"No."
The single word dropped into the courtyard's political tension like a stone thrown into still water, creating ripples that reached every corner of the gathering. Moxuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, facing three separate groups of powerful cultivators with the calm certainty of someone who had made an unshakable decision.
"I made promises to these prisoners based on their cooperation," he continued, his voice carrying quiet authority that surprised even him. "Those promises will be honored, or my word becomes worthless for any future negotiations."
Elder Zhao's expression showed carefully controlled surprise. "Young Master Lin, the political implications—"
"Are less important than maintaining the integrity that allows political solutions to exist in the first place," he interrupted respectfully but firmly. "If we sacrifice justice for convenience now, why should anyone trust our promises in the future?"
I can see my father's pride warring with his political concerns, Moxuan noted as Lin Tianming's face showed complex emotions. But he's not stopping me, which means he understands the principle even if he questions the timing.
The Iron Mountain Sect representative, Elder Shi, stepped forward with barely controlled anger. "Young Master, these are sect internal matters involving our disciples. External interference—"
"Created the problem in the first place," Moxuan cut him off with blunt honesty. "Your recruitment practices and abandonment policies turned orthodox cultivators into desperate criminals. Taking custody now serves damage control, not justice."
Direct confrontation with a Golden Core elder, he realized. Either very brave or very stupid, depending on how this plays out.
Zhang Wei and his companions watched with expressions of amazement that anyone would challenge sect authority on their behalf. Their spiritual energy signatures showed hope mixed with disbelief that genuine alternatives might exist.
"What alternative do you propose?" Elder Zhao asked, her tone suggesting genuine curiosity rather than dismissive challenge.
She's giving me rope to either save myself or hang myself, Moxuan recognized. Testing whether I have actual solutions or just idealistic objections to practical compromise.
"Treatment and rehabilitation under neutral authority with transparent oversight," he replied immediately. "Continental Trading Consortium has resources and motivation to ensure successful outcomes, since reformed bandits serve their interests better than dead ones. Azure Mountain Sect provides cultivation expertise for corruption treatment. Iron Mountain Sect provides funding and formal acknowledgment of their responsibility."
Multi-party solution that serves everyone's interests while protecting the prisoners, he calculated. More complex than simple custody transfer, but potentially more effective.
Wei Lian stepped forward from the consortium group, her presence commanding attention as she evaluated the proposal with professional interest. "Young Master Lin's suggestion has merit from business perspective. Reformed cultivators could provide valuable services while successful rehabilitation demonstrates effective regional security management."
She sees profit opportunity in successful treatment, Moxuan realized. Enlightened self-interest might accomplish what pure altruism cannot.
"The logistics would be complex," Elder Zhao observed. "Multi-party oversight requires coordination and resource allocation that extends beyond simple custody transfer."
"But creates precedent for handling similar situations throughout the region," Liu Feng added unexpectedly. "If Iron Mountain Sect's practices have created other groups like this, systematic solution serves everyone better than case-by-case crisis management."
Liu Feng recognizing the larger implications, Moxuan noted with gratitude. His support carries weight that my proposals alone couldn't provide.
Elder Shi's expression showed frustration with negotiations that had become far more complicated than expected. "The sect's resources—"
"Are adequate for funding treatment that prevents larger scandals about recruitment practices," Wei Lian interrupted smoothly. "Consortium analysis suggests public revelation of systematic disciple abandonment would create political costs far exceeding rehabilitation expenses."
Economic pressure combined with political necessity, Moxuan observed. Wei Lian is making resistance financially irrational rather than just morally questionable.
"Time requirements for such treatment?" Lin Tianming asked, his tone suggesting evaluation of practical implementation rather than theoretical objection.
"Six months minimum for spiritual corruption reversal," Zhang Wei answered when no one else responded. "Longer for complete reintegration and alternative career development."
He's providing information that supports the proposal rather than just accepting whatever others decide, Moxuan noted approvingly. Taking ownership of his own rehabilitation rather than being passive victim of political decisions.
"Six months of tri-party oversight and resource allocation," Elder Zhao mused. "Possible, but requiring formal agreements that define responsibilities and success metrics."
She's negotiating implementation details rather than rejecting the concept, he realized with growing hope. Political momentum shifting toward complex solution rather than simple expedience.
"What guarantees exist for compliance and non-recurrence?" Elder Shi asked, his tone suggesting grudging acceptance rather than continued opposition.
"Success creates precedent that benefits everyone," Moxuan replied. "Failure returns us to current crisis management approach with additional costs and complications. Self-interest supports compliance better than external enforcement."
Truth that everyone can verify independently, he calculated. They don't have to trust my intentions if the structure serves their interests.
The afternoon sun had moved significantly during their extended negotiation, casting different shadows across the courtyard as political positions shifted from confrontation toward potential cooperation.
"Formal proposal drafting?" Wei Lian suggested. "Detailed resource allocation, oversight responsibilities, and success metrics that all parties can evaluate before final commitment."
Business approach to complex political problem, Moxuan recognized. Treating this as contract negotiation rather than diplomatic crisis makes it easier for everyone to find acceptable terms.
"Agreed," Elder Zhao said after exchanging glances with her Azure Mountain Sect colleagues. "Formal documentation allows proper evaluation and sect leadership consultation."
Victory, he realized with quiet satisfaction. Not complete, but sufficient to protect the prisoners while creating precedent for addressing systematic problems.
As the various groups began dispersing for private consultations about formal proposal development, Zhang Wei approached with expression of gratitude mixed with continuing disbelief.
"Young Master, why risk political complications for people you barely know?"
Good question, Moxuan thought. Why did I choose justice over expedience when pragmatism has served me better throughout both lives?
"Because problems that create desperate people don't disappear when the desperate people are eliminated," he answered honestly. "Systematic solutions serve long-term interests better than short-term convenience."
True enough, he reflected. But also because these people trusted my promises, and broken trust destroys the foundation for everything else I want to accomplish.
Liu Feng remained as the other groups departed, his expression thoughtful as he processed the afternoon's developments.
"Young Master Lin, your approach to complex problems shows remarkable maturity. Elder Zhao will report favorably about your character and decision-making capabilities."
Sect evaluation based on character rather than just cultivation advancement, Moxuan noted. My tournament sponsorship benefits from demonstrated integrity and leadership rather than just combat effectiveness.
"The tournament preparation," he said, realizing that political crisis had distracted from immediate training requirements. "Have I missed essential preparation time?"
"On the contrary," Liu Feng replied with slight smile. "Practical problem-solving and leadership under pressure provide better preparation than additional technique drilling. Your performance today demonstrated capabilities that formal training cannot develop."
Real-world application teaches lessons that controlled practice cannot, Moxuan agreed. And successful complex negotiation builds confidence that will serve me well in tournament competition.
As evening approached and the compound settled into normal routines, he found himself reflecting on the day's events with satisfaction that went beyond simple problem resolution.
First major political challenge successfully navigated, he calculated. Reputation enhanced, principles maintained, practical solutions implemented, and precedent established for addressing systematic problems.
But most importantly, I discovered that I can make difficult choices based on genuine conviction rather than just tactical advantage.
Time to focus on tournament preparation with enhanced confidence and demonstrated character that should serve me well in whatever challenges competition provides.
The next phase of his development was about to begin, and he felt ready for whatever it might bring.