Shui Han Yi suddenly reined in his imposing aura, and the terrifying pressure that had filled the entire venue instantly vanished.
He returned to his usual self, cupped his fists in a salute, and said with an appearance of sincerity, "Your four Majesties, fellow cultivators, our sect indeed had an oversight. Our sect is willing to accept punishment. Our sect guarantees that we will thoroughly investigate upon our return, and all involved parties will be severely punished without mercy or leniency. Our sect has even killed its own son; can you all still not trust our sect?"
His voice rolled and echoed throughout the entire venue, clearly heard by everyone.
Anyone who wasn't a fool understood Shui Han Yi's intent.
He admitted that there might indeed be people in the Tai Chu Holy Land colluding with the Demonic Sect, but by killing even his own son on the spot, he demonstrated his remorse and hoped for a chance. The sect would pay compensation and apologize as required, showing repentance.
However!
If everyone insisted on being petty and pursuing the matter to the end, nitpicking, then he, Shui Han Yi, was not to be trifled with.
At worst, they would go down together!
From the moment Shui Han Yi publicly displayed his might and showcased his capabilities, he had fully demonstrated his intentions and veiled threat. Whether it was his personal cultivation or the strength of the Tai Chu Holy Land, if they were to fall out, he would drag everyone down with him!
The various factions fell silent. No one could afford to offend Shui Han Yi, and no one could easily confront the Tai Chu Holy Land.
The Second Elder's beard bristled with anger. He was about to curse Shui Han Yi loudly when the First Elder restrained him as soon as he opened his mouth.
The First Elder shook his head, signaling him not to act rashly.
"I, I... bastard, damn it!" The Second Elder angrily slapped the armrest of his chair, forced to swallow his anger.
The four Emperors exchanged glances and nodded.
As Emperors of the strongest empires, none of them were simple. Each was deeply cunning and considered the bigger picture.
Emperor Hai Yao said solemnly, "Sect Leader Shui, your Tai Chu Holy Land is one of the Six Great Powers, a model of the righteous path. You yourself, Sect Leader Shui, are renowned for your integrity and respected by many. Naturally, I believe in your character, and this was merely a momentary lapse. Since the instigator, your son, is already dead, I believe you will thoroughly investigate this matter to the end. We will trouble you with this."
Shui Han Yi revealed a barely perceptible smile and cupped his fists, "Yes, thank you for your trust, Your Majesty."
Emperor Hong Yue also stroked his long beard and said, "Sect Leader Shui, the Tai Chu Holy Land is the national religion of the Hong Yue Kingdom. Your failure to properly discipline your son and disciples, leading them astray and into collusion with the Dark Demon Ridge, makes you bear significant responsibility for this matter. To expedite the truth, I will dispatch a hundred Imperial Shadow Guards to assist you in this investigation."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Shui Han Yi expressed his gratitude again.
He understood Emperor Hong Yue's underlying meaning. While it was said that a hundred shadow guards would be dispatched to assist in the investigation, the emphasis was on the first statement: the Tai Chu Holy Land was the national religion of the Hong Yue Kingdom!
If the Tai Chu Holy Land were destroyed, the Hong Yue Empire would also suffer a great loss, yielding no benefits.
Emperor Hong Yue was naturally supporting him!
Emperor Bei Ming also understood this but found it inconvenient to point it out directly. With a stern face, he said solemnly, "Sect Leader Shui, the losses incurred today and the damage to the reputation of the righteous path, despite your son's death, are immeasurable. You must be held responsible for this."
Shui Han Yi cupped his fists, "Yes, this sect is willing to accept punishment."
"Qing Xu Heaven has suffered the most from your scheme, and was even almost accused of colluding with the demonic sects. You should compensate Qing Xu Heaven for its losses, as well as other sects and families. Everyone must make appropriate compensation."
Emperor Bei Ming's gaze fell upon Li Tian Jue, "Young Master Li, you can represent Qing Xu Heaven and propose the necessary compensation to Sect Leader Shui."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Li Tian Jue looked at Shui Han Yi and said indifferently, "My Qing Xu Heaven's loss of reputation, the endangerment of our disciples who narrowly escaped death, and being repeatedly pursued by people from the Tai Chu Holy Land, not to mention the insidious methods of the Demonic Sect. Furthermore, the incident occurred in an ancient mining area, which was even more dangerous. Sect Leader Shui, how do you intend to compensate us?"
If it was just a matter of paying some money, Shui Han Yi would gladly resolve it.
He could seek revenge later!
Shui Han Yi chuckled, showing no signs of arrogance, and said sincerely, "Nephew Li, this was all my fault. I offer my apologies to your Qing Xu Heaven. As for compensation for the losses, how about one hundred million spirit coins?"
Suddenly, a woman's voice scoffed, "Sect Leader Shui, are you saying one hundred million spirit coins is enough for your son's crimes and the atonement for your Tai Chu Holy Land? Are your son's and the Tai Chu Holy Land's reputations really that worthless?"
Su Luo, it was her again!
Upon seeing who spoke, Shui Han Yi clenched his fists in anger, but his expression remained unchanged. He chuckled, "Yes, I didn't consider it thoroughly. One hundred million is indeed too little. Then... how about two hundred million? No, three hundred million?"
"Three hundred million is enough to slander your Tai Chu Holy Land's reputation at will? That's truly cheap. Perhaps I'll try it next time."
"You!"
Shui Han Yi's eyes turned cold. He wished he could strike out and kill Su Luo with a single blow.
Su Luo, however, remained unconcerned, her hands clasped as she said coldly, "Sect Leader Shui, you're staring at me so fiercely, do you wish to kill me? If I encounter an accident in the future, it will most likely be your doing."
Shui Han Yi quickly suppressed his murderous intent and forced a smile, "How could that be? Miss, you misunderstand. How could I possibly wish to kill you? I am simply in a bad mood. Please do not misunderstand."
Damn it, he would definitely kill this little brat sooner or later!
Su Luo was too lazy to argue with him and said, "It's impossible to compensate with just three hundred million; are you trying to dismiss a beggar? If your Tai Chu Holy Land's scheme had succeeded, our Qing Xu Heaven would have been doomed. Can you bear the consequences?"
The people present began to murmur, and various sharp and sarcastic remarks entered Shui Han Yi's ears, causing him great annoyance.
No matter how glorious Shui Qing Yue once was, she dared not utter a word at this moment.
"If you don't offer tens of billions in compensation, or several mineral veins, are you even going to acknowledge it?" Lu Ji Xing sarcastically said, "Sect Leader Shui, do you truly believe that we people from Qing Xu Heaven are easily bullied?"
"Sect Leader Shui, you show no sincerity. Could it be that you harbor resentment and still wish for revenge?"
Shang Xie Shao Qing stepped forward and said indifferently, "Could it be that you were actually involved in the conspiracy, colluded with the Dark Demon Ridge, and killed your own son with your own hands after your plot was exposed, and that's why you're resentful?"
Shui Han Yi's face darkened, "Young Master Shang Xie, you shouldn't speak carelessly..."
Shang Xie Shao Qing immediately retorted, "Then compensate! Why are you talking so much nonsense!"
Wen Dai Er also glanced over and said, "Sect Leader Shui is so hesitant to compensate the wronged party, Qing Xu Heaven. I imagine he would be even more stingy with other sects. I see no sincerity in the Tai Chu Holy Land's apology. Do you all see it?"
The crowd unanimously exclaimed, "No! Sect Leader Shui, your Tai Chu Holy Land is going too far..."
Seeing the rising emotions and the situation on the verge of spiraling out of control, Shui Han Yi had to suppress his hatred and frustration and shouted, "Fine, I will compensate! I will compensate your Qing Xu Heaven with one billion spirit coins. Is that acceptable?!"
Su Luo did not back down, "Two billion, and Qing Xu Heaven will let this matter go."
Shui Han Yi: "..."
His fingers tightened one by one, his knuckles cracking. After a moment of silence, he said, "Alright, two billion! The Tai Chu Holy Land will compensate Qing Xu Heaven with two billion spirit coins, and this matter will be considered settled."