Even by the lowest standards of the Folk Research Association, Long Feicheng considered them intellectually challenged, which highlighted the absurdity of the entire affair.
But were they truly fools?
No, many understood the situation perfectly. They simply wanted to see the "truth" they desired, using it to incite conflict.
Daoist Jinbi and Abbess Guanyun were crucial witnesses. Not to mention the surviving disciples of the Emei Sect. Anyone with a shred of sense would know that Yan Shouyi was being framed.
However, they refused to acknowledge it.
"It's easy to prove someone is bad, but so incredibly difficult to prove someone is good," Yan Shouyi muttered to himself, having seen through the essence of the matter.
He decided to stop bickering with these people. Skipping past their posturing, he directly asked what they truly wanted.
"Speak. What must I do for you to let this go?"
Escalating the conflict was not Yan Shouyi's objective. His aim was to de-escalate, at least to get through this immediate crisis.
Once this hurdle was cleared, he could use the information about the Twelve Yuan Chen left by Abbess Miaohui to quickly resolve all twelve. Without these people fanning the flames from the shadows, the relationship between the two factions wouldn't have deteriorated so easily.
Seeing Yan Shouyi make a concession, Hong Sifang and the other two exchanged glances.
Their eyes gleamed with the smug satisfaction of petty villains who had anticipated the outcome.
"You claim you didn't slaughter the Emei Sect, but the evidence you've presented is insufficient to convince everyone. We righteous sects are not unreasonable. We are willing to temporarily halt proceedings and reconsider the outcome once the truth is fully investigated."
Hong Sifang feigned a step back, then proposed a demand Yan Shouyi could not accept:
"However, until the truth is revealed, no one can guarantee you won't drag the folk sects into a mutual destruction with us. Therefore, we must hold some leverage... How about this leverage: using your child as collateral?"
Using my child as collateral?
Yan Shouyi's expression instantly darkened, and killing intent flared in his eyes.
In that instant, the temperature around them seemed to drop by more than ten degrees, and the disciples standing at the front shivered uncontrollably.
It felt as if the King of Hell had tapped them on the back of their heads.
Before Yan Shouyi could respond, Lin Zhitong could no longer restrain herself. She berated them furiously:
"Hah, well said, righteous sects! Even bandits don't kill women and children. You actually want to take my child hostage? If your ancestors heard your words, wouldn't they be so enraged they'd kick open their coffins and drag you, the unfilial wretches, into the eighteenth level of hell!"
For Lin Zhitong, the child in her womb was everything. Anyone who dared to touch her child would face her life-or-death struggle!
The others from the Folk Research Association were also enraged.
What kind of insidious and cunning villains would scheme to take a child hostage?
Moreover, Yan Shouyi and Lin Zhitong's child hadn't even been born yet!
"You despicable villains, you shameless scoundrels, go eat shit!" Long Feicheng held up two middle fingers, spewing a torrent of profanity.
Yan Shouyi took a deep breath.
These people were clearly prepared. They even knew that his child's soul and body were separated and being protected in the lotus pond...
Handing over his child's soul to them would be no different from personally killing his own descendant.
Yan Shouyi absolutely refused to hand over his child.
But if he refused, a confrontation today was inevitable.
Furthermore, these scheming individuals would surely publicize today's events, directing the blame for escalating the conflict towards Yan Shouyi.
No one would care about his responsibility as a father.
This was pushing Yan Shouyi into a corner!
Seeing Yan Shouyi's silent rage, Hong Sifang and the others felt immense satisfaction.
Sometimes, killing didn't require a knife!
They first applied pressure through public opinion, then brought people to stir up conflict, and finally directed the blame onto Yan Shouyi, making him the sinner.
Regardless of Yan Shouyi's final decision, he was bound to offend some faction.
Similarly, no matter Yan Shouyi's decision, it would be a win-win for Hong Sifang and his group.
Yan Shouyi, let's see how you choose!!
"Brother Yan... we can't give them the child!"
"President, I am also a father, I understand how you feel! If it comes to it, we'll fight them today!"
"That's right! Fight them! What kind of righteous sects are these shameless scoundrels? I think they are the real demons!"
The companions behind him tried to persuade Yan Shouyi, and Lin Zhitong also looked at him with unwavering determination.
With just one command from you, we will stain West Lake with our blood!
Just as Yan Shouyi found himself in a dilemma,
A golden light descended from the sky, striking amidst the disciples of the righteous sects.
Everyone scattered in fear, but they were surprised to find that the golden light seemed harmless.
Good heavens, we thought Yan Shouyi had made his move!
The shaken disciples, turning their annoyance into anger, glared at the golden light, trying to see which bastard had frightened them.
From within the golden light, a refined young man clad in white Daoist robes embroidered with clouds slowly emerged.
The moment Hong Sifang saw this person, his expression changed drastically.
How could he be here?
He shouldn't be here. Did he not consider the consequences at all?
After a moment of surprise, Hong Sifang became ecstatic.
This person's appearance could escalate the conflict to its peak, perhaps to a point where even Yan Shouyi couldn't control the outcome!
"The Heavenly Master has arrived!!!!"
With a loud shout, the Heavenly Master Yu Lumen emerged from the golden light!
Upon seeing Yu Lumen, the disciples of the righteous sects quickly lost their previous annoyance. After a brief moment of surprise, they all knelt and bowed, shouting, "Greetings, Heavenly Master!"
The lineage of Longhu Mountain had continued for over a thousand years, almost imprinted in the genes of every Daoist disciple.
Even though Yu Lumen had only recently become the Heavenly Master, the residual authority of the previous Heavenly Master still made them bow instinctively.
Seeing Yu Lumen's sudden appearance, the elders of the Folk Research Association breathed a sigh of relief.
Wang Jiwang chuckled, "With the Heavenly Master here, this fight surely won't break out!"
However, Yan Shouyi's gaze remained fixed on Yu Lumen, his brow not relaxing in the slightest.
He asked sternly, "Did Yu Lumen contact you beforehand before coming here?"
Wang Jiwang blinked in surprise, "N-no, why?"
"Then how do you know whether he appears to help us or them?"
Wang Jiwang's pupils trembled violently. He gave an awkward laugh, "Im-impossible, right? No one knows the truth better than the Heavenly Master. How could he not help us? He has no reason not to help us!"
Wang Jiwang was trying to convince himself, firmly believing that Yu Lumen had come to help them.
But Lin Zhitong's words revealed the truth:
"Even if he appears to help us this time, it will indirectly accelerate the deterioration of relations between the two factions... This is not a good thing!"