Chapter 65: Three Days for the Nie Family

A resounding slap from Wu Tian left everyone astonished, especially Nie Huixiang, who was sent reeling by the force.

Members of the Qitian Sect were dumbfounded; they hadn't expected Wu Tian to be so audacious, slapping Nie Huixiang in front of the Nie family. Were they not afraid of retaliation from the Nie family? Nevertheless, the satisfaction derived from the slap was undeniable!

The Nie family was equally shocked, not anticipating Wu Tian's audacity in facing a multitude of people and slapping Nie Huixiang. Truly, a fearless act!

Even the Mayor's entourage was astounded. While they had encountered arrogance before, Wu Tian's audacity surpassed anything they had seen.

The standoff between the three major forces fell into an eerie silence as everyone focused on Wu Tian in the center.

"Ouch! That hurts! Wu Tian, you scoundrel! How dare you hit me, right in front of my Nie family!" Clutching his slapped face, Nie Huixiang furiously accused Wu Tian.

"So what if I hit you? I might as well kill you!" Wu Tian pointed at Nie Huixiang, expressing his genuine intent to end Nie Huixiang.

"Wu Tian! How dare you!" Nie Yuntian glared at Wu Tian, his anger evident.

"Why wouldn't I dare? Killing you and your family is just a matter of time!" Wu Tian disregarded Nie Yuntian entirely. The patriarch of the Nie family meant nothing to him; sooner or later, he would destroy the Nie family.

"Clan Head Nie, Young Master Wu, please remain calm. Let's not escalate the situation; let's maintain peace..." Mayor Song Ke quickly intervened, standing in the middle and attempting to defuse the tension. Despite being the city's mayor, the power of his office paled in comparison to the Qitian Sect and the Nie family, relying on his connection with the Kuanwu Empire to hold some influence.

"Humph! Today, for the mayor's sake, I won't make a big deal out of it with you, young man. But, Wu Tian, I warn you, if you act recklessly in front of me again, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Nie Yuntian swung his sleeves angrily.

"Nie family head, Young Master Wu, please remain calm. Let's not damage our relations; let's not escalate the situation..." Song Ke urged, standing between them and attempting to mediate. His plea was driven by the realization that the current standoff in the streets was undesirable.

"I'm willing to sit down and discuss, but some people may not want to lose face," Sect Master Ye calmly remarked.

"Since the city lord has spoken, I cannot refuse," Nie Yuntian said, glancing at Song Ke.

"Then, the two of you, follow us. Let's sit down and talk!" Sect Master Ye suggested, leading the way.

"For now, the rest of you, return to your sects. I'll handle this matter," Sect Master Ye instructed the Qitian Sect members.

"Master, my disciple was killed like this. You must seek justice for him," pleaded the deceased disciple's master.

"Rest assured, he was my disciple. I won't let the Qitian Sect lose face. Return for now, and don't cause trouble without my command," Sect Master Ye commanded.

Seeing the Qitian Sect members leave, Nie Yuntian saw no reason to keep the Nie family there. Moreover, staying would only invite ridicule.

As the key figures involved in the incident, Wu Tian, Nie Huixiang, and Song Qianqian remained. They all proceeded to a nearby teahouse. Sect Master Ye and Nie Yuntian sat facing each other, their expressions stern, while Mayor Song Ke wore a forced smile, trying to mediate the situation.

"Sect Master Ye, Clan Head Nie, please have some tea and calm down. Clearly, there's a misunderstanding in this matter. Both of you are prominent figures in Pingyang City, and resolving a misunderstanding peacefully is in everyone's best interest," Song Ke said, personally serving tea and wearing a diplomatic smile.

"Misunderstanding? City Lord, what do you think is the misunderstanding? Nie Yuntian's son, Nie Huixiang, led guards into our Qitian Sect, killed a disciple, and injured several others. Is this just a misunderstanding?" Sect Master Ye questioned, tapping the table.

"I didn't intend to kill; it was a moment of impulsiveness," Nie Huixiang explained, standing nearby.

"Yes, it was a momentary lapse of control. It wasn't intentional killing. Sect Master Ye, if you don't mind, I'll personally apologize to you," Nie Yuntian said, gesturing an apology.

"Apologize? Is that all?" Sect Master Ye narrowed his eyes, displaying a hint of anger.

"City Lord, what do you suggest to resolve this issue?" Song Ke asked, attempting to mediate.

"It's simple. Have Nie Huixiang publicly apologize in front of all Qitian Sect disciples and then kowtow three times at the grave of the deceased Qitian Sect disciple. That's all," Sect Master Ye declared.

"Impossible! Clan Head Nie, we cannot accept such humiliation. It's out of the question for Nie Huixiang to apologize and kowtow publicly; it's an affront to the dignity of our Nie family!" Nie Yuntian rejected adamantly.

"Good! Clan Head Nie, since your family refuses to yield, I won't force it. However, I'll give you three days to consider. After three days, I'll personally come to the Nie family residence to take Nie Huixiang. Clan Head Nie, you'd better make your decision wisely!" Sect Master Ye stood up angrily and left with Wu Tian.

"Song Lord, there's no need for further persuasion. Sect Master Ye has made his stance clear. My Nie family won't bow down to such humiliation," Nie Yuntian declared firmly.

"Old Nie, the Qitian Sect is powerful, and opposing them directly might not be wise. Your conflict with them will only bring harm to the Nie family," Song Ke advised with a hint of frustration, realizing the dire consequences of the situation.

"Dad, it's that Wu Tian who's at fault! Why should we apologize?" Song Qianqian chimed in, defending her family.

"City Lord, your daughter is right. Why should we bow down to the Qitian Sect? If we apologize and kowtow, it will be a stain on the Nie family's honor!" Nie Yuntian added, his expression unwavering.

"Old Nie, I understand your sentiments, but we need to think about the bigger picture. The Qitian Sect is not an opponent we can easily confront. Consider your family's safety," Song Ke urged, trying to make Nie Yuntian reconsider.

The situation reached an impasse, leaving Song Ke with a headache as he realized his inability to control the unfolding events.

...

"Wu Tian, do you believe my actions as the sect master were justified just now?" After leaving the scene, Sect Master Ye suddenly asked Wu Tian.

"Sect Master Ye, your actions were absolutely correct. Nie Huixiang killed a Qitian Sect disciple, and making him apologize publicly is a lenient punishment," Wu Tian affirmed with a nod.

"No, I mean opposing the Nie family. Do you think it's worth it?" Sect Master Ye shook his head.

Wu Tian paused, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Nie family? They're nothing. How can they compare to our mighty Qitian Sect? The Nie family doesn't even qualify to be our stepping stone!"