly interrupted, unwilling to let Li Moze gloss over critical details. A homeland mattered, yes—

But if humans trampled over it with impunity, could it truly be called a spirit homeland?

Some lines needed to be drawn clearly.

Compromise here was unthinkable. Better nothing at all.

Li Moze's expression remained unreadable, unfazed by the interruption. Only after Luo Yue finished did he respond:

"If the land belongs to spirits, they shall establish its laws and enforce them. Humans may observe proceedings, while the sect leaders of Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect retain veto power."

"Meaning if either I or Sect Leader Lv disapprove, a case must be revisited."

Luo Yue took a sharp breath. "So ultimately, the two sects still decide everything?"

Li Moze fell silent, his gaze shifting to Lv Xuan.

Lv Xuan remained impassive, not even glancing back.

Silence spoke volumes. Though this was framed as a joint effort, the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect would handle most follow-through. This was already the furthest concession.

A hint of impatience crept into Li Moze's tone as he pressed:

"If you insist on viewing it that way, so be it. Reject this, and negotiations end here."

Luo Yue let out a cold laugh at the bluntness.

It nearly rose to leave—yet couldn’t bring itself to abandon this chance, however flawed.

Xie Lingyu watched Li Moze's stern demeanor, the oppressive weight of authority bearing down. Luo Yue, alone and without leverage, met his gaze unflinching.

To humans, Li Moze's terms were undeniably fair.

Yet spirits' longed-for homeland would still bow to two human sects.

Xie Lingyu wished to intercede, to negotiate further—but how?

Then, Chu Xingchen rose leisurely from his seat, stepping into the hall.

Li Moze's faint irritation vanished instantly, his expression softening as he regarded the newcomer.

Even Lv Xuan seemed to refocus, eyes turning toward Chu Xingchen.

Luo Yue, too, looked on.

"I have a proposal," Chu Xingchen said with a slight bow. "Might I share it now?"

Li Moze nodded. "Speak freely."

Chu Xingchen turned to Luo Yue. "First, we must confirm: Even with land, can spirits sustain themselves solely through it?"

"Different spirits require different cultivation resources, yet their products often overlap—meaning these aren’t their true necessities."

Faced with facts, Luo Yue could only nod slowly.

Although most spirits can cultivate by absorbing lunar essence, it is often akin to quenching thirst with a mere glance at plums—far from sufficient. Moreover, when spirits multiply, how could such meager lunar essence ever suffice?

Furthermore, for Luo Yue, the ultimate solution lies in spirits learning to protect themselves. Yet in their early, vulnerable stages, they must inevitably rely on some assistance from humans.

"First, let’s establish one thing: in the early stages, the development of spirit territories cannot proceed without human aid," Chu Xingchen’s gaze shifted to Li Moze.

"Elder Li, though spirits are inherently pure-hearted, they are not human, and their customs naturally differ. Rather than imposing restrictions that may breed future discord, why not adopt a different approach?"

"Since the land belongs to the spirits, it stands to reason that not just anyone should be allowed entry."

"After all, the world is not without its ill-intentioned individuals. Thus, it would be wise to set certain limitations."

"To enter spirit territories, one must first possess a specialized token issued by either the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect or the Tianyan Sect. Additionally, behavioral and time restrictions will be enforced."

"For those merely passing through, spirits may issue temporary passage tokens in exchange for a toll fee—the exact amount to be negotiated later."

"With these restrictions in place, wrongdoing becomes unmistakable. Offenders will be judged by the spirits, while the sect responsible for issuing the token will handle reparations. Specific details can be discussed further."

"Moreover, in the early stages, the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect and the Tianyan Sect will oversee the supply of resources and the distribution of goods produced by the spirits."

"Beyond the tokens issued by these two sects, spirits may also grant their own tokens to other humans."

"However, if issues arise from tokens issued by spirits, the two sects retain the right to observe the resolution process, though the spirits may handle matters independently."

"The core principle is mutual recognition: spirits possess the right to self-governance."

Having spoken, Chu Xingchen cupped his hands in a respectful gesture before returning to his seat.

Silence settled over the gathering.

Li Moze lowered his gaze slightly, as if deep in thought.