Hou Niao spent another half month on the grassland, confirming that reactions from various sides were as expected, until Master Wei sent word of safety.
Only then was this hurdle considered over.
In fact, his actions this time had a bit of a gamble—he couldn't be soft, he had to be firm—but the degree of firmness was crucial. The outcome wasn't bad; neighboring powers looked at the grassland's strength with new respect, and their eventual informed withdrawal bought them valuable breathing room.
An important message was sent out: that the two Sword Sects of Jinxiu had shown signs of collaboration. Every power eyeing the grassland greedily had to consider what reaction they might provoke from the Quanzhen Sect if they acted against the grassland.
Safety doesn't come without reason; the grassland's peace this time depended on many factors: the ability to slay a Nascent Soul, self-awareness, the Quanzhen Sect's backing, and knowing how to share the spoils...
