Ma Xingping and Ma Jinxuan, who had been standing at the back of the formation, suddenly became the focus of attention.
Sensing the malice from the disciples of the renowned sects, Ma Xingping instinctively shielded his sister.
Wang Jiwang frowned, inwardly thinking it was not good.
Although the Ma siblings' identity as Mojin Xiaowei belonged to a folk sect, grave robbing was never a righteous deed. Moreover, with Tang Zhongxue making a move now, he must have secured some evidence of their past grave-robbing activities.
It was certain that these two would not be able to clear their names this time.
How to respond became the crucial point. If they responded poorly, the Folk Studies Association would be in an awkward position. Handing them over would disheartened everyone, while refusing would give Hong Sifang and the others a reason to escalate the matter.
"These three scoundrels are so arrogant, they must have never faced death before!"
On the top floor of a tall tower belonging to the Folk Studies Association, a dog-like Daoist, while picking his nose, scorned Tang Zhongxue and his group.
Yan Chou, Monk Miaoji, Wei Changqing, as well as San Long and Lai Li Tou from the Thirteen Taibao of Xuanshan were also present.
The dog-like Daoist picked out a piece of old mucus and placed it on his index fingertip, then aimed at Tang Zhongxue's forehead, asking, "Should we make a move? Shall I flick him to death with my booger?"
Monk Miaoji shook his head, "Amitabha, for today's matter, unless it is absolutely necessary, we must not act."
"You're the one who's so particular!" the dog-like Daoist snorted, "People have already come to our doorstep, and if we don't act, won't we lose face?"
The old yellow dog barked twice, indicating its master had a point.
Yan Chou said calmly, "If we were to act, the nature of the matter would change. Those old folks who can't find an excuse would probably all lose their patience and come in person."
Those with foresight can always see the essence through the phenomena.
Yan Chou did not choose to reveal himself because the situation still had room for maneuver. If they were to reveal themselves, it would be pushing the matter to a point of no return.
Were the only ones who wanted to deal with the folk sects truly just these motley crews before them?
No, there were many true powerhouses, but they would not act immediately. Instead, they would hide behind the scenes, secretly devising strategies and letting these motley crews test the waters.
The worst outcome Yan Chou could imagine was the complete breakdown of relations between the two factions.
Even if Yan Shouyi had a good relationship with Yu Lumin, Yuan Jianxin, and Han San, the outcome would not change. No matter how good their relationship with Yan Shouyi was, they absolutely would not abandon the renowned sects and instead support the folk sects.
When a conflict grows to an irreconcilable point, anyone could become an enemy.
"Alas, so annoying! Why isn't Shouyi back yet!" The dog-like Daoist lit a cigarette for himself and squatted on the railing, smoking.
Monk Miaoji directly snatched the cigarette from the dog-like Daoist's mouth and took a deep drag, "Soon."
...
"The Mojin Xiaowei have a long history. Is it too harsh to measure the deeds of our ancestors by current moral standards?"
After calming down, Wang Jiwang quickly thought of his argument. He straightened his back and said,
"If we are to hand over the Mojin Xiaowei, what about the corpse-herders? They control corpses, which is also a heinous crime... Well, as far as I know, even among the renowned sects, there are not a few who practice corpse-refining techniques. Are you going to arrest yourselves first, and destroy your own kin for righteousness?"
In just two sentences, he skillfully diverted the blame, implicating many renowned sects. Wang Jiwang's response was very sophisticated.
However, Tang Zhongxue did not fall for it. He waved his sleeve, evidently not intending to reason:
"It's one thing at a time. Today we are dealing with Mojin Xiaowei, and perhaps tomorrow we will come for the corpse-herders! If you feel that what we renowned sects have done is improper, you can also come to us to argue. We will not refuse anyone!"
No matter how eloquent Wang Jiwang was, it was useless against a group of ruffians who would flip the table at the slightest disagreement.
Hong Sifang, fearing that the fire was not burning hot enough, immediately fanned the flames after Tang Zhongxue finished speaking:
"That's right, hand over the Ma siblings, otherwise, no one will get away unscathed today!"
The four hundred-plus people were stirred up and began shouting slogans. The members of the Folk Studies Association tried to maintain order, but this only led to the other side becoming more aggressive!
Seeing that the conflict was about to ignite, Wang Jiwang gritted his teeth.
He had to endure it, he must endure it, and wait for Old Yan to return!
Lin Zhitong's face was also as cold as frost. She knew that the situation was about to spiral out of control.
Suddenly, He Xiping's face turned pale. He seemed to have all his strength drained away, and his legs went limp, collapsing to the ground.
"Old He, what's wrong?"
Others rushed forward to show their concern.
But He Xiping seemed to be just the beginning. More and more people felt unwell and one after another collapsed!
Their symptoms were all the same: dizziness, weakness in their limbs, and such feebleness that they could barely speak clearly!
Old Jin touched his stomach and inwardly exclaimed, "This is bad."
He realized that someone must have poisoned the lunch. The members of the Folk Studies Association, caught completely off guard, had all fallen victim!
He had also eaten lunch, but it was only because his constitution was much better than others that he had not succumbed.
Old Jin quickly popped a detoxification pill he had refined into his mouth and simultaneously began to instruct other members who had not eaten lunch to quickly take his detoxification pills to help others recover.
Wang Jiwang also felt the abnormality in his body. He swallowed a detoxification pill, and the discomfort subsided, but his expression was extremely grim.
There was, after all, a traitor within the Folk Studies Association.
This was no coincidence. It hadn't happened earlier or later, but precisely at this moment!
Wang Jiwang, filled with rage, wished he could directly grab his watermelon knife and split the traitor who had poisoned them!
"Oh my, we haven't even made a move yet, and you already have so few people standing?"
Hong Sifang wore a smile, clearly having anticipated this turn of events.
At this moment, only a handful of Folk Studies Association members could stand, while the disciples of the Lushān Sect who had arrived later were in the majority.
But with just them, it would be difficult to stop the disciples of the renowned sects before them!
Lin Zhitong's face darkened, and she ordered, "Lushān Sect disciples, heed my command! Everyone, hold your positions and do not let anyone through!"
She had held something back, not saying anything like "kill without mercy," but compared to her mercy, the other side would certainly not be so considerate.
Hong Sifang snorted and ordered the people behind him:
"What are you waiting for? Such a heaven-sent opportunity, how can we let it pass? Everyone, charge together and capture these evil cultists alive! Especially the important figures of the Folk Studies Association! Of course... if they dare to resist, you can act at all costs!"
"Yes!"
More than four hundred people responded in unison, creating a grand scene.
They were eager to kill a few inheritors of folk sects, adding a "strong stroke of color" to their cultivation path, to showcase their "steadfast Dao heart"!