Yan Shouyi, with his own experiences, proved that the relationship between the two factions was not one of irreconcilable enemies but could be one of close intimacy and mutual trust.
As long as someone showed sincere intentions, the other party would surely understand and accept.
Yan Shouyi earned Zhou Yan's respect, and Zhou Yan decided not to make things difficult for him anymore, attempting to reconcile with the major sects.
Seeing Zhou Yan take the lead and declare his stance, Li Chongxi breathed a sigh of relief.
In his opinion, Zhou Yan was the most difficult person to deal with today. With Zhou Yan on board, Hou Jingchen would be no problem. As for the other leaders, whether they bowed or not, their impact wouldn't be significant. Once they saw the power of the Min Jiao, they would naturally submit.
Jiang Qingxue's face was filled with pride. It was the first time she had seen her son shine in front of outsiders.
Yan Chou's expression was far richer. On the surface, he was calm, but inwardly he was overjoyed. His face clearly conveyed "My son is this awesome," while his heart thought, "Holy cow, my son is truly f***ing awesome! I, as his father, am incredibly honored."
Regarding the relationship between the two factions, if Yan Chou had led twenty years ago, the situation would likely have been even worse than it was now.
By employing a different approach to resolution, Yan Shouyi achieved what Yan Chou could not, which was enough for Yan Chou to completely trust Yan Shouyi.
The sky was high and the birds could fly freely. He, as the father, was getting old and would gradually be unable to keep up with his child's pace. However, he was also very accepting of this. If he ever couldn't keep up with Yan Shouyi, he would choose to return to Chenjia Village and live a pastoral, idyllic retirement.
With Zhou Yan's declaration, the other leaders followed suit.
They were convinced by Yan Shouyi and further impressed by him, willing to integrate their forces into the Min Jiao system and reach a reconciliation with the major sects.
Seeing that the matter was settled, Yan Shouyi also relaxed a bit.
But just then, Hou Jingchen suddenly said, "Chairman Yan, forgive me for being blunt, but there is one matter that has been bothering me, so I cannot make a decision at this moment."
At this point, with even Zhou Yan having yielded, why was Hou Jingchen suddenly making trouble?
Everyone looked at Hou Jingchen in surprise, wanting to know what else he was dissatisfied with regarding Yan Shouyi.
Yan Shouyi showed no displeasure and patiently asked, "Please speak, Senior."
"Chairman Yan, despite your youth, you are renowned throughout the martial world. We have heard your story countless times; you are indeed a hero born of youth," Hou Jingchen said steadily. "However, to this day, I have not truly experienced Chairman Yan's prowess."
Everyone suddenly understood.
Hou Jingchen wanted to personally experience Yan Shouyi's capabilities.
If Yan Shouyi defeated Hou Jingchen, then Hou Jingchen would have no lingering concerns and would willingly bow to Yan Shouyi.
Regarding Hou Jingchen's request, Zhou Yan and the other onlookers showed great interest.
When they were in the airport lounge, Zhou Yan's subordinates had discussed the possibility that Yan Shouyi might only be riding on the coattails of his predecessors, such as the Lu Ban successor, Yan Chou, Jiang Qingxue, and Lin Zitong, and that his current position was due to their support.
Therefore, most people did not yet fully acknowledge Yan Shouyi's strength.
Of course, if they had witnessed Yan Shouyi's battle with the National Teacher in Changbai Mountain with their own eyes, they likely wouldn't have this concern.
Yan Shouyi smiled. He had long anticipated that Hou Jingchen would want to fight him.
Furthermore, he had already prepared for it. If a single fight could resolve all issues, he would be more than willing.
"Senior Hou wishes to test my abilities?" Yan Shouyi asked with a smile.
Hou Jingchen stood up directly, cupped his fist in greeting to Yan Shouyi, expressing his respect: "May I ask if Chairman Yan is amenable to a discussion?"
The crowd let out cheers of "Ooh ooh," eager to witness the confrontation between Yan Shouyi and Hou Jingchen.
With the atmosphere so charged, it would be quite embarrassing for Yan Shouyi to refuse.
Yan Shouyi turned around and beckoned a Min Jiao member.
"Pass down my order, clear the training grounds!" Yan Shouyi said loudly.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately became excited.
It was really going to happen!
Yan Shouyi added, "Please, everyone, shift your positions!"
"Let's go!"
Everyone stood up directly, leaving the assembly hall without hesitation. Led by Min Jiao members, they proceeded to the training grounds.
Yan Shouyi and Hou Jingchen, the two protagonists, walked at the very end.
As they left the assembly hall, Yan Shouyi was surrounded by many leaders of civilian factions, who peppered him with questions.
Hou Jingchen, on the other hand, walked alone, but he didn't mind, as he was not a social person by nature.
At this moment, Yan Chou, Jiang Qingxue, and Li Chongxi approached Hou Jingchen.
Jiang Qingxue said with a smile, "Mr. Hou, during the contest later, please..."
Hou Jingchen interrupted her, raising his hand, "Rest assured, I will hold back and not injure Chairman Yan. Even if he is no match for me, I will intentionally lose to him."
Proposing the match was merely Hou Jingchen's way of testing Yan Shouyi's strength. He had already decided to incorporate the Changlin Army into the Min Jiao and was prepared to offer Yan Shouyi a way to save face.
Jiang Qingxue was momentarily stunned, then said awkwardly, "I meant, I hope Mr. Hou will take care of himself during the match and absolutely avoid getting injured."
"Ah?"
Hou Jingchen was dumbfounded: I thought you were here to remind me to go easy on him, but you're actually here to issue a threat?
This Yan Shouyi is not bad, but how does he have such disrespectful parents?
Hou Jingchen was a little annoyed, snorted coldly, and quickened his pace as he walked away.
Yan Chou and his wife felt a bit awkward. Li Chongxi laughed heartily, "No rush, no rush, let the bullets fly. Once the two of them fight, Hou Jingchen will naturally understand that you were looking out for him."
The news of Yan Shouyi and Hou Jingchen's impending showdown quickly spread throughout the Min Jiao.
Young Min Jiao members would come to witness their chairman's prowess, even skipping meals.
In the eyes of the Min Jiao members, Yan Shouyi was a myth, a legendary figure, and an idol in the hearts of countless people.
When an idol makes a move, how could one miss it?
Thus, by the time Yan Shouyi arrived at the training grounds, it was already packed with people. Some leaders of civilian factions were even pushed to the periphery, and it was Wang Jiwang who personally went to bring them in.
Seizing this opportunity for publicity, Wang Jiwang directly had Lin Yu and Lin Yin start a livestream on the forum.
The number of forum users had increased recently, so as soon as the livestream began, the audience numbers soared, breaking through fifty thousand in less than ten minutes.
This was almost 70% of the total number of people in the civilian factions.
The training grounds were cleared, and Yan Shouyi strode onto the stage, not forgetting to cup his fists in greeting to everyone along the way. Hou Jingchen, on the other hand, walked onto the stage without saying a word, wearing a sullen expression throughout.
Yan Shouyi noticed this detail and couldn't help but wonder.
Hmm?
Did I do something to upset him?