“We seem to have all fallen victim to a misunderstanding.” Lauden conceded, his tone reflecting a blend of conciliation and apology.
“Rest assured, we will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. I urge everyone here to maintain their composure during this time.”
Lion Archon and his companions, despite expressing their anger earlier, were not seriously considering initiating a full-scale conflict with the Five Great Sects over such an incident.
After all, it would be unwise to plunge the entire beast race into a potentially fatal struggle over this misunderstanding.
Sensing an opportunity to de-escalate the situation, Tyler stepped in. “Since Mr. Delacroix has offered an apology, let’s agree to leave this issue behind us. And I can assure you all, with absolute certainty, that Mr. Chance had no involvement in the demise of the Five Elites. If it proves otherwise, the Summers family is prepared to accept responsibility and face any consequences the Five Great Sects deem appropriate.”
His voice was firm, aiming to bridge the gap from both sides, knowing well that initiating a battle would benefit no one.
Turning to a different yet equally pressing matter, Igor addressed Lauden and asked, “Now that we’ve resolved the issue surrounding the Five Elites, I’m eager to understand the current situation at our Blood Spirit Valley. What exactly transpired there?”
In truth, Jared and his companions had come forward to inquire about the incident at Blood Spirit Valley, but they found themselves facing a counterattack from the Five Great Sects.
Lauden, maintaining a neutral tone, replied, “As I’ve mentioned before, by the time we arrived at Blood Spirit Valley, everyone there was already dead.”
Seeking clarification, Igor inquired, “And who might the perpetrator be?”
“How could I possibly know? I didn’t witness the crime,” Lauden responded, his tone indicating a lack of information on his part.
Catina, her voice laced with skepticism, challenged him, “How can you assure us that the massacre at Blood Spirit Valley wasn’t the work of someone from your Five Great Sects? You were quick to accuse us of slaying the Five Elites.”
Lauden, unyielding, admitted, “I can’t provide proof. And frankly, if you choose not to believe me, there’s little I can do about it.”
His stance was clear, within the territory of the Five Great Sects, they were not obligated to justify their actions to anyone.
Even if they had been responsible for the annihilation of Blood Spirit Valley, which was not the case, they were confident in their position on their own turf.
This exchange once again raised the tension in the room, but it was Jared who broke the silence. “I believe in Mr. Delacroix’s words. It’s unlikely that the Five Great Sects had any involvement in the Blood Spirit Valley incident.”
Catina, still seeking answers, asked, “If not the Five Great Sects, then who?”
Jared speculated, “Once we return, we should conduct a more in-depth investigation. The presence of the telepathic beast here might be attributed to it detecting the aura of the Five Great Sects at Blood Spirit Valley.”
“Indeed, it doesn’t seem logical for the Five Great Sects to have carried out such a massacre,” Jared added with certainty in his voice.
Tyler, ever the mediator, suggested, “Since we’ve cleared up this misunderstanding, let’s put aside any hostilities. We’ve all been victims of misperception here.”
Lauden, sensing the calming atmosphere, gestured for the members of the Five Great Sects to leave the hall, leaving only a few sect leaders behind to alleviate the remaining tension.
Lauden then turned to Tyler. “Mr. Summers, now that we’ve resolved this misunderstanding, I’d like to request your assistance with a matter concerning our sect.
“Of course, Mr. Delacroix. What do you need?” Tyler inquired.
“Our sect’s protective arcane array has been in place for many years. Since you are here, could you possibly assist us in reinforcing it, Mr. Summers?” Lauden asked, hoping to take advantage of Tyler’s expertise.
Tyler responded eagerly, “Certainly, that is well within our capabilities. The Summers family has had a longstanding partnership with the Five Great Sects, and helping with such a task is not a problem at all.”
He was more than willing to help, especially considering the significant business the Five Great Sects brought to his family through their annual charm purchases.
Without this partnership, the Summers family would not have been prosperous.
With this agreement, Tyler decided to stay and work on strengthening the arcane array. Jared and the others also chose to spend the night, partly out of concern for Tyler’s safety due to the ongoing conflict between the Summers family and the Henningsen family.
Meanwhile, Lion Archon and his companions took their leave, eager to return to their territories after being detained for several days.
As night fell, Tyler began working on the Five Great Sects’ arcane array, while the others retired early.
The plan was to set off together the following morning, eager to return home after a series of unexpected and tumultuous events.
