Leaving the secret realm, they returned to the rainforest.
Representatives from various forces gathered once again in the tent of the Misty Rain Tower.
Qingyan had awakened. Although he had saved his life, he was severely injured. Even with Bao'er's assistance, it would take a considerable amount of time to recover.
However, this was of no consequence now, as the exploration of the unknown area had concluded.
There would be no formidable demonic beasts encountered on the return journey along the same path.
Qingyan had convened everyone again to provide a simple summary of the operation.
He scanned the entire hall, his aged eyes filled with sorrow.
Thousands had entered the芥子空间 (Jiezi Space), yet only slightly over three hundred emerged. Such casualty rates were difficult for any force to bear, even when distributed.
This also represented a significant blow to the human forces.
"Everyone, we are incredibly fortunate to be alive. I hope from this point forward, all of you will unite against external threats and contribute to the ruins together..."
The crowd nodded, with no one offering sarcastic remarks.
Seeing this, Qingyan continued, "Everyone, regardless of what happened, those who have passed on will forever remain in the 芥子空间 (Jiezi Space)."
They too had contributed to the operation, so the elder suggested they observe a three-minute silence for them.
As his voice fell, everyone stood up and lowered their heads.
Although some had been killed while trying to steal treasures from others, and such individuals were indeed detestable,
the dead were to be respected, and thus no one lingered on such matters.
After the moment of silence, Qingyan gestured for everyone to sit and continued, "The Peak Convention has now passed its halfway mark. The last remaining event is the auction and trade fair..."
Qingyan stated that many factions present were now disbanded, but they had participated in the operation and contributed to it as a whole.
Therefore, in accordance with past practice, he would still notify these factions to attend the auction and trade fair at the Misty Rain Tower.
He also hoped they would gain something from it, allowing them to recover some of their combat strength as compensation for their sacrifices.
For this reason, it was necessary to notify these forces, thus the auction and trade fair could not be held immediately. It was tentatively scheduled for one month later.
Regarding Qingyan's statement, everyone fell silent.
They had no objections to the postponement of the auction and trade fair, but the notification of all forces stirred up many thoughts in their minds.
However, they dared not voice their anger, as there were some forces they could not afford to offend.
"Misty Rain Tower Master, I have something to say!"
Just then, Ye Cangtian stood up.
Feeling the gazes of everyone upon him, Ye Cangtian said calmly, "The Flying Cloud Pavilion harmed disciples of various factions during the operation. They should be excluded from the auction. Otherwise, how can we honor the disciples they harmed!"
This...
Upon hearing this, Qingyan's brow furrowed.
If anyone else had said this, he would not have responded favorably and would have directly rebutted.
But coming from Ye Cangtian, he couldn't do that, as his own life had been saved by Ye Cangtian!
After a brief silence, Qingyan slowly replied, "Ye Cangtian, you are correct. What the Flying Cloud Pavilion did is unforgivable. However, some things cannot be done too absolutely. You must understand that the Flying Cloud Pavilion is a supreme force!
Furthermore, the Flying Cloud Pavilion did contribute to this operation..."
Qingyan's meaning was simple: although the Flying Cloud Pavilion had committed many wicked deeds, their contribution to the operation was undeniable.
Moreover, all the members of the Flying Cloud Pavilion had perished in the operation. If they were denied participation in the auction and trade fair, the Flying Cloud Pavilion would certainly not take it lying down.
A confrontation between supreme forces could trigger unrest within the ruins, implicating countless individuals, leading to bloodshed and devastation.
Besides, it was the people of the Flying Cloud Pavilion who committed evil, not the sect itself.
Since those who had done wrong were now dead, there was no need to target the Flying Cloud Pavilion further and cause unnecessary casualties...
Listening to Qingyan's words, Ye Cangtian fell silent.
While the Flying Cloud Pavilion was hateful and the Hidden Group would not let them off easily, Qingyan's reasoning was not without merit.
Most importantly, the Hidden Group was not yet adequately prepared to deal with the Flying Cloud Pavilion. A conflict could indeed lead to widespread devastation.
After a long pause, Ye Cangtian looked at Qingyan and said calmly, "Then, let it be as you suggested! However..."
Ye Cangtian paused and offered his suggestion.
It was not that the Flying Cloud Pavilion should not participate in the auction and trade fair, but he advised the Misty Rain Tower to make thorough preparations.
There would undoubtedly be countless treasures at the auction and trade fair, making it difficult to guarantee that these treasures would not be seized by those with ill intentions.
Therefore, the Misty Rain Tower should at least ensure that no treasure snatching occurred on their territory, and especially guard against the Flying Cloud Pavilion.
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Qingyan nodded solemnly and said, "If anything happens at the Misty Rain Tower, then our reputation will be lost. Therefore, I will absolutely not allow such a thing to occur."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian nodded and then sat down.
Seeing this, Qingyan glanced at the rest of the crowd and asked, "Everyone, do you have any other opinions? Feel free to voice them."
This...
The crowd was slightly taken aback and then slowly shook their heads.
In fact, besides the Flying Cloud Pavilion, they also had issues with other factions. However, since Qingyan was allowing the Flying Cloud Pavilion to participate, they wouldn't reject others either.
Therefore, voicing their opinions now would be pointless and might even offend people.
Consequently, they chose to reserve their comments.
Seeing that everyone had no further objections, Qingyan spoke a few brief words.
The general idea was that they could now go their separate ways and reconvene at the Misty Rain Tower before the auction and trade fair began.
Ye Cangtian returned to his tent and looked at Geng Chao inside.
He said slowly, "Geng Chao, from now on, various factions will begin their journeys home. Have you made your choice?"
Hmm?
Geng Chao was slightly taken aback, then he understood.
Ye Cangtian had intended to recruit him earlier and had given him time to consider. Now, he was clearly asking about his decision.
After a moment of silence, Geng Chao looked at Ye Cangtian and said, "All my men perished in the 芥子空间 (Jiezi Space). Even if I join the Hidden Group now, my help to the Hidden Group will be very limited."
Geng Chao didn't have much of a concept of the Hidden Group.
However, he held great respect for Ye Cangtian.
Because of this, his heart began to waver when faced with Ye Cangtian's recruitment.
Hearing Geng Chao's words, Ye Cangtian smiled faintly and said, "If you can form one team, you can form a second. Moreover, the Hidden Group is full of talent, which will make things easier for you.
I have only one requirement: gather useful information. Gossip and trivial matters like before must be stopped."
Ugh...
Upon hearing this, Geng Chao's face showed a pained expression. His purpose in gathering information was precisely to find out all sorts of gossip.
If he couldn't do that now, wouldn't the fun be gone?
So he said, "Lord Ye, please don't stop me! I can be more discreet..."
At this, Ye Cangtian snorted lightly and said, "That's fine, but I must tell you in advance, if you stir up trouble because of this, the Hidden Group will not protect you!"
He paused and continued, "You should think about the scene on the beach where you were pursued by many factions..."
This...
Upon mentioning this, Geng Chao's expression changed repeatedly. While gathering all sorts of information was immensely enjoyable, being chased was truly unpleasant.
And out of respect for Ye Cangtian, he genuinely wished to return to the light and be admired by the world.
After much hesitation, Geng Chao gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I promise you. I will join the Hidden Group."
Ye Cangtian smiled with satisfaction, patted his shoulder, and said, "Excellent. Follow Qiangwei for now, and as soon as we return, you will immediately form your team."
Geng Chao acknowledged this.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian paid him no further mind and turned his attention to Yuan Hao and Hong Liu, who were also in the tent.
"Yuan Hao, take your men back to Imperial Dragon Villa immediately and inform Zhan Wufeng to attend the trade auction at the Misty Rain Tower in one month, on behalf of the Death God."
As he spoke, Ye Cangtian took out a Qiankun bag and tossed it to Yuan Hao.
These were some of the spoils from the operation, and he wanted him to take them back.
On one hand, it was to improve the strength of some disciples, and on the other hand, it was for participation in the trade auction.
Seeing him acknowledge, Ye Cangtian then looked to the side and said, "Hong Liu, you will return to the Hidden Group with me. Some matters need to be settled..."
"Yes!"
Hong Liu's complexion immediately changed upon hearing this, but she still agreed without hesitation.
She knew that Ye Cangtian intended to resolve the issues between Zhao Jie and herself, and she felt somewhat apprehensive...