CHAPTER 155: CHAPTER 120: CELESTIAL REALM ACCORD 2.0, THE DISAPPEARED GUILD

After learning the news, Lee Zhen and Huang Xiaotian left with restless minds.

Lin Chen also hoped that he was wrong.

However, the Demon Beasts had occupied many cities, yet they were hesitant to attack the Inner Courtyard of these cities. The reasons behind this were quite obvious.

The Inner Courtyard is considered a branch of the National Spirit Academy, critical to the fate of the Cangling Ancient Country. The Demon Beasts dared not disturb it, as not to provoke the higher-ups.

Therefore, they would make extravagant demands, casually suggesting some exaggerated conditions...

If the Human Race’s higher-ups agreed, it would naturally be pleasant.

If they did not agree, it didn’t matter, as their target was not here in the first place.

On the second day, negotiations between Humans and the Demon Race continued at Human-Demon Celestial Realm Mountain. As expected, the Human Race did not agree to the deal, and both parties nearly came to blows. In the end, the Demon Race declared that if relations were severed, they would wipe out these 60 small cities and would not mind initiating a second Human-Demon War.

The Human Race’s higher-ups did not say much in response.

On the third day, the Human Race’s higher-ups finally relented. As Lin Chen had predicted, on the issues of ceding land and releasing Great Demons, there would not be any concessions, but they could give way on the second and fourth terms.

This news once again caused a huge uproar, but compared to the last time, it was much smaller.

The Cangling Ancient Country has a population exceeding 1.3 billion, yet the active membership of the Monster Hunter Guild is only a mere 10 million, composed mostly of destitute civilians seeking a high-benefit job here.

So, the response from the lower echelons was quite loud, but the voices from the upper echelons were just too few.

This was indeed a structural problem within the Monster Hunter Guild.

The guild was not short of masters, but once these people fought their way to greatness, they would leave the guild.

The Monster Hunter Guild is more like a stepping stone for commoners to cross social classes, and given the dangerous nature of the work, it’s little wonder they were used as a bargaining chip this time.

The Demon Beasts did not agree but expressed willingness to continue negotiations.

On the fifth day, the content and result of the negotiations were not made public, but rumors circulated that the Human and Demon factions likely reached a consensus, as people saw them leave together.

...

Jiuxing City finally returned to its usual tranquility. People interred the deceased into the cemetery, offering moments of silence.

Qin Shaoshao earned widespread renown from this battle, attracting even outside forces eager to see her in person.

As for those inviting Qin Shaoshao to join their ranks, they were too numerous to count, and Lin Chen’s front door was piled high with invitations.

Lin Chen, being thick-skinned, gladly accepted their gifts once he got Qin Shaoshao’s "consent."

Qin Shaoshao rarely appeared, except on this mourning day, she was present in the cemetery.

On this day, Pang Yuanzheng and Ning Ye, alongside various forces and higher-ups, sought an audience with Qin Shaoshao.

"Divine Venerable, we admit the weakness of Jiuxing City, but we still wish to invite you to stay. All future forces will surely regard you as their leader."

In the past, Pang Yuanzheng did not wish for Qin Shaoshao’s presence.

It affected his position as City Lord.

But after this Beast Tide incident, he was also fearful.

Securing a Divine Venerable to preside here is an excellent thing for Jiuxing City.

Qin Shaoshao didn’t respond immediately, instead consulting Lin Chen back home.

"I know you don’t like this, but it’s the treatment you deserve," Lin Chen responded,

"You’ve taken the first step, so continuing along this path and giving it a try isn’t a bad idea."

"If worst comes to worst, just leave, and no one would dare stop you."

After contemplating for a while, Qin Shaoshao finally nodded.

She wasn’t swayed by Lin Chen’s words but thought about how her survival represented the Youth Corps.

The fallen comrades likely wished for her to keep guarding this city.

Three days later, Qin Shaoshao agreed to these forces. Pang Yuanzheng and others rejoiced, immediately offering a luxurious courtyard. After some renovations, it was renamed the Celestial Spirit Mansion to serve as Qin Shaoshao’s residence.

A week passed, and Pang Yuanzheng let it be known that the courtyard was ready.

After staying for three more days, Qin Shaoshao finally decided to move.

Lin Chen didn’t think much of it, but Xiaobai and the Spirit-Devouring Vine had grown fond of each other during this time, making their separation reluctant.

"It’s not like you’re going far, just in the city. Visit whenever you like," Lin Chen’s words pierced the camaraderie of the Three-Headed Spirit Beast like ice spikes.

Qin Shaoshao, however, asked, "Why don’t you come over too? After all, the courtyard is large."

Lin Chen replied without hesitation, "Forget it, I’ve lived here so long, it’s become a habit."

It wasn’t out of reservation; he truly didn’t want to leave this long-lived home.

Qin Shaoshao nodded, saying no more.

Lin Chen saw her off personally, after some thought, he said, "If the mansion feels uncomfortable, you’re always welcome back."

Qin Shaoshao nodded once more, finally departing with the Spirit-Devouring Vine.

....

Watching Qin Shaoshao’s retreating figure, Lin Chen turned back. He hadn’t felt anything amiss until entering the hall, where something seemed missing.

In the end, Lin Chen pinpointed the answer:

A sense of safety.

With Qin Shaoshao here, Lin Chen hadn’t worried about danger.

Now things were different...

"Xiaobai, you need to level up quickly," Lin Chen resumed his usual pressure talk.

Xiaobai nodded, and the Little Fox beside him, equally motivated, vowed to grow stronger, providing Lin Chen with an overwhelming sense of safety.