Chapter 1285
Chapter 1285 - 1271 Gift
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8 min read
Jianghu is not just about fighting and killing; it’s also about human interactions... but there is a premise to it.
"When you can’t directly eliminate your opponent, naturally, you can only talk things out with them."
This is the premise. The existence of a "communication platform" like the United Nations is necessary, especially in an era where the big shots each have the capability to destroy one another.
If everyone is a big shot, even if they don’t resort to the ultimate measure, a real fight would be uncomfortable for all, so it’s best to talk if possible. Fighting and killing are always the last resort.
Of course, if there’s a clear gap between the sides where one can easily dominate, and there isn’t any sort of punishment mechanism, there’s no need to talk.
"....This time, it’s the South One Church’s fault, and they will make compensation."
When Lu Ping’an heard Lord Xiuyi, the mediator’s resolution, he was somewhat surprised himself.
He hadn’t expected the local "behind-the-scenes" to actually involve the human-side South One Church, nor had he expected them to be so "gentle"... Even if a conflict really occurred, he hadn’t thought they would come out and "admit" so readily.
"The entire street’s land deed? This...."
The "compensation" offered by the other side, after the initial three shops, was surprisingly raised to include an entire street for Lu Ping’an.
Lu Ping’an was full of astonishment, knowing the other side’s power; should a dispute escalate, not to mention how messy it would be for big shots to get involved, even involving a few Rule-level might lead to a tough battle, so why did they give in so quickly?
𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
"He was actually willing to offer half the city’s ’taxes’ and ’security rights’ as compensation, but... there’s no need, no need," blinked the owl eyes, yet spoke the words of the Peace Dove.
The "no need" in Xiuyi’s speech was not about the value of the compensation itself, but rather because such a "trivial matter" could ultimately lead to both sides holding grudges.
In Lu Ping’an’s eyes, this was merely a dispute with local forces, a backlash after being bullied, and also a declaration that his group wasn’t just an easy target like Little White, and that they could bite back when pushed too far.
But in the eyes of the South One Pope and other big shots, it was completely another matter.
"This time, indeed, they are at fault. Accept the compensation, but I advise restraint. After all, they had their reasons for overstepping, and you are still too young, with not enough reputation...."
If Lu Ping’an were also considered as part of the big shots, then the nature of this incident would be entirely different.
Big shots do not personally engage because both winning and losing are actually a lose-lose situation. They are the bosses of various forces, and the actual work often involves only their subordinates.
They struggle against each other without breaking entirely, at least maintaining enough dignity, not pushing to the extent of complete annihilation or cutting off each other’s resources, to prevent truly forcing the big shots to intervene personally, which would make both sides look bad.
In their eyes, this time, it was that a branch of the Rebirth Commerce under Lu Ping’an’s territory was demolished by the South One Church while he was not around.
This is actually normal, such clashes happen every day, but the issue is that South One went too far, demolishing and killing without giving any "face" to Lu Ping’an, the power behind the scenes of the Rebirth Commerce.
Since the deed was done, and especially since Lu Ping’an had seen it himself, he naturally blew up on the spot.
In the eyes of the big shots, the few lives lost are actually not important; but Big Shot Lu’s face was slapped, and if no one took him seriously after that, it would not bode well.
"This isn’t a matter of interest, this is a matter of face... Face is more important than lives; in fact, the face of the head of a faction is actually built on countless lives."
Regrettably, that is the reality. In many people’s eyes, the fact that Lu Ping’an didn’t directly demolish the city was already showing a lot of face to the South One Pope.
At the very least, it gave him some time to pacify.
Therefore, they very sincerely suggested half the city’s "behind-the-scenes ownership," but if Lu Ping’an really accepted it, there would probably be some resentment between them in the future.
After all, their prompt conciliation was largely due to the face given by the two Quasi-Gods.
What exactly was Lu’s situation, others might not know, but how could Mr. Xiuyi not know? Her "mediation" was the best outcome for both sides.
The South One Church took a step back, and Lu Ping’an a half, and both sides would act as if this had never happened.
At the same time, for the entire human forces of today, "Big Shot" not personally engaging and thus not accumulating resentment was also the most acceptable outcome.
"....I understand,"
After some thought, Lu Ping’an accepted the land deed.
He was ready to act and had also prepared to face the possibility of the entire city seeking revenge directly, all to back up Rebirth Commerce.
The big bad wolf always smiles at people, yet it is truly treated as a dog..... Such are the rules of this era. If someone must die to gain the right of "non-aggression," it’s better that others bleed more than his own people.
Now, having accepted this "apology"..... compared to its significance, the value of this gift itself is negligible.
"This equals the South One Church and those behind it bowing and apologizing to you, which also means you have entered our circle, and that too with a fairly dominant identity....."
Having said this was already enough, since the Big Shots had recognized "Lu Ping’an," they would naturally pass the word down to avoid any potential conflicts.
"Oh, I’ve heard of him....."
"Rebirth Commerce? I heard there’s a big shot backing it....."
This established prestige was far better than Lu Ping’an slaughtering a city.
As a Quasi-rule level Lu Ping’an, having more bargaining chips in hand, he naturally became much more proactive.
He dared to initiate contact with that inquirer, because he had gained some confidence in his own limits..... As Quasi-rule level himself, he no longer needed to worry about being directly obliterated by Rule-level beings, and if really pushed to reveal all his cards, even if he couldn’t win, the opposition would pay a significant price.
"Dignity and politeness always fall within the range targeted by a nuclear bomb, diplomatic glory, and territorial resources need navy and army to maintain..... This era, truly nothing has changed,"
He said calmly to the gradually "silent" Lord Xiuyi.
After being deeply looked at by his counterpart, he smiled and watched as the other returned to his calm state.
"At least, with their recognition, my upcoming plans should be much easier..."
Lu Ping’an was indeed relaxed and immediately started on new tasks.
The "machinery equipment" street had been burned to ruins, a disaster caused by Lu Ping’an himself, yet he also had to clean up.
He also quite straightforwardly threw around a lot of coins, directly establishing a Rebirth Commerce street.
Since this place was destined to become a "historical event," then it should be established as one of the trademarks of Rebirth Commerce.
As for what to sell? Lu Ping’an hadn’t decided yet; he thought to build the store first and figure it out later.....
"Maybe, plant some trees first....."
Looking at the ruins of the street, Lu Ping’an pondered.
And as he said, as Quasi-rule level Lu, with a gentle push of his hands, a mass of "red" covered the entire street.
They..... They were vast and boundless, expanding madly in every direction. In just a few minutes, they had completely swallowed the street.
Its past name was "Hungry Ghost," but after Lu Ping’an’s reprogramming, it acquired new characteristics.
In a sense, this was also one of Lu Ping’an’s forms of reliance... Having reached this level, he had transcended the former Lu, able to easily manipulate this once extremely dangerous Magic Plant.
The blood-colored vines spread infinitely, this time, they did not consume everything around them, but rather seemed to assimilate them, turning themselves into the "foundation" of this area.
A street, or rather, a city within a city, was slowly rising within it.
— End of Chapter 1285 —