At noon, the Maoshan Sect, located in the same province of Jiangnan, suddenly received a group of uninvited guests.
It was said that the visitors were brimming with murderous intent and exuded an aggressive aura. Having heard the news, the Daoist priests of the Maoshan Sect mobilized their entire force, drawing their swords and guarding the mountain gate, as if facing a formidable enemy.
"Senior brother, with this formation, are we expecting some demons or monsters to attack the mountain? Who would be so blind as to challenge our Maoshan Sect?"
"It's not demons or monsters, but they are far more terrifying than any! Haven't you heard? It's Yan Shouyi who has come!"
"Yan Shouyi? The God of Slaughter? Damn it, what is he doing here at Maoshan!"
"Heaven knows, but I heard this morning that Yan Shouyi compiled a scripture for the folk sects, and he shared it unconditionally with all successors of the folk sects. The entire folk sect community is now in an uproar, they are deeply grateful to Yan Shouyi and follow his lead!"
"Oh dear... Senior brother, our esteemed sects and the folk sects are like fire and water. Do you think Yan Shouyi has unified the folk sects and is now planning to attack the established sects, starting with us at Maoshan?"
"Cough, cough, cough! Don't talk nonsense... but I'm really a bit scared..."
The disciples of the Maoshan Sect were bewildered, but a sense of tension had already spread among them.
Before long, the disciples saw a business van slowly approaching the mountain gate.
After the car stopped, a young man, exuding a murderous aura from head to toe, stepped out. Some of the more experienced Maoshan disciples whispered among themselves, saying that this was the God of Slaughter, Yan Shouyi.
Yan Shouyi glanced at the Maoshan mountain gate, sighed softly, and called back,
"We've arrived."
The others from the car also alighted: Jiang Qingxue, still possessing a youthful charm; the badly injured dog Daoist, Miaoji, and Changshan; and Old Jin and others.
In addition to them was Han San, who was in a wheelchair, his face still pale.
Yan Shouyi and his group had come to Maoshan to escort Han San back to his sect's gate.
"Han San, you're home," Yan Shouyi said with a smile. "Don't wander around carelessly in the future. Next time, you might not be as lucky to meet me."
Han San recalled his terrifying experiences of late and chuckled, a relaxed smile on his face.
Seeing his calm demeanor, it seemed that he had matured considerably after enduring this ordeal.
"Thank you for bringing me back," Han San said to Yan Shouyi. "I haven't forgotten about my twin cousin. Once I'm recovered, I'll come to Rongcheng to settle accounts with you."
"Alright, then I'll have Xiaolong take you on a solo journey..."
Yan Shouyi habitually mentioned Xiaolong's name, but then his smile froze on his face, and Han San also looked a bit awkward.
"You should go back. We're in a hurry to return to Rongcheng too," Yan Shouyi said.
"Yes, we'll meet again."
Han San nodded to Yan Shouyi, bid farewell to the others, and then began to push the wheels of his wheelchair, gliding towards his fellow disciples.
However, as soon as he turned, the wheel got stuck on a rock. Han San tried several times to dislodge it, but not only did he fail to move forward, he retreated back to Yan Shouyi's side.
"Damn it..."
Han San was extremely frustrated. He gritted his teeth and pushed the wheel with all his might.
Then, with a cry of "Ouch!", he flipped sideways.
Yan Shouyi couldn't bear to watch any longer. He stepped forward, helped Han San up, and then pushed his wheelchair towards the Maoshan disciples.
The Maoshan disciples remained on guard against Yan Shouyi. As he approached, they instinctively stepped back, creating a vacuum around him.
He said with a hint of helplessness, "Aren't you going to welcome your senior brother home?"
It was only then that some disciples reacted, rushing forward to take the wheelchair.
Having delivered Han San to Maoshan, Yan Shouyi had no further concerns. He had intended to visit Sided Temple next, but unfortunately, time was of the essence.
They would fly back to Rongcheng after descending Maoshan, with no further delays on the way.
But just as Yan Shouyi was about to leave, a commotion erupted behind the Maoshan disciples, and then a group of middle-aged Daoist priests, dressed in robes, emerged.
The leader had a small mustache, reminiscent of those in zombie films starring Uncle Ying. Yan Shouyi guessed that this person was Han San's master, and also the current Sect Leader of the Maoshan Sect.
After all, their temperaments were too similar. Perhaps this Sect Leader was a devoted follower in his youth.
"Yan Shouyi."
The Daoist priest stroked his mustache and appraised Yan Shouyi with admiring eyes.
It was their first meeting, but it was clear that both sides had heard plenty of rumors about the other.
According to Yan Shouyi's knowledge, this Maoshan Sect Leader had a rather unrefined name: Mao Xiaosan.
While this name might be acceptable for a young person, it was somewhat incongruous for a middle-aged Daoist priest.
Therefore, in the martial arts world, he was generally referred to as Daoist Mao or Sect Leader Mao, and the latter two characters were usually omitted if possible.
Upon meeting an elder, Yan Shouyi bowed respectfully, "Junior Yan Shouyi pays his respects to Sect Leader Mao."
Sect Leader Mao waved his hand, "No need for formalities. You saved Han San's life, and we Maoshan should be thanking you."
"Han San and I are like brothers, so naturally, I wouldn't stand by and watch him die," Yan Shouyi said humbly.
Sect Leader Mao's decision to personally appear and speak with Yan Shouyi was clearly not just to express his gratitude.
He had heard about Yan Shouyi compiling the "Folk Sect Scripture" and immediately came out to greet him upon learning of his visit to Maoshan.
"Shouyi, if you have time, why don't you rest at Maoshan for a few days?" Sect Leader Mao extended an invitation.
Yan Shouyi shook his head and refused, "Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Leader Mao. However, I lost several companions in Changbai Mountain, and now I am eager to return to Rongcheng to bury them."
Hearing this, Sect Leader Mao showed a look of sympathy.
He thought for a moment, then walked to Yan Shouyi's side and said to him in a low voice,
"Shouyi, I don't wish for our sects to fall out. Now that you have compiled the 'Folk Sect Scripture,' I sincerely hope you can shoulder the responsibility of the folk sect community and resolve the conflicts and grievances between our two factions. If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact me. Remember, as long as you are willing, Maoshan will always be your friend."
Yan Shouyi looked at Sect Leader Mao and offered a slight smile.
Not all people in the folk sects were good, and not all people in the established sects were bad.
It was precisely because of individuals like Sect Leader Mao, Abbot Benheng, and the Heavenly Master that the Xuanmen had maintained peace and stability for so many years.
Conflict was not everyone's desire; peace was the common wish of all.
Yan Shouyi cupped his hands towards Sect Leader Mao and said softly,
"Seven days from now, after my brother's seventh day mourning period ends, I will convene the leaders of all forces within the folk sects in Rongcheng to discuss resolving the conflicts between the two factions. Additionally, I have another more important matter to announce, and I would appreciate Sect Leader Mao's support at that time."
"Oh? What is it?"
"I intend to gather the strength of both factions to kill one person."