"So with great enthusiasm, they went into Senior Tang Qi's abode thinking it was an abandoned ruin of a long-dead cultivator.
They didn't detect Senior Tang Qi's presence, otherwise, they would not have intruded, and with no functional array in place, they assumed the area had long been abandoned. It was why they willfully grabbed everything in place and brought them to the sect.
Upon realizing the value of the items they brought back, I sent a few elders to Senior Tang Qi's abode, to confirm it was really abandoned, and they came back with the same report as them, that they detected no presence, and it didn't seem like anybody had been there for a while.
We thought it was our lucky break. With the Rising Tides Saber Art and the insights of Senior Tang Qi, we were able to rapidly increase our strengths in a short time span that even one of our grand elders broke through to the quasi-palace stage within that decade.
With our increasing reputation, we decided as a sect it was safer to say the reason for our increase in strength was because our grand elder gained insights into our core art, which helped him break through to the quasi-palace stage.
This way we wouldn't attract greedy eyes or rumors that we may have some treasure. Other sects have been destroyed for less.
Then a few months ago, Senior Tang Qi showed up. We didn't believe him at first, well it was more like we did not want to, even if he was telling the truth.
We had already grown so much in power and prestige and we didn't want to lose it, and we were also a little bit arrogant in our dealing with him.
On behalf of the sect, I would like to apologize to Senior Tang Qi for our conduct and I am willing to accept any punishment the Order deems suitable. My only plea is this, please spare my sect and disciples.." Sect Master Shao Rong humbly said as he bowed towards Yang Qing and then Tang Qi.
"I only want my items returned and compensation for the ones you have already used, that is all.." Tang Qi said as he sighed.
"Is that really okay?" asked sect master Shao Rong in disbelief. When he heard the Rising Tide Saber Art was potentially an evolved art, he had already prepared himself to put up three-quarters of their territory up for sale to be able to get a loan that would be enough to pay for the cost of the art, of which he wasn't sure if it would even be enough.
But hearing Tang Qi only wanted the original amount which was 10,000 high-grade stones for the art, plus 5,000 high-grade stones for his insights, and 4,740 high-grade stones for the other items they had taken, even though it was still a little bit expensive for them, he felt they were getting off cheap.
"Yes, the amount I requested is okay.." said Tang QI.
"Many thanks, senior Tang Qi," said sect master Shao Rong with clear agitation in his voice. With his trembling shoulders as he bowed it seemed like he was in tears.
The rest of the disciples from the sect all followed suit as they bowed in gratitude and apology toward Tang Qi, who accepted.
"Good, it's good that you have all come to an agreement, it makes my job easier. However, there is one thing I would like to add.." said Yang Qing as his gaze fell on both Tang Qin and the group from the Silver Blade Sect.
"Leaving everything aside, it is undeniable that your sect has benefited greatly from Senior Tang Qi's cultivation art and his insights.."
"Yes... Yes, we have.." said sect master Shao Rong.
"Regardless of whether he allows you to continue using his art or not, you still owe him for what you have today, and as such on behalf of the Order, I would like to declare that 40% of the profits of your sect will go to him for as long as your sect exists.
What you gained is the same as receiving the personal tutelage of a palace realm expert. Your sect has to pay up for it.
While your disciples may have not known, it doesn't change the fact that you benefited immensely from it and the person in question is very much breathing. It's the least you owe him.." said Yang Qing.
"We agree to the ruling!!" Sect master Shao Rong immediately said with no hesitation.
Tang Qi was even taken aback by how fast the sect master agreed to it. A complicated look flashed in his eyes before he said,
"You can continue using my cultivation art, Sect Master Shao Rong, but in exchange, I'd like your sect to occasionally accept disciples who don't seem to have much aptitude.
I'm not asking for any special treatment for them, just give them a chance. Also if you can send a few disciples to help me with my farm occasionally I wouldn't mind, if it's not too much trouble.." said Tang Qi.
"We are willing, senior Tang Qi.." Sect master Shao Rong said as he cupped his fists.
"Okay, thanks."
To Tang Qi, since he didn't have disciples or a family or have any desires for one, he didn't mind the Silver Blade sect training in his legacy art which wasn't his in the first place. Rather than let the art die with him, better to let their sect use it and maybe help it reach greater heights, and in exchange, he can get free labor while also preventing another tragedy like his with the Iron Shattering Palm sect from happening to another person.
"Thank you all for your cooperation and with my authority as a judge of the Order in charge of this case, I would like to declare the case of Tang Qi against the Silver Blade Sect and the Mountain Guarding Array Manor, closed," Yang Qing said as he brought his gavel down.
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