Li Moze's gaze remained calm as he looked over. He could naturally see the trace of unwillingness in Luo Yue's expression.
But the reminder could end here.
Some things, first suppressed then raised, would make people—or spirit demons—even more grateful.
Although he couldn't yet see what great future these spirit demons might have, making friends was always the right thing to do.
The Eighteen Celestial Sects were deeply rooted not merely by having strong fists. Great sects naturally had the bearing and methods of great sects.
Great sects placed more emphasis on balance and harmony.
After all, having one more friend was always a good thing. And these seemingly weak friends might help in unexpected ways.
At least Lu Xuan had also tacitly agreed.
Li Moze waited for a moment, letting the atmosphere become slightly heavy before slowly speaking:
"However, spirit demons are born of heaven and earth. Their nature is fundamentally pure and gentle. Although the threat of demon-catching merchants no longer exists, spirit demons are ultimately still weak."
"When checking the information, the archives of Xuanqing Heavenly Sect also recorded the hardships of spirit demons in the past. Reading through them carefully is indeed difficult to put into words."
"Spirit demons have endured thousands of years of wind and frost. In ancient times, there were stories of spirit demons protecting humans from other demon kinds. Today, if spirit demons want a spirit demon homeland, perhaps we humans should also contribute something."
Luo Yue collected herself, understanding that the next words would be the key issues.
Her expression turned serious, and her figure leaned forward slightly.
Li Moze continued: "Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect will work together to draft a treaty, designating a piece of land exclusively for spirit demons to rest and multiply. This land will be under the autonomous jurisdiction of the spirit demons."
"However, although this land belongs to the spirit demons, humans still retain the right of passage. Moreover, in this land, spirit demons cannot arbitrarily attack or harm humans."
"This land will be protected by a joint defense treaty signed by Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect. Other Eighteen Celestial Sects will also join, so it should be able to ensure no risks arise."
"What if humans capture or deceive spirit demons in this land?"
Luo Yue spoke up firmly, interrupting Li Moze's words. Some key matters couldn't be simply glossed over by a few sentences from Li Moze. A homeland was certainly important to spirit demons.
But if humans were to run rampant in the spirit demon homeland, would it still be a spirit demon homeland?
Some things simply couldn't be blurred over; clear boundaries had to be established.
Moreover, being called a spirit demon homeland yet being subject to so many constraints—some things couldn't be yielded in the slightest.
Otherwise, better to have none at all.
Li Moze's expression showed no ripples, as if he didn't mind Luo Yue's interruption at all. After listening, he continued:
"The land belongs to the spirit demons, so naturally the spirit demons will legislate and make rules there, and enforce laws impartially. Humans have the right to observe, while the sect masters of Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect have the right to confirm enforcement."
"This means that if Sect Master Lu and I do not approve, a retrial will be necessary."
Luo Yue took a deep breath and questioned: "So in the end, isn't it still decided by Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect?"
Li Moze remained silent, his gaze turning toward Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan's expression was calm without any ripples, his gaze not even looking toward Li Moze.
Sometimes, not expressing a position was itself a position. This matter was said to be jointly handled by Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect.
But in reality, most of it would be handled by Xuanqing Heavenly Sect. This was already the greatest concession.
Li Moze's tone fluctuated slightly, as if somewhat impatient, continuing to apply pressure:
"If you want to see it that way, you can say that. If you don't accept it, then there's no need to discuss further."
Luo Yue heard this naked statement and couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
She wanted to stand up and leave, but was reluctant to let go of such a good opportunity... though it might not count as an opportunity.
Xie Lingyu watched Li Moze's extremely solemn expression. That pressure from a superior pressed down, yet Luo Yue, a lone spirit demon without even a final trump card, now looked back without the slightest fear.
From a human perspective... Li Moze's proposal was naturally correct.
Moreover, the spirit demon homeland that spirit demons wanted still had to depend on two major human celestial sects.
Xie Lingyu wanted to say something, at least to retreat another step, but... how could this be resolved?
But in the next moment, Chu Xingchen beside her leisurely stood up, walked past the tables and chairs, and came to the center of the hall.
Li Moze's originally slightly angry expression instantly receded, his expression softening slightly as he looked at Chu Xingchen walking to the center of the hall.
Lu Xuan also seemed to return to his senses, turning his gaze toward Chu Xingchen.
Luo Yue also turned to look.
"I have a proposal." Chu Xingchen cupped his hands slightly. "I wonder if I can mention it now?"
Li Moze nodded gently: "Speak freely."
Chu Xingchen's gaze turned toward Luo Yue: "First, we need to confirm one thing. Even with land, can spirit demons be self-sufficient relying only on themselves and that piece of land?"
"As far as I know, the cultivation items needed by different spirit demons are not the same. The items produced by spirit demons are mostly repetitive, which means these items are not essential needs for spirit demons."
The facts were before her, and Luo Yue could only nod slowly.
Although most spirit demons could cultivate through moonlight, that was merely a stopgap measure. And once there were many spirit demons, what could that little moonlight do?
Moreover, for Luo Yue, spirit demons protecting themselves was the ultimate solution. In the early stage of weakness, they naturally had to rely on some humans.
"Then first, let's establish one thing: the early-stage spirit demon territory cannot develop without human help." Chu Xingchen's gaze turned toward Li Moze.
"Sect Master Li, although spirit demons are naturally pure and good, after all, they are not humans, and their customs are naturally different. Rather than constraining spirit demons and causing unpleasantness later, why not change our approach?"
"Since the land belongs to spirit demons, first of all, not just anyone should be able to enter."
"After all, not everyone in the world is good, so why not set some restrictions."
"To enter the spirit demon territory, one must first hold a special token from Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect, and there will be behavior restrictions and time limits."
"If one needs to pass through, spirit demons can issue passage tokens themselves and collect passage fees. The amount can be discussed later."
"With restrictions, whether someone has done wrong or not will be clear at a glance. If they make a mistake, it can be reviewed by spirit demons, and the sect that issued the token will be responsible for compensation matters. Specific situations can be discussed later."
"In addition, the items produced by spirit demons in the early stage and the supplies they need will also be handled by Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Tianyan Sect."
"Besides tokens issued by the two great sects, spirit demons can also independently issue tokens to other humans."
"However, if problems arise from tokens issued by spirit demons, aside from what spirit demons can resolve themselves, the two great sects have the right to observe."
"The key core is that all parties acknowledge that spirit demons have the right of self-governance."
Chu Xingchen finished speaking, cupped his hands again, then turned and returned to his seat.
The scene fell silent.
Li Moze's brows lowered slightly, as if contemplating something.
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