This sentence sounds reasonable and, indeed, poses no significant problem.
However, Liu Buli was no fool.
He knew better than anyone that if he chose to accept it now, even if those people found nothing wrong with Ao Lie later, they would directly assume Liu Buli had done something peculiar. In any case, they would find a way to prove Ao Lie was the dragon they were looking for; this was an inevitable situation.
Liu Buli understood the greed of these people all too well.
It was precisely because of this that, despite hearing the other party’s concession, Liu Buli’s face showed no hint of pleasure. Instead, he let out a cold laugh and said, "You've thought this through quite nicely. If he is indeed the dragon you're looking for, you want me to share him with you. If he isn't, you'll simply drop the matter. Does this mean you came here to cause trouble and force me to prove my friend's innocence? From your perspective, were you prepared to pay any price?"
Liu Buli was a fox.
Everyone knew this.
And precisely because of this, when they came, they had already guessed that Liu Buli would not cooperate with them willingly. They had initially intended to muddle through and let the matter pass. But they hadn't expected Liu Buli to directly seize upon the ambiguity in their words. This caused everyone's expression to stiffen, and after a long silence, someone finally asked, "We must inspect the man to be at ease. If you continue to refuse, we will simply assume he is the dragon. Therefore, I advise you to cooperate, or else..."
"Or else what? Or else you intend to make a move on me?" Liu Buli interrupted, his gaze turning icy. He said, "I don't know which sect's young master you are, but I hope your elders can discipline you a little. I'm not attacking you now not because I can't defeat you. It's because I prefer a more peaceful atmosphere. After all, I'm inherently kind. But if you, a mere child, refuse to see reason, it will only result in a few more deaths. Honestly, it won't cause me too much psychological burden."
As Liu Buli spoke, he was already showing signs of being ready to act.
Everyone could see it, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.
To be perfectly honest, compared to Liu Buli, those people had always been more wary of his disciple, who was like a mad dog.
Anyone who had interacted with him even slightly would know that his disciple's existence could be described as bizarre.
There were no discernible patterns in his actions. If it concerned himself, he didn't seem to have much of a temper. However, if Liu Buli so much as frowned, that mad dog would immediately attack and take a life. So, the fact that this young man was still breathing here was, in a way, thanks to his disciple, who had inexplicably failed to appear.
However, even with that said, it didn't mean they had no reservations about Liu Buli himself.
Purely from a strength perspective, Liu Buli was not much weaker than his disciple. The only difference between the two was that Liu Buli was still capable of communication and dialogue.
Take the current situation, for example.
Although he spoke of taking action, he hadn't actually launched an attack. Therefore, whether to make peace depended on this moment.
The elder who had spoken earlier again forced a brilliant smile towards Liu Buli. He seemed to find nothing distasteful in his own words as he looked into Liu Buli's eyes and said earnestly, "Sect Master Liu, if you believe we have come to threaten you, then you are truly mistaken. You are correct; in our eyes, we are all friends. And as friends, when we encounter something we cannot understand, we naturally hope our friends can provide an explanation! This junior was impolite, and his tone may indeed have been inappropriate. We elders apologize on his behalf. As for what you just said, it was indeed a lapse in our consideration. Of course, we cannot expect you alone to bear all the burden. So, how about this? We will just take another look at his eyes. As long as there is no problem with his eyes, we will absolutely not pursue this matter further! Moreover, if you believe any of our disciples or juniors have issues, just name them! We will cooperate with you in investigating, making it fair for everyone. What do you think?"
One had to admit, with age and experience, a slight refinement in the way of speaking indeed made it less obnoxious.
Coupled with the fact that Liu Buli's initial intention was merely to give them a warning, so that after confirming Ao Lie's eyes were fine, they would stop pestering him about other matters. Now that his objective had been achieved, there was no need for him to continue confronting them.
His beautiful eyes swept across the surroundings, seemingly taking note of everyone who had come. Just the calculating and thoughtful look in his eyes was enough for those people to imagine how Liu Buli would target them in the future.
However, having reached this point, even if they were given a chance to escape, they were, deep down, unwilling to do so.
Because if they ran, they wouldn't get the answer they wanted.
And for the answer they desired, enduring a little cost was not unbearable.
They consoled themselves in this way.
Liu Buli let out a cold laugh and said, "He has stated his position, and I am willing to let you see my friend. But the rest of you have not expressed yourselves. I don't understand, what is your intention?"
They had initially thought one person speaking would suffice, but they hadn't expected Liu Buli to be so difficult. The others, forced into a corner, had no choice but to voice their agreement one after another.
After confirming that representatives from every sect and noble family had spoken, Liu Buli gestured to the side and said, "Since everyone has said so, it would be my fault to continue hiding it. I might as well take this opportunity to introduce you. The man you wish to see is my youngest disciple's future husband. The Dao Companion ceremony will likely be held soon. We will invite all of you then, and we would be honored by your presence."