"Things have come to this point! Girl, you ought to give an explanation." The Ancestral God saw Jun Zhao's resolute stance. This affair had become a thorn in his heart, and since he could instigate trouble twice over it, he could instigate a third time to completely resolve this hidden danger, hence he turned to Lin Junzhao for inquiry.
"Hmph! I know what he means." Lin Junzhao sneered at Jun Zhao coldly, mocking, "You merely fear that after this affair, my closeness with Lin Ruxue will disrupt the balance between the original four planes, causing your Magic Realm to lose the power to control and influence. A spineless man! Let me tell you, I will certainly avenge myself."
Lin Junzhao's words made Jun Zhao's face a shade darker, while both the Ancestral God and Lin Ruxue sighed with regret. At this point, Lin Junzhao interrupted Jun Zhao's attempt to incite, switching the tone and continued, "I haven't finished speaking. After this battle, regardless of the outcome, my Base Plane remains the Base Plane! It is still the entity that manages the overflow origins of the four main planes. Whom I form friendships or enmity with is my personal affair. The Base Plane will maintain its original stance of neutrality! I will not prohibit private interactions between abilities and cultivators, but when it comes to disputes over positions among the four planes, I will strictly order my subordinates not to interfere. But this is premised on you regarding the Base Plane as an equal plane, no longer arbitrarily infringing upon our oversight rights."
Lin Junzhao finished, scanning his gaze coldly over every person present and sneered, "As for that matter from the past, the three I cannot forgive most in my heart are Candle Dragon, Jun Zhao, and Lin Ruxue!"
After listing the three names, Lin Junzhao turned to the Ancestral God and said, "Old fellow, I know you showed leniency towards me back then. As long as you uphold your promise made during our wager this time, our matters will be forgiven." Speaking these words, she turned her gaze to the Demon God and shook her head, saying, "Between us things are settled too; one, you're pitiable enough now that my resentment has quelled, and two, regarding my disciple... hahaha, I'm quite satisfied, so we owe each other nothing."
Upon hearing this, the Demon God's brows furrowed slightly. He understood what Lin Junzhao left unsaid — the seven Divine Artifacts! Seven! Thinking of this brought him a pang of heartache, prompting him to look sullenly at Lin Junzhao and mutter, "Don't bring up this matter anymore. Mentioning it again would only make me resent you."
Lin Junzhao shrugged, shifting her gaze to Jun Zhao, "As for the three of you — one a planner, one the mastermind, one an accomplice. Candle Dragon needs no detailed explanation; I won't let him off. And you, Jun Zhao! I know you've always been wary of me. Let me make it clear to you that our matter won't end easily. You once imprisoned me, and I severely injured you; this isn't over. Someday, I will challenge you myself, but don't be too concerned. I assure you this duel concerns only you and I, won't lead to plane warfare, and won't involve other Lords of the Plane. Merely between you and me, to determine who stands superior: you win, I admit defeat and never mention it again; you lose, and your essence comes with me to the Base Plane to endure twelve years of captivity, during which you will give me seventeen pieces of law fragments. You'll experience the suffering I did! That seems fair, don't you think."
The conditions in Lin Junzhao's words appeared harsh, yet most people present, including Jun Zhao, felt relief. Her words clarify several points: First, the Base Plane remains absolutely neutral, which is Jun Zhao's greatest concern. Since she announced this stance publicly before the Lords of several planes, even if she were to violate it later, grounds for a punitive expedition would exist, leaving other planes with no grounds for objection. Second, she clarified her attitude toward resolving past grievances, limiting personal entanglements to avoid triggering a full-scale plane war, which would severely weaken power, leaving room for other planes to exploit vulnerabilities.
As for the failed treaty of seventeen law fragments, to a mature Master of Origin with a long history, it poses little challenge; if this alone could dissolve tensions, Jun Zhao would offer not just seventeen but twenty-seven fragments to Lin Junzhao on the spot without hesitation. This treaty largely pertains to matters of face — being imprisoned for twelve years!
But what does this count for? Besides, Lin Junzhao, with her current strength, recovering to peak condition would take indefinite time for her to face him in battle, taking even the worst-case scenario, defeating himself, such secret matters would only circulate among the Master of Origin and their closest relations. Councils or the Immortal Palace would not dare even hear it; the disgrace merely resonates within oneself. In time, there's always the opportunity to regain standing.
Moreover, in the battle to come, who triumphs is yet uncertain.
Weighing the pros and cons, Jun Zhao deemed this the best outcome, and thus his previously grim expression started to relax. He glanced at Lin Junzhao with a light smile, "Locked you for twelve years, but you didn't lose; at least you've grown somewhat, haven't you? No longer the wild and reckless girl from before, but instead, you understand division and measure, very good! Since you've clarified matters, I'll honor my word and no longer trouble you in this affair. I also hope you'll abide by your promises. As for the duel you mentioned, I accept; once this great battle concludes, you may gather other Lords of the Plane as witnesses should you feel ready to challenge me in battle. If defeated, I would naturally leave myself at your disposal."
"Alright!" Lin Junzhao responded affirmatively, and their personal conflict at last temporarily resolved. At this moment, the audience's gaze shifted between her and Lin Ruxue, as all but the clear enemy, Candle Dragon, revealed grievances; only the complex master-disciple, and friend relationship between these two remained.
Seeing Lin Ruxue's slightly saddened gaze directed at her, Lin Junzhao raised her head and sighed deeply, "Jun Zhao schemed against me, so I fought back and made him suffer once as retaliation, which was fair. But you and Candle Dragon — what can I do? One taught me everything about the world during my naïve years, the other treated me sincerely during my budding days. I, Lin Junzhao, believe I have not wronged either of you, yet you both wielded the deepest knives in me. Alas, sometimes forgiving an enemy is easier than forgiving a friend's betrayal."
Lin Junzhao's words left Candle Dragon and Lin Ruxue speechless. Continuing, Lin Junzhao smiled warmly at Lin Ruxue, "So don't think we can simply end things here. I will behave like the greedy, willful child when we first met, reclaiming tenfold interest from you until I find my position sufficiently stable, my loyal followers strong enough! Strong enough to provide me a sense of security, to the point where I no longer feel victimized by anyone."
"Ah! This is for the best!" Lin Ruxue lowered her head somewhat upon hearing this. When she raised her head again, the distress was slowly fading from her face, with the corners of her mouth curling up like peach blossoms. She looked at Lin Junzhao, showing an appeased smile.
