As the verbal clash between the two faction leaders grew increasingly heated, a few minor commanders—men of some reputation—hurried forward to mediate. With the formidable enemy at the gates, infighting among allies must be avoided. Even the three sects of the Daoist Order fought among themselves, yet they could still unite against an external foe. Surely the divisions here were not deeper than those within the Daoist Order. Besides, everyone was supposedly fighting for the Sonno-joi cause, so there was no need for discord.0

Meanwhile, Qi Xuansu was quietly planning to leave this assembly as soon as possible so he could report this situation back to the Daoist camp and raise the alarm regarding the Westerners’ interference in Fenglin’s affairs.0

After a brief moment, the two men temporarily laid aside their quarrel.0

Metropolitan White, well-versed in smoothing over conflicts, said, “You are both pillars of our cause. Let us not allow this humble messenger to create discord. Mere words of support and aid are difficult to trust, as we understand. That’s why Cardinal Deacon Brown anticipated such concerns and permitted me...0