Chapter 157 Negotiations with the Ximen Family
The leading Taoist priest's expression eased a little after hearing this, but he remained alert. "Thank you for your understanding, Second Master Tushan. However, this matter concerns the safety of our children, so we have to act with caution. Since Tushan is willing to help find Ximen Tianyu, we are grateful. However, for the trust and respect of both parties, we hope that Tushan can open some areas and allow us to search on our own to ensure that nothing is missed."
Tushan Rongrong frowned slightly when she heard this, obviously not expecting the other party to make such an unreasonable request.
If she let them go, the human Taoist's search would not only disturb the tranquility of Tushan, but might even touch upon Tushan's secrets.
But Tushan Rongrong knew that she had to remain calm and wise at this time, and put the overall situation first. She smiled gently, and that smile had the cunning of a fox, but also the demeanor of Tushan's second in command.
"What the Taoist said makes sense. Everyone wants to find someone. However, Tushan is full of traps and evil spirits. If someone other than our people enters rashly, they may be in danger of losing their lives. Moreover, Tushan has always been self-sufficient and well-ordered. If outsiders are allowed to travel freely, unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts may arise."
She paused for a moment, her eyes wandering among the Taoists, as if looking for a common point. "However, in order to show Tushan's sincerity and concern for the safety of your family's children, I am willing to personally lead a few trusted Taoists to search outside Tushan and the areas they may pass through. This will ensure the efficiency of the search and avoid unnecessary risks. What do you think, Taoist priest?"
The leading Taoist priest hesitated for a moment, and was obviously shaken by Tushan Rongrong's proposal. He knew very well that if he forced his way into Tushan, he would not only fail to find anyone, but also cause a conflict between the two tribes.
"In that case, let's do as Second Master Tushan says. However, I hope Tushan can give a result as soon as possible to prevent Ximen Tianyu from encountering any unexpected event." His words revealed his deep concern for his fellow junior brother, while also implying his doubts about Tushan's ability.
Tushan nodded gently, as if he had already seen through the other party's thoughts: "Master, rest assured. Since Tushan has promised, I will do my best. I will immediately arrange personnel and personally supervise the search operation to ensure that no clues are missed. At the same time, I will also send messengers to the surrounding demon areas to inquire if there is any news about Ximen Tianyu. After all, in this land, the demons have more eyes and ears."
Tushan Rongrong's words made the Taoist priests present respect her more. Although humans and demons have reached a consensus on peace, in reality, there is still a deep gap and distrust between the two races. However, Tushan Rongrong was able to show tolerance and wisdom beyond race in such a context, which is rare.
"It is said that Tushan has always loved peace. Even when the relationship between humans and demons was at its darkest decades ago, he would not easily kill anyone. Seeing him today, it is indeed true."
Before the leading Taoist priest could reply, a middle-aged man in his forties walked out from the crowd. He was wearing a Taoist robe, and his expression revealed a calmness and wisdom.
As soon as this man opened his mouth, the Taoists around him all turned their eyes to him. It was obvious that he was the leader of this group of Taoists.
"My name is Ximen Tingyu, and I am the new head of the Ximen family. I wonder why Tushan, who has always loved peace, wants to capture my nephew?"
As Ximen Tingyu finished speaking, the whole atmosphere instantly became solemn. Tushan Rongrong's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, but soon returned to calm.
"Master Ximen, this is wrong. Tushan has always upheld the principle of peaceful coexistence and has awe for all life. How could they capture your nephew for no reason? There must be a misunderstanding."
Tu Shanrong slowly spoke, her voice gentle but firm that could not be ignored. "Misunderstanding?"
Ximen Tingyu frowned and stared at Tushan Rongrong with sharp eyes, as if trying to find the answer from her eyes, or as if evaluating the truthfulness of her words.
"Although my Ximen family is not a famous family, it is also well-known in the Taoist Alliance. Ximen Tianyu is the only blood of my eldest brother, and no mistakes can be made. Before he disappeared, the last place he appeared was near Tushan, and someone witnessed him seeming to have contact with a monster in Tushan. Doesn't this explain the problem?"
Ximen Tingyu's tone was filled with unquestionable firmness, and it was obvious that he did not buy Tushan Rongrong's denial.
Tushan Rongrong heard this and sighed softly: "Master Ximen, I can understand your feelings at the moment, but please allow me to clarify again. Tushan did not capture Ximen Tianyu, and he has no intention of becoming an enemy of the Ximen family. As for the witness you mentioned, things in the world are often not necessarily true. There are deep misunderstandings and prejudices between monsters and humans. It would be too hasty to conclude that it was Tushan who did it based on one-sided statements."
Ximen Tingyu's expression eased slightly when he heard this, but the doubts in his eyes had not completely disappeared. "Tushan, the second in command, has a point, but as the head of the Ximen family, I cannot sit idly by. I hope Tushan can continue to help us find Tianyu until the truth is revealed."
Tushan nodded and said sincerely, "Master Ximen, please rest assured. Since Tushan has promised, he will do his best to help. At the same time, I also hope that the Ximen family can remain calm and restrained to avoid unnecessary conflicts."
Ximen Tingyu heard this, analyzed the situation at the scene, and finally nodded, temporarily accepting Tushan's explanation and proposal. He knew very well that at this sensitive moment, any radical behavior might lead to a full-scale conflict between the two tribes, which was not the result he wanted to see.
"Thank you for your consideration and understanding, then, let's do as you said and search for Ximen Tianyu together. At the same time, I will strengthen my ties with other Taoist forces to see if there are other clues or witnesses that can help us."
Ximen Tingyu's tone softened a lot. He knew very well that in this situation, staying calm and rational was the key to solving the problem.
"Let's withdraw!"
Ximen Tingyu waved his hand, and the Taoists retreated quickly and orderly, and soon disappeared from the sight of the people in Tushan.
"Leaving now?"
Tushan Yaya on the city wall raised her eyebrows slightly, as if she was a little surprised by the sudden departure of the Taoist priests of the Ximen family.
Tushan Rongrong shook her head slightly and looked into the distance with deep eyes. "The Ximen family is not an ordinary family. The reason why they chose to give in temporarily is because they know that at this critical moment, maintaining peace between the two families is more important than anything else. However, this does not mean that they will easily give up the search for Ximen Tianyu."
(End of this chapter)