UGB 82. Convention
82. Convention
At the summit of Junji Peak, the voices of the assembled heroes rose and fell like a surging tide. Lin Mo's three core ideas undoubtedly threw a boulder into the hearts of these martial artists who had long been suppressed by powerful families, stirring up tremendous waves.
After the initial commotion subsided, Lin Mo raised his hand and gestured for silence, and the arena gradually quieted down. All eyes were once again focused on him, awaiting his further explanation.
"Gentlemen," Lin Mo said in a steady voice, his gaze sweeping over the faces below the stage, some excited, some hesitant, some expectant, "empty talk leads to trouble. Now that the direction has been set, the next step is to fill the framework of this convention with practical and feasible flesh and blood. Vice Master Zhao."
Zhao Kun, who was standing to the side, immediately responded, "Yes, sir."
"We will distribute the preliminary draft of the 'Jianghu Convention' to all sect leaders and gang leaders for their review."
"yes!"
Several disciples from Cloud Hidden Manor carried forward several large boxes containing bound scrolls. The disciples distributed the scrolls to the representatives of each faction in turn. Everyone received them and eagerly began to read them.
The draft rules were clearly meticulously prepared, with clear clauses and thorough consideration, far exceeding the three points Lin Mo had just outlined.
Regarding the "Jianghu Resource Guilds," the draft clearly defines the composition of the council: it will not be based solely on military strength or power, but rather on a comprehensive consideration of the guild's size, long-term contributions (such as maintaining local stability and resisting foreign invaders), and expertise in key resource areas (such as certain guilds specializing in alchemy or certain gangs excelling in mineral exploration), establishing different seats and weights accordingly. Furthermore, to prevent new monopolies, the draft also stipulates a mechanism for adjusting resource benchmark prices, requiring a majority vote by the council and regular public disclosure for oversight by all contracting parties.
The idea of a "Jianghu Arbitration Court" has sparked widespread discussion. The draft proposes that arbitrators be jointly nominated by various factions, meeting multiple requirements including martial arts skills, moral character, and experience, with limited terms and regular rotation. The arbitration process also strives for fairness, allowing both parties to present their arguments and evidence, and requiring multiple arbitrators to deliberate on major decisions. To a certain extent, this would shift Jianghu disputes from a pure contest of "force" towards a more rational analysis.
The terms regarding opening up secret realms and selection channels detail several cultivation havens and ancient ruins that were originally strictly controlled by the four major clans or their vassals, but are actually remnants of the previous dynasty or naturally formed. Entry quotas will be allocated based on each faction's contribution points within the framework of the agreement, or through regularly held, fair martial arts competitions open to all non-clan direct descendants. Opportunities for cooperation with the government, such as bounties for bandit suppression and the procurement of special resources, are also included in the scope of sharing.
The draft also includes supplementary provisions on information sharing and mutual assistance in times of crisis, outlining a new blueprint for a relatively orderly community where cooperation outweighs internal friction.
"Brilliant!" Pang Hong, the leader of the Jiangbei Iron Fist Sect, exclaimed in admiration. Although he wasn't very literate, he listened intently to his advisor's whispered explanation and his face lit up with excitement. "It should have been done a long time ago! Why should they take all the good locations? Why should we have to accept their prices? Master Lin, your draft has hit the nail on the head!"
"What Sect Leader Pang said is absolutely right," said the old man from Jiangnan Water Village, Xie, the gang leader known as "Turning the River Turtle," stroking his beard and pondering. "This draft is well thought out. It does not simply pursue equality, but takes into account strength and contribution, and has also established a system of checks and balances. It is clear that Manor Lord Lin and Yunyin Manor have put their hearts into it. In my opinion, it is feasible in general."
With the endorsement of two highly respected figures, many leaders of smaller and medium-sized forces nodded in agreement, their faces beaming with excitement. Having long been influenced by the privileged upbringing of powerful families, they naturally yearned for a viable path forward.
However, not everyone is so optimistic.
"Master Lin's ambition is admirable." A slightly effeminate voice rang out, belonging to Sima Yan, the leader of the Xichuan Green Bamboo Gang. This man was known for his meticulousness and calculating nature. "However, while this draft is excellent, its implementation will likely face numerous obstacles. Not to mention, will the four great families sit idly by and watch us establish this guild and arbitration court, threatening their very foundation? If they unite to suppress us, we small fry will likely be in imminent danger of being wiped out."
These words were like cold water poured onto boiling oil, sending a chill down the spines of many whose enthusiasm had just been ignited. Yes, the idea was good, but who could withstand the backlash from the powerful families?
Another person chimed in, "Chief Sima's concerns are not without merit. Moreover, while the draft's provisions on resource pricing and the allocation of secret realm slots seem fair, how can we ensure that Yunyin Manor... or rather, the force that is leading this matter, will not become a new 'powerful family'?" The speaker was Liu Yuan, the chief镖头 (bodyguard/escort) of the Huainan Wuliu Escort Agency. He looked intently at Lin Mo and voiced the doubts that many people had been harboring in their hearts.
A moment of silence fell. A mixture of longing for change and anxiety about the risks hung in the air.
Lin Mo wasn't surprised by these questions. It would have been unusual if no one had raised them. He met Liu Yuan's gaze and said frankly, "Chief Escort Liu has hit the nail on the head. First, regarding the aristocratic families' counterattack, since I dared to initiate this alliance, I was prepared. In the life-or-death arena, we have proven that the aristocratic families are not invincible. Now that we are united, our strength is far greater than before. If they want to resort to force, I, along with the Ancient Sword of Taixu and all of you present, are ready to learn from them!"
His words carried an air of dignified confidence, which, combined with the faint hum of the ancient sword behind him, created a formidable aura that calmed the anxieties of some.
"Secondly," Lin Mo's tone softened, but his gaze remained sharp, "the draft already reflects the principle of checks and balances. The council is not a one-man show; the arbitration court operates independently. Furthermore, I, Lin, hereby swear that what Yunyin Manor seeks in this covenant is the justice of the martial world, not personal gain. If in the future there is evidence proving that I, or Yunyin Manor, have violated this covenant and sought undue power or benefit, all of you present are welcome to join in the condemnation! This oath is witnessed by heaven and earth!"
His voice was clear and resonant, echoing across the mountaintop, carrying a convincing sincerity. In this era, especially for those in the martial arts world, making a vow carries immense weight.
Pang Hong shouted, "I trust Master Lin! If it weren't for him, we'd still be begging for food under the noses of powerful families!"
Elder Xie nodded slightly: "Master Lin's oath with his sword carries sufficient weight. I believe that doubts are inevitable, but if we throw the baby out with the bathwater, there will be no change. The most urgent task is to refine the details of this draft to better protect the rights and interests of all parties and reduce loopholes."
Lin Mo nodded: "What Elder Xie said is absolutely right. The purpose of today's meeting is to gather wisdom from all sides. This draft is not finalized. Please feel free to speak up if you have any suggestions for additions or modifications, and we will discuss them together."
With Lin Mo's statement and the guidance of several influential figures, the atmosphere in the meeting room became lively again. Representatives from various factions began to offer their views and suggestions on the specific clauses of the draft.
Some argued that resource pricing power should also consider regional differences; others proposed that the arbitration court should establish an appeals mechanism; some suggested a more detailed scheme for calculating contribution points; and still others recommended adding penalty clauses for those who violate the covenant…
Lin Mo listened attentively to every opinion, occasionally exchanging views in hushed tones with Zhao Kun and several strategists from Yunyin Manor. For reasonable suggestions, he immediately indicated that they could be considered for inclusion in the draft amendment.
This process was tedious and intense, filled with debate and compromise. But everyone understood that it was an inevitable process in creating a new order. Looking at Lin Mo on the stage, young yet composed, capable of both intimidating the crowd with force and patiently listening to opinions, many people's initial doubts and hesitations gradually transformed into greater recognition and expectation.
As the sun set, it bathed Junji Peak in a golden glow. Discussions about the draft convention continued, and although there was still a long way to go before the final version was completed, the prototype of a new martial arts world order that would break the monopoly of powerful families and seek relative fairness was already clearly presented to all the participants on this summit of Mount Song.