Chapter 77: None of You Would Refuse to Compensate, Right?

After a period of time, Rong Xiaoshi came to Su Yang’s courtyard again.

“Lord Su, here is the register of losses.”

“Have you doubled the losses?” “I’m not too sure, some of them might have been doubled.”

“Then double all of them.’

Su Yang was determined to do this. These martial cultivators had already received benefits from their actions and gained merits.

However, the innocent common people should not suffer from their conflicts and be burdened with losses.

They had no right to use the excuse of their grand plans to overlook the losses of the common people.

Su Yang did not care much about the amount of silver involved, as his main purpose was to make these martial cultivators understand that they should be mindful of the common people and avoid fighting in the city. Otherwise, he, Su Yang, would hold them accountable.

“Lord Su, the banquet is about to begin.”

In the evening, Rong Xiaoshi came to remind him.

Su Yang stopped his sword practice and replied, “Alright, I’ll be there soon.”

The Five Poison Body Tempering Medicinal Bath recipe was not ready yet, it would take about an hour. This gave him the perfect time to attend the banquet before returning for the medicinal bath.

After a quick preparation, Su Yang followed Rong Xiaoshi to the banquet.

Gu Xiu and Jiang Xiaoyu were still cultivating in the courtyard.

Under abundant resources, Jiang Xiaoyu’s cultivation speed was incredibly fast, and he had already broken through to the Eighth grade, although he had to be cautious not to consume too many medicinal pills. It might take another month to reach the Seventh grade.

Regarding this, Su Yang felt it was too slow, but he decided to let Jiang Xiaoyu focus on cultivation in the city and not accompany him all the time.

At the Prefectural Government Office, when Su Yang walked in, everyone cast their eyes upon him with respect.

Inside the hall, a round table was already filled with people from various sects and lone martial artists with some reputation in the Tianfeng Prefecture.

Su Yang, not belonging to the top-level group, naturally didn’t sit in the main seat.

“Sword Immortal Su has arrived!”

“I am Zhang Erlong, I greet Sword Immortal Su…”

“I am Lulei from the Iron Body Sect, I greet Sword Immortal Su…” “I am Qifeng from the Purple Summit Sect, I greet Sword Immortal Su…”

As Su Yang entered, all the martial cultivators stood up and respectfully greeted him.

It was evident how enormous Su Yang’s reputation was. Having great strength was one thing, but having a far-reaching reputation was another. It was like being invincible in a remote mountain. When you just emerged from seclusion, looking like a wild person, people would naturally keep their distance because they wouldn’t know your true strength. It was entirely normal.

Su Yang nodded in response to each greeting, and amidst the flattery, he noticed Ye Jiang and Sun Tianpeng.

Both of them greeted Su Yang when they saw him in the crowd.

This time, Su Yang not only nodded in response but also went over to have a conversation with them.

However, during the conversation, Su Yang could clearly sense the subtle gap in their positions despite their friendly demeanor. Even though they were cordial and smiled, there was an obvious sense of caution and respect toward him.

Su Yang finally understood why powerful individuals often felt lonely. True friendships were formed between equals in strength, where there was more common ground and no need to be overly careful.

When the strength disparity was too significant, friendships became challenging to maintain.

Yet, even so, Su Yang’s approach inadvertently made all the martial cultivators take notice of Ye Jiang and Sun Tianpeng. This would bring great benefits to their families in the future, like a rising tide lifting all boats.

Perhaps, this was what it meant when a person achieved greatness, and even their close ones would ascend with them.

After a brief exchange with Ye Jiang and Sun Tianpeng, Su Yang proceeded into the main hall.

The people present in the hall were all top-tier figures in Tianfeng Prefecture.

At the top was Yi Tianba, with two vacant seats on his left and right. To the right, Zhang Wenxiu was seated, and below them were Lu Jun, Han Qiu…

Masters from the Fire Sword Sect, Golden Blade Sect, Xuanshan Temple, and Moon Chasing Pavilion…

The hall gathered all the high-ranking figures of Tianfeng Prefecture.

But without exception, as soon as Su Yang stepped in, everyone stood up and respectfully greeted him, “We pay our respects to Sword Immortal Su!”

Su Yang’s strength deserved such treatment.

Yi Tianba gestured, inviting Su Yang to sit next to him.

Following the protocol, Su Yang was technically of lower rank and should not directly sit in the main seat, or else Yi Tianba wouldn’t have the chance to sit there.

Everyone was well aware of this fact.

Su Yang didn’t mind, and if he had a choice, he would prefer to sit in a corner rather than show off.

When Su Yang sat down, the banquet officially began. The atmosphere was filled with flattering and praise, especially regarding Su Yang.

After the meal, it was time for rewarding the merits.

“Everyone, as you know, whose contribution was the greatest in this operation?” asked Yi Tianba.

“Of course, it’s Sword Immortal Sul” Zhang Yan immediately exclaimed, stealing the spotlight.

Su Yang’s strength was evident, and his reputation had spread far and wide. Everyone knew him, respected him, and admired him.

Yi Tianba nodded in agreement, “Indeed, it is Sword Immortal Sul”

“He wiped out countless evil cultivators with one sword, killed all the evil sect masters with one strike, and even destroyed the Blood Sacrifice Formation, turning the Blood Cultivation Sect’s master into a wicked spirit!”

“These achievements are beyond my judgment. I have already reported them to His Majesty. I believe rewards will come soon.”

“Su Sword Immortal hails from our Lingshan Prefecture. We are fortunate to have him!”

“However… ”

Yi Tianba emphasized Lingshan Prefecture, not Tianfeng Prefecture.action

Then he continued, “I have also witnessed everyone’s merits and cannot overlook them. Naturally, I cannot leave you disappointed.”

“Xuanshan Temple shall receive one million merit points and five top-grade treasure vault orders!”

“Fire Sword Sect shall receive one million merit points and three top-grade treasure vault orders!”

One by one, the rewards were distributed.

As the meal was nearing its end and most people seemed content, Su Yang took the initiative to speak up, “Lord Yi, may I say a few words?”

As soon as Su Yang spoke, everyone immediately quieted down, regardless of how heated or joyful the discussions had been.

“Haha, of course, go ahead and speak,” Yi Tianba chuckled heartily.

“Absolutely, Sword Immortal Su, please speak. We will listen attentively,” Zhang Yan was the first to jump in again.

He was undoubtedly the foremost flatterer present.

Su Yang nodded and began, “I believe by now, everyone knows my straightforward and candid personality. There are some matters I’d like to address, and I hope you won’t mind.”

“Of course, even if you do mind, I will still speak my mind.” Su Yang added with a smile.

“Indeed, I will speak my mind regardless. I hope you won’t be offended,” Su Yang replied.

“I want to discuss our identity as martial cultivators. After years of cultivation, we possess great strength and accumulate wealth and status that far surpass ordinary people.”

“Training in martial arts doesn’t necessarily require us to be righteous heroes, but it also doesn’t mean we can oppress the weak and exploit the vulnerable. Do you all agree with my perspective?”

Su Yang looked around, and one by one, people nodded in agreement, expressing their support.

“I have here a register that documents the losses inflicted on the common people during the battles of various disciples and martial cultivators in different cities.

“I trust that none of you would refuse to compensate for these losses, right?”

As Su Yang finished speaking, the minds of the people immediately went to the incident where Su Yang demanded compensation from the talented disciples and elders of the Fire Sword Sect and Golden Blade Sect after their friction.

They also recalled Su Yang’s caring nature towards ordinary people and civilians.

“Sword Immortal Su, rest assured that I will handle this matter properly. We will compensate for any losses, and if anyone dares not to compensate, my Fire Sword Sect will never tolerate such actions!” Zhang Yan once again stood up, becoming the first to offer support.

It must be said that people with a keen eye were always able to seize opportunities.

“Very well, based on the records, the Fire Sword Sect has caused losses amounting to 530 silver taels.”